"Cuz it's the Final Countdown!"

Yes, it's that time again.

That time of year where I'm almost in sweats permanently, wearing glasses, hair pulled up, glazed look in my eyes, staring at a plethora of notes trying to make sense of it all...

Kind of like Emperor's New Groove...

Pacha: Uh-oh.

Kuzco: Don't tell me: We're about to go over a huge waterfall.

Pacha: Yep.

Kuzco: Sharp rocks at the bottom?

Pacha: Most likely.

Kuzco: Bring it on.

Oh yes, bring it on.

Last night, in hopes of finding inspirational music, Susanne and I listened to the epic tune from Pirates of the Caribbean and then watched the battle scene from Narnia: Prince Caspian. It's pretty inspirational when Peter yells, "For Narnia, and for Aslan!" and then both sides charge at each other for an insane battle. So pretty much we are the good side and exams and final assignments are the evil ones trying to take us out. Good news though, we win in the end.

So, I'm back at my little coffee shop. It's nice and quiet (well, except for the oldies playing through the speakers).

Laptop computer: check

Close to a plug-in: check

Lots of notes and textbooks: check

Coffee: check

Collection of pens and pencil: check

Concentration: well, I'm working on that.

It's been fun seeing all the regulars pop in, overhearing their conversations, and hearing them all say, "See ya tomorrow!" before they head out the door. I want to be an old person that has a regular stop in every day, they seem cool.

Alright, this was Procrastination Tactic #43 again, it worked well.

Back to my books...

(P.S. - Thanks Joy for all your little notes and encouragement on my blogs, you are an all-star. Can't wait to see ya over the holidays!)

Procrastination Tactic #43: Write a Blog Post

The story about my new pottery mug :)

Trinity had their 4th Annual 'Spirit of Christmas' celebration on campus this year for the community. For a quick study break, I ventured over to the craft fair and was pleasantly surprised to find a pottery stand. Now, I'm not one to invest in a lot of mugs, mainly because I have a slight pet peeve of having a random collection of a ton of stuff. But, I do quite enjoy the feel of a solid pottery cup in my hand, full of warm tea.

I had a wonderful chat with the potter, picking his brain about his favorite stuff to make, different glazing techniques and such. He helped me pick out a mug that fit quite well into my hand, and I am now the proud owner of a lovely little mug. It's prime.

Beautiful people...

...I attended a little Christmas gathering in our apartment building tonight. An open mic shindig in a little apartment, jam packed of a variety of people sharing songs, stories, giftings and random talents.

As I stood in the kitchen, slightly barricaded from the rest of the group, listening to the beautiful strumming and plucking of guitar strings, I couldn't help but smile and be thankful.

Each face that my eyes drifted across was so beautiful. I was struck with the wonder of how blessed I was to be standing in a warm and cozy apartment, surrounded by people with such beautiful hearts. Some of these people I don't even know, some are extremely dear to my heart, and others are acquaintances that I chat with on a regular basis. How magnificently blessed I am to have an opportunity to be in the presence of these people. Lovely people whom the Lord has made exactly as He planned- perfect and right in His sight. That is stellar.

A song by one of my favorite musicians, Riley Armstrong, says:
Everybody's different, I think different is beautiful

If we were all the same this world would be unliveable
This whole earth turns so intricate its undeniable
That God made us different, so that means different is beautiful.

Thank you Lord for such an opportunity to interact with Your beautiful people, wherever we go.

"But as for me, it is good to be near God."

Psalm 73:28

More homework, please.

Saturday morning, 8:21am, the rain is pouring, the sky is grey, and there is a lovely (well, maybe not so lovely) chorus of crows cawing away. I think, I'd still like to be sleeping...however, I'm preparing myself to dive into a day of homework.

We're in the finally running for school this semester,

it's almost done.

There's been some fond moments the last few weeks, however.

Went to Saskatchewan two weekends ago to hang out with some friends and celebrate the engagement of my buds Terri and Ry.

Home last weekend to have a surprise birthday party for my mama.

So now, all I must do is complete a few more assignments until I can partake fully of the wonderful Christmas season.

Homework, here I come.

To Grampa...with love.

November 11, 2009.

A day to remember and be grateful to the many who fought for justice, peace and freedom.

