Leah Lime

What's It Gonna Take?

2009-02-06T11:34:00.002-07:00

Your job is to serve and protect.

So what is it gonna take for us to finally get that?
-A child getting hit?
-A drug deal gone wrong?
-The building burning down in arson?

Thank you!

2008-11-25T15:33:00.002-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've updated my blog, and seeings how I'm not able to move much, I thought it would be a good time to do so.

I want to thank everyone for their concerns and well wishes as I get better. I much appreciate the love especially in the face of illness. For those of you who are concerned, I will tell you that I will be ok. I woke up yesterday morning with the flu and a couple hours later was dealing with a very sharp pain in my chest. It made for an excruciating painful morning with both going on, so I had a friend take me into emergency to make sure it wasn't anything serious. They took some xrays, gave me a shot of gravol and told me that, while painful, it wasn't anything serious and would just take time to heal (easy for them to say, hard for me to hear). They were more concerned about my hydration since I hadn't had any fluids since midnight the night before (hence the shot of gravol). After that they sent me home for some much needed rest.

After having a very good rest last night, and an even better sleep this afternoon, I can tell you I'm feeling quite a bit better today. The bowl of soup for lunch was the most amazing meal I've ever had (or at least it felt that way after yesterday), and the glass of water felt so good! I'm still in a fair bit of pain due to a massive headache (I'm guessing from lack of hydration - it feels very much like a hangover...not that I know what that is haha), and my abdomen is still very sore which makes for very limited movement. For those of you that know me, you know I don't like being forced to sit still (of my own free will I can be quite lazy though haha).

So there's my update so that all of you can know that it's nothing too serious, it'll just take some time to get back to normal. Thanks again for all your prayers and concerns.

With that said, I'm ready for more soup - or at least ready to try and make some :o)

Wordle.net

2008-08-02T15:04:00.001-06:00

Anywhere But Here...

2008-02-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

I wish I was anywhere but here. Don't get me wrong - I really like this place, the people, my job. But right now I just don't want to be here. Some might call it feeling homesick. I can't say that it is. To me being homesick means you want to go home and you miss your family. Not that I don't miss my family - I do - but that's not what I'm feeling.

What I'm feeling is I miss my friends. I miss that closeness with people. And I just don't feel that right now. So maybe what you could call it is I'm friendsick. I don't know. I had the opportunity to hang out with some friends Tuesday night. It was a lot of fun! It was great to be able to talk with people who knew me - inside and out - who could relate to me, and who knew what it meant to have a good time at my age. More than anything, it was nice to be able to hang out with people who know me...

That's why I want to be anywhere but here. Basically, it's not anywhere. It's anywhere my friends are (which is a lot of places...Edmonton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Illinois, Calgary...and the list goes on!). Not that I don't have friends here - cuz I do. But I miss the deepness of my friendships elsewhere.

Not sure where I was going with this...it just kinda took itself. In the meantime I know that it takes time for my new relationships to build and to rebuild that friend base for here that I once had elsewhere (and still do of course).

So for the time being I just need to sit tight and trust that God is taking me where I need to be and more importantly where He needs me to be.

A Funny Email...

2008-01-18T15:13:00.001-07:00

CALMNESS IN OUR LIVES (for the new year). I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Dr. Phil proclaimed, 'The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished.'

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a bottle of Kahlua, that leftover case of Miller Lite, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of my vicodin from surgery, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos and a box of chocolates.

You have no idea how freaking good I feel. Please pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace.

Stupid Life Curve Balls

2008-01-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

So....Ron and I broke up....yeah. I wish someone could tell me whether we get together in the end...cuz I really like him and I'd really like to know.

Please pray that I can be the support that he needs.

My Cousin Made the News....(and more)

2007-09-25T18:14:00.001-06:00

Hey Everyone!

So it's been awhile. Mostly it's been just crazy. Lots has changed. I no longer live in Edmonton, but Lloydminster AB. Yes I'm on the Alberta side. Actually technically I don't live in Lloydminster. I think my residence is actually considered Blackfoot, but I don't live IN there either. I live out in the country about 15-20mins from work in Lloyd. I'm living on a buffalo and elk farm! It's sweet! I'll have to post pictures sometime. But not today.

So what moved me from Edmonton to Lloyd? I got put on my internship out here. I'm working for a church technically just for the year, but the potential is here for me to stay put after 12 months. We'll see. So far I love it though. Great people, great staff, great area (at least I think). So far I fit right in. Most of the people I've met I've clicked instantly with. Mind you, that's nothing new (or so I've been reminded many times - I was really nervous about moving, I had to be reminded many times). The church keeps me busy with youth, children, adults, etc. I'm teaching confirmation and youth Bible study. I'm on the board of young peoples (so youth) and get to help organize and lead youth events. I'm participating in adult bible study. I'm helping out with music in various ways. And there's more I'm sure. But I can't think of it right now. My brain's a blur having just finished confirmation and getting ready for council in an hour.

So what else is going on in life? Well, I think that about caps it for new things. But Ron and I are still happily together. I don't know why or how he's willing to put up with me....but I'll take it. haha. He's amazing, but as his mom always says, she and I are biased. haha. He's doing another year of CREW (that's right, there's another full time team this year) and so I'll hopefully get to see him from time to time. But probably not a whole lot like last year. We try. I'll hopefully be going home with him for Christmas. By Christmas I mean, I'll go to my house for Christmas and then shortly after that I'll head out to southern ontario to see him and his family. I've been told by most of them (but especially by his grandma) that I have no choice, I have to visit them at some point this year....no ifs and or buts about it! haha. His family makes me smile - they're great!

Other than that, there's not much. I mean there's all those little daily things, but that would just take way too long. I save those for when there's not much to say and let's face it, you guys read it anyways to avoid doing everything else (ie -school....oh I'm so glad not to have to write papers and do tests haha).

Anyways, to end, I have a video clip for you guys. It seems my family likes to make the news. This clip is of my cousin, Jeremy (from my dad's side), and he's throwing the first pitch at a St. Louis Cardinals game. In the clip you'll also see his wife, his brother and his brother's wife. Enjoy!

My Aunt Made The News!

2007-06-07T20:34:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!

Sorry it's been so long. I've been distracted by graduation and working fulltime. But I decided to take a break from all my randomness of life (packing, working, and enjoying the summer) to share my excitement about my aunt making the local paper in her area of Minesota! Here it is:

My Aunt's Article

Check it out!

Here's a pic:

A Tribute To My Friends

2007-04-14T23:41:00.000-06:00

You guys are amazing to me. You have been amazing supports and encouragers. You have shared good and bad times with me. You are my friends and God has used you to bless me so much. I love you guys!

I Will Be Your Friend - Michael W. Smith

So many memories and so many miles

The road that stretches behind us

We've had some laughter and our share of tears

But all these moments unite us

chorus:

I'll be your friend for a lifetime

Against the wind and the rain of every season

Won't walk away in the hard times

I will be your friend

I'm saying I will be your friend

Sure as the river runs to the sea

High as the mountain that reaches

You were there by my side till the end

(and) helped me on my feet again

So in the valley walk on

Don't have to face it alone

Cause in the hard times

We keep growing strong

As we learn, as we live

That we live when we give

Costo....what?

2007-03-13T21:54:00.000-06:00

Hey all!

Well, it's been a long time since I last posted. I apologize for not putting you first. But I really really really want to graduate this year, so school and all it's responsibilities have take the stage. But I have found time to update you as of now, so for today, you get an update! Now that's assuming all of you, my readers, actually have time to read it. Most of you are just as busy as I am, or extremely addicted to facebook (which this will be on there as well, so those addicted can read it!).

Anyways, enough babble. My life has been crazy busy and crazy weird. First off, yes Ron and I are finally dating....and he's a complete sweet heart. I couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend. Here's hoping it lasts cuz I really like him :o).

Secondly, I just got back from choir tour. And, I even had a first on there. It was the first time I had ever seen my choir bus got stuck. Yes, that's right. Our tour bus got stuck! in the snow. Thankfully it was at the church, and because it was small town Alberta, one of the local farmers brought some sort of tractor to haul it out. It was awesome!

Other stuff includes being the 5th person struck with costochondritis. NO I'm not contageous. My costo is caused by stress in my back which has put stress on my chest which has cause the muscle and cartiledge to become inflamed and very sore. Yay drugs! And lots of them...well sort of. I take anti inflammatories during the day...BUT I get codeine at night...haha! It's awesome. I am very odd on codeine...and that's only one pill with codeine as strong as a T1. So not very strong. Ask me about it sometime if you don't already know.

What else? Not much. School school school. Lots of midterms and papers. You would think that seeings how we have a midterm week, midterms would be during midterm week. It's logical to me...but apparently not to everyone cuz now I'm stuck with midterms during paper time. Yeah, let's just overload our student's to death...or at least til their body is stressed enough to give them costochondritis! That's my theory anyways...haha.

Anyways, I shall go now because I am still very busy. I just didn't want to completely abandon you, my precious readers.

And now I'm done sucking up. Good night!

This Is What Happens...

2007-02-17T23:22:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave your valuables with your "trusted" friends...haha. That's my lip gloss and my purse, and they're all taken with my camera phone. All while I was getting my heart checked...some friends...tthhhrrpp.

Haha. It was funny when I discovered the pics!

How Many College Students Do You Know Got Moved For Talking In Class?

2007-02-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

So i'm sitting in spanish next to my friend in the back corner, where we always sit, with the same people every time. I'll admit i was a little giddy tonight (i mean, who can blame me? i have a boyfriend now), but I was not so much that I needed to be moved. In fact, the moment when I was moved was actually at a very calm point in the evening - the only time it was calmer was after I was moved because nobody wanted to move (or so it seemed). There were times i was giggling, but I didn't think overly - definately not more than the others around me. Most of the time I was just listening in on their convos. And I was definatley NOT the instigator. First off, there can't be an instigator when you just look at a person and both of you start laughing, and like I said, the other stuff was mostly between the others.

Anyways, so at one point we had to do a listening excercise and answer questions. My friend asked me how many i got right, so i held up one finger (cuz i'm only got one right) and I had a stupid grin on my face (cuz it was a stupid assignment). THAT'S when he told me to get up and move to the front seat. Not while we were talking or giggling, but because I was showing my friend how many points I got with my finger - no words! Oh, sorry, I had a smile on my face...that had to be it.

It's hilarious, but at the same time I'm not impressed with my prof. First off, who does that anymore? Secondly, if you're gonna address it, address it all....don't just single me out. ESPECIALLY when it was at a time I wasn't talking! I mean, last I checked, it wasn't against the rules to hold up my pointer and smile....or maybe it is?

All in all though it's pretty funny. Cuz really, how many college students do you know got moved for talking?

Breaking News:

2007-01-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

I finally got my oboe!!!!

I GOT AN OBOE!!!!

I am very happy.

That is all.

pics to come later....

What A Party!

2007-01-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

So I'm at this party with some really weird people. I mean, who are these people? I have no idea.

But seriously, I'm at this party with my friends and one of them had dry ice. So some decided to have fun with science experiments. They put the dry ice in a bottle with some water and threw it out in to the yard to watch it explode. After that grew old (about 4 blasts or so), everyone went back to chatting and having fun.

All of a sudden we see a cop car drive by with it's lights and the ground is all lit up because the helicopter is shining a light down on the neighborhood. Then 2, 3, 4 cop cars show up. That's right! 4! So we had two sober people go to the door in case they came to talk to us (I sat with them to keep them company cuz I was talking with one of them at the time of all of this - that and I was sober :0P). They didn't come, they didn't come, they didn't come. They talked to a couple neighbors, but never came to our door.

Well, then the story that 3 of the party members had been thrown in the back of a cop car and one was handcuffed made its way around the party! I was so confused cuz I hadn't even known they had left. That's when the 2 people went out to talk to the cops, and then the cops followed them back inside. I'll admit it, I was scared.

That's when we discovered that there had been some vandalism happen to one of the bus stops near by and the blasting pop bottles were thought to be gun shots and therefore the cops came by. When they realized that it was just party noise, they left. As for our dear 3 friends? They were thought to be 3 teens who were involved in the vandalism of the bus stop, but then the cops realized that they weren't - they were apart of our party.

All was made clear, stories were shared, and that's when I left - I wouldn't have even been there that long if the police hadn't showed up...but I thought it was smart to stay put until stuff was sorted out. That was the first party I've ever experienced where the cops showed up!

Now I must go back to dreaming about being a heroine. Except maybe this time I won't get shot like I did in last night's dream!

6 Random Things About Me Eh?

2007-01-11T00:12:00.000-07:00

Well....what to say?

1) I like ketchup on my rice. Not a lot, just enough to give it a little bit of a different flavor. I like it even better when I put ketchup and soy sauce.

2) My capstone is 38 pages long with everything. It's about 32 pages of content.

3) I'm hopefully getting my oboe on Friday. We'll see. If not, it will be shortly! I LOVE the oboe and can't wait to get it.

4) When I'm sleeping alone (ie- not at a sleepover) I sleep with the hallway light on. I can sleep in the dark when other people are in the room with me sleeping, but when I'm alone I can't. I would sleep with a nightlight cuz it's more cost effective except that it melts the plastic on my walls thus creating a fire hazzard.

5) Oh, I should mention....My bedroom has no walls. That's right, no walls. Well, no real walls. My bedroom is in the unfinished basement of our house. My walls consist of plastic holding the insulation up and curtains (where there are no "walls").

6) I love to drive. My favorite hobby. I prefer driving over flying. Unfortunately it's taking it's toll on my back :(. Not to say I'd give up flying somewhere, especially now since I kinda want to fly in a plane, but I LOVE to drive. That's why I like road trips, that's why I travel with my dad, that's why I don't mind making airport runs - I love to drive. Oh, and highway driving is better...much less stressful.

Ok, I tag....well, it seems like everyone has been tagged :(. Oh well, here it goes anyways: Michelle, Trevor, MattyK, and Steve (I think I'd enjoy these "randoms"...especially steve's).

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

As I sat here debating how to write something...a thought occurred to me.

Our whole lives we spend waiting. We wait for one thing, and then when it finally comes, we wait for something else. It's all a bunch of waiting.

What I was going to say was "For Christmas I am giving you my patience...it's the best I can do". But it's not. I can do so much more than just be patient and continue waiting, as life seems to do.

This Christmas I will try to give you more patience. Not only that, but I will enjoy the moment I am in. Life goes by too fast - I want to enjoy what's right here now.

And that goes for everyone too - I want to enjoy our moments in life...soon enough they will be gone. So until then:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This message has been brought to you by Leah's life lessons. hehe.

Gift Wrapping Tips For Men....

2006-12-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year when we think back to the very first Christmas,when the Three Wise Men -- Gaspar, Balthazar, and Herb -- went to seethe baby Jesus and, according to the Book of Matthew, "presented untoHim gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh." These are simple words, but if we analyze them carefully, we discover animportant, yet often overlooked, theologicalfact: there is no mention of wrapping paper. If there had been wrapping paper, Matthew would have saidso: "And lo, the gifts were inside 600 square cubits of paper. And thepaper was festooned with pictures of Frosty the Snowman. And Joseph wasgoing to throweth it away, but Mary saideth unto him, she saideth,'Holdeth it! That is nice paper! Saveth it for next year!' And Josephdid rolleth his eyeballs. And the baby Jesus was more interested in thepaper than the frankincense."

But these words do not appear in the Bible, which means that the veryfirst Christmas gifts were NOT wrapped. This is because the peoplegiving those gifts had two importantcharacteristics: 1. They were wise. 2. They were men. Men are not big gift wrappers. Men do not understand the point ofputting paper on a gift just so somebody else can tear it off. This isnot just my opinion, this is a scientific fact based on a statisticalsurvey of two guys I know. One is Rob, who said the only time he everwraps a gift is "if it's such a poor gift that I don't want to be therewhen the person opens it." The other is Gene, who told me he does wrapgifts, but as a matter of principle never takes more than 15 seconds pergift. "No one ever had to wonder which presents daddy wrapped atChristmas," Gene said. "They were the ones that looked like enormousspitballs. "I also wrap gifts, but because of some defect in my motor skills, I cannever completely wrap them. I can take a gift the size of a deck ofcards and put it the exact center of a piece of wrapping paper the sizeof a regulation volleyball court, but when I am done folding and taping,you can still see a sector of the gift peeking out. (Sometimes Icamouflage this sector with a marking pen.) If I had been an ancientEgyptian in the field of mummies, the lower half of the Pharaoh's bodywould be covered only by Scotch tape. On the other hand, if you give my wife a 12-inch square of wrappingpaper, she can wrap a C-130 cargo plane. My wife, like many women, actually likes wrapping things. If she gives you a gift that requiresbatteries, she wraps the batteries separately, which to me is very closeto being a symptom of mental illness. If it were possible, my wife wouldwrap each individual volt. My point is that gift-wrapping is one of those skills like having babiesthat come more naturally to women than to men.

