Blessed Christmas to you all!

At the centre of the ages
The Lord talks with a girl;
And by the words He speaks
He gives the Saviour to the world.
When time grows to its fullness
And Mary's son is born
The promise's fulfillment
Lies asleep now in her arms.

He didn't come to terrify,
To judge or condescend;
To call us all His servants,
But to lift us as His friends;
To save us all from Satan's power
To reign at His right hand,
From the little town of Bethlehem
Where God became a man.

- Don Fransisco

Ontari-ari-ario

So. Emily and I are in Ontario for my cousin Marian's wedding, which is this afternoon. We had a good flight, and are having a great time so far. Hopefully we can post some pics when we get home. Right now it's time to help get ready for the wedding.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I sure did! :-D

How great Thou art

O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made,
I see the stars,
I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed;
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

This hymn is one that always comes to mind when I am in awe of God’s hand working in my life. Sometimes I think that we aren’t aware enough of His guidance and protection. We just take it for granted so many times. Lately I’ve begun to realize more than ever how He leads us, how even seemingly insignificant and "small" things are directed to bring us to where He wants us.

…the time has come to talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings…

Last week I didn’t work at all, so Henry’s dad asked me to help fix up the house they bought. Mrs. Bosch and I went through and cleaned everything in preparation for painting, and decided on colours. Then on Thursday and Friday, Jess DeHaas and I painted all the cabinets in the kitchen. It’s incredible what white melamine does to instantly make a kitchen look fresh. We also prepped some walls for painting. The guys did a good deal of yard work, and it looks so much better already. On Saturday I went there in the afternoon and hung around to help out a bit too. We had a watermelon-eating contest of sorts on the front lawn later. Won’t say who won.

Sunday was a good day, spending time with Henry and his family and friends. I’ve often thought how wonderful it is that as Christians God has given us such an advantage over non-Christians in a day of rest. So many of my co-workers work anywhere from eight to twelve days before they have a day off. Some of that is personal choice, of course, but still. God has provided us with one day out of seven in which we can relax and not worry about work. We have the time to concentrate on worshipping God and fellowshipping with our fellow man. Then we can return refreshed in mind and body to work for another week. I can see the strain that so many people put themselves under when they work ridiculous amounts of days in a row. And the "great" thing about Canada is that I can say, "It’s against my religious convictions to work on Sunday." All right, I know that’s a lame one, but still, Canada’s super-political correctness is in a way a blessing to us.

I am still working at Ricki’s and Bootlegger in Westland Market Mall in Spruce Grove. Today was my third shift this week. I worked on the Bootlegger side of the store today and yesterday. It was interesting just to be thrust into the middle of that. I found it really hard at first to locate things. It’s a very good thing most of the jeans have a name, like the girls’ jeans Gwyneth, Aiko, Renee, and Jewel, and the guys’ jeans Ben, Mike, Smith, and Mark. Otherwise I would have been absolutely lost. Today was not without interest, especially as this afternoon we had a shoplifter. Two girls asked for a fitting room, and I opened one for each. They left without buying anything, and a few minutes later my manager came to me and asked if I would recognize them again. She had two empty earring cards in her hand that she found under the bench in the one room. I spotted them walking past soon after, and pointed them out. My manager shadowed them for a little while. She later told me that she was walking behind them, and the one girl dropped one of the earrings by mistake. She bent down and picked it up, and said, "Oh, did I drop this? Is it mine?" The other girl was too scared to say anything, as she noticed my manager behind her. She came back soon after, and said she’d lost the two girls. She asked me to remember them if I could, so we can keep an eye on them later. We have a "code word" for people we are iffy about or who have been suspected of shoplifting before. When one of us spots a person like that, or if they glimpse someone doing something worthy of suspicion, we can say "Elvis" into our radios. The only problem is that I didn’t get a good look at their faces. Hmmmm. Well, we’ll see how good my memory is. I am working tomorrow again.

Tomorrow night is Mike and Trish’s reception to celebrate their wedding. Looking forward to that. In other words, this is as much as I am writing at the moment, as I will be having another busy day and probably weekend as well. I really will do better to keep anyone interested up to date on my goings on, I will. :-)

~My New Job~

Today was my first shift at Ricki’s/Bootlegger here in Spruce Grove. When I came in, the first thing my manager did was give me a run through of both stores. We started in Bootlegger. The target customer base for Bootlegger is guys and girls from age 16 to 25. It’s more casual, lets-go-party style stuff. She gave me a rundown on jeans styles and brand names and how to fit people. (I derived much amusement from her constant "Over here is our new line of wicked, wicked [Silver/Brody/Guess] jeans. I just love them – they are so awesome wicked!" What is with the word wicked anyway? I don’t think it used to mean that. Oh well, my manager is a very enthusiastic and convincing sell.)
Then she took me through the Ricki’s side, which is where she wants me to be based, as she thinks it’s more my style. Could be, I dunno. Hey, I haven’t even figured out what my style is. So I will be helping people mostly in the Ricki’s side, with some cross-over to Bootlegger. My manager went through the different styles in Ricki’s with me then. Ricki’s is geared towards the "working woman", age 22 to 30. They have three lines: Her Time – clothing for women when they are at home, playing with the kids or walking the dog (though I wouldn’t do either of those activities in some of the outfits); Every Day – what a woman could wear to the office every day, more like business casuals; and Professional – things like suits that are necessary for special professional occasions. (YAY – Now I know how to shop Ricki’s!)
Next my manager gave me a headset and a lanyard with a name tag. She explained how to use the radio and earpiece, which either falls off constantly or makes your ear ache. The idea is that then we don’t have to always be yelling across the store. I’m actually kind of glad to have it while I’m in training, as I can just press the button and say, "I’m lost – what do I do??!!"
She walked me through all the stuff in the back room, all the storage areas, alteration containers, manuals and bulletin boards, etc., and then we started on the associates handbook. I say started, because there was a sudden rush. So I got plunged into the middle of things right about then. It’s a good things I have frequented clothing stores before, or I would have been lost.
Altogether, it was a good first shift. My manager and the other girl on were both good to me and not too terribly strange. I think I’ll be ok there.
(Reading this post over, I realize it doesn’t have much appeal for my male readers (if any). Too bad then. *thumbs nose* :-D )

Graduation, July 15, 2005

short history

What was I doing 10 years ago: Wow! Ten yesrs ago I was 12. Living in Smithers, homeschooling, playing War with my brother and sisters, 4H, feeding baby goats, trying to grow my hair out
5 years ago: Working for Inheritance Publications, finishing school
1 year ago: Working still, deciding whether to go to school or take another job opportunity
Yesterday: Cleaning my room and listening to Michael Card, going to a meeting, and talking on the phone till all hours
5 Snacks I enjoy: anything chocolate, Miss Vickie’s Lime & Black Pepper chips, any kind of Dutch dropjes, liquorice allsorts, fudgesicles
5 songs I know all the words to: In Christ Alone – Newsboys; Arise My Love (Song of Solomon) – Michael Card; All I Ask of You – Phantom of the Opera; God Will Provide a Lamb – Michael Card; I Could Never Promise You – Don Fransisco
5 Things I would do with a $100 million: Pay my parents back for my expensive upbringing ( :-) ), go on a one-year tour of Europe, take my family on an extended vacation, buy a better vehicle, do some more travelling
5 Locations I would like to run away to: The Netherlands, Smithers, Ontario, the Rockies, Paris
5 Bad habits I have: Being lazy, saying "I dunno" too much, not being confident enough, letting my room look like the after-effects of a tsunami, a slightly heavy foot
5 Things I like doing: Talking with friends and family, reading, calligraphy, using the computer, scrapbooking
5 TV shows I like: Sesame Street? (I never watch TV – how about favourite movies?): Phantom of the Opera, Pride & Prejudice, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Inspector General, Sound of Music...
5 Biggest joys of the moment: I’m done with school!, developing relationships with special friends, having time to read more (esp the Bible), the wonderful family I was blessed to grow up in, the smell of flowers from friends
5 Favorite toys: Computer, books, iTunes, the Internet, CDs
5 next victims: good question. I think most of you have had this one. :-/ Well, in case they ever read this: Rita, Jake, Alex, Bethany, anyone else want it?

