Bits and Bites

Some hump day bites and bites to get you through the week::

:: I woke up one morning, was walking up the stairs and saw this at the front door. I burst into laughter. The kind of laughter where snorting occurs, where tears are running down your face, and that has the world turning wondering what's going on. Although I was still half asleep I couldn't help but notice the array of foot wear that was at our front door- clearly Canada hasn't figured out which season we are in! Clogs for Fall, Ugs for Winter, Rain boots for Spring and flip flops for Summer- what a sight! Today I started wearing the flip flops but ended the day wearing Rain boots.

:: Although last week we had snow, this week we have ice cream trucks! I am amazed at how many people come dashing out of there homes flagging down the driver. I came running out with my camera. The idea is brilliant- who wouldn't want ice cream delivered right to there front door...however the idea is also CREEPY- driver in truck, luring children with the classic 'ice cream truck music'. I dont know...sometime before I head back to London I too will run out with my camera in one hand, but a $20 bill in the other (front door ice cream service is expense ya know)

 

:: I love Mini Eggs!! I don't think I can really describe my love for the chocolatey goodness wrapped in the crispy candy shell. The way they melt in your mouth. The satisfaction of only having one or two eggs, although you know you could really eat the whole bag. I dislike how they come out only 2 times a year (Easter and Christmas), but I think that builds up the excitement and allows me to indulge a little bit deeper. After some inspiration from a photograph Heather took at a baby shower, I too thought I would place my mini egg's in a wine glass--maybe then I would only eat one or two at a time in hopes they would last a little bit longer. Truth be told, they lasted a total of 10 minutes before every single milk chocolate crispy egg was in my belly! 

   

:: Let's continue on with the food theme because hey, why not? Monday night I made my first ever homemade burgers. My nieces Amanda, Morgan and I were contemplating what to have for dinner when I suggested we have burgers. It was a rainy cold day, and I wanted some BBQ foods so the little voice inside of me said 'burgers, you can make burgers'-- and well dude I can!  I make a pretty mean burger. The girls were even impressed!

:: Monday was also a spa day with the girls. While my sister is away on vacation, I spent a day with the girls and we pampered ourselves silly. We gave ourselves manicures, pedicures and facials, and made ourselves feel fabulous! It's always fun to pretend your in a high class spa living the dream.

   

   

:: Each Summer I am so blessed to have jobs that are near and dear to my heart. Where I wake up each morning excited for what the day is going to bring. Where I work with people who will change my life and bring out the best in me. Throughout High school I worked for the SALT (Student Adventure Leadership Team) and was a day camp counsellor to children within the community. I worked with fabulous campers and counsellors and spent the days singing, dancing, playing games and doing arts and crafts. My leadership abilities grew and my skills and tactics when working with numerous children grew tremendously. When working at Canadian Tire I was part of a team, part of community working towards a common goal. Communication skills were key, problem solving was important and throughout my 3 years at CT, I went to work feeling like I belonged to a family. Last Summer I was a child care provider to Alex- my little guy who opened my heart to the world of new possibilities. I learned how to really love and be carefree, I learned how appreciate the small things, and really celebrate life. With all of theses jobs I have learned, grown and discovered. I have had experiences that have shaped and mould me into the person that I am today. My job for Summer 2011 will be another to add to the list. This Summer I am a East Coast Site Staff for The Go Project. I will be working with a team, and groups of youth participating in mission and service in Halifax and St. John's. I know this experience will open more doors and provide experiences I never thought would be possible. Less than 55 days and I'll be off! I can't wait!

:: I'm officially done third year University!! Wait- I have 3, 150-word online postings to do tonight and I'll be done! I can't even believe that. The 'grown up' world is closer than ever.

Happy Hump Day!

Easter Weekend

I may be bias in saying this but my life is pretty amazing!

