Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hello, 2010!

Date: December 31, 2010
Location: Auntie Deb's Living Room
Listening to: Cowgirl In The Sand - City and Colour

End of a year, end of a decade... how cool is that!

Everyone knows, as I even stated in my last end of the year post, I LOVE the end of the year. I love the reflecting, Growing and self discovery that comes with the closing of one year and starting of another. I love it all.

This year has been pretty incredible, not gunna lie! I've been so blessed, and grown in a lot of ways. From graduation, to engagment, and from moving and starting new things, to celebrating life, love and God's ever-fathful love... It's been good.

2009 held:
- Abby being born
- Graduation
- Certifications
- Moving
- Becoming Engaged
- Road trips
- Licensing
- Wedding Dresses
- Wedding Planning
- New Gadgets
- New Friends
- New Jobs
- New Plans
- Continuous growing
- And new experiences....

And of course, pretty much every one knows that 2010 contains even BETTER things for me, such as:
- MY WEDDING
- Brandon's hopeful military entrance
- Tattoos
- Wedding planning
- Abby's 1st Birthday
- Honeymoon
- Setting up home with my man
- Gods continuous love, support, lessons and tests
- New friends
- New places
- And soo many more.....

So I am so incredibly excited to see whats going to happen, going to come, and what God is going to do!

Happy New Year!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Stuck in Edmonton

Date: December 28th, 2009
Location: Holiday Inn Express, Nisku (Edmonton)
Listening to: Working Class Hero - John Lennon

Ahhh!!!!

So, heres the run-down on the trip so far.

We left Cold Lake, yesterday morning at 6:00 am on the Military bus
We got to the airport at roughly 10:00 am and were told that they almost wouldn't let us in because the prime minister was coming in. We had 4 1/2 minutes to get off the bus and into the airport.
Our plane originally was delayed by an hour.
Then it got delayed by 4
Then 8
Then it was delayed and re-routed because of Fog
Then it FINALLY Landed
Then it was broken!
Then it was so broken that it wouldn't be fixed at all that night so we had to find a hotel.

Now, we are booked on another flight set to leave at 9:40 and arrive in Comox at 12:25.

Pray, pray, pray!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Hello blogging world!

Date: December 27, 2009
Location: A Little Charter Airport, Edmonton
Listening to: Dance in the Dark - Lady Gaga

Yeah, yeah... it's been a while. (as my mom so lovingly reminded me =p)

Currently, I am sitting in an airport waiting for my flight back home, which should leave in another 2 1/2 hours, making this the perfect time to update my blog.

Life in Cold lake is going on as usual, it's busy, boring and stressful all at the same time.
Work has kept me on my feet, I worked closing shifts for the 8 days leading up to Christmas, leaving very little time to breathe. Plus, my wedding dress came in, so I picked that up.

Christmas was great! it was kind of nice to have just our family for Christmas, it was very quiet. I spent the entire day doing nothing, followed by an immaculate turkey dinner. I got tons of stuff, I was very spoiled (list at the end of the blog) Brandon and I's 2 year Anniversary was yesterday, and that was fun. Brandon made me breakfast in bed (a phenomenal mango, peach smoothie) complete with a card and roses, which were fake and lovingly picked as pretty much everything in Cold Lake is closed on boxing day. Then we met up with some friends for coffee. Our day was concluded with a dinner at BP, some shopping at Walmart and some cuddling on the couch while we watched Public Enemies (Brandon got it for Christmas)

And now, as I previously stated, I am sitting in the airport... waiting to go HOME! Funny thing, When we got here... there were a bunch of people walking around with headsets and black jackets and Campbell was laughing, saying they looked like some sorta special agents, only to find out 2 minutes later that they almost would not let us in because the prime minister was landing,... and those guys WERE special agents! HOW COOL IS THAT!? I was pretty stoked.


All in all, past couple weeks... pretty chaotic. BUT... I am very glad to be coming home!


As promised, the CHRISTMAS list:
- iPod touch, 32 gb, 3rd Gen
- iPod Case, purple AND eco-friendly
- Mac mighty mouse
- OPI nail polish
- Knock-Off, Purple, Louis Vuitton Wallet
- Jack accessories
- Season 4 of the OC (Brandon got season 3, plus seasons 6 and 7 of Two and A Half Men)
- Nancy Drew Video game
- Panties
- The Cutest ring
- Belly button rings
- Perfume
- Candy
- Sheets
- Lots of other stuff....

Pretty much a phenomenal Christmas!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Man, am I blessed.


