Friday, July 20, 2007
And Summer takes a turn...
Yes summer has taken a turn, yesterday around 7am , my Grandpa Ducks (Hayward) passed away. He was rushed to hospital on Wednesday and on Thursday morning, with mom and dad at his side he passed away, just the way he wanted it. The death seems sudden, and yet not, he was sick, and so we new it would happen eventually, we are all taken a little bit by surprised at how fast it happened. I was so glad that I was already on my way to Winnipeg on Wednesday night when mom called me. I was here as my family said goodbye and was a part of it. All in all the family is doing okay, their have been tears, and memories shared.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
BRING ON SUMMER!
Yup summer is here, and that makes me super excited! I love summer, I love the heat (maybe because I am often cold), I love the carefree lifestyle that summer brings, I love camp... oh summer is wonderful!
Of course summer also means that I am not "working" and thus have some free time on my hands. School finished in a rush and sometimes it doesn't feel like it really is done for the year. I guess on of these days the feeling of freedom will set in! Although in some ways I already want to be back in the classroom, it is getting painted and cleaned so I am excited to get in there and reorganize my space! Plus, I already have new ideas for next year and I just want to start planning!
My first real week of summer was spent at BCBC. It was a long week, with plenty of highlights and lowpoints, but all in all it was a positive week. I can only pray for staff and campers now, as I am not returing this summer. I am sure God will do great things through camp in the next four weeks!
This week I have spent recovering (from school and from camp). Jay has this week off, which means we have been spending time together, and with friends. A nice change to the craziness that was life in the last couple of weeks. This week will come to an end (probably before I want it to!), after that it will be back and forth between Mennville and Winnipeg (and maybe the cottage :) ). I have my courses to get into and planning to do! It appears that summer is never long enough!
Of course summer also means that I am not "working" and thus have some free time on my hands. School finished in a rush and sometimes it doesn't feel like it really is done for the year. I guess on of these days the feeling of freedom will set in! Although in some ways I already want to be back in the classroom, it is getting painted and cleaned so I am excited to get in there and reorganize my space! Plus, I already have new ideas for next year and I just want to start planning!
My first real week of summer was spent at BCBC. It was a long week, with plenty of highlights and lowpoints, but all in all it was a positive week. I can only pray for staff and campers now, as I am not returing this summer. I am sure God will do great things through camp in the next four weeks!
This week I have spent recovering (from school and from camp). Jay has this week off, which means we have been spending time together, and with friends. A nice change to the craziness that was life in the last couple of weeks. This week will come to an end (probably before I want it to!), after that it will be back and forth between Mennville and Winnipeg (and maybe the cottage :) ). I have my courses to get into and planning to do! It appears that summer is never long enough!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
My Parents
So last weekend, being Father’s Day, I had planned to write something in honour of my Dad, I procrastinated (Shocker!) so instead today (rather than finishing report cards) I have decided to write something about both my parents.
In all truthfulness my parents are pretty great parents. As a child I never really thought about how much they gave up for my brother and I, I thought that was what all parents did! There were many years that my dad’s vacation time involved spending a week at the PNE chaperoning 15 or so 4-H members, their weekends were taken up driving Joel, my sheep and I to various fairs, or functions. My hobbies became their hobbies, I wonder now if they had any time for the things they enjoyed, did dad golf much? This must be why mom went back to school when I was older and why she started to play the violin after I left home!
My parents raised me to be independent (or maybe just let me be that way), caring, out-going, and to value family and friends. They pushed me to my best in everything I tackled. They raised me to be self-confident and self-sufficient. Yet they never pushed their goals on me. I always knew I could become anything I want to, I wasn’t letting them down if I became a teacher or a vet… or whatever.
As I write all this let it also be known that my parents and I also had those teenage/parent conflicts. I believe I was an interesting creature from age 12-15, my poor mother! Looking back I now recognize that my mom was trying to teach me responsibility, and how we should live up to our promises when she wanted me to train my dog. That clean room she wanted me to have is still a bit of a stretch, but I do get where she was coming from.
I often joke that my parents moved out of the house when I was 15 (there is truth to this). It wasn’t the easiest time for any of us (cancer does that), but what I discovered is that in these crazy years (1997/1998/1999) is that family is hugely important. Through these years there were many moments when friends would say things like” I hate my parents” (we were just teenagers) and I would wish and pray that two months from then I would still have both parents. It was around this time I began to realize how important my parents were in my life, and how wonderful of parents they were/are!
I don’t live at home but I know that if my car needs an oil change Dad will have it done for me. I also still know I have a place to crash (even if it is a couch) when I go to the city for the weekend, even if they don’t get to see me while I am there! My parents are not only my parents now, but also my friends.
