My Mind's Eye

People...People Who Need People....

2008-02-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

BOO!!! Ha ha ha h ah ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! SCARED YA!!

Or not, fine, whatever, I don't need you to play my game!

Yeah...Anyway......

SO I've been thinking, I love saturdays. I try to keep them for my relaxation, sleep in, do whatever I want days, and I really like that. It's a beautiful thing, not having to wear make-up, being able to chill and read for hours. *Sigh*

Oh yeah! So our trip to Victoria was phenominal! (Sorry Tim and Barb and family for not calling you but we only had 1 day and we hung out with Korinn and another friend from Romania, but we're coming back in August and will definately call you then!) We walked around downtown, had lunch at a famous italian restaurant, who's name escapes me now, and then went shopping and to the most amazing hat store ever! One thing my friends and i have in common is we all adore hats. So we spent quite a bit of time trying on many hats, while Korinn tended to her adoring fans...I was completely spoiled and felt very humbled by it, but loved as well, so I thank you so much Korinn and Debbie. LOVE YOU!

The dreaded Ferry ride was not as bad as I had predicted, although at night it was very claustrophobic as you couldn't see anything out the windows and if you looked down all you could see was the water rushing by, at which point scenes from Titanic began rushing thru my mind "ROSE, Jack!! NO!! I'll never let go, I'll never let go Jack..." Anyway, I made it thru and am alive and well.

On the way back we also spent time with my family, which is always awesome. You don't realize how much you miss people until you get to see them, then it's like a breath of fresh air.

Yes, so that was my trip. We had an amazing time, paranoid phobias and all!

CIAO!

Song of the day: People - By Barbara Streisand

The Phenomenon continues....

2008-02-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Hello!!!
How has everyone's week been? I've decided to write this in letter format to make me feel like I'm not just blabbing into the universe and make this particular post more personal. I may ask you a few questions, feel free to take them as you wish, whether they are rhetorical, or beg to be answered is up to you.

First of all I appreciate the supportive responses to my return to Blog-opia. The comments are great, and Tim, your suggestion was.........interesting, I'll take that into.....consideration.....yeah. Anyhoo, so as trying as this week has been for me personally, I was reading in Lamentations 3:22-23 the other night and the verse just absolutely floored me! "Because of the Lord's great faithfulness, we are not consumed, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Holy crap! Thank God that out of all that we do, have done, or could be consumed with, by his faithfulness to shower us with mercy, forgiveness, and grace, we are not! We can take comfort in the fact that he who has begun a great work in us will be faithful to complete it! Our pride, lust, anger, addictions, idols, laziness, arrogance don't have to consume us, we can cry out for help, and our ever-loving Father is there to give us a hand up. Wow!! So there is my gratitude for this week.

I'm SO excited!! Tom and I are going to Vancouver Island next Friday to see Korinn and Debbie (very special people I was in Romania with)!! I'm a little terrified of the ferry ride however. Those who know me well know that one of my biggest fears is the ocean/sea. And frankly, I don't find my fear all that irrational, there are things that can EAT YOU in the ocean, so i prefer not to tempt these great and mighty creatures. Simple as that. Originally I was completely fine with going on the ferry, then my boss decided to show me a video she had of a ferry ride where at time the swells of the waves burried the ferry as they crashed over and around it in the middle of the ocean, and I thought to myself, "I'm NOT ok with that!" So now I'm facing a little bit of anxiety around this issue.....

Well, that's about it for now. Have a good one!!
Ciao!
Tennille

Song of the day: Great is Thy Faithfulness - Cynthia Hamar

The Resurrection! (This one's for you Lucas)

2008-02-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

So typically with a resurrection, one tends to re-evaluate, so here's what I've come up with...

1) Finding the time to blog has fallen on my priority list, and with it the creative outlet that I have shaped for myself begins to shrivel up and die causing me to feel stunted and repressed. (Who knew a blog could have such an impact on oneself?)

2) I need to learn to adjust my time management skills

3) Mornings are still my nemesis and forever will be, and I can't change that. If I could become a superhero and battle the ever-looming waking of the sun and all that is under it, I would, however then life would cease to exist and so my efforts, however persistant, are in vain. *Sigh*

4) The grass is always greener when someone else is eating it.

So there are my "live and learn and pass it on" moments for the time being. There are many more to come as I'm sure all of you experience, as I have, that they occur daily, almost hourly. Care to share any of yours?

Song of the day: These Hands - Jewel

Finally!!

2007-09-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

I couldn't tell you who i'm writing this to. I don't know if any of you even read this anymore, but I find the need once more to express/vent, whatever you want to call it, some thoughts. I know I haven't been faithful with my blogging, what can I say? An artist must have inspiration!! Ha ha, yeah that's it...my excuse. Anyway...

So my summer has been a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions. And not one of those fun, strolling-along-look-at-the-pretty-flowers-and-butterflys-not-even-holding-onto-the-safety-device-type of rollercoasters. I'm talking the ride you wished you opted not to go on b/c it's going straight to hell and back again and once you get off you purchase a t-shirt saying you "survived" that ride b/c now you know why people want to brag about that kind of thing type of rides. You all know what I'm talking about, when life throws you those curve balls that wack you right in the groin and your still expected to go on and run the bases anyway. (yes, I, Tennille, actually just used a sports analogy....what is this world coming to??) So yeah, that's about it.

On July 29, 2007 I lost a very special man in my life. My Papa. I'm so fortunate to have called this man "Papa", many people have tried to describe his character, and the person he was, and to me, even the most eloquent of poets couldn't do him justice. Mostly b/c he was a man of peace and few words, but when I think of him, I see his eyes. The most brilliant of blue, whatever he was feeling came thru those eyes. You could look in those eyes and be lost in the love radiating from them. You knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that you were loved, and there was nothing on this earth that could harm you when you were in his arms. He was tall, strong, and beautiful. He carried himself with grace and compassion and a dignity that came from his relationship with his Lord. I count myself privileged to be in his family and to be part of the life of such a great man. I love you Papa, and miss you (but I'll see you again!)

To the others that have come and gone so swifty from my life this year, I love you with all my heart and hope you know that you are and always will be more dear to me then I can even express. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life, even just for a short time, and for teaching me so many things about life, and about you and myself in the short year that we spent together. You are always in my heart and will never lose your place there.

It's been a rough year all around for many people. I've noticed that a lot of people that I've spoken to about this have all had "just one of those years", particularly christians. It makes me wonder, could we be on the verge of something huge that God wants to do in our lives, churches, and nation??? We are always first put thru the fire to be refined and having sacrificed the flesh and been made new, we are then able to come into the holy of holies and presented before our Lord as a sweet fragrance, swept up in the glory of God. I know many people are being stirred and awakened, a new passion being burned in our hearts, and to be honest, as difficult as this year has been, it excited me to think that maybe, if we are willing, and open God will open up the heavens, new and fresh and in a way we've never seen before. YAY!! That's exciting!!

Phillipians 3:7-8
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him..."

Adieu

Song of the Day - You Are My Hope - By Skillet

Jibberish

2007-07-13T21:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm at a total loss at what to write right now. There's been so much going on this week that it's all a blur. It's funny how everything just piles up and dumps on you at once hey? Although, I did get to have Len and Leanne (our pastors), Kim and Jaret (assoc. pastors), and Donavon and Jenny (Kim's brother and sis-in-law) over for dinner on Sunday. That was a lot of fun! I love having people over and cooking dinner and all that. I made Raspberry Chicken Cutlet Supreme. It's SOOOO yummy! Kim made the desert. It was a spice cake, and it was scruptious. We played a game of Apples to Apples, a game which I find that women love, and men, well..not so much. I guess it depends on if your a very driven person and have to have more to a game then it just being funny. It was a lot of fun, and a good time to get to know everyone.

So I'm wanting to redecorate our bedroom. Currently it has this horrible wall paper on it, and it's so plain and I need some personality in it. I'm not sure what kind of colors to go with though, any ideas???

I'm SO stoked to go the lake tomorrow!!!! I just need to go and relax and not have to worry about anything. Ahhhhhh, peace.

So I guess that's all for now, sorry, I really can't think of anything else. Guess I'm blocked or something.

Song of the Day - Yellow Submarine - By The Beatles

Tossed Salad....

2007-06-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Cam on the way to HM...
Cordell looks impressed...
Big man, small instrument..Ha! Great speaker tho

Jaret takes one for the team!!
This is an amazing picture.
They're GRRRRREAT!
OOooo Aaahhhh
SO flattering, I know....

Ok, we have to admit, I'm getting better at posting, right? Come on, give me a little credit here...I'm making the effort.

So ya'll want to know what my "Neverland" is? Well, there's a couple, it's kinda like the ones taht you guys said. Like, sometimes I imagine myself sitting in a cafe in Prague, or Vienna, or Romania, or somewhere like that, sketching, or reading a book. Another one is sitting in a room where all the walls are windows, and it's a beach front property. I'm sitting in a huge overstuffed comfy white, or chocolate brown chair (I don't know why it has to be those colors, but it is) with an incredibly soft blanket, and the best vanilla latte ever! It's a cook day, not a storm, but just overcast, and cool, and I'm reading an awesome book, and there's no one else around, no phone, or anything. Just me. Sigh......

Hope you all enjoyed the pics. It's about time I got on that hey? Now, I have to tell you about something that I've been dealing with in my own life lately. Mostly it has to do with the constant human brokenness that I see everyday in my job and how truly humbling it is. I've been asking God to fill me with what I need to help and support them where they are, but yes, sometimes my own flesh gets in the way and I'm not the best witness, but I know that God has me there for a reason, whether I can see it now or not. I watched this movie this past few days, and it was called Human Trafficking, and WOW. Seriously, this movie is intense, and disturbing (without being too graphic) about the human trafficking business and the true story about a police officer who brought down a huge operation. It really made a huge impact on me. I know it's not really something that many people can stomach, but if you can, watch it. Ok, so here's some pics that I promised. You can also go on Facebook and look at the album....

Song of the Day - Fancy - by Reba McEntire

Follow the Yellow Brick Road......

2007-06-21T01:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I'm showing progress, you have to admit. At least it's not only once a month now right? It's funny how I'm thinking of things to write, and then when it actually comes up, I draw a complete blank. So I decided to check out some of the pictures I have on my computer, and I came across the above pic. Now, I can't tell if it plays it or not, but there are words that are in the picture and it says "Tinkerbell's Neverland". It got me thinking, what would my "Neverland" consist of? Many people have attempted to create their own Neverland, I think of Walt Disney, Michael Jackson (don't worry those two names will never again appear in the same sentence again, but for the purposes of this post, please allow some creative license) many celebrities who have what anyone would think of as the perfect home/property, many spas and resorts go to great lengths to create a sort of Neverland for people to enjoy, some becoming so lavish that they reach the point of absurdity. Nonetheless, there is a longing there within humanity to find that place that gives you joy, makes you feel at peace, an escape perhaps, or in Peter Pan's case an attempt at staying young forever....Who knows? I guess the question I pose to you then, is what does your personal Neverland consist of? Do you have one? If so, do you think it's a necessary thing to have in order to de-stress, or is it ridiculous that people should have that kind of crutch?

Well that's all for my musings tonight. Thank you and GOOD NIGHT!!

Song of the Day: We're Off to See the Wizard - from The Wizard of Oz.

2007-06-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was my birthday...It was good. I was slightly out of it due to the fact that I had worked the night before and didn't sleep at all. So, sufficiently charged by the pot of coffee I had drank during my night shift, I embarked on my celebratory day.

I was funny b/c Tom is so great and making me feel special and doing things for me, and all that, but surprises aren't necessarily his forte. When he picked me up from work, he asked me if I was going to go spend the day with Kim. Now, usually my husband has slight jealous fits when I hang out with Kim, he thinks that she is trying to steal me, and gets quite possessive, so naturally, when he asked me if I was going to go spend the day with her I was a little suspicious....but hey, who's going to pass up a chance to spend a day shopping with a great friend??? Not I! So off we go to spend some birthday money from my grandparents. I got a few sweet tank tops, sunglasses, and a pair of great flip flops. Then Kim and I went to her house and watched a hilarious comedian, Russell Peters, and just chill out for a little while. Then we got the text from my husband saying we could come home, and away we went to my "surprise" party! YAY! It was a lot of fun, and we got to watch Alysha and Lauren head butting each other (thye were trying to find a spot on their heads that didn't hurt no matter how hard you hit) which was thoroughly entertaining. For all those cautious people, don't worry, Tom is a level 3 first aid, and he was there, so we were all safe.
All in all, good birthday times. Thanks everyone!!!

Song of the Day - It's My Party And I'll Cry If I Want To - Leslie Gore

A Piece of my Heart.

2007-06-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so lately I've really been thinking a lot about Romania, and my time there, and really missing it (could it possibly be b/c Dan and Mardie were recently here, and we were reminiscing??). So I went through my "Romania Folder/Journal" and I decided to share some of my famous, or perhaps infamous, "YOU KNOW YOUR...WHEN...", and "GUIDE TO..." lists with you. These are ALL based on my own experiences while I was there...

"YOU KNOW YOUR IN ROMANIA WHEN..."