Yeah, you heard it... Blessed.

I don't mean to brag... but I cannot help but write an entire post to let you all know how great PHENOMENAL my God is and how he has blessed me.

Let me just tell you... This entire move, y'know the one to Cold lake, has been REALLY REALLY hard. But I am here now, and it has brought some pretty cool things into my family and Brandon and I's lives.
For Instance:

Our really cool new church: CLCC will definitely never replace foursquare for me, or for my family, but the people and the church as a whole have really opened their hearts and arms to us, and it's been really neat! I'm going to be playing on the worship team, and my very first practice with the team will be on the 3rd of December (I play on the 6th)... Plus, and this is really cool.. They are a Mac network and have a DEBIT MACHINE for TITHE! HOW COOL IS THAT!?!

Of course this is not the most important thing ever, but very neat in my books!

The Military: Yes, This is cool... Both my Momma and Brandon are in the process of joining the military and BOTH of them have their interview BOOKED! My Mom's is the 10th of this month, and Brandon's is on the 19th! This is so huge for us as a family so please be praying for both of them as they embark on these interviews. (&& Wouldn't it be so fun if Mom and Brandon ended up in basic together? I think so! )

My Piano: Yeah, My new piano teacher is pretty phenomenal. Don't get me wrong, Alissa was amazing! however the new techniques and skills that I am learning from this new teacher are great! Not to mention, I have the most amazing new Chopin piece (In the playlist) that is KILLING me. But it is SO GOOD! Needless to say, I'm learning a lot.

My Parents: They do a lot for me. I can't even begin on how amazing they have been and how much they have blessed me... they are phenomenal people

My Fiance: GAH! He's so amazing. I love that Man so much, he's been here through so much and even though he forgets little things.. at the end of the day he is still my VERY best friend.

And then of course there is all the other things that have been blessings to me, like:

My Amazing Car, Pumbaa.. Sometimes I don't give him or my Dad enough credit! But Pumbaa always gets me where I need to go, he's been good on gas, has a working heater (that did not work, but now will never shut off) and STILL hasn't died, Despite having 358,000 + Km on him. (although, That is mainly down to my amazing Daddy who always takes time out of his day to look at him and fix him when need be )

My Job: Being able to pay my bills is such a blessing...

The weather: although we've had snow and Ice, it's seemed to break it all up with these gorgeous sunny days.

My Health: It hasn't Gone on me yet! Despite spending most of my time around sick people and handling money.


So yes, It's pretty hard to see EXACTLY how blessed I am... But I hope this gives you just a small taste. My God is SO good.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Loves..

Who wants to know some of my little obsessions and loves right now, purely for the sake of my boredom...?

Well, you started reading, so you might as well finish...

Here are some things I am absolutely adoring right now (Both superficial, and not so much...) :
- Passionate Worship
- Kim Walker
- Real People
- Acoustic Guitar
- Nature Valley Honey Almond Bars
- Macintosh Apples
- Driving
- Rain
- Retro music
- Scarfs
- My MacBook Sally
- My Cell, Edgar 2.0
- VitaminWater: Essential
- Sephora Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 15 (Fair)
- Peppermint Tea
- Microsoft Word
- Work
- Scrubs (Y'know the Doctors ones...)
- Dreaming
- Dallas Green's Voice
- Prayer
- Starbucks "Coffee" Dates With Candace
- Starbucks VIA Ready Brew
- Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Nail Polish
- Texts =]
- CO Bigelow Menthashine Lipgloss in Spearmint





Well, The list could go on forever, but right now... that's probably all you readers have the patience for! Haha, Anyways, I'm off to bed! Goodnight world!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Hold your own...


Have you ever had one of those songs, moments, smell or times where everything just feels so surreal? Like a song that takes you back to everything you know... or calms you right down, no matter what. I think that's what I love so much about music, and certain songs in particular, it is capable of slowing down even the busiest people and allowing them to relax and reminisce.

For me right now, that song is "Details in the Fabric" by Jason Mraz.
It reminds me of all the places, strength and things I miss back home, but it also reminds me of everything to come for me, both here in Cold Lake and in life in general.

So as I'm sitting here, listening to my song, painting my nails and smiling to myself, I am so reminded of all the things God has blessed me with. Cold Lake is turning out to be less and less terrible every day. Don't get me wrong. It's NOT my home. But i'm coming to realize more and more that I have a purpose here and I cannot let my personal feelings and hang-ups interrupt what God wants to do through me.