Well, I have time for my blog now, so here goes. This weekend was totally busy for me. And it was definitely a hodgepodge of emotions. I’ll try to outline it for those of you I haven’t already told about it. (I hope to have an album up soon for most of the stuff.)
Thursday our class went to the courthouse in Edmonton. A tour guide took us all around the whole place. She showed us where each department was, which court handled what, and where all the documents are filed. It was actually really neat to have this trip now, so we could sort of apply all of the stuff we learned in class and see how it actually happens. The guide even took us downstairs to see where all the documents and files are stored, which is not part of the usual tour. There are miles and miles of shelving from floor to ceiling in the basement, running the length of the courthouse, full of files. A file is stored there for ten years, and then it is taken to outside storage somewhere in Edmonton, and then after another fifty years (I think) it is brought to the public archives, where it can be seen by anyone. We also got to see the special underground courtroom, B201, which was built to try that gang in Edmonton a few years ago. It is equipped with all cutting-edge technology. The judge and clerks have special desks with computers and there are about 35 stations for the counsel, all with room and plugins for computers. Then there is the bench for the accused. They were trying 32 gang members, so there is quite a large spot for them. It is on the right side of the courtroom, with bulletproof glass between it and the courtroom. At the back there is an entrance for them. They had to dig a separate elevator shaft for this entrance by hand (like with shovels), as it was not possible to get the usual equipment down there. Each bench is equipped with shackles. The guide said that before the courtroom could be approved, they had to do a trial emergency run to see if they could get the prisoners out in time. Some of the supervisors and managers and a few judges were shackled down in the seats, and I think she said it took them under a minute to get them all out. The opposite end of the courtroom has four little soundproof rooms with windows, where the interpreters sit, as some of the gang members did not speak English. They have headphones to hear the speakers, and then a microphone to translate to the prisoners. The prisoners also have access to their counsel the same way. According to the guide, sometimes the counsel get worked up and talk too fast. Then the translators can press a button, which flashes a huge red light on each of the four speaker’s podiums, one after another. They also have a thing (can’t remember the name of it) to enter exhibits digitally. It’s basically a sort of scanner, on which you lay the exhibit. Then the image is broadcast to the huge screens at the front of the courtroom, so everyone can see it. Another system in place is for far away witnesses to testify. That way, they can have a witness in China without inconvenience or expense, or even just a doctor’s statement, so he doesn’t have to waste a day hanging around court. The original gang case they designed the entire courtroom for was split into two smaller ones, and then eventually dropped altogether. Since then they haven’t used it for any other large cases since. Really the only thing it is used for is that far away witness testify thingy (I know it has a name, but I can’t recall it). Anyway, that was really fascinating to see. Afterwards we went up to the fourth floor and visited the law library. It has many books that are hundreds of years old in it, even a good many from Britain. Most lawyers now use the Internet for a lot of the research, but I think it’s neat to still have all the actual books there still.
Friday was graduation. My parents and Julie and Rosemary were able to come, as well as Alison. It went well, although in my opinion the speaker was a little long-winded. She ended with Dr. Seuss’ Oh the Places You’ll Go (I think that would have made a satisfactory speech on its own :-P ). After that I had to speak on behalf of my class, which I think was ok too. Then they had more speeches – the teachers, the college owner, some other staff, and then certificates were given. I don’t actually get my transcript until I am finished my practicum and it has been evaluated. Most of us went out for lunch after that, but my family had to go home agan. Then Alison and I went to Columbus Park and later to Dog Rump Creek in Stony Plain and took some photos. My parents gave me a dozen pink and yellow roses, which you will see on the photos later hopefully.
On Saturday I worked a seven-hour shift and then went out for coffee with my parents before dinner. Later we went to the Swiss Chalet with some family and friends to celebrate my graduating. Spending time with loved ones and looking at photos is always enjoyable. My family was able to meet some of my friends in St. Albert before they went back. It was a wonderful evening.
Sunday was wonderful, time spent worshipping and talking with friends.
This morning I woke up at about 9:30, a first for a very long time. It was a little strange not having to get up and rush off to school or work. I actually did go to school today because I am finishing the advanced Word course still. Tonight we are going to pick up Mike and Trish, whom I haven’t seen now for a couple of weeks, from the airport. So I have to go and get ready.

(I just realized the longest part of this post is not necessarily about the most important stuff. :-/ )

Last Final!

Yippe-i-yay! I just finished my last final exam!
It was totally not hard, except that I had a mind-block one one question.
This afternoon we will just be finishing our last file, and then packing up our things.
Today is Tacky Toursit/Hawaiian Day, as well as our potluck lunch. Alison and I scared up an outfit for me the other day - I'm wearing a scratchy grass skirt, sandals, a flower in my hair, a very loud shirt, and a lei. All the girls have dressed up. One girl from the Medical class looks absolutely hilarious. I just caught a glimpse of her, so I didn't get the total effect, but even that was funny. She is a hillbilly: blackened teeth, ratty hair, etc. She flashed me a smile and made me do a double take. My teacher Lola is wearing a bright pink straw hat with ties, an even brighter vest, and shorts. Tammy has a grass skirt too, and enormous sunglasses. I think we make a rather interesting crowd. I made sure to take proper office clothes along in case I get a call to come to an interview today. Wouldn't that make a perfect impression now! "Hello... uh, no, this really isn't the way I dress everyday for the office..."
Sometime today we have to finish the oversized card we're supposed to be making for Lola. We got her a plaque thingy with her name engraved on it as a parting gift. To my classmates, I'm just going to give a pen that is an ostrich with a grad cap. It's enough that I have to speak at grad for them.
Tomorrow we are going to the courthouse and the law library in Edmonton, and then we will round off things here.
And Friday is grad! I'm really excited because we will finally be free of homework in the evenings, and I will be able to get a good job (hopefully). Now I'm even more glad than I was when we began that the course is only half a year. The two-year program at Grant MacEwan would have been a bit much. It's going to be a more casual grad, not prom dresses and all. My class voted me to speak for them, so I'm glad I'm not going to have a formal dress, or I'd probably suffocate. Some of my family and Alison are coming, so I'm sure I'll have photos sometime soon.
I probably won't be able to post again till after the weekend. Hope to see more of all of you then, my friends!

This bog is getting boring - a record of how busy I am. :-/

Take this past weekend.

On Friday my aunt and uncle who are moving to Ontario came to see us at Doiges before going on. It was really wonderful to see them again. In the afternoon, Alison and Steve and Henry and I went to Ikea in Edmonton, so Steve and Alison could start a registry there. I love going to Ikea and just wandering through, looking at all the displays and the different combinations of styles, and testing out the couches and beds and chairs and everything. We had pasta for lunch at the in-store restaurant. After Ikea we picked up Alyson and went to the Legislature grounds, where we met some more friends, and then had a sort of picnic on the hillside over the river. There were thousands of people there for the Canada Day fireworks. At 11:00 the fireworks started. I have never seen such an enormous and colourful display of fireworks before. As it is Alberta's Centennial this year, they went all out and got a prodigious amount of them (I tried to describe them here, but failed miserably, so whoever didn't see them is outta luck :-) ).

Saturday I had to work until 4:00, and then I went home with a few friends for the weekend. That evening we went to the Pembina River near the Freedom bridge where we often swim in the summer. Usually there is a fairly wide sandy beach. Most of the river is about a foot deep, and then there's a sudden drop off. We hoped to sit on the beach and maybe wade a bit, but the river was so high there wasn't even a beach. Instead we went bushwacking, also lots of fun.