1. All the samples in the frocery store include at least 20% alcohol
2. You mysteriously find that when the power goes out in your house, so do all the lights on your street...
3. Your walking and your forced to take the long way around for no other reason then there is a rather suspicious looking street dog blocking the other way.
4. Taking a taxi is strangely reminds you of a video game.
5. All the hospitals say that they are quarantined, and that no one is allowed in...except, of course, singing groups, and anyone else that has a relative, friend, or an acquaintance they are visiting.
6. You go into the "quarantined" hospital and you can go in if you trade your jacket in for a white cape that supposedly supernaturally protects you from any germs in the building, and upon contact immediately kills any harmful germs that may have attached themselves to your person.
7. You go to the grocery store, and when the item you are trying to purchase won't scan, the cashier looks at you as if to wonder why your standing there. The item won't scan, what do you expect her to do about it? Seriously!
8. You get so excited when you find outrageously expensive peanut butter, and rice crispies in the grocery store that you immediately have to call 5 people you know to tell them of the treasure you've discovered.
9. Upon taking public transportation, you realice your personal bubble no longer exists when you turn around and realixe that someone else's hand is in your pocket...
10. It's the beginning of January, approx. -5 degrees outside, and the hear in your house decides to go off and you ok with that b/c you have blankets and can make hot drinks and dress warm. No problem. Just when you've convinced yourself it's all good, and you can live with the fact that there's no heat, the power goes off as well! God bless Romania!!
11. You take a taxi and it's normal to be praying for safety the entire way to your destination.
12. You realive that the stray dog's street smarts even extends to using the crosswalks, and waiting for the crossing lights to allow them to cross the streets.
13. Your at the train station waiting for a train, in -10 degree weather, and to be able to wait inside the station, you have to actually pay money!!
14. When shopping, you discover that a toothpick would have better luck finding a pair of pants.
15. Someone tries to ask directions, or converse with you in Romanian, you try to explain to them that you don't speak Romanian. However, b/c you said this in Romanian, they don't believe you and continue trying to talk to you in Romanian, and then get frustrated and angry when you don't understand!
16. You count it a praise report when you go thru a day without your power going out.
17. You order a meal at a restaurant, and even though you ordered it, you have no idea what you'll be getting.
18. You have to take the stance of a line-backer when crossing the street.
19. To be able to get off the bus, you have to lunge yourself between the blosing doors, and jump
while the bus is still moving.
20. Your walking along with your roommates, and you all come to the conclusion that you exist for the general humor and entertainment of the Romanian public. :o)

Well there's one list. I'm not going to put the other one on this post b/c it'll be crazy long, but stay tuned to find out what you can expect when getting into a taxi in Romania's capital city!

Song of the Day: One Night Only - Jennifer Hudson from "Dreamgirls"

To Cry or not to Cry...

2007-05-25T00:05:00.000-07:00

HELLO MY BEAUTIES!! And how are we all? I figured I should post again before the masses come to lynch me, or string me up from the nearest tree.

So, since only one person voted regarding the content of my next few blogs (shout out to Leesh!) I figured that this is what will be posting, so after this, and another one including pics of the past weekend, I will be sharing a snipet (there's that word again) of previous writings that may astound and amaze...or not. If anyone else would like to comment and argue this decision, please, by all means...

Now, about my past weekend, I found out I was going to HistoryMakers (in Chilliwack) the night before we were going as another leader couldn't make it, and BOY am I glad I could go! To be perfectly honest, I didn't have high hopes for it this year (I know that sounds bad, but bare with me) and it really broke all that the first night. Leeland lead worship, and I can't rave enough about this band. Seriously, the best worship leading at any historymaker/youth convention I have ever been to, b/c he taught while he lead us in worship so that people understood where he was going and why he was doing what he was doing and where he felt God leading, and constantly giving the glory to God, it was amazing. I learned a lot from just that 45 min as a worship leader then any conference I've been to on it. The whole weekend was so powerful, and really changed the lives of thousands of kids, which is incredible and was so amazing to be a part of. Not only that but the whole bonding aspect of it, within our perspective groups really helped to mold the kids together, I find there's always something about experience that kind of spiritual intensity that binds kids together. Possibly b/c of the vulnerability of the moment, and then they all kind of understand where each other is in that moment. I don't know, but it's fascinating to watch and be a part of.
I also find interesting, my own attitude as I went, mostly thinking that the teens in our group would get so much out of it, but excluding myself in what God might have for me there. I think that so many times as youth leaders, we go strictly for the teens in our group and forget that God has his own agenda for us as well, and not to be so focused on everyone else and miss out on that experience as well.
So overall, minus the lack of restaurant/accomadation capacity, and the weather, it was an amazing weekend, and don't worry I have lots of pictures to post at a later date.

Song of the Day: Yes You have - Leeland

Memories....

2007-05-01T01:09:00.000-07:00

hey guys, this will be fun!!

"Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember! Don't send a message, leave a comment on here. Next, re-post this in your notes and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses"

VACAY RE-CAP

2007-04-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back, vacation is over. I don't exactly know how I feel about that, I'm still processing (some would say I'm a little too analytical, but that's their opinion.) I think I'm ready to go back to work. I mean, I'm glad to go back b/c I miss all the people, and it's so weird not going to work, I mean you get used to a pattern (as much of a pattern shift work can be) and then all of a sudden it's interupted, it's a little unerving. Anyway, vacay-recap coming up right after the break, go get your munchies, and have potty break...

Ok, you good now? Here is the long awaited mystery of the Chilliwack vacation.

Now, I understand that not many people would actually go specifically to Chilliwack for a much anticipated holiday, however it was exactly what I needed. First of all a few days before leaving I injured my back pretty severely, and had to go to the doctor and get some heavy muscle relaxant/pain killers (mmmmm druuuugs...Um, I mean...no, bad), and at the same time, I got some kind of chest infection thing, but there was NO WAY I was going to let it hinder my solo road trip. So I made the trek to see my favorite nurse, Jessie! She took good care of me, and opened my world to the wonders of robax platinum. We spent 3 days together and I also went on a fabulous shopping spree with Korinn (roomate from Romania) in Langley. So that was great, and then I spent the next week at my Aunt and Uncle's house, which was absolutely awesome. I got to spend a lot of time with them, and since I haven't seen them for a year, it was really great. I also got to spread the love for Settlers, which we played until we were sick of it, and then had a break and played some more. I also got to talk a lot with my uncle, whom I consider a spiritual mentor, so it was really a time of renewing and learning and growing and just God feeding me, so it was great. So anyway, that's about it. Then I came home and cleaned and did laundry and went grocery shopping and fulfilled all my wifely duties before heading back to the daily grind.

Ok, so new topic. I was cleaning and organizing and I found some old short stories I'd written and I was playing with the idea of putting little snip-its (yes I just said snip-its) of them on my blog to see what you guys think...So let me know if that's something you'd be interested in, or if you have any other ideas of what I could write about. I'm having a bit of a creative block lately in my writing and I need some inspiration, so I could use some help. Thanks guys!!

Song of the Day - Heart and Soul - by T-Pau

2007-04-16T05:52:00.000-07:00

Dearly beloved, we are here today to witnessed the release into freedom of one Tennille Ashley Hossie. Freedom of the everyday, mundane grind of the masses into a world of relaxation, no-obligation, and solace. May we join together in congratulating our sister on her escape from the trap of monotony and finding the wings to soar like the eagle to places we have yet to dream of...Bless you my child....Amen.

ON HOLIDAYS SUCKAHS!!!!

(Just kidding, I love you all. Leaving you leaves me practically inconsolable. I just don't know what I shall do. Oh right, ANYTHING I WANT!!)
So for now, Good Night and...Good Luck! CIAO!!

Song of the day - Free At Last - by DC Talk

2007-04-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

THE GREETING:

So how are all my beautiful bloggers doing today? I'm doing well. Lately in my life there has been A LOT of stress and difficult things and situations I've had to deal with and it's been a challenge, however it's also taught me a lot about myself and people around me as well, it's always interesting when people's true colors come out, you know?

(musical interlude: "I see your true colors shining thru, I see your true colors, that's why I love you"...)

TESTIMONIAL:

I love my job. I've discovered that not a whole lot of people can say that, but the ones that can are happy, and satisfied. It's where I spend the majority of my time, and ironically I like to be there with the client as well as co-workers.

Everytime I tell people where I work I get responses like.."Oh that must be such a difficult job", or something like that. But I look at it this way, everyday, I get to see God working in and thru people in ways I would never be able to see if I was somewhere else. The women that you drive by on the street and have "pity" for...I know them. I know they're favorite foods, or what they like in their coffee, sometimes they share some things that they've been thru, or something personal from their past, or they're fears, or the things that they love. The triumphs and struggles in their lives, I get to be a part of that. I get to pray for them by name AND see the transformation that God brings about in them. How cool is that?! I get to be the witness to God's transforming love, compassion, GRACE, and power! That excites me.

When I start to talk about some things that happen on a shift, I see a fear come across the faces of some people, and to be honest, I was SO fearful when I first started working there, I had no idea what to do, or how to react, there were times I didn't want to answer the door b/c you never knew what was on the other side, but God has worked so much in me thru the women I come in contact with. He's taken away that fear, and replaced it with a trust and confidence in him that I had never known before. I just want to give him glory for what he's done in my life in the last year, and praise him for what's still to come.

Whew!! Ok, glad to get that all off my chest! I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I found a really cool saying in my bible (one of the footnotes, or whatever)

"APART FROM FAITH, THERE IS NO HOPE IN LIFE."

I've decided I really love that, it's simple, yet so true.

SHOUT OUT:

So last night, after work, I get home to find a throng (yes that's right, I said a throng) of people in my basement watching a movie, and streamers and balloons and chips and all the makings of a great party all over my house. Yes that's right, it was a going away party for my brother-in-law, Isaac, he's going away to Vancouver for 6 weeks to study for his Journeyman ticket, and seems to be quite nervous about it. But his friends and family were there to show their support and reassure him that he would be missed by all. He'll do awesome though, and the time will go by fast. So here's a little SHOUT OUT to our buddy Isaac. (Oh, and get your hair cut! Ha ha)

Confessional:

"Forgive me Father for I have sinned, I have never confessed before."

"Then you are long overdue my child, go on."

"I have an addiction to something so unholy that I dare not speak it's name above a whisper..."

"I listen intently, and will tell you how you can be absolved."

"I have learned to....no I can't...it's so shameful..."

"Do not be afraid my child, you have come so far already."

"I have learned...to play...Settlers of Catan!!!"

"My child, NO! There is no retribution for you here, I fear nothing can save your soul now! Be gone!"

"But Father!"

"I said Be Gone!"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

Yes, it's true, I'm an addict of Settlers now, and I've learned to go underground with my addiction and follow suit with the rest of the "normal people" and disguise myself as one of them. It's difficult though, I relapse frequently, and I always take someone with me. I do have friends though who are worse in that they have been tempted to even play it alone! This is the worst level of the addiction, they will not eat, sleep, leave their house. Their addiction is heavy, and I fear an overdose coming soon. I also fear for myself falling to this level and being overcome....Well, I must go now, to play, um, I mean, not to play Settlers, to, um, do...something else.,..

Ciao!!!

Song of the Day : True Colors - by Fredro Starr

2007-03-27T01:08:00.000-07:00

OK, so I think this might be a pretty short one, just sharing a few random thoughts that have surfaced as of late.

1) Pilates....I seem to have a love/hate relationship with pilates and the "pilates professionals" on the instructional dvds (how do you become a pilates professional anyway?). I enjoy it for the results and the feeling of accomplishment when you successfully complete a full workout, however, holy mother, I think even my skin and hair hurt after the first time of actually doing the full thing! It has been good though, and I must say, there is nothing more hilarious then doing a workout video with a 2 year old. Although it can be somewhat discouraging......Hoever much pain it has caused me, the relationship continues.

2) If you enjoy Sandra Bullock, or suspenseful movies at all, go see Premonition. I was warned that it was a little freaky, and if you know me at all, you would know that I am not at all one to watch any kind of "freaky" movies. I mean come on, I'm such a wuss the Lord of the Rings was too much for me to handle! (yes, yes, I know, save the mockery for another time, I'm quite capable of it myself thank you...) Anyway, if even I didn't find it frightening, than it should be safe for anyone else that had same said fears. However, it does have the potential for being a bit of a tear jerker (not for me, for someone who cries in movies. Yet another fun fact about myself, I've never, ever cried in a movie before in my life. Yes, it's true. Some call it heartless, but whatever.) In any case, it really makes you think about if something like that happened to you. Not the premonition part, but the police showing up at your door telling you your husband is dead part.

3) It's funny how just getting your hair cut can make you feel so much better after a LONG crappy couple of months.

4) What does it say when your husband has WAY more of a wardrobe then you do???

Well that's about it. I'm sorry to disappoint you if you were expecting something deep and philisophical to seep out somewhere in all this rambling, but I'm just not in that kind of mood at the moment. Ciao!

Song of the Day: Mona Lisa - by Dean Martin

Anyone Know What A Shakra Is??

2007-03-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening - 7:15pm

client: "I joined a yoga class!"
Me: "Good for you! That should really help your back."
Client: "Yeah they already taught me 5 poses that will slow down the aging process!"
Me: "Really? That's interesting."
Client:"Yeah!! And they told me this story about this guy who was old and his hair was totally white, and then he started doing these stretches, and his hair started going black again! Here, let me show you! Oh, and you can only do them in the morning because they give you so much energy that you would never get to sleep at night if you did them before bed."

*Begins twirling around in circles attempting to keep eyes on same point every turn...*

Me: " Wow, that's all it takes? If everyone knew that hair dye sales would go down pretty significantly. Ya dizzy?"
Client: "Yes! But there's other poses too, I just can't remember them right now. Oh! And we need to center our shakra."
Me: "WE?"
Client: "Yeah, I'll teach you the poses and then we can do them together!"
Me: "I have a 'Shakra'?"
Client: "I think so, I'm pretty sure almost everyone has a Shakra."
Me: " Really? You sure about that? I don't think I do. Where can you get this 'Shakra'? Walmart?"
Client: "NO! I think it's supposed to keep you balanced and centered or something..."