Thank you Grampa for being one of those brave young men.

Thank you for sharing your countless stories and adventures of the war with us.

Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your life.

Thank you for loving each of us grandkids, and for all the special memories.

You are wonderful.

Things that make

studying more fun...

1. Wearing ridiculous shiny gold high heels.

2. Drinking a chai tea latte.

3. Epic music or the occasional dance party break.

4. Left over Halloween candy.

On a rainy day...

...I am sitting in a lovely coffee shop that I finally ventured into. I spotted it during the first week of September and today was the day that my feet finally walked through their class door.

I was greeted by a smiling Asian woman, who cheerfully and graciously helped me pick out what I should eat for lunch.

I enjoyed a delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup, a nice quantity of potato salad, and a tasty Reuben sandwich.

After studying for a while, and getting a little chilly and sleepy - I decided to purchase a coffee...and when she brought it over to me, it was brimming with whip cream. You can imagine my happiness at the sight of such a large mound of whip cream...

Off on my left, there are two elderly men, sipping their coffee, who have been playing chess for hours. There is also a table of sweet elderly women who the owner likes to sit down with whenever the counter is quiet. I like this place.

I have found a jewel in the city of Langley, I have found my new escape, I have found my new study spot, this is grand.

ALSO...this week, I had my very first teaching experience in my 3/4 split class. We read through chapter 3 of Charlotte's Web, and then we worked through a worksheet. The closer I am coming to the end of my degree, the more daunting this teaching future is becoming. With each day, my dreams of having my own classroom coming closer on the horizon, and while I do have excitement, there is also a fear of not being able to remember all that I've learned, and the daunting idea that what if I can't figure out how to run a classroom?

Nonetheless, I still get pretty stoked to think of the moment when I'll finally, one day, feel comfortable as a teacher, with all those cute little faces staring up at me, and have some awesome lessons that will get them excited about learning:)

Well, I must return to the homework...much to do before I actually get that degree.

Blessings in Him.

JJ

100 posts. It's true.

It was hard coming up with a brilliant and celebratory plan for the hundredth post, so I decided to mix things up a bit. Here are 50 of my favorite things, which will be followed by some thoughts about the goodness of the Lord and what He is doing in my life, which will add up to an abundance of cool things. Alright…well this is it. This is the post of all posts…100^th post!

You ready for this?

1. The beach
2. Hanging out with my family
3. Chai tea latte
4. Great quiet time with the Lord
5. Daffodils
6. Whip cream
7. Reading a good book (especially on a crummy day)
8. Have a good legitimate laugh
9. Going fast on a boat or (a motorbike ride)
10. A good hug
11. Reading Children’s books
12. Capernwray, Thetis Island
13. Being with friends who love me for me
14. The number 14
15. Listening to/playing guitar
16. A fresh journal
17. Twirling in a twirly skirt or dress
18. Writing a good random song
19. All kinds of paper! Colored, designed, textured…
20. Dreaming of living in a castle
21. Getting mail
22. Rowing or kayaking on a still, sunny day
23. Being inspired
24. Someone surprising me with a coffee drink
25. Good roommates
26. Dreaming of roaming the green hills of Ireland
27. Fresh sweatpants and a new hoodie
28. Little Rascals
29. Hanging out with kids
30. Palm trees
31. A comfy blanket
32. A good sleep/nap
33. Anything to do with Christmas
34. Cookie dough
35. A good storm
36. Hanging out with my brothers
37. Solitude
38. Pictures (taking them and looking at good shots)
39. Playdoh
40. Flip flops that are perfectly fit to my feet
41. Stargazing
42. A cup of tea
43. The smell and taste of fresh bread
44. Answered prayers
45. Bouncy balls
46. Christ and my relationship with Him
47. Tim Horton’s
48. Bourne Identity
49. First snowfall
50. Seeing the redemption of a bad situation

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13 NIV)

I’ve chosen this verse as a ‘theme’ verse for my final year here at Trinity…

Before summer ended I felt that if I wasn’t returning to TWU in the fall, that I would be okay with that. Trinity has been a great experience, but my heart has no deep holds to this place. But as I came back this year, I really began to realize the impact people here have had on my life and the many ways God has shaped my life through being here at school, and thus I have come to value this place so much more.