I know my mom reads this so:
Thanks mom for being a great parent! Oh and pass that on to dad too!
I can only hope that when I become a mom I can parent my children as well as they parented me!
~S
In all truthfulness my parents are pretty great parents. As a child I never really thought about how much they gave up for my brother and I, I thought that was what all parents did! There were many years that my dad’s vacation time involved spending a week at the PNE chaperoning 15 or so 4-H members, their weekends were taken up driving Joel, my sheep and I to various fairs, or functions. My hobbies became their hobbies, I wonder now if they had any time for the things they enjoyed, did dad golf much? This must be why mom went back to school when I was older and why she started to play the violin after I left home!
My parents raised me to be independent (or maybe just let me be that way), caring, out-going, and to value family and friends. They pushed me to my best in everything I tackled. They raised me to be self-confident and self-sufficient. Yet they never pushed their goals on me. I always knew I could become anything I want to, I wasn’t letting them down if I became a teacher or a vet… or whatever.
As I write all this let it also be known that my parents and I also had those teenage/parent conflicts. I believe I was an interesting creature from age 12-15, my poor mother! Looking back I now recognize that my mom was trying to teach me responsibility, and how we should live up to our promises when she wanted me to train my dog. That clean room she wanted me to have is still a bit of a stretch, but I do get where she was coming from.
I often joke that my parents moved out of the house when I was 15 (there is truth to this). It wasn’t the easiest time for any of us (cancer does that), but what I discovered is that in these crazy years (1997/1998/1999) is that family is hugely important. Through these years there were many moments when friends would say things like” I hate my parents” (we were just teenagers) and I would wish and pray that two months from then I would still have both parents. It was around this time I began to realize how important my parents were in my life, and how wonderful of parents they were/are!
I don’t live at home but I know that if my car needs an oil change Dad will have it done for me. I also still know I have a place to crash (even if it is a couch) when I go to the city for the weekend, even if they don’t get to see me while I am there! My parents are not only my parents now, but also my friends.
I know my mom reads this so:
Thanks mom for being a great parent! Oh and pass that on to dad too!
I can only hope that when I become a mom I can parent my children as well as they parented me!
~S
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
AN UPDATE!
No excuses, I am a blog slacker!
Here is an update; it’s apparently a long time coming!
I had a wonderful trip to Smithers a couple of weeks ago. My cousin Jessica got married (to Ben). It was wonderful to take a couple of days off and fly out there for four days. There was lots of family there that I hadn’t seen in quite some time so it was nice to see them and catch up. Smithers is in B.C. and is surrounded by the mountains, it was amazing! Check out these pictures!
The view from our hike!
Ben and Jessica at the Wedding
Grandma in Matt's (my cousin) Porche!
Ben and Jessica
Since my Smithers trip school has been busy! As always June is a little crazy, the wonderful thing is that it is June and there are not many days left until my summer begins!
Two weekends ago I had my first experience with ticks! YUCK! Jay and I went hiking at Hecla, it was a beautiful day! I got one tick, which is a first for me. Jay however had 12ish! Apparently they like to hide in socks! Yeah for sandals!
Last weekend Jay and I went to his parents’ house. We haven’t spent much time with them since we have been together so it was time to do that. The weekend was good.
When I got home on Sunday I found out my mom and grandpa were in a rather bad car accident. Mom is okay-ish, grandpa has a cracked vertebra. Makes me more nervous to drive, and I actually drove home at pretty much the speed limit, which is not usually the case!
So there is an update on what has been happening in life, my goal is to update more often, but we will see. Maybe I should spend less time on facebook!~S
Here is an update; it’s apparently a long time coming!
I had a wonderful trip to Smithers a couple of weeks ago. My cousin Jessica got married (to Ben). It was wonderful to take a couple of days off and fly out there for four days. There was lots of family there that I hadn’t seen in quite some time so it was nice to see them and catch up. Smithers is in B.C. and is surrounded by the mountains, it was amazing! Check out these pictures!
The view from our hike!
Ben and Jessica at the Wedding
Grandma in Matt's (my cousin) Porche!
Ben and Jessica
Since my Smithers trip school has been busy! As always June is a little crazy, the wonderful thing is that it is June and there are not many days left until my summer begins!
Two weekends ago I had my first experience with ticks! YUCK! Jay and I went hiking at Hecla, it was a beautiful day! I got one tick, which is a first for me. Jay however had 12ish! Apparently they like to hide in socks! Yeah for sandals!
Last weekend Jay and I went to his parents’ house. We haven’t spent much time with them since we have been together so it was time to do that. The weekend was good.