*Client leaves still trying to twirl*

Me: "So do you have a shakra?"
Co-worker: " Never heard of it, don't really know if I want one."
Me: "Me either."

This is why I enjoy my job so much. Always learn something new everyday.

Song of the Day: Crazy - Aerosmith

2007-03-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, seriously, this has got to be my favorite picture right now.

It's so adorable, and also thought provoking.

Think about it now, how many times are we disappointed about

the fact that we aren't like someone else, or have different abilities and skills as someone else? (like computer hacking skills, numchuck skills, bowstaff skills, cage fighting skills....sorry, I had to!)

We gobble up celebrity magazines with headlines promising to make us over like the stars, hoping to prey on our insecurities, and assuming we even want to look like the stars.

Granted, many are beautiful, but I know many people in my life that are equally, if not more beautiful then anyone on those magazine covers.

Why can't we ever just be happy with where we're at?

We're always reaching for something different then what we have, or who we are. God has made each and every one of us exactly the way he meant to and he doesn't make mistakes.

I think we need to celebrate who we are, the way we are, and quit complaining about our hair color (I know, I know, ironic coming from the queen of hair colors), our eye color, or how big or slim our ankles might be. Seriously. Ok. I'm done my rant now, moving on.

So I've decided to take little mini vacation. (And the angels sing the hallelujah chorus) And I've noticed that the majority of the people that I tell this to tell me that it's about freakin' time and that I was starting to look really worn out and dragged down and blah blah blah. Now, not that I don't appreciate the concern and all that, but wow, you'd think if I was really looking that bad people would have told me before I came to the sad realization myself. But whatever, it's just as well knowing my stubborness I would've brushed off the warnings and tried to prove that I was fine and in fact, could do even more then I was b/c what the hell do these people know??? So, thank you all for your concern and in April I will be taking a set of 4 days off which will give me about 12 days off, which I will be taking a relaxing trip to the coast and visiting some friends and relatives. I'M SO EXCITED!

Song of the Day: Another Rainy Day - by Corinne Bailey Rae

Anger Management....Oxymoron?

2007-03-03T22:15:00.000-08:00

Some would say I'm an observant type of individual, noted by my previous post (see below), and upon my recent wonderings, I've noticed a lot of anger in the faces of passers by. Not only passers by actually, but many people that I come in contact with everyday; a type of simulated smile that bears no other expression other then the corners of your mouth being pulled in opposite directions, however, the eyes don't follow the same emotion the individual is trying to envoke. Or a fire behind the eyes that is somewhat unexplainable, yet unnerving.
There seems that so many people have so much to be angry about lately, that the concept of forgiveness, true forgiveness, has been forgotten in the middle of our quest to stay angry, and hold that person accountable for their fault against you. That's right, hold a secret resentment against them that binds you up and holds you back....yeah, that'll teach them!
So in my browsing of the world wide web within the last few days I've discovered some very thought provoking insights from some famous, (or perhaps infamous) people we've stumbled upon over the years. Check it out and let me know what you think.

"The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings."

-- Buddha.

__________________________________________________

"He who angers you, controls you."

-- Elizabeth Kenny.

__________________________________________________

"Hatred paralyzes life;

Love releases it.

Hatred confuses life;

Love harmonizes it.

Hatred darkens life;

Love illumines it.

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

__________________________________________________

Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

__________________________________________________

Anger will never disappear so long as thoughts of resentment are cherished in the mind. Anger will disappear just as soon as thoughts of resentment are forgotten.

-- Buddha.

_________________________________________________

So there it is, just some recent thoughts from your truly. So come on, share the love, ya'll!!

Song of the Day: I Had a Dream - Joss Stone

People Watching

2007-02-18T01:05:00.000-08:00

While practicing for my future career aspirations in espionage, I decided to study the behavioral characteristics of my fellow human beings. This was definitely a beneficial exercise for a future espionage-ist such as myself. Let me share with you the outcome of my expedition.

Destination : The Mall
Well, to begin with, people do not like being watched when they know they are being watched, that is very evident by the reactions you get when someone has discovered you watching them. I believe the most common term would be "creepy". Ok, fair enough, but the most interesting to me is what people do when they don't think they are being watched (no I've not taken up stalking. I watch all people in general, instead of just specifically signaling out one person) for example we have 3 different behaviors that are generally practiced in the bathroom or in private, but laziness to run to the bathroom eludes people, and so they tend to carry on, trying to hide the behavior as if nothing has happened.

Consider Exhibit A: The Wedgie Grab
Ok, so here is the classic example of what many people do in public but is still considered a "taboo" in society. And really, who can argue with that? Who really wants to watch a whole bunch of people picking at their rear ends trying to pick out the material that has so conveniently wedged itself up there.
If you watch closely, you can judge the grade of the wedgie by how hard the individual has to work to pick out said wedgie. Some are just little quick, hardly noticeable (except to the trained eye) flicks of the wrist, while others can be only be explained in one word, "Ouch!", or the phrase "Seriously!" seem to be quite common reactions.

My professional opinion for a solution? Either let this person know that to go commando maybe uncomfortable, but not nearly as uncomfortable as having that much fabric separating your "cheeks". Either that or buy the poor soul some decent unmentionables.

Exhibit B: The Gold Digger
We've all seen it, and perhaps done it as well, but this is the perfect example of why people should ALWAYS carry a package of Kleenex in their purse, or jacket pocket, or whatever. It's the finger shoved so far up the nasal cavity that the party in question may need surgical assistance to retrieve it. As I continued to study my subjects, one question began to form in my thoughts. What do they do with...uh...the "nuggets" that are being extracted? I did a study and found these statistics interesting.
30% of the studies were "Flickers" - putting the tip of their index finger against their thumb and flicking in a forward motion, allowing the "nugget" to fly, at will, across the room until coming in contact with a barrier, ending its flight and clinging to said barrier. After much study, I found that most common technique used by these "Flickers" was to roll the "nugget" into a ball before "flicking".
47% of studies were "Depositors" - deciding it best to hide their social sin, the individual will ever so stealthily smear the "nugget" on the next surface the finger, or "digging tool", comes in contact with. Many times you will not even know that the person has done this until it's too late. Many merchandisers have fallen prey to the "Depositors" way of dealing with their publicly scorned habit.
23% of studies observed were "Consumers" - Perhaps the most considerate, yet revolting of the offenders, this study showed that while the "Flickers" and the "Depositors" left trails of evidence to their crimes, the "Consumers" prefer to consume the findings of their nasal cavities so as not to leave a trail. A poll taken of this particular specimen revealed it to be the most horrendous of social offenses.

My Professional opinion for a solution? CARRY KLEENEX WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES!!!

Exhibit C: Public Lovers
This category needs no introduction. But the question remains foremost in many minds is how far is too far? One anonymous individual states, "Holding hands, little kisses, hugs, flirting, all these things are natural behavior, and aren't disruptive, or disturbing to the public eye. What can be classified as "making-out" aggressive, or continual kissing, groping, grabbing private areas or the other partners bodies, these are all inappropriate in social situations..." After interviewing random persons, I found this topic to be one that many people had strong opinions on. It was also evident by the reactions that a couple that displayed aggressive public displays of affections received from others around them. There was the eye-roll and loud sigh of disapproval, and then the "Oh that's just disgusting" that is exclaimed loud enough for the couple to hear. Mothers would cover their children's eyes and quickly remove the child from the scene, while others (dare I say it?) seemed to even enjoy the display...None of these reactions, however, seemed to phase the couple's quest to express their affection for each other to as many onlookers as possible.

My professional opinion for a solution? Keep it PG out there people. X-rated is for the privacy of your own home.

SO there you have it, the conclusion of my expedition. I may be given an even harder mission by my superiors if this report was satisfactory. Thank you and good night!

Song of the Day: Theme Song from "Get Smart"

Not A LIfe Support Plan...

2007-02-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

Alas, I have decided to return to you. Shh, don't ask why I left, don't ask why I return, it is, for all intents and purposes, the mystique that I must keep as only I can. So do not fear, do not hold back, just accept me as I am, and take this journey with me.

I have gone down a path recently, and I feel inclined to share with you my recent discoveries, and hope that possibly they may enlighten you as well. Over the past month I have unknowingly boarded a hellish roller coaster that I don't think is quite over yet, I'm afraid. In essence I had completely given up on many things and checked out, seemingly content to go thru life on auto pilot b/c that just seemed easier. But of course, for those that know me, know that I am a passionate person, and also a realist, and so auto pilot was an illusion I could only live in for so long. That length was about 4 weeks. Although in the last 2 weeks, God has decided to crack my fragile little illusion like an egg and let all the crap spill out, and at first I was really annoyed by this b/c I didn't want to come back to reality, I was fine pretending I was fine with whatever was going on, and I didn't really want to step up and fight again b/c I was too freakin' tired. I thought I had put in enough time for awhile and essentially benched myself. Well, that wasn't working with God and so, knowing me as only he does, kicked me in the ass, and woke me up. Here are a few things I learned:

1) Coffee is a comforting, enjoyable beverage, not a life support plan. So I have decided that I am to cut down on the caffeine and turn to hot drinks that don't tend to eat thru your stomach lining like a parasite on steroids. Such as, Green Tea, and even better, decaf green tea.

2) Not everyone is going to like you all the time, so suck it up and do what you gotta do. Make every effort to keep peace, but not when that compromises truth. Then you need to let go and let God, and move on.

3) Being stubborn is a two-edged sword, sometimes can be a good thing, but most of the time confesses to some form of pride in your life, so the faster that you allow God to rip that out of your life, the easier it will be b/c he will take the pride out, and fill that gap with humility. It can be an easy process, or it can be a long, treacherous road, YOUR CHOICE.

4) Are YOU the savior of the world? NO! So back off and let God do it! "Ya can't save them all Hasselhoff!"

5) And finally, when certain friends move out of your life, as they most often will, b/c change in inevitable, God will always place someone new there so you can support and encourage one another as you journey together.

So, there is where I am at, and why I haven't been writing for a while b/c to be honest I didn't know what to write about or how to put it into words until just this moment.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (The Message)

3-6"The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that wayÂnever have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."

AND THE WINNER IS.......

2006-12-27T02:34:00.000-08:00

ME!!!!!!

That's right ladies, and gents, the anticipation has ceased, as I know you all waited with baited breath to learn who walked away in victory, and I am proud to say that the 3 hours of wrapping wasn't in vain. It just goes to show that creativity paired with genius doesn't go unheaded. And as the song goes...I AM THE CHAMPION!!!! Here's are a few little snippets into this year's event...

3:58pm :

Notice the beautifully crafted wrapping paper...so innocent....so decieving. Gentlemen start your engines!!! Ready and......GO!!

4:09pm :

One whole newspaper (plus the ads) later, this is the first box that his gift was wrapped in. Notice the glimmer from the light on the box. It shows that it's wrapped in tape. Not just any tape my friends, oh no, it's packing tape. Durable, and very difficult to unravel. And do you think it's just one layer of tape??? HA! Of course not! It's 8.

4:28pm :

Aw, look at the OTHER pretty box....yes your seeing right, there is yet another box stuffed into the previous box, and oh look! It's wrapped in pretty paper too!! YAY!!!

4:33pm:
Wah ha ha ha hah ha ha!!!....Sorry, couldn't resist the evil laugh there, b/c yet another entire newspaper (plus the ads) later, and look again, is that yet ANOTHER layer upon layer upon layer of packing tape?? Why yes, yes, I believe it is.....only 5 layers this time though....

4:35 pm:

Just thought you'd all like to see all the wrapping paper that went into my evil masterpiece. Isn't it beautiful? And if you'll notice, he's still unwrapping...

4:37pm:

TA DA!!! There it is! I got him a belt buckle (he's been collecting them recently). I think I conceiled it pretty well hey? Yes and the total time that it took him to unwrap his gift? 39 minutes!

Old Record: 36 minutes New Record: 39 minutes

It's a thing of beauty

Song of the day : I WIN!!! - Me (I made it up when I won)

Barbra, We Love You, You're Like Buttah....

2006-12-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

I find that the Christmas season brings about so many traditions that we tend to cling to simply b/c its family tradition. Like for instance, in my family, wrapping Christmas presents has become more of a carefully crafted sport rather then just a simple necessity to keep the receiver from knowing which DVD it is (but they still know it’s a DVD).
See, the competition stands as this, we time each person as they unwrap their gift. Whoever takes the longest, the person who wrapped that gift, wins; no one is permitted to use anything except their hands in order to unwrap the gift. So, as you can imagine, with my brother and I being such fierce competitors, we have actually taken some pretty drastic measures to make sure that we are the year’s reigning champion.
Now, I must admit that as it currently stands, Jed (my bro) is the victor for 2005. However, in order to accomplish this, he took the competition to an entire new level by wrapping the entire gift in hockey tape, packing tape, AND duct tape, and if this wasn’t enough, he even melted the edges so you couldn’t tell where the tape started! SO this year, I have gone further than any man (or woman) has gone before. It has taken me an ENTIRE newspaper, ads included, to securely conceal his gift, 2 boxes, AND 3 roles of tape. I must say, I am quite proud of this years venture. He is going down baby!! Way Down!!!

