Thats the way the cookie crumbles I guess

Hi All, okay, once again, it has been super long since I last wrote here. I really truely am the worst blogger in the whole world...whatever, I will survive...and maybe I will try to get better...I doubt it, but you never know. So, lots has happened since I last wrote in here...but I don't remember most of it...but I will write about what I do...does that work for you? Good...

~Work is going really good...I am really happy with the place I am working at right now, which is such a relief, seeing as I will be in brampton for what appears to be a long time still, it's nice to have something to work at that I like. my co-worker is awesome, we really have become good friends, yay Alicia! Although, the sad news is that one of my children will be leaving because his mother died on Thursday...that is horrible, I loved this kid and now he is so sad and I do not blame him in the least.

~I quit Sunday School...yep, I sure did, I am no longer the teacher of the Jr.Youth class, I finally threw in the towel, I had had enough of their constant bickering and trying to take advantage of me...so I am done...not sure what I will do now...I might attend my dad's class...but I don't know.

~My sister graduated yesterday from Emmanuel Bible College, so did Parker and his girlfriend Jen. I went, it was a really long ceremony, but it was great, I cried...but whatelse is new right? I got to catch up with Parker which was nice seeing as we have not really talked to each other in close to 2 years...wow, that is a long time. And Ames was there, that caught me by surprise, but made me have happy...I miss my entire Fab 4 but getting to see at least one of them makes me smile.

~Graham is coming home on Tuesday! YAY!!! My boss has given me the afternoon off so that I can met him at the airport...yay, I really like that, I have missed him so much and it has been way way too long...I just wish that I got to spend more time with him than just an evening...but I have to work the next day.

Anyways, I am about to be late for church.

What's that on his back? A monkey?

~I am seriously the worst blogger on the face of the planet...actually second worst...Ames when did you last write?

~Happy Birthday to the love of my life, Graham, you are very old today...seriously...you are going to die soon...one toe in the grave even. I love you

~Worst day at work in my life...child wiped his B.M all over the floor...it was not amusing...who is laughing? I can hear you...IT IS NOT FUNNY!!! Okay, maybe it is a little funny...I am crazy...padded room...here I come.

~Graham comes home in 15 days...yep I am counting...and yep, I am sure going to meet him at the airport.

~Women's Sunday was yesterday...crazy long service...seriously, I was dieing by the end of it...not fun so much...and then the "luncheon" afterwards...was death on a plate...everything...I almost died...good thing I am semi-aware of my environment.

~I took a first aid/CPR class on Saturday...so now I can save lives, good for me

~I feel nauseous right now...but you did not need to know that

~Tired, so very very tired

~Good bye now

Update

~Happy Good Friday Everyone, I will be headed off to church in just a few hours for our Friday Service, it should be really good.

~My sister and brother in law are coming to stay for the weekend, that will be fun, I will get to spend some quality time with my sister. That makes me very happy.

~There is a concert tonight at my church, all bands that I have never heard of, so that makes me less happy...but I will still go regardless.

~On Wednesday morning, I cut my elbow open, yep, I should have gotten stitches, but I chose not to...not sure if that was a mistake yet or not...but we shall have to wait and see.

~What did I do to my elbow you ask? Stupid story really, see...I was in the bathroom at my house, and for those of you who know my house, the bathroom upstairs has a little ledge type thing with a very pointy corner...dangerous really. Well, I was adjusting the sweater I was wearing and I banged my elbow really hard off the corner of this ledge...now, at first I did not think anything of it because it was the general area of my funny bone, so whatever right? wrong, I continued to fix my hair and brush my teeth, when I noticed that my elbow was stinging, so I glanced down and my sleeve of my white sweater was bright red with blood...I freaked.

~Work is going well, I have been very busy and we had our Easter party yesterday during the afternoon, complete with egg hunt, the children were thrilled, but so loaded on sugar, so we sent them home.

~I might be going to the Raptors game on the 15th, the youth group has signed on for the BCOQ Centre court event...interesting

~Our Youth Group now has a name...yippee...we are called "Youth F.I.R.S.T" (F.I.R.S.T stands for Fellowship, Inviting others to share God's Love, Responding to the needs of others, Showing our love to God through worship, and Training in God and to obey His Word)

~I got to see some pictures of my friend Ben's little daughter, she is adorable.

~I have noticed that a lot of my friends are "asking questions" in the sense of NOT asking the questions, just hoping that I will understand what they mean, "loud and clear but the answer is still no"

~I am sick, I have had this cold for over a month, and now I have an ear infection and the possibility of pink eye. Great.

~I have to go get ready for church now.

A Good Old Irish Blessing

So, as it would turn out, I was told today by my grandmother (my dad's mom) that the West Family is actually a good old Irish Family...so now I am British, Scottish and Irish...I am a nice mix. But to celebrate this new found knowledge...here is a blessing:

Always remember to forget the things that made you sad
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad
Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away
But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day
May you always have work for your hands to do
May your pockets hold always a coin or two
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain
May the hand of a friend always be near you
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again, my friend
May God hold you in the palm of His hand

God has not promised skies always blue
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through
God has not promised sun without rain
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain
God has not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, troubles and woe
He has not told us we will not bear
Many a burden, many a care
But God has promised strength for the day
Rest for the labourer, light for the way
Grace for the trials, help from above
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Updates

~Today is my mom's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

~I have been in the process of updating my address book and I am almost finished, I just need a few more addresses...hopefully those people know who they are, and they will get back to me really soon.