That is why today I am presenting: Gift Wrapping Tips for Men:

* Whenever possible, buy gifts that are already wrapped. If, when therecipient opens the gift, neither one of you recognizes it, you canclaim that it's myrrh.

*The editors of Woman's Day magazine recently ran an item on how tomake your own wrapping paper by printing a design on it with an applesliced in half horizontally and dipped in a mixture of food coloring andliquid starch. They must be smoking crack. If you're giving ahard-to-wrap gift, skip the wrapping paper! Just put it inside a bag andstick one of those little adhesive bows on it. This creates a festivevisual effect that is sure to delight the lucky recipient on Christmasmorning:
YOUR WIFE: Why is there a Hefty trash bag under the tree?
YOU: It's a gift! See? It has a bow!
YOUR WIFE (peering into the trash bag): It's a leaf blower.
YOU: Gas-powered! Five horsepower!
YOUR WIFE: I want a divorce.
YOU: I also got you some myrrh.

In conclusion, remember that the important thing is not what you give, or how you wrap it. The important thing, during this very special timeof year, is that you save the receipt.

-Author Unknown (but definitely male)

Merry Christmas everyone! May you remember the reason for the season - Jesus!

"It's Like A Lion And A Tiger Mixed...Bred For It's Skills In Magic" -Napolean Dynamite

2006-12-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

On a typical day he will devour 20 lb of meat, usually beef or chicken, and is capable of eating 100 lb at a single setting. At just three years old, Hercules already weighs half a ton.

He is the unintentional result of two enormous big cats living close together at the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, in Miami, Florida, and already dwarfs both his parents. "Ligers are not something we planned on having," said institute owner Dr Bhagavan Antle.
"We have lions and tigers living together in large enclosures and at first we had no idea how well one of the lion boys was getting along with a tiger girl, then lo and behold we had a Liger."
These two cats don't normally have the opportunity to breed in the wild, as most lions live in Africa and most tigers in Asia .

50mph runner... Not only that, but he likes to swim, a feat unheard of among water-fearing lions. In the wild it is virtually impossible for lions and tigers to mate. Not only are they enemies likely to kill one another. But incredible though he is, Hercules is not unique. Ligers have been bred in captivity, deliberately and accidentally, since shortly before World War II Today there are believed to be a handful of ligers around the world and a similar number of tigons, the product of a tiger father and lion mother. Tigons are smaller than ligers and take on more physical characteristics of the tiger.

Look at the size of the head on this thing..

Check out the fangs - like pre-historic days.
For you animal lovers.........and even those who aren't.
This is pretty cool.

Just a side note...this information came through the email and was not written by me. Therefore I do not take responsibility for the horrible sentence structures...and I'm not about to fix it because I would just make it worse I'm sure (sorry Lauren :0P). I just thought it was cool information and thought I'd share it. Enjoy!

I Way Too Busy For This, But....

2006-11-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

So, yeah, I'm way to busy to be doing this, but I need to. I am making a happy list. Things that make me happy (in no particular order). Feel free to add or share some of your own...

- A certain person...giggle.
- Awesome teachers who are there for you beyond what they're paid to do.
- Awesome friends who don't get paid to be there for you in any way shape or form, but probably deserve to get paid.
- People who care enough that they won't judge no matter what I've done.
- A loving family
- God
- God's sense of humor (especially when it comes to timing).
- Being able to see my own heart (on a screen...not in actuality).
- Music
- Choir
- 7-up (it's my sugar fix right now)
- Second winds during paper time.
- Papers returned early to you because you're having a rough time and need a boost.
- The paper giving you that second wind.
- 90% on a spanish exam I didn't even study for.
- 98% - highest mark ever on a paper!
- A boss who cares enough to be concerned about my personal life.

- Struggles - as a teacher keeps reminding me "struggles are good...it means you're learning and growing"
- Listening to people
- Crying with people - believe it or not, this brings me great joy after the fact because somebody trusted me enough to be vulnerable
- Pastoral counselling
- Love
- Forgiveness and Grace

- Jesus loving me so much He will come and give me a hug despite who I am.
- Curling up and falling asleep in God's lap just as a child in her father's lap.

I feel happy now :)

PS - (happy things added to the blog):
- My mom asking if I would skip Spanish to go to a volleyball game!

Christmas Formal

2006-11-04T01:19:00.000-07:00

Well, here they are. The long awaited pictures people have been asking me about:

Ron and Myself at the beginning of the evening.

A bunch of the dormies dancing!

Ron and I under thing-a-ma-hoosit (I don't remember what they're called).

Ashley and me

Ron and Ashley partying hard!

Melissa and Me under the thing-a-ma-hoosit (still don't know what it's called).

Ron and I dancing.

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. Yay for my last Christmas formal! It was a blast!

Ninjas Anybody?

2006-10-27T15:27:00.000-06:00

Some Words of Advice:

2006-10-25T18:40:00.000-06:00

ZEN AND THE WISDOM OF LIFE
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me,
for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much
leave me the hell alone.
2. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your
neighbour's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
3. Sex is like air -- it's not important unless you aren't getting any.
4. No one is listening until you fart.
5. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
6. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away, and you have their shoes.
7. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
8. Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish,
and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
9. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was worth it.
10. Don't worry--It only seems kinky the first time.
11. Good judgement comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes
from bad judgement.
12. There are two theories about arguing with women. Neither one works.
13. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
14. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative
on the same night.

God Is Amazing...His Love Never Fails

2006-10-12T00:08:00.000-06:00

So, I find that in a lot of cases when people vent, you never get an outcome (not on blogger anyways - with the Concordia grapevine it's hard to miss out on what's going on). Well, I've decided that with everything on my blog, you guys deserve at least one outcome story (I'm not willing to share the other outcome on a public blog).

God is amazing. He never quits on us. Never. In my last blog I talked about a friendship gone bad and you obviously saw I was devastated. Well, me and this person have talked since then. I finally got to say what's been eating at me for a week, and that I really didn't think it needed to come down to that (I thought we had other options still).

We discussed and I feel we reconciled. We aren't where we used to be (friendship-wise...just to clarify)...nobody can jump that fast that far. But I've dealt with feelings and we're starting with baby steps and we'll see where that takes us. That's all I wanted.

For all of you who were caught in the middle and were made to feel ackward...I apologize. We should never have put you in that position, and I believe I'm the biggest culprit of that. So I apologize and I hope you forgive me. You can trust that, while it may be ackward at first, it's better.

Baby steps...they're so much easier to take than jumping mountains.

And reconciliations works...in God's time!

Man...He's awesome! (by that I mean God)

You Make Me Sick...

2006-10-08T20:18:00.000-06:00

I can't do it anymore. It did not have to come to this point, but now all I feel for you is anger, hurt and spite. If you didn't want to hurt me, you shoulda just hit me in the head with a 2 X 4...it woulda been less painful.

So I can't do it anymore. I'll do it enough so that the praise team is fine. And I'll do it enough for choir.

But I can't do it anymore. So you're off my blog, and similarily, you are out of my life....just as YOU asked.

It did NOT have to go that far.

All I wanted was a decision....

......I never wanted to lose a friend.

Who Wants A Turn?

2006-10-06T09:27:00.000-06:00

So, who's next at going after my car? Better get in a line, cuz it seems pretty popular and cool to break into my car.

That's right! My car, yet again, was broken into last night. For those of you who don't know/remember, my car was broken into last year in March. They broke my window (glass everywhere - still to this day I find glass), and the police figure they were trying to steal the car.

This time, we're not so sure. The police are thinking it was just part of a string of break-ins last night (cuz someone came in while I was in there with the same complaint and a few people on their block had break-ins as well). But the police are not sure cuz nothing of mine was stolen and the others had windows broken and stupid things (text books, pants, boots) stolen. I had 1 cd stolen (part of a set...grrr) and just a big mess to clean up. Nothing damaged.

So I got off lucky....but really? What is the deal with my car? And Cory's hasn't even been touched! It is definately a pain!

So, who's next in line?

Welcome To The Doghouse

2006-10-05T21:59:00.000-06:00

So I really think that our dormie boys need a lesson in phone etiquette with females. If you have not read Lauren's blog yet, you should. That would be the first case.

NOW...it's Mike's turn. That jerk! That @$$! That's right, I said it. He hung up on me...and why? Because I called him a jerk for unlacing my shoes. Not just untying, but unlacing! Which got Eric laughing...I very quickly notified him that he's already in the doghouse...he doesn't need this to help. Gah...boys are dumb (most of them anyways).

So...here's my proposal...all us females, we need to start a class. I think Vince would probably be a good teacher for it...with our supervision of course (but that won't take much work...we can sit and relax and laugh of course).

Ok I'm done...and I'm not really pissed...I just wanted to make fun of mike...but now to poker!

My "Elizabeth"

2006-09-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

What is an Elizabeth? Well, first off, it's a name. A beautiful name at that....but that's not what I'm referring to here. Elizabeth was also a person in the Bible. Relative of Mary. She and Mary were pregnant at the same time and so shared in many experiences together (especially learning experiences). But Elizabeth was much older than Mary and had a lot of older experience under her belt (even if it wasn't pregnancy experience) that she could support Mary in.

Having an Elizabeth is someone who can be a support for you. Sometimes they will have wisdom beyond your years...sometimes they share in the newness of the situation with you.

The Bible study I got it from was referring to female companionship...but I realized that there is definately one person (there are a few...but this one in particular) that stuck out for me that isn't female. So he is my "Elizabeth".

You guys are all probably wondering what the h*** is going on (I still plan to make this PG rated - and by my standards of PG :0P). I'm sorry. Don't worry about me because I am ok. I really needed to rant the other night. We all have bad days right?

Since that, I've done what needed to be done and it was the right thing...and I will continue to do the right thing. I know God is by my side. And I know that, even though you guys don't know exactly what happened, you are here for me whenever I need it. I appreciate that!

Thank you! I have many "Elizabeths" in you guys!

But to the one I needed Friday...I don't know how I could ever thank you.

I Must Have "World's Biggest Schmuck" Printed On My Forehead...

2006-09-28T16:00:00.000-06:00

I'm really not sure how to start this post...so I'm gonna make it random:

Why don't you trust me?

My head hurts...and not cuz I'm sick. There's just too much going on up there.

I'm terrified of tomorrow, but I can't say why (mostly cuz I'm not wanting to say). Thankfully Scott's coming with me...I could still use prayers of courage though.

When you feel not trusted and you walk in the doors to hear a lecture about locking the doors (and you have no idea what even happened this morning) and you're the only one being talked to, even though "it's everybody's responsibility" makes ya feel like a schmuck.

So I guess that's the answer to it all....I'm a Schmuck.

Hi! I'm Leah Schmuck Becker! (and no this is not a happy tone).

What A Week!

2006-09-08T15:43:00.000-06:00

Wow, this has been the week...especially today! Let's start at the beginning:

It all started Tuesday. I was a tour leader for orientation at school. Things went really well and I got to meet some new people. I think the tours were a little long, but I adjusted as need be, and asides from being locked out of the library on the last tour, it went well! After the tours I had just enough time to go cram a hotdog in my mouth and go cram more knowledge in my head. Why would I be doing that when school hasn't even started? Because I was taking an independent study class and my final exam was on orientation day. It was alright. It was long winded (the way he likes it) and I wasn't able to finish, but apparently that's pretty common if you do it right (so maybe I did good???).

Then came Wednesday. First day of classes! I had two classes this day: Mus 331 and Rel 248. Mus 331 is going to rock! I know tons of people in that class, and I really enjoy being taught under this prof. Rel 248 will be interesting. Actually, probably quite boring. I don't get how a person could be so expressive and yet so monotone and boring (these things seem contradictory to me!), but that's how my prof is. I also started my first day of work this day. I got to train my coworker. It was so much fun. I went to high school with her.

Well, then came Thursday. Ok, so not a whole lot happened Thursday. I had more classes...ok only one (next week I'll have two) and I had work again (this time it was shelving). The class for this day is Rel 334 and I LOVE my prof (not that way guys!..I mean that I really enjoy his teaching). Alyson would agree with me (can you guess who Alyson?). The thing that sucked though, was that I had to take my car in for a check up and a repair on the oil pan (probably just a gasket..whew!). Then Cory and I partied hard at Eberhardt watching Hook!

Now for the biggest day of all - Friday (today). Today was my surgery, so I woke up on the wrong side of the bed as it was. But I went to school to get my mind off of it and it was good. Again, it was with all my buddies in Mus 331! Unfortunately though, on my way home to get ready for the surgery, I found out that somebody I really care about passed away last night. That was hard because I was terrified of surgery AND upset about the death. I think it helped though. I think it's the same idea that in order to forget about one pain, you cause another pain. Well, this pain of losing someone I think replaced this fear that I had of the surgery.

The surgery went well - although I think they did remove bone. But I'm feeling good and it's only an hour and a half afterwards. The freezing is almost gone though. But I'm having a blast just sitting here on the couch talking with friends, watching Phantom of the Opera, and drugged up (I haven't had to take the T1's yet). Oh and did I mention I get ice cream and milk shakes for supper? Yeah, that's right! He was gonna give me T3's, but I opted against it. I was accused of being stoned on T1's and I didn't feel good at all on them, so I told him that and we both agreed that I shouldn't take them (I don't do well with codiene).

Well, that's been my week. Crazy! But for the most part fun. And now that the surgery is over, I'm feeling much better. I knew I would. I just don't like being in during the procedure. I can handle the pain and recovery afterwards. So thank you for your support when I was scared. Now I can't wait to get back at 'er!

Well, back to my movie!

Oh, I didn't mention: I have stitches! Stitches are battle wounds that you can brag about...sweet!

Which Did You Try?

2006-09-02T11:04:00.000-06:00

My fave is the last point made. How many of you guys are gonna do this? :0p.

I did number 15, except with oatmeal; and my brother sorta did number 4 - he put silly puddy on the fan and it was all over my other brother' s room (I learned how to take silly puddy out of carpet - you need Scotch).

How about you guys? Any stupid stuff you can attest to?

The following came from an anonymous Mother in Austin, Texas:
Things I've learned from my boys (honest and not kidding):
1. A king size water bed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.
2. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
3. A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is notstrong enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and aSuperman cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.
5. You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat , you have to throw the ball up afew times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
6. The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it'salready too late.
8. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.
9. A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even thougha 36-year old Man says they can only do it in the movies.
10. Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-yearold boy.
11. Play dough and microwave should not be used in the samesentence.
12. Super glue is forever.
13. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
14. Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
15. VCR's do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
16. Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17. Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18. You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19. Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.
20. The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.
21. The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
22. It will, however, make cats dizzy.
23. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24. 80% of Women will pass this on to almost all of their friends,with or without kids.
25. 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brakefluid.

The 19th Annual ABC-District Softball Tournament

2006-08-27T12:20:00.000-06:00

So about a month and a bit ago I made the treck out to Revelstoke BC. My coworkers thought I was nuts. Maybe I am...wait...I know I am. But not for this reason. Not unless you want to consider many many other people nuts too. For you see, Aug 11-13 was the annual ABC district Softball Tournament. Many people from or associated with lutheran churches in the Alberta-BC areas travel to come play softball. Here's a little history:

The softball tournament was started in August 1988 and was organized by my parents. But that's not what they're most known for with that first tournament. What they are most known for is my mom being 9 months pregnant. Now there is some dispute as to whether she played or not. My best friend's mom and my dad both say she didn't play, she just coached. However, she claims that she played the catcher's position and had a pinch runner (there are a few others that agree with her also). Unless we see some action shots, I guess we'll never truly know for sure. But what we do know for sure is that she went into labour on the way home from the tournament and monday morning, after the tournament, Cory was born in Langley BC. Maybe that's where his skill comes from?

Anyways, other facts about the tournament. For the first tournament, there were 7 teams that came. Originally there were supposed to be only 6 teams, however, they let Bethel join late. Not only did Bethel join late, but they won the tournament, taking first place for the first year.