Anyway, the reason for the title of this post is because as you all know (and if you don’t by now, wake up already! Seriously!) I love musicals, and am also a retro kind of girl. So the other night I was a little bored after having done all my work, and I decided to watch a movie, and what do you know? Funny Girl, starring Barbara Streisand was sitting there on the shelf, beckoning to me from among the vast array of entertainment choices. I hadn’t watched it in forever, so I figured, hey, why not? A little nostalgia never hurt anyone (my mom and I used to watch these movies together), boy was I mistaken! Now that I’ve watched Funny Girl again, I have this overwhelming urge to not only watch the 2nd part, Funny Lady, but also The Prince of Tides, The Owl and the Pussycat, The Way We Were, AND the Mirror Has Two Faces!!! I can’t stop! It’s like a drug! I am immersed in all things Barbara! I’m drowning, and even starting to talk like a dramatic Jewish girl from Henry Street, New York...and I like it!! Linda Richmond, Mike Myers HELP!!

Song of the Day: Don’t Rain on My Parade – Barbara Streisand

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Your Branches!

2006-12-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

As the Christmas Season has been quickly nipping at our heels, and with little motivation to celebrate in our hearts (not a grinchy type inclining, but rather a no money, can't really do much type of frustration), we decided (actually I decided, he was dragged along begrudgingly) that we would not only go out and attain a REAL LIVE Christmas tree, but we would be woodsy and rustic and go chop down a tree out in the forest!
Now, the reason my husband may have been a tad bit apprehensive of this adventure is because as he has now been in our family for awhile, and has heard the family "let's go get a tree" quests into the woods where me and my brother, and our Asian student would go and watch and walk for HOURS as my darling mother (with all her style and class and taste) would inspect tree after tree after tree, and each time my ever-loyal fajah would go to chop it down, us waiting with bait breathe, she would exclaim "Wait!" and all of us would let out the collective sigh, shake out heads, and follow her deeper and deeper into the woods in search of the perfect Christmas tree (aka The Holy Grail). Since hearing these stories of us being out in the woods for hours on end, my darling hubby, having noticed I have many of the my mother's idiosyncrasies, was a little frightened that I may begin to display this same behavior when picking out a tree. I assured him I would not keep him out in the woods for hours. The conversation in the car on the way there went as follows :

Tennille: I'm SO excited, this is going to be great, and better yet it won't cost us anything.
Tom: Yeah for sure, um...Honey?
Tennille: Yeah?
Tom: Can you, um, well, promise me that your not going to be like your mom?
Tennille: What's that supposed to mean?
Tom: Well, I know you want to to be nice and everything, but maybe we should put a time limit on this.
Tennille: Oh don't worry, it won't be that long.
Tom: No, I want to hear you say the words, PROMISE me, you won't be like your mom
Tennille:...... I'm not promising that.
Tom: BABY!
Tennille: By the way, do you even know how to chop down a tree?
Tom : Yes I know how to chop down a tree!
Tennille: Just checkin'.

So once we had a few things sorted out, off we were on our grand adventure. We printed off our permit, and went off to the wild areas of unowned land to begin our search. We went up this deserted back road, and found a cluster of Christmas-like looking trees and got out of the truck. As we were walking towards them, Tom took one step into the snow, and it went up to his knee, he looked back at me and stated " Oh yeah, this was a GREAT idea. We could have gotten an artificial tree, but NOOOO." so on we trudged up to the group of trees, and Tom went and started cutting down the first tree he saw, and I quickly stopped him, to which he rolled his eyes, and stated "You Promised!" I quickly retorted "No I didn't", and stuck my tongue out. So mature, I know, but come on, even if he didn't want to admit it, he had fun. Needless to say, none of the Christmas-looking type trees spoke to me, so we kept going until we came upon another batch of trees, and to which none of them was "the one". We got back in our car and drove a little further up the road, and as we were passing a clearing, one lone tree stood alone on a mound, and I slammed on the breaks and exclaimed "That One!" Tom exclaimed "Thank God!" So we went out again and chopped down our tree (it almost fell on me), dragged it to the car, and had to become quite inventive in order to figure out how we were going to fit it into our vehicle, but got it in just the same.
As we arrived home, after quite a bit of haggling and persuading, the tree finally got up in our living room, and let me tell you she's a beauty! Cy and I decorated it, which was an adventure all on it's own due to a slight height issue. I did contemplate running and jumping at it, similar to Will Farrell in ELF, but the pine needles scared me off.
So there ya go, to those of you who have been waiting in anticipation to see when I would rise again with a post, here it is, and Merry Christmas!!!

Song of the day: All I want for Christmas is You - Olivia Olsen

What's in a Name?

2006-11-29T12:44:00.000-08:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)

Cleo Glenwood

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your dads side, a candy)

Marilyn Pez

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)

Teal Turtle

4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name)

Hostela

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)

Ashley Kamloops

6. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" GOOFYAUCTIONS.COM NAME: (first initial of first name, first two letters of your middle name)

T-Ho

7. PORN STAR NAME: (color of your/parents car, name something shiny)

Silver Sparkle

8. TERRORIST NAME: (middle name spelled backwards, mothers maiden name spelled backwards)

Yelhsa Eganl

9.SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", color of your mousepad, favorite drink)

Silver Chai

Lacking Faith in the Medical System

2006-11-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you that are inquiring as to what my post will be for today, I will come right out and tell you it's a rant. A big, huge, freaking RANT!! If you don't feel in the mood to read a rant, then please, by all means, navigate away from this page. However if you would like to take part in my little outburst, then read on my friends, read on.....

Ok, so many of you know that Tom (my husband) has been quite ill for a long time. About 3 years to be exact, and the more tests we've done have proven futile in assisting us in finding the cause of said illness. We have been frustrated and hopeful, and let down many times over, and am pretty much at the end of our ropes, until Tuesday we really had no hope of figuring out what the root of this was, and then we heard the voice of a sweet, kind, yet somewhat urgent woman on the phone who advised us to come into the office right away because they had found something in Tom's blood work. Little did we know what was to be awaiting us as we walked into the foreboading maze of an office the next day....(da da da dum!)
First I must explain that the 24 hours between the nurse's call and the actual appointment was less then pleasant. I was somewhat relieved that they had finally found something to go on and we could begin to deal with it, however, if you know my husband at all, you know that he will automatically jump to the worse possible scenario and multiply it by 10 and figure that has to be the enevitable outcome. So by the time he told me about the phone call, he was absolutely certain that he had cancer and we were going to have to take out a second mortgage on the house, and the he would pretty much be dead with in the next year. I, at this point, was determined not to follow him down THAT road, and stated we should just wait for the appointment and all would be revealed in due time.

HA!! HA!! Boy was I wrong! Let me set the scene for you....Tom and I walk into the doctor's office and after checking in, we sit down and wait with baited breath for our turn behind the protection of the closed door with the all-knowing medical yoda who would reveal our fate. I look around and noticed others waiting with us. One man looked particularily nervous and gittery, my conclusion....prostate exam....no man can wait patiently and calmly when faced with that.
Anyway, we wait......and wait.....and wait. 45 minutes later, a doctor, not Tom's doctor, calls "Thomas Hossie" and we practically jump out of our seats and take 3 deep breaths to calm our nerves due to the unknown circumstances that await us. I give a sympathetic smile to prostate exam man (poor guy), and continue on my way. My husband and I are led behind private closed door and are asked to sit. THe doctor turns to us and asks "So what are you here for today?" In my head, I'm thinking "Is he kidding? Should I laugh? Was that a joke? Surely he wouldn't jest in a time like this....Maybe he wasn't filled in?" So I let him know that we were told to come in due to some findings in my husband's blood work. He then says "Ah, uh huh..." and takes a look in the mystery file containing my husband's records, records of what we aren't sure, but records nonetheless. The man in the white coat then turns to us and says "Well it looks like his last blood test showed that his hemaglobin levels had dropped somewhat." I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for him to finish the sentence, then it finally dawned on me...that WAS the end of the sentence! That's it? Really? Seriously? I then informed the doctor that this was actually quite normal for Tom's blood work, so there must be something else, and asked if he could possibly check again. The doctor then proceeded to ignore me and take Tom's blood pressure. Excuse me!!! DO NOT just ignore me, I did speak, right? I mean, I vocalized what was in my head (with some necessary censoring of course)...did no one hear me? Then as the machine was taking Tom's blood pressure, the doctor left! Go to happy place Tennille, go to happy place. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5....AH! Is this a joke? Am I on camera somewhere? Are we being punked?
When the doctor returned he asked if it was finished and we nodded our heads stunned that this guy is actually for real. So once he comes back in the office, he sits down and asks Tom if he has any health conditions or problems....At this point I was ready to blow up. Picture me glaring so hard that I'm imagining the doctor's head exploding. Any health problems??????? "No doctor, I've just been feeling a little under the weather....for the last 3 YEARS!
Anyway, the the doctor looks at the mystery file again, and states "Oh, actually since the last blood test your hemaglobin levels have actually gone up." Oh that's it. I'm done. Ok Doc, well thanxs for, well, nothing really, but have a good day anyway, and hope you help someone else today to make up for this round. Ciao! Of course this was all in my head, and we just stood up, stunned, and walked out of the office without anything else. THen I proceeded to go on a rant for about half an hour on how pathetic and useless that was. Needless to say, we are now shopping for a different doctor, and competency is a high priority at this point!

Yes, if want to avoid a rant, don't ask me about this particular experience, ok? SERIOUSLY!!!

Song of the Day: History is Made By Stupid People - By Arrogant Worms

2006-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

"THERE ARE NO GOOD DAYS OR BAD DAYS...ONLY DAYS OF GRACE."

Song of the day : Solid Rock - By Delirious.

In My Head and in My Heart.....

2006-11-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Song of the Day......

Our God Reigns

40 million babies lost to Gods great orphanage,

It’s a modern day genocide and a modern day disgrace

If this is a human right then why aren’t we free?

The only freedom we have is in a man nailed to a tree.

100 million faces, staring at the sky,

Wondering if this HIV will ever pass us by.

The devil stole the rain and hope trickles down the plug,

But still my Chinese take away could pay for someone’s drugs.

Our God reigns, Our God reigns,Forever your kingdom reigns.

The west has found a gun and it’s loaded with ‘unsure’

Nip and tuck if you have the bucks in a race to find a cure.

Psalm one hundred and thirty nine is the conscience to our selfish crime,

God didn’t screw up when he made you,

He’s a father who loves to parade you.

Yes he reigns, yes you reign, yes you reign,

For there is only one true God,

But we’ve lost the reins on this world,

Forgive us all, forgive us please,

As we fight for this broken world on our knees.

~By Delirious~

Morbid Humor?

2006-11-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the picture really has nothing to do with my post, but I adore it, so there ya go.

My blog has become a place of confession for me as of late, and I find this quite amusing b/c things that I wouldn't usually say, or talk too much about b/c I may get embarassed or feel is too insignificant to voice, I frequently decide to, instead, post it on the world wide web for all to see, AND comment on. Ha, ironic. Although I also do find it a release, a chance to vent, get my thoughts and frustrations out, and sometimes get feed back on it too. Not only that, but I get to practice my writing skills, you know, along with my computer hacking skills, cage-fighting/bowstaff skills, and cake building skills.....:o)

For quite a while now, I've made a habit of making "You know your......When....." lists. Mostly for different times in my life, or when I've been really frustrated with a situation, or even just to force myself to see the humor in everyday life. Today, I'd like to contribute my thoughts on one particular cycle in life, primarily in the lives of women....

You Know Your PMS-ing When....

1. The urgency for something, anything related to chocolate is absolutely necessary, and you are willing to make everyone's life miserable until you aquire the milk chocolatey goodness.

2. The little old lady taking FOREVER to cross the street, on any other day, would have been sweet, now, all of a sudden deserves to become your next hood ornament.

3. Everyone around you has the audacity to be breathing so freaking loud!

4. (This may only apply to some) All of a sudden at 3:00 in the morning, your whole house NEEDS to been cleaned immediately.

5. All the freaks on the road don't know how to manage their vehicles around other drivers, and so should just pull over and let you go already.

6. You sit on your couch, surrounded by all the necessary junkfood, sugary beverages, and wadded up snot rags, with tears streaming down your face due to the latest hallmark commercial.

7. Your loving husband tries desparately to console you and make you feel better, however he's just irritating you to no end, and you yell at him to leave you alone, and give you some space, so he does. Then you become upset and angry b/c he isn't paying attention to you and doesn't seem to care that you are in pain, and upset, and he seems to be hiding from you....

So there is my list, I'm trying to see the humor in the fact that once a month our hormones need to swing all over the map turning us into inconsolable, unpredictable, emotional wrecks. Does anyone see the fairness in that? Although I have seen my share of men who seem to have their own brand of man-pms.

Anyway, I have discovered a new board game (well it's not necessarily new, it's just new to me) called "Scene It?" It's a lot of fun for movie/pop-culture buffs such as myself, and a few others I could name...(you know who you are). It would definately be a great game in a huge group of people. Therefore, I definately recommend it.

SO that's all for now folks. Oh by the way, I've decided that's what I want on my tombstone "That's all folks". Why am I thinking about my death? Who knows, I guess I like to find the humor not only in life, but in death as well.

Song of the day: Absence of Fear - By Jewel (yes, I'm admitting it, I'm a Jewel fan, i love her music, and her writing, and I'm not afraid to say it...)

Hey Ya'll! 'S About That Time.....