~My sister and her husband are coming to visit today, that makes me happy, I have not seen them for a while because they have been to Florida...I am jealous

~It is supposed to snow here for the next 4 days. Boo

~I am currently working on a scrap book for all of my camp hermosa pictures, it is taking me longer than I anticipated, but I am having fun

~Suddenly I got a chill

~I have to be at church in half an hour and I am not dressed for it yet

~The Youth Group watched The Princess Diaries 2 last night at our meeting because the VCR is broken...it was actually selected by one of our male students...it was a good time all around

~I will be singing in a trio on Palm Sunday, how exciting.

~I am cold again

~I should go and get ready for church

~Plus I need to eat some breakfast

~And I need to photocopy my lesson plans for today.

~And I am really going now.

~Bye Bye

~Quotes for the week (because you know I won't write until next Saturday or Sunday):

~~~~You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. -Beverly Sills

~~~~If you think you can, then you can. ANd if you think you can't, well, you're right. -Mary Kay Ash

~~~~Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer, but wish we didn't. -Erica Jong

Seriously...who hired these people?

Okay, so I am in the process of reading several books right now...yeah, I know, it is probably not a smart move to try reading 4 books all at the same time..."it can get confusing" some have even said...but some of these books are "homework" so to speak even though I am clearly finished with the whole schooling process. But one of these books is called "I know you Love me, but do you like me?" It is about how to be the best friend of the person you are dating/married to. It is actually a really good book. One that I find I am agreeing with throughout the whole process...unlike the other books which when I calm down enough about them, I will write about them too. But in this "I Know you Love Me..." book, there is a whole list of those stupid labels on materials things...apparently these have caused several marriages/dating relationships to end because woman think that men are stupid for writing them, and men feel the same about women. Here they are:

On a Sears Hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping

On a bag of chips: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside.

On a bar of Dial Soap: Directions: Use like regular soap

On some Swannson frozen dinners: Serving suggestion: defrost

On a hotel-provided shower cap in a box: fits one head

On the bottom of Tesco's Tiramisu dessert box: Do not turn upside down

On Marks&Spence Bread Pudding: Product may be hot after heating

On packaging for a Rowenta iron: Do not iron clothing while still on the body

On a bottle of children's cough medicine: Do not drive a car or operate heavy machines

On Nytol Sleep Aid: Warning: may cause drowsiness

On a Korean kitchen knife: Warning: keep out of children

On a Swedish chainsaw: Do not attempt to stop chainsaw with your hands

On Sainsbury peanut bottle: Allergy Alert: Product may contain nuts

On an American Airlines Peanut package: Directions: open package, eat nuts.

THESE PEOPLE ARE NUTS!!! WHO HIRED THEM???

3 Years in the Making

So, back on February 19, 2002 I said "yes" to the man of my dreams, and now 3 years later, we are still together, going strongand have plans for the future. Although, any rumours out there that anyone might have heard are false, we are not engaged. But on this day, I just want to tell Graham that I love him with all my heart and I look forward to the many years we have ahead of us.

I hit the door at 6:55 sack full of groceries split down the side.
Can goods scattered all the way to the curb.
Look on my face saying don't say a word.
So, it's you and me and a can of beans sitting there on the front porch swing.
Western sky all turning red.
Head on your shoulder I sighed and said:

Been gophering, chauffering, company chairmen.
Coffee maker, Copy repairman.
Anymore there ain't nothin I swear man that I don't do.
Been juggling, struggling, closing big deals.
Dancing backwards in high heels.
Just when it feels like i can't make it through.
I said it sure is nice to just be the woman with you

I said the girl I was with the highschool degree probally wouldn't recognize me.
I was going around the bank.I was going to run them out.
Now all I want to run is a bubble bath.
Back then you know I had this plan.
Before all of this reality set in.
Here comes life boy ready or not.
Hey I wanted it all and thats what I got.

Cause I'm gophering, chauffering, company chairmen.
Coffee maker, Copy repairman.
Anymore there ain't nothin I swear man thatI don't do.
Been juggling, struggling, closing big deals.
Dancing backwards in high heels.
Just when it feels like I can't make it through.
I said it sure is nice to just be the woman with you.

I said I'm gophering,chauffering, company chairmen.
Coffee maker, Copy repairman.
Anymore there ain't nothin I swear man that I don't do.
Been juggling, struggling, closing big deals.
Dancing backwards in high heels.
Just when it feels like I can't make it through.
I said it sure is nice to just be the woman the woman with you.
La, la, la, la, la, la
The woman with you

P.S, I never liked the rain until I walked through it with you. Now everytime I hear the rain pounding on my windowsill, my whole mind is full of thoughts of you. Thank you for the time we have had

2 thoughts for the day

First thought of the day: I wake up every morning to another crazy day I have to face and when I'm losing my direction, you are the one who points me in the right way. You always know when I am about to fall. It's almost like you are standing there when I hit the wall. Because of you my eyes are open and instead of hoping I have faith in today. So I thank you God for blue skies. When my head is down, You remind me to look up. Thank you for all those times You believed when others couldn't see. Without You where would I be?