Romans 12:9-13 has become a desire for how I want my life to be, the things in which I live by and the ways in which I honor the Lord and love Him and the people around me. It’s an exciting season of life to be in because I believe this will not be a stagnant year, but definitely a year of growth. As Christians, we should always be growing and being stretched, but often I like to sit in my little comfort zone. Nonetheless, I feel that if I seek the Lord and place my complete trust in Him, this year is going to be anything but normal. The Lord has already given me moments that have stretched me out of my comfy zone, and I am confident there will be more, and surprisingly – I’m stoked. I don’t want to be the same plain-Jen but I want to experience all that the Lord has to offer, to be transformed to be more like Him, and to have a life pleasing to Him and one that lives out the verse above. I’m aiming to be genuine…yes ‘Jen’uine and authentic in Christ.

I’ll keep you updated! Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts.

So I was sad to leave...

As summer ended, I was sad to leave my family, sad to say goodbye to friends, and sad to wave farewell to my beach until next time.

The summer ended off well, but was a little crazy. After returning from our roadtrip to Edmonton, I had two days to say goodbye to my amazing friends (we've had a good summer), and then pack up everything for school. We then took off to Victoria for the big brother's wedding.

Scott, Jeff and I, just before the ceremony began...

My two handsome brothers, they are just so wonderful.

Scott and Stacey.

Insert whirlwind here.

A ton of family came out for the wedding, and it was such a blessing to reconnect with aunts, uncles and cousins. After all those good laughs and more goodbyes, I jumped in my stellar Nissan Axxess Sportswagon, was the last car on the ferry, and headed to Trinity. I don't know how summer flew by and somehow, I'm back here and at it again.

However...I have amazing roomies which make it all the better. Since none of us were in the mood for seeing too many people the day we all arrived, we took off for an evening of coffee, tim tams and reconnecting.

Orienation day for all the new students begins today. Hundreds of hawaiian shirted leadership students lurk through the campus, waiting to pounce on any new student who appears to need help. I must go do my part.

Let the fun begin...

Where has the summer gone!?

As usual, the summer is coming to a close - and it's absolutely shocking that months have flown by, and fall courses and university life are once again knocking at my door.

I finished up my time at work, and had a most enjoyable farewell luncheon with my office crew and some ACTS volunteers. They are some of the most kind hearted, faith inspiring, adventure

seeking, living life to the full group of people I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. I feel quite blessed to be able to share in coversations with them, and to soak in their thoughts and wisdom in my own life.

I was given some wonderful flowers from Tricia, as well as Judy, with my finale at work, so I was able to enjoy some phenomenal farewell flowers.Jeff and Antonia finally made it home from England as well. Soon after, my folks, the one-year married couple and I jumped in our good ol' blue van and embarked on a road trip to Edmonton to visit my Grampa. Thus, we've been hanging out here ever since and will soon be returning to the island.

Jeff and Antonia finally made it home from England as well. Soon after, my folks, the one-year married couple and I jumped in our good ol' blue van and embarked on a road trip to Edmonton to visit my Grampa. Thus, we've been hanging out here ever since and will soon be returning to the island.

This quick return will consist of farewells to my wonderful friends at home, a quick pack job to return to school, the wedding of my stellar older brother, and a ferry ride which will take me to university for a fourth year...sigh...quite an end.

I enjoyed a most amazing ride on the ferry over to the mainland. I was captivated by the blue sky, mighty breeze, and hot sun. I just sat on the deck, prayed for the year ahead, and enjoyed

the view. It did my heart well.

Antonia and I conviced Dad and

Jeff to join us for the rollercoast at West Ed. Mall - which was SO much fun! Jeff was a little terrified,

and Dad was a tad nervous, but they made it through.

And! I finally reconnected with my beloved fire breathing dragon. It was great.

Well, I'm signing off for the evening. My eyes are getting sleepy, and I can use all the sleep I can get before returning to the life of a university student.

And so it begins...

Monday morning. 9:45am.

The first day of my last week at work
(as long as I get everything finished this week).
Let the insanity commence...NOW!

Whoa whoa whoa…

Let’s just say these last two weeks have kind of left my head spinning. With friends visiting, Vacation Bible School, housesitting, being in the hospital room as a relative passed away, a farewell party for a friend, a surprise 50^th birthday party in Vancouver, a funeral in Kelowna, and now preparing for my last week of work to get everything finished.

