I want to start this blog with a big list of regrets
1) no pictures.
2) we did too many things and took too little pictures
3) the fact that I can hardly recall what we all did this semester because I have no pictures to jog my memory.
End of list of regrets
But here's a list of some good things I remember
1) Karaoke with our house
2) Purple van man
3) Sauble Beach!
4) dancing downtown
5) "what's new with you" England parties
6) free movies on demand thanks to Ally's LIES
7) Moppers!
8) Irish pubs
9) Sex jokes with the married friends
10) Wine and cheese party at the boy's house
11) Polka dot party
12) Under the Sea shabang
13) Tim's gig/ Allasaurus concert
14) Montanna's for drinks- just like old times
15) Waxing my legs with Robyn on the kitchen floor :) horrifying.
16) 'my heart will go on" on the Wii American Idol- (just for the record Robyn- I won. Nailed that last note)
17) LENNY! Our lobster prank that almost cost me my relationship
18) 2008 Tacky Sweater Christmas Party
19) Hike through Fall
20) Kuyper's Cafe: spellbound by Craig's genius
21) Zebra muscles ( that one was made up)
22) Firecracker prank on the boys front step.. gold.
23) GREAT meals with the house, and our adopted boys. (James, Ryan, Tim)
24) Sunday soup bonding hour. Priceless.
25) pillow fight in our underwears. aaaaaaaahahahhahhah
26) Trina took to sewing, cooking, mending, and cleaning house for pay. What a woman.
27) Robyn got a tattooooooooo!
28) suprise flowers from James (a personal highlight, in case you're interested)
29) cooking time with Robyn- always a reason to hit the "sauce" a little early :)
30) Half- made fort. I love forts.
31) BIG MAC AT 3 a.m, after forcing Trine to get up and drive us. Again, what a woman.
32) Getting woken up by James at 8 am, walking to Timmies for breakfast, and being there long enough to hit up lunch. Fantastic
33) Danielle's birthday. Which got a little out of hand, thanks to Ryan Geoffrey Gelense. But memorable nonetheless.
34) EXAM TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
35) you know the list is too long when Exams make "memorable moments"
The end.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
keeps me sharp
"I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but that I see everything by it"- C.S. Lewis.
Brilliant.
I'm in the middle of exams, and I am noticing something that I find fascinating. In all my classes- Ref Theo, Human Sexuality, Creative writing, Tolkien and Lewis, even Enviro 101-- the "christian myth" plays out.
I didn't say this was groundbreaking.
I simply said it was fascinating.
Of course, this is what a Christian university sets out to do, but it has only just begun to sink in that it's working. I am convinced.
I can hardly read anything anymore (let alone James' evolution textbook) without seeing God's fingerprints. He's in everything I read- whether the author is Christian, Jewish, or Atheist.
Lewis says,
"[God is] basic Fact or Actuality, the most concrete thing there is...too definite for the unavoidable vagueness of language and the source of all other facthood"
I find this a refreshing reminder when education tries to get the upper hand in the "fact" department. I also find it particularly helpful in an environment where subjectivity swirls around campus like it owns the place.
The truth is that there is a reality that goes beyond all predicate, a doctrine of objective value.
This is what governs our instincts, what provides the basis for our approval or disapproval of whatever it is we approve or disapprove of in the classroom.
It all points to an objective order, a Creator that has designed this world, a God who goes far above and beyond us and our limited faculties.
It amazes me that despite the diversity of topics my classes deal with, not one of these are exempt from that focal point of the gospel story. It is all-pervasive. It is the stone that sharpens my mind, keeps me alert, makes me ever aware of the story I am living in.
And now I should study.
Brilliant.
I'm in the middle of exams, and I am noticing something that I find fascinating. In all my classes- Ref Theo, Human Sexuality, Creative writing, Tolkien and Lewis, even Enviro 101-- the "christian myth" plays out.
I didn't say this was groundbreaking.
I simply said it was fascinating.
Of course, this is what a Christian university sets out to do, but it has only just begun to sink in that it's working. I am convinced.
I can hardly read anything anymore (let alone James' evolution textbook) without seeing God's fingerprints. He's in everything I read- whether the author is Christian, Jewish, or Atheist.