Second thought of today: Sometimes I get emotional, sometimes I do some stupid things. Sometimes I say what I should just keep inside. Sometimes I am sad about everything. Sometimes I am mad and I break some things. Sorry times 10 but you just got in the way. Don't run away from me, I won't hurt you. Sometimes I am just a pain and that's just the way that I am. Sometimes I feel like crying, like lying down and dying, but thats when I need you. Laughing is always easy but sometimes I'm just scared that you'll leave me, that's when I feel emotional. You say that I'm just impossible, totally unpredictable. I'm just a girl get used to it. It's no big deal really and you can't change me. Why would you even try? I am no angel but I can make you smile and that is just the way it is

It's Always about ME

LAST PERSON WHO....

Slept in your bed: me

Made you cry: Some people at church who are once again trying to take my worship band away from me...grrr

You shared a drink with: um . . . couldn't tell you

You went to the movies with: I have not been to the movies in ages...so I could not even tell you...most likely it was in the summer...and if so, it was Jen Ford, Jenn Anderson and Emily

You went to the mall with: My brother actually, we went yesterday to pick up some pictures

Sent you an e-mail: Beth

You kissed: it was Graham...but a long time ago

HAVE YOU EVER....

Said "I love you" and meant it?: I sure have...I say it all the time to Graham

Been to New York?: the state...yes, the city No, but I would really like to

Been to Florida: yep, 8 years ago next week

California? nope but want to

Hawaii?: nope

Mexico?: nope

China?: nope

Canada?: nope never

Danced naked?: nope

Wish you were the opposite sex?: actually...no

Had an imaginary friend?: yes, I had an imaginary friend named Phil when I was little, he was a pink bunny from mars...I was a stange child

RANDOM

Red or blue?: red

Spring or fall?: fall, the leaves are pretty

Last noise you heard?: the cat falling off the grey box

Things you like in a guy/girl?: sense of humour, sweet, friendly, nice, really just Graham

Do you have a crush on someone?: you could say that

Worst feeling in the world: being sick with no one here to take care of me

What is the first thing you think when you wake in the morning?: no, you lie, it is not time to be awake yet...the sun is even still sleeping

How many rings before you answer?: two

Future daughter's name: Isabel, Phoebe and Jael

Future son's names: Micah, Leo and Noah

Are you a lefty, righty or ambidextrous?: righty

Do you type with your fingers on the right keys?: nope not even close

What's under your bed?: a camping chair, my yoga mat and my suitcases

Do you have siblings: sure do, one sister, one brother and one brother in law

do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend: yes I do, his name is Graham and he is super


THE EXTRA STUFF...

Do you do drugs?: nope . . . and I plan to keep it that way

Do you drink?: I assume you mean alcohol . . . and I do on occasion.

What kind of Shampoo and Conditioner do you use?: Dove

Have you ever been in Love?: yes

Are You Timely Or Always Late: I try to be punctual but sometimes it is just out of my control

Do You Have A Job?: yep, I am a preschool teacher at Active Kids Day Care in Mississauga

Do You Like Being Around People: sometimes....I am an introverted extrovert

Are you for world peace: ask Jesus and whatever He says I'll go with. (good answer Ames)

Are you a health freak: no...I am a fan of the chocolate cakes

STUFF...

Have you ever liked someone you had no chance with: oh yeah, that's fun


Have You Ever Cried Over Something Someone of The Opposite Sex Did: who hasn't?

Do You Have A "Type" Of Person You Always Go After: nope

Do you Want Someone You Don't Have Right Now?: well...technically I can say yes because the person I want is living in the maritimes

Ever liked a close boy/girlfriend: yeah, but it worked out well...seeing as I am still dating him

Are You Lonely Right Now: well I wasn't but now that you bring it up . . . thanks a lot

Ever Afraid You'll Never Get Married: I used to worry about that...but now I am sure that I will someday

Do You Want Kids: yes, I would like no less than six

FAVORITE...

Room In house: my bedroom, it is all pink and pretty

Type(s) of music: punkish stuff, country...really almost every type of music I like

Memory: I don't tend to remember the good stuff...so I have no happy memories...not sure why...I need help

Day Of The Week: every other Friday b/c that's when I get paid

Colour: pink

Perfume and/Or Cologne: I am not a fan of the perfumes and such, they hurt my head

Month: I don't know . . .umm...october...because that is my birthday

Season: fall

IN THE LAST 48 HOURS, HAVE YOU....

Cried: actually...no...surprising

Bought Something: umm...yes, two photo albums and a phone

Gotten Sick: yes actually, I am right now

Sang: yes, I sand to the children yesterday

Said I Love You: yes, on the phone

Wanted To Tell Someone You Loved them: yes, all the time

Met Someone New: don't think so

Moved On: I have nothing to move on too

Talked To Someone: yes, I talk to lots of people during the days

Had A Serious Talk: yes, with a parent of one of the children because this child was sick yesterday

Missed someone: umm . . . yeah but I always miss Graham and my girls


Hugged Someone: yes, one of the children gave me a hug yesterday

Kissed Someone: nope (also sadly)

Fought With Your Parents: surprisingly no, at least not seriously

Dreamed About Someone You Can't Be With: yeah, how'd you know?

Had a lot of sleep: not really because I am sick, so I do not sleep well when I am sick (yay for strep throat)

Updates

~I just passed my 3 month anniversary at work! Yay for now getting one sick day a month paid for! Yippee!

~I am exhausted...working for a living makes me sleepy...night night

~Today I put on my snowpants and played in the snow with 9 children, it made me feel young again.

~Yesterday was the church's annual meeting...3 hours later, we finished...and one elderly man just narrowly escaped with his life

~Currently I am wearing a pink pig puppet on my finger...no questions please

~I still have a nasty cold...it just won't go away

~my cat just bit me...not a fan of when that happens.

~I miss the Fab 4 gals...reunion anyone?

~I miss Graham too...I think he needs to come home now