On Sunday we celebrated Steve's birthday, which is today (Happy 24th, Steve!). Being able to spend the day with and worship with my family and friends again was wonderful. After the evening service we drove home again, as Henry and Alyson had to fly or drive to Ontario the next day.

Now it is already Tuesday. We have to finish our current segment of law, Wills and Estates, and have our final exam on Thursday. Then we will start the final part, Dependant Adult Law, with the exam for that next Wednesday. Thursday we are going to the courthouse and law library in Edmonton for a field trip, and Friday is graduation. I can hardly believe 6 months is almost over. The time has gone way too fast. :-/

This week is really shaping up to be fun.
Tonight my uncle and aunt from BC are swinging through Spruce Grove on their way to Neerlandia. I haven't seen them in a few years, so I'm looking forward to that. They are our only close family in Canada.
Tomorrow evening Alison and I are working at Jacks.
Then Thursday we have a test on Wills and Estates, which we just began last Friday. That should prove interesting.
Friday is Canada Day! I'm so looking forward to celebrating (especially a day off school. yay!). A group of us is going to spend the day together, and then go watch the fireworks in the River Valley.
I have to work the whole day Saturday, but after that, I'm going to Neerlandia with some friends. Steve is supposed to be coming on Thursday, and he and Alison are driving down for Sunday too.
I really should get back to the Enduring Power of Attorney that I'm typing out. Just had to rest the noggin for a sec.

Shakespeare in the Park

Wow! Some experience.
Last night a bunch of us went to see the Free Will Players in Romeo and Juliet at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton with some of my family and some St. Alberta friends. I really enjoyed it, especially as I have not seen much live theatre. I guess that is a plus of living near a large city. They sure did a wonderful job, although I sure caught a lot more of Shakespeare's crudities than when I read it last. :-
The Free Will Players did something more modern than the usual period costuming and sets. The set was a series of gray metal steps, ladders, and levels, with the requisite balcony. The only colour on the set was in the large red stained-glass window type banners. And the costumes were rather startling. All the Montagues dressed in white, and the Capulets in black, except for the heads of the families, and the ladies. I don't know exactly how to describe them, but I guess the closest would something like Chicago gangsters of the prohibition era. Anyway, Mr. Capulet and Mr. Montague each had very loud and glitzy suits, Mrs. Capulet wore a slinky green dress and turban, and Juliet looked like a very young girl in a short green and striped dress and long stockings. I think my favourite character was Juliet's nurse.
Now we have to go see Love's Labours Lost (I'll let someone else arrange that :-/ ).

Men are happier people…

Men are happier people, and here is a part of the reason why:

Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress – $5000. Tux rental – $100.
The occasional well-rendered belch is practically expected.
New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
You know stuff about tanks.
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.
If someone forgets to invite, he or she can still be your friend.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough.
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
Everything on your face stays its original colour.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You can play with toys all your life.
One wallet and one pair of shoes one colour for all seasons.
You can “do” your nails with a pocketknife.
You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache.
You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

"How am I supposed to obey God’s commands and follow His principles when my circumstances are so different from those of other people?"
Imagine that you’re a student in an art class. You and dozens of classmates are learning from a master painter. One day your teacher displays a painting of his own. It’s an incredible work of art, and he wants each of you to copy it.
You’re about to begin working when you turn to look at the person next to you. You’re surprised to note that he has a larger brush than your and a differently shaped canvas. You look around at the rest of the class. Some students have acrylic paint, others watercolor, still others oil – and everyone has different colors. Though you all have the same assignment, you each have completely different materials.
This frustrates you. Some students have materials you would prefer for yourself. Why should they get them? You’re not the only student to notice the disparity. A hand goes up. A girl to your left with only a ragged brush and three pale shades of blue on her palette is noticeably agitated. "This isn’t fair," she tells the teacher. "How do you expect me to duplicate your painting when the people around me have so many more colors to choose from?"
The teacher smiles. "Don’t worry about the other students," he says. "I’ve carefully chosen the brushes and paints that each of you has. Trust me. You have what you need to complete the assignment. Remember, your goal is not to create a painting that mirrors the person next to you, but to do your best with the materials I’ve given you to create a picture faithful to my painting."

– Joshua Harris, Boy Meets Girl

[why do i need a title anyway?]

On Tuesday night Alison and Fiona and I went bowling with Henry and Alyson. I hadn't been 10-pin bowling since we visited family in Holland when I was six, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But I wasn't as bad at it as I usually am at 5-pin. Unless it was the company. We make a loud group, I have to say :op . It's probably a good thing the bowling alley wasn't crowded.
I really enjoyed it, maybe because it's easier to knock over more pins with a larger ball. We all had to try one round "granny bowl", backwards, between the legs, which proved entertaining. I choose not to remember who won the first game, but in the second game Fiona, Henry and I joined forces to defeat the two Ali/Alysons. They were both pretty good. And once Fiona started with her left hand instead of right, she was too. With combined scores, we beat Alison and Alyson. :-D
Afterwards we went to Boston Pizza, where we alternately entertained and traumatized the staff. Oh, btw, anything with chocolate in it that you can get at Boston Pizza is scrumptious (coming from me, ha -- any chocolate is delicious, some in varying degrees). Alyson and Alison made a couple of sculptures on the big triangular dessert plates when they were clean. One was a birthday cake, for which they used napkins, torn up colouring pages, and straws, with a crayon for a candle. I think our waitress (Jenna) had a few laughs that evening.

Favourite Books

If I invited Him - by Woody Kum
No! - by Kurt Reply
Allegiance to the King - by Neil Downe
Not a Guitar! - by Amanda Lin
Punk Rock Rulez! - by Lotta Noyze
Home Alone IV: The Sequel - by Anni Buddyhome
You're Kidding! - by Shirley U. Jest
Stop Arguing - by Xavier Breath
Trim Those Sideburns Too? - by Buzz Cutt
Dull Razor - by Nick Shaving
Irish First Aid - by R. U. O'Kaye
Pain in My Body - by Otis Leghurts
The Miracle Drug - by Penny Cillin


(stolen from Daniel Foucachon)

ooooooooh

Your Star Wars Pickup Line

"You will go home with me. It is unavoidable. IT IS YOUR DESTINY!!"

What's Your Star Wars Pickup Line?

Check this out!

In 1983 (the year you were born)

* Ronald Reagan is president of the US * Sally Ride becomes the first American woman to travel in space * Marines are killed when a TNT laden suicide terrorists blows up Marine headquarters at Beirut International Airport * US Marines and Rangers invade the island of Grenada and evacuate hundreds of US citizens * The Soviets shoot down Korean Airlines flight 007 * The Internet Domain Name System was invented by Paul Mockapetris * Ronald Wilson Reagan signs a bill creating Martin Luther King Day * Baltimore Orioles win the World Series * Washington Redskins win Superbowl XVII * New York Islanders win the Stanley Cup * Return of the Jedi is the top grossing film * "Every Breath You Take" by The Police spends the most time at the top of US charts * The A-Team and Webster premiere

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Hello again, everyone!
Our lecture this morning finished early, so I have a bit before Alison comes to pick me up for lunch. So here goes - update.

First of all -
I am really excited about Steve and Alison's engagement. I guess it's amazing that he found someone that all nine of the women in his family could get along with, let alone love. It's wonderful to think that my only brother and my good friend will be starting their own family soon. God bless the two of you in your future plans, Steve and Alison!

School -
We just finished the segment on Corporate Law, and started the next segment on Real Estate. Most of it so far is procedures and terms, but soon we will be doing some exercises in real estate. For Corporate Law, the Electronic Accounting class came in, and we incorporated their accounting firms for them. First we interviewed them (which is usually the task of a lawyer, so we won't actually be doing that on the job). Then we prepared all the appropriate documents for incorporation, and then submitted them to the "Registry Office" (in this case, Lola, our teacher). When she has reviewed them all, she will issue Certificates of Incorporation, which we will give to our clients, along with a Statement of Account. That one was neat, because we could relate better to an "actual" case with real clients. I hope we have some interesting exercises in real estate too.

