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
26 January 2005
20 January 2005
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.
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.
19 January 2005
18 January 2005
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)
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)
17 January 2005
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
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
15 January 2005
14 January 2005
13 January 2005
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!
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!
08 January 2005
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).
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.
05 January 2005
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. :-)
04 January 2005
06 November 2004
Ramblings
Sorry this was supposed to be posted on Wednesday. For some reason I wasn't able to log on to blogger until today. Anyway, I didn't want to waste it, so here you go.
I’m working downstairs in my bedroom, where the computer my boss is letting me use is set up. It sure is different being home all day. Upstairs I can hear Rebecca and Esther tearing through the house making their usual joyous noise. Esther must be pushing the doll stroller, from the racket. But if I keep the door shut, I’m not interrupted.
Today is Wednesday, which means piano lessons for Emily and Rosemary. Mom went along today to pick up some supplies for preschool, which is at our house today. The came back at lunch, and now they are all getting ready for the kids to come. I’ve never been home on a preschool day before, so I think I might slip upstairs later and check it out. The dogs are barking now; someone must be bringing their kids. Last night we all tried our hands at making monkey masks for the skit the preschoolers are doing for the Harvest Supper on Friday. I’ll make sure to go up and watch them practice that at least.
Tonight I have to go out too. I learned Corel WordPerfect inside out while working at Inheritance, but in future I will be using Microsoft Word more, so I’m taking a course in Westlock at the Adult Learning Centre. Probably get back kind of late tonight, depending on the roads.
Break’s over. I suppose I should finish this off and go back to Second Samuel.
I’m working downstairs in my bedroom, where the computer my boss is letting me use is set up. It sure is different being home all day. Upstairs I can hear Rebecca and Esther tearing through the house making their usual joyous noise. Esther must be pushing the doll stroller, from the racket. But if I keep the door shut, I’m not interrupted.
Today is Wednesday, which means piano lessons for Emily and Rosemary. Mom went along today to pick up some supplies for preschool, which is at our house today. The came back at lunch, and now they are all getting ready for the kids to come. I’ve never been home on a preschool day before, so I think I might slip upstairs later and check it out. The dogs are barking now; someone must be bringing their kids. Last night we all tried our hands at making monkey masks for the skit the preschoolers are doing for the Harvest Supper on Friday. I’ll make sure to go up and watch them practice that at least.
Tonight I have to go out too. I learned Corel WordPerfect inside out while working at Inheritance, but in future I will be using Microsoft Word more, so I’m taking a course in Westlock at the Adult Learning Centre. Probably get back kind of late tonight, depending on the roads.
Break’s over. I suppose I should finish this off and go back to Second Samuel.
02 November 2004
Short People by Randy Newman
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
To live
They got little hands
And little eyes
And they walk around
Tellin’ great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
Well, I don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
’Round here
Short people are just the same
As you and I
(A fool such as I)
All men are brothers
Until the day they die
(It’s a wonderful world)
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
To love
They got little baby legs
And they stand so low
You got to pick ’em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars
That go beep, beep, beep
They got little voices
Goin’ peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They’re gonna get you every time
Well, I don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
’Round here
Short people got no reason
Short people got no reason
To live
They got little hands
And little eyes
And they walk around
Tellin’ great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
Well, I don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
’Round here
Short people are just the same
As you and I
(A fool such as I)
All men are brothers
Until the day they die
(It’s a wonderful world)
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
Short people got nobody
To love
They got little baby legs
And they stand so low
You got to pick ’em up
Just to say hello
They got little cars
That go beep, beep, beep
They got little voices
Goin’ peep, peep, peep
They got grubby little fingers
And dirty little minds
They’re gonna get you every time
Well, I don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
Don’t want no short people
’Round here
31 October 2004
Just an update for those who are interested.
I went to a lung specialist in Edmonton on Wednesday. The doctor examined me and all of the x-rays, and in short, told me that I'm OK. He said I have 39% more of a chance of having my lung collapse again for the next year, but didn't give me many restrictions as to activities or exercise. Apparently this happens spontaneously to tall thin people. Anyway, I'm just thankful it wasn't any more serious.
Because I'm still pretty tired and get winded easily, I'm only working behind the computer at the moment, no lifting of boxes of books or packing or anything. So my boss offered to let me to use one of his computers to work at home for the time being. That starts tomorrow.
On another note, on Wednesday I also went to the college in Spruce Grove and registered. Now I am officially going!
Because I'm still pretty tired and get winded easily, I'm only working behind the computer at the moment, no lifting of boxes of books or packing or anything. So my boss offered to let me to use one of his computers to work at home for the time being. That starts tomorrow.
On another note, on Wednesday I also went to the college in Spruce Grove and registered. Now I am officially going!
Sibling Sillies
Last night we had hamburgers for supper, our usual Saturday night fare. Esther (3) still has trouble pronouncing "hamburger". That reminded me of what Rebecca used to call them when she was little: "hammagers". Once I said to her, "Becca, it's ham-BUR-gers." She tried valiantly to say it right, and ended up with, "Hammagerbers."