~I just made myself cry

~The end

Sure, we will go with that

You are "Welcome to the Caribbean, love."
You're more than a little world-weary, but also
intelligent and you keep your head when things
get dodgy. You're everybody's favorite
drinking buddy, but your stubbornness does get
in the way sometimes.

Which one of Captain Jack Sparrow's bizarre sayings from Pirates of the Caribbean are you?
brought to you by

Seriously? Do these even work?

Some pickup lines honestly make me scratch my head and say "do these really work?" Here are a few of my favourites:

~You know you want to buy me some M&Ms
~With hands on shoulders) Oh, those are shoulder blades, I thought they were wings
~Am I dead, Angel? Cause this must be heaven!
~Are you lost ma'am? Because heaven's a long way from here.
~Haven't we met before?
~Bond. James Bond.
~Can I borrow a quarter? ["What for?"] I want to call my mom and tell her I just met the girl of my dreams. OR: I want to call your mother and thank her.
~Did it hurt? Woman: Did what hurt? When you fell out of heaven?
~Excuse me, but I think I dropped something!!! MY JAW!!
~Hi. I suffer from amnesia. Do I come here often?
~I have only three months to live. ..
~I'm new in town. Could you give me directions to your apartment?
~If I could rearrange the alphabet, I'd put U and I together
~If I followed you home, would you keep me?
~If you were a tear in my eye I would not cry for fear of losing you.
~So there you are! I've been looking all over for YOU, the girl of my dreams!
~Stand still so I can pick you up!
~Wouldn't we look cute on a wedding cake together?
~You look like an angel. Welcome to Earth
~Wow

Random Thoughts and Updates

~I relaized just now, that I write a "Random Thoughts and Updates" whenever I can't think of anything else to write.

~My weekends go by just too quickly, it is hard for me to imagine that I go back to work again in the morning.

~I never got to teach my Sunday School Lesson today, my Jr.Highs just started talking about life in general and I could not pass up the chance to impart some of my "elderly wisdom"

~The Youth Group started on Saturday and it went well, we had 10 kids out and I only threatened to throw a certain leader out the window once...okay, no it was twice.

~I got to have a nap this afternoon...that was nice

~I'm not as sad anymore...life is looking up again

~Me and my brother have settled our differences and I actually told him to have fun at his concert.

~It is snowing quite a bit right now...but I am not complaining...I could be living out east like a certain boyfriend I have who is under a blizzard warning.

~I love looking at photographs and remembering back when they were taken with fondness.

~I miss camp right now...that might sound starnge to some seeing the horrific time I had the last time I was there...but I miss camp

~I want chocolate cake

~The television shows are starting to show new episodes again! Yay for that!!! Everwood is new on Monday...just for the sake of those who care

~My computer had issues this morning...it did not what to listen to me as I yelled at it...it might need to go out the window with that certain youth leader

~Ames, I apologize, my family did not make it to the party for your dad last night...it was on my mind all month to put it on the calender...but as with a lot of things in my life right now...it did not happen

~I am currently trying to update my address book...so far, it has been doing really good, I have recieved a lot of replies to the mass email I sent out...if I have not heard from you yet...please do it soon.

~I have not done a "Jenelle's E-song of the Day" in a really long time...so I am going to remedy that right now....

From Undernealth
Hawk Nelson

From undernealth I wanted you
To see the first thing
That I ever poured my heart into
You'll never know the pain that I've been through
I'm not sure you'll ever know
And so I'll make you understand
The words that built my life
Were not from you,
But from my Father's hand

Do you remember, that cold day in December?
Leaving everything you knew behind
I may never know how it feels
To stand beside you
Or take your hand
When I need some direction
And I may never know what its like
To see you smile back at me
Or know you'd be proud of me

From undernealth I promised to
Erase the past
And let my heart forgive the former you
Replace the dark of old
And start brand new
I never thought I'd see the day
I walk towards the end of life
And turn the other way
Reaching out to take my Father's hand

~Because I have missed so many months of my e-songs, I thought, why not include some other favourites of mine.

Long and Lonely Road
Hawk Nelson

I took a walk down a country road
I know it may sound dumb
But I was all alone
If you think I'm going somewhere
Take my hand I'll lead you there
Don't want to have to
Call you from a pay phone

It's a long and lonely road
It's a long and lonely road
If you don't like it
Then please don't take it
It's a long and lonely road

I took a walk down a country road
I know it may sound dumb
But I was all alone
If you think I'm going somewhere
Take my hand I'll lead you there
Don't want to have to
Call you from a pay phone

I know it is so hard
For you and I to be apart
I'm slowly fading
You're my lady
That keeps me moving on
Honest promise
You will be missed!

Suds in the Bucket
Sara Evans

She was in the backyard
They say it was a little past nine
When her prince pulled up
A white pickup truck
Her folks should have seen it coming
It was only just a matter of time
Plenty old enough
And you can't stop love

She stuck a note to the screen door
"Sorry but I got to go"
That was all she wrote
Her mama's heart was broke
That was all she wrote
So the story goes
Now her daddy's in the kitchen
Just staring out the window
Scratching and racking his brain

How could 18 years just up and walk away
Our little pony-tailed girl
Growed up to be a woman
And she is gone in the blink of an eye
She left her suds in the bucket
And her clothes hanging out on the line

Now don't you wonder what the preachers
Gonna preach about Sunday Morn
Nothing quite like this has happened here before
Well he must have been a looker