Work -
Alison is now working the same evening shifts as I am at Jack's. She decided to work there too the other day, and was hired without delay. Our boss, Pat, is training the two of us to close up in the evening, which includes making sure there are enough back-ups in the coolers, cleanup, and cashout. I'm still enjoying it. Never having had a job in the food industry, in any public service business, for that matter, it is very different to deal with customers this way. At first I had trouble mastering the till, as it is quite involved, and the plastic cover over the buttons makes it barely legible. After every shift, we split tips from the pool. I have been saving mine up, and I have over $30 already. Any suggestions on what to use it for?

Church -
I am going to St. Albert Canadian Reformed Church right now. Reverend Reuben Bredenhof is the pastor. I really appreciate his preaching, which is always very logical and easy to follow. The young adults group there has made us feel very welcome, inviting us everywhere for visits, Bible study and other events. The discussions we have at Bible study are unlike any I've ever known - serious but fun, and often very in-depth. We have made many new friends there, who I'm sure will be friends for a long time.

umhum

Laura Hofstede's Aliases

Your movie star name: Miss Vickie's Lime & Black Pepper Chips Ceus

Your fashion designer name is Laura Venice

Your socialite name is Shrimp Paris

Your fly girl / guy name is L Hof

Your detective name is Cat

Your barfly name is Gobstoppers Red Wine

Your soap opera name is Dufferin Street

Your rock star name is Licorice Allsorts My Brain

Your star wars name is Laumax Hofvig

Your punk rock band name is The Procrastinating Steve's Truck

The Amazing Meganame Generator

snaggletooth 2

snaggletooth

long long ago

wow, i just realized I haven't posted in a good while. this will attempt to update you all.

Yesterday we had midterms for Legal Environment, Office Procedures, and I forget the other chapter. Anyway, I think I did ok. Now that pressure's off a bit, I can concentrate on getting my exercises done. I'm really enjoying it - even all the legalese is fun. Today we started the next segment, on accounting in the law office. Some of it's confusing, but as Lola says, numbers don't lie, so that part is fairly straight forward.
I worked tonight again, as well as last night and all day Saturday. Today being Tuesday, we didn't have a moment to sit down. Tuesdays is our special - $2.50 rice bowls. Today was frantic. Up till 4:00, they sold over 180 rice bowls, and this evening, from 4:00 on, we did over 100. But I enjoyed it, except for the customers who came in just before closing. Some people seem to enjoy coming late and ordering lots of food. Well, we did survive, which I suppose is a plus.
I had a nice surprise when I got home - Alison tells me some of our new friends called, and they're coming to spend the evening with us tomorrow. I'm looking forward to that.
This is so not chronoligcal (sp?). (Deal with it :-) )
Emily and Julie came to visit this past weekend. After work on Saturday, we went to Stony Plain to a couple of stores. That one thrift store was something else. I suppose I'm glad that we got there only about 15 minutes before they closed. :-)
On Sunday we went to St. Albert for church, and then VanRaaltes invited us over for lunch. After the afternoon service, Alyson Bosch invited us to her birthday party that evening. That was an absolute blast. Some of us played a few rounds of Dutch Blitz, and then Fiona and I played Citadels with Mike and Tricia and Henry and Fiona and some others (my memory for names is strained). It was a great evening.
I really should get to bed. Tomorrow looks like a full day already. So good night (to the owls anyway; or good morning)!

Cankles / BeBeep the Road Runner(s)

My foot is much better. I haven't used crutches for two days now. On Tuesday when I went back to school, they were all teasing me about the silly things. I put my foot up on my desk during my break to keep it elevated so the swelling would go down. One girl said, "You have cankles!" when she saw my ankle. Naturally, we all wanted to know what that was, so she explained. When she was expecting her daughter, she retained an awful lot of water. Her ankles became so swollen that they were almost as thick as her calves - hence "cankles" (ca(lf)ankles).
We moved to another classroom, as our classes have split after the first 5-week segment. Just 16 weeks left till graduation, and so much we still have to learn! Our new classroom is really nice and roomy. We have big desks, with enough room for our computers, transcription machines, books, and working room. There are only seven women in the legal secretary program, so we almost rattle around in our "office." Our teacher, Lola, wants us to get a feel for what working in an office will be like, so we treat our classmates as colleagues and Lola as our boss. On the door is a sign with the name of our firm, Hill, Conners & Carleton. We will be taught how to do standard office work, such as filing and answering the phone, as well as a host of other things that I am afraid I can't remember off the top of my head. It's a little overwhelming at the moment, but I'm sure we'll all catch on. This afternoon we started with our transcription machines, typing sample letters. I'm not very fast - have to practice the typing a bit more.

Last night Alison and I went to a Road Runners game in Edmonton at Rexall Place. A client at Alison's shop couldn't go, but has season tickets, so he gave them to her. For the unenlightened, the Road Runners are a hockey team in the Alberta Hockey League. Because the NHL hasn't played this season, AHL hockey has become much more important in a way, sort of the replacement, but less money-centered. It was the first professional game I have ever seen, so I was really excited. Rexall Place is a huge stadium, and last night it was full of thousands of people making lots of noise. The game was fascinating to watch, as I've really only ever seen the kids of our church play before, and heard the play-by-plays on the radio. The Road Runners were playing the Chicago Wolves, and they beat them 4-1. Altogether, it was a very fun and satisfying evening.

Blessed Easter, everyone!

“Christ the Lord is risen today,”
Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say;
Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens and earth reply.
Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King;
Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Alleluia!
Once He died, our souls to save;
Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave?
Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done;
Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won;
Alleluia!
Death I vain forbids Him rise;
Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise.
Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led,
Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head;
Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise;
Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
Alleluia!

This is my favourite Easter song. The last verse especially always stays in my head, with the triumphant ending, “Made like Him, like Him we rise; Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!” The harmony is very beautiful as well, especially now that I’ve mastered the alto. There are a good number of people who sing harmony in our church, which always kind of finishes the song nicely. We sang this one this morning.


I’m home for the weekend. I have Monday off too, so I will go back in the afternoon.
I had a clumsy moment yesterday. I opened the door of my car to get in, but slipped on the ice. About to slide under the car, I grabbed wildly at the roof and managed to stay upright. However, in the process, I whacked my right ankle really hard on the doorframe. I sat for a couple of minutes until it didn’t hurt so bad, and then went to work. It really only started to bother me when I was driving home after work. Because you have to use both feet driving a standard, I couldn’t really rest my right foot. Yesterday evening my ankle was really swollen, and pressure bandages and ice didn’t help, as it’s more of a bruise than a sprain. Today everyone at church asked why I was hobbling around (especially because I can’t fit into my Sunday shoes, so I had to wear my wooden and leather clogs). Hope it subsides a little before I have to drive back tomorrow.

So I did land a job. I applied at about 20 different places, and then as a sort of after-thought, I applied at a small restaurant near Alison's work. And wouldn't you guess, the first (and only, so far) response was that after-thought. It's called Bad [bleep] Jacks (henceforward to be referred to as Jacks, Subs & Wraps or just plain Jacks, because of its questionable/objectionable name :-O ). Alison and I go there every Tuesday for lunch for their special, $2.50 rice bowls. They're delicious. Anyway, they called me in for an interview last night, which was interesting. I had submitted a resume, and when I got there, the boss lady, Michelle, sat down with me and asked me some questions. She threw me a few zingers, such as "What drives you? Ambition, money, power, family?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" and "What do you understand by integrity?" That last one threw me for a bit. How do you define integrity? It's more of an idea, an intangible value I've been aware of without actual definition my whole life. Anyway, she must have gotten a good impression, because she asked me to come in for a trial shift this evening, after school from 5:00 - 9:30. It was fun to be on the other side of the counter for once, though I'm sure the novelty will wear off eventually. It was busy for an evening, because it's Tuesday. People kept coming in until just before 9:00, when we closed. I mostly scrubbed frying pans because they were quite busy, but they did teach me how to make the rice bowls. Except for during the really busy part of Tuesday, they actually fry each portion of chicken or beef in an individual frying pan with vegetables and sauce (of which there are several choices). So there's a good many dishes to be done on the go. They told me to come back on Saturday, so I guess I'm on.
I just realized that was probably not as interesting to everyone else as it is to me, so I shall cease this strain.
School was great today. It was our teacher's 40th birthday and 1st year anniversary at the college today, so our class pooled our resources and made a cake and bought a gift. It was fun, and I think she enjoyed it too. I got both the last spelling test and the take-home English exam back today, and I am pleased with the marks. On Thursday we have an in-class English final and a computer exam. If the computer part is primarily practical, I'm sure I'll do good. Guess we'll see.
But I should really run along to bed -- my feet and back are quite tired (in a good way). So good night all.