Since then, the tournament takes place in either Golden or Revelstoke BC (this allows for even travel amongst most teams), and boy are they ready when we come. They place extra staff in the hospitals those weekends anyways (and I found this out when I was taken to emergency one year for a popped knee). It's a fun filled weekend, and we're mostly good sports. Occasionally there's some sore feelings, but mostly we all realize that it's fun and a chance to see and meet new people (or see old friends).

Anyways, this year was fun, and believe it or not, the injuries seemed to be down (at least from what I remember). We had a couple people go to the hospital for minor things. Nobody got flown out that I can remember (maybe it's cuz no Ulmers got hurt????). I played for Bethlehem. We placed 9th overall, but we got 1st in our division. It was a lot of fun. I even saw people I didnt' expect (ie - Tim and Tim's roomate Dave<-That's how we know Dave, and yes, we really DO call him that). Of course I saw people I did expect (Shannon and some family, Caroline, Joel and family, Gary, etc. etc. etc.).

It was an amazing weekend, and I can't wait to go next year. One way or another I am going to try really hard to make it down to play. Even if I have to drive from Nova Scotia! (although that's unlikely).

What a weekend!

This Has Always Been My Goal In Life...

2006-08-21T21:30:00.000-06:00

Follow this link to see what I strive to do with people:

http://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp?date=20060822

But does it work? NO! Ok, maybe it does. But it doesn't always feel like it. Not when you have people who use you and walk all over you. Or those that are so caught up in their problems that it doesn't matter what they say or do to you. Or those that just don't appreciate it.

I'm not trying to guilty anybody. I'm just dealing with some emotions right now because sometimes these things do happen and it makes me wonder why I even bother to care.

I've always said that I hate having a big heart because it always gets hurt. And the bigger the heart, the more there is to hurt. I know it's a gift. But I also see it as a curse.

I mean why do people have to take advantage of my big heart or deal low blows when they're upset? It's not fair to "shoot the messenger" or to "bite the hand that feeds you". That's all I'm trying to do. I portray God's love and comfort...and yet, people still attack or abuse the kindness that is shown to them.

Can I just say this? Having a big heart is painful enough without abuse from those who don't care. It's painful because I do care big or small. I cry when people hurt, I ache when things are rough for friends, and I cringe to see the world in despair.

But having the big heart also allows me to laugh with my friends, celebrate in their success and find joy in the little things of life. It really is amazing to find joy in the little things in life. From the smallest flower to the great big sun above, there are things that God has given us daily to put a smile on our faces. Unfortunately it is so often missed.

So in conclusion (I know I've jumped around a bit), let's all carry each other's burdens and encourage one another to keep trecking along, so that we all can take the time and share in the big and small wonders of life.

(Insert cutsie picture here....stupid computer)

Now you know something deep and personal about me...I shall go blush :0P

When Is The Time Right?

2006-08-08T23:13:00.000-06:00

What an amazing weekend! I loved this past weekend. I got to spend it in Wainwright AB. Now you're probably wondering how could little, small town alberta be fun. Well, let me tell you.

I got to spend it with MI (from my 2nd year Crew), Britt (other team 2nd year Crew), Ron (2nd year Crew and other best friend), Barrett and Erica. Ron, Erica, Britt and Barrett are the new Crew team for the year.

So anyways, I went down and had some fun times with them, getting to know the 2 I didn't know, and having fun with those I did know. I miss them tons already and want to go back! It was great just having some giggles, some talks, and of course my fave (as Alyson and Scott will know), some prayer!

I can't wait til they come to edmonton and I hope to keep one of them (probably Ron, but waiting on my mom to confirm that) at my house. So those who know me can meet them. Maybe I'll play CSR and give them a tour of where I go to school and work. Time will tell. All the same...I'm soooooo excited!

Here are some pics:

Now of course, in my joy and happiness, I still wonder....
When is the right time to tell a guy you like them?

Is The School Really Haunted?!

2006-07-25T09:18:00.000-06:00

Well, here's my post. I have posted now Morgan...so there! giggle.

Anyways, so while my great job has kept me so busy and quite full of joy(*sarcasm*), I have come across stories of the school being haunted. It's amazing what you find out from people in the lunchroom, walking across campus to do mail, or even just mowing the district lawn.

So here's what I've found out so far:

1) One of the Eberhardt rooms is haunted. Maybe you girl's dorms people didn't want to know this. And maybe you don't want to know that it was because she committed suicide in her closet. Hmmm. Oops!

2) The Second place I've heard is Schwermann Hall, specifically the 3rd floor. There have been reports that a girl has been seen running down the hall while maintainence staff are up there....and it's the middle of the night when nobody else is around. Also, they have heard a baby crying up there too. Now, there apparently was a fire in the Schwermann hall area around the 40's or 50's (the cafeteria and laundry room used to be located on the bottom floor where the furnace is now located). It was thought that nobody parished in this fire, but some people wonder if it's true.

3) The final location I have heard is that the library is haunted. Now, working here myself, I cannot say that I have seen anything unusual enough to attribute to ghosts (nothing more than computer gremlins and such), but co-workers and maintainance staff have stories nonetheless. First off, my supervisor has apparently heard walking above her when nobody else has been in the library. Another co-worker has heard music coming from only ONE speaker out of the whole library. But apparently they have been much bizarrer instances (that I haven't had specific examples of yet), so much so that it even caused a maintainence staff to quit. She apparently had some really really bizarre stuff happen while she was cleaning in the night and decided she couldn't put up with it, so she quit.

Now there are people that are surprised that certain other areas aren't haunted because of accidents and deaths that have happened (I even know about one of the instances cuz I was in high school at the time), but that's not what this blog is about. It's about the possibility of actual hauntings (if that makes any sense).

However, I'm not sure where these stories are from or how they came about. I don't even know how I feel about ghosts being real. I believe that the spiritual world is very real. I believe that spiritual warfare is real. But ghosts? I'm not sure. I'm not sure if that would be included in the spiritual world and such, or if it's just angels and demons and our living souls.

So, here I pose the question: What do you think? Do you think ghosts are real? why or why not? If you do, where do you suppose they come from and why are they not in heaven or hell?

Oh, and if you have any concordia haunting stories...please, do tell. I'm curious. I don't know what I think about ghosts being real, but I still love to hear the stories.

I Speak Canadian - eh?

2006-07-04T19:01:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm just finishing up day 3 here in the Chicago area. For those of you who don't know, I'm at my grandma's house in Marengo, Ill. for a family reunion. And yes...we drove.

So, we got in late Saturday night and even got to see Canada day fireworks...well, we called them that. In reality, people were just practicing for July 4th fireworks. It was quite the drive Saturday night as we ended up running into a fairly major storm. I was ok with that because I wanted a decent thunderstorm...well, I was ok until my mom got me tense:

"Leah, no matter what, just follow the van". So I'm thinking in my head that this is a tornado carrying storm and we may have to leave the interstate and detour to grandma's place. "Leah, even if we go into the ditch...follow us". Shit, shit, shit...was all I could think. But we stuck it out, and asides a few 'Canadian' funnels (that's what my mom calls them cuz they're soooo tiny and harmless), we made it through with just rain, wind, and tons of lightening strikes. It was beautiful!

Sunday brought about getting up early to go to church...YUK! (for the earliness...church was good). But little did I know that not even 24 hours here I would be put to work. I found out during the service that there was an associate pastor ordination and installation happening. I didn't think much about it cuz I was tired. But while my grandma and I were delivering tapes of the Saturday night service (for shut ins) she said I should come sing cuz they needed people in the choir that day. So with only 30 min of rehearsal, I sang for the installation service in the choir. It was fun though.

And then yesterday I conquered my fears and went on the batman ride. We went to Six Flags Great America in Chicago. It was a blast. I didn't go on most of the big rollercoasters (Raging Bull, Deja Vu, Superman, etc) because I can only handle so much fear in one day, but I went in promising myself (and my relatives along) that I would at least do the batman. It's a rollercoaster that flips and corkscrews and the whole time your feet are dangling...nothing beneath you. I made the mistake of having my eyes closed the whole time...darn it! Next time.

I think my uncle really wanted me to try raging bull, but it was too high...200ft high to be exact. No flips, but the subsequent hills were still higher than most first drops on other rollercoasters. My favorite was the Viper (which is only 80ft first drop..FYI). It's a wooden rollercoaster. I love it. I prefer spinny rides to rollercoasters anyways (except the Viper).

Stacy managed to go on the Superman rollercoaster, but we later discovered it was because she didn't realize what she was getting into (it was somewhat hidden from view). I got some cool videos that I'll have to try and get up here sometime. Oh, and my dad has some cool ones too. He was very daring. Not only did he go on these big rollercoasters, but he took the camera and snuck it out as they were pulling out of the stations and then filmed the whole ride. They're pretty cool. See...why ride when I can just watch them from my dad's camera?

Anyways, today was day 3 and it was a long day of doing yardwork and getting a nice sunburn (tomorrow it will be a tan). I learned how to ride the lawnmower (a john deere riding mower...yay) and I did a pretty good job on the yard. But today's not what counts. I have to do a perfect job on Friday cuz Saturday is when everyone comes over. Talk about pressure...jeez. I'd say that at least I'm not like some of you guys where it could cost me my job or a case of beer, but you really don't know my uncle (take my mom and multiply by worse - for those who know my mom)...perfectionism in other people is scary for those around them. I have 2 to deal with! But he said I did a pretty good job...and if I didn't, I might get away with a case of beer as a bribe (I know I would with my dad).

Well, that's my update for now. Adios Amigoes!

Now....where's that lotion...

This Is Our Justice System?!

2006-06-23T10:39:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I am actually going to post a serious rant on my blog. Yes! It's true! A little nervewracking for the first time, but I feel this needs to be said, so here I go.

For those who don't know this story, feel free to check out this article on CTV's website:

You can find it here:

Ok, so this case is about a little girl who was sexually assaulted by a former soldier. He agrees that this happened but has been declared not guilty due to mental unstableness in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This absolutely sickens me. Maybe it is because I have a sister the same age as that little girl, or maybe it's just the plain fact that nobody seems to have the ability to stand up and take responsibilities for their actions anymore.

I mean, is wrong not wrong anymore? Growing up, I was always taught that ignorance is NO excuse because sin is sin and wrong is wrong. And when we mess up, knowingly or unknowingly, we still need to take responsibility for our actions and face up to our consequences. Why? Because it is NOT our right to hurt and affect someone else negatively. Unfortunately it seems that society is not following those same actions. If there's a way to get out of it, then do it (and screw whoever you can on your way)...that's what seems to be the trend.

What about this little girl? How is she supposed to deal with this? She was horribly assaulted and the message she has now been given is "It is okay to do this when you're mentally screwed up". To me it's like saying that someone can go into a house and order a person to sit back and let themselves be assaulted because "the court says it's okay because I'm mentally ill". I mean, why doesn't she go out and do something screwed up too? She could blame it on some mental issue that had arisen out of this assault (let's be ironic and say PTSD). This sickens me and I don't think it's right.

When we mess up, we hurt others and/or we hurt God. As a teacher once told me, "Freedom only extends as far as my arm". It was in reference to punching somebody. In otherwords, when you punch somebody, you have freedom to the end of your arm, but as soon as you connect with somebody's face, you have then invaded into their freedom. It is NOT our right to take away that freedom from somebody, and that is exactly what has happened to this little girl.

Now, I do feel the need to address the fact that sometimes mental illnesses cause problems with people. I don't disagree with this at all. But when something like this happens, first off, it's a sign that maybe they should be seeking help. The soldier, if deemed mentally ok now, may get off scott free in all areas, including mental help. Secondly, they still need to face up to the consequences of their actions because (as stated before) they invaded somebody else's freedom. This girl get's completely screwed over if he gets off scott free (oooo, so he has to pay a few court fees...she has to pay with her dignity). It is our right to have our freedom protected.

Her freedom to feel safe, to know that she has rights, to have privacy, to have dignityetc....they were all thrown out the window as soon as this court ruled "not guilty" on the soldier.

I'm scared to see what kind of doors this opens up in our judicial rulings. People really will be getting away with murder.

Dying My Hair Blond

2006-06-09T11:58:00.000-06:00

I'm not really dying my hair blond, but I probably should after today. So all you people who have hardworking jobs....you're not the only ones who can say or do stupid things. Here's how it goes:

So I'm in the library dealing with 3 different people. One was just a casual conversation and the other two came at the same time. Well, I chose to deal with the guy first cuz the other one was unloading her books.

This guy asks me, "Do you have a photocopier I can use?"
My response? "What would you like to use it for?"

Everybody looked at me really funny, the gal started snickering (she knows me), and he just asks, "What do you think I would need it for?"

So that was my blond moment. But now I must explain. Then after I explain, you can laugh all you want.

My reason for asking this question is because we let other department staff use our photocopier (with their own codes). He looked familiar and I thought that if he was from another department, I would let him use the staff photocopier. I now know he just looks like a very professional student/alumni person who is at the seminary??? (wasn't really able to put together the pieces of that conversation), and that I now look like a complete ditz (sp?).

Now you may laugh. My boss even laughed. It's all good.

An Apple A Day. . .

2006-06-07T17:55:00.000-06:00

So, I'm in the process of finding a family physician. Now I know...what's the point? I leave in a year. Well, I figure I should go through the process now while I'm still at home with my parents and under their insurance. That, and I gotta start sometime right? If I use that as an excuse I don't get in and I haven't seen a doctor for another year (it's been YEARS since I've been to one...minus little aches and pains at the clinic). That excuse will sit among all the other ones I've used, and if I continue to do so, I won't ever find a doctor.

So this is me stopping the excuses. However, I don't even know how to begin. That's where you guys come in. If you have or know of any good family physicians in Edmonton, could you let me know? And let me know what you think about them and why.

Thanks!

Volunteer Anyone?

2006-06-05T15:44:00.000-06:00

So, have you ever heard of Relay for Life? It's this cancer fundraiser and support event. A bunch of people gather together to raise money for cancer research but also to encourage and support those who have had cancer, have cancer, or lost loved ones to cancer. It's a really amazing event.

I got to participate in it a couple summers ago in Campbell River. Our church put in a group, and what we did is took turns walking/running (whatever people felt like doing) around this track circle. It took all night (I believe it was 12 hours - 8pm to 8am). It was a great time to bond with those that came and to see the amazing support going around.

Anyways, what does this have to do with volunteering? Well, they're running the same event in Stony Plain on June 16th (friday). They run it across the country at different times, and this was a time that worked for me. However, I was wondering (before I sign up) if there was anybody who would like to join me. It would be a great chance to hang out helping for a good cause (and of course, then I wouldn't have to go hang out with complete strangers all by myself...I'm not completely as outgoing as many people think).

If you're interested, give me a shout...preferably ASAP. And for those who would join me but are outside of Edmonton, feel free to sign up in your home area. You can get more information at www.cancer.ca (just click on your home province and then on the relay for life information).

Well, back to work I go, I go...back to work I go!

Many Unanswered Questions

2006-05-31T18:35:00.000-06:00

So, my life is filled with unanswered questions. Honestly, right now I'm okay with that. They have a huge range too. Some deal with guys: Does he like me back? Would it ever work out?. While some deal with location: Where will I be in a year? Will I do CREW first?

And then there are those that may have answers, and I just don't know them yet. This is where you, my readers come in. You may have answers or possible solutions/ideas that may help me answer these next two questions.

1) Is anybody willing to mow grass and weedwhack (yes...weedwhack) for 2 weeks while I'm gone in Chicago? If you're interested, or even just want to inquire, send a message and I'll touch base with you.

2) Who would be the best prof to ask about doing an independent study with them? I want to do an independent study in July and/or August with one of the courses I have next year, because then I don't have to do it next year (none of these were offered this summer :0S). My choices for profs are Dr. Muir, Dr. Stuhlmiller, Dr. Strand, possibly Dr. Berg (although I doubt the class topic would be conducive to independent study), and possibly Dr. Krispin (although I'm scared to ask because I think technically he's officially on sabatical until Fall).

So there you have it. Now respond. I command it.....

Ok, I just really want to hear from you guys. Go!

Who The Heck Are You?

2006-05-28T19:14:00.000-06:00

So, picture this. You're working at a booth at YC for Concordia....when you've finished laughing you can continue (I realize that for most of you this is NOT on your wish list of things to do...but bear with me)....

You're working at the booth, and all of a sudden this random guy working at the booth across from you comes up and says, "Hey (enter name here)! How's it going? How's your brother/sister/mom doing? I haven't seen you in soooo long!"