That being said, I think i'm joining the worship team here! Isn't that sweet!?
I havent played with a worship team since the 5th of August.... and I don't think I even need to tell you how much I miss it. Worship is a bit different here, but God's going to do some wicked cool stuff. Period.

I'm sure I'll be posting more on here as the winter drags on, but for now I'm one busy girl.
Thanks for reading!

"Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're shocked it's just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.

Yeah everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything

Hold your own
And know your name
And go your own way."

Saturday, September 5, 2009

I'm pretty stoked about now...

I just found out THERE IS A STARBUCKS IN BONNYVILLE...

Also... I love my job, just sayin'

Monday, August 31, 2009

17, Engagement and Shopping.

I'M FREAKING ENGAGED!!!!!!

kay, now that, that is out of the way...
It's been so, so long since i've been able to post on here.

We now have internet at the house, but that actually doesn't help me at all because i'm in EDMONTON, for a shopping week!!!! Hallelujah. and I am so blessed because I have been able to buy myself lots of nice goodies in the past couple weeks both during our trip or our shopping trip this week.
Including:
-lulu lemon pants
-lulu lemon water bottle (and headbands)
-Volcom goodies
-Camera bag
-Scarf
-Shoes (Puma and DC)
-Clothes
-LOTS OOF STARBUCKS..

Basically it's been phenomenal. =]

I have a job now, by the way I'm a cashier and cash room girl for No Frills (kinda like Extra foods) Brandon also got a job working for Canadian tire as a promotional guy.

My seventeenth birthday was phenomenal, I got a CAR (Pumbaa), two and a half men season 2 , and a ring... not to mention Engaged!
YES
ENGAGED
I'm am 17, and engaged... and it's kinda fun!

Don't get me wrong, it's really weird... and kind of nerve racking to know that I am stepping into something so huge, so young. But it's so cool to be able to plan, think, dream and imagine what it's all going to be like. There is a lot of thoughts running through my head and a lot of questions that i'm asking myself, my parents, my fiance, and my friends. It's all very exciting... So please be praying for us as we step into this new journey together.


I'M GETTING MARRIED, IM GETTING MARRIED!

Pictures to come... obviously.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Courtenay, BC to Cold Lake, AB

I apologize for this blog taking so long. It's been pretty chaotic around since we got here. We've been in Cold Lake for 4 days and so far.... I'm kind of liking it. I don't love it... and Courtenay will always be home... but I am enjoying myself.

Our trip here was rather uneventful... Pumbaa made it here okay! In fact he is running better than ever...
The 9th: we stopped in Kelowna for a phenomenal family dinner...
10th: We stopped in EDMONTON! Heck yes.. We didn't do any shopping because we arrived after the mall closed... but we stayed in the fantasy land hotel and it was incredibly exciting.
11th: Shopping DAY!!! I got so much stuff... I was so blessed to be able to spend as much as I was. It was pretty much the most i've spent on myself since January. I'll include my purchases at the bottom of this blog for those who are curious. It was pretty much the best day of the trip. Shopping, Coffee with CAITLYN and Aaron.. andddd Julie & Julia with Mom.
12th: Galaxy Land, more shopping and finally Cold lake. Needless to say, we were pretty grateful to just be done with the traveling.

Now, our new home is coming together quickly. We are almost completed the living level un-pack. but the basement and definitely my bedroom are still in the process of unpacking. I guess now we're in the process of settling in and figuring things out.

I've had my license switched over and have been doing any and all driving possible ( I'm allowed to drive with Brandon now, he's 18 so he's an adult here)
My road test is booked for the 8th of September. Be praying for me cause it will be nerve racking.
Tomorrow I phone my new piano teacher. AH!
We also get our gym memberships and such tomorrow.
I'm also looking for a job now? I want WALMART... but of course we'll see!
I guess this is all really scattered.. but that's kind of my thoughts right now.


Tomorrow is Daddy's Birthday! So Happy Birthday Daddy... I love you!

When I get internet at my house, there WILL be pictures =]

Til then

Monday, July 27, 2009

Moving Day is Coming Soon, Coming Soon, Coming Soon....