2006-10-29T02:09:00.000-08:00

Well hello there all. Over the last little while I've been introduced to the Blue Collar Comedy Tours, and must confess that I do thoroughly enjoy them. it's interesting b/c I've always known who Jeff Foxworthy was, and the whole "You might be a Redneck If..." thing, but I'd never seen him perform until just recently, so I figured I'd just share some stuff I found amusing with you, and hope it puts a smile on your face.....

YOU MIGHT BE A REDNECK IF......

1. You've been married three timesand still have the same in-laws.
2. Your state's got a new law that says when a coupleget divorced, they are still legally brother and sister
3.You think Genitalia is an Italian airline
4. Your sister is the third generationof women in your family to conceivea baby as a result of an alien abduction.
5. You think Possum is"The Other White Meat"
6. You carried a fishing pole into Sea World.
7. You think safe sex is a padded headboard.
8. You and your dog use the same tree.
9. You think God looks a lot like Hank Williams, Jr., and heaven looks a lot like Daytona Beach, Florida.
10. You hooked up with your present girlfriendas a result of a message on the wall ofthe mens' room at the Flying J Truck Stop.

Oh man, I love that stuff, it's great. Other then that to be honest, I really don't have much to say. Work has been absolutely crazy lately, so crazy in fact that me and my co-workers have been looking out the window wondering if there's been a full moon for about a week straight, or something. We really can't think of any other reason that most of our clients have gone completely sideways lately. It's funny, you know, I never really thought that a full moon would have such an effect on people until I started working here, but it definately does. Anyway, have a good one guys, I promise my next post will be much more entertaining.

Song of the Day: Great is Your Faithfulness - by Cynthia Hamar

Aim for the Moon...

2006-10-21T01:52:00.000-07:00

Well here I am again. It's taken me this long to blog again b/c I've been trying to make this glorious comeback with a pimpin' new blog skin and maybe even some sweet tunes for your audio pleasure in the background, but alas my efforts have been thwarted by the evil that is world of html codes, and jargon that I claim complete ignorance to. Frustration overtook me, and was unable to decipher the mysteries written in the lingo, so I apologize once again, for a lack of interesting graphics.

Anyway, so my friend (the same one who called down the wrath of the gods down on our heads with that foul excuse for a cleanse), has gone off to become a hero to countless children who battle for their lives as she nurses in Haiti for 2 weeks. I was so excited for her when she told me about the trip b/c I know that this has been a longing in her for a long time and the reason that she decided to take her nursing course. So I have been assisting in packing and organizing her for the last week and I have to admit that I'm a little jealous. Ok more then a little jealous. As I've watched her become more and more excited about going to work with the orphans and the people there, I've been reminded of Romania, and the kids I worked with there, and it's caused me to dream about stowing away in her luggage (seriosuly that backpack would fit me, it's HUGE!) and going with her. I've found myself thinking what I wouldn't give to be going with her right now. I miss it so much.
It's so true that once you go overseas, or travelling at all you get "The Bug". B/c I've found that I start to get very itchy to go somewhere where the first language isn't english, or where I won't understand everything all the time. Some people would define that as absolute madness, but I love it. As a little kid I used to find those huge globes in stores and spin it and put my finger on it and close my eyes and whereever my finger stopped that's where I would live when I grew up. I remember doing that for hours, I'll still do it sometimes. Ah nostalgia.

I heard an interesting quote today:

"Aim for the Moon, that way if you miss, you'll still land amoung the stars. "

Anyhoo, that's about all for today. OH! Quick tip, go see Open Season, great movie. I found it funnier then Over the Hedge. SO yeah, that'a bout all for now. Ciao!

Song of the Day: Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Pick a ranidition.

Batman, the early years

2006-10-13T04:18:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember a time when the having a career in the film or music industry required more then to merely be willing to be practically naked in public, and look nice on a cd cover/movie poster? You know, it used to require some kind of talent. Celebrities used to have to at least be able to act, but it was preferred that they be able to dance and sing as well. Today there are people that we call celebrities that I couldn't even tell you why they are. Take the lovely (?) Paris Hilton. She tries to do other things, but the poor girl doesn't have a clue. Why is she a celebrity? Oh right, she's an heiress, big friggin' whoop! That didn't require any special talent on her part, and she's not even in the royal family, so really, other then poorly digitally mastered attempts at a music career and an appearence on a bad horror flick, and the stupidest reality show of all time, there's no reason she's a celebrity other then people take pictures of her and the public feeds their addiction for gossip.
Ok, so I didn't mean to go on that little rant, but now that it's out I geel a little better. :o) The reason I thought of this today was b/c my friend Kim and I got together and watched the Newsies. I was thrilled to find someone who not only had heard of this movie (b/c everytime I go ask for it at the video store I get a blank deer-caught-in-the-headlights-what-do-I-do-now look from the person across the counter), but she also loves it AND owns it! SCORE!! Of course that's not the only reason I love her, but it's a testament to her good taste in video entertainment. Once again, yes, this movie is a musical feeding my craving to see a good musical number in public one day. We got to talking while watching Christian Bale dancing around (Oprah calls it multi-tasking) that you don't see a lot of actors or actresses around these days who actually can act, dance, and sing to the level of quality that they used to require. Now I'm not saying we have absolutely no talent in our celebrities now (as long as Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Liam Nieson, Denzel Washington, and others are around, there will always be talent to be admired), but somehow the level of expectations have been lowered quite substantially.
Anyway, so that is want I did today. I also had to try to find a way to beat the system in the optomitrics department today, but that rant will be saved for another blogging day. Although you have all been such good little blog friends that you may deserve more then one entry a week, wouldn't you say? ;o) Here are some pics of the beautiful, young Christian Bale, enjoy.....

Song of the day??

2006-10-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

Your 2005 Song Is

Boulevard'>http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CkIfgYlVpZA&offerid=99176.467947965&type=10&subid=">Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
"My shadow's the only one that walks beside meMy shallow heart's the only thing that's beating"
In 2005, you bummed everyone out. Like you care.

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

Confessions and Grovelings

2006-10-05T01:20:00.000-07:00

I, Tennille Hossie, hereby acknowledge and accept my failure in the responsibilities presented to me as your fellow blogger, and humbly apologize for not continuing to feed your insatiable hunger for the entertainment that you so unceasingly crave. Please accept my most sincere apologies and allow me to express how adamantly I admire and love you all......There, am I forgiven?
I must come to my own defense here though, as no one else clearly will. The internet at my house has been on the fritz lately. It must be the gremlins running around chewing on all my electrical cords as of late. Anyone know how to get rid of them?

CONFESSIONS OF A LONDON FOG ADDICT...

I must confess, I can't hold it in any longer. If I continue to ignore this obvious dependency it will burst forth from my innards as the alien force that has engulfed my being. I'm talking, of course, of the newly found, and currently active addiction to the beverage of angels called a London Fog. I wake in the morning looking for my next fix. I crave the sweet vanilla flavoring as it entwines with the eastern spices of the chai all as it is enveloped a steamy hug of milk (your choice of 2%, Skim, or Soy). I've yet to discover the lengths of which I will go to achieve this object of my addiction, as I have not yet reached the infamous "rock bottom".
Shamelessly I have drawn others into this purgatory with me. Unable to get out of the grasp of the sweet nectar of the gods. Friends, acquaintances, even my own grandmother cannot escape my persuasions. I'm sick! I'm drowning in the oceans of sweet milk, chai and vanilla. When will it end? Is there hope for me? Maybe a 12 step program? Any suggestions?

Song of the day - Nunivit - Arrogant Worms

Perpetual Punishment

2006-09-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

HELP!!! I'm drowning in a sea of fruit vegetables, and fat-burning soup concoctions! With no sign of high sodium carbohydrates, sugar, or carbonated beverage on the horizon! *Dramatic sigh* Who will save me from.......Myself??

Ok I'm done, now I'll explain my little inexplicable outburst. Let's go back to the moment this temporary bout of insanity ensued. Last Friday my very good friend Jess came to stay with us until she discovers where she will be situated as a Public Health Nurse, and after eating popcorn and watching a couple movies (Phat Girls, and Take the Lead) Jess begins describing a detoxifying cleanse that she recently heard about and would like to try. As I listen to her description of the cleanse I try desparately to hide the panic creeping up ever so discreetly on my face, as I anticipate her next question...."Do you want to do it with me?"........Crap. An overwhelming sense of dread encapsilizes me as I hear the words coming from my mouth, "Sure I guess we could". AH! What was that? What did I say? Did I just agree to torture myself for a whole week? To obstain from sugar, carbs, meat, and most caffeinated beverages? Wow, I must be and the height of disillusionment.

So we trudge over to the grocery store and find our ingrediants of agony. We fill up our cart with nothing except fruit and vegetables. Now, let me explain, I like fruit actually. I quite often crave a good mango, or apple, or pommegranite, or grapes. But when that is all you can eat, a little produce-directed resentment begins to build inside you. So, allow me to explain the various degrees of punishment I am inflicting on myself...

Day 1 - Fruit. ONLY FRUIT. You may have a special fat-burning soup concoction as often as you like as well. But nothing else.

Day 2 - Nothing but VEGETABLES. Ew. Now I love a good stir fry as much as the next person, but with no dip, no sauces, nothing, just vegetables. This was not a good day for me. And the soup, which really isn't that bad, but when it's pretty much all you eat for a week, it gets a little old.

Day 3 - Fruit and Vegetables. Wow, the selection! The variety! *Do you hear the words oozing with sarcasm? Do you? You better.*

Day 4 - Bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S).... and Milk. Now when I say this it means that ALL YOU CAN EAT IS BANANAS AND MILK! I hate bananas, and milk. This day was not the most pleasent for me or anyone around me.

Day 5 - Tomatoes and beef. Meat! My kingdom for some meat! I hate tomatoes. Of course with 4 days of absolutely no meat, what I did eat made me very ill. Great. I'll never eat normal again!

Day 6 - Chicken and vegetables. Ok, not too bad, I can deal with this. I can make a great stirfry. Roast some chicken, it'll all be good. Man I want some chocolate!

Day 7 - Rice and vegetables. What? No meat? None at all? I was just getting used to it again! NO! I think I'm going to be sick....

So there you have it my friends. Why do I choose to put myself thru this? Who the hell knows? But I'm told I'm supposed to feel better.....I'm still waiting.

Song of the day: Take Me Away With You - Norah Jones

Aliens amoung us?

2006-09-14T01:30:00.000-07:00

While taking a stroll down memory lane today I thought to myself, self, I wonder if my hommies in blogland would enjoy taking part in the various escapades I seem to find myself in (however still none involving random musical/dance numbers) . I replied, of course they would!!! Who wouldn't want to So here it is, enjoy, my little cheeky moneys...

Now that's a whole lot of special right there....No Matty is not handicapped, but he can be rather convincing can't he?
Yes I did go thru that synthetic phaze. The bright blue contacts are a testament to that fact. And blonde hair as well. And no I wasn't going thru the whole Barbie wannabe thing, it just seems that way.....However I did earn the nickname of "Glow Worm" for a while due to the contacts.
Wafting...Wafting...Everyone likes they're own brand don't they?
Ok, so story behind this one....um, Jay aged really fast? No, pie throwing fund raisor at church. Jay was the brave one who volunteered to be a target. Wish I could have got a pic of Pastor Tim with pie all over his face too.....Some of the group that came with us to HistoryMaker last year. We had a blast which included a kanga line in Riverside park, as well as Nate turning into a unicorn and charging all those within a 2 meter radius of him. Of course filled in with sun bathing, and frolicking in the near by fountain....well, an attempt at frolicking actually.

I was picked up from work one night, and as I got into the vehicle I was greeted by this! Ha ha, they provided a much needed laugh after a long day. You never know what adventures you'll get into when you hang out with my husband, and the likes of thes two.

One year down!

2006-09-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

Beautiful, I'll never chose to hand make most of the decorations in a wedding ever again!!! But it did pay off.

Aw.....I love the look on Tom's face.

2 of the 3 men that are closest to my heart. My Hubby, and my Bro

Sigh, I'm surrounded by beautiful people....the nuptuals gang. Kinda looks like some GAP add or something. Kudos to my wonderful mother for designing and sewing the dresses.

I love this pic!

Last Sunday, September 3 marked me and Tom's first year of marriage. It's been a very difficult year and a lot of milestones, and learning opportunities, and all that fun stuff that usually happens the first year of marriage, but all in all it's been awesome, and I really wouldn't trade it for anything! SO I figured I'd share a few pics of our wedding day.
We decided to go out to the Keg for dinner, which was really good. Their Mango Time slushy margarita things are positively breathtaking. They even ended up giving us a free desert too, so mocha ice cream mudpie thing which was scrumptious. Then off to my parent's for ice cream cake with the family (I know, 2 deserts, but it's my anniversary, so back off! ;o)) I'm SO excited for October b/c we are planning on taking a trip to Victoria, and hangin' out for a week, so that's going to be a well-deserved vacation for the both of us.

Think Fast!

2006-09-07T00:59:00.000-07:00

Ok people; let’s play a word association game. I can just hear the cheers from the crowd! For those of you that aren’t aware of what this entails, allow me to enlighten you. I will give you a list of words, and you say (or post in your comments as applies) the first word that comes to your head. Ready? OK!

Dreads
Shiv
Juice Tiger
Klepto
Lurk
Hero
Wonder Boy
Coconut
Bollywood
Land down under

Ok all you vocab savy people, I want to hear your answers! If for no other reason then the fact that you all are out there to entertain me….Wha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oohh, he’s got a good evil laugh.