Well, that's what was supposed to happen to me. But it didn't (I'm kinda thankful). Instead, I get this guy who keeps looking at me. At first I though maybe he was trying to make eyes at me or something. But then I saw a ring on his finger (and I decided to assume he was married), so I figured it must be something else (a booger, my hair, something in my teeth...a booger in my teeth - oh wait, that was when i was 2......I'm joking guys..honest!).

Well, once we start taking booths down, he decides to come over. "You're Leah right?" Ok, how the heck does he know my name?! "Yeah, how'd you know?"

Well, that's when he explained to me that Kaitlyn and Melanie on friday (their day for the booth) had told this guy to play the prank I had you imagine. He was to pull it on me today and Jon yesterday. He told me he had all this information about me that they had given to him...at which point he pulls out this paper. On it, it says, "Leah Becker, curly hair, glasses, has a brother at the high school, etc".

We had a good laugh. I enjoyed his company. He balances chairs on his chin! And then we saw him later at the newsboys concert (at which point Kaitlyn and Melanie chastized him for his poor conduct in pranking me...but whatever).

Anyways, for those who are bored...here's some entertainment for ya. A friend found it and showed it and I couldn't help but share with everyone!

You don't have to look twice, that's who you think it is in the front row. And he looks soooooo cute in his uniform jacket! hehehe. It's from some tone chime group. If you see this eric, I'm sorry.....wait...no i'm not...giggle. Thanks anonymous friend!

And now I must sign off. But before I do....a confession...I think I'm falling for my best friend (not Shannon best friend...another best friend).

That wasn't supposed to happen!

Which Came First? The Style Of Underwear Or Globalwarming?

2006-05-26T09:16:00.000-06:00

So here's a little joke that's been going around the office here at the library. Instead of "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?", we have come up with "Which came first, the style of underwear or globalwarming?". This is due to the fact that they seem to be changing about the same time as each other.

One person in some article (that I don't have) even proposed (humorously of course), that global warming is coming about due to the lack of underwear substance (if this is the case, then neal, you're gonna bring about Hell on Earth :0P).

Anyways, enjoy:

Anyways, for Concordia being a boring place, it sure is not so boring. Besides the jokes that go around the library amongst us staff (most I think you need to be here to get), and the pranks that they pull (they're few and far between, but boy does the planning happen...I think they mostly get stuck on the planning of - ie: apparently they're sending the security gate home with me someday, along with this Barbie pink trinket box, princess pictures and all), there have been some random events.

You heard that there was fire alarm issues (who knows what actually happened there, but something happened), but apparently, that same weekend, we had a shower going in the girls' bathroom of the library. For the long weekend, someone had turned the heat off on the water heater, but forgot to turn the water off (I would do something like that :0P). Well, the water heater kept filling up and up and up, until the water had nowhere to go but out. And out it went, between the floors of the library and through the vent of the girls' bathroom, thus creating a shower.

Hehe, I love working here!

Be Glad You're Weren't in Founders Last Weekend!

2006-05-24T19:29:00.000-06:00

So, for those of you who have lived in Founders and "loved" it (*sarcasm*), be really thankful you weren't there this past weekend.

Today I was talking with the security about what was going on yesterday because students kept getting out of classes early. Well, turns out they kept getting out of class early because the fire alarms kept going off in the main building (which Founders is attached to). In fact, it went off 3 times yesterday.

Not only that, but it went off over the weekend too. Apparently it went off like 5 times total! So, dormies, be thankful you weren't there. Neal, it would have been yet another strike against the construction (but who's counting right? I guess I am :0P).

That's right, it would have been strike number 3 against the stupid construction (asides from the fact that it is just in the way).

Strike one: Early wake ups for Neal and lack of concentration in class for me due to loud banging and unnerving, earth shaking vibrations.

Strike two: Me having to get a nail pulled from my car and getting it patched because they had broken boards and loose nails in the parking lot the one day....grrr. It added another hour to our trip to Vancouver.

Strike three: Well, it would have been had there been dormies and regular classes this last little bit.

On a plus side? It is starting to look really good. They're finally working on level 3 and it's starting to look like they're getting somewhere. At least a little anyways. Yay! But that's about it.

(Insert Picture Here)

Now I must go and find out how I can pay for prescription sunglasses this summer. Adios!

I Can't Do This Anymore!

2006-05-23T23:57:00.000-06:00

You know who you are.

That being said....I'm now going to bed.

Good-night.

77 Mosquito Bites And A Forgotten Imagination

2006-05-19T08:42:00.000-06:00

So you might be asking yourself what these two things have in common. If you're not, well, you should be because I'm about to tell you. These two things have been keeping me up or waking me up every night now for about 4 days now.

Let me explain. We'll start with the mosquito bites.

So on Wednesday me, my sis, and Justin all went frisbee golfing once I was done work that day. So off we went to Rundle Park. And my, it was not my lucky night. Already on the second "hole" I ended up getting my frisbee stuck in a tree. And not in a way that was easy to get back. It was stuck in a branch above any of our reach and it was a branch that had lots of little branches and tons of pine needles. This caused the frisbee to be stuck good. It took me probably 20 mins getting it down - and it was Justin who actually got it down after I couldn't (I wasn't leaving it behind!). It was during this time that we realized how bad the mosquitoes were down here. And for those who don't know...mosquitoes love me. They were all over me. If I stopped walking I would have between 10 and 20 mosquitoes on each leg. So it was quite the sight when I started doing circles around my frisbee when it wasn't my turn. Then, I almost threw my frisbee into some storage area that was fenced off...just after I said it would suck if somebody would accidentally do that.

Well, the next morning (after spending all night putting multiple layers of calomine lotion on) I decided to count them. 77 mosquito bites and about 85-90% were on my legs. Just goes to show how important the bug spray is. I don't care if it is not healthy. Neither is no sleep for 4 days and the increased chance of West Nile (which a relative of mine almost died from a few years back).

Now on to the Forgotten Imagination.

I have a very vivid/realistic/crazy imagination (take your pick). It was very useful as a kid cuz it would keep me busy for hours. Now I don't use it as much - I thought I didn't use it much at all. But there was one thing I forgot triggers it really well. Novels. When I read books I get so engrossed in them that they become reality for me and I can't put them down. I get to the point where, if the novel is good enough, I have almost started conversations with real people about the people's lives in the novel (as if they were real). So if you ever see me reading a book and then start talking about a person you have no idea about or I describe them in such a way that it is not realistic, I'm probably just caught up in the book I'm reading. Sorry.

Anyways. This has been keeping me up lately because I had been engrossed in a book called Angels and Demons. It is the prequel to The Da Vinci Code (which I'm reading right now - I have this quirk where I try to read books in their proper order). Anyways, my imagination would actually transfer itself into my dreams because I would keep reading this book til right before bed. Thus not only would I get so engrossed in the book, but I would also dream about the characters and the situations, etc. I was even in the book at one point (oh boy!).

So between the mosquito bites and the imagination, I was up every couple hours dealing with (in most cases) BOTH situations each time. Calomine lotion on the legs and deep breathing to calm my heart rate.

That is my tale for now. And yes, I will remember the bug spray from now on when I go out. This is what I get for not being prepared for summer.

As for reading before bed? I make no promises....hehehe.

Go Oilers!

A Little Lesson on Myers-Briggs

2006-05-12T22:25:00.000-06:00

So, many of you have asked me what an ESFJ/P is. Well, those of you on my messenger, because that's my sign in name.

These letters come from a professional personality profile that I took called the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). Basically, it's like those quizes you fill in to determine what you are (ie - what kind of kisser you are, what kind of coffee flavor you are, etc), except this is for personalities and it is more accurate, seeings how it is the most professional test out there for personalities - you could even get a 32 page report done up if you wanted. I didn't go that far cuz it would have cost way too much, and well, it wasn't really my choice; Paul made us DPS students do it. Actually, many of those silly quizes we take, the ones having to do with personality are based on or take offs from the Myers-Briggs (FYI).

Anyways, now on to what my letters mean. I can tell most of you are probably bored already :0P.

E - Extraversion: I prefer to focus on the outer world of people and things. The opposite
would be Introversion.
S - Sensing: I tend to focus on the present and on concrete information gained from my senses.
The opposite would be Intuition.
F - Feeling: I tend to base my decisions primarily on values and on subjective evaluation of
person-centered concerns. The opposite would be Thinking.
*J - Judging: I like a planned and organized approach to life and prefer to have things settled.
The opposite is Perceiving.
*P - Perceiving: I like a flexible and spontaneous approach to life and prefer to keep my options
open. The opposite (obviously) is Judging.

*These two were split evenly for scores, therefore I'm both. However, they do not have a personality profile for both, so I get to pick and choose from the two that they present.

Ok, so now that you know what each of the letters stand for, you don't have to ask me on msn. However, if you'd like to find out my complete profile description (that is, what all of these letters mean combined), check out http://typelogic.com/.

In fact, if you check it out, respond back and tell me which of the two you like better for me (ie- ESFP or ESFJ) and whether they suit me at all, or if you would change anything.

That's right. I challenge you. Now do it!

Hehehe.

To Be Or Not To Be A DPS? That Is The Question, But I Won't Be Answering It

2006-05-09T09:58:00.000-06:00

So, the question, now that I know I want to be a DPS worker, is whether I'm suitable or not. Hmmm. Me suitable for something. I never thought I could be...who knew? Oh wait, technically I still do not know...giggle.

Tomorrow I have my DPS suitability interview. My interviewers are Paul (of course), Labron, Angela, and Michael. It's a good selection of people. I'm glad it's them. Am I still nervous? Heck ya!!!! I don't know what makes me so nervous about it, but I am. I mean, I know all these people in the interview. They're great people that know me well and we get along great. But I'm still nervous.

Could it be the fact that they could say no to me being a DPS? Or maybe I'm hiding some huge dark deep secret that they should know (or maybe not :0P)? Or maybe I'm just scared of the reality that is to come....no more school? I don't know, but I find it all overwhelming.

Paul says that I shouldn't have to worry because unless I'm completely against the church and don't go and curse God and hate my fellow man, etc, etc, etc., I will more than likely be ok and accepted into the profession.

So I have nothing to worry about.....right?

Part 1: The Trip Down The Mountain Or Something Like That

2006-04-19T21:26:00.000-06:00

So this last weekend was probably one of the most craziest weekends of my life. It was my brother's wedding. Crazy eh? My brother married. Chris married! But's it's awesome and I'm so happy for them. If you want to see their pictures, feel free to visit their website:

www.jenandchris.ca

Anyways, here are some highlights and tales from the weekend. This post will start with the trip down:

We drove my car as well as my parent's car. Oh yeah, did I mention we had Chris' car too? That's right, we had 3 cars going down, just with my family alone. However, one was getting ditched in Vancouver with Chris, and mine was for the purpose of taking Jenn (my friend, not Chris' new wife), Neal and Justin down too.

While driving, Jenn and I came up with some more words and actions. And of course we managed to convince Justin to join in (Neal didn't join in til the way back because he slept most of the way down). So now we have train (put hand on head and other hand on chin - it reminds us of Brian, a person who's worked with trains and is obsessed with them), and waterfall (hand trickles down like a waterfall).

Then there were the car troubles. My car started to lose air in one of my tires. It was later discovered that there was a nail in it. So we took it to a little shop in Blue River. It had chickens! The guy patched my tire and said it was a slow leak therefore the nail was probably in there for a couple weeks. I know exactly where I got it too.....da da da! Concordia. Stupid construction. Ok ok, so I could have gotten it anywhere, but the chances are good that it was at Concordia because for the last month I have practically lived there. I haven't been many other places. (There are more car troubles to come, but not yet).

So my biggest fear of driving down was the Coquihalla highway. There could be lots of snow, there could be nothing. It's so hard to tell at this time of year. Well, we did hit snow by the time we hit the Coquihalla lakes (on the east side of the toll booth). It wasn't bad at first, but after stopping, I got my dad to lead. It got slow going down and I was scared of not being able to stop. The worst of it all? I didn't have any gum! Yeah, I know, big deal. For those that know me though, you know I like my gum when I'm stressed or uptight. I wanted my gum. Instead, I grabbed a straw and started chewing on that instead. Better that than grinding my teeth, right?

So after driving 15 hours, we made it to Cloverdale (Surrey). It was good to get in, but I was exhausted. So I slept good. The next day, was the Good Friday service at Zion. My parents showed up, which I kinda figured they might, but it added to the awe of "wow, the Becker family. They've grown and changed so much!" mentality. However, there were a few people that we did that to as well. Such as me with Ken (man, he's still cute - I had a"crush" on him in Kindergarten...if you could call it that at that age).

After church and dropping Justin off (I'm starting to understand how Surrey's roads work now), Shannon and I went for lunch and then watched a movie. That's when the second set of car problems happened. I got a phone call saying, "Leah we need you to drive people around in Vancouver. The brakes are not functioning properly on the van." Well, I didn't go right away cuz they said they didn't need me right away. I later found out they went with the van anyways cuz they were trying to get it fixed. So after much brake fluid filling and trying to find a car mechanic on Good Friday, it was discovered there was nothing really wrong. I still don't understand what the problem was, but it seems to be fine now (and they did make it home safely which is a good indication with all the mountains to drive down).

Finally, driving down, I got to drive across my bridge! Yay. Yes, I call it my bridge....no it's not really my bridge. As I kid I always wanted to drive across it, but my brothers didn't. I would ask my dad if we could drive across my bridge and he understood what I was talking about (I didn't know what it was called at the time). So now I call it my bridge. Can you guess what it's called?

Well, then I made it safe to the hotel, thus ending the trip down.

Jenn's Thoughts and My Explanations

2006-04-10T10:14:00.000-06:00

Jenn's questions and responses are in regular print. My take on these questions and responses are in italics. Enjoy!

leah
1) Reply with your name and I'll respond with something random about you.
1. how you’ve kept that same cat from elementary school, I will never know.
I have this cat named White Sox. Yes after the team. It's actually named after my mom's cat which was named after the baseball team. Hey, they won the World Series last year! Holy Tangent batman. Ok, anyways, so this cat is the same age as my sister. It is now 13 years old. I got it when I lived in Cloverdale and Jenn remembers it.

2) I'll tell you what song/movie reminds me of you.

2. that shampoo commercial, “because you’re worth it.” because you really are…why cant you see that.
I don't know anything specific that this is tied to. Just that Jenn is being encouraging regarding many of our talks I'm sure.

3) I'll tell you my favorite memory with you.

3. the wasps that attacked us on the way up here.
I don't remember much about the wasps. Obviously they attacked us. Was it lunch time? Probably. Oh yeah, at that rest area I like so much I bet! I really really don't like bees or wasps or anything of the sorts. I end up throwing things.

4) I'll say something that only makes sense to you and me.
4. bear!!! tarp!!!!
This is just the randonmness of me and Jenn. We were driving home from the summer and we came up with these quirks - that is a word and actions. Ask me about them and I'll show you.

5) I'll tell you my first memory of you.

5. well, back at zion. you got to sing this solo, and I remember being so jelous, being sure you only got it because you were the principles daugter.
I found out that she was so jealous of this solo of Amazing Grace when I was in elementary school. I don't remember it at all. Sorry Jenn!

6) I'll tell you what animal you remind me of.

6. a squirrel. not so sure of where to go next. you have a final destination, but you’re not sure about the little disisions in between there.
Not sure where she came up with this one. You'd have to ask her. But I like squirrels. They furry and cute, and furry, and fun and....

7) I'll ask you something that I've always wondered about you.

7. how? with nothing but lips? I just don’t understand

I am not at liberty to share this one as it does not just involve me. Ummm, if I told you, I'd have to kill you? yeah, that's it.

8) I'll give you a quote that reminds me of you.
8. I’ll give you my hand if you reach out and grab it. you cry, It makes me feel all squishy inside, because it reminds me of that feeling.

I absolutely love the line in this song. I don't know why she used it as a rememberance of me, but that's how I feel about those who are close to me. My hand is always there and waiting (by the power and love of God), all I want is for people to grab it when they need. I'm there for them.

9) I'll tell you something that I think about you.
9. you need to get some balls girl!!! not real ones, but use some assertiveness.
Apparently I'm not assertive. Not very hard to understand this one.

