...SHAN...

MOVED!

2011-10-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

I've moved to Tumblr!

www.shanskene.tumblr.com

Come join me :)

I...

2011-02-09T13:28:00.001-08:00

Feel excited
Feel anxious
Know I’m blessed
Am still in disbelief
Have daunting goals
Am supported
Am pleasantly surprised

But above all,
I am Loved.

I am Loved by him and
I am Loved by Him.

I L-O-V-E...

2010-10-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hot Starbucks drinks
Crisp, fall days with clear blue skies and warm sunshine
Scarves, boots and jackets
Prayer
Fresh starts
New friendships
God’s patience, grace and mercy
iMAGE
Driving without a destination in mind
Colourful landscapes
Order and organization
Compliments
Belly laughter
Brooke Fraser
Sunglasses
The Lord God, my SAVE-iour

The Skipper

2010-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

I always do this to myself. I get the urge to just start writing – something, anything! But then comes the time when I have ‘paper and pen’ in hand (i.e. NOW) and I don’t have anything to write. I sit and stare at a blank screen, or look at my finger nails and wish they were in better condition. I think about the things I should be doing, or could be doing, but have no motivation to do them. Then I re-read what I’ve just read and find spelling mistakes and wonder how the heck I can make spelling mistakes on words such a ‘done’ and ‘doing’.

Then I remember that thing that I’ve been meaning to research online – cool new hairstyles for blondes with wavy (sometimes curly and unruly), dense (but fine) hair, or if that event is sold out yet and figure out if it’s worth it to get tickets – and more importantly, who would come with me?! Then I look down at the post-it note on my laptop that reminds me to call someone, and I decide to put it off for yet another day.

Then I start feeling like crap for sitting here wasting time and I get fed up with myself. So I start making lists to energize and motivate myself; lists of things to do, things to fix, things to buy in order to fix said things, people to call, potential home/personal projects to start, ideas to cultivate, emails to write and groceries lists. I think to myself “tonight’s the night that I’m finally going to do something with that big empty frame that’s been sitting in my room for a year”, or “tonight’s the night that I’m going to send that card to that person and actually put it in the mailbox!” I’ll actually try to do a good, selfless deed. But…it’s harder than it seems.

I confess that I have a wandering mind. I get distracted easily and jump from one project to the next. Of course I like to get things done and finished with, but in walks my wandering mind. I admire people who can have the patience and diligence to start and finish making a quilt from scratch, and be so proud of it because it was their first attempt and it came out beautifully. I admire people who have a passion and talent for something and they’re actually doing something with it. I admire people who can stick to a routine for longer than 48 hours. I hear it takes 21 days to break a habit (or make one) – and at my rate, I’m hooped!

Then I sigh, and wonder if I’m actually going to post these thoughts. I feel slightly vulnerable posting this nonsensical spatter of words to friends and anonymous people. But then again, it’s my blog right? And you can think what you will because I am who I am. I deeply recognize that I’ve got some changing to do and some ‘whipping into shape’ to do – and I’ll get there, I promise. And I’m also grateful for the fact that I’ve got friends and family along the way that will be there to uphold me, challenge me, rebuke me, comfort me and encourage me. People that I can make a first-time meal with and they’ll eat it even if it tastes like crap. People who will unexpectedly surprise me with words of wisdom and understanding, and get me thinking that I need to be praying for more of that for myself.

So I’ll look at my finger nails once again and give in to the fact that I’ll always have bad cuticles – I know I’m flawed and far from blameless. But with God at the helm of this ship, I can only look up and look forward to the years ahead and be grateful that I’m not the captain – just the skipper.

PTL.

Exactly as I am...

2010-09-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about myself recently. Thanks to a personal aptitude test called Birkman and a lot of eye-opening ‘ah ha’ moments since then, I’ve been able to see myself in a few different ways. And others too. Birkman tests are so intricate and detailed that I couldn’t possibly understand all of who I am, but I don’t even care to know every reason why I do what I do, and why I am the way that I am, etc, etc. But it was fascinating overall – to sit around a room of close friends and colleagues and learn about myself and what makes me tick.

I learned that I’m a pretty even-keel person when it comes down to it. I have interests in all the areas that are discussed and I’m not on one extreme or the other. Apparently my highest ‘colour’ is blue, which represents artistic, creativeness, imagination, ideas, new projects, aesthetics, etc. No surprises there.

Then I’m apparently also high in green – social services, taking care of others, phoning people out of the blue, etc, etc. Now this one surprised me. Not that I’m not social or that I don’t like to do those things – but I know there are others who would soar in this category, and I was surprised to see it coming up as a ‘high’ colour of mine. Nevertheless, we came to another set of interests, and music ranked high for me too. Again, this surprised me. Yes, I like music, I like concerts – but it doesn’t necessarily resonate with me as much as it can with others. I don’t play any instruments and I don’t have to have the radio on all the time. But here’s the neat thing: when you combine social services with my interest in music, it generally means that I like to see harmony among people – which is SO TRUE. I hate conflict; I get awkward and shy and quiet and would rather leave a room than see other people in conflict. I like to think that I’m a pretty harmonious person most days. That’s just a few examples of cool and interesting things you can learn about yourself, but it’s pretty fascinating, right?

Going through this process has also helped me see where my weaknesses lie – and what happens when my buttons are pushed and what causes me to become stressed and act differently in particular situations; things that I can look out for and recognize in myself and prevent from going further.

I’m also able to see a bit of this in friends and family too. Like, “they’re a really decisive person, so I should ask them to help me make a big decision”, or “that person is really good at numbers and balancing things out – maybe I should ask them to help with my taxes”, or “remember to always have a plan with that person, because he/she does not like spontaneity”…and so on and so forth.

It’s allowed me to see people in a different way, and not negatively at all but as a person that God made. These kinds of tests allow people to be exactly who they are, and not be ashamed of it. So you suck at accounting? So what, God made you that way. You hate grocery shopping because there are too many options? So be it, God made you that way. You take twice as long to do a project than others because you’re a perfectionist? Embrace it, God made you that way.

We are all so incredibly unique and fascinating people. We truly do have a God that’s bigger than us and knew exactly who we would be. He holds our bodies together and gives us thought, ideas, emotions and the ability to love. He created the entire universe, and yet took the time to make us and our personalities precisely as they are.

Amen to that.