Disappointing to come out of that and realize how I slacked off in my daily time with the Lord. God is good, and there is no doubt I experienced His faithfulness in many of the situations over the last few weeks, but I’m bummed out that I didn’t make Him my priority amidst it all.

When we were coming home from Kelowna (aka – Smokey town), I had a chance to stand on the ferry deck alone to process and reflect. Somehow, I had gotten on the ferry, grabbed a cup of tea – all without realizing that I was actually by the ocean again and away from the overpowering smokey and smoggy air. As I got up to grab my second cup of tea, I glanced out the window and was overcome with emotion to see a glimpse of blue sky and the rolling ocean waves. Ha, I had to laugh that I was so touched to see the ocean again after being away for only 4 days.

I dashed out to the deck to witness a most spectacular sunset as the sun was a burning red amidst the smokey sky, and the mountains were a backdrop of a variety of shades of blue. I tried to capture those beautiful shots with my camera, but to no avail, because I realized – while some photos can say a thousand words, most photos can never truly capture the magnificence of God’s phenomenal creation.

Feeling almost like a failure for the little time I’d spent with the Lord recently, I felt His grace saying “it’s okay”, and the blessing to enjoy the solitude with Him as we sailed over the Pacific. I then realized how much the ocean feels like ‘home’ to me.

“Home is where the heart is.”

When I think about what is ‘home’ to me, I definitely think of my family – the moment I walk into our home or the presence of my family, I can sigh with relief and happiness as I have the freedom to completely be myself. Capernwray became a second home, partially for the wonderful friends who I shared a year of fun and growth with, as well as having the ocean on my doorstep. Home is also there when I’m with some of my great friends, my heart just becomes ‘right’ when I’m with them as I laugh, can share my heart, and feel the freedom of having no particular expecations on myself with them. Home is that glimpse of the ocean when I’ve been gone months at school, or when I sit on the shore after a crummy day, and all seems well again after breathing in that salty air.

But as I stood on the deck of the ferry Wednesday evening, all my heart wanted was to have that ‘homey’ sense with the Lord. No matter where the adventures of life lead, or the family and friends that will come and go – I just pray that I will always have that sense of being home as I have the Lord by my side.

The memorial service in Kelowna for my great-uncle was a great reminder of loving the Lord and serving Him wholeheartedly all the days of our lives. My great-uncle Bill was a godly man, who has left a legacy of following the Lord, and I hope that I will do the same.

Prayers for the rest of this month as I get ready for school would be great. Jeff and Antonia will be home in a little over a week, Scott's wedding is coming up, and school is on the horizon - so it shall be a busy month.

Also, I was scanning through all my old posts and realized there were some posts that were never posted! Oh the insanity – thus, I just posted two posts from sometime over the 3 years and they are now officially available on this blog! If you find which ones they are, I’ll buy you a coffee. Just kidding, you don’t need to go back and find them. However, this puts my post count only at 96, so I have plenty of time to think more about the great 100^th post.

Today after work, I returned to my extremely warm car. Only to sigh and find that there were 5 poop droppings on it. Dang.

Also, I beginning to feel the drain of running to and fro from all different locations. Thus, I need to slow down so I don't return to school all tuckered out. I'm going to learn to say 'no'. I need to return to my simple beginning Summer days of the beach, reading books, and napping.

I miss my brothers. Scotty will be home hopefully around the beginning of August...Jeff shall return in the middle of August. The countdown...

This will be my 98th post. I shall try to think of something epic for my 100th. Any ideas?

"Oh, a famous Jacobson..."

Yes, fame is my name.

I'm taking a lunch break at this moment to spend my time on my blog (*sigh*, kind of lame). Nonetheless, I have thoughts in my head that are producing a smile on my face, so thus they must be proclaimed to someone...anyone...

I'm alone in my work office today. This picture of my face was taken through the webcam on my laptop about one minute ago (the wonders of technology). Who wants to read a blog without photos anyway? Especially since my last two posts were void of any visual stimulation...thus, you may now see how I look in the middle of my day, getting hungry for food.