10) If I do this for you, you must post this on your journal. You MUST. It is written.
10. you know the drill

Clara-something....Making Life Clearer

2006-04-03T23:22:00.000-06:00

So, I've hit the hardest time of year for me. The last leg of the school race, you may say. It's always so hard for me because there's so much to get done before the freedom of summer. But also (yes I'm doing a cliche thing...everyone's done it and I will too) it's hard saying good bye to the friends, especially those not coming back. It's also hard to look back on the year and wonder why I did the crap I did, why I put up with the crap I did and so forth.

This year it's actually not as hard as in past years. One year it actually brought me to the point where I broke up with my boyfriend at the time because I was soooo stressed. Not that that was necessarily a bad thing. Turns out we make better msn acquaintances than boyfriend/girlfriend, and his family still loves me, so I can't complain.

I think this year though, I'm more confused than stressed. All my papers are coming together just fine, so I'm not stressed about that, and there really isn't a whole lot bugging me about this past year. There are stupid things that happened, but I know that some of them were not my fault, and I wouldn't trade the good parts of those things for the world. They are very special to me.

But this still leaves the confusion. There's a lot of things in life that I don't have the answers to. I hate not knowing. And over the years I've learned that God gives the answers when it's my time to know them. What I'm learning now is that it's harder to deal with not having the answers when others you know may have them, or parts of them, or they see something else that you don't. It just makes me that much more confused and left in the dark.

And this confusion leads to wonderings and questions and the like. Some of you may know of the things in my life leading to this, some may not. If you don't, leave it that way cuz it's less confusing for you...trust me! If you do know, just leave it at that because I just really needed to vent and didn't know where else to put it.

What I want is to know what's going on, what is expected of me, what my role is in everything. I don't want to be stuck in the dark about stuff, I don't want to be walked over like I feel I am, I just want some straight, no bull answers. Oh and then there's the infamous, "why" questions. I hate those the most because I don't get answers for them. In my mind, "why" is the worst word in the english language (or one of them anyways).

Now I'm done. Well probably not, but I need to get up early to finish a paper, so I'm done the rant for now (and probably done on here with it).

Now if only I could find the lightswitch to get out of the dark, but alas, that is out of my hands.

Cool Fact About This Week...

2006-04-03T08:12:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

You may now return to your (normal ?) life.

Thanks for the email, Ashley!

Here We Go Again....

2006-03-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

I hate this time of year. And it is here again. bah!

I hated it last year too, mostly for the same reasons. I am just sick of everything. Here is the top 5 list of things I'm sick of:

5) Repetition - Everyday is the same ol'. I want to go on road trips and have some fun!
4) No time - I have no time for my friends or my family. I want to go out with them and such.
3) Gossip - I hate when rumors are spread and people talk behind other's backs. Stupid 'Concordia Grapevine'. Go to the source!
2) School - pretty self-explanitory with all the papers and exams...yuck!

And the number one reason for my frustration and of things I hate:

1) Drama - I hate the Concordia drama with people getting involved in other's people's lives, misery, happiness (and trying to ruin it), etc, etc, etc. I hate it with a passion and this is always my number one reason for looking forward to the summer. I wish people would just let other's live their lives without getting involved or trying to get involved. If there's an issue, go to the source (see 'gossip' - these two have a tendancy to go hand in hand) because if it's true concern it should go to those you are concerned about, not to anyone else. Gah! FYI - I can be guilty of this too...still frustrates me though.

Now that I've vented I feel better. Thank you!

Besides...Duke just loss to LSU...WHOOO HOOO!
So there certain people (you know who you are)....so much for winning it all!

Krzyz...what? I can't hear you....

What Shall I Do?

2006-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

So today was the Sabbath conference in which many church workers (mostly DPS workers) come to Edmonton and get together. They give the impression that it's work, but I think it's mostly fun (seriously they actually do work...but I like to bug them that they don't...hehehe).

Anyways, so my good friend Melanie is up for this conference and I got to see her during my class. All the workers came to my class to answer questions we had for people already in the field. Afterwards, however, Melanie came to say hi. And in the process asked me a very difficult question:

Would you like to come to Nicaragua with us in January?

Now, plainly there is nothing wrong with this question. Especially when you know more details like, it shouldn't interfere with too much school (it's only 2 weeks or so) and so on. However, there is the dilemma of my parents, costs, and time.

I don't know what my parents will say. This scares me. I hate the lectures of money, time, praying about it and so on...mostly cuz I've heard these lectures over and over and over (yes guys, I did listen at some point...at least until you started repeating them!).

Then there's money. I dont' have any. I'm a poor starving student. Ok, maybe not starving, but poor nonetheless. So I have to come up with 2100 - 2500 dollars. I haven't taken out a loan yet. I could take one out for my last semester of university. There's always fundraising and support. Anyways, what I'm saying is, there are ways. I just gotta think through them.

Oh and time. I don't know what January will bring. Not to mention I would probably have to give up going on Mission Trip next year. Am I ok with that? I dont' know. But I really really want to go to Nicaragua!

Anyways, I have a lot to think and pray about. That's about all I can do right now. I'll talk to people who have done it or similar trips (Michelle, do you have any input???). Praying, praying praying. Thinking, thinking thinking. I want to set a date to have a decision by, but i'm not sure how much time I should think about this. April 2nd (the group is meeting about it then)? July? I mean I also have to give myself enough time to get shots and raise money and pay deposits etc.

So, I guess what I'm asking of you guys is that you would pray for me. I don't know what the answer is. That's why I pray. If you guys could keep me in your prayers regarding this, that would be awesome. I would love to go, but I don't know if that is where God is calling me. We'll see.

Guess maybe I should learn some spanish eh? There's my decision about what language to take....maybe.

Couldn't Have Been More Eventful for Sunday!

2006-03-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Ok maybe it could have. But for my parents today was stressful as it was supposed to be Sunday - a day of rest and relaxation. It didn't turn out that way for them. It started with me actually. But that was only one piece of it (and that's all I really know about it, so that's all I'll share - this blog is about me anyways :0P).

So, I get up this morning and realize I'm running late. I'm supposed to pick up Rebecca and Lisa for church at 10. I was walking out of the house at 9:55. Not too bad cuz they don't live that far away. Well, that was until I proceded to get in the driver's side door. This is what I saw:

Glass Everywhere! That's right. My car was broken into last night. So I was in a little bit of a pickle as to what to do. I mean, I need to file a police report, but that takes time. I also needed to get Lisa and Rebecca to church because of commitments. However, I didn't want to leave my car unattended. So what to do?
Well, I took the most valuable stuff out (cds and stuff) without disturbing as much as I could (nothing appeared to be stolen). Then I proceded to take the van to take the 2 to church. I dropped them off and then proceded home until my family came back from church (they go to a different church). All the while I'm trying to call my dad and my brother hoping someone would answer their phones - no such luck.
When they get home, they procede to go to the store, but I managed to stop them. When I told them my car had been broken into, my mom proceded to tell use that "shots had been fired last night". Well, that's great. Why didn't somebody report something last night then??? I learned that it sounded like "shot" sounds cars sometimes make from their exhaust. So we really don't know what happened, but we know that my car was targeted last night.
Anyways, long story short. The police came to my house (one was really cute and my mom wanted to set me up with him...oi vey). They checked it out, made a file, figured there were no guns involved (not even beebee or pellet) because there was no evidence of such things, and said to call if they have any more information come forward. So really, there's not a whole lot they can do (unless a string of these start happening - at least that's what I figure...then maybe the cute cop will be back...mmm...oh yeah, not interested...giggle...i'm such a girl).
In the meantime I now get to pay early registration, the rest of my tuition, gas to get to the wedding, and let's throw in a new driver's side window taboot. yay money!
On the bright side....my car's clean for once. A little chilly, but clean!

I'm Ready To Be Done!

2006-03-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

I am so ready to be done. Done what? Everything here. I'm fed up with a lot of stuff and feel the only way to change that is to leave - a fresh start! Don't get me wrong. I love most of you guys and would miss you terribly, I really would. But sometimes the only way to change things is to get distance from stuff because otherwise it's just always around.

There's so much I want to get away from. I want to start my life fresh in a congregation that knows nothing and has no preconceived notions of me (harder to do since my dad's a churchworker - but that's slightly different). No expectations. That would be wonderful. Mind you, expectations are my fault too. If I wouldn't try to live up to other's expectations of me and only achieve my own expectations...life would be better (not great - stupid sin - but better). I know I deserve better than what I give myself. Sometimes I just wonder if it's a vicious cycle that's hard to break, or if it's something real.
Anyways, most of that was pertaining to a specific situation which I will not further delve into. School however, is similar in that I want to get away. The work load is horrible this semester. I shouldn't be blogging right now, but I needed to get away (that and it's cutting into my sleep time, not my study time...thrrrrrp <- That's my tongue out at you...giggle). On the bright side, I've come to a decision. A decision about my school...finally! I'll be graduating next year if everything goes well...AND...I still get to take choir. My choir conductor is good for finding "loopholes" or maybe he just makes them...hmmmm. But yeah. Assuming all goes well. God may say otherwise, but I'll just have to wait and see.

I am actually looking forward to starting my internship. Oh! and I might be doing a mission internship as well. I'm still praying about that one, but me and Paul are in convo about that one. I could use prayer help on that one. But all in all, it's coming up quickly! Yay!
Anyways, I'm off.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RON!!!!! <-Sorry I forgot (*blush*)

Check It Out!

2006-02-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

http://leahstorytime.blogspot.com

Well, I Have A Dilemma...Oi!

2006-02-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

So, I have this dilemma. It is a school dilemma. And now some of you are probably thinking, "Leah, did you get the Concordia screw-over?". Well, no, not exactly. I am stuck an extra course, but I can't blame Concordia for that. I did not meet with them every step of the way AND I switched degree programs between my 2nd and 3rd years. So I take responsibility for this one.

So here's my dilemma. I have 11 courses I still have to take. Now that seems simple. I should just overload. There's a BUT. But, those courses do NOT include choir. So, Leah, just don't take choir. BUT I love choir. It is the reason I'm here (well, that and it's cheaper than the Concordia's elsewhere). I don't want to give it up.

So here's my choice. I take choir and have to take a sixth year. I don't take choir, I can graduate next year.

There's more though. If I took the sixth year, I could take the courses to minor in music and psychology (yes both!). Both of which are quite helpful for my profession of churchworker. Now, only one minor would count because they have limits as to how many minors you can have. But this is a bonus to a sixth year, as well as I can work more hours because I would have more time to.

However, my parent's would not be too happy (at least I don't think they would), it would cost me another 6 grand, and I would have to wait yet another year to begin my internship. Oi vey.

So there's my dilemma. Any thoughts? Cuz I don't think of everything you know.

I Love This Game...It's Soooo Evil. Mwahahaha!

2006-02-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the dormies (and dormie wannabes) are playing this game. It started last week I think. Anyways, this game is set up that you have a name. Nobody knows what name you have, but you have to try to shoot this person. When you successfully shoot this person, you get a new name from that person. That's only if you successfully shoot the person. Cuz you see, you are a target to get shot at as well. And if you do, you're out. The game ends when you have killed everybody and you get your own name (it is set up so that you cannot get your name before this point).

So, anyways, I am not in this game. But I am having fun with it (insert evil laugh here). You see, it is now down to 3 people: Ryan, Mike and Eric. Pretty much Mike and Eric are duking it out because Ryan stays in dorm all day (dorm is off limits, as are classrooms and cafeteria line). Mike has Eric, therefore Eric is trying to stay away from Mike.

Well, Mike goes crawling around up in the choir loft area hoping that Eric was going to class or going to play pianos. Does this happen? No. But I end up going up to play pianos and see this. So Mike and I talk and I share with him Eric's schedule for arriving at choir. I share what time, which door he takes, and where the best place for Mike to stand is. Yes, I am that cruel. But it gets better.

In chapel, Mike comes in and sits next to Eric (chapel is considered a classroom) hoping to get him on the way out. Eric looks at me. I felt bad, so I offer some "information". I share with Eric that he needs to watch his back before choir. Yes, I am that mean. Oh, but it gets better.

On the way out of chapel, Eric dodges Mike (with a little help from Scottie who was detaining Mike) and manages to get away. But not without dropping his wallet. Quinn picks up this wallet and gives it to Megan. He then procedes to tell Eric that his wallet is with someone who is giving it to Mike. Hehehe.

That person, as stated, was Megan. I met up with megan in the cafeteria line, where she proceded to tell me all this. Eric rushes in all in a tither because he knows that somebody has his wallet and is giving it to Mike. Do we tell him the truth? Heck no. However, I proceded to hint that I know where this wallet is. Does he clue in? No. Do I tell him? No. Mwahahaha!

And I have a feeling it's going to get better. I can just see Eric hiding out in the choir room and Mike hiding expecting Eric to come up one of the stairways. And it will end in a standoff I'm sure.

What part will I have coming up? If I told you that it wouldn't be a secret.

If I told you that, I'd have to "kill" you. Mwahahaha! (giggle)

Well That's Great! NOT!!!!

2006-02-04T23:22:00.000-07:00

So, I'm not impressed right now. Mostly I just have a lot on my mind, but at this moment I'm annoyed with this. Right here. I have been tagged (3 times now) and I did my part in responding to it. And I had it up too. But do you see it here? No. Do I see it in my "edit posts" field? No.

Not only that, but I couldn't access this for like 3 hours today. And when I could, I was having great difficulty. Gah! (it's my new frustrated word).

I'm just frustrated in general and this is how I'm taking it out (better here than on someone). I'm having issues with a person. Again...gah!

But! I got an email from a boy that I admire...giggle.

Good or Bad? You Decide. . .

2006-02-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

So, I have spent the last 3 days in bed. So far you might decide that this is not such a bad thing. Who wouldn't want to spend 3 days in bed - no commitments, dramas, homework, NO SCHOOL! etc.

Well, let me elaborate. I have been in bed for 3 days because of a horrible horrible cold that my sister gave me. You might be thinking, "what's so bad about a cold? Take some medication, you'll be fine to go about your day." However, this was no ordinary cold. This was the cold from...well, use your imaginations. I was literally bedridden for 2 days. I didn't get off the couch (except to use the washroom - kind of a necessity don't ya think?) until last night. I decided last night I needed human interaction, so I went on messenger. And it was bliss (even if it was just eric...kidding...vince was on too).

But back to what made this so aweful. I got this horrible fever that caused my body to ache and me to have delusions. Well, maybe they were, maybe they weren't. With my mom at work I didn't have the chance to get these images confirmed or not (one was a little girl dressed as a little devil - as if it were halloween - and the other was a man screaming down the street as if the world was going to end. Wait. That's happened before, that was probably reality). But in all seriousness, I dont' remember much from Tuesday. A few phone calls, but I don't remember the convos very well. Maybe a lot of sleep that day? I don't remember. I would have fit in very well at Neal's party Tuesday night (giggle).

Well, today (Thursday) I decide I need to go in to school at least today because I cannot afford to miss an entire week of school. I was also going to miss Friday because of my dental surgery. More yucky stuff. I get to school and find myself exhausted just from driving. So after paying tuition, I go home and go back to bed. Yeah, having the worst cold in history I am also about to go into dental surgery. Or am I?

I get a phone call this morning. "Oh you're sick with a really bad cold? Well I need to check if that's ok with the doctor." Like I have a choice about being sick...duh! Anyways, after a few hours I find out that they do not want to do the surgery because I'm sick and they don't like doing this on sick people. So I'm outta that commitment. But the question is, Is it what I really wanted?

For one, if I did it tomorrow, I wouldn't be any more out of commission than I already am. It would be over and done with.

However, considering I didn't want the stupid procedure done to me to begin with (funny how doctors have a way of conveniently leaving out certain info), I don't have to have it tomorrow. But I do have to have it eventually.

AHH! So frustrated (but I'm hopefully going to be back at school tomorrow to see everyone...yay me!)

I'm so in need of human interaction. Help!

Are You A Heretic?

2006-01-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

You scored as Chalcedon compliant. You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451.

Chalcedon compliant

83%

Modalism

50%

Nestorianism

33%

Monophysitism

33%

Apollanarian

25%

Monarchianism

25%

Gnosticism

17%

Socinianism

Adoptionist

Arianism

Docetism

Pelagianism

Donatism

Albigensianism

Are you a heretic?
created with QuizFarm.com

Yet Another Song!

2006-01-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have written another song. It is essentially done and therefore has music to it already. It was inspired by a friend who I care for deeply but I'm not sure what's going to happen between me and this person in the near future (or future period). I know what I would like, but only He (God) knows what I need.