20 October 2004
A quiz. How unique.
1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE,WHERE WOULD IT BE?
In the English countryside, a nice little Tudor-style cottage with gardens all around.
2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
right now that would have to be fleece pjs and warm socks :-)
3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
Michael Card – The Ancient Faith
4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
As late as possible! I have to be at work by 8:00, so 7:00 is (squeaking it) fine.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
um … kitchen appliance? I don’t have to time to use one. I think my favourite would be mom’s K-tech Kitchen Champ 12-in-1 machine if I did.
6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I play flute and piano. I’ve always wanted to learn violin, but never had the opportunity or money.
7. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
definitely sports car. I like vintage Corvettes and new Ferraris
8. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE?
“…Good place and bad place / And which place choose you?”
9. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?A tossup between Love Me Forever or Doctor Suess stories…
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Summer *shiver*
11. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
an unfailing memory and knowledge of everything. That was two, but while we’re at it anyways…
12. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
lol do you know my dad?
13. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
nope, not unless you count multi-tasking in the car. I can drive my standard, talk on the phone, chew gum, and apply lip gloss at once.
14. THE ONE PERSON/PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
My Oma Hoff. She had a stroke last year and can’t communicate or understand clearly anymore. Now I wish I had made the most of our few visits and talked to her more.
15. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
At the moment, any day that’s not a work day. :-/
16. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
Two full water jugs, flat tire from Friday in the city, car jack, red fleece emergency blanket, extra gloves and socks, and two loose speakers.
17. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
never having tried/intending to try sushi (raw meat is from the cave-man era!) I would have to say hamburger. Now there are many ways to cook hamburger. My favourite is with Dutch gehakt kruiden rolled into meatballs and fried, with gravy. Ummmmmm.
18. FROM THE PEOPLE WHO WILL SEE THIS, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?I have no idea how well (or un)-known this blog is, so your guess is as good as mine.
19. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
those who never read it :-p
20. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM?
I stole it from Bethany’s blog, without her knowledge. I’m too lazy to write and ask. I don’t know if she even knows who I am. :-) (sorry Bethany!)
21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
white rose. But if I ever see a rose the colour of blue flax, that would be my flower.
22. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?Thanksgiving dinner. Really, I dunno. I eat whatever mom plunks in front of me. Otherwise I would have to say an Indonesian dish, such as nasi goereng or bami with pinda saus and saute and atjar tjampoer and lots of steamed vegetables.
In the English countryside, a nice little Tudor-style cottage with gardens all around.
2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?
right now that would have to be fleece pjs and warm socks :-)
3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?
Michael Card – The Ancient Faith
4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?
As late as possible! I have to be at work by 8:00, so 7:00 is (squeaking it) fine.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?
um … kitchen appliance? I don’t have to time to use one. I think my favourite would be mom’s K-tech Kitchen Champ 12-in-1 machine if I did.
6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I play flute and piano. I’ve always wanted to learn violin, but never had the opportunity or money.
7. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?
definitely sports car. I like vintage Corvettes and new Ferraris
8. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE?
“…Good place and bad place / And which place choose you?”
9. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?A tossup between Love Me Forever or Doctor Suess stories…
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?
Summer *shiver*
11. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
an unfailing memory and knowledge of everything. That was two, but while we’re at it anyways…
12. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?
lol do you know my dad?
13. CAN YOU JUGGLE?
nope, not unless you count multi-tasking in the car. I can drive my standard, talk on the phone, chew gum, and apply lip gloss at once.
14. THE ONE PERSON/PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?
My Oma Hoff. She had a stroke last year and can’t communicate or understand clearly anymore. Now I wish I had made the most of our few visits and talked to her more.
15. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?
At the moment, any day that’s not a work day. :-/
16. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?
Two full water jugs, flat tire from Friday in the city, car jack, red fleece emergency blanket, extra gloves and socks, and two loose speakers.
17. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?
never having tried/intending to try sushi (raw meat is from the cave-man era!) I would have to say hamburger. Now there are many ways to cook hamburger. My favourite is with Dutch gehakt kruiden rolled into meatballs and fried, with gravy. Ummmmmm.
18. FROM THE PEOPLE WHO WILL SEE THIS, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST?I have no idea how well (or un)-known this blog is, so your guess is as good as mine.
19. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
those who never read it :-p
20. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM?
I stole it from Bethany’s blog, without her knowledge. I’m too lazy to write and ask. I don’t know if she even knows who I am. :-) (sorry Bethany!)
21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?
white rose. But if I ever see a rose the colour of blue flax, that would be my flower.
22. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?Thanksgiving dinner. Really, I dunno. I eat whatever mom plunks in front of me. Otherwise I would have to say an Indonesian dish, such as nasi goereng or bami with pinda saus and saute and atjar tjampoer and lots of steamed vegetables.
03 October 2004
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