On My Mind

2010-08-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

YVR Arrivals Lounge

Camping – it’s been a while

Photography – the joys and frustrations

My desperate need to buy a Mac

Operation Christmas Child

August 5th

My sudden fear of highways mixed with high speed

Bev & the Sharpe family

Good, quality bread

Couches on the back deck

A red sun

Beautiful brides

Paperwork

Honour and Flattery

Entry 7 - April 3, 2009

2010-07-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

After hauling our luggage down to the basement and checking emails one more time, we headed out to the Westerkerk. I’m so glad we did! The 30 min tour was awesome and we got to see some amazing scenery. The view from the middle of the tower (we couldn’t go to the top) was beautiful and I hope the shots come out. We were blessed with another sunny day so the conditions were perfect. The walk up the tower though…oh my. Almost vertical spiral staircase & ladders that made even me a little nervous. But like all things in Amsterdam, it was worth it.

After that we hopped on a canal ‘bus’ and went in/out the canals for about 1.5 hours. It was great; we got a whole different viewpoint from the water. That ended at Centraal Station where we quickly walked back to the hostel to get our luggage (side note: the basement was just a sea of suitcases and bags – you couldn’t even walk down there. We were literally climbing on top of bags just to get access to ours). Then back to the train station to head to Schipol Airport, which is where we are now. Our flight to Cairo has been delayed by about 45 min, and we just found out that we’ll have to re-check our luggage when we get there. So short layer over + delay + rechecking luggage might prove to be a bit of a problem. But I’ll just pray that all works out. We’re really looking forward to just getting to our hotel tonight in Sharm and just crashing! Logan’s knee is really acting up so hopefully it’ll get better as the days go on. I must admit I’m a little nervous heading to Egypt and not knowing the language. And not being sure of our connections or hotel transfers, etc, etc, etc. I know the Lord has already gone before us though and will keep us safe. I’m just so thankful once again for this incredible opportunity to travel. I’ll write again from our hotel in Sharm…hopefully!

….NOPE! Not writing from Sharm at all. Actually I’m lying in a bed at the Fairmont in Cairo because sure enough, we missed our connecting flight! Here’s the breakdown:

· Our flight leaving Amsterdam was delayed by 45 min
· Our connecting flight was leaving Cairo 1.5 hours after we were supposed to arrive
· We finally arrive in Cairo with 30 min to “spare”
· We try to walk off the plane but are instead stuck behind a women and her toddler that she refuses to pick up
· The arrivals lounge was PACKED – shoulder to shoulder. We needed to get our luggage, recheck it, and then check ourselves in
· It’s now 10:15…
· We go over to this ‘transfers’ counter and show our visas, and this gentleman tells us to come with him…sketchy, but alright…
· We skip ahead of the line, out luggage becomes priority, we’re rushing through crowds trying to keep up with this guy
· Get outside the main terminal and we’re immediately hassled by taxi drivers pretending to work for the airport
· Speed walk over to what ends up being the wrong terminal
· Almost get checked into a flight going to LUXOR (not Sharm)!!
· Walked back through crowds of Egyptians and literally felt like raw meat
· Waited for 45 min, now fully aware that we’ve missed our flight, for a shuttle to a hotel
· Met some random guy who kept asking if we plan to party and ‘do some hash’
· Met Martin from Amsterdam who also missed the same connecting flight…he somehow got a really, really strange illness while on the previous plane and how his entire body is shaking – it won’t stop! He’s been sitting (shaking) in a wheelchair this whole time, poor guy.
· We helped Martin to the same hotel as us and into his room (none of the staff would help) and we’ll help him out again in the morning – aka, in about 2 hours.

40 Toothpicks and Counting

2010-07-06T15:15:00.001-07:00

Allow me to introduce you to some of my amazing family…some extended family that lives on the other side of the world; the Dennis’. These fine folk are exactly that – amazing; and the best part is that they’re coming HERE – to Canada – to visit us :D

Let’s start with Jen. A wonderful mom, sister & aunt. Jen’s the one with the radiant smile and laugh that truly brightens a room. She’s down to earth, funny, soooo easy to get along with and hospitable. She can speak pig Latin like it’s her mother tongue and actually have conversations with my Dad (for hours, if we let them!). She used to have a lion cub as a pet for a little bit (maybe she was babysitting it). Some days I wish I could go back and see what it was like to be her at a young age, with my Dad and uncle Andrew as big brothers. I’m sure she was picked on like none other, but I have no doubt she was also her Daddy’s little girl, AND was able to hold her own. Sometimes my mom can see Jen in the expressions I have…which I love hearing; makes me feel like I have a piece of her in me.

Then there’s Kev. A great father, brother and uncle. My fondest memories of Kev will always include his mischievous grin, like he was planning something; or perhaps wanting to build something, fix something, redesign something. He was always thinking! Last year when I went back with Logan to visit, he still called me by the nickname he gave me when I was little girl: Cha-nin. Not ‘Sh’, but ‘Ch’. I loved it; I loved being called that. It was like a little connection between my uncle and me that was just us. He always seemed like a stable guy; the kind that would give wise advice but only if you asked for it. The kind of guy that would let you do your own thing until you messed up – but he wouldn’t belittle you because of it. Now granted I was never ‘parented’ by him, but I would imagine that he’d be that kind of a Dad. Just…solid. Present. Loving.

Then there’s Greg. Or Gregorius. Or Greg Shawn. Or just Gregory Shawn Dennis(!) when Jen is mad at him. Greg is the cousin that is closest to me in age – he just turned 22. I think being close in age, we got along pretty well; often playing Cops & Robbers around their house and our backyards. Greg has a gentle soul in the inside and peaceful personality. He’s incredibly likeable, and I really mean that – everyone likes him (at least from what I’ve observed). He’s like your all-around good guy; always playing sports and sticking up for others. He’s even nice(ish) to his sister! We had a blast as kids and we’d usually see each other every weekend or so. I still remember watching/hearing the summer storms roll in and smelling the air, even as we continued to play outside; tag, hide-and-go-seek, treehouse…whatever it was – we were in our own little worlds and having fun. I am most saddened to be writing this, but Greg actually can’t make the trip out here with the rest of his family. He’s got a job and responsibilities that he can’t get out of unfortunately…but I of course included him in this post because he’s a member of the Dennis’!

And finally we have Haylee Girl. Or Haylee Paulina as my Dad calls her. Haylee was born just two years before we left to come to Canada, and she’s now 17. Good Lord! From what I recall about her at the age of 2, she was literally a bundle of joy (as per the picture below). Always moving, always wanting to sit on your lap or hug you or play Barbies – and by play I mean walk around the house dragging the poor doll by its hair. She also always wanted to be a part of the games Greg, Gareth & I played but alas – a two year old can’t quite hold their own in the games we played, hah. She was an adorable little thing, and still is to this day. She’s grown into an amazing young woman while vocal pipes like none other. She can act, sing and dance (I think) – what they like to call a ‘triple threat’. She’s my only girl cousin on my Dad’s side so needless to say I have this small protective nature thing going on when I get updates about her. She’s all grown up now (tear)…

So, there you have the Dennis’ – and three out of four will be landing at YVR in 40 days. I. CAN’T. WAIT. In my family we have a tradition for counting things down, by putting toothpicks in a potato and taking one out every day.