Lewis says,
"[God is] basic Fact or Actuality, the most concrete thing there is...too definite for the unavoidable vagueness of language and the source of all other facthood"
I find this a refreshing reminder when education tries to get the upper hand in the "fact" department. I also find it particularly helpful in an environment where subjectivity swirls around campus like it owns the place.
The truth is that there is a reality that goes beyond all predicate, a doctrine of objective value.
This is what governs our instincts, what provides the basis for our approval or disapproval of whatever it is we approve or disapprove of in the classroom.
It all points to an objective order, a Creator that has designed this world, a God who goes far above and beyond us and our limited faculties.
It amazes me that despite the diversity of topics my classes deal with, not one of these are exempt from that focal point of the gospel story. It is all-pervasive. It is the stone that sharpens my mind, keeps me alert, makes me ever aware of the story I am living in.
And now I should study.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
So I've recruited myself to the Guild in order to get work done. Only Tim and Jared were around today, and as much as I find them entertaining, I can zone them out quite easily in the office, which I've realized has all the essential elements for creating the perfect work environment.
1) It doesn't have a bed. Perfect
2) It has a big bay window that lets in loads of sunlight, which at least gives me the illusion that I am outside, enjoying the fluffy snow and sunshine
3) It overlooks the road. I'm not sure why, but I enjoy looking out at the constant activity
4) It's warm
5) It's Christmasy. James and I spent about an hour hanging lights, stockings, garland and snowflakes. With soft Christmas music playing, it's superb
These are the essentials. They may change with the season, but for now I can say that today was one productive day.
On top of that, I spent the evening with my family, then went to my grandparents to play Rummy Cub with my grandma and my cousin Janelle while James and Ryan discussed the finer points of theology for over two hours with my grandpa.
It's so easy to forget the due dates pressing around me when I'm home, or especially when I'm at my cousins for a sleepover and we've just finished watching the most beautiful love story between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blithe.
What else matters after that?
1) It doesn't have a bed. Perfect
2) It has a big bay window that lets in loads of sunlight, which at least gives me the illusion that I am outside, enjoying the fluffy snow and sunshine
3) It overlooks the road. I'm not sure why, but I enjoy looking out at the constant activity
4) It's warm
5) It's Christmasy. James and I spent about an hour hanging lights, stockings, garland and snowflakes. With soft Christmas music playing, it's superb
These are the essentials. They may change with the season, but for now I can say that today was one productive day.
On top of that, I spent the evening with my family, then went to my grandparents to play Rummy Cub with my grandma and my cousin Janelle while James and Ryan discussed the finer points of theology for over two hours with my grandpa.
It's so easy to forget the due dates pressing around me when I'm home, or especially when I'm at my cousins for a sleepover and we've just finished watching the most beautiful love story between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blithe.
What else matters after that?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Small things
Cinammon bread, Macintosh apples and hot apple cider. It's that time of year that I start to give Bennett's the attention it deserves, in appreciation of locally grown produce that still pumps out tasty treats, even in light of hail damage.
I really wanted to sit down and say something brilliant for once. Just give people a small taste of how educated I am. Cocky, I know, but the proud corners of my heart (or brain?) want to think that I have got something to say. Really.
But all that comes to mind are the mundane things around me that don't really matter, at least to other people.
Like my macintosh apple
Or a twenty three minute nap
Or a great sound track playing while I work
Or talking with Robyn about nothing at all around a kitchen table scattered with books and papers and coffee mugs while Ally is in the kitchen cooking up chicken pot pie for dinner.
Little details are too easy to write about, and they are too distracting. I get no work done in this place.
I really wanted to sit down and say something brilliant for once. Just give people a small taste of how educated I am. Cocky, I know, but the proud corners of my heart (or brain?) want to think that I have got something to say. Really.
But all that comes to mind are the mundane things around me that don't really matter, at least to other people.
Like my macintosh apple
Or a twenty three minute nap
Or a great sound track playing while I work
Or talking with Robyn about nothing at all around a kitchen table scattered with books and papers and coffee mugs while Ally is in the kitchen cooking up chicken pot pie for dinner.
