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!
27 February 2005
23 February 2005
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.
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.
20 February 2005
[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.
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.
18 February 2005
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.
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.
17 February 2005
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."
14 February 2005
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".
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".
13 February 2005
12 February 2005
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
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
09 February 2005
08 February 2005
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
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
04 February 2005
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.
02 February 2005
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.
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.
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