I'm sorry I haven't written most of you regularly. I seem to have plenty to keep me busy :-)

random stuff...

I'm on my afternoon break right now. Today we are learning all about Internet Explorer and Outlook, so now we are allowed online. The school has high-speed ADSL (which I learned stands for Asymmetric Digital Sunscriber Line :-) ), and all the computers are networked to the main server, so we can go on whenever. So I figured I'd take advantage of this break.
Yesterday we went to church in St. Albert again, at the Canadian Reformed church. We also went to their Young Adults Biblestudy in the evening. They are very welcoming, and since most of them are college age, they are able to carry on a good discussion intelligently.
Alison was in Grande Prairie over the weekend, visiting Steve and the others. She took the Greyhound up and back, getting home pretty early this morning. We had lunch together today, the first I've seen her all weekend.
Today I finally finished my MS Word Level 1. The last assignment was to make an interactive table of contents for the financial document created in several of the exercises. It's really amazing what you can do with Word. I am planning to go on to the advanced Word levels also, but that won't count for my overall mark. They will issue a certificate when I am finished so I will be recognized as having completed Word.
We had our last Spelling test on Thursday, and I'm waiting impatiently to see what I got. This Thursday will be our English final and Computer final, and then start the actual Legal Secretary Program.

But this is the end of this post, because break is over.

Yes, this is Canada ( . . . where else?)

Since I’m looking for a part time job, Alison and I went out the other day and papered Spruce Grove with resumes. That evening, after working out, we went to Tim Horton’s, and I decided to apply there too. They had an application form for me to fill out, so we sat there while I worked on it. I had to read one section, headed Activities, a few times before I could believe it. Here, I’ll write it out so you can enjoy it too.

"Activities - civic, athletic, etc. (Please
exclude reference to any organization which could indicate race, religion,
marital status, age, colour, gender, ancestry, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, place of origin, physical disability, mental disability, or
handicap.)"

I read it out loud to Alison, and then we read it again and counted. There are thirteen categories of unmentionable activities; there was only one activity I could only write down (which won't come to mind at the moment - it was so random) that was not in one of those categories. I mean, if I were to say that I enjoyed walking, biking, or skiing, that falls under the categories age (I'm not so old that I can't walk anymore), physical disability, and handicap (I'm able to walk). And if I mentioned that I volunteered last summer as official agent for our local CHP candidate, that would indicate my political beliefs, whereas if I said that I like to read, they could conclude that I am not severely mentally handicapped.

Why don't they just skip that whole section and hire every idiot off the streets, regardless of their . . . ? Then they wouldn't have to draw any conclusions, or make any judgments (which by the way, indicate they are not mentally handicapped either).

Good. Now that's out of my system.

Wow!
I hadn't realized that that picture was quite so vibrant!

I'm on Alison's computer at her work, while she finishes for the day. I have to tell you all about the deals Alison and I hit in Walmart yesterday, but maybe we can do a combined post about that. I just have to tell you about today when I wore a new outfit to school. My teacher Lola is a self-proclaimed bargain hunter and second-hand shopper. This afternoon she called me up to the front of the classroom and told them, "This is the kind of outfit you can get for $7 if you have your eyes open." And she expanded on that theme at some length, aiming at the girls who come dressed in less-than proffessional looking ensembles. That was today's interesting moment.

Frog Prince in Person

HelloHelloHello!

I figured I’d better post again so you’ll all know I’m still alive.

My first week of school is over. So far it has been fairly basic. I’m good with the English part of it, as that was always my favourite subject. And the computer part makes sense to me so far. On Friday we learned about different types of software. Coming Tuesday is our first test on computers. I think I should be ok with most of it, but I want to get the highest mark I possibly can.
Tomorrow we have a field trip. Our computer class is going to CD Computers here in Spruce Grove to "shop" for a computer.
The only thing I don’t like about the college is that it is across the tracks. I have very nearly been late a couple of times. I’m trying to figure out when the trains run, but they sometimes vary as much as 10-15 minutes.
Alison has a membership with the Tri-Municipal Leisure Centre, so the other day I went and got one too. We went there on Friday after a trip to Tall Girl in West Edmonton Mall. I’ve never worked out before, so it was all new to me. First we both tried out one of those upright elliptical bike thingys. That actually was really fun. You have to enter your weight, age, and the amount of time you want to go for. Then it tells you what your heart rate should be while you’re working. If you much over the suggested rate, the machine tells you to slow down and cool down. After that, we wandered around the weights room, looking at the different fitness machines. Then we each picked out some light weights and hefted them around a bit. That is supposed to strengthen your wrists, but I don’t think it did much for me. Finally we went upstairs to the overhead indoor track and did about two miles alternating walking and walking. The track goes around above the two soccer pitches, so we could watch two different games from several vantage points. It was great, but I sure discovered how out of shape I am. We hope to go every day, or something like that. Then maybe by summer the two of us can bike to school and work.

This morning Steve and I went to First Presbyterian downtown Edmonton. It was a different service than I’m used to, but it was good. It’s a really beautiful old church, built in 1901, one of the first in Edmonton. They have a good organ there, and a choir.

Have a great week, everyone!

Hey there, everyone!
I got out of school half an hour early today because the computers wouldn't load the typing tutor we were supposed to use. Alison gets off work at 5:00, so I figured I'd go to the library and make use of one of the computers here.
My first day, Tuseday, was orientation. They split us into groups and got us to interview and then introduce each other first. Afterwards, we had a tour of the new campus. It is a one-storey building with about seven classrooms or so, a common room, and two bays that are still under construction. They're planning to have the one finished by May or thereabouts as a combination classroom/salon for the hairdressing class. They will work as apprentices from there. Apparently, they like to experiment on the students during lunch or breaks or after school, or so someone told me when they saw my hair.
Then we had a basic course on the proper way to take notes and study, which was very helpful to me.
The first five weeks of my class, the Legal Secretary Program, is basic English and Computer skills, so we are combined with the Medical Care Assistant Program (something like that). The classes together are about 20-25 women. They range in age from 18-over 40.
Today was our first regular day. I don't have my own wheels right now, because my car is still in the garage, so Mrs. Doige brought us yesterday. Today Alison and I drove in together. I dropped her off at work, and had just enough time to get to school. That was because I still have to figure out where you can make a left turn onto the divided highway. I ended up going down three streets before I found the right way. Also, the college is over the tracks, and students have been known to be late because of a train before. So they advised us to take about half an hour more than we might otherwise.
Anyway, today we had General Communications (English) in the morning, and Introduction to Microcomputers in the afternoon. The English was really basic, mostly stuff I already know, like parts of speech, so I was finished my exercise early. I picked up Alison and we took our lunch to Tim Hortons'. My lunch break was about an hour and a half long so it was nice not to have to rush.
My first official day of college was great. I think I was a little nervous yesterday before I went, but I'm glad it's starting out so simple. After five weeks, the classes will split, and we will go into stuff more specific to our courses.
So here I am now, at the library. I actually managed to find it myself, without getting lost (which my family will find impressive). It's so quiet here; I'm enjoying it.