One gift that I am continually blessed with while working at ACTS, are the countless wonderful people I get to interact with. About a half hour ago, a kind elderly man entered my quiet office, grabbed a chair, and proceeding to chat about life with me. He views things in a charming and simplistic way...I feel blessed to have been a part of his day, being part of the ripple he has left behind him after he has departed from this little wallpapered room.

He spoke of God's goodness. He spoke of the silence of some people, and how sometimes "We learn more when we are quiet." Ah yes, I have heard this before and I smile. He also found out I was 'a famous Jacobson." Go figure, I'm famous - well...at least someone in my family must be famous enough that allows me to cling to the cool name. If I never get married, I can keep that name forever, and thus be famous forever.

As he left, I wished him a great afternoon and he replied, "Well, I've got nothing else to do except get older." Ha, awesome.

I also had a lovely chat with one of our fantastic volunteer ladies this morning. Nice to pick her brain a bit and learn about her life, her thoughts, and her experiences. It's a privilege to get to know people, to see someone elses' heart, and that the Lord uses many of these divine interactions to leave us changed (and hopefully changed for the better).

God is good. And I like Thursdays.

Also, here's a treat for some of those who like moving pictures.
Check this hot new video for some sweet baking fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edfqjv2HTYU

Here is a neat verse I have been pondering over lately. May you be encouraged.

"Teach me your ways, Oh Lord, and I will walk in Your Truth.
Unite my heart to fear your name.
I will praise You, Oh Lord my God, with all my heart.
I will glorify your name, forever."
Psalm 86:11-12

The Evil Menace: Flying Time!

Twice today, I was shocked at how time had flown by. While I thought it was still morning hours, I was shocked to find out it was 12:55pm while answering the phone, and I quickly had to change my 'Goodmorning' phone answering to a 'Good afternoon'.

Also, I just looked at the clock this evening and it was around 9:30pm...I glanced again and an hour went by in the blink of the eye. The evil menace is on the lurk...

Summer is more than half over. Wow. Much to look forward, much to prepare for, much to...much to...much to...(perhaps by repeating my self it will be like slow-mo and time will slow down)...

Stormy days...

Quick break in my day at work.

Somehow, that blue sky and sunshine has disappeared behind a veil of grey. The winds have picked up, the rain has fallen, and all I can do is hope that thunder and lightning appear.
I'm dreaming that I can take off from work, sit by the stormy ocean and then return home to a hot cup of tea and a good book.

I feel like I've jumped into the future...and that I am now enjoying a winters day.
Goodbye summer (well, at least for today).

Oh I'm a-loving that storm...

God is good - all the time.

 All the time - God is good.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.

The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness!

'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul,

'therefore, I have hope in Him.'

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, 

to the person who seeks Him.

It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord."   

Lamentations 3:21-26

My heart has been refreshed.  I had the ACTS AGM (Annual General Meeting) this past weekend, and the wonderful people that attended and helped make the evening run smoothly, even without asking for their help, absolutely touched my heart.  On an evening where I could have been stressed and nervous, the Lord blessed me by surrounding me with a group of people that made my night a delightful and enjoyable evening.  And I felt so loved by the Lord to give me such an opportunity.

Today, I was also stoked to share in the moment of 6 youth being baptised in the ocean, along with the church family.  It was splendid, and so wonderful to see six different lives commit to walking with the Lord and publically making a proclaimation to want to follow Him.  Saweet!

Again, working with ACTS - I get to encounter many wonderful elderly people who have a heart for the Lord and a boat full of wisdom.  Some of my favorite elderly folks have more life and spunk still in them, than some of my own friends.  They love the Lord and embrace the adventure of life that He has provided for them.  They still go travelling, embark on kayak trips, take hot air balloon expeditions, embrace new loves, and graciously give what God has provided them and gifted them with others.   I have been inspired to do my best in enjoying all the wonders of life, or at least try my best to walk and find joy in the new and old things.  

In taking communion today at church, and savoring that fresh and sweet flavor of the bread and juice - it is a beautiful reminder of what Christ suffered in saving me, and a lasting taste of the sweetness of being a child of God.  He is good, in the good times, in the hard times, in the confusing times, in the moments that feel dry...we have hope - hope in His lovingkindness, His compassion, and His faithfulness.  May we enjoy what He has prepared for us, may we enjoy the walk alongside Him, and may we earnestly seek after the Lord and know Him more.   