Did anyone else sing that title to the tune of "The wheels on the bus go round and round"?
Haha Anyways, It's pretty much here already, I'm so booked up it is both terrible and fabulous!
Our official moving day is the 9th of August... But Seriously my week is pretty chaotic. Example:

27th - Monday: Brandon's Driving Exam,
Moving stuff from Brandon's house, and
Cleaning my bedroom.
28th - Tuesday: Cleaning and Work at 4:00
29th - Wednesday: Work(all day)
30th - Thursday: Work at 4, Brandon Gone
31st - Friday: Cleaning
1st - Saturday: Work
2nd - Sunday: Work, Church, BBQ
3rd - Monday: Visiting Brandon's Parents, Packing Day
4th - Tuesday: Maybe BBQ?
5th - Wednesday: Packing Day
6th - Thursday: Packing Day
7th - Friday: Loading Day, Moving Auntie Deb
8th - Saturday: Moving and Pacing Auntie Deb, Cleaning
9th - Sunday: Traveling Day, Kelowna
10th - Monday: Kelowna to Edmonton
11th - Tuesday: Edmonton Mall
12th - Wednesday: Edmonton Mall
13th - Thursday:Cold Lake.

Needless to say, The Olmsteads+1 are going to be incredibly these next few weeks.
Please keep us in your prayers. Both for energy and excitement!



Monday, July 20, 2009

Sumertime


Well, It's clearly summer as my blogging has dropped to an all time low... no posts in a month!
I guess thats cause i've been out enjoying the summer annddd working non-stop. But lets be honest here, I love it.

So I guess a very brief update:

Graduation 09: Grad was phenomenal. It was so rad to have a normal grad like everyone else. Everyone just hung out like we were all tight. It was great! my hair was amazing and my parents definitely made my graduation special!


Piano: Some of you still may not know it... but I PASSED MY GRADE 8 EXAM! Yay! Haha, and for anyone whom I haven't explained this too... sometime last year I also had taken a Grade 2 theory rudiments exam and that exam paired with the one I just passed means I am officially allowed to teach RCM up to grade 3. I'm really excited. I'm also playing again after my month long fiesta for my flaring tendonitis. My wrists feel much better.... but i'm thinking about picking up some homeopathy before we leave.

Moving: Moving has been intense. We have 19 more days until we leave and it truly has been a complete gong show. Leaving is going to suck so bad even though I'm really excited about the change. I just want everything to be done and over with. It's hectic. We are still praying to upgrade to an even nicer PMQ but we won't know it's availability until the 25th. Here's hoping.


Work: IS AMAZING! It's totally picked up and I love my bosses and Bella and Benj are the cutest things. I'm going to miss them so much when I leave.

Aside from all of that. Graduated life is weird. Kinda boring in fact.... I've been spending any and all of my free time at my favorite spots of the island ... Although I'm excited to have the pace pick up when we move.
This Sunday Brandon and I went down to Nanaimo to see all of hios faveorite places and spots growing up. That was fun! Had some good food. Went on some walks. Got amazing deals at the Gap! and even went over to Newcastle.

All in all... I've been working, hanging out, packing, and taking every oppertunity to got out with my camera. I have been having A LOT of fun.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

A Couple Things....


So today was pretty much amazing.

Happy Father's Day to all the guys out there who are Daddy's, however mine still beats you all.
=]

Today was Dad-Fest. Basically a huge party at Airforce beach for all the Dad's and their families... or a fantastic day sprawling out at the beach.

I spent most of my day on the beach, lounging walking and taking pictures and then it was time to come home for my Family Graduation party!
We ate Steak, sautéed mushrooms and onion, new potatoes and broccoli. Yum. and then.... PRESENT TIME!

Needless to say, my family is amazing. I got:

- A twisted two-toned gold bracelet from my aunt and uncle.
- A knock-off LV that I have waned fro a very long time from my Nana and Papa
AND
-My Sony A350k DSLR, I still haven't named her yet

IT IS PHENOMENAL.


I LOVE IT.
So Excited to use it at Grad.

Friday, June 19, 2009

♪ So Yesterday...


Well, I guess this blog really marks a close to one chapter of my life.
I am now, un-officially of course, a graduate of the Province or British Columbia.

It's so crazy to think back to the end of grade nine, when I was praying really decided I was going to do this; when I decided was going to take on the task of Graduating a year early. I don't think it even has hit me that I've graduated yet. It's SO weird. God's done some pretty incredible thing in me through my two years of high-school but I'm so read to start living in this next chapter.

I'm really going to take my time and enjoy it too. Learn to be content y'know? There is no rush now, no deadlines holding me back. The rest of my life is God's to lead and it isn't restricted by school any longer. Not to say I didn't love school and God couldn't have used me then, because all of that is possible too.... however, life feels so much less restricting now.

So on with the future!