A smooth talking son of a gun
For such a grounded girl
To just up and run
Cause you can't fence time
And you can't stop love
Now the biddy's in the beauty shop
Gossip going non-stop
Sipping on pink lemonade

How could 18 years just up and walk away
Our little pony-tail girl
Growed up to be a woman
Now she's gone in the blink of an eye
She left her suds in the bucket
And the clothes hanging out on the line

She's got her pretty little bare feet
Hanging out the window
And their headed up to Vegas tonight

How could 18 years just up and walk away
Our little pony-tailed girl
Growed up to be a woman
Now she's gone in the blink of an eye
She left her suds in the bucket
And the clothes hanging out on the line

She was in the back yard
They say it was a little past nine
When her prince pulled up
A white pickup truck
Plenty old enough
And you can't stop love

~Oh, Congrates to my old friend Katie on her current engagment...I hope you will be very happy

~That is the end of my thoughts for today

The Worst Feeling

I feel that one of the worst feelings in the whole world is to be disappointed or let down by a friend, family member or loved one. In the past 24 hours, I have felt let down by 2 of the 3...and let me tell you, the worst one was the let down by the family member. The friend one was really not that bad...I mean, yeah I was disappointed, but I will move on and we have other plans, no need to worry about it. But my family member let down, not only affects me, but several other people were counting on this as well. Grr...it makes me so angry just thinking about it!

Okay, here is the story...I told my brother about a month ago to keep the 15th of January free because the worship band was asked to play at the opening of the Youth Group...he said that yes, I could "always count on him", I reminded him two weeks ago and he still said that he remembered and that he would be there, he "would not miss it for the world" because he knew it was important to me. That is a good sign don't you think? Well, anyways, tonight when I was in the car with my father picking him and his girlfriend up from the mall, I just happened to casually comment about the youth group tomorrow and how we were playing at it, and he told me that he "made other plans with Christine" so he won't be there!! Can you believe it? I am so flipping mad right now...he broke a promis to me and that hurts a lot.

I can honestly say that this is one of the worst feelings in the whole world

Updates!

~It has been over a month since I last posted

~Christmas was a good season, very busy however

~Work is going well, I am exhausted at the end of the day...so that must count for something

~Graham left on Saturday to return to the maritimes...I miss him already

~Over the break I learned that apparently Chicken Noodle Soup is a "very lesbian thing" to eat...shock

~I saw Nathan Carroll over the break...I've missed that kid...

~It seems that everyone is having babies right now...Chris and Michele Hutton just had a girl, my friend Ben and his wife Cindy just had a girl, Jaya James and Luke Hill are expecting their first and Nathan and Ruth Hill are expecting their second...too many babies I say!

~I have hurt my back...ouchy...

~I done for now

So the other day...

So, the other day, I was going through my CD collection and I came across a song that I did not remember ever listening to on one of my soundtracks, so I put it on and to my surprise, it was one of those songs that really just make you think of the person you love...you know the kind of song I am talking about? Here is the song, I dedicate it to Graham...

God Knew I needed you

I look at you and I see
The one that God chose for me
What did I do to deserve
All I have recieved?
We're like a hand in a glove
One heart made from two
God knew I needed you

You know my heart in a way
I'm known by no one else
And who you are
Gives me the strength beyond myself
Inspite of all you see
I know your love is true
God knew I needed you

When we face the darkest of night
I'll reach out for your hand
And I know your love will hold me tight
Until we see the sun again
For God has given me a taste
Of Heaven here on earth
Until this life is through
I belong to you

My heart will fail
And my weaknesses will be uncovered
But love will prevail
When we choose to turn to each other
And in the deepest valley
The Lord will see us through
He knew just what I needed
He knew I needed you

Top Reasons why I could never be a reality show contestant

1. I hate flying in airplanes

2. I am way to skittish...it's true, I don't take many risks in life.

3. I am not a fan of the wilderness...true, I go to camp Hermosa, but that is not camping, that is cabining...and have any of you seen my reaction to being outside at camp after dark?

4. I have a very weak stomach...having to eat cow brains, would not make me happy

5. I am very much family oriented...I can't go a week without communicating with my family, friends and loved ones.

6. I have issues following rules and directions

7. I am a fan of consistancy

8. I give up on things way too easily...I have no endurance

9. I do not like bugs and animals (wild ones)

10. I am allergic to almost everything...seriously all the food on Survivor would kill me

11. I am accident prone...I would be the one to fall in the fire

12. I can't swim

13. I bruise very easily

14. I hate confrontations

15. I am way way to nice

16. I am almost dependent on technology

17. I like to eat all the time

18. I am not a problem solver

19. Plus I am indecisive

20. I am not a model

21. I really have no desire to be on one

Dante's Inferno Test

The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Extreme
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Very High
Level 2 (Lustful)	Low
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	Very Low
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Very Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Very Low
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	Low
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Low
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Very Low

Take the Dante's" Divine Comedy Inferno Test

Random Thoughts about the trip