The Meriam-Webster dictionary gives a  few definitions of 'fraud', one being:
a person who is not what he or she pretends to be (also: imposter).

Lately, I'm been pondering through different aspects of my faith.  I'm beginning to question how this Westernized culture affects how I view God and put Him neatly into a box to fit into my perception of reality to mesh well with 'my' life.  What kind of relationship did the men and women of the bible have with God?  Was is one who saw God as their best buddy?  One of fear and reverence?  One as a teacher and mentor?  In talking with a friend, we both were discussing how the view of God as our friend is not very evident in the bible.  The disciples even were more in a teaching and mentoring relationship with Jesus.  (Feel free to jump in and disagree if you like, keep my brain juices flowing...)  I don't want to make my God a friendly God, just in order for me to try and understand and relate to Him.  I want to find out who this God really is...to be in awe of His sovereignty and power, to have a healthy and respectful fear of the One who has created me.  And I want to know this God intimately, and to have the head connect with the heart...

Thus being a fraud is something I desperately do not want as a part of my being.  So often as Christians we become the frauds and hypocrites we do not want to be, and somehow we fall into a mediocre life when we didn't even realize it.  At church we sing songs and pray, we can say the 'right' thing, look the 'right' way...but does our heart and faith really connect with it all?  I get nervous that I will fall into that comfortable life, trying to make my God fit somewhere neatly in the lines - rather than embrace this All-power God for who He is.  Golly...I don't think I can even fully express my thought pattern at the time...thanks for bearing with me.  

On another side note, in this journey, I have been encouraged through scripture.  Keltie gave me a devo book at Christmas, which has been a source of much encouragment lately.  Through this book and the bible, there have been some awesome verses that have popped out at the perfect timing to touch my heart and remind me that the Lord knows my circumstances and will reveal Himself in little ways to show His guidance and love:)

"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."  Proverbs 4:23

"In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength."  Isaiah 30:15

"Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice.  How blessed are all those who long for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

I've been reminded to be in silence with the Lord, to find my rest and peace in Him.  To trust that He is leading me in a good way, to guard my heart in Him and embrace a love for life through loving God.   Good to be encouraged, but application is a different thing.  Nonetheless, I hope to strive to apply these truths, and to seek more of God's character and apply it, rather that just live the mediocre, luke-warm Christian life that we were never intended to live...

And so the journey continues...

Summer has begun...

School finished well...papers were finished...exams were completed...aches and pains in my hand from endless writing are now relieved as I sit on my couch back home, wrapped up in a cozy blanket.  It is fabulous to be home, eat good food, crawl into an extra comfy bed at night, get the fresh scent of salty ocean air, enjoy the company of my parents and good friends, and having the time to pick up a good book more often than I used to.

A few wonderful memories that occurred before returned home for the summer are available now, for your eyes to see!

Occasionally, school and technology wreak havoc and chaos - so returning to our childhood to play with sidewalk chalk and creating fake crimescenes was an excellent study break:)
My dear friend Terri from Capernwray came for a quick visit right after classes ended, and it was stellar to have time to hang out again, eat junk food, and laugh:)
A group of twenty of our friends went down to Seattle after exams were done to hang out and watch a Mariner's baseball game - it was a sweet time and we had a blast having one last big adventure together.

With Hannah graduating this year, we will no longer all be living together next year.  So we had some good quality time with our foursome.  We went out for high tea at a cute little shop, and had some roommate photos done by our professional neighbour, Stefan Matias.  (One of the photos will end this blog entry.  [Also, Stefan's photography can be checked out at: www.stefanmatisphotography.com]

A photo of Rachel and Hannah after one of the grad ceremonies.

So life ended well, it's been rad being home.  I'm working back at ACTS (www.acts. ca) again for the summer, and I'm happy to be back there.  I'm excited for the summer ahead...I shall keep you posted if anything exciting comes up ahead.

Highlight to look forward to in June: Marking exams in June with Joy...photos will follow:)

One shot with the lovely roomies...

Almost done my last final paper...
...almost losing my sanity...
...almost heading home...
...I will make it.

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
 
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I like
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

William Wordsworth, 1804

Sleep Deprived...