This week my schedule looks something like this:
20th - Clean my room, practice piano, work (4:00)
21st- FATHER'S DAY, Church (10:00),Practice Piano/scales, Family Father's Day/Madison Graduation Dinner (5:00ish)
22nd - Grade 8 Piano Exam (10:10)
24th - Youth Group (5:30-9:30)
25th - Pack for Graduation, Prep make-up, Mock hair?
26th - GRADUATION 2009! Hair, Make-up, Head to Langley, Grad Cap and Gowns, Commencement, Group shot, Photos, Grad Dinner, maybe Grad party?
27th - Head home, Sleep!
28th - Church (10:00 or 5:30), Grad Celebration with Brandon =]

Pretty Excited for everything coming up, going to be phenomenal.


YAY, GRADUATES OF 2009



Saturday, June 13, 2009

Oh boy....

So Last night.... was freaking sweet! Best night I've had in a while.
Yesterday in itself was pretty good to My checklist was completed..
- Finish English 12
- Go Swimming
- Feed the boys
- Tidy the house
- Go to the Volunteer banquet

Anyways, Seeing as I'm at home with my brother's and can't really get out of the house.. Sam, Chels and Russel Headed over here to play =]

We watched the Uninvited....My uncles in it! But it was also a good movie.
I let my brothers stay up way to late. What a good sister I am

=\

For school, I have:
- 5.5 Comp Civ assignments
- Chemistry Final
-English Provincial

Heck Yes.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Book List UPDATE!

So, I got more of my books... and I've even read a few. I'm so excited for summer simply so I can read!

SeriesDiary of A Teenage Girl: Sold Out by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Road Trip by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Face The Music by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Caitlyn by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: It's My Life by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Who I am by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: On My Own by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: I Do by Melody Carlson*


Books
A Midsummernights Dream by Shakespeare
CrazyLove: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
The Irresistable Revolution : Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne
Wired: for a life of worship by Louie Gigilo
Notes From a Spinning Planet: Ireland by Melody Carlson
Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
Crystal Lies by Melody Carlson
Not For Sale by David Batstone
Day by Elie Wiesel
East Of Eden by John Steinbeck
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler (In English)
Poolside Book by Various*
Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself by Alan Alda
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned by Alan Alda
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor: Bad Connection by Melody CarlsonThe Secret Life of Samantha McGregor: Beyond Reach by Meldoy Calrson
Othello by Shakespeare


Books I've Read:
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: My Name Is Chole by Melody Carlson*
The Beach Book by Various*
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler*
Macbeth by Shakespeare*
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller*
(* I Have these ones)

Two Down... 5 more to go...

Well, thus far my parents being gone has lead to a very un-adventurous but very fun time.
I'm just relaxing at home now with Samantha doing our school work cause the deadlines are coming up fast, And yes... we are getting stuff done.

This is more for Mom and Dad, however this is what I accomplised today:

- Fed the Tadpoles
- Checked the pool filter
- Cooked dinner AND lunch
- Went to Starbucks and Mcdonalds w/Samantha
- Did the laundry
- Made Campbell do his spanish
- Sent the boys off to youth group
- Watched Brandon swim
- Made iced coffee for my working man.
- 3 Christian Studies Assingments
- Tidied my room
- Fed my dog

Now all that's left to do is one more christian studies assignment and then bed!
The End.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Check....

So, today was officially the first day of my parents being gone and me being in charge.
I managed to do all my duties!
- Cook. Check!
- Clean. Check!
- Put the boys to bed. Check!
- Shoo Brandon out before bedtime. Check!
- Do my school work. Check!
- Go for a swim. Check!
- Play my piano concert. Check!
-Switch the laundry over. Check!

See, aren't I super?
Obviously.

The end.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

It's SO Close..

Holy Cow!
Only 10 more days until the offical end of school and 11 til I'm done forever.
I Can't wait!
Somehow (Obviously supernaturally...) I've been managing 2 comp civ 12 asignments a day and still staying somewhat sane. I've got 16 school assignments left, and I can almost see the finish line.

Oh Hai Grad 09!

=]

More in-depth and fun blogs will be coming up after Grad. And definitly some wicked Grad pictures.

Oh yeah! Mom's home now.. and boy am I glad.
However, both of my parents are leaving on Tuesday for a house hunting trip. First time home alone with the boys for a week;
Wish me luck!

The End.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Insane.

It's been a crazy couple of weeks.

Plus it's almost grad. Although at this point I'm really feeling the pressure...