Song of the Day: London Bridges – Furgi (I absolutely despise this song, but it’s been running thru my head all day! Maybe this will make it stop haunting me with it’s unrelenting repetitiveness, dreary arrangement and, less then desirable vocal stylings

Pink Elephants, Unicorns, and the Like

2006-09-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Fairytales. We all remember them, and certain ones have significance in our lives. Disney classics, Mother Goose, Dr. Seuss, all seem to be timeless. No matter how old we get, how jaded we become; we still hold a certain fondness for them. It’s left me to wonder why? Why is it that even the most persistent of realists hold a particular fondness to one fairytale or another? I myself, as a die-hard realist have an intense passion for tales of princesses, dragons, talking animals, fairies, enchanted castles and pirates. I’ve narrowed it down to possibly 3 different reasons:

FANTASY – Ok, so in the last little while, the word “fantasy” has obtained a strong
sexual content. But I mean, come on, fantasizing doesn’t always have to be
related directly to our sex lives. Who wouldn’t want to meet a talking
donkey, or buy some magic beans, or meet their very own fairy godmother?
As adults, I think we can learn from the rich fantasy lives of children. When
you hear of the Prince climbing up Rapunzel’s hair, dream of one day
having hair so long instead of how much it would kill your scalp to have a
200 lb prince climbing up it, or how much of a pain it would be to take care
of. What was your childhood fantasy? (I said childhood folks! Let’s keep
PG-rated ok?)

ESCAPE – I say we follow the example of Johnny Depp’s character in “Finding
Neverland” (not only because he is so fabulous by all accounts, but also b/c
it presents an excellent point). If you’re stressed, and need to take a little 5
minute escape at work, create your own Neverland. First star to the right, and
straight on ‘til morning, right? Think happy thoughts, hang with a few
Mermaids, battle some evil pirates, be crowned King or Queen of a magic
Kingdom, and you’ll be back before your boss even notices you were gone.
Ah yes, who doesn’t need an escape once in a while? Maybe even write your
adventures down. I’ll even confess to my stunning alter ego, yes, ladies and
A gentleman, I, at one point in my life was….BATGIRL! I used to fight the
villains of Gotham City on a regular basis, and thanks to me, many of them
we will never encounter again. Although sometimes I was Catwoman, just b/c
Batman was in love with her. Yes, I do have an evil side to me as well.

SPECTACULAR
MUSICAL
SEQUENCES – Come on people, you know you love them. They stay with you long
into your adulthood you’ll be cooking dinner, and all of a sudden a
favorite Disney tune will pop into your head, and you’ll be whisked away
“Under the Sea”, or to a “Whole New World”. Come on now, I know
even those of you who claim to be irritated by such scenes secretly
adore them. You can come out to the closet now, it’s ok. Although I do
think that such fantastic displays as shown in the favorite fairytales have
had a serious impact on me. I often watch in great hopes for groups of
people to be randomly dancing down the streets in unison,
harmoniously belting out “Prince Ali”, or “I Just Can’t Wait to be
King”. But alas, my hopes are often dashed by the unfair realism of life.
Tre Tragic.

Anyhoo, these are my thoughts for the day. If you have not seen Finding Neverland, go and rent it, right now, go, seriously. It’s worth it, if not only for the story, and imagination, but HELLO JOHNNY DEPP! With an Irish accent no less! So let me know what goes on in that creative little mind of yours. (Come on, I shared mine with you!)

Song of the Day: “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts” - I don’t actually know who sang it

Lost in Translation

2006-08-27T03:06:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when weekends used to hold such significance?
You would drag your sorry behind to a job you hated on Monday mornings (the song Maniac Monday resignates in your subconsious), you sit down at your desk, or start your day, and already your planning the long awaited WEEKEND bliss. it's funny how you work 5 days in order to be able to enjoy 2. So as you plod thru your week, counting down the days, all of a sudden it hits you that today is Wednesday! halfway thru the week! Oh joy of joys! 2 more agonizing days of torturous proportions and your released from the dreary work scheduale of the week. For 2 days you can do what you want. You can relax, party, go somewhere, chill, whatever. The possibilities are endless!

Now to those working shift work, such as me, the days of the week, as well as the date seems to dwindle in significance after awhile. Any hopes of a "proper' scheduale fliea out the window and you just hold on a pray you'll make it until your next set of 4 days off. Does it matter what day of the week it is? Or if it's a week day or a weekend? Not at all. The only pattern is the 4 on or 4 off, day shift, or night shift. However, I work 4 days to enjoy 4 off. That's the beauty of it.

In other thoughts. Ponder this one...
We so often make demands on the mercy of others, thinking we are entitled to it. Is this an attitude that we display with God? How are we in any position to make any kind of demand on the mercy and grace that God gives?

Song of the Day: God Help the Outcast - Hunchback of Notre Dame, Esmerelda
(also sung by Bette Midler)

I'm Not Crazy, neither are the voices in my head!

2006-08-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

The beauty of working where I do is that it really puts your own life in perspective. You think your crazy? Talk to the woman standing in the middle of the yard waiting for the spaceship to come and beam her up. I mean, seriously. With their imaginations, some of these women should be writing scripts for Hollywood. It's great! I'm never without a sufficient supply of entertainment.

So I come into work my first day back, and talking to my boss, I find out that we have one woman staying with us that may turn very violent at the drop of a hat, and we need to be on guard. FABULOUS! Exactly what I want to hear. Not only that, but I find out the reason for the violence is because she is paranoid skitsophrenic, and obeys the voices in her head, also, she has been out for a couple nights, and hasn't been taking her meds which would prevent the violent outbursts! Wow! And I haven't got by Non-violent Crisis Intervention training yet! But of course, like most people with a severe mental illness, she doesn't believe she has a problem. So, extra precautions are taken, never be in a room alone with her, never close the door if you are, when taking meds, make sure she shows you that there is nothing left in her mouth and actually swallows them in your presence...You know, that old chesnut. Now I'm on night shift, that's even better! I love my job, really....

Some of my favorite sayings/stories coming out of my workplace

"There ain't nothing wrong with me that a bullet wouldn't cure!"

"The Americans learning biological warfare, and spraying everything that comes from America into Canada with a toxin that puts everyone in the hospital and will eat away at your skin, and then they'll be able to take over Canada. The doctors haven't been able to find the toxin yet though, it's undetectable"

"Excuse me, I have to go out and wait for the aliens to come and get me and take me away in their spaceship. It's a full moon and they always come on a full moon. I have to go now b/c he's trying to take over the ship."

"I've been staying on the beach. There is a black panther that follows me around and protects me. He eats all the other bad cats that try to attack me."
Staff: "Is he with you right now?"
"Yes, of course, can't you see him? Oh well, I guess not, he can go invisible sometimes"

WOW, I love my job.

Song of the day: I'll Cover You - Rent, the musical. Written by Jonathan Larson

Broken Angel

2006-08-16T02:48:00.000-07:00

It's funny how easily we give up on something that once gave us some release simply b/c we become too involved in the everyday mundane tasks that fill up our days. For me, this would be writing. I used to write a lot, it was my escape, my way of venting, and releasing thoughts that I didn't feel comfortable sharing with anyone. Well, now, I have written my first piece of....whatever it is you want to call it....in about 3 years, so here it is, take it for however your percieve it.

Broken Angel
08/16/06

Struggling for release, for some kind of sense
To comprehend the rationale.
How could you ?
Your world changes with the verdict of a jury,
In a trial that is not your own
Broken Angel,
Are you condemned to your own?
To this continuum of torturous degrees of your own design,
Each one more horrific in its reality.

Yet you persist.
Where is your release? Your redemption?
Will you allow yourself a taste of it?
One drop on your lips,
To sample once again the sweetness of a once peaceful existence?
Oh Broken Angel.

You watch us all with veiled eyes,
Inside screaming for that love you once had,
Begging for the chance to end the nightmare that torments your soul.
Your reality. The very one you’ve shackled yourself to.
Broken Angel

The monster is your keeper,
He paces ravenously,
Awaiting to feast upon the slightest spark of hope.
Broken Angel,
It’s naught but the illusion of a love,
So tainted with selfish ambition and vain conceit.

Do you see the key around your neck?
Do you remember it’s there?
The monster’s illusion slowly lifts,
As you recognize its frailty.
Free yourself; you’re the only one who can
Broken Angel

-Tennille Hossie

Song of the day: Alabaster Box - Cece Winans

Serenity....True or False?

2006-08-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

It funny how a picture can say different things to different people. Like this picture to me says total serenity, and peace. Somewhere I would go in my mind for a little "virtual escape" if you will (I've visited here many a time in the past couple days!). However, to one of my coworkers, it's a place of turmoil, and alienation. I don't know, I just found that interesting.

I've always been fascinated by dreams. Not necessarily what they mean, because, let's face it, we can blame a bad dream on the demonic forces, or 'fess up to the couple pieces of cheese and pepperoni pizza we happened in indulge in before going to bed that night. For me personally, I haven't really been able to remember my dreams as of late, and it's kinda weird b/c they were always so vivid until about 2 years ago. Of course they were mostly horrible dreams that I wished I could've forgotten, but nonetheless, I remembered them. Like dreaming that your mother-in-law turned in to a schitzophrenic drug addict who obeyed the voices in her head telling her to kill you? Yeah, mentally mixing work, and family lives just isn't a good idea for me. Don't worry, I have a wonderful mother-in-law, she would never do anything like that, and no, she is not schitzophrenic.

There have been great ones though, such as Tom and I going on a nice long vacation with Johnny Depp, and his significant other Paradis, you know, dreams you don't want to wake up from? One reaccuring dream is where I'm a pilot and I'm flying this huge plane (however it's empty) and the engines blow out or something, and I end up crashing into our church (I know, I know, but come on, it's not like I can control what happens in my subconsious), I've tried to analyze it, but my efforts have, for the most part, been in vain. But don't worry, I won't go all terroristic on anyone and high jack a plane and crash it into the church or anything, so no one panic.

So anyway, open up your dreams files, and share what's in all your twisted psyches. Let's get it all out in the open, if nothing else but for the shere entertainment of it. :o) (What's with the blue font? Blue symbolizes the "dream world" to me, kinda, I don't know, whatever.)

Song of the day: Strange Fruit - Billie Holiday

Mysteries Revealed

2006-07-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

So I've been hanging around with my cousins and their friends for the past couple of days as they are staying at my house, and I must tell you it's been a riot. The only thing that poses a bit of a problem is that they don't quite get my little outbursts of movie quotes from Austin Powers, or any other movie, really (it takes a while for them to catch on). Once a quote is said, or expressed, I then have to go back and explain where it's from, or what it means. This results in the implication that I am insane, so for everyone's benefit, I'm just going to explain a few things.

"I'm getting all vaclemped" - vaclemped derived from the original yiddish - implicates that
you are experiencing a stong emotion. So much so that you
can't communicate, and everyone must talk amongst
themselves while pull yourself together.

"She's a little ibiboodelled in the kapi" - Also derived formt he original yiddish - suggests
that the subject of whom you are speaking about
may not be completely together in the mental
department.

"The other OTHER white meat" - according to the Fat Bastard character on the "Spy Who
Shagged Me" this refers to his choice meal, a baby.

"A Hyper-Hypo" - short form for one who is hyperactive, and hypoglycemic. We can thank
Phillip for this randition.

"I thought I smelled cabbage" - from "Goldmember" delivered by Nigel Powers who
insinuates
that all little people (decidedly Mini Me) are involved in the
circus, and therefore always smell of cabbage.

"Up the apples and pairs" - derived from the original english referring to someone who is
upstairs, or above.

"All sixes and sevens" - this is also insinuating that they person of who you are talking about
may be insane.

"Shat on a turtle!" - translators are still working on this one. It seems to be an expression of
some sort, however they are unable to determine the direct meaning.

"Scotty Don't!" "Zip It" "Sshht" - all different expressions for shut up we don't give a
rat's behind what you have to say because it's not
evil enough!

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, your very own direct translation into the world of Mike Meirs. Obviously, I'm missing many, so if you think of any and would like the addicts out there in blogland to know what the hell we're talking about when we refer to it, then by all means, fill us in! I shall take my leave now...Daddy wasn't there PEACE!

PS - Oh and just so everyone is aware, and to set Paul straight I'M NOT PREGNANT!

Song of the Day : Black Coffee - Elle Fitzgerald

Ye Be Warned...

2006-07-25T02:55:00.000-07:00

Hospitals, honestly, if you weren't previously thrown into a psychosis before going to one, they are certain to plunge you into one while you are there.

This morning I got a call from the medical clinic I went to on friday who advised me that they had made an appointment to get an ultrasound done on my leg at 1:00pm. The events as follows are being blamed for my current fragile mental state.

12:45pm - I take my leave from my wonderful air conditioned paradise to the hellish, and otherwise frementing heat that has cucooned Kamloops as of late. Destination : The Hospital

12:47pm- BAD DRIVER ALERT! There IS a speed limit on the highway buddy, and it's NOT 40km!!! Ok, road rage released....

12:50pm- Driving down columbia (or up, whatever) I look to my right to witness an event that I've dreamed of ever since my first Disney, and later on rekindled in my first musical "The King and I". I saw a man walking down the street, ipod securely tucked in his ears putting on a fabulous song and dance routine for the benefit of onlookers everywhere! Fabulous!! (I must explain that I've always longed to be witness to an individual, or group, break out in a song and dance number in the middle of the street, as it displays in musicals.) So, whomever that was, thank you, you've made a dream come true!

12:56pm- Upon arriving at my chosen (or forced upon) destination, I find there is no parking to be had at the entrance of the hospital. No problem, I decide to try my luck at the parking garage. It's monday afternoon, there should be lots of parking available. Oh how wrong was I!