So here’s to 40 toothpicks and counting…

Entry 6 - April 1, 2009 – still…

2010-07-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

Back at the hostel now, it’s about 7:30 pm. The Keukenhof was spectacular – just as I had hoped it would be. Our train ride on the other hand…we accidentally went an hour too far on our ride and had to backtrack to Leiden Centraal. I said it before and I’ll say it again; I could swear we never passed a “Leiden Centraal” at all! I would have noticed! So I think we were on a different line and then had to get on the right line. I had to literally draw out the map because there weren’t any to take with us.

Anyway, it was still beautiful and so immaculately manicured that I think my Dad would go nuts; huge tall trees, bright green lawns, lakes, streams, cafes, shops, and of course, tulips. And tons of other types of flowers too. I got enough pictures to last a lifetime, which they will!

And thank the Lord; we just got our heater fixed – hallelujah! Tonight we’re not really sure what the plan is – it’s just about 8 and we technically haven’t had dinner yet. Tomorrow we want to go up the Westerkerk Tower before heading off to the airport. Oh and Jane’s not here anymore so I assume she got the job at the Flying Pig Uptown. Nick is lying on his bunk right now, fast asleep…looking forward to packing tonight…not.

Entry 5 - April 1, 2009

2010-07-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day: started off by going to the Anne Frank House and it surprised me how much her family went through to hide themselves. It was quite eye-opening. (Side note: She and her family were forced to go into hiding to escape Hitler's persecution of the Jews – she wrote everything down in a diary when she was 13, which later become published as The Diary of Anne Frank). One of the things we read just as we were exiting was a quote by Nelson Mandela in 1994: “Being able to read Anne Frank while in prison gave us hope…” He wrote that while on Robben Island – interesting considering we plan to go there too!

Next we headed down to Vondel Park, which seems to be like a “Central Park” or something similar. It was quite pretty; lots of grass, bike paths, walking paths, bridges, benches, dogs, people…sunshine! We found ourselves a bench and just soaked it all in – it was beautiful. After that we headed for lunch at none other than the Hard Rock Café right alongside one of the hundreds of canals. Our feet were throbbing but the food was great.

Next we headed back up to the Bloomenmarket, where they sell hundreds upon hundreds of bulbs, seeds, tulips, daffodils, souvenirs and clogs; pretty hustin’ & bustlin’! After that we slowly walked back to the hostel, rested our feet/backs and checked Facebook (duh). We did a little shopping right outside on Nieuwendijk Street and went back to our room. As soon as we got there, we soon realized we now had a roommate! They were in the shower at the time, but we came to the conclusion that she was a backpacker, and a masculine one at that. Five minutes later, out walks Nick – a guy! Hahah, so much for what we thought were girls-only dorm rooms! I think that rule only applies to the bigger, 12+ rooms. Anyway, so Nick is originally from Ireland, but was travelling in from Germany where he’s doing a year abroad to study law! Nice guy, although I think little shy around two girls (understandably!). So we chatted with him for a bit before heading out for a bit to eat. Not five minutes after coming back, in walks Jane - our 2nd roommate! She had just arrived from London with her whole life in 2 bags – coming to Amsterdam to start over again. She had been living in London for the past 12 months and before that in Melbourne, Aus. I was so in awe that she would just pick up and leave. She didn’t have a job to go to or anything, but was hoping to get one at the Flying Pig Uptown. So we may or may not have a 2nd roommate tonight! We all hung out in the bar downstairs for a bit but headed to bed around 11 pm.

THEN, at about 8 am, the WORST sounding fire alarm goes off so loudly and wakes the whole place up. Jane and I shot right up in bed, our bodies trembling. It ended after about a minute, but seriously… waking up to that was not pleasant.

So now, April 1st, 11 am – we’re now on the train again to Leiden and the Keukenhof Tulip fields. It’s about an hour outside the city so we’re about half way I think. The sun has come out and it looks to be another beautiful day. I’m looking forward to this; all the bright colours and beautiful smells. Anyway, time to start taking train pics…OH and I bought a fisheye camera yesterday too! Can’t wait to see how those come out...

Entry 4 - March 31, 2009

2010-07-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

So we had a two hour nap yesterday knowing it would probably mess with our sleeping pattern…sure enough we went to bed around 1 am and woke up again thinking it was already 7:30 – nope, it was only 3:15! We’d be sleeping for 2 hours. So needless to say, it was a bit of a restless night; not to mention the fact that we can’t turn off the freaking heater! It seems to be an overcast day out there, but I hope it burns off – we have a full day ahead of us!

Entry 3 - March 30, 2009 – still…

2010-06-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

It’s now noon in Amsterdam. It’s so hard to believe that I was at church this morning, saying goodbye to people and worrying about luggage restrictions – and here we are at the Flying Pig in Amsterdam about to go to bed after hours of exploring!

This place is beautiful – and very much like I had expected; except for the bicycles. There are WAY more bicycles here than I ever thought. The bikes lanes, the child-accommodating bikes, the locks, the speed at which they cycle…good grief; I’m surprised more people don’t get run over by them! The canals are so picturesque and the buildings…seriously so old and stoic-looking (we saw one built in 1606!). There are tons of cafes – not to be mistaken with the ‘coffee shops’, where just walking past the doors could get you a little high! And the obsession with sex is astounding, especially in the Red Light District, of course. But all in all, it’s been a great day. Tomorrow we plan to go to the Anne Frank House, the famous tulip market, Vondel Park, etc…basically the west side of the city; maybe a canal tour as well.

Lord thank you again for keeping us safe and secure on our trip here and while we’re here; I know you are keeping a protective watch over us. We are truly blessed to be here – IN AMSTERDAM!!

Entry 2 - March 30, 2009

2010-06-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

It’s about 3 AM Vancouver time and yet we’re sitting here on our flight looking out at sunshine and clouds – weird to think we’ll be arriving in Amsterdam in about an hour! Both our suitcases were over, but we got through the security checks with no problem at all, P-T-L! We also got to sit in bulkhead seats just behind business class; yay for more leg room! Turns out that the Flying Pig Hostel doesn’t actually have a shuttle, so we’ll be taking the train into the city and traipsing through the streets with our huge bags – should be fun times, hah. We’re both pretty tired right now, but I think the adrenaline will kick in when we land.