- Concert performance on friday for my bursary.
- Trying really hard to keep from having another burst of tendonitis. Do you know how hard it is to keep my back relaxed and use mainly my left hand? Haha.
- My last day of school is in.. 20 days.
- I'm now growing my thumbnails!
- 6 days 'til my Mom is home from Indonesia.
- I bought adidas shorts for 7 DOLLARS! I love them.


That's about it for now, You'll probably get a few occasional updates about how stuff is coming.
Plus; I have the best boyfriend ever. Period. {not that he reads this...}

The End.

Friday, May 15, 2009

New Passions

God has really put youth ministries and youth worship on my heart this past year.

When I was privileged enough to be able to start working behind the scenes in youth ministries, it blew my mind. Although it was only through leadership and meetings... All the work, effort and love that goes into just one night of youth church takes such drive, determination and love that it was incredible! It`s been such an amazing experience.

My hope and prayer currently is that God will open a door for me after graduation, When we move... like he has at Northgate where I will be able to work with youth and with worship or even combine both of my passions into one.

I`m not sure how it is going to look yet, but I am very excited as the passion begins to grow in me and God brings in the opportunities.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

A follow up....

A little while ago I had posted about a bursary that I may or may not be receiving.
Turns out I now officially have been informed that I am receiving it!
Thanks to all who prayed, It really means a lot!
I'm so, so excited!

But of course, I still have to preform at the same ceremony I'm receiving my bursary at, whoopee!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Exciting

So, I know I didn't post anything about it because I didn't think I had a chance in heck; but in March I applied for a $500.00 Music (specifically piano) bursary. Not much, but every single bit helps.

So anyways, today I got a phone call from my piano teacher telling me that she had heard from the person who actually decides who gets the bursary that they had chosen me!

Nothing is official; I haven't gotten a phone call saying you are the winner... but please, please, please pray that God's will would be done in this situation as that bursary would help a lot!

Aside from that; please pray that I motor through all this stinking school work as I just was reminded my portfolio was due on the 15th and I haven't done a single thing.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Good.

Recently, My life has been really busy.
Like... Really.
But I'm just slowly coming to realize that it is so GOOD to be busy!

Sometimes I think that if i never HAD to do anything I would get a lot more done. However that is one big, fat, massive LOAD OF CRAP! Cause if i never had to do anything, I wouldn't do anything.
That's really all I had to say.

Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

2009 Book List....


POW!

So I'm slowly working my way through books... And I've found some more I want to read so here is my updated list..

Series

Diary of A Teenage Girl: Sold Out by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Road Trip by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Face The Music by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Caitlyn by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: It's My Life by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: Who I am by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: On My Own by Melody Carlson*
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: I Do by Melody Carlson*

Books

A Midsummernights Dream by Shakespeare
CrazyLove: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
The Irresistable Revolution : Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne
Wired: for a life of worship by Louie Gigilo
Notes From a Spinning Planet: Ireland by Melody Carlson
Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
Crystal Lies by Melody Carlson
Not For Sale by David Batstone
Day by Elie Wiesel
East Of Eden by John Steinbeck
Macbeth by Shakespeare*
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler (In English)

Newly Added:

The Poolside Book by various
Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself by Alan Alda
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed: And Other Things I've Learned by Alan Alda
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor: Bad Connection by Melody Carlson
The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor: Beyond Reach by Meldoy Calrson
Othello by Shakespeare

Books I've Read:
Diary Of A Teenage Girl: My Name Is Chole by Melody Carlson*
The Beach Book by Various*
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler*

(* I Have these ones)


Big News!!!

Our Posting Message is in!!!

It's Official!

Dad's C.O.S Date is the 10th of August

We'll probably leave around the 6th. (this is just me assuming)

Please be praying for Me, my parents, brothers and Brandon during this time as we pack up and leave our fantastic friends, family and church. We are excited (or most of us are) But it's still hard to leave so please pray as we go through moving, packing, my parents sorting through paperwork and other grown-up tasks and saying good-bye.
Also as we start to set up in Cold Lake and become established there. I'll obviously keep up blogging... Probably even more than I have recently so don't forget you can keep track of our life through that as well.

It's a new chapter and i'm sure it's gunna be great

=]




Sunday, April 12, 2009

Workouts and Saturday nights

First off, I just worked out and it was Fantastic.

I love Jillian Michaels, She makes me smile. =]

But on to my real saturday night.