When I got home on Sunday I found out my mom and grandpa were in a rather bad car accident. Mom is okay-ish, grandpa has a cracked vertebra. Makes me more nervous to drive, and I actually drove home at pretty much the speed limit, which is not usually the case!
So there is an update on what has been happening in life, my goal is to update more often, but we will see. Maybe I should spend less time on facebook!~S
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
The Weekend and The Day
I had a chance to actually write over the weekend, this is what I wrote on Sunday:
I arrived Thursday night, as I unpacked and settled in a sense of relief flooded over me. This place gives the sense of no obligations, no responsibilities, and no demands. Maybe because here I am still a ‘kid’. I walked around putting out lawn chairs and opening buildings. As I did so a visitor joined me, I named her Henrietta, she was a duck, she followed me closely, close enough to touch if I had wanted to. I hope to see her leading babies around soon.
I woke up Friday morning to the promise of a beautiful day, the sun was out and the temperature was rising. I enjoyed breakfast on the deck and took in the incredible view. As I read my book for the English course I am taking I basked in the sun and debated putting on shorts. The afternoon soon ended that idea as the wind picked up and the temperature fell. Friday morning was the only sun I enjoyed over the weekend L.
In reality the cottage does place demands. Saturday was spent meeting these demands. Dad and I raked leaves and pinecones, cut grass, put the dock in, got the boat out (Joel and dad put it in the water), cleaned the house… for some reason the demands of this place seem less “demanding” then those of the real world. As the rest of the family arrived (mom, grandpa, and Joel) the obligations diffused, more hands do make lighter work.
I can only hope that weekends like this renew my energy. Maybe, just maybe I will be less grumpy, have more energy, and be more relaxed in the upcoming week. Weekends like this help me seek out balance in life, work gets left behind (but not forgotten), demands at home are less pressing, enjoy able tasks like reading get done, I spend time outside reconnecting with nature… hmmm as I write I am looking forward to more and more weekends out here. BRING ON SUMMER!!
Today the peace was shattered with a big thump! Grrr it was a rough day, it was a good thing I had a good weekend! In the end I vented to loved ones, cried, took out frustration at the gym and prayed and prayed and prayed. As I should have expected God comes through in the crazy moments, lost things were found (and even worked after being washed)… the day ended with the promise of good days ahead (even if they are crazy days). I am reminded that God is good, even in the small, non-important things. I needed that reminder!
I arrived Thursday night, as I unpacked and settled in a sense of relief flooded over me. This place gives the sense of no obligations, no responsibilities, and no demands. Maybe because here I am still a ‘kid’. I walked around putting out lawn chairs and opening buildings. As I did so a visitor joined me, I named her Henrietta, she was a duck, she followed me closely, close enough to touch if I had wanted to. I hope to see her leading babies around soon.
I woke up Friday morning to the promise of a beautiful day, the sun was out and the temperature was rising. I enjoyed breakfast on the deck and took in the incredible view. As I read my book for the English course I am taking I basked in the sun and debated putting on shorts. The afternoon soon ended that idea as the wind picked up and the temperature fell. Friday morning was the only sun I enjoyed over the weekend L.
In reality the cottage does place demands. Saturday was spent meeting these demands. Dad and I raked leaves and pinecones, cut grass, put the dock in, got the boat out (Joel and dad put it in the water), cleaned the house… for some reason the demands of this place seem less “demanding” then those of the real world. As the rest of the family arrived (mom, grandpa, and Joel) the obligations diffused, more hands do make lighter work.
I can only hope that weekends like this renew my energy. Maybe, just maybe I will be less grumpy, have more energy, and be more relaxed in the upcoming week. Weekends like this help me seek out balance in life, work gets left behind (but not forgotten), demands at home are less pressing, enjoy able tasks like reading get done, I spend time outside reconnecting with nature… hmmm as I write I am looking forward to more and more weekends out here. BRING ON SUMMER!!
Today the peace was shattered with a big thump! Grrr it was a rough day, it was a good thing I had a good weekend! In the end I vented to loved ones, cried, took out frustration at the gym and prayed and prayed and prayed. As I should have expected God comes through in the crazy moments, lost things were found (and even worked after being washed)… the day ended with the promise of good days ahead (even if they are crazy days). I am reminded that God is good, even in the small, non-important things. I needed that reminder!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
News... and other tidbits
So I am a blog slacker, I haven’t updated in awhile, and have been preoccupied with life and facebook (in that order). Basically life is crazy busy.