Little details are too easy to write about, and they are too distracting. I get no work done in this place.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Quizznos
How is it November? In six weeks I'm in the clear, and into Christmas, and I'm just thinking I'd like to hit pause for a while to enjoy the sun. Today was incredible.
My dog Sampson has been adopted into my Hamilton home, and I have become his mom. He shadows me everywhere, like this big black fuzzy ball of fur with eyes- but then again, you can't even see his eyes, so he's just a black fuzzy ball. I love him.
Other than being a mom for the time being, I guess you could say I'm busy with school, but it's a vague sort of busy. I know I need to do things, but the dates are about as fuzzy as Sam. They too, shadow me everywhere. What an analogy.
This weekend was memorable. Friday night was not only Halloween, but Timot's chance to shine with his guitar at a coffee shop downtown.. He did well. In fact, he was amazing.
Then Brad and Evan turned the coffee shop atmosphere into a night club, which was equally as amazing. On Saturday we had our forever talked about wine and cheese formal party at the Guild. Girls in cocktail dresses, boys in suits, attempting to sound educated and refined over a glass of $9 dollar wine and some heated charades. Another good night.
Sunday brought James and I home to my lovely Lincoln region, and an amazing home-cooked meal. The nephews were delightful, particularly with James. At any rate, they're adorable.
My dad turned 48, and his nose and knees are still intact. I am amazed.
The cap-off of my memorable weekend ended with a big furry spider on the dash board of the car and a "visibly upset" James- to quote him directly. The situation was handled with calm maturity, while my cousin casually pulled to the side of the road and dropped a ten pound bag of dog food on the spider, crushing the spider before he could make his next move onto James' lap.
Phew.
As for life in general, I am learning. And I hope it keeps up, or else I'll never keep up with how much is always going on, how time just keeps on pressing on.
Well, time to study about air pollution, and acid rain. Quiz starts at 8 am. It's 10:30. You can understand why I'm procrastinating.
My dog Sampson has been adopted into my Hamilton home, and I have become his mom. He shadows me everywhere, like this big black fuzzy ball of fur with eyes- but then again, you can't even see his eyes, so he's just a black fuzzy ball. I love him.
Other than being a mom for the time being, I guess you could say I'm busy with school, but it's a vague sort of busy. I know I need to do things, but the dates are about as fuzzy as Sam. They too, shadow me everywhere. What an analogy.
This weekend was memorable. Friday night was not only Halloween, but Timot's chance to shine with his guitar at a coffee shop downtown.. He did well. In fact, he was amazing.
Then Brad and Evan turned the coffee shop atmosphere into a night club, which was equally as amazing. On Saturday we had our forever talked about wine and cheese formal party at the Guild. Girls in cocktail dresses, boys in suits, attempting to sound educated and refined over a glass of $9 dollar wine and some heated charades. Another good night.
Sunday brought James and I home to my lovely Lincoln region, and an amazing home-cooked meal. The nephews were delightful, particularly with James. At any rate, they're adorable.
My dad turned 48, and his nose and knees are still intact. I am amazed.
The cap-off of my memorable weekend ended with a big furry spider on the dash board of the car and a "visibly upset" James- to quote him directly. The situation was handled with calm maturity, while my cousin casually pulled to the side of the road and dropped a ten pound bag of dog food on the spider, crushing the spider before he could make his next move onto James' lap.
Phew.
As for life in general, I am learning. And I hope it keeps up, or else I'll never keep up with how much is always going on, how time just keeps on pressing on.
Well, time to study about air pollution, and acid rain. Quiz starts at 8 am. It's 10:30. You can understand why I'm procrastinating.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Purple Van Man
Note to all boys in the world that if they are trying to start a widespread panic in any girls house, they just need to make a phone call that says there is a creepy purple van, complete with creepy man, who is slowly cruising near the house. Thanks James.
I understand the concern one might have, if there is a suspicious looking van loitering on Springbrook, but honestly. Some people have 8:00 am class, and sleep doesn't look promising when news like that gets around. After the fits of shrieking and panic, and the occasional intentional scare from me and Robyn (sorry, but it had to be done) we hatched a game plan in case any crazy man did try to get into our place. Much to our embarrassment, it got as far as 'call the boys and tell them to come protect us'. Which is what we did, and what they did. I don't care what girls nowadays try and say- I'm happy to have men in this world that we can trust to keep us safe. This comforts me.