My Brothers Got baptized this evening at church. It was phenomenal, I'm so excited to see what those two are going to do for God.
Aside from that I hung out with Russel and Brandon, and then went to Samantha and Chelsea's house and that was fun too.

The End.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

75 DAYS TIL' GRAD.

WOOH. =]


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Wow...

So, I was doing my Daily Blog Check and as I was reading Deb Strandberg's Blog, this video really caught my attention and I thought it needed sharing. It was pretty much a smack in the face for me.



This quote is from the mouth of Penn Gillette (a famous atheist--who said of himself "I am beyond atheist"):

Here's Penn's quote about Christians, "If you believed that there’s a Heaven and Hell, andthat people could be going to Hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think that, well it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward . . . How much do you have to HATE somebody to know that everlasting life is possible and NOT tell them that?

I mean if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you -- there is a certain point where I tackle you --and this is more important than that."


I don't know about you, But I definitely agree with him. (on most things anyways)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Still Alive, Just Busy.

Hello Blogging world, 

I have been incredibly busy these past few weeks and will probably continue to be busy up until Graduation. Blog posts might be slow, but i still will post occasionally keeping you updated and with some blurbs here and there. 

Since last time I posted: 

- My Brothers Turned 12. Yay! 
- My Daddy got his screening message for 410 Cold Lake.
- Samantha turned 17! 
- Had a 1 night trip to Vancouver to see my Uncle's play "Toronto Mississippi"  


That's just the big things, but all in all it's been super good. 
I need Better blog topics. 
Bah. =]

Monday, March 2, 2009

What Is Passion?

So This is a little journaling/research  assignment I had to do for my comp civ 12. I really liked it even though it's a bit scattered, and decided i'd say the extra time of posting a new blog and just post this. it's pretty much and update of my past two weeks anyways.


Passion

“Passion is when you put more energy into something than is required to do it. It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement, passion is ambition that is materialized into action to put as much heart, mind body and soul into something as is possible.”

-UrbanDictionary.com

 “Passion” –

1. any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate

2. strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardour.

3. strong sexual desire; lust.

-Dictionary.com

“Passion. Suffering; refers to Christ’s Crucifixion and death on the cross (Acts 1:3)”

-The Student Bible Dictionary

“Passion is important. Being passionate is being willing to jump into any situation with out warning, warm up or notice; if you are passionate about something, you just do it.”

-Jason Eliason (My Youth Pastor)


The above statements really have challenged me to look back on the foundation of my beliefs about passion. As seen in some of the above definitions, passion is something that has a very broad definition; it can mean many different things. The variety is what really astounds me when it comes to this idea of passion.

When I asked some of my peers to describe what passion meant to them, a surprising amount of people answered with either intimacy of some form. Some then followed up with the statement that passion was to have incredibly strong emotions or drive for something and to really just go for it and show it; only some Used that as their first response. Now, the latter definition is fabulous, but one in particular really gets to me. Roughly 3 out of 6 people responded with “passion, like during sex” as their first response. I was shocked, purely because I have never thought of passion as a form of intimacy. Although I believed that passion being used to describe sexual intimacy would seem incorrect and saddening, I discovered that the definition of passion has not fallen far from its original definition.

While I was doing further research I found an alarming amount of Bible verses that contained the word passion. Though they were spread amongst many different translations; they held different variations of definitions and contexts in which the word was used.

Some verses that I found as examples are the following:

KJV Bible, Acts 1:3 – This verse uses the word passion in the context of Christ’s suffering on the cross showing the definition to be suffering.

NLT Bible, Psalms 69:9 – The psalmist uses the word passion in a manner to show how committed he is to the house of the lord. This shows another aspect and definition of passion; Just doing it, no matter what the cost.

NIV Bible, 1 Corinthians 7:9 – This verse uses the word passion in order to describe a deep desire and sexual lust.

These are only a small fraction of the verses that I was able to find, however they seem to really capture the variance of this word passion. From sexual desire to extreme willingness, passion is a word that covers many different things. However there seems to be one connecting factor between each of these ideas of passion; passion is strong.

In closing to all these thoughts, I’ve really re-defined passion in my mind.  Passion is simply s strong desire and drive and giving something everything you have, no matter what the circumstance.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Babies, Festivals, and Screening Messages; Oh My!


Needless to say, this week has been absolutely insane. [And Obviously By Week I Mean, Well Whatever I Remember as Being This Week Although Dates and Times May Vary]

Monday Was Pretty Regular; Just My Usual Piano, Home Work And Music History Routine

Tuesday Was pretty Fabulous
First off;; Baby Abby Was Born, And Man Is She Cute! She Was Born on the 10th For February and She Definitely Looks like her Daddy. Good Job You Two.