1:08pm- Frustration engulfs me, beginning to turn to rage. Thankfully my Rent soundtrack is blaring to keep me centered... Second time thru the parking garage. Ah Ha!! SUCCESS! My trained eagle eye spot a vacancy. I take possession of the treasured parking stall, and leap out of my vehicle A.Q.A.P (refer to the Producers for those of you who didn't get that one), and race to the elevator.

1:13pm- Unaware of what I'm supposed to do, and a little intimidated by the fact that this is a hospital, I timidly go up to the admitting desk and ask the "lovely" woman with phone growing out of her ear and inform her as to why I'm here, and ask where I need to go. Her response was a curt nod to the other woman at the desk behind me, and her eyes looked like she could tell me EXACTLY where to go, and how to get there...

1:18pm- I'm waiting in line gazing hopefully at the one with power behind the desk to see if I will be the next chosen one

33p1:m- Yup, still waiting

1:38pm- Finally, I'm signalled to move to the chair in front of the desk. "Your name". "Why hello, yes, nice to see you too, your right, the weather has been unbearable." No small talk? Just trying it on. "Your name isn't on the list", where have I heard that one before?? Your supposed to be having a different kind of the ultrasound that no one whithout advanced medical training can pronounce. You'll have to wait over there.

1:45pm- BACK WHERE I STARTED WHEN I FIRST CAME IN!!

1:47pm- Once againe facing the "pleasant" woman behind desk number 1. After glaring at me for a few seconds, she asks my address, and then has the nerve to ask why I'm so late!! ARGH!!!!

1:55pm- Waiting in line now on the 7th floor. Can I get a referral for 1-South????

2:40pm - Finally getting my ultrasound. Nurse tells me to take my pants off, wow, what a greeting! Could ya maybe shut the door to the ajoining room first? And the one to the hallway??? Seriously now. Also looking around for the sign that states the No Talking Rule. I must have missed it.

Anyhoo, an exuberant amount of noises from the ultrsound machine, short outbursts from myself (come one, give me a break, the women kept squeezing my foot!) , and an apparent ban on pleasantries did not leave me with a whole lot of warm fuzzy feelings as I exited the hospital. If you are reading this, and you are a nurse, or someone behind one of the desks, I understand that the job is very taxing, and can be long and frustrating, but please, at least smile at the people you come in contact with. It will make a huge difference.

Song of the Day: One and Only - Mercy Me

For Art Buffs Everywhere!

2006-07-10T00:15:00.000-07:00

Alright, so some of you that may know me, know that I am quite an art buff. I love it, and especially if it's a little on the eccentric side. So anyway, I was just surfing the net the other day and I found this amazing site. It's http://www.deviantart.com/. Here's a few samples of the really moving, emotional pieces. (For me anyway). Some are a little dark, but still very intense. And unbeknownst to myself, one of my friends is actually on this site as well, she is a fabulous artist, so check it out.

A Work in Progress

2006-07-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

(snapping fingers, and bongo drumming. Ah 1..2..3..4..) (New York accent) Dissappointment.........Annoyance..........Apprehension...........Rage. Emotions changing...flowing into each other like...waaaves. The persuit of adequate...diversion echoes throughout...humanity. When out of the...abyss...of unesessary special effects, and...high school worthy dramatic attempts...strolls one whose talent far exceeds his...peers rises one...THE ONE. Leaving them all in the proverbial dust of their...failures...the one to save us from bad box office excuses for entertainment. The minions throng to the...theaters...to witness the beauty and...all consuming... talent of one....Johnny Depp. Jane, get me off this crazy thing...called love. (blow out candle)

So there's my diminutive attempt at coffee shop poetry. My source of inspiration, of course is the one and only Johnny Depp. The most fabulous entertainer of my time (and a little before). It's been said before, and I shall institute again, the only man alive that could wear make up and still be incredibly sexy. Women all over the world will testify to that fact, I assure you. The one and only reason for my going to the movie theater yesterday after work at 10:15pm.
As we all know, Pirates of the Caribbean came to a theater near us last night, and as we waited in line impatiently to get our tickets an hour before the show commenced, we watched in shock and horror as the screen displayed the dreaded "SOLD OUT", in big red letters, as if mocking the poor souls who still stood in line. I saw the couple who bought the last 2 tickets and though the thought did cross my mind to tackle them, and wrestle the precious tickets out of their hands, my only comfort was that they probably wouldn't even get to sit together as the theater would already be packed full of blessed ones scrambling for seats. Ah well, there's always next time, right?

What ended up happening was Tom, Dan, Laura, and I made a collective decision to check out Adam Sandler's new movie, Click. Now, I'm not a huge fan of Adam Sandler, he more or less annoys me, I'm sure he's a nice guy, but his acting is just not my cup of tea. Anyway, 2 hours of fast forward, pause, rewind, inappropriate scenes with a dog and stuffed duck, including frightening mental images of the brother from 50 First Dates in a speedo, and a bad ending, I was officially enraged at being subjected to such a public annoyance. While eneryone else around us were drying their tears and exclaiming what a "feel good" movie this was, I was rolling my eyes, and clenching my fists at how ridiculously unrealistic this was. The only redeeming quality was Christopher Walken. So, with 2 completely dissapointing theater experiences under my belt in the last month, I'm about ready to give up on the whole thing. My spark of hope for entertainment is quickly dwindling. But then again, that's just my humble opinion.

Song of the Day : Baby it's Cold Outside - Ella Fitsgerald, and Ray Charles

Beautiful People....Sigh

2006-06-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those "proud youth leader days", in a matter of speaking anyway. Today was the Valleyview Grad. AWWWWW!! So this morning as my house came alive with the hustle and bustle of the beautification process, complete with gabbing, lots of coffee (mostly for me), and a rundown of grad party events; I looked at everyone and almost got all choked up....tear. It's funny how a big event in the lives of people that you love can really make you reflect, get all nostalgic, sentimental, you know, that old chesnut. Some of them have come such a long way, and I'd just like to say how proud I am of all the accomplishments and growth I've seen in them since I've known them.

Let the games begin! As grad season quickly approaches every year, accute observation will promptly demonstrate the fierce competition that arises as well. Guys and their sports can step aside as they are easily, and sometimes savagely, put in their place by "girls and Grad". You thought Australian Rugby was tough, you haven't seen anything until you've seen a girl go after that perfect grad dress, grad date, grad shoes, grad hair, or grad makeup and have an opponent courageous enough to compete for all or any one of the items on the list. It's a delicate balance of shrewd cunningness, and masterful manipulation. It's a game full of skill, and determination, that will ultimately bring them to the goal, the finish line, the prize.....

Grad Night.

Your a fool if you think that all it takes is the dress. Hah! I scoff in your general direction! Oh no my friend, grad preparations begin somewhere mid September, looking for that one perfect dress, the shoes, the accessories, even including the under garments. Of course when you start, and when you actually discover your invaluable treasure, (I say invaluable b/c I've known parents to be convinced to buy grad dresses that cost more then my wedding dress for this single most important night in a teenage daughters young life) are many times two completely different scenarios. The hunt can go on for months! Once the dress is found however, then the personal beautifying process begins. Gents, you once thought that Esther had to endure an extereme process for her infamous night with the king, this is a worthy comparison to be sure. In the first breaths of October, girls all over are cutting out fast food, and carbs, toning, and tanning to strive for that perfect, model, out of a magazine look for none other then

Grad Night.When the date finally comes, the entire 24 hours is devoted to perfection.

Take my house today for example. Blow dryers, Curling irons, crimplers, gel, hair spray, nail polish, mail polish remover, all kinds of make up in all shades, fabric, tool, shoes, jewelery all seemed to be levitated and in orbit around all 3 levels of my townhouse. Needless to say, hy husband made a mad dash out the door as soon and the chaos ensued. The end result my friend, is 4 cinderellas, each worthy of their own fairytale, stand in absolute glory as the look is complete, and they are awaiting their various chariots to take them to the night they've been preparing for.

THANK THE LORD GOD IN HEAVEN I'M NOT A TEENAGER IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!!

Song of the Day : Mercy - Heather Clark

Life by Quizzes

2006-06-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

Dearly Beloved, we gather here to say our goodbyes. Here she lies, no one knew her worth. The late, great daughter of mother earth. 'Tis true, I see no use in pretending anymore. my beautiful garden that I put so much love into has become an ill-fated victim of the piercing rays of the blazing inferno we call the sun. Yes, it has been tried, and found guilty by a jury of it's peers (jupiter, pluto, and the members of orion's belt as well as scorpio), of murder in the 1st degree. The poor, blossoming beauties never saw it coming. We mourn their passing, and plead why oh why must we be forced to live at the mercy of the sun's rage???? Who's next, we all wonder...

Well according to a few of the MANY quizzes that you can find on the internet, I have a number of personality traits that I wasn't aware of. For example, if I was a chocolate treat I would be a chocolate covered strawberryand if I were an alcoholic beverage a Bloody Mary would somehow suit my style. My muppet personality is Kermit the Frog, apparently I'm supposed to be an actor with a peaceful soul, oh yeah, and lest we forget my weapon is a M-240 machine gun!

You know when things in life become so positively absurd that all you can do is laugh and shake your head, knowing that the only reason you have even an ounce of sanity left is by the grace of God? Yes, this has become my life, and amoung the many different situations that I find myself in, particularily at work, are only because God definately has an outrageous sense of humor. Although when I start to recant the various scenarios I've found myself in the past 6 months, I wouldn't trade a second of it. It's challenging, stretching, and completely unpredictable, and that's what I love about it. You could be sitting with someone trying to convince them that their throat isn't closing and they aren't suffocating as they are screaming at you on minute, and then you turn around and your outside with a client, awaiting the arrival of the alien mother ship to come and reclaim one of it's own. Has my life become boring? Not a chance.

Now, since I always do a song of the day, I would like to know your own personal theme song? Either for your life in general, or for the day, week, month, whatever. At the moment, mine would have to be Selah by Lauren Hill (thanx Lucas!), but a moment passes, and since I'm known for changing my mind quite often, it'll probably be different tomorrow.

Can a Black Thumb turn green?

2006-06-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Can a tiger change it's spots? A Zebra, it's stripes? A geek his/her draw towards Captain Kirk and Spok? Is it pure lack of knowledge that hinders a person from success at a hobby, or is it just that they are completely and totally void of any talent regarding the particular area of interest?

Anyone who knows me at all knows that in my 23 years of life I have never been able to successfully grow any kind of plant. I even had someone buy me a catus thinking that there was no way I could screw up this one...WRONGO! Yes, it is true, I have been ultimately cursed with the dreaded black thumb. Vegetable patches everywhere shrivel as my shadow passes over them, flowers wilt, vines are choked by my presence. Vegetation of all colors, shapes and sizes, beware as the proverbial Angel of Death passes thru your patch of soil.

Now, this however does not run in that family b/c my younger cousin is the Angel of life when it comes to all plant life and greenery, and not being able to accept defeat by a mere plant, asked her to teach me how to garden (yes, I said it, teach me how to garden, apparently that isn't a "natural woman" thing). So we proceeded to go shopping for flowers and all the equipment necessary to start me on the path to healing between myself and nature. She taught me all about soil and what kind I want, and what kind of garden tools I'd need, and what herbs to plant together in what pot. I even learned how to make a stand out of bamboo and yarn (very stylish, colorful yarn I might add) for the sweet peas that will eventually grow in my small patch of earth.

The day was a complete success! By the end of the day I could look out my back doors, and see a beautiful patch of soil full of exotic colors and smell the wonderful aroma of nature's beauty. As I look out the wondow though I wonder how long it will last, and before my cousin leaves to go home I graciously offer to allow her to come over and garden whenever she feels the need to relieve some stress in her life....:o)

Song of the Day : Open Up the Gates - PlanetShakers

Vanilla....

2006-06-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

I've been informed that I don't update my blog enough, so here we go. It's kinda funny that I started one of these things b/c my life really isn't interesting enough to record, but oh well, I guess it's a good place to blow off steam or whatever.

Today was an interesting day b/c it was my first day off and although I tried to keep it really relaxed and easy, somehow it got filled. Funny how that happens. When I got home from work I tried desparately to sleep, however my efforts turned out to be in vain. Now, for an insomniac who has stayed up all night the previous two nights with about 3 hours sleep inbetween, this became increasingly aggravating. So, with a million thoughts of productive things I could be doing instead of lying in bed NOT sleeping, letting my temper reach the boiling point, I promptly got up and decided to go practice piano. AH, relaxation.....uh oh, NOW I'm tired, and have to go have a lesson and pick up Tom. Fabulous. Why does my body hate me??? Of course the answer to an overheated, sleep deprived system is always and forever, CAFFEINE!! My best friend. Timmy's Iced Cap to be specific. This helped somewhat, although in my humble opinion, they don't put near enough caffeine in those things.

So with my iced cap in hand, and the Rent Soundtrack blasting, I'm on my way to pick up my husband from work, then to piano. Tom and I have a little bit of a war going on. I adore Rent, and Tom abhors it. However, I was driving, and I was first one in the car, so na na na na boo boo! (We're so mature).