That was last night. Tonight we decided to bolt from the house for a while, and bond with the girls. Karaoke and bonding go hand in hand, and so we went to Boston Pizza (Wednesday is Karaoke night) and sang our hearts out. It was fantastic. On coming home- Ally led the way into the house, only to find the door wasn't closed when she pushed on it. Of course, this led us into our second house panic, and so I grabbed an old pair of crutches and we stalked through the house, checking bedrooms and spare rooms, and under the beds. On finding no crazy intruder, we had a celebratory dance party. And that is the brief update on the last two nights at our place. It's been fun.
I understand the concern one might have, if there is a suspicious looking van loitering on Springbrook, but honestly. Some people have 8:00 am class, and sleep doesn't look promising when news like that gets around. After the fits of shrieking and panic, and the occasional intentional scare from me and Robyn (sorry, but it had to be done) we hatched a game plan in case any crazy man did try to get into our place. Much to our embarrassment, it got as far as 'call the boys and tell them to come protect us'. Which is what we did, and what they did. I don't care what girls nowadays try and say- I'm happy to have men in this world that we can trust to keep us safe. This comforts me.
That was last night. Tonight we decided to bolt from the house for a while, and bond with the girls. Karaoke and bonding go hand in hand, and so we went to Boston Pizza (Wednesday is Karaoke night) and sang our hearts out. It was fantastic. On coming home- Ally led the way into the house, only to find the door wasn't closed when she pushed on it. Of course, this led us into our second house panic, and so I grabbed an old pair of crutches and we stalked through the house, checking bedrooms and spare rooms, and under the beds. On finding no crazy intruder, we had a celebratory dance party. And that is the brief update on the last two nights at our place. It's been fun.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
4th year. My final year. So far it has me hitting the soccer field for 2 hours a day- conveniently scheduled during dinner time, and suffering from what I assume to be caffeine withdrawal.
I have finally accepted the fact that I may indeed be hooked on coffee (thanks mom) and being back in the swing of school, and out of my home environment, I have not yet had the pleasure of a good home brew. This may explain the headaches.
But it is great to be back. Our home really is home. Clean, matching dishes, colourful flowers, new curtains, freshly baked zucchini muffins, teal walls, and pleasant company- I am truly in my element. The boys' house is not far off, being quite cozy as well, but definitely lacking a woman's touch. As it should be.
As for classes- I have mixed feelings. English, religion, creative writing= exciting! A three hour lab on water= blaah. This is mostly because I feel hugely out of my element taking a science course, when the last time I even considered something to do with chemistry was in high school.. before I dropped it to take a spare and work for my dad instead. Practical application has room for improvement.
In any case, we had our first soccer tourny this past Saturday- where I managed to squeeze in a goal before I pulled my quad and had to sit out for the rest of the day. But, muscles do heal, and I'm hoping mine gets its act together before Thursday (our first away game). Even more exciting than my quad is the fact that this Friday we are hosting an "under the sea" party. It looks promising.
Well, there's the quick update on life back at Redeemer.
I have finally accepted the fact that I may indeed be hooked on coffee (thanks mom) and being back in the swing of school, and out of my home environment, I have not yet had the pleasure of a good home brew. This may explain the headaches.
But it is great to be back. Our home really is home. Clean, matching dishes, colourful flowers, new curtains, freshly baked zucchini muffins, teal walls, and pleasant company- I am truly in my element. The boys' house is not far off, being quite cozy as well, but definitely lacking a woman's touch. As it should be.
As for classes- I have mixed feelings. English, religion, creative writing= exciting! A three hour lab on water= blaah. This is mostly because I feel hugely out of my element taking a science course, when the last time I even considered something to do with chemistry was in high school.. before I dropped it to take a spare and work for my dad instead. Practical application has room for improvement.
In any case, we had our first soccer tourny this past Saturday- where I managed to squeeze in a goal before I pulled my quad and had to sit out for the rest of the day. But, muscles do heal, and I'm hoping mine gets its act together before Thursday (our first away game). Even more exciting than my quad is the fact that this Friday we are hosting an "under the sea" party. It looks promising.
Well, there's the quick update on life back at Redeemer.
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