My Prayer
by Leah Becker Jan. '06

I'm so lost and alone without You;
I can't face this world alone.
I'm so confused and my mind's not on You:
I can't help but feel it's wrong.

I can't help but feel this way when I stray.
I turn so far from You I don't know the way.
But You come after me and rescue me here.
Therefore I shall not fear.

Please come find me and hold me tight,
I want to feel You right here.
Please provide me with Your holy sight,
that I may know Your will for me.

Help me follow only You holy way
and not a way for my selfish gain.
It will only get me further from You.
Help me to seek Your truth.

I know Your here by my side as I cry;
I know You love me so.
I know You guide me in all that I try.
Only Your love will do.

For You are here.

Drama or Love?

2006-01-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

The following is some lyrics that I have written. I would like some feedback or ideas on how I can expand or better them as I continue to work on it. Thanks for your support guys.

Drama or Love?
by Leah Becker Jan. '06

Verse 1

I love you turns right into I hate you.
I need you turns right into I'm leaving you.
Turning on each other for what we think is right.

BUT STOP!

Chorus 1

The drama we make today
is a mess we leave tomorrow
Instead let's look to Him above,
for He has given His love,
So we can share it.

Verse 2

We make promises we know we cannot keep.
We do things we know just make us downright creeps!
It seems as long as these things will only benefit me....

BUT STOP!

Chorus 1

Bridge/Verse 3

Let's stop the rumors and the lies that we make.
Instead let's share God's love and give instead of take.
He gave up His life for us to save us and give us His love.
So in return let's follow Him and give it to the world!

BECAUSE!

Chorus 2

The love that we give out today
is love that spreads tomorrow
With God's help above,
the one who's given His love.
We can share it!

The Family Gift

2006-01-03T00:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this year our family gift was a pool table. Now, for the record, it's not a regular size pool table - but it's still lots of fun!

Anyways, I have this desire to share the story of this pool table and how it got into our mist (I saw pictures and was having a good laugh about it is really what happened).

So, we go to Sears to figure out whether we want this pool table or another one (where the pool table flips into an air hockey table). After deciding that we wanted this one and a seperate air hockey table, we go to make the purchase. We then find out that the pool table is not available, but that they can order it...wait...oh, but it won't come in until april!

So we think about it some more, call my dad (who's in Phoenix at this this time), and then let Cory make the decision. Cory decides to go for it anyways.

The store clerk orders the table, and then goes to order the air hockey table. Same deal...until...he looks in the special little binder and discovers that they have one in storage...who knew? So, he calls up. Sure enough, it's still there, and he cancels that order.

Well, bright as he was, he looks to check the pool table just in case. And wouldn't ya know it, there's still one left! He even went himself to check that this was so. So, we got both tables that day.

But then the joy of getting them home and in our basement. So, the air hockey table fits just fine. We had to measure the van for the pool table (remember, not a full size table). It was going to be a close call. It took two people, a gurney, and my mother saying, "come on. you can fit. you can make it fit." We did get it to fit.

So, getting it out of the van, we thought we would have to take it out piece by piece. THANKFULLY we didn't have to. However, this process was done between 11 and 12 at night! I had a choir concert that night, and with my dad being in Phoenix, we opted to get some of my guys friends to come over and help.

I think this part of the story is better done with pictures:

Here we have Paul making sure that the top doesn't flop on the stairs on the way down causing a dent in the floor or broken pieces in the box. yay Paul!

And here (even though you can't see them) we have Scott and Matt. Scott would be in the orange and red, holding the pool table up so that it doesn't crush Matt to death. Matt would therefore be in the blue trying to make sure that the pool table doesn't crash to the bottom, breaking pieces....oh...and of course crushing him taboot! Thanks guys!

As you can see, we got it down safely. Nobody got hurt, and our pool table is in one piece (after we put it together of course!). But not without a little help from these guys:

These would be our supervisors, Cory and Eric. Make a mental note...this was because they kept getting in the way and my mom kept pulling them to "safety".

Oh and for the record...while they were being pulled to safety, it was the girls (me and Michelle) who managed to get the air hockey table downstairs. Of course AFTERWARDS they claimed they were going to do it.

So, after much adventure and no deaths or breakings...we did good! Thanks guys!

Are You Kidding Me?

2005-12-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Seriously?! Are you kidding me? It's December, almost January? YEAH RIGHT!!!

Honestly though, who would expect Edmonton to do this well with the weather in December. Yesterday we smoked another record (16 degrees C) and today was fairly nice too. We've even got rain! We never get rain (except for the last few summers). I think my brother and his fiancee brought it with them...it really does feel like BC weather (the moisture going straight to your bones).

Anyways, enough about the bizarre weather. So, this Christmas has been pretty low key, with a couple interesting moments. Asides from a few expressed love interests (a not initiated from my side either!), most of my time has been spent sleeping and hanging out with my family. I never spend this much time with my family. This is because of school and work, especially this last semester. I love holidays!

Anyways, Christmas services were nice. I was able to go to church with my family over this holiday season (usually I can't because of my practicum church and responsibilities with them). I went to church with my grandma on Christmas eve, and then our family went to St Peter's for Christmas Day.

We are a family that opens gifts on Christmas Eve. Good ole german tradition...gotta love it! Now it's on to New Years! I love that tradition in our family too. We put ordeurves (sp?) on all day and watch movies, only stopping to see each time zone switch over. Lot's of fun.

The most excitement so far? I got a cell phone for Christmas(for those who want the number, just ask).

Finally, I can be apart of the technology age!

Can You Figure Out What's Going On?

2005-12-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

Two men were sitting next to each other at a bar. After awhile,
one guy looks at the other and says, "I can't help but think,
from listening to you, that you're from Ireland."

The other guy responds proudly, "Yes that I am!"

The first guy says, "So am I! And whereabouts from Ireland might
you be?"

The other guy says, "I'm from Dublin, I am."

The first guy responds, "Sure and begora, and so am I! And what
street did you live on in Dublin?"

The other guy says, "A lovely little area it was. I lived on
McCleary Street in the old central part of town."

The first guy says, "Faith, it's a small world, so did I! So did
I!! And to what school would you have been going?"

The other guy anwers, Well now, I went to St. Mary's of course."

The first guy really gets excited and says, "And so did I! Tell
me,
what year did you graduate?"

The other guy says, "Well now let's see, I graduated in 1964."

The first guy exclaims, "The Good Lord must be smiling down upon
us! I can hardly believe our good luck at winding up in the same
bar tonight. Can you belive it? I graduated from St. Mary's in
1964
my own self."

About this time, Vickie walks into the bar, sits down, and orders
a
drink.

Brian, the bartender, walks over to Vickie, shaking his head and
mutters, "It's going to be a long night tonight!"

Vickie asks, "Why do you say that, Brian?"

"The Kelly twins are drunk again."

I soooo wish I had a twin now...so much fun!

Who really really knows me?

2005-12-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a little quiz about me to find out how well you know me. Yes you will be judged. You should know everything about me. If you dont', I'll just have to go crawl in my bed and cry til the cows come home.

No pressure now.

(FYI - for those who think I'm actually serious, maybe you should just take the quiz and actually see how serious I was while making it.)

I"m not sure which link will work, but give em a try!

Take my Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com!

OR

Take my Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com!

Mwa ha ha ha! -Where'd that come from? Huh? I think it was the wind...right, the wind.

Celebrating my 21...and a 1/2? Bday!

2005-12-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been half a year since I turned 21. Yay me!

But, I'm a little said because I didn't really get to celebrate my bday. Don't get me wrong people from CR. It was great hanging out with you and getting ice cream (thanks Melissa!) and having the church picnic and all. But that's not how I pictured my 21st bday. I mean, I'm legal everywhere! Or almost everywhere anyways.

The thing is, all my friends who have bdays during the school year get to celebrate it with all their school friends. They get to go out and have this big shindig just for them. Where's my shindig? I don't think I should get left out just because my bday is in the summer.

And it turns out there's a few people that agree with me (Or at least they're looking for a reason to party)cuz Wednesday nite I'm going to celebrate my 21st bday finally! Anybody around interested in coming, just let me know and I'll get you the details.

Happy bday to me!

Honorary Bass for a Second Year?

2005-12-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! Talk about a screw up.

For anybody in choir, you would understand where my name comes from. You see, last year during choir tour, when we got our annual "awards" (silly awards given to people in choir, such as BFP - big fat pig award - rookie of the year, little miss what's on tap, etc). Anyways, my award that I got last year was Honorary Bass.

Well, I'm certainly living up to that award. Ok, so the last couple of nights were the Concordia Concert Choir's Christmas concert (with other groups like handbells, SOUL, mass choir and high school choir). The concerts were lots of fun and Mike (our director) did an awesome job. Congrats to him!

So, there's one piece that we struggled with a lot - the Barton, 'Gloria'. It turned out really good. But (yes, but), we were in the process of getting ready to sing our next piece. I thought it was the Barton. He told us to sing with support and "gusto", basically come in with security. So, I was going to give it all I had.

I come in with everything I've got....and all I can do is stop. Why? Because it wasn't the right tune. Not only that, but only the guys were singing. All I could think was, "What's going on? Why are only the guys singing?"

Why were only the guys singing? Because it was the wrong 'Gloria'. It was the one by Daley ('Gloria in excelsis') in which the guys do indeed start first.

Wow! Honorary Bass strikes again!

I Am Sick of Feelings

2005-11-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong. I love the way I feel when I'm in a relationship, when I'm out with a group of friends having a drink, when I accomplish something I worked really really hard on, and so on.

What I hate is when things are based on feelings. Feelings have their place, but they should not be the basis for anything. Our feelings are skewed from reality, whether it's because we're irrate about something or head over heals in love with someone. They are skewed.

For example, when someone says they have fallen in love. I hate the idea of falling in love, because love takes time. It takes time because it's not a feeling, it's a committment/promise/hard work/and so on. However, society has put a spin on love making it a feeling. I hate it when people say they broke up with someone because they "fell out of love" with them. Again, you don't just fall out of love with someone. It takes time. I think it can happen, but it's a choice (maybe not conscious) and it takes time and situations that 'poison' the relationship.

Now don't go thinking I'm all depressed about something. I was told I needed to update my blog and this a rant that I've wanted to get out for awhile. I realize that feelings are good. I love having feelings. It just drives me nuts when people base facts/decisions/ideas on them. I also realize that it's the hardest thing to do(keeping feelings out of it), especially when it comes to dealing with high strung situations (however in these situations, feelings are usually involved because someone was hurt, and you need to look out for yourself - like I said, there is a time and place for feelings).

I say this, but I know I'm guilty for it too. Maybe it's the emotional aspect that I'm trying to hit on. What is the difference between emotions and feelings?

Anyways, this has been brought to you by the woman who is irrate herself, and she is over and out!

. . .Is Mighty Fine (part 2)

2005-11-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a long week. Actually, really it's only been a long 3 days, but it feels like forever.

So I ended up skipping my two classes on Wednesday morning to deal with the previous mentioned situation. I wanted to share with my boss what had happened before they went to her (because I told them to do so, instead of standing there arguing with me), so as not to completely shock her.

She called an immediate meeting with me, her, and one of the administrators. They felt very sorry that I had to endure that, and that they (along with the Dean)would do their best to take appropriate measures to deal with the situation. The staff at my work are so supportive of us working there. They have put their support 100% behind me. Even the area staff (security, maintainance) are looking out for me (I had security walk me to my car this evening and he was more than glad to do so).

I now need to go through some procedures and sit tight. Anyone involved in dealing with the situation have shared with me that my name will not be brought up. Instead, they will declare that they were tipped off by the security report written up on the situation, and they will be dealt with.

Now if only I could deal with my own feelings on the situation, it'd be fine. But hey, at least I'm sleeping now (it was only one night that I wasn't)
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The Taste of an Ass. . . (part 1)

2005-11-16T02:55:00.000-07:00

Interesting title eh? Well, shortly you'll probably see the bitterness coming out of that statement. Actually, if you could know the whole story, detail by detail, you would know that bitterness is actually flowing/pouring/gushing (pick one) out of this statement. Neal and Jenn, having worked in retail, will agree. People can be idiots.

So I'm sitting here at almost 3am, and I can't sleep. Why can't I sleep? Because of a situation at work this evening. I keep thinking to myself, "what have I done?", "What's going to happen next?", "Did I handle this the way I should have?", and on and on and on and on and on (I'm tired, my mind keeps getting stuck on the track). Unfortunately I cannot tell you the whole story, at least not until I deal with what happens next, if ever.

Anyways, so this situation this evening has never happened to me before. I had a situation where a group of students were not following procedure (rules in layman's terms) in regards to privaledges in the library. We confronted them. However, when I confronted them, they did not like that so much. They got pissy and angry and shouty. They wouldn't even let me get a word in. If they had, they would realize that I'm actually quite an understanding person, that I had to follow procedure (rules), but that nothing really serious was going to come out of this, except maybe a slap on the wrist(it was a stupid situation to begin with that they blew way out of proportion).

This situation makes me sick just thinking about it because it did not have to come to this if they would just have taken it normally. Man! I don't blame (Neal and Jenn and anyone else in retail) you guys for the complaints you put out about retail. I would say that this grants me a taste of it, and I don't envy it at all. Kudos to you guys for all the *crap* you guys put up with (or fight) (*changed to try to remain as close to G rated as possible :0P).

Well, I should hit the sack. Even if it does mean sitting there not actually sleeping (As I was before). I can't believe I have to get up in 3 hours. Neal, I don't think going to the piercing place tomorrow (today) is going to work for me. Either I'll be dealing with this situation, or I'll be long gone in la la land (translation = sleeping).

Hmmm....La la land. Sounds wonderful...hmmmzzzzzz.

What Happened You Ask?

2005-11-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

Well, since most of you know what happened with my previous situation, I won't bother saying anything. Instead, I'll bore you with the boringness of my life.

What's happened in my life? My grandma is finally out of the hospital! That's right folks. She's not even in the Rehabilitation Center. My aunt went to sign her out, and the doctor said not to bring her back because she was good enough to go home. Praise God!

As for school...It continues to drag on. I'm sort of caught up again, finally. However, I've been taking advantage of the lull and been lull myself. In otherwords, instead of getting ahead like I probably should. Oh well. Life of a student.

Ok, ok. You guys want to know the deal, don't you. Well, I had said that I wanted to get my belly pierced on the Wednesday (2nd). Well, it didn't happen....

Nope! Instead, I got it pierced on Thursday (3rd)(got those of you who didn't know :0P)...

Man, it was quite the task. But I must say, thanks to Neal for holding my hand and holding his stomach (he was sick that day and I had sweaty palms...ewww). Oh, and Johnny was so much fun. He was the piercer guy. Really good at keeping my nerves calmed (for those of you who know me, you know that's a huge task).

It was so funny. He was like, "Can I see your belly? Oh that's so cute. You're 21? So it's not going to grow anymore...how cute!". And he couldn't stop saying how cute it was. We did have some difficulty though. There's a higher chance that the piercing may migrate because I have such a small belly. Also, when he pierced it, he had trouble with the size of the post. Apparently I swelled more than expected because he had to get the next size post (as the one he had measured no longer fit). The problem? There was none in stock. So the post I have is actually 2 sizes bigger than intended. Then he couldn't get the post through, or didn't have the tool for it, or something - so that took longer too. It was quite the day.

All in all? It was so totally worth it. Oh, and I did tell my dad, who proceded to laugh and tell me he not to get a hoop in my nose.

Hmmmm. . . .

Inner child

2005-11-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

Your Inner Child Is Surprised

You see many things through the eyes of a child.
Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded.
You cherish all of the details in life.
Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

How Is Your Inner Child?

To Tell, Or Not To Tell...

2005-11-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've decided I'm going to get another piercing. I knew about it already with my last posting, but I needed to get the courage up to go for it. It's still not there, but I'm going through with it anyways. I will probably cry and Neal will laugh as he holds my hand because I'll freak out before they actually do anything (at least that's what happened last time).

Now the thing is, I haven't told my parents yet. I'm still debating whether I actually will or not. Maybe I haven't told them because it hasn't hit me yet that I'm getting this done. Or maybe cuz they won't necessarily see it (I think here I should mention that it is a navel piercing for all those whose mind is in the gutter :0P ). Or is it because I'm not sure how they'll feel about it (I have an idea, but that doesn't always turn out to be reality)?