~I am home safely, after a little bit of nerves and one really hard landing, I made it back in one piece.

~Surprisingly, Beth did not have to force me onto the plane on the way there.

~We arrived and Graham was waiting for us at the airport, I was so relieved to see him, I'm pretty sure that every feeling I had showed on my face at that point.

~We recieved our rental car, it was a red Kia Spectra...with a CD player, we were happy. It was a great little car, except for when the spedometer stopped working, that was not cool. "Umm...I have a question? Why are we going zero?"

~We got to Lauren's and she was waiting by the door for us, we had a great reunion and then decided to go out for dinner. We went to East Side Marios...it was good food.

~After dinner, we all (Me, Beth, Graham and Lauren) went back to Lauren's house and watched a movie. We watched the Wal-Mart Baby Movie

~When the movie ended, Graham and me went out by ourselves. We went to Timmy's and then I got a little tour of Moncton. One of the best moments ever from the trip

~We went back to Lauren's after midnight and the girls were still up playing Jeopardy, so we joined in and we all ended up stay awake until 4 in the morning.

~The next day, we got a later start than we should have, but we took our first road trip down to Nova Scotia. We spent the afternoon in Halifax before heading off to Peggy's Cove. Which unfortunately we did not get there until after dark, so we really could not see anything.

~This means, I have still never seen the Atlantic Ocean.

~We drove back to Halifax and got a little lost looking for the Swiss Chalet in the business park. "Guy's I think I have seen that Wal-Mart before."

~The next morning, I got up early and walked over to Graham's house because the girls wanted to sleep in and I wanted to spend as much time with Graham as I could. We spent several hours together before Beth and Lauren showed up for what we called "Everything Moncton Day"

~We went out to ABU (Atlantic Baptist University) and got a tour of that, it is a very nice school, honestly, if I was considering continuing my education, I would go there.

~While there, we met up with Kyle Allen and we all went to McDonald's for lunch, before we returned Kyle to his dorm to do homework.

~From McDonald's, I forget the order we did things, but we went to Chapter's and the Crystal Palace (which is an indoor amusement park) Most things were closed because Rememberance day is a statutory holiday out east.

~We also went to Magnetic Hill and did that, it was really kind of cool...but weird at the same time.

~From there, we went back to Lauren's and Graham cooked us dinner, although I was not feeling well and only have two bites of my cappeletti...Graham made spagetthi...and I do not like it, so I ate my left overs...but then I was sick and had toast.

~After dinner, Graham and me went back to his apartment because we were being picked up for small group and bowling.

~Craig came to pick us up, it was really good to see him, I had missed him a whole lot.

~We went to Jeremy McWilliams (is that right?) house for small group (A Purpose Driven Life). When we broke up into male female groups, the girls spent the whole time asking me questions about me and Graham's relationship and my life back home. It was good times.

~After the group ended, we went bowling. I love bowling, although I always end up hurting my arm...but oh well, I still enjoyed it. It was good fun, and I laughed a lot, like when Craig started changing the names of people while they bowled. And I got to meet Debbie (Craig's girlfriend) she is really great, I could see us becoming really good friends.

~After bowling, Craig and Debbie, me and Graham went out for ice cream at McDonald's and stayed there until after midnight, then me and Graham got dropped off back at his house and we walked back to Lauren's.

~The next day, we got up extra early and started our trek out to PEI. Honestly, one of the top favourite moments from the trip. I love PEI. We got there just before lunch and spent some time in Charlottetown. We saw the Leuteniant Governor's house, which I want..and the six canons on the hill. We made fun of them and then got back in the car and drove around for a few minutes...seeing UPEI and some hospitals (always a good thing with me around)

~We headed up to Cavendish (the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables) and had to laugh at all the "Closed for the season" signs we saw...made me giggle.

~We were relieved that Green Gables was actually open, so we spent the 4 dollars to go in and see it, the house was basically what I remembered, but they added in a barn and woodshed. So those were really interesting. I wanted to go down some of the trails (like lover's lane and the haunted woods) but Lauren said no, so I backed off.

~We stopped in at the cemetery where Lucy Maud Montgomery was buried and took some pictures.

~We headed up the road to the famous Cavendish Beach, which was of course "Closed for the season" but we went in anyways, and it was really pretty, we took lots of pictures.

~From here, we drove down to West Point to see this lighthouse for Lauren, which was actually a hotel in the lighthouse, it was really pretty, although "Closed for the Season" I think it would be worth going back someday to stay in though...

~We then headed back to Summerside for dinner, and we ate in this cute little place called "Gentleman Jim's" and I hade the roast beef dinner, which was huge but I ate the whole thing, it was really yummy.

~We then headed back to the bridge, and back to New Brunswick. It was a long drive.

~The next day, Lauren decided not to come with us on "Fundy Day" but that is alright, Craig and Debbie came with us and we made a fun day of it.

~We drove through the mountains and by the way, it was really snowing and staying on the ground.

~We stopped in at Crooked Creek Lookout but we could not see anything due to the snow, but we tried anyways, Graham and Craig started a snow ball fight.

~From here, we went down to Alma to buy Lobster and eat sticky buns, but the place was closed, so we had lunch. and drove up to the Bay of Fundy, and I got to see it and taste it, I also got to see the tide go out. That was fun, Graham continued to thrown snow balls at Craig.