Work has hit nightmare time; Spring Tea is next week, there are four fieldtrips for my class coming up, I am going away for 2 days… this is all in the next three weeks! YIKES!! In other work news… yesterday was contract-signing deadline. This year the decision was a little harder to make. For the first time in my life I felt like I actually had to consult people (or person) in regards to this decision (as I reread this I realized that this might sounds like a bad thing, really it isn’t it is just a new thing). After weighing pros and cons, and praying about the decision the contract was signed. I will be staying in Mennville for another year. If anyone can build a contraption to get me to Winnipeg and back in a very short amount of time that would be great!
I spent last weekend in the city. I bought an AMAZING flat iron for my hair. Really it is amazing. Totally worth the money it cost! Mom and I hit the mall on Saturday. It’s been awhile since we hung out so it was nice to spend a couple of hours together. I totally slacked on Mother’s Day (she actually picked out her own present). That does not mean though that I don’t love mom. Just for the record my mom is amazing! I love the fact that now that I am older she isn’t just my “mom” but also my friend!
I am looking forward to tomorrow at 3:30! I have a 4-day weekend and am looking forward to time at the cottage. I even get a day there by myself! I plan to read, work on my courses, KAYAK, and spend sometime relaxing. The rest of the family is coming out at different times throughout the weekend so it should be fun and enjoyable. Hopefully the weather is amazing and the water is somewhat warm (who knows when you might fall or get flipped!).
Yeah to May Long!Enjoy yours!
Work has hit nightmare time; Spring Tea is next week, there are four fieldtrips for my class coming up, I am going away for 2 days… this is all in the next three weeks! YIKES!! In other work news… yesterday was contract-signing deadline. This year the decision was a little harder to make. For the first time in my life I felt like I actually had to consult people (or person) in regards to this decision (as I reread this I realized that this might sounds like a bad thing, really it isn’t it is just a new thing). After weighing pros and cons, and praying about the decision the contract was signed. I will be staying in Mennville for another year. If anyone can build a contraption to get me to Winnipeg and back in a very short amount of time that would be great!
I spent last weekend in the city. I bought an AMAZING flat iron for my hair. Really it is amazing. Totally worth the money it cost! Mom and I hit the mall on Saturday. It’s been awhile since we hung out so it was nice to spend a couple of hours together. I totally slacked on Mother’s Day (she actually picked out her own present). That does not mean though that I don’t love mom. Just for the record my mom is amazing! I love the fact that now that I am older she isn’t just my “mom” but also my friend!
I am looking forward to tomorrow at 3:30! I have a 4-day weekend and am looking forward to time at the cottage. I even get a day there by myself! I plan to read, work on my courses, KAYAK, and spend sometime relaxing. The rest of the family is coming out at different times throughout the weekend so it should be fun and enjoyable. Hopefully the weather is amazing and the water is somewhat warm (who knows when you might fall or get flipped!).
Yeah to May Long!Enjoy yours!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
3BT
Today’s Three Beautiful Things:
1) Being reminded that people are often generous and helpful. Story: I got my first ever, flat tire today, I was about two mils from home and so I started to walk, but I didn’t get that far when a man and his wife (?) stopped and offered to change my tire. A big huge thank you to the strangers who took the time to help me out! The tire is wrecked and will need to be replaced, but that’s okay.
2) Joining the gym! Yup I did and am super excited that there is a new gym to join in Riverton. It is like curves but not, and only a 10 minute drive (rather than the 30 or so it would be to the nearest curves)!
3) Spring is here! I know this because they just mowed the grass in my backyard!! I love the sun, the heat, the summer that is to come. What a great time of year!
In other news I am officially a student again! Grrr not exactly how I wanted to spend my summer months, but that’s life. I have to take the courses so I take them. I now have the books for my first course (Women in Literature) and have spent a couple of hours working on it. In reality it isn’t that bad, and could be interesting (if I let it be!). Mission: Positive attitude about courses!
Blessings!~S
1) Being reminded that people are often generous and helpful. Story: I got my first ever, flat tire today, I was about two mils from home and so I started to walk, but I didn’t get that far when a man and his wife (?) stopped and offered to change my tire. A big huge thank you to the strangers who took the time to help me out! The tire is wrecked and will need to be replaced, but that’s okay.
2) Joining the gym! Yup I did and am super excited that there is a new gym to join in Riverton. It is like curves but not, and only a 10 minute drive (rather than the 30 or so it would be to the nearest curves)!
3) Spring is here! I know this because they just mowed the grass in my backyard!! I love the sun, the heat, the summer that is to come. What a great time of year!
In other news I am officially a student again! Grrr not exactly how I wanted to spend my summer months, but that’s life. I have to take the courses so I take them. I now have the books for my first course (Women in Literature) and have spent a couple of hours working on it. In reality it isn’t that bad, and could be interesting (if I let it be!). Mission: Positive attitude about courses!
Blessings!~S
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