The fact of the matter is, I am the age of legality, thereby meaning that I can do what I please (for the most part). Also, they don't have to see it, as my clothing covers it. I like the look of the piercing, and I know that it is for me because for those of you who have seen my wardrobe, nobody is going to see it unless I show them. Also, if I was getting something pierced because people wanted me to, I would get my nose done - which I refuse to do. What's nice about the belly is that it won't affect those around me (say for a job interview or something) because it's not visible.

Well, tomorrow will tell all. I don't even know if it will work out because I forgot (amidst all my papers) to call the place and make an appointment. So if they can't fit me in, it doesn't get done tomorrow. But we'll see. . .

And Life Goes On . . .

2005-10-22T21:10:00.000-06:00

So, it's been awhile since I've last been on. Who can blame me? Life has been crazy busy. Life goes on, I just wish it would wait up for me. Oh well, I'm slowly catching up.

So, my grandma is doing soooooo much better. She has been fully alert this week and the doctors are amazed at her recovery (hey, she's 85...who wouldn't be amazed!). Right now they want to put her in the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital where she can continue in her recovery. They expect that she will be able to live mostly on her own (maybe somewhat assisted) or even make a complete recovery letting her live completely on her own (this is what I'm hoping). Thank you all for your continued prayers for her. She's an amazing lady, and she continues to prove that even now!

Unfortunately (and fortunately), Joyce passed away. I will deeply miss her as she too was an amazing lady. But I know that she is in heaven with her Lord and Savior, and that she is not suffering anymore. Praise God!
(I'll have a pic up later)

As for the rest of my life, it's pretty boring. School keeps me busy as I am behind in my school work. I just handed in a late paper, and I have another paper that's late (hopefully I'll have it in tomorrow). But the professors are understanding, which is nice.

I've given up dating and the idea of dating. First off I just don't have time. Secondly, it causes too much hassle and I've been hurt (which has caused 1 loss of friendship, and I'm not sure about the other friendship). So, I'm giving it up. Completely. It's not mine to handle anymore, which makes life much easier when there's one less thing to worry about. I find that's true with anything.

Hmmm. What else. Work is so boring. And yet it's crazy. We've had some interesting situations arise since we've hired essentially 3 new people. 2 of them were just recently hired a few weeks ago. So, mistakes have been made....yikes! So now every month, our boss wants to meet with us evening/weekend people to make sure that we're on track and we HAVE to ask at least 1 question at each meeting. That's part of the problem. The newbies haven't been asking our boss any questions.

Oh well. That's life, and as I said, "Life goes on". But gosh darnit if it would just wait for me!

I Feel So Rejected!

2005-10-22T20:50:00.000-06:00

You are

What Rejected Crayon Are You?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-10-09T14:56:00.000-06:00

Well, I am soooo glad this past week is over. Unfortunately it means catching up and being crazy next week, but I'm going to enjoy the weekend while I can.

So, my grandma is about the same. She's getting better, but she's really tired, and when she's tired she's moody, and when she's moody it's weird cuz it just doesn't seem like her. But other than that, she is doing better. The doctors have even used the "D" word (discharge). However, we're hoping that they delay that because right now she cannot live on her own. She would need to stay with someone or have someone stay with her. But other than that, it's looking a lot better. Still stressful, but worth it.

As for Joyce, I haven't heard much. I wish I could go see her, but I can't.

The rest of life is pretty boring. Guys still confuse me to no end, but that's nothing new and I'm starting to get used to it (doesn't mean I like it though, so don't think it will let you get away with things boys!). School is still way to heavy. I have actually contemplated dropping a course or two, but I really don't want to. We'll see.

For now I'm stuck at work writing to you guys, debating whether I should actually do my homework. Actually, I already know that I should, it's a matter of whether I will or not. I probably will, but I have to admit, school is really discouraging me right now.

Yeah, I should really get started on my paper. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you eat lots and lots of TURKEY! Yay TURKEY!

When It Rains, It Pours

2005-10-07T00:20:00.000-06:00

Wow! It has been quite the week, and it's not over yet.

My grandma is doing better. The doctors have gotten the bleeding in her brain to stop, and she seems to be recovering. She actually went for a walk yesterday and today, and her physiotherapist was quite impressed with how far she went. I've been reading to her from Esther. I quite enjoy that because it seems to put her to sleep (which she needs lots of) and it reminds me of when she would read Bible stories to me to put me to sleep.

Thank you for all your prayers with my grandma. It's not even close to over yet, but we're heading in the right direction. It has and will continue to take a lot out of us both physically, mentally and emotionally. But we know that God is blessing us through the situation.

However, as my title is indicating, there is more. I just recieved an email with some not so great news. One of the members of the church that I worked for (the last two summers) is not doing so well. This past summer she was diagnosed with cancer, and the email I got today said that she only has so much time to live.

Please pray for her and her family and her congregation. We all love her so much!

Urgent Prayers!!!

2005-10-02T21:09:00.000-06:00

Everyone,

Please pray for my grandma and my family! This morning my grandmother was taken to the hospital feeling really ill. After doing some tests, they found that she has blood on the brain. It seems to be under control now, but it will be bad if it starts up again. Therefore the next 24-48 hours are the most critical.

Once through this time period, the doctors will start looking at a treatment plan. They'll see if her body can heal itself or if surgery will be needed.

I ask that you would keep her in your prayers. She has taught me that prayer is such a powerful tool. I truly believe that.

I don't know what's going to happen, but I know that whatever happens, God's hand will be in it helping and guiding us.

Just When Things Are Good....

2005-09-27T18:51:00.000-06:00

Well, I think I'm finally starting to get my semester under control. I'm not ahead in my workload, but I'm not behind either. Actually, I might be able to get ahead this week/weekend. That is if I don't take to long on things like this.

That's part of my problem. I am very easily distracted by life. I'm a social butterfly and LOVE to hang out with friends, or talk to them on messenger, or go out at night.

But, I am finally learning self-discipline in this area. I am actually starting to go to the library in the evenings to complete homework and studying. And I'm actually enjoying it. Who enjoys homework?! Apparently I'm starting to. There's just this new love that I have for learning. It is starting to feel more relevent to what I'm going to do with my life. Maybe cuz I'm almost ready to graduate (next year baby!)

Anyways, with everything going well, I'm so happy about it. Not even my life drama (that people seem to be creating for me...I honestly don't know my part in it as of late except that the situation has to do with me???) is getting me down or in the way. I'm actually having fun watching it play out and seeing where people take it. Oh well.

But, the end of these "good days" is coming. Midterms are coming up as are papers and finals. It will all bring an end to this....

(side note: I will still be happy, just stressed. don't worrry!)

When The Cold Shoulder Doesn't Work

2005-09-20T19:03:00.000-06:00

So, this has been an interesting last couple of weeks, going from one extreme to the next. Some I cannot mention here as it would go against confidentiality of someone I really care about. However, I'll give you the juicy details of the other situation.

Ok, so there's this guy. You guys are all thinking "oooh. A guy" (Bryan might be bugging me about whether this guy is in uniform or not ;0P). Anyways, this time this is not the case. It's a guy that I'm NOT (repeat NOT) interested in. Unfortunately, he is (interested in me that is).

He flirts with me any chance he gets. I just really enjoyed our friendship, but now I find myself avoiding him because I don't want to give him the wrong impression. I've thought about telling him, but here's where my dilemma therein lies. What if I'm completely misreading him? Most people who have seen his interaction with me would say that it's not likely (right Eric?), but there's always that chance. However, he's been known to fall for girls hard, when he does fall for them. So if I wait til he says something or make it known, chances are he will have completely fallen for me and I will have stomped on his heart (I can't do that) :'0(.

I've decided I'm going to talk to his roommate. Cuz he really hasn't helped the situation at all either, that and he probably knows something. I figure I'll find out if there's anything really to be worried about. If there is, then I'll go talk to this guy who seems to like me, and deal with it.

But for now I'm stuck working at the library waiting for this roommate to get back to me (that could possibly never happen). And I sit here wondering . . .

I Want To Marry Nyquil!

2005-09-05T00:16:00.000-06:00

So, after a day and a bit, I do feel better about the whole seeing someone (indicated in the last post). I've had a chance to vent to a couple people (thank you to those who truly listened and kept drilling the point home....it's needed with my stubborn german head).

I need to stick with the original plan/thought/help that I had before. That is, I just need to trust God and move on. It's harder than it sounds, but I know that God will help me out. God will help me to move one, and He will be the one to bring me the right guy. I'm so glad I have Him to help me out, because over the last few days I've come to realize that I cannot tackle it on my own. Besides, I shouldn't make myself when He's more that willing to be there right beside me.

Anyways, so enough about that. So I'm home now, but not without some adventures. So I left Campbell River Tuesday morning. It was a sad good-bye, but I know that if I hadn't done it then, then I would not have been able to leave on my own accord. It also helped that I had plans with other friends for that afternoon in Victoria. That's right, I drove to Victoria to visit my friend Chrissy and Britt. The plan was to stay with Chrissy on the NAVY base.

Well, that went awry when we showed up to the base after 11pm. They don't let civilians on base after 11pm. I would be a civilian. Well, after much debate about whether I would stay in a motel and who would pay for it, we decided to sleep in the car. Together (she could have gone back on base, but didn't cuz I wouldn't dream of sleeping in my car alone).

Well, we couldn't just sleep anywhere. We needed porta-potties, and a place where we would not get in trouble (parking lots are usually out of the question). So, a rest area seemed the perfect solution. But to find a rest area we drove around for another hour looking for one.

Finally finding one, we settle in for the night. It just so happened it was on top of the Malahat (it would be a summit of highway 1 going into Victoria from the north). It was magnificent. The stars were out and it was so peaceful. A little chilly, but that's okay (probably why I'm sick now though...hence the nyquil).

It was fun, until we had to get up at 5am to get back onto the base. But then we slept for another hour on base until Chrissy had to get up for work.

Chrissy and I always manage to have an adventure. Whether it's cutting my elbow on the dresser, or sleeping on the Malahat, it's never short of interesting (or funny for that matter).

Stuck In A Place I Don't Want To Be

2005-09-03T20:34:00.000-06:00

Ugh! I'm so frustrated right now. I want to go back to Campbell River because I didn't have a care and my problems seemed easier to deal with.

Don't get me wrong. It actually turns out that I'm enjoying being home (despite one of my previous blog entries). I miss Campbell River so much, but it's good to see all my friends....well almost all of them.

I've actually only seen dormies. I haven't yet seen anybody else...well actually I've seen them walking down the street and such. Why haven't I stopped and said hi yet? Because I'm dreading a certain "hello".

When I was in Campbell River, a guy broke up with me. I hated it, but being in CR helped because it gave me distance and a fresh start to get over it. Or so I thought. I've been back three days and I have seen him twice. Both times I did not pull over because it brought tears to my eyes. I thought I was over it, but apparently I'm not.

So now I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I can't seem to say hi to him and move on, and yet I don't want to lose the friendship that he and I have. So now I'm tossing and turning about whether to act like nothing has ever happened and we're still great friends (easier said than done...I've tried) or to say I can't be friends with him right now, speech.

Why did I ever date him? Now it's all screwed up!

You Know Summer's Over When . . .

2005-08-28T23:17:00.000-06:00

Well, I've decided to compile a list of all the things that are happening that are telling me that summer is over and my time here in Campbell River is done.

5. Every time you see your room you realize you need to pack....but just don't have the will power to start it.

4. Just when you get used to the feeling of being left hanging from the season finale, you start seeing ads for the season premiers.

3. Your friends working in retail start talking about how they've started stocking winter items.

2. Church fall plans are starting up, and you're not apart of the plans.

And the Number One thing tipping me off that summer is over. . .

Opening the front door and seeing the Sears Wishbook sitting on the front step!

Well, my summer is coming to an end. I leave in just a few short days. I am starting to look more and more forward to school and this year, but I wonder if part of it is to compensate for the feelings from saying goodbyes. Oh well, if it gets me through the 5 hours alone, it will work. That's the worst part, is being alone for a bit. But I am so thankful that I have a friend travelling with me from Cloverdale to Edmonton. That's 12 hours that I don't have to spend alone, and she and I have some catching up to do anyways.

It will all work out, and I know that this is where God is leading me. He is teaching me to be patient, and more importantly to trust Him. May He take my hand and lead me this week, as I will need it(as I always do :0P).

Time To Become Famous!

2005-08-23T18:34:00.000-06:00

So, I have now officially been recorded. It's nothing major. Just off a church sound system. But I'm so excited.

If you're really confused yet, let me explain. I recently wrote a song (see "Take My Hand" post). Well, Melissa and I were talking and we thought it'd be cool to make a sort of music video of my summer using my song. So, we fiddled with recording stuff and got Pastor Tom (my boss) involved. Well, he's quite the computer guy and went and got a recording software program (nothing special, just off the internet) so that we could get clearer sound.

Well, that's what we did today. And it worked. So, I've been recorded. Now I'm working with Melissa to get it all compiled into a music video (which I'm dedicating to the church). So much fun! You guys should try it if you ever get the chance. You learn a lot through experiences like this.

Now all I have to do is somehow sneak it into a professional recording company to make me famous . . .

Nah! I quite enjoy the simple life of mine. Besides, I don't think I could handle the fame.

People's Expectations

2005-08-21T23:16:00.000-06:00

It's really hard to live up to other's expectations. I know, I've tried. It doesn't work and you end up really really confused about what you really want.

What I have an even harder time with though, is when I know what I want, but all that people give you is there expectation.

I'm actually dealing with this right now. Unfortunately I am not excited, or happy about going back to school. I love the courses I'm taking this year and I know that I'm going to love this semester, but right now, I have no desire to go back. Honestly I'm ok with this because I know that in time I will feel fine about it.

What's really iritating me though is that people back home don't even try to understand why I might feel this way. I feel they shrug it off saying that everything will be fine, and you'll get to see everyone, etc, etc. I'm sorry, but for a little while I'm not going to be very happy about being back. But like I said, it will pass.

Don't get me wrong, I miss all my concordia friends, they're awesome! But forgive me for not being excited about seeing them. If they would ask, they would know that the reason for not being excited is that when I see them, that means that I'm not back here in Campbell River, and I'm not coming back to "live" here (at least not that I know of, God may say otherwise...at least that's what I'm praying for). That's the hardest part about this all, is that I"m not coming back to work here next year, and I don't know if I'll ever be back. I love my friends dearly, but I'll see them all semester long. I'm saying good-bye to my "home" (yes I consider this home away from home) in a week and a bit and I don't know when or if I'll ever be back.

Really what I wanted to do with this blog entry is to offer my friends an explanation as to why I feel the way I do. It has nothing to do with them, it's just how I feel right now. I need time, but I don't want to have to feel that I need to put up a face for them. I don't need that adding to that. What I want from them is support and hugs and honestly just some understanding. I don't need to hear that everything will be fine, I already know that. I want them to tell me that it's okay to miss my family here and that they're okay that I'm not all that enthused about coming/being home.

Sorry this was kind of a downer blog, but I just really needed to get this out. There's plenty of time for fun, it will come....probably when I update you guys on EVERYTHING I did this summer. Yes, I said EVERYTHING. Wait, that might make for a llllloooooooonnnnnngggggg blog. . .

Take my Hand

2005-08-06T23:39:00.000-06:00

So, I have recently written song. Finally a completed one! Or at least at this point. I know I'll probably tweak it, but for now it's done (music and all). I'm dedicating this to Bethany Lutheran Church. God has taught me so much through my experiences there and through the people there. They will always have a special place in my heart.
Here it is:

Take my Hand
by Leah Becker '05

You are my Eagle
You life me up on Your wings.
I go off on my own
walking until nothing is what it seems.

Chorus:
But/Cuz when I fall down
You pick me up again.
Together we'll walk
My hand in Your hand.
I am Your child.

You are my Shepherd
I know no matter the cost,
When I wander off
You'll find me where I am lost.

chorus

bridge: Your love so great for me
I can't understand it.
You gave Your life for me.
You love so great for me
And I'm so grateful for it.
You gave Your life for me.

You are my Light
When things are dark.
Please light my path
And guide me while I walk.

chorus

end: I am Your child.

Rained Out!

2005-08-04T10:03:00.000-06:00

So, I just got back from my church campout this weekend. It was at Buttle Lake, which is south west of Campbell River.

Craziness. It rained practically the whole time. The first day we expected hot temperatures (actually we expected it all weekend), but when we got there (friday) it was kinda chilly and cloudy.

"Ok", we thought, "it will warm up tomorrow". We didn't think anything of it, especially since the clouds cleared and we saw the stars. Well tomorrow comes and it's just as cold, but we figured it would clear up. Lunch time comes around and it's still chilly and we had had periods of drizzle. Yuck. It continued all day.