Entry 1 - March 28, 2009

2010-06-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

So it’s the night before we leave and needless to say, I can’t sleep. My mind is reeling with thoughts, worries, questions and “what ifs”. And yet somehow I really do feel ready for this. I just can’t believe we’re here, at this point. We started planning this over a year ago! I remember going for dessert with Logan at White Spot and she had this grin on her face: "So...I want to go to Africa...want to come with me?" Haha, I guess it still hasn’t hit me yet; maybe when we’re at the airport.

I know this is going to be a trip of a lifetime and I’m so grateful that I get to take it! I’m grateful that I have a job that pays me enough, that I have a boss/co-workers that allow me so much time off (and understanding), and parents that are so supportive – albeit, cautiously. I’ll admit I’m a little nervous too; we’re going to Egypt which could be quite dangerous for us – and we’re doing a few risky activities on top of that! I still love the shocked faces that I see when I tell people what we’ll be doing: “…Shan, are you serious?!” Ahh, I love it!

Lord, thank you for the opportunity. Thank you that I get to explore a bit more of your beautiful creation and see my family again (it’s been 9 years!). I pray that you be with Logan and I in every sense of the word; safety, health, money, directions, wisdom, friendship…tonight I just pray that you go before us and keep us safe. EEEEEEEEEK!! One more sleep…

Five Weeks of Adventure & Wonder

2010-06-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

I’ve been reflecting back lately on where I was in the Spring of 2009. Not here in the safety of my home, not in Canada. I was out there…travelling.

Starting at the end of March, one of my best friends and I started an incredible journey that would take us through the cobble-stone streets and tulips of Amsterdam, down to the beautiful waters and underwater life of Sharm El-Sheik, over to the ancient wonders of the world in Cairo and down to the magnificence that is South Africa. I look back at my pictures frequently, reminiscing and dreaming of going back – and every now and then I pick up my journal that I wrote in each day and try to picture exactly where I was when I penned those words. There may be a day when I lose that journal, so over the next few weeks I have decided to actually type it out. Word for word. And include some pics for your enjoyment :)

Here’s to 5 weeks of adventure and wonder…

25 Reasons of Gratefulness

2010-06-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

And in honour of my Dad who’s life motto is “why be normal”, this is in alphabetical order:

1. Airplanes
2. Brothers called Bob
3. Chocolate
4. Friendships (from every ‘part’ of my life)
5. DPMc.
6. Eagle-Com
7. God’s grace
8. God’s love
9. God’s patience
10. God-ordained friendships
11. Health
12. I am a child of God
13. Imaginations & Creativity
14. Laughter
15. Prayer
16. Ray & Linda Skene
17. Roommates with their own code language including (but not exclusive to) “ok, did you CSI me today?”, “buck 98 perogs!”, “that was for you”, “thirsty Thursdays”, “we are wine bottles”, and “pitter at the perk”.
18. Ruby aka Ron Burgundy
19. Selfless love
20. The fact that we have two ears and one mouth
21. The Sectional
22. The Word
23. Tough lessons
24. Vancouver – mountains, ocean, lakes, urban, rural, vibrant and calm – all rolled into one.
25. Wise and faithful leadership

25 years down. Lots more to go.

New Life

2010-06-03T23:02:00.000-07:00

Check out my new photo site: www.shanskene.tumblr.com!

The Summer List

2010-05-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

· Celebration of Light Fireworks
· Playland
· PNE
· Victoria
· Whistler
· Skagit Raceway
· Stanley Park Seawall
· Cypress / Seymour View
· Friday Harbour / Mopeds
· Camping
· Vancouver Canadians Game
· English Bay Picnics
· Twilight Drive In
· Blue Fox Drive In
· Silverwood
· Mariners Game
· Driving Range
· Go Karting
· Washington Avenue Grill
· Crabbing
· Lynn Valley
· Peak-2-Peak
· Beach Fires
· Kayaking
· Rollerblading
· Jogging
· La Casa Gelato (218 Flavours!)
· Photographing
· Driving around and getting lost
· Sitting on cliffs, overlooking the ocean and eating B&J's ice cream

More to be added, I'm sure... :D

To Ruminate: To Reflect Deeply

2010-03-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

So over the past few months (even a year, maybe) I have been collecting a number of my favourite ruminations, from ruminations.com. Thanks to Ash for tipping me off on this website, it has provided an incredible amount of laughter; it’s now become a custom for Nat & I to ask each other, “Got any new rumes for me lately?!”….

So here’s a great big list of our favourites (Disclaimer: yes, some do have potty words. Don’t take offense – just laugh)...

