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. :-/ )