Sunday comes and we were pretty much rained out the whole day. When we went to bed though, it cleared and we saw the stars. Monday comes and guess what! Sunshine and beautiful warm weather. We had to be out of the site by 11am. There was no time to enjoy it.

Over all, though, the campout itself was fun. There was plenty of time for fellowship (having been stuck in close courters all weekend) through card games, and singing, and talking. I finally got to sleep in after having "worked" three weeks straight (this includes a mission trip).

We had a ladies' crazy bath time, although it might be more appropriately deemed "crazy ladies' bath time". We went in to the lake, freezing cold, to wash our hair and such. There were four of us, and it was too cold, but it felt so good afterwards. Who needs running water? Ok, maybe I do, but it worked in the meantime.

So, like I said, despite the rain it was fun. Great times with great people. That's always the best time (and it doesn't hurt to throw in a little swimmer's itch either.....*scratch, scratch*).

Crack!

2005-08-04T09:37:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally did it. I finally hit my breaking point. I suppose it's bound to happen when you haven't taken a day off in 4 weeks. Even if this is an awesome job, at some point there's need for time to yourself. That and it's always a good thing to delegate, delegate, delegate.

This is what I've learned from yesterday. I thought I had too much to do before Friday and Monday (parade float stuff and Vacation Bible School), and in a sense it is a lot of stuff to do. But they were small things. But to do them on my own as well as doing my other responsibilities would have been too much.

It also doesn't help that I've had stress leading up to this. I could have dealt with crunch time if it had only been crunch time (I did last year). But I'm also dealing with volunteers (yes that can be stressful cuz you gotta treat them extra special even when they're complaining about what they have to do), and I've got loads of personal stress too. All of these things though are dealable, but when they add all together and you haven't slept and had a day off in long time, you break.

Thankfully it wasn't a huge break, just a tear or two, and it was only in front of the pastor, his wife, and one of my friends in the congregation. And even more thankfully, I HAVE A DAY OFF!

That's right, I have a day off today and I'm going to Nanaimo. Me and Melissa (and her friend Tom) are all going to Nanaimo to shop and veg. Obviously I need it, so I'm definately taking it.

Anyways, that's an update on my life. Sorry it's been so long. If you hadn't noticed, I've been busy and stressed :0P. I've been trying to get up a blog with stuff about Hornby and Klemtu, but it's still coming. In the meantime, you guys can read this blog and my campout blog :0D.

Check It Out!

2005-07-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Hey, I just came across this journal which was written by one of my friends and her friends. It's hilarious!

http://www.freeopendiary.com/entrylist.asp?authorcode=D467282

OH, and now I'm saying bye...well, until I get back and then I'll write it up again. TTFN.
narf - you know who you are ;0)

A Little Confuse Are We?

2005-07-08T23:30:00.000-06:00

Picture and Map of Hornby Island

So I'm getting ready to go to Hornby Island. For the longest time it has been arranged that we would stay at a summer cabin that someone in the Lutheran church owns. We were to stay there because we are running a Vacation Bible School for the kids on that Island.

Well, let me tell you...Today, we found out that the cabin was double booked. Everyone, and I mean everyone (who is involved in running the VBS) was up in arms about it. Well, everyone except me. I was unusually calm about it....maybe cuz I didn't have to worry about it (cuz I have other responsibilities for this week) or maybe God is finally changing me. Ok, probably cuz it was outta my hands responsibility wise...I'll admit it. Let God change me, it's going to take more work than that. I'm too stubborn to learn God's lessons the easy way. :0P

So anyways, we couldn't stay at the cabin at that point. But they were offering that we could stay in the driveway of the cabin. Well, the driveway is not very big at all. So we started looking at campgrounds to stay at. Let me remind you this is 2 days before we're supposed to be there, and with Hornby being a popular vacation spot it's hard to get camping sites....not to mention they're expensive (or can be). Rod (an elder in the congregation I'm working at who has been helping with the organization of the VBS) finally got a hold of a connection on the Island. It sounds like we will be staying in the yard of this person as he owns a double lot. So there will be lots of room, but only an outhouse. Hey, beggars can't be choosers, right? Besides, I'd rather have space than a running toilet, and we're not exactly roughing it as we're staying in a trailer.

It all worked out, and mistakes happen. So we've all moved on, after a loooonnnnggg day.

So that's my gong show of the day. We leave for Hornby Island on Sunday. At some point Regan and Noelle will be joining me and Rod. It's going to be a blast and I can't wait. Not to mention, I'll finally get to relax a little after all the hard work I've been doing. There's some great sites to see on Hornby, such as Tribune bay beach (gotta make sure I go to the provincial beach - see picture - and not the nudist beach....*blush*), and the Halliwal walk, and lots of other stuff. Oh yeah, and they have a hippie type community center (cuz, well, the Island is quite Hippie-ish....is that even a word? meh) which is

really cool.

So I'm off and won't be back for at least a week. It might be longer if I don't get time to write between Hornby Island and my trip to Klemtu/Bella Bella with the Mission Boat. But you can be sure you'll hear about both in the end. I guarantee it!

I Have Moved

2005-07-04T20:46:00.000-06:00

Well, I have moved from my first location from the summer. I was staying with Cindy (one of the members of the congregation) in an apartment about a block and a half from the church. That was awesome as I could walk to work and save on gas. It's all about saving on gas (hehehe). She has a cat named Pepper. This cat is full of spite. I couldn't get near this cat, because one wrong move and she was ready to strike. Neal, she's worse (about 10 times worse) than my cat. Well, it was fun (despite that cat), but I'm on to a new home.

I am now staying with my friend, Melissa. She's going to teach me how to cook. Well, that is if I ever find time. Yes people, I'm learning to cook....and no I'm not going to burn down the house OR poison anyone (I hope :0P). I'm really looking forward to it. Maybe I'll even cook some meals for some of my Concordia friends when I get back! That is if they don't run away first (don't run away....pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssseeeeeeeeeeee).

Ok, well as you can see I really don't have a lot to say. I've been really busy and am preparing to be leaving for 2 weeks, so yeah. Busy, busy, busy.

Children's Festival and a Little Eye Candy for Me (hehe)

2005-07-02T18:33:00.000-06:00

So, yesterday was our Children's Festival, and it went really, really well! Except the weather. What is with our weather this summer (all over the place)?

The morning started off GREAT! It was nice and sunny. Not even an hour later, we had a really cold wind. Then came sprinkles. And then sunshine. Oh and what was that....more sprinkles and wind. Yuck! It was gross. Pastor Tom and I even started joking that it was going to snow....I don't joke about that out here, or in the summer for that matter (that should give you an idea of how cold we were).

Other than the weird weather, the rest of the event was fun. We had about 600 kids come to our booth, and there were lots of activities and sights to see. I think most people would have had a ball with this event (sorry neal, you probably would have had a heart attack). We had beading crafts for our kids to do. They could make bracelets, bead strings, zipper pulls. We even had one kid get creative and take two strings to make a snake. They were so cute!

It was also really cool cuz we got to advertise for our Vacation Bible School. Hopefully that helped! And we had a draw for a DVD player. That's right! A DVD player! The person who won was so funny. He kept saying over and over..."I never win anything....wow". I couldn't stop laughing.

Well, here are some more pics for you to enjoy. It think there might even be a pic of my most recent love interest (giggle), and my little car. And oh how little it is. Just take a look at what we did to it. We got everything in there....hehehe. My dad is going to have fun with that pic.
:-0

(Isn't he adorable? ok well...at least he has rythm!-jk-)

(Dad, Pastor Tom helped. That's all I have to say. At least it's not a peircing...this time :0P)

I Love My Job

2005-06-30T18:01:00.000-06:00

So, I'm really glad right now that I am going to be a churchworker. The joy of my summer job is that I get a little bit of a preview of being a churchworker, without being permanently stuck to it (at least until I graduate).

So why do I love my job? Glad you asked. Cuz for the last two days I have been payed for pretty much coloring. Yeah....coloring! How cool is that. Yesterday I spent some 3-4 hours coloring, and I have another 3-4 hours of the same tonight. I find that not only is it great that I get paid for it, but I have always found coloring relaxing. Now there's an oxymoron....working and relaxed (hehehe).

Now, just so you guys don't "sympathize" too much, there are stressors that come with my job. For example, I just found out today that I'm now down to 3 volunteers (this includes me) for my Hornby VBS (Vacation Bible School) which will probably have 20-30 kids. Yikes! Or there's the stress of making sure I have all my craft supplies for our Craft Day, but only have a day to find out and get the supplies because we share our church facilities with another church on Sundays (this leaves Monday to organize the supplies for Craft Day on Tuesday). Or then there's the volunteers who don't listen to announcements or read them in the bulletin, but offer their help two weeks too late! (Yes Neal, I get not so bright people at work too! I don't think you can escape that anywhere).

It's an interesting job, sometimes a blast and at other times I just want to rip my hair out. But all in all, I LOVE my job!

Feeling Philosophical...Or Maybe Just Growing Up

2005-06-24T18:15:00.000-06:00

So, originally I was going to vent to you all about how "tolerable" people are really intolerable as well (hence the "feeling philosophical"). I fall into the intolerable category if you hadn't guessed, and I'd like to share that, but it will have to wait til another time (maybe it will go alongside my Superstore and BMO cards story :0P).

But this time, I feel like sharing about me and God, because I think at many points in our lives we all have to face the "me and God" thing. So many people feel that religion is for wusses and that by relying on God we aren't facing up to the true reality of our "storms" and that makes us weak. First off, I like being weak (oddly enough), because it's then that I realize that I can't do it alone and I need God's help. Secondly, they are the ones that are mistaken, because when we do rely on God, we don't need the whole picture of our "storm" because God's handling it, and we are so much stronger for it. We are strong because He's there holding the other half of our "yoke"*. Yes there will be pain and suffering, He never promised us there wouldn't be. I mean what else should we expect, we live in a crappy, sinful, condemned world (if you didn't realize this, just watch the news). But He does promise us that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will never give us more than we can handle. Considering the kind of crap we put Him through, daily, I think that's pretty awesome.

For those who might see this and thing I'm talking crazy (maybe cuz you don't buy into it), let me tell you I'm talking from experience, actually from many experiences on both sides. In fact I'm going through some hard things right now. The difference between the two sides? When I didn't trust God and I handled it on my own I didn't know if everything was going to be alright. There were times I didn't know if I would make it through. When I do trust God, however, I know that things will work out for the best and that I will be alright (they might be different, but that's okay too). I know I can make it through.

I'm learning to trust Him, and realizing that I shouldn't and can't trust anything in the world around me, because it will fail at some point or another. Even the most behaved person will screw up. But He has remained constant in my life, when I trusted Him and when I've had my back turned on Him. He loves us so much even though we don't deserve it. Thanks God!

This is what I've learned, and truth be told I feel a couple inches taller spiritually.

*A crossbar with two U-shaped pieces that encircle the necks of a pair of oxen or other draft animals working together. *

Fun Times in Ahousat

2005-06-20T17:59:00.000-06:00

So I'm back from Ahousat, and boy to I have stories to share. They were definately not my brightest moments in life, but it's good for a laugh.

So, shortly after arriving in Ahousat, a group of us decide to take a stroll on the beach. We start picking up shells...and of course they're full of sand, so we washed them out in the ocean. Well, regan was wearing her shoes and the waves ended up chasing her, but it all worked out alright and she escaped the waves. Well you would think i would learn that the waves would chase me too. Didn't even occur to me. So, I go to wash this shell off...i'm in my runners and, well, the water wasn't coming close enough. In fact it is was moving farther away. So i chased it. That is until I heard the crash of a wave and realized it was coming back and FAST. So i tried to run, but I knew I was losing. Then I tried to jump (why???..I don't know) hoping to miss the wave. Well, I missed the wave, but not the ankle deep water behind it.

I"m not done. The next story occurs not even 10 minutes after that.
So we keep going, looking for shells, and now everyone is asking me to wash theirs cuz my shoes are soaked and i'm carrying them at this point. So as we're looking for shells and I see this white stuff in the sand. So i go to investigate thinking it might be a partially buried shell. Well, as i'm realizing that it's not a shell (because it crumbled with the sand) Markus behind me is telling me it's bird poop. Way to tell me sooner Markus, like when i was actually in the process of reaching for it.

However, bird poop was not the grossest thing I touched that day. On the way back to the lighthouse, there was a big shell that I went to investigate. As I was picking it up though, I noticed that there were tons of barnicles on it. At a closer glance I noticed that there were these really tiny worm like creatures IN these barnicles....YUCK!

My final story occurs the next day as we were cleaning up for kid's camp in the hall (so people in the community could play volleyball). Those of you who have had to deal with the mats at the Concordia gym will be able to sympathize (or at least understand and visual the humor in this story).
So regan, kirby and I are rolling up these mats. Regan had just done one fold over and I decided to give it a go, thinking I could do it just as good. so I grab the map and start moving forward and....THUMP! I land smack dab on my face. That's not the funniest part though. Kirby decides to give it a try. You would think she would learn not to do it my way cuz of what i just did. But no. She grabs the mat the exact same way. She moves forward the same way and...you guessed it...THUMP! Smack dab on her face just the same way I did.

All in all though, this was an awesome trip. I learned that I have a gift in reading stories out loud, and I built so many friendships not only on my team, but in the community as well. They are special to me. Please keep praying for them as they are still dealing with many struggles.

Prayers

2005-06-14T23:19:00.000-06:00

So I'm leaving tomorrow for Parksville. Why am I going to Parksville? Well, because on Thursday a group of us are leaving for a community called Ahousat (located off the West coast of Van. Island). I ask that you would pray for this community. They've had a lot of things to deal with lately, particularily suicides and attempted suicides. Pray that they would find peace in our Heavenly Father. Also keep our group in your prayers as we travel and as we build relationships with the people there. I have no idea what this week may entail; some of it could be fun, some of it might be difficult emotionally. Whatever happens, I just hope that the Gospel message is clear and that God would use us as His tools.

Thanks for your support guys!

Go Fly A Kite

2005-06-13T19:48:00.000-06:00

Well, today was very windy, and I was very tired. Why was I so tired? Well, I decided to stay up later than I usually do and then to top it off I didn't sleep very well. Why didn't I sleep very well? Well, I think a cat meowing all night would be enough to keep anybody up. And no it wasn't a typical meow. The only way I know how to describe this meow was that is was a long mournful, "I'm dying without you" meow (she was missing her owner who was house-sitting last night). All I wanted to do was to go over and cuddle her so that she would stop missing her owner, but then I would have lost my face. Neal, you thought my cat was bad with pissy moods, you really need to meet this one. She will claw and hiss at everybody who walks past her (except her owner).

Anyways, enough about cats. Today was an interesting day weather-wise. It was rainy, sunny, warm, cold. But the whole time it was breezy. I wanted to go to the beach and fly my kite. But the problem is I don't actually own a kite. And it's difficult to buy one when you have no money cuz your paycheck cannot be cashed until Wednesday...at least for me it's difficult. Hmmm...flying kites. That could make for an interesting date. Well, cuz first of all, if neither of you are good at it, it makes for a good laugh. And who can forget a date when you're both laughing your hearts out. Second of all, if both of you are good at it, you can both fly the kite. Being close on a date is generally a good thing ;)

Ok, now I'm resorting to relationship tips. Uh uh...no more. If I can't have it, no one can :0P.

Birthday Cakes and Smiles

2005-06-12T17:40:00.000-06:00

Well, the picnic was a success. We did end up having it at the church as the park was toooo wet. But, it was sunny most of the day and therefore we were able to play games in the parking lot. Everyone seemed to have a great time and there was plenty of food to go around. It was actually a lot of fun to be apart of.

And, I got a birthday cake (Yay me!). It was HUGE. There's still more than half the cake left. Oh well, plenty to share with the congregation next week. They actually wanted me to take it. Problem. Right now I'm living in a one bedroom apartment and there's not a lot of room to keep a cake that size. Not to mention it needs to be refridgerated or frozen. But, someone else decided to keep it and bring it back next week. That was another problem as I won't be at the church next week do to my Ahousat mission trip.

So, I got birthday cake, and was sung to, and got gifts from some people. It was a GREAT day. Now though, it's back to boredom. Or cross-stitching. One of the two. Yes, I'm a grandma. Or in the words of Sarah..."grandpa" (but that's another story for another day).