As I'm having my lesson, a thought pops into my head in somewhat staggered clarity...Birthday party.....Kelly O's.....5:30pm.....Friday. Crap! Why don't I write things down??? Oh, and just a little nugget of wisdom for all you wonderful people out there, if you don't have a birthday card to give to someone as your racing to their party, it is much better to give a card later then to just throw $10 i nchange on the table and say, here ya go, we didn't have time to get you a card. Yes, to those of you who are scoffing at such an act, my husband decided that this would be a good way to show someone that they are special. I mean seriously! Who does that?! Now, he understands that some people may actually take this as an incredible insult, and promised that it's not something he'd make a general practice of. He did explain that's what him and his best friend do, however, what men do in each other's company isn't always acceptable in public. :o) Poor guy, he is well intentioned though. :o)

Anyway, it was a good time. Shout out to Stacey, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

After the party we raced over to youth to help out with that, however, of course, our fearless, and fabulously organized leaders had everything under control. So Sonya and I gabbed for an hour and a half, and I came home, cooked lasagna for my wonderful husband, and did laundry. At this moment I'm relaxing on the couch witha big glass of iced water, enjoying the incredible vocal stylings of Heather Clark.

Now, I know this entry changed your lives, and your sitting there wondering how to comment on such a creative, riveting tour de force, but have no fear my friends, an entry such as this comes along quite often in my humble rantings of an evil genius.....:oP

Thunderstorms

2006-06-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, the most perfect weather to have on your birthday is, of course, a huge thunder and lightening storm! I mean, come on, it's fabulous! It makes you feel so small and powerless, and yet in total awe. Of course there is the whole down side of people being struck by lightening, and all that, but still, thunder storms are a beautiful thing.

So, another birthday has come and gone. I'm now 23, as my friend so sensitively left on my voicemail, I'm old and married. To be honest, I've never felt the whole age thing to be that big of a deal. Some will argue that it's because I'm only 23, but I've known people to freak out over turning 20 b/c they are no longer a teenager, or like my husband, to get all sensitive about turning 26 b/c his 20's are more the half over. But really, come on, what's the big deal?

We had a great little get together at my 'rents place with family and friends, My brother bought me a humongous birthday cake, even with 17 people, and some having multiple pieces we couldn't finish it! The thing that cracked me up is that my cousin bought me the movie "Rent" for my birthday, and to watch my very proper grandma look at it, and try to figure out what it was all about and why on earth I would enjoy such a movie was actually quite humorous! I'm suprised she didn't demand I repent right on the spot for having such an abomination in my personal DVD library. I decided not to confess my devotion to Austin Powers at that moment. It might have been too much. :o) It was also a really cool day b/c we got to connect with some old friends and get to know some new ones too, so it's been good. We were planning on going up to Margaret Falls and walking up in there, and then having a little picnic thingy, but I wasn't too keen on the idea of waltzing around a bunch of trees with water right there, and a thunder and lightening storm going on. I love storms, but I'm not an idiot.

During my little celebration at my parent's house, one of my friends asked me an interesting question. She told me to sum up the last year in one word, and the next year's expectations in 2 words. That's took me awhile, but here's my answer : Last year : HARD

Next year: Excitement, Change. Now come one people, I want to hear your answers. Sum up your last year in one word, and what your kinda feeling or expecting your next year to be like...It's hard to think of at first, but once you do, it's kinda cool.

Song of the Day : 525 600 Minutes - Rent Soundtrack

Good Morning Starshine! The earth says, Hello!

2006-06-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, well I haven't updated my blog in a while, so I figured I could do one more.
Tom and I had such a great day today, we went out looking for laptops, which was interesting b/c I am completely clueless when these computer whizzes start talking about gigabytes, and hard drives, and processers. Wow, not a clue, pretty much the way I choose is if it looks good. :o) I know, total girl thing to do, but whatever. So Tom and the sales guy talk about everything the computer can do and how much whatever is in the do-hickey, and I try to close the laptop to see what the cover looks like, and the sales guy just gives me this weird look, like, you've got to be kidding me. But hey, if I'm going to spend a bunch of money on something, I want it to look good. Anyway, we ended up getting a laptop, FINALLY!! And we're getting wireless internet too, so I'll be able to actually update my blog, and do some writing, and photoshop stuff, and all that. It'll be great! YAY!

I also went to see 2 movies last week, The Break Up, and Over the Hedge. Both were not as good as I expected them to be at all. If your in a movie, and about an hour into it your looking at your watch wondering when the movie is going to be over, that's not a good thing. One of my biggest pet peeves is going to a movie and it not being as good as you thought it was going to be. I hate that!

Do you see God?

2006-06-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Ok, so not often do I have a really deep, philisophocal entry on here, but here it goes...

Where do you see God in your life? Be specific. There's a difference just defaulting to the habitual "christianese" that so many people fall into, but actually seeing something for what it is, and how God worked in a particular situation.
On Sunday I asked God to let me know that he's still in control, and taking care of Tom and I b/c we've had a rough go for, well, awhile. And he kept asking me if I truly believed his word. And of course, the defaulted grew-up-in-church/christianschool-raised-in-a-christian-family side of me automatically replies, "of course I do God". But the last couple days, I've really had to search my heart and asked myself, and be brutally honest. If I truly believed God's word, why would I be questioning his hand on my life? Why would I let worry, and anxiety rule my life instead of having the confidence and reassurance that God is our provider, and protecter? I see God in my life everday at work, so why should I question his involvement in my life at home?
But then as I dig deeper, God shows me that he not only is our provider and protecter, friend and savior, not only that he is that, but that this is what he wants. He's chosen this, it's not out of duty or obligation, but that he WANTS to have a personal everyday, living, breathing ever present role in our lives simply because of his all encompassing love. This week alone, God has met my needs, and the needs of my husband in a such a real, and tangible way. From finances to health, God is taking these misshapen balls of clay and shaping us into his dream, for HIS Glory. Just the knowledge of that fact alone brings me face down in complete humility, b/c it's not for us to expect mercy, expect grace, but it is just b/c of who God is that he extends it to us. Not that we are worthy of it, but that he delights in us so completely. Cool, huh?

Song of the day: How Great is out God - Chris Tomlin

The Wonderful World of Disney!

2006-05-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hey People, time to take a poll. What is your favorite Disney movie, and why? I have always been a fan of Disney, as a child, and even now I'm still known as the human Disney Kareokee machine. :o)

Personally, I loved Robin Hood, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. Those I would watch over and over and over. My little friends and I would try our hardest to sing like Ariel, pretend our babysitters were the wicked stepmother from Cinderella, or dress up like Belle. My brother was always a fan of Aladin (funny story behind that, but I won't share it online b/c he'd kill me). The first movie I ever saw in a theater was Snow White, and it terrified me! I never looked at an apple the same way again, and I always thought that mirrors were creepy after that. The Lion King was also and excellent story, but it didn't quiet rank up there with the others. Recently I saw Chicken Little, and honestly thought it was the best one in a long time, great characters, and a movie is really only good to me if it has good quotes. So, come on people, what was the best Disney movie???

I would like to just take a second to rave about the movie The Producers. Absolutely hilarious! My whole family liked it, including all the males in the room, and it was a musical! It is a little quirky, but of course, that's why I enjoyed it, but definately a fantasticly entertaining film.

Song of the Day - So Long Self - Mercy Me

I Love My Job!

2006-05-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I meet the most interesting people at work. Today we had a lady come in, and she is so sweet, well, at least 3 of her personalities are. After talking with this woman, I find out that she is diagnosed with 28, that's right, 28 different personalities! Add that to a schitzophrenic in denial with no meds, a crystal meth addict whose detoxing, and someone who deals with extreme paranoia, and you've got my working environment!

I'm fascinated by most of it though. The human psyche is very interesting to me. Of course I'm not a professional counselor, and could never pretend to be, but it really intrigues me. I know that a lot of people find very unnerving, but with someone with split personality disorder, if they don't answer to the name that they gave you, you just ask who you are talking to at that moment and they'll tell you. So far, there isn't a violent personality that has come out yet in my experience, so that's helpful. :o)

This weekend was great, we had HistoryMaker here in the 'Loops for the last year. Unfortunately I'm not sure what moving it to Chiliwack will accomplish, but whatever. It was great to be able to chill with people, even with Paul constantly snapping that camera in everyone's faces...:o)

And of course kickin' it with my homies from Brugge, and working with my partners in crime on a new secret code for out escapades in espionage! *'d f*ll *** *n b*t th*n *'d h*v* t* k*ll ***. H* h* h* h* h*........

Men....

2006-05-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

I love my husband, I really do, he's an amazing man, and hot too! Now to those of you who think that this is going to turn into a sappy "Ode to Tom" obviously, you don't know me at all!

What is it with men and feeding their women? I mean, I understand the whole providing thing, and blah blah blah, but seriously, does it have to be so much?!

Today I asked Tom to grab a Tim Horton's Butter Caramel Iced Capp for me, b/c he was dropping by work anyway. What does he do? He shows up at the door with an extra large iced capp, and blackforest cake cup thingy as well. I mean, come on, it's hard enough to lose weight never mind having that waived around in your face! I don't mean to bash men here, I have nothing against them, really. But do they have an issue with understanding portions? Maybe b/c they eat so much they think we should too? Who knows. He is very sweet though, I'll give him that....:o)

Anyway, I'm thinking of taking a bachelor of fine arts, or something like that. I don't know, any comments?

SONG OF THE DAY : ONE AND ONLY - by Mercy Me

Indy Films

2006-05-17T01:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, anyone who is into Indy films, and sees the movie "You and Me, and Everyone Else" on the shelf and thinks to themselves, "hm, this sounds like it could be good"...PUT IT DOWN IMMEDIATELY AND RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION!!! If I could return it and get refunded for the time I wasted watching this disaster, I would have ran back to the movie store. Seriously, horrible movie. I mean, who thinks up the concept for a movie like this? I couldn't even tell you what it was about b/c we were about an hour and 15 minutes into the movie, AND IT STILL DIDN'T HAVE A POINT!! Ridiculous.
I do actually happen to be a fan of Indy films, I like the odd kind of concepts, and themes, and all that, instead of your runofthemill Hollywood blockbusters. Just a change of pace, you know? However, the last 2 Indy films I've watched have not been worth the time and money spent on them. Shopgirl was another one that was a total disappointment (I love Steve Martin, however, writing isn't his strong point). However, this seeming trend of bad Indy films doesn't snuff out (yes, I said snuff) my resolve to keep striving for the good ones that I know are out there somewhere.....over the rainbow. :o)

Paradigm Shift

2006-05-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

I know, catchy title, right? I was just thinking this last night as I met a new client that had just come in. Why is it that we are so willing to accept that God can do certain things in a church setting, but as soon as we hear about that same thing in another setting we are ready to ship the individual off to the psych ward? Here's what brought on my train of thought.

This person said that she felt God in their hands. When she touched someone, she feels a warmth in the palm of their hand, and she could see things in people when she touched them, and felt that she had the gift of healing thru her hands. Now, you have to understand that I work in an emergency shelter, so when people say this kind of thing, or try to demonstrate using other clients, we're already dialing Mental Health. But if that happened in a church setting, would we be encouraging this person to demonstrate, or pray for others, or whatever? It's funny how we can have such a shift in our thinking from one environment to the next.

SONG OF THE DAY : COMING UP TO BEATH - MERCY ME

About Friggin' Time!

2006-05-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I know, I know, it's been too long, and now I'm condemned to the first level of bloggers hell b/c I haven't updated my blog in a sufficient amount of time. Well, now I am, so you can be entertained. :o)
I've been mulling over in my mind the last little while what to use as a subject for this entry. Frankly, my life isn't that interesting (well that parts I'm at liberty to discuss aren't anyway). However, I must say that yesterday I had the opportunity to go to a girl's rugby game as I was invited by some of the youth who are on the team. Now, those of you that don't know me very well may not get the humor of this, but the only sport that I fully understand is Hockey (yes, I am Canadian), and although I was thrilled to go and support our girls, something dawned on me as I was driving there. I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT RUGBY! I didn't even know how to cheer for them! So here I am feeling like a royal ass b/c I'm just sitting on the side trying to figure out what the game is all about and not cheering, as I was specifically instructed that I had to do. Oh brother! Thank God that my friend Jessica had the extensive knowledge to unlock the secrets of the game of rugby so that a simpleton like myself could actually somewhat comprehend it's profound nature. However the only way she could explain it to me so I could get what in the world was going on was if she related it in some way to hockey! Yeah, I know, pathetic, right? Oh well, at least I could cheer now, instead of just copying whatever the coaches were saying....;o)

Second thought, nowhere in Canada have I been able to find a satisfying dose of mineral water anywhere! No, I know what your all thinking, "EEWWW", but live in Europe for a length of time, and it will grow on you. Anyway, I bought some just to taste and see if it could satisfy my insatiable need for the carbonated beverage. And low and behold, da da da dum!!! Canada Dry Sparkling Water subtly flavored with a hint of lemon lime quenched the deep longing within my soul! WOO HOO! There, ok, rant over with...

Scattered Thoughts (are there any other kind?)

2006-05-07T01:19:00.000-07:00

Song of the day: Party by Chris Tomlin

Gotta love Hypochondriacs! You give them a book on any medical issue, that includes a list of symptoms, and within the hour they will have every one of those symptoms plus others they've picked up along the way. It's absolutely astounding how they can become diabetic without the expertise of a doctor, and yet still survive perfectly fine without any insulin, or anything! All you have to do is mention you have a headache, they are suddenly overcome with your pain! It's great! And I find that kids are superb hypochondriacs. Just ask them to do a chore, or clean something and you watch how quickly they have a stomach ache, or a headache, but once the chore is done, magically their ailments disappear, and they are perfectly healthy to go and play with their friends. Ah the power of suggestion....it's a beautiful thing. :o)