The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.
There is a great need for sarcasm font
Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.
I think my other three stove burners are becoming jealous of front-right.
While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
I hate passing someone in the street and realizing they weren't as slow as you thought they were...and then the next 10 minutes are spent ensuring you keep ahead of them no matter the pace because god forbid you may be re-overtaken!
I'm aware you're entitled to that seat next to me on the bus but i still get extremely agitated when you sit in it... who do you think you are? Yet if you walk past that seat and go and sit somewhere else I'll secretly feel a little bit offended.
I've yet to figure out what that one thing is Meatloaf won't do for love.
Did I just say, "those trousers look pretty sharp"!? Oh middle-age... you snuck up on me with that one.
If you answer the question "what do you want to do?" with the question "I don't, know, what do you want to do?" we're not *beeping!* hanging out anymore.
I don't think that anybody has ever thought, "I have too many tater tots."
When I pull the big knife out of the block I make a 'shhhing' sound effect with my mouth.
I can be turning into a parking lot at 5 miles an hour, but if my mom's in the passenger's seat, you better believe she will be death-gripping the door handle.
Yep, it’s been confirmed, the most awkward thing is when you’re walking and a couple holding hands is coming right at you. You zig when they zag, they look confused, you look alone, and then they’re forced to drop hands and let you pass between them.
There is no greater disappointment in life than when you take a bite out of a chocolate chip cookie... and discover raisins.
Video games these days are too complicated. Call me a purist, but I like the old school games where the only objective is to go from the left to right without touching a bad guy.
It's embarrassing enough that you're making me fist-bump in public, don't you *beeping!* dare 'blow it up' afterwards.
The thing I miss most about college is sleeping through hangovers. Back when "Mohito Mondays" and "Wine Wednesdays" weren't followed by "Throwing up with the conference call on mute Tuesdays" and "Smelling like failure and sadness Thursdays."
If you get on the elevator a few floors after me, and then get off a few floors before me, I will curse you under my breathe. I know it's not your fault, but bitch I had to stop TWICE for you.
I wish that every time I frowned at somebody in irritation or disapproval, there was an accompanying clap of thunder.
I hate people who wave their arms wildly when they walk. I would try to pass you, but there's not enough room on this sidewalk for me, you and your two miniature windmills.
Dear URL bar, can we agree on a number of clicks it takes to highlight the whole address? I hate clicking a few times then clicking like a mad person only to miss the one time it actually got highlighted in my frenzied clicking.
The saddest thing I saw all summer was a diet cookbook left on the shelf halfway down the candy/chocolate aisle in Wal Mart. Someone lost all hope right here.
Since his recent weight loss, my dad has taken an interest in fashion. When my mom asked him about this he said, "Yes, I am becoming a megasexual."
Don't bore me with stories about your trip. I've already Facebook stalked. I'm aware you went snorkeling and met Gloria Estefan.
Reaching the bottom of the peanut butter jar with a knife is like the game Operation. Careful. Slooow. No Shaking. Need.Peanut Butter.On.My.Knife.... (BZZZZ) Son of a bitch, peanut butter on my knuckles again!
Good timing is an important part of good cooking. I know I am a good cook because I often reach for the microwave right as it dings
I got these new pajama bottoms and they have pockets. Which is great, because I was getting really tired of holding things while I slept.
I have no idea when the last time I ate a whole candy bar was. But I can sure tell you the last time I ate a whole bag of fun sized bites. Currently.
When you tell me your baby's age, I shouldn't have to do division. 52 months? Should he be in diapers or first grade? Who knows?
I plan on sending my cardiologist bill directly to the designer who placed the switch for the lights in my kitchen right next to the switch for the garbage disposal
It is said that brushing your teeth with the opposite hand stimulates brain activity in the morning. I tried it and stabbed myself in the back of the throat. Yep, I'm wide awake now.
What do you mean by "you would." Is that an insult? Compliment? Yes, I would, hence I did.
I wish the check engine light in cars had a scale of 1-10, with 1 being "I'm kinda hurtin', but no biggie", and 10 being "Bitch I swear if you don't act now your ass is going to be shit out of luck in about 2 more miles".
Walking off the plane and out of the gate tunnel in a crowded airport, is the closest you will come to feeling like someone famous.
If all my teachers ended an important fact with the word "bitch" I would have done so much better in school. 2 + 2 = 4..... Bitch!
My son has one of those electronic games that doesn't have an off button - it has to sit idle long enough for me to forget about it and think I'm alone in the room, then it shouts "I'M OUTTA HERE!" shutting down the game and my sphincter control.
TV could sure use another show about cakes.
There are few products in which I'll spring for the most expensive brand. Tissues, however, are one of them. I'd be blowing my nose on baby rabbits if given the option
Why did we ever think a six disc CD changer in the trunk of the car was an awesome and convenient invention? "I brought my favorite CD for the road-trip." "Great! We'll check it out in an hour after the next pitstop"
When I change a light bulb, even though I clearly know the old one's dead, I still have to shake it to hear that little rattle, like I'm some slick detective or something. "Yep, just as I suspected."
Screw this 1:59AM to 3AM on a Sunday thing. I think we should spring ahead some time during the work week, like go straight from 2:59PM to 4PM on a Wednesday.
I'm glad that quotes are the only punctuation requiring the occasional hand gesture. It would get ridiculous if you had to do a fist pump to emphasize a comma.

I miss these faces...

2010-02-22T15:16:00.000-08:00

Olympic Spirit Has Arrived

2010-02-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

There’s a certain vibe going on in Vancouver right now and I honestly can’t help myself from grinning ear to ear whenever I hear more or see more. The 2010 Winter Olympics are here: in my backyard, in my city, in my province, in my country and never before have I been so proud to be Canadian & Vancouverite.

Hosting the Olympics is such a huge and momentous occasion for our city/country that I feel like I should be taking in every single second of action and not missing a thing. I am overwhelmed with anticipation for our athletes and excitement for the celebrations to come. Canada won its first gold medal on home soil for the first time in Olympic history on February 15th – Alexandre Bilodeau in Men’s Moguls – and the medal ceremony? Can you just imagine being there, totally engulfed with joy and brimming with pride for this 22-yr old from Montreal? What about our second gold, Maielle Rickers for Women’s Snowboard Cross? It amazes me and brings me inexplicable amount of happiness to know that these folks (and all Canadian medalists) have been training so hard and they get to actually win on home ground. They may never again get to experience that.

And that’s a huge reason of why I’m overflowing with giddiness when it comes to these Games. They’re HERE. In Vancouver! And I get to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event, side by side with millions of others proud Canadians. The city of Vancouver looks absolutely spectacular and God is putting on an awesome show for those visiting this beautiful place; brilliant sunshine, snow-capped mountains and blue skies. Of course, being downtown is an experience of its own and one that I’m itching to be a part of; I haven’t been yet, can you believe it?! But you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be there soon with my camera(s) in hand, snapping away at these hundreds of memories that I’ll be able to look back on in 50 years and say “I was there…and there…and there…and there!”

I can’t wait to see the people, the buildings, the red & white, the events, the concerts, the lights, the sounds, the smells, the sights…and I can’t wait to feel the vibe.

Time Needs to Change

2009-11-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

Half an hour left to go in my work day; the wind is howling outside, the rain is coming down hard and it’s getting darker by the minute…yup, tonight’s going to be a good night.

For you see, tonight, I plan to do nothing at all. Well not nothing exactly (can you just imagine me sitting on the couch staring at my knees all night? Haha, yea right!). I’ve been looking forward to a night like this for a while now. One where I can catch up on laundry, catch up on reading, catch up on sleep, catch up on little projects, catch up on solitude and silence. I hate the idea of having to play catch up, but when I get the rare opportunity to do so, I embrace it.

Who knew that at my age I’d be yearning for nights at home doing laundry?? Who knew I’d be asking for MORE time in a day, or MORE time in a week? I’ve really been looking at time as something to beat; an enemy if you will. And yet that’s not what God created time to be. Surely time is meant to be used wisely and effectively and productively; and not productively in the sense that you constantly have to be busy ‘doing’ something, but in the sense that you’re doing the ‘right’ things.

Have I been doing the ‘right’ things lately? I really think I have been…and yet why am I constantly trying to beat time and get more out of it? Just 5 more minutes here, just 30 more minutes there…technically, am I abusing time if there is such a thing? I’m certainly not using it as wisely, effectively or productively as I should, but I still manage to get things done somehow. I think abusing time like that works to an extent, but it comes with 4 big consequences: tired body, tired mind, tired heart & tired soul.