~On the way back to Moncton, we stopped at the Hopewell Rocks, they are famous, and very pretty...they are what happens to the rocks when the tide comes in and out. We took lots of pictures here.

~Then it was 'date night' which means that me and Graham had dinner together and Beth went out with Kyle.

~Graham cooked me a very nice dinner and then we spent the rest of the evening hanging out and talking because it was snowing too hard to go anywhere. But we did head outdoors at one point and built a huge snowman named Charlie. He is taller than Graham!!

~But then it was time to take me back to Lauren's. It was a sad time for me, because I was going home the next day. :*-(

~The next morning, Beth and me had to shovel the driveway in our church clothes. Not the most fun experience every!

~We went to church with Graham at Highfield United Baptist Church. It was a really good service, I like that church a lot, if I lived out there, I would probably go there as well.

~After church we went to Swiss Chalet for lunch, it was a lady from the church's birthday, so we went to celebrate with her. Her name is Dora...and the cutest little lady every!

~Then it was time to go to the airport. I cried, I really did. Saying "see you soon" or "good bye" hurts a lot. But I am going to make myself cry if I continue...so yeah...

~On Monday I started my new job...I really like it there. But it did not take long at all to get the flu. Yep, I got the flu Wednesday night and it is now Friday and I am still at home...I am moving a little bit more, but not leaving the house by any stretch of the means.

~That was my trip. I plan to do it again...maybe in the summer though. I was also thinking that if we do it in the summer, we can tent camp, and not have to drive as much in the days...just a thought.

Thought of the day...

Okay, so it hit me today, that people in this world use the phrase "life or death" very often. That these people are forever getting themselves into situations that they would deem in the category of "life or death." But as I pondered this phrase, it struck me...that the opposite of death is not life at all. The opposite of death is birth. So, what is the opposite of life?

Oh, the Places You'll Go!

Way back in June, if anyone can even remember that far, I had a party to celebrate my graduation from Sheridan College...a good time was had by all, and one of my dearest and closest friends gave me a book, and honestly, I fell in love with this book, and ended up reading it to my Sunday School class one Sunday and they told me that it holds a message that the whole world should hear...now, I can't reach the whole world from where I sit right now, except through the internet, so I am posting the book here...or at least parts of it anyways....

Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Dr. Suess

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "I don't choose to go there."
With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,
you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.
And you may not find any
You'll want to go down.
In that case, of course,
you'll head straight out of town.
It's opener there
in the wide open air.
Out there things can happen
and frequently do
to people as brainy
and footsy as you.
And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.
OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don't.
Because sometimes, you won't.
I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly it's true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.
You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.
You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are then,
that you'll be in a Slump.
And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they're darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?
And IF you go in, should you turn left or right...
or right and three quarters? Or maybe, not quite?
Or go around back and sneak in from behind?
Simple it's not, I'm afraid you will find,
for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.
You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, towards a most useless place.
THE WAITING PLACE...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring or the snow to snow
or waiting for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting...
NO!
That's not for you!
Somehow you'll escape
all that waiting and staying
You'll find the bright place
where Boom Bands are playing
Oh, the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored. There are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with a ball
will make you the winningest winner of all.
Fame! You'll be famous as famous can be,
with the whole wide world watching you win on T.V.
Except when they don't.
Because sometimes, they won't.
I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too.
Games you can't win
'cause you'll play against you.
You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed,)
KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

Let's look at the Bigger Picture shall we?

On an average day in Canada,

~500 million cups of coffee are consumed
~School kids ride 12,720,000 miles on school buses
~10,205 people give blood
~$54,794 is spent trying to fight dandruff
~10,000 people take their first airplane flight
~205 animals are buried in pet cemeteries
~3 million people go to the movies
~9,077 babies are born
~4,109 people jump out of an airplane
~679 million phone calls are made (50 million are long distance)
~5,962 couples get married
~Each one of us produces nearly 6 pounds of garbage
~1,169,863 people take a taxi
~$10 million is spent on advertising
~5,041 people reach the age of 65
~Motorists pay $4,036,000 in tolls
~10 doctors are disciplined by medical boards
~88 million watch prime time American TV
~63,288 cars crash
~Industries generates nearly one pound of hazardous waste for every Canadian
~1.1 million patients are admitted to the hospital
~180,000 people buy new CD players
~28 mail carriers are bitten by dogs
~2,466 children are also bitten by dogs
~41 million people go to school