Then Me And Brandon Went To Love And Respect; And No One Else was in Our Discussion group so we had a fabulous evening with P. Craig And Shanda.

Wednesday Was Pretty Usual. Got Sarah In For Early Practice Session. had a Fantastic Youth Sermon; Wait'ta Go Jason!
&& I Got To See Miss Abby.

Thursday was Work And Massive Amounts Of Comparative Civilizations... Yay!

Friday Was Also The Same, Work and Comparative Civilizations Except for Some Reason I Was Also Feeling Massively Overwhelmed With Everything In My Life, So Brandon Ran Out To Saigon Noodle House, Picked Me Up My Favorites And Brought Them Home for our Valentines Dinner Plus 1 Cause Eric Was At Our House Getting Some Sleep. Then We Went Out For Coffee Like We So Often Do, It was Really Nice.



Saturday Was Valentines Day; And I Must Say My Boyfriend Is The Bomb.
He Let Me Play Zelda All Day While Eating Massive Amounts Of Lindor Chocolate And He Waited On Me Hand and Foot. Then We Went To Church And Just Hung Out. Obviously, My Valetines Day Was Amazing.
Oh; My Gifts Are Pictured And Included Roses, Lindor Chocolate, A Beautiful Card and The Sweetheart CD I've Wanted Since January.
Sunday was the Families Chill Out Day.

AND THEN MONDAY CAME ALONG.

DUHN DUH DUHHH.

Monday was super busy.
Dad Texted Me Just Before Piano To Tell Us He Had Gotten His Screening Message for 410 SQN Cold Lake. {This Basically Means, They Are Telling Us We're Chosen, They Are Making Sure Nothing Is Terribly wrong With My Family, And Then They'll Give Us The Posting Message.}
Then I Went T o Piano For an Hours, Came Home Ate, Had some Wind DOwn Time, Whnt To Festival, The Ran Right Home For A PIano Lesson. So That I Why I Haven't Posted InSo Long. I Hope You People, Readers and The Like Can Forgive Me.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Update.

hu·bris (hyōō'brĭs)

n. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance.

Hubris, HYOOOOBRIIISS. It's just a really fun word to say. I learnded It In Comparative Civilizations today. However, Aside from that I've had a rather productive day to day.

I Have Finished A Couple Questions On My Comp Civ Assignment (It's Massive!)

I Have Done Some Correspondance With A Piano Teacher In Cold Lake, Lookin Into Lessons And Such

I Have Worked Out (Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Is Amazing)

I Have Valentines Dayed My Cell Phone

I Went To The Love And Respect Course At My Church (It's Really Amazing)

I Have Almost Beaten Zelda: Twighlight Princess

I'm Getting Massively Geared Up For Generation Unleashed

I Have Found My New Song. Period.

Andddd; Hmm... I Really Like Music.

Pretty Exciting Hey? I was very Exciting About All Of That; However Tomorrow Should Be Also Very Exciting, Simply Because It Involves Packing, Working, And Youth Group, Oh! And More Comparative Civilizations.



Wednesday, January 28, 2009

So It`s Official...

WE ARE MOVING!!!

We Got The News, We`re Posted to Cold Lake This Summer. AND Brandon`s Moving With Us =D

Contemplating and Possible Posting...

Yesterday my Daddy had a meeting with his Career manager which let him know that he would be promoted (YAY DADDY!) However, When He Came Out and Spoke With One Of His Warrant Officers Told Him He Was Supposed To Be Posted And Promoted. (For All Of You Non-Military Families, Posting Is When You Get Moved To A Different Place.)

Now, This would typically scare me. My Last Posting Experience wasn't un-pleasant, it wasn't exactly my favorite section of my life either. However I really felt a peace about the whole thing and Actually supported it. This Isn't because I Hate Courtenay, I Absolutely love love loveeee my hometown. I plan on retiring here. Its just that, With school wraping up, and the oppertunities that open up with a posting for our family, It just seems to fit. Its like a God thing. the Posting that my Dad would likely receive would be to Cold Lake, Alberta. Tiny Little Po`dunk Town bordering Saskatchewan. However.... Its only 2 and a half Hours from West Ed. POW!

I Guess I Should Make it known that this posting isn`t official yet, It is just a possibility. However all of our family is praying for this opportunity; Or at least me, Campbell and Brandon. It would be such a neat experience.