The Lord wants our beings to be fresh, awake, rejuvenated, rested and yet also ready for whatever He calls us to. Yes, He can provide energy and supernatural abilities to get things done, but surely He’s not a fan of laziness and ineffectiveness?

I see some ch-ch-ch-ch changes coming along to my ol’ friend Time. Get ready, Time, get ready.

2 of 7

2009-10-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

I am the Church of Sardis
I am the Church of Philadelphia

Busy with externals, religious activity, devoid of spiritual life & power – I have faith, but I am timid – I need to wake up, take action – I need God’s power to strengthen me, give me direction, wisdom, understanding and guidance. I need time. I need quiet. I need solitude. I need alone with with Him.

*Sardis & Philly were two of the seven churches that letters were written to in the book of Revelation. Look them up - which Church are you?*

Blessed.

2009-09-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

My list is growing. Good Lord, is my list ever growing. First it’s this project, then it’s that proposal, then it’s that research, then it’s just this "little" but still time consuming buy, then it’s the on-going project that never leaves, then it’s another new project that requires all your effort and time, then it’s back to the old campaign, and then it’s accommodating requests, and determining dates and juggling budgets, and then it’s emails, and emails, and emails, and emails! Good Lord, my list is growing.

But I love it and I feel blessed.

G-Rizz Turns the Big 2-8!

2009-09-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Yup, my brother Gareth has officially turned 28. Not that 28 is a ‘big’ year in any way – but it’s big because it’s the first time I can blog about it! And he just so happens to be a very important person to me, so it all works itself out well. So here is an ‘ode’ to Bob (yes, Bob; I couldn’t pronounce his name when I was younger, so Bob it was):

Early childhood memories of Gareth include me breaking his “I-worked-on-this-for-HOURS!” Lego marble structure, playing hide-and-go-seek in his room and me breaking my arm (it was a great hiding spot though), being pulled around the lawn on a cardboard box because all the grass had died and made for a nice ‘skimming’ effect, getting so excited to see the white mould inthe garage because we thought it was SNOW(!), playing with dirt in the back corner by the rose bushes, zapping fireflies in the front lawn, playing on (or getting rolled over by) the ‘jungle gym’, riding our bikes down to the pool when it was hot, and secretly admiring him and his friends from my little ol’ grade 3 point of view….those are just a few…

Then the teenage years roll on by and we begin to see his passion come through; music. He begs my parents for a drum kit and plays incessantly for hours and hours and hours in his small little room with no fresh air and no proper lighting. He loved it and you could see the glee on his face when he really ‘got’ it. Unfortunately, the practicality of it, and the fact that the two grumpy old men downstairs didn’t like it too much, took over and we got rid of the drum set. Then the techno-trance-house-drum-&-base music started and we thought that would never end. “Around the world, around the world…around the world, around the world…” Thanks Daft Punk; you’ll forever be in my memory now. He thrived off of creating new music and putting two unseemingly (is that a word?) good beats together. He got himself some turn tables and records and there the passion began to flourish. Again, hours upon hours of spinning and mixing and it was then that we too realized his potential.

Have you ever seen someone doing something they really love, and been fortunate enough to be a part of it and witness it first hand? That’s what it’s like when I watch G play. Cue the sappy music if you will. Seriously though, I have always admired my brother for his drive, his talent, his enthusiasm, his passion and his love for others. I admire his creativity and the fact that he just writes and draws and designs whatever he wants – and it looks GOOD. Really GOOD.

He is a gifted musician, artist & entrepreneur and I thank God for placing him in my life to laugh with, to argue with, with make fun of my mom with (all with love, of course), to share his joy with & to watch him play. I look up to him for his tenacity and integrity and am thankful that at least one of us got the ‘musical’ genes from my mom & grandpa. He is supportive and always willing to offer some good advice or ideas, whether he thinks I’ll follow through with them or not.

Minus some rough patches throughout the years, we’re pretty close now and I love our relationship. We’re brother and sister, and no matter what your relationship is like with your siblings, you just can’t deny that brothers/sisters share a special bond unlike any other kind of siblings.

So Bob – Happy Birthday brudda. You deserve only the happiest moments in life and I pray that you’ll see God’s love for you soon.
Here’s to another 28 years of “Shagrath”.

Love you,
Thug.

DJ Eldon, doing what he loves...

Brudda & Sista.

Parental Discretion Advised

2009-08-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

"Michael Myers is a killer, plain and simple. He does his work without mercy, seemingly without thought, stabbing or stomping or smashing his victims' faces long past the point of death until they are empty not only of life, but even the faintest trace of humanity.

His first victim—already bashed and cut and spitting up blood from a car accident—is decapitated with a piece of glass, and we see Myers sawing fervently (the camera looks on from behind) at the man's neck. He later picks up the head and lets it drop in a field. Another victim, the stripper, has her head smashed into a pane of glass repeatedly. At first she screams, but when she's no longer capable of that, she just jerks. And then she's still and silent—dead—and Myers smashes her face into the shattered pane again.

What may be Myers' most horrific killing takes place offscreen. We hear scream after scream as we watch an unrelated scene. But not content to leave well enough alone, Zombie eventually shows off the victim—in a bathroom covered with her blood—gasping and gurgling her last few minutes of life away while Laurie holds her.

Myers kills at least 14 people and a dog before the end credits fade and his grim, cruel world is mercifully wrapped in black. Most he stabs to death. One he impales on a set of antlers. Another he crushes with his foot—his heel smashing repeatedly into his victim's skull until it looks like a smashed melon. He snaps someone's arm, sending the bone through the skin. He gouges someone else's eyes out.

Myers eats part of the dog he kills. He pushes a car off the side of the road and sets it on fire. He tears through a guard shack with an ax. A van hits a cow. A man pulls a gun on Loomis. The sheriff threatens and points his gun. Someone is shot a couple of times. The end credits feature cutaways to realistic-looking murder scenes, corpses and all. Some of the pictures look as though they were meant to be "taken" during the police investigation of Myers' killings, but not all. "

This, as I’m sure you’ve realized, is a summary of the gruesome, graphic, lewd, inconceivable and down-right sickening scenes that one could see in the newly released movie “Halloween II”. Can I just say....what… the… heck? I am honestly dumbfounded by Rob Zombie and his desire to create a movie like this. And I’m even more dumbfounded by people who would actually pay to see this kind of &*!$. Excuse the ‘language’. Movies like this literally make me sick…am I the only one? I don’t think I am, and yet it’s probably made a couple million in its first release weekend alone. I would love to see some sort of research done, comparing this exact movie to the hundreds of violent acts that may become of it. Perhaps I’m being too harsh, or judgemental, but when God says that our bodies are temples – He’s talking about the eyes & ears too. And no, I’m not saying that every person who sees this movie is going to go scalp someone, but just think about it…it just nauseates me so much to think that a movie like this will be worshipped without a second of consideration. Thoughts?