[this was supposed to be posted last night]

1. Your name spelled backwards. edetsfoh arual

2. Where were your parents from? Dad was born in Smithers, B.C. to immigrant parents. When he was ten or so, they moved back to the Netherlands. Mom was born on a farm near Groningen, the Netherlands.

3. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer? New version of Messenger.

4. What's your favourite restaurant? I haven’t been to a great variety of restaurants, but my favourite is probably Tim Hortons. Eastside Marios is great too; and I love Chinese.

5. Last time you swam in a pool? Probably about a year ago. We rarely go swimming, because the pools around here are all two-bit, one-horse deals. Now THE place to swim is West Edmonton Mall Waterpark. You can’t really swim lengths there or anything, but they have a vast assortment of slides and rides, and a wave pool. The only thing is it’s quite pricey (hence I haven’t been for a while :-/ ).

6. Have you ever been in a school play? In grade 1 we did The Three Little Pigs. I was the big bad wolf with a big smelly nose I had to wear. Later when we started homeschooling, we did a production called A Tour of the Americas with our group. I was Brer Terrapin, friend of Brer Rabbit, with a papier-mache shell on my back.

7. How many kids do you want? As many as God sees fit to bless me with. I think a large family is wonderful, having grown up with 7 siblings, but I’ll have to see if I can handle that myself one day. :-)

8. Type of music you dislike most? New-Agey type music, such as Crystal Method, my brother’s current favourite (or was last time I saw him anyway). And any music that plays too long. I like variety.

9. Are you registered to vote? Yes indeed.

10. Do you have cable? Uh-uh.

11. Have you ever ridden on a moped? Yes, I have. My cousin took me for a spin when we went to Holland when I was 16. Though I think he called it a “brom-fiets” (free translation: noisy bike).

12. Ever prank call anybody? Once, and it wasn’t my fault. :-) The girl I was with dialled a number, handed me the phone, and told me to ask the person who answered to come to her party. I was pretty naïve, and did it (hey, I was like 11). I forget who answered, but we both got in trouble.

13. Ever get a parking ticket? Never. But then I haven’t parked much where such objects are distributed. Ask me again, after my college stint is over. :-)

14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Definitely not. Like Rita said, “If at first you don’t succeed, sky diving is not for you.” Rather not take that particular risk.

15. Farthest place you ever traveled. The Netherlands/Germany.

16. Do you have a garden? Gardening is a big thing in our family. We’ve always had a very large vegetable garden, but I didn’t have time to work much in it last summer.

17. What's your favourite comic strip? Garfield? No real preference. Whatever’s around that’s funny.

18. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem? I know the first and fourth verses, which is more than most Canadians. I’m also a Dutch citizen, and I know the first verse of the Wilhelmus too.

19. Bath or Shower, morning or night? I like both, but rarely have time for a bath (not to mention it empties the water tank :-/ ).

20. Best movie you've seen in the past month? Spiderman.

21. Favourite pizza topping? I couldn’t isolate a single favourite ingredient. Pizza is a favourite though.

22. Chips or popcorn? Salted corn chips with hot salsa, THE best.

23. What colour lipstick do you usually wear? I don’t wear lipstick, just lip balms, lip smackers, and lip shines. But they are all natural pinks.

24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? You learn something new every day. No, I haven’t smoked peanut shells. I once smoked a hollow reed, though. Steve put me up to it.

25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? Me?

26. Orange Juice or apple? OJ

27. Who was the last person you went out to dinner with and where did you dine? I seriously can’t remember. Probably a fast bite at Tim Horton’s with Alison and Fiona when we were in the city a while ago.

28. Favourite type chocolate bar? O Henry bars. They aren’t too terribly adulterated with other substances (like Eat Mores – yech!)

29. When was the last time you voted at the polls? Past summer, provincial election.

30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? Last summer mom had some really good ones. I took them to work instead of an apple.

31. Have you ever won a trophy? Not unless you count 4-H ribbons and medals.

32. Are you a good cook? I don’t remember… haven’t cooked in a while. I used to be.

33. Do you know how to pump your own gas? Uhhuh. I’m a big girl. (although once the cap was screwed on a bit sideways, and I had to get a big strong guy also gassing up to loosen it for me :-/ )

34. Ever order an article from an infomercial? Never watch tv.

35. Sprite or 7-up? Gross. Give me root beer or coke any day. Different names for the same thing, anyway.

36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work? no

37. Last thing you bought at a pharmacy? Vitamin C

38. Ever throw up in public? Personal question X-D Actually, I don’t remember. Of course as a baby, probably plenty of times.

39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love? Only one answer to that: love first (I’ll gladly accept both if they come together :-D )

40. Do you believe in love at first sight? No experience to speak from. But I would probably say no.

41. Ever call a 1-900 number? nope

42. Can ex's be friends? Again, no experience.

43. Who was the last person you visited in a hospital? Alicia Thompson when her son was born.

44. Did you have a lot of hair when you were a baby? I can’t remember :-) (Just asked mom, and she says I did.)

45. What message is on your answering machine? My cell-phone has just your typical message, but I want to find a more unique, or at least interesting, one. Suggestions?

46. What's your all time favourite Saturday Night Live Character? No tv :-

47. What was the name of your first pet? Max, actually a family pet, is the first one I can remember. He was a really cute kitty, whose mother taught him to drink out of the toilet bowl when no one was watching. He carried the habit to our home, until we all learned to leave the lid shut.

48. What is in your purse? You don’t want to know! Actually, I'm not sure I even know what’s all in it. :-/

49. Favorite thing to do before bedtime? Internet – chatting, blogging, reading other blogs, etc.

50. What is one thing you are grateful for today? I finished my new denim book bag and got all my errands done.

Yippee!

Today is my last day of work. I will bring my computer and my last work to my boss this evening probably, and then I am forever finished! Then I have to concentrate on my packing. I didn’t think there’d be much to take along, as it is not a permanent move. But as I have been going through my things, I’ve realized how much I need to have for six months. Clothes, of course. And then a few books I must have, although I can go to the library in Spruce Grove if I have time. Then I need my stationary, calligraphy pens and supplies, and some of my CDs. My flute and music have to come along; maybe I will have a little time to practice, and Fiona plays piano, and Alison the violin, so that would be fun. Oh, and I mustn’t forget the shoes. I don’t have as many as some people (*cheeky grin*), but there are enough essential pairs of footwear that must come along. The list continues, but I’ll let it rest.
My dad just phoned. He took my car in for an oil change before I move, and lo and behold, the rear brakes need to be replaced too. I declare, that car devours money, with no significant return. On top of that, they won’t have the parts in until Tuesday (the day after I move!), so I’m not sure what I’ll be doing yet. We’ll have to see.

At lunch Esther informed us: “When I grow up, I’m gonna have a tocolate bar, and eat it.”

No Hockey

The NHL lockout is finally over. The players association and the team couldn’t come to a financial arrangement, so yesterday they announced that there would be no season at all. Not like I’m an avid hockey fan or anything, but I did enjoy the occasional game on the air. Last year I listened to the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay. Anyway, the whole of Western Canada is practically in mourning. To quote the radio sports report yesterday, "Hockey will never be the same again."

Happy Valentine's Day

The other day I bought a bag of candy sentiment hearts. I read a story once in which these little sweets figured. According to the tale, if a boy liked a girl or wanted to tell her something, he would pass or throw one of them with an appropriate message on it, preferably during prayer meeting. The girl would read the message, and act accordingly. In this story, a young man from the upper class had begun working for a famer (I can't remember why any more). They were all at prayer meeting one day. A boy directly behind the young man threw a candy with a message such as "Be Mine" or "May I See You" or something on it at the farmer's ugly, coarse daughter. She turned around to see who it was, and joyfully assumed it was her father's new hired man. Needless to say, the poor man was in an embarrassing position. After the service, the girl eagerly claimed him as her escort home. I forget how he got out of that situation.
I think I'm glad we don't have any such customs today. I was looking through the candies, and I counted at least sixty-five different messages. Imagine if some boy were to throw one at you that said, "ARE YOU WILLING", "HOLD ME TIGHT", or "KISS ME", follwed by "JUST SAY YES." The only thing that might save such a situation would be to return the favour with "NOT NOW", or "NO WAY".

feeling blue

Bowling...