~19,178,000 snapshots are taken by amateurs
~240 patents are issued
~38,690 go to hear a symphony orchestra
~21,000 gallons of oil are spilled from tankers and barges

So what? That's trivia, right? Dull stuff that nobody really cares about, am I right? Well, think of it this way. When you multiply all those things by 365, you will get a general idea that there is a fair amount of energy, money, activity and trauma going on in just a year's time. And that is just in Canada---representing only a portion of the world's population. We may not be a big country, but we are very busy. In fact, we are so busy that it is easy to get selfishly swept up in the whirlwind of our own little playground sandwiched between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans...blessed beyond measure and rich beyond comparison.

Every so often it is helpful for me to stop the annual merry-go-round, get off and look objectively, and to think clearly. It is not only helpful for me, it is essential for all the Christians. In this circus-like Canadian lifestyle of ours, we tend to be deafened by the blare of our own band and blinded by the lights of our own spots, shining, always shining, on the ring of our own choice.

That needs to change. We need to hear the voice of the Ringmaster as He raises His hand to stop the band:

We interrupt this program to bring all of you a reminder that the world in which you live is not the whole world...but only a very small part of the world for which I died."

The Great Commission is still "the Great Commission," not "The Limited Agreement for My Corner of Canada." He still looks out across a wide world and weeps over men and women and children who do not know, have not heard of His healing, life-giving Name.

Can you feel His pain?

What can we do to reach farther, see wider, feel deeper? What could help us kindle a greater understanding, prespective, and compassion for this vast hurting world of ours?

~Taking a missionary out for coffee?
~Reading, really absorbing, a good missions magazine?
~Writing a letter to some battle-weary solider in the trenches of a distant land?
~Making friend with the lonely international student in our schools?

Sound risky? Maybe. But I've got a hunch that when the score is added up one day as we stand before our Lord, many of us would wish we had played more Risk and a lot less Trivial Pursuit.

What if nobody believed in you?

I watched him take the two strike call
He hadn't tried to swing at all
I guess he had all he could take
He walked away for goodness sake
His father’s voice was loud and mean
You won’t amount to anything.

That little boy quit trying
He just walked away
There were tear drops on his face
Tell me how would you feel
You'd probably give up too
If nobody believed in you.

That old man said, ''One more try.
''I know I’m not too old to drive
I promise son, I'll do my best
This time I'm gonna pass the test
Give me the keys, dad and get in
His father never drove again.

That old man quit trying
He just turned away
There were tear drops on his face
Tell me how would you feel
You’d probably give up too
If nobody believed in you.

We take his name out of schools
The lawyers say it breaks the rules
Pledge of allegiance can not be read
And "Under God" should not be said
I wonder how much he will take
I just pray it's not too late.

What if God quit trying
He just turned away
There were tear drops on his face
Tell me how would you feel
You'd probably give up too
If nobody believed in you.

Tell me how would you feel
You'd probably give up too
If nobody believed in you...

Update

Been a while since I last wrote, so here is an update on the things around me. Ready and Go

~Survivor: First Lisa and then John voted out...and oh yeah, stuff happened on the show

~I started my job...well sort of, I worked 4 hours both Thursday and Friday and I think I might just love it there, which is a very good thing.

~I am never going back to Camp Hermosa again...I know, I know...how could I of all people say that, but the choice has been made to hire Kathy back for another summer because she was "judged unfairly" and I for one will not be a part of that, seeing as she told me that I was emotionally unstable.

~I leave for New Brunswick in 7 days and counting, I am very excited, this is quite the adventure I am taking on...scared of the flying though...but oh well...lives goes on and I will get to spend some time with Beth and see Graham in the process as well, life is good.

~I've decided that I am the worst friend in the whole wide world...I barely talk to my girls anymore, so I publically apologize to April, Amy and Emily for my neglect...I promise that I will get better.

~So, my doctor asked me the other day when this summer I was getting married...apparently I missed that memo...anyone care to fill me in on that one?

~We had a youth rally at our church, it went really well...we had only 30 kids at the rally...but for anyone who has actually come to our rally...30 is pretty darn good.

~After the rally we had a concert, which went really well, the girls in the youth group fell in love with One Way Out, but you know, they are young, they fall in and out so quickly.

~Then the horrors of all horrors, we had a sleepover afterwards, there were 19 kids sleeping over and I honestly wanted to throw them all out the window...I even threatened one of them that I would do it to...and they said they would tell their mom, but I pointed out that their mother would have stood by and applauded and then maybe thrown money at me for doing it, this child agreed.

~I started to paint the mural on the wall of my church nursery...one of the sheep now look like baby poop...but that was not my fault in the long run...I hope to have pictures to put up soon.

~My cousin might be getting a divorce...but what is new with my extended family...we have the long standing record of 9 divorces in just the aunts and uncles alone...nice eh? Especially when there are only 4 of them to divide it through.

~My grandparents have arrived safely in Florida....and found that they have a lot of clean up to do from the...what was it 4 hurricanes to hit?

~My foot just fell asleep

~New favourite movie of all