Good vs. Best

2009-08-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

I’m feeling challenged. One of my devotions over the weekend was from Ecclesiastes 9:10. Simply put, it’s this:

Whatever work you do, do your best.

God honors work. So honor God in your work. Such a true statement from Max Lucado…and while it definitely applies to my job, it also applies to other areas of my life: friendships, relationships & commitments. All of these require work – and not just any work, my best work. Am I doing my very best in these situations, or am I content doing ‘good’ things? Voltaire once wrote: “The enemy of the best is the good.” I know I’ve quoted that before and I’ll forever quote it in my own mind as a reminder to myself to be doing my best.

This leads me to my question though about doing one’s best; what does it actually look like? How can I realistically do my best in everything? I admire Ash’s quote “I am the best version of me that I could come up with.” I wish I could say that about myself, but I don’t think I’m there. And I know God’s grace steps in where I am insufficient, but that’s just it: I’m not doing my best.

Would you, if you happen to read this, help keep me accountable on a few things?

Spend more time praying and less time talking
Spend more time learning and less time watching
Spend more time listening and less time being idle
Spend more time being productive and less time being wasted
Spend more time doing my best than just doing good

Victor Hugo once said, “Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.”

I pray that my soul would constantly be on its knees; calling out for wisdom, crying out for understanding, and doing my best in order to glorify my Lord.

The Elbow

2009-08-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

I already know what you’re asking: “she wrote a blog entry about the elbow? Get this woman to doctor, stat!” But seriously though, I was told something recently about the elbow that just blew my mind. I had never heard it before and yet, it makes so much sense!! More on that in a mo.

But here are some other interesting facts about the elbow thanks to good ol’ Wiki:

It is made up of 3 bones; the Humerus, the Paired Radius and the Ulna.
There are two main movements to the elbow: the hinge-like bending and straightening of the elbow & the complex action of turning the forearm over.
There are 4 main ‘diseases’ associated with elbows; most of which are due to injury: Tendonitis, Fractures, Infection & Arthritis.
An interesting fact about my elbows: they don’t line up due to a fracture when I was 6. Ask me and I’ll show you one day. And you’ll probably laugh – just like my family often does.
And last but not least, the most important thing I’ve learnt about the elbow is this: YOU WILL NEVER MISS A ‘HIGH-5’ IF YOU LOOK AT THE PERSON’S ELBOW TO WHOM YOU ARE HIGH-5-ING. NEVER.

Isn’t that brilliant?

Feel free to take me to the doctor now.

Random-ing

2009-08-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

So it’s Friday – another Friday. This week, like many weeks before it, has flown by. It felt like just yesterday that I was answering the phone in my Monday voice and now here I am answering in my excited “yay, it’s Friday!” voice. And believe me, there is a difference. It’s all in the lips; answering a call with a smile can absolutely, without a doubt be heard on the other end of a phone line. I’ve tested the theory and it works. Try it and see what kind of voice reactions you get from the other side.

This weekend is going to be a gooder: coffee-ing, garage saling, sibling-ing, music pumping, sleeping in-ing, churching, worshipping, lunching, researching, missing, photographing, goodbye-ing & celebrating. Lots of things to look forward to, I’d say.

I’m getting very anxious though, of all the fine folks leaving good ol’ Twas. Jen, Gat, Brigh, Alisha, Mei, Rachelle, Maddie, Saraya, Carly…this just isn’t right! Yet I know that it’s what God has planned for them all and who am I to argue with the Big Guy upstairs? All I can do is pray for them wholeheartedly that God would look after them, challenge them, give them opportunities to mature and grow in faith and obedience, become connected, make life-long friendships, know what it feels like to be in a loving, Christ-centered community and of course love one another well. That can be done, right?

“All in due time, child, all in due time.” Thank goodness for God’s timing.
God is good all the time...and all the time God is good.

Grr.

2009-08-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

I can’t stand that the picture above is slightly outside the boundaries on the right hand side. Yes, I’m neurotic like that. Any suggestions on how to fix it, besides “make the picture smaller”?

I want to...

2009-08-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

· Watch an Iditarod
· Learn to Snowboard
· See the Running of the Bulls
· Be in the middle of a La Tomatina and be unrecognizable at the end
· Stay at the Wickannish Inn during storm season
· See the Northern Lights (& photograph them!)
· See the Chasing-The-Cheese-Down-The-Hill-Thing
· Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
· Walk the Great Wall of China
· Be in Paris @ Christmas
· Be in NYC @ Christmas / NYE
· Hike the The Swiss Alps
· Dive with Great Whites (check!)
· Go to Rio De Jinero
· Cruise through the Panama Canal
· Visit Birkenau/Auschwitz
· See Pompeii
· Swim in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
· See the Great Pyramids (check!)
· Swim & Snorkel in the Red Sea (check!)
· Float in the Dead Sea
· Watch the Crashed Ice Race in Quebec
· Be in Quebec for the Bonhomme Festival
· Visit the Ice Hotel
· Witness and be a part of a Revival
· Make and use a pinhole camera
· Cry more
· Own a boat
· See the The Treasury in Petra, Jordan
· Go zorbing in New Zealand
· Bungee Jump in New Zealand
· Stay in stilt beach houses in Fiji
· Stay in Montreal
· Learn to Surf
· Learn to Ski (better)
· Own a cottage/cabin/beach house (any one will do)
· Be in Amsterdam for Queen’s Day
· Be at the Gold Medal Game for Men’s Ice Hockey at the 2010 Olympics (“keep dreamin’ Shan!”)
· Laugh more
· Display my photos in an art show
· See one of my photos in the living room of a friend’s home
· Learn more photography
· PRINT more photography
· Roll down in a muddy hill on a rainy day
· Go sand duning…again.
· Take a road trip down the east coast of the U S of A – during autumn
· Dream more
· Be sung to in a gondola in Venice
· See the Daytona 500, live.
· Be kissed in the rain
· Be brought to my knees more
· Visit each Greek Island and let my hair loose
· See Mount Everest, first hand.
· Skydive

A girl can hope, right?

Oh Lasagna!

2009-08-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

Relaxing weekend away leads to frustrating morning…sounds wrong doesn’t it?

Let me first begin with the amazing time away with the Gladman’s and the Lady Gem – a beautiful 75 ft. yacht complete with a kitchen, lounge, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, dining room, breakfast ‘nook’ back deck, top deck, front deck & 4 kayaks. I was fortunate enough to be invited along for their annual long weekend getaway, and it was spectacular! We’d sit at the front of the boat and lean over as we cut through the water on our way to Saturna Island where we anchored for the night; did a little exploring, ate a lot of food, got a lot of sun, watched the sunset and even some good ol’ BBC comedy called Doc Martin.