... the only group activity in Barrhead besides swimming available in the evenings. What a dead town.
This evening we went bowling with a couple of kids from the young people's group. All my friends around my age are married or in school, so these were all between 15-18, including Emily and Julie. Makes me feel old(er). Sigh. Great fun anyway. Afterwards they all came back to our place for some eats and a game of Taboo. Greta Wierenga gave me a box of Botticelli chocolates. Wonderful surprise!
I feel deprived. I can't log onto Messenger, because it tells me there is a new version available and I have to be on as Administrator before I can download it. The Administrator is in bed now. Grrrr.
Oh, well. I really have to hit the hay now. Apologies to all whom I might have chatted with if I were on. Maybe I shall favour y'all with another post tomorrow morning, if I can drag my bones out of bed before Emily claims the computer. ;-)
G'nite

Hester and me. I think this is my favourite so far.

Various and Sundry

This past weekend we were in Spruce Grove again, this time, to paint the room I will be staying in. Alison and I started painting after supper, while Fiona and Emily went out bowling with some friends. We began with a cobalt blue, painting the bottom third or so of the walls. Because the paint underneath was fairly fresh and not cured, we couldn't mask it off without damaging it. So we drew a line on the wall with the aid of a tape measure, string, and a ruler. We carefully put on two coats that evening, going to bed fairly late. The next morning we drove into town to get the pearl glaze we wanted from Benjamin Moore. Putting the pearl glaze on was interesting. We used a six-inch wide roller, and it didn't go on that smooth, so we covered with a 2-inch foam roller. Interesting effect by the time we were done. Recurrent: "Um, really we meant to do that!" Then we went back to town again, I got my ears pierced finally, we picked up photos from the drugstore, bought pizza, Chapman's Cherry Fozen yoghurt, and ice cream bars, went home, and ate it all, as well as two bag of chips we had purchased the day before, while watching a movie.

Yesterday I had to go to Westlock to bring Dad his lunch, which he had forgotten. As Westlock is about a 45-minute drive, I had a good number of errands to do. I picked up my paycheck from my work first. My boss asked me to pick up a couple of parts for his water distiller from Westlock. No problem, I thought. When I got to Westlock, I brought Dad his lunch, then picked up the parts for Mr. Janssen. The brain-dead (her words, not mine) sales-lady gave me the wrong part at first because she wasn’t listening. By the time I had the right thing, I was a little flustered, so I promptly forgot the old parts there. I went to the grocery store, and did some major shopping for Mom. Then I had some lunch. I had to be back to Janssen’s by 1:30 so I could bring my boss’s son to a party. On the way I picked up the mail for him. When I got there and talked to my boss, I discovered I had totally screwed up his errand — part miscommunication, part flutter-headedness on my part. Grrrrr. Then I went home to get in a couple of hours of work before supper.
Anyway, that was yesterday.

Today I just worked all day. I was doing preliminary work on 1 Chronicles today, which mostly doesn’t need much deep thinking. So I finally had a chance to really listen to the whole of the CD Isaiah sent us, Redemption Songs by the Sons of Korah, an Australian group. I really enjoyed it, especially the third track, on Psalm 117. I love the way that one opens. It has a sort of Jewish feel to it, a bit like another disk we have of Christian Jewish music. I never can describe music, so I won’t try. Go out and get it, or ask me to let you hear it next time you’re out here. Anyway, thanks from all, Isaiah.
Now I have to see if I can squeeeeeeze in a bit more computer time before bed. Night all.

(to steal a sunny word:) yoiks, this is long

I think I will name my car La Guillotine

This morning I had to change a tire on my car. I opened the trunk to get out the spare and the jack. It was really cold, so the hydraulic thingy on the door of the trunk was sluggish. I had my head inside, getting the stuff out, when it came down with a bang. Near-decapitation. Then later Mom wanted me in the computer-room to show her something. Our computer-room has a half-door. Usually you can bash through it without turning the handle. But infrequently someone will close it tight and the handle has to be turned all the way. This was one of those times. I didn’t bother to check as I was in a hurry. I put my hand on the door and walked right into it with a lot of force, squashing my hand good and proper and knocking the breath out of me. Good thing only the left hand. Must not be my day.

biblestudy and beyond

This evening Mom and Emily and I went to ladies’ biblestudy. We are using a book called “Women of the Bible”, and this evening’s study was on Anna the prophetess. In the course of the evening, we got to talking about how hard it sometimes is to share the gospel, a problem Anna did not seem to have (Luke 2:38: “…she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who looked for redemption in Israel”). One of the older ladies said, “I don’t have trouble sharing the gospel if the person I’m talking with gives me an opening, like they say, ‘I’m so unhappy,’ or something. But I just don’t want it to be like antlers on a hog.” I had to think about that one for a moment. Actually, I think everyone did. There was about a minute of silence, and then it hit us that what she meant by her unusual expression was “out of place”. Then we all began to chuckle.
Despite the wacky simile, what she said made a lot of sense. If we aggressively buttonhole perfect strangers and demand whether they know Christ (I read about a lady who was accosted thusly once), they will probably be turned off. At any rate, most people I have spoken to wouldn’t appreciate this type of witness.
Even when you speak gently at an appropriate moment, it doesn’t always work either. Mrs. Viersen, a wise older lady whom I have a lot of respect for, told us about an experience she had once when they went to sing in the seniors’ home. After they sing some hymns for the seniors, they always go around and shake their hands and talk to them. Mrs. Viersen was talking to one old lady who said she had really appreciated the singing. Mrs. Viersen asked her, “Do you know the Lord?” And the old lady snapped defensivly, “Who doesn’t?”

But then you have the flip side of the coin. As Mrs. Viersen also said, “If someone’s house were burning down and you were told to warn the person to get out quickly, you wouldn’t say, ‘Well, I really don’t like to give messages like that.’ You also wouldn’t go to the person and apologetically say, ‘You know, maybe you should think about coming out of there one day.’ You probably would run to the person as fast as you could, grab his or her sleeve, and say, ‘Quickly! Get out of there before you die!’ You might even apply some force if they don’t react immediately.” (Well, that is approximately what she said. I can’t remember it word for word. :-) )

I suppose there is a happy medium somewhere in between. And of course, we have to remember that it’s God who changes people’s hearts, not our witnessing expertise. I know that for myself, I am rather remiss with regard to speaking of the Lord; perhaps because we live in a community where everyone either goes to one of the three Reformed churches, or wants nothing to do with Christianity at all. Not the best circumstances for witnessing. I guess I’ll have more opportunities when I live in Spruce Grove and go to college. In the meantime, I’ll have to think about this subject a little, and stick with letting my light so shine that people may glorify my Father.

My Busy Life (ha!)

Emily and Jessica and I went with Alison and Fiona to an interdenominational prayer service at the Legislature in Edmonton on Saturday. It was supposed to be a non-media event, because it was about the whole gay marriage thing, which our government seems determined to push through. Ha ha. Try again. We saw camera crews from three different news networks there. The thing I hate is that they always seem to target the folks who have no clue what they’re talking about, or if they do, either have no logic whatsoever, or come across sounding like fanatics. The one guy interviewed a man wearing a large crucifix (I assume he was Catholic); on the back of his coat he had stapled a piece of paper with the symbols for male and female intertwined on it. Later I saw another crew talking to a bunch of kids who looked like they were maybe 15-19. I didn’t see the news that night, as we do not have TV, but they probably skewed it, and pasted little clips together to make us sound like lunatics. Anyway, the service was interesting, mostly led by charismatic preachers. There was a fair amount of singing, lots of prayers (through which people shouted, “Yessssssss!” frequently), and some responsive Psalm readings. All in all, it was different than we’re used to. But I know God hears the prayers of all His children, and it’s not necessary for me to be comfortable with their methods.