Yes I struggle. I fall down. I find myself suffering, and hear stories of tragedy and illness. There are times I feel worthless and lonely, low and sad. There are days where I am extremely forgetful and disorganized, mean and disheartening. I don't always wake up on the right side of the bed, or have the perfect words to say. My family fights, we argue and complain. I don't always get along with my siblings, and am not always a great friend.

But overall...I have nothing to complain about, my life is pretty amazing!

   

 After being away at school for the past 3 years coming home is always so nice. I feel so at peace when I walk in the doors at home. I like the feeling of going to sleep each night knowing my family is all tucked in their beds under the same roof. I enjoy the home cooked family meals and conversations we share around the dinner table and can't help but smile and think of my childhood when we're all snug in the car on a road trip.

yes; my life is pretty amazing!

This Easter weekend started off attending the Good Friday worship at church, and in the evening attending an upbeat youth service called the Swell. When I was a youth I thrived from the Swell and looked forward to going, and worshipping and visiting with friends. As I grew into a Young Adult I have continued to go to the Swell as I was reconnected with God, but often found myself searching for a connection with others. There have been so many times I have left feeling a loss in friendships, and questioning if I was the only Young Adult left who believed. However, this Swell was beyond anything I could imagine. There were TONS of young adults, lots of conversations, rekindling of friendships, and I left knowing I was not alone. I left connected with God, but also my peers.

   

 see; that's amazing!

My family all gathered to celebrate and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon together. We arrived at Rob and Patti, Joe and Jack's for a tasty lunch and then hung outside in the beautiful sunshine. We spent some time around their farm and then headed down to the cottage. The kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt, while we discussed the spring clean up that the cottage needs.  I find such joy in watching my young nieces and nephews play and enjoy one another's company. They are all growing up so fast, but the memories they will have of one another are forever. My niece Morgan and I spent some time down by the water, really feeling the warmth from the sun, and just being together. It was so fun to be there as a family, with no one around, and as the sun shone bright. Everyone was so happy, it was very much a carefree, stress free kind of day. A day of celebrating family. A day of celebrating Spring. A day of celebrating Easter.

   

   

   

 yes; my life is pretty amazing!

Although the forecast called for rain and grey skies it slowly turned into a weekend full of sunshine and glory. It's funny how the weather really symbolized what Easter was like for Jesus. On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified, he died on a cross for our sins. The day was dark and grey. It was full of mourning and death. He died for us to live. BUT on Easter Sunday he rose again. Christ has Risen! The sun came out and shone brightly. The weather warmed up. Glory be to God.

yes; that's pretty amazing!

Easter Sunday started off early...like 6:30am early... however was peaceful and relaxing. I started the day by enjoying the Easter Sunrise Service at the park, a homemade church breakfast and then regular church service at 10am. While at church I was connected with so many friends I haven't had the opportunity to see in such a long time, and was reminded that certain friendships will always be there- no matter how long we go without seeing or hearing from one another. In the afternoon Mom, and I, along with my nieces enjoyed a walk through our neighbourhood. It may have been the longest walk my nieces have ever experienced, but it was worth every minute of it.

   

  

see; my life is pretty amazing!

The Easter weekend was full of love and friendships, celebration and family. Flowers and bunnies, Jesus and chocolate, lots of food, tons of laughter, and a whole bunch of love.

...and that is pretty amazing!

Show Us Your Life- Show Us Your Church

Show us your life: Show us your church

   

Awhile back I participated in Kelly's blog 'Show us your Life' on family and introduced you to my family. I have continued to follow Kelly but during the rush of exams and final projects have not had time to post. On April 1st the theme was 'Show us your life: Show us your church' and since I didn't have time to participate then, I thought I would now. As we are in Holy Week, and enter into the Easter weekend I thought it would be appropriate to share with you, my beloved church.


All my life I have attended Riverside United Church. Mom and Dad were beginning to raise a family and they wanted a place of worship. They wanted a place where they could raise their children and a place where they could explore their faith. Mom had always belonged to the United Church and knew that's how she wanted to raise us. They hunted for churches until they came across Riverside...and when they walked in the doors they knew it was the one.