The following day we headed to Provost Bay on Mayne Island (I think) and did pretty much the same thing; explore, eat, tan (of if you’re me, burn), watch and laugh.

The next day (now Sunday) we headed to Ganges on Salt Spring Island where we docked for the night; cute little town with lots of curio shops and restaurants. It was interesting to see all these boats and their names and where they were from – some names more questionable than others, but interesting nonetheless. I had fun with different filters and settings that night with Oliver:

The following day, now Monday, we headed to Montague Bay on Galiano Island. We were only there for a few hours as we needed to head back in time for high tide. All in all, it was an awesome weekend – I finished two books, started a third, spent a lot of time thinking and praying and listening and reflecting – all while the fresh (salty) air flowed through my hair, haha. Idyllic, hey? I am very blessed to have been a part of that and I felt loved; even if my name changed 4 times throughout the weekend – my favourite definitely being “Lasagna”; thanks Ted!

Now on to the frustrating morning. While I’m not going to go into details re: the who, what, where, when & why, I am just going to vent a little bit about stubbornness and selfishness. That’s ok right? I’ve found myself in the middle of a rock and a hard place, with 3 of my very close friends. One is expecting her friends to celebrate with her on a big day, while the other two are being “grumpy” (direct quote) and not willing to compromise under any circumstances – even if IT’S NOT ABOUT THEM AT ALL. Now here I am, not wanting to get involved, but feeling quite bad for the one particular friend. I’m trying my best to approach both sides with love and fairness (although finding it pretty hard) and praying for God’s guidance. What do I do? Stay out of it all? Try to find common ground knowing the rate of failure will be high? It’s one of those situations where I truly feel like if I say the wrong thing or act the wrong way, that my example of a Christian will go down the drain. I want to handle this with love, understanding and wisdom – Lord I need wisdom here, hah!

Anywho, enough of that. I would appreciate your prayers :)
Hope you all had a splendid weekend as I did and enjoy this streak of ‘cooler’ weather.

Love you all!
Shan

Shoulda Woulda Coulda

2009-07-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

As per the request of SO MANY, here’s a list of things I’ve said I should blog about, plus a couple of extras:

The current heatwave
The fireworks extravaganza and how South Africa has TOTALLY kicked arse so far
The fireworks extravaganza and how God TOTALLY kicked South Africa’s arse with His light show
My desperate need for a pedicure
Michelle’s awesome Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cake
Katie’s high-pitched squeals
“Go Blog About It”
Strawberry Swing
Elijah the prophet – that guy was pretty dang amazing if you ask me.
My love/hate relationship with my hair
My newfound love for Scrubs
My intense love for Departures; Scott, Justin & Andre, how I love thee.
The fact that Nat wasted a FULL cup of milk and a FULL cup of frozen berries trying to make a shake, BEFORE even seeing if the blender actually works.
The night Bon and I were peacefully watching the sunset on the shores of the Fraser River, and then were suddenly surrounded by a loud-touristy-picture-taking family from Surrey. Quite the scene.
Boating, Boating, Boating!
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria!!

Alright, so notice how I said “should” – this is about the extent of it folks; take it or leave it! While I admire the wit, humour, sarcasm & wisdom of my fellow bloggers, I just don’t think I have the capacity to do the same. Perhaps one day the creativity juices will kick in and I can at least be on par with some of you :) Perhaps a Photoblog would be more appropriate!

Happy BC Day Weekend!

So much more than Souvenirs

2009-06-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

This was my little devo on Friday morning - quite reassuring and powerful, no?

"God did for us what I did for one of my daughters in the shop at New York's La Guardia Airport. The sign above the ceramic pieces read Do Not Touch. But the wanting was stronger than the warning, and she touched. And it fell. By the time I looked up, ten-year-old Sara was holding the two pieces of a New York City skyline. Next to her was an unhappy store manager. Over them both was the written rule. Between them hung a nervous silence. My daughter had no money. He had no mercy. So I stepped in.

"How much do we owe you?" I asked. How was it that I owed anything? Simple. She was my daughter. And since she could not pay, I did.

Since we cannot pay, Christ did. We've broken so much more than souvenirs. We've broken God's heart. With the law on the wall and shattered commandments on the floor, Christ steps near (like a neighbor) and offers a gift (like a Saviour)."

Thanks Max Lucado - great great great words of wisdom that I need to hear daily.

Ode to Ouma

2009-06-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

June 5th, 2009…June 5th. June 5th. June 5th. The day my dear Oumie is being celebrated for the life she lived for over 80 years. Fragile, frail, crabby, soft, wrinkley, loving, quiet Oumie. While it pains me that I can’t be there at the memorial, I have decided to dedicate my first blog entry as an “Ode to Ouma”. It doesn’t rhyme and it isn’t a limerick, but it’s what I remember.

I remember being a little kid around her; little enough to go into her room and eat Eno’s (otherwise known at Rolaids or Tums) until there were just candy wrappers on the ground next to her bed. I remember watching her make fetkoek, and being mesmerized by the way her hands would knead and punch and stretch the dough. She was a fabulous cook. I remember how she would mutter under her breath in Afrikaans when she was annoyed with us, knowing that we couldn’t understand her. I remember how she would go into her room every day at 1:00 PM to watch her favourite daily soap, Egoli. I remember the feeling of seeing our (grandkids) pictures all over the walls and knowing that we were so loved. I remember her bedside tables and how they had a glass top; perfect for putting little photographs underneath for her to look at when she went to bed or woke up; pictures of Terri from Benoni High, pictures of Brett; Gareth, Me, Haylee, Greg…and of course Oupa.

In her last days, we were told that she was calling out people’s names – people who had already passed away; Aunty Pop, Uncle Gert, Oupa, Terri. Then in her last hours, while lying in the hospital bed with Jen, Kev, Vicki & Andrew at her side, she said the room was “too crowded; too many people in here”. We now realize that she was talking about all those who were in Heaven, waiting for her – welcoming her to go with them. They were with her in that last week and they were with her in that room in those last hours. How comforting to know that she’s being looked after, and her body has been restored. No more pain, no more anguish. Hallelujah!

Tonight, we (M, D & Gareth) are going out to celebrate Oumie and the beautiful person she was to us all. I feel honoured and privileged that I got to see her just a few short weeks ago and was able to say my proper goodbye. The tears have flowed and now it’s time to rejoice. The Lord is Good.