After that, we had lunch at Tim Horton’s in St. Albert, then went to West Edmonton Mall in the city. I guess Alison Fiona and I spent the most time at Tall Girl there. I love that store, don’t have to worry about things not being long enough for me! :-) Emily and Jessica, who would probably both swim in the clothing in that store, took off after a while to shop elsewhere. Then we went to Fabricland, where Emily got remnants for her Medieval project. After that, we wandered through the Mall, mostly looking around and people watching. They have a new sea lion act in the aquarium there, which replaces the dolphins they had until recently, so we watched for a bit. Finally, we brought the girls home, and then drove back to Neerlandia.

I forgot to mention, the roads were pretty nasty. We had had freezing rain, and then snow, so part of the highway was very treacherous. Alison and Fiona had been out the night before, and they said it would have been faster to skate home than drive. Hopefully the warm weather will last until all the ice is off the roads before freezing again.

I’ve been in bed all day, sick. All I can think of that could have made me sick is the cup of decaffeinated coffee I had last night. I have heard of people getting sick from caffeine, but decaf? Must be something else. X-S

I suppose I’d better go out to help Mom. Just about every day these last few months, we have had to thaw out our sewer pump-out. We think the pump must be sending just a trickle of water through the pipes, which freezes the pump-out pipes solid. Then we have to run garden hoses from the water heater in the basement out to the field to thaw it out. Stupid system. And it appears to be my turn. gnnnrrrrrr.

Oh, and tonight is Young People’s.

"Axtertope"

At lunch Esther was telling us about an animal (or “aminal”, as she says). It is called an “Axtertope” (don’t ask me how to spell that!), a ferocious animal that lives in “the woods”. The first place Esther ever saw one of these remarkable creatures was at the Zoo in Edmonton, she tells us. When questioned as to its features and characteristics, she described him as having “orns” fur, blue eyes like her own, and human ears, only hairy.

La Soif by William Bouguereau

Early Cosmetics Class

This afternoon I came upstairs for a drink, and saw Esther sitting on Mom's lap. When I went over to talk to her, I noticed something on her face. It was sort of pinker than her skin, and was smeared all over her forehead and nose. Then I looked a little closer. "Mom!" I said. "She has concealer all over her!" It turns out she got into my box in the bathroom and dug out my concealer stick when Mom was having a nap. Mom was mystified as to what the substance on Esther's dress, hands, and face was. I went and had a look, and sure enough, the concealer stick was turned all the way out, and the whole thing looked kind of mangled and smeary.
Conclusion: I think I need a padlock on my box. :-/

(i am thinking with ever-increasing anticipation of being in an all-adult house for a while. maybe i don't mean that. they are sweet when they're not being bad)

Nobody

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us -- don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know.

How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

-- Emily Dickinson

I picked up a set of these tins for my room at Alison and Fiona's place. I want to paint and decorate in these colours.

This is one of Rebecca's latest works of art - entitled "The Teacher".

nother qwiz

Pinkertonsnook: hey laura! thanks for visiting.... ok, lesse.... i will think of some questions for you..... hmmmmmm....... but you have to post em with ur answers on your blog!! ;-) :D hehehe...

1) What's ur favourite supper? (a description, plz, not "Pot Roast") ;-)

My favourite supper is Indonesian. It is Nasi Goreng (rice with spices, shrimp, and finely chopped vegetables) with Sateh (pieces of marinated chicken or pork broiled on skewers) and Pindah Saus (peanut sauce), and Gado Gado (slightly steamed vegetables), Atjar Tjampoer (pickled vegetables), and Kroepoek (fried shrimp crackers). Mom makes this for special occasions, and sometimes she also makes Bami Goreng (long flat noodles with shrimp, bean sprouts, and vegetables). For the more adventurous among us, there is also Sambal Oelek (red chili peppers ground with salt). Mmmmmmm.


2) As a child, what was your most-used imaginary/play name OR: What is your "dream name" (if you could choose any full name possible) :-)

I really don’t know. We used to play “house” or “wedding” or “school” a lot when I was a kid, and my name usually reflected what I was reading at the time (I was never noted for originality :-/).
I think I’m happy with my name, but there are lots of more beautiful/exotic names out there (just can’t think of any at the moment).


3) If one of your family members (or someone really close to you) was diagnosed with cancer would you shave your head or cut your hair to raise money to help them, or to make a wig?

definitely. (there might be a *sniffle* or two, though ;-))


4) Would you rather live: a] in a city, b] in a smaller town, c] on an acreage, d] out in the boondocks with loads of space, or e] on a sunny beach in a breezy lil house ;-)

my first choice out of the above would be e) a sunny beach in a breezy lil house. If that were not an option, I’d pick the city.


5) upon being presented with the opportunity to be a model (runway or otherwise) for a day, would you try it? :-}

oh yeah!

Love is . . .

The last three evenings our congregation has been having meetings with Mr. David Meengs, a missionary/teacher in India. He spoke mostly on conflict resolution, which is his field in India, where he counsels in churches and colleges. His organization, Biblical Counselling Trust of India, publishes a small magazine, the Biblical Counsellor, every ten days. He writes the English, and then his staff translates it into the various Indian languages.
He is a fascinating man doing fascinating work. Absolutely not your typical learned missionary.
Anyway, we have had several interesting evenings of his teaching. On Thursday, his topic was evangelism and Biblical hope, on Friday, repentance, anger, and forgiveness, and tonight, he spoke on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the passage on love.
One of the things that struck me most this evening was what he said on the part, "Love is kind." His definition of kindness was so broad, it's really opened my eyes. I'll try to reconstruct a bit from my notes.
Kindness is being sweet and gentle to others in the face of adversity and personal trouble. It is showing respect and honour for our neighbours. Kindness is being nice, the opposite of being nasty. The respect we must show to be kind is on a level with love itself (i.e. Eph. 5:33: "Each of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband"). Kindness is protecting others from outward danger, and rebuking them with love in private. Kindness is following the example of Jesus, who "will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets" (Is. 42:2).

Your ideal Middle-Earth parents are Aragorn and Arwen! They are the king and queen of Gondor, which makes you a prince or princess. Not too shabby, huh? Youll get to take over the kingdom someday. Look at you, all heir-to-the-throne-y! Oh, did I mention that you are gorgeous? Your Middle-Earth mama is practically a supermodel, while your Middle-Earth dad managed to turn heads at eighty-seven years old. You've hit the genetic lottery, my friend! Your last name is Telcontar and you live in the city of Minas Tirith.
Your Middle-Earth mama is Arwen Undomiel. She is an elf but gave up her immortality to be with your dad. If you do something bad she will probably lower her head in sorrow and shed a tear or two, which, although it may not be her intention, is major guilt tripping. Through Arwen you are related to Elrond and Celebrian (your grandfather and grandmother) and Celeborn and Galadriel (your great-grandparents). She is also a link to your uncles Elladan and Elrohir, who spoil you rotten.
Your Middle-Earth dad is Aragorn. Since he became king he has been going by King Elessar, but he has a lot of other names too. He is an amazing warrior and will teach you everything he knows. Some dads play football with their kids - your dad gave you your first sword at the age of three! Aragorn is the disciplinarian, and since your grandfather Elrond raised him he is very stern when necessary. Just behave yourself and you should be fine.

Which Lord of the Rings couple would be your dream parents? Pictures and longish answers.

February 21

will be my first day of college! I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be so different to be in school again; last time was in grade 4. I’m also looking forward to staying with Alison and Fiona. I have to go out there sometime and decorate the room they are kindly letting me use. I have no idea what colours or style to use right now. My room here at home is shades of blue and cream. Any ideas, folks? I only have to be in it for 6 months, so I could go nuts and do something I never would otherwise. :-)

Just before Hester's wedding