As I'm feeling sleep deprived at this moment due to a busy week...I thought we could all enjoy some sleeping facts. The sentences bolded are ones that I feel I can relate to at this time in my life...sadly.

-The record for the longest period without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon. The record holder reported hallucinations, paranoia, blurred vision, slurred speech and memory and concentration lapses.

- Anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you're sleep deprived. The ideal is between 10 and 15 minutes, meaning you're still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.

- A new baby typically results in 400-750 hours lost sleep for parents in the first year

- Seventeen hours of sustained wakefulness leads to a decrease in performance equivalent to a blood alcohol-level of 0.05%.

- Exposure to noise at night can suppress immune function even if the sleeper doesn’t wake. Unfamiliar noise, and noise during the first and last two hours of sleep, has the greatest disruptive effect on the sleep cycle.

- As a group, 18 to 24 year-olds deprived of sleep suffer more from impaired performance than older adults.

- Experts say one of the most alluring sleep distractions is the 24-hour accessibility of the internet. (Thank you blogger.com at 1:21am...study break).

Thanks to The National Sleep Research Project for their facts: http://www.abc.net.au/science/sleep/facts.htm

Twenty-eight million...

So...I was disappointed while watching the news over the break to see that someone paid 28 million dollars for a chair. A chair. This chair...

This Dragon chair, from the 19th century I believe, was bought at an auction just a few weeks ago. That's a lot of money for a chair. I cringe to think at the better ways such money could spent...and then I cringe at the many ways I could better spend my money as well. I may not have millions, but I have much in comparison to others. Anyhoo, it at least makes me a little more aware. Just a thought...

Some random fun to share with you...

Sitting in a coffee shop...

...I was reminded of how amazing our God is.

"...Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.
For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind,
And declares to man what are His thoughts,
He who makes dawn into darkness,
And treads on the high places of the earth,
The Lord God of hosts is His name."
Amos 4:12-13

February's Fantastic Fun...

February has been a full, fast and fun month. Spring 'Reading' Break is finally upon us and this is one of my last things to cross off my agenda before heading home to my beloved island. So here's the scoop from the last few weeks...

I was told that if I wore a wedding dress to my Student Ministry interview for a position for next year, that it would make a great impression. Thus, Kari helped to hook me up with a stylish dress...I went for my interview and made a shocking entrance. I'm happy to report: I have the position I wanted for next year, and I'll be a Discipleship coordinator again with 3 other ladies and 2 other fellows.

We have a Rowing Regatta at the end of February, so our crew had a bake sale to raise some funds. The boys came over to help bake some cookies, White Chocolate Macademia Nuts, tastey stuff.

Here are some of the ladies at the sale...

...the selection was phenomenal and oh-so-good and we made a good amount to help out.

My 'sister' Julia (we share the same b-day), came over for an evening for a TWU viewday, so it was fun to catch up with her:)

Last weekend, Trinity was a busy place with Spartan playoffs happening, mens and womens volleyball, and men's volleyball went on Thursday to Saturday and kept us fans busy.
Our school government came up with the idea of selling 300 tickets for fans who wanted to dress in the epic garb of the 300 movie. We made an entrace of fear, however, our chanting and cheering was not enough to win that evening's basketball game, however, we won the set overall.

300 Spartan Section (with our mascot Sparty on the right side). This moment is the classic 'spirit fingers' as our team is making a shot.

Valentine's Day! Kari, Rika and I had a wonderful date to the movies to see Slumdog Millionaire (fantastic movie!), and then to Starbucks for coffee and laughs. It was a stellar night:)

This past Tuesday was the big CANAM football evening. I have no pictures of our girls game, but here is our guys Canada team. Only 2 American girls showed up for our game, so we basically had Canada vs. the mix team. We sadly lost to a final overtime touchdown, and our guys lost as well. It was a bitter ending, and hopefully we can have a rematch by the end of the year.

And this morning I was finally able to catch up with the Macaulay family, who is basically my second family. Two weeks ago, little Victoria became the new addition, and now has three fantastic older brothers to watch over her:)

With that...I sign off!
I'm heading off to see Jayme, some Capernwray friends, home buddies, and my dear parents. Most of the time I'll be locked away doing homework for a week, but rest and recooperation is in the air!
Blessings:)