They knew it was the church they would call home. The place where we would grow as a family, explore our faith, and grow as children of God. Little did we know Riverside would turn into something so much more. Riverside turned into a second home. A home of family and friendships, laughter and growth. 

Riverside will always had such a special place in my heart. It is the place where I discovered who I am as a child of God, it is where my faith unravelled and where my heart sank a little bit deeper in love with God.

 

Riverside is the place where I confirmed my faith through the process of confirmation, where I confirmed that I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Riverside is the place where I have been able to ask questions and seek. Where I have been able to grow freely with no harsh judgements and where I can turn to mentors and saints for inspiration and renewal. 

 

Some of my dearest friendships started at Riverside and have expanded into so much more. Friendships that began while colouring pictures in Sunday School, or singing 'Jesus loves me'. Friendships that grew as we planned youth worships, fundraisers, or gathered for conversation and 'hang outs' in the youth room. Friendships that blossomed into love. That blossomed into the indescribable. 

Riverside has allowed me to get involved, and explore the wider church. Through Riverside I was introduced to Youth Forum, November Rally and February Freakout; all weekend long retreats for Christian youth. Throughout these weekends I was able to explore and deeper my faith with others, create friendships and built trust. I was able to sing and dance, laugh and scream and live my life with other youth like me. These weekends brought me to the title of 'President of London Conference Youth Forum' and later led me to national events at General Council in 2006 and 2009. Through the church I have been given many job opportunities through Day-camps, March Break and Christmas camps, Nursery coordinator, as well as my most recent summer job as a East Coast Site Staff for The Go Project. 


 
My ministers at Riverside have walked with me and allowed me to grow. They have supported me in my transitions, allowed me to reflect upon my faith journey, and helped me discover who I am as an individual, and child of God. I swear it is through Marilyn's compassion and guidance, love and grace that I have become the person I am today. 

I look forward to each time I walk through the doors of Riverside as I know that I will be greeted with a warm smile and embraced with a hug. I know when I walk in the door there is family who wants to know what I have been up with. There is always an ear for listening, a heart of love, a warm embrace, and shoulder to lean on. Riverside is a home, a place of worship, it is where I belong. 

~RUC is a diverse and inclusive Christian community. We are a mix of age and experience sharing our faith journey in a supportive and respectful environment, empowering us to be at work in the world~

Mysterious, magical, wondrous ways

It's Thursday April 14, 2011 and Im lying in bed crying. Balling my face of as I write this post. It's after midnight. The house is quiet and although I am exhausted, my mind is not settling. It's not allowing me to fall asleep. Like Mom had told me to do when I couldn't sleep, I went upstairs, warmed up some milk and enjoyed. But not really, because warm milk is disgusting and I have no idea why anyone would drink it, but Mom told me it would help put me to sleep. Clearly it's not. Im still awake. 

Tonight as I was winding down the night I went to read a blog I have followed for some time. I follow other blogs that make me laugh, and smile, think and question. I also follow other blogs that allow me grow deep with my relationship with God. That allow me to share my faith and pray with others. Kelly's blog is one. Kelly is christian, a wife, a mom of two beautiful girls, and a believer. She shares her blessings and celebrations and often has me growing deeper within my faith. Tonight she posted this video and ever since I've watched it that's all I've been thinking of.

I don't often share my religious feelings or insights on my blog because I honestly think people will judge and I'm scared for judgement and ridicule. I'm scared to be bashed in something I believe in, explore and live within my day-to-day life. But tonight. Tonight I am moved. Tonight God has me moved in mysterious ways. Mysterious, magical, wondrous ways.

As I listened and watched this video, the lyrics had me moved to tears. God was working within me.

‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near

It's hard being a University student, away from home, no easy access to a place of worship, or many friends that you are comfortable discussing religious topics. Mind you I am so blessed with 3 amazing housemates and friends who openly and freely share their hearts. But it's different. The way I worship, pray, and live my life as a Christian is different.

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

School can be stressful and there are so many times I just want to give up. I question God as to why I am putting myself through this. I raise concern and loose hope. Its hard. It is a lot of work. But I need to believe. I need to believe in myself. I need to believe in others. I need to believe in God. He is walking with me through this journey of academics, this journey of life.

I know God is near. I know He is with me every step of the way. Raindrops, teardrops or sleepless nights...God is near. God is good. God is working in mysterious, magical, and wondrous ways.

I haven't forgotten!

This blog is a part of me...and I miss writing. I miss freely saying what's on my mind and in my heart. I miss sharing the news of the world and exploring the many thoughts that are stirring within.

BUT
It's exam time. My time is spend studying, writing, eating and sleeping. My energy is low and my thoughts are all over the place. Right now I feel like this:

I have plans to go 'away' this weekend. Heading to Niagara Falls with my nieces and brother-in-law for a weekend of dance. Yes I was there this past week with the girls for our last outing of 3rd year- but this weekend will be different. The girls have a dance competition and my sister is away in Rome bitch so I get to hang out with the girls (and Hugh) for the weekend! She has put me in charge of hair, and assistance with makeup- we shall see how that goes- and making sure we are on time for everything- That I can handle!

Hopefully in between dance numbers or when the day is done I'll get the opportunity to share what's been going on.

Until then Im off to go crawl in my barrel and get some sleep! xo

Friday Nuggets

Here's some Friday nuggets to let you know what's been going on

:: Sunday March 27, 2011 Girlfriends and I went to hangout with our celebrity friends at the JUNOS! That's right, we took at road-trip to Oakville, took the Go Train to Toronto and enjoyed the night at the Juno's. Let me just say we were a tad bit excited!! It was my first time on The Go Train, we were seeing the red carpet, and breathing the same air as Drake! It was a fabulous night where we celebrated with celebrities on the amazing Canadian music!

     

     

 :: You know Spring has arrived by one thing: Tim Horton's Roll Up the Rim To Win! We might still have snow falling from the sky, and the tulips haven't bloomed, but the minute Timmies starts the RRROLL UP THE RIM TO WIN Canadian's know Spring is here! And look...I WON!

:: Jaclyn and I have done a couple back to back nights of going out lately. Here we are before we head to Bronwyn's goodbye party. It's hard to believe that graduation is here for some of our friends, and right around the corner for us. University has gone by so fast and I am still in shock that next year (2012) I'll be graduating!!! I feel so old saying this but where has time gone?

 :: Girl's getting old...I'm starting to dye my hair to hide the whites. That's right! WHITE HAIR! 21 years old! I've been oh so fortunate to have been passed down the gene's of white hair at such a young age. I starting getting white hair in grade 12, but didn't fully dye it until the summer going into 1st year of University. I've always gone to the salon to get it done, but shit, its pricey! So with a sale at the closest pharmacy and a trusted friend I dyed my hair at home for the first time. *and I can't even believe I'm sharing this with all of you! 

:: We celebrated our Career Services year yet again last night. We don't want the year to end. We don't want our team to part. We want to live in the moment forever. But sadly life doesn't let us do that, so we are sucking as much marrow as possible to enjoy our last sweet time together as a team. It's funny how at the beginning of the year I was so nervous to work with people I didn't know, who are all different ages, and in different programs...and within 8 months we've turned into this little family. This little family of laughter, love, support and friendship. I love you guys! You're the best, and just remember it's never goodbye- it's 'see you soon!'

:: Stay tuned for a cool project I've been working on. Inspired by Adeye and Jill and then discovered through a promotion.  I am, We are, beautiful! 

     

:: It's Friday and I have never been happier to say that loud and clear: TGIF!!! This week has been busy and this upcoming week is even busier...but today, today is Friday. Friday's bring hope for the weekend, and a promise of rest and relaxation.

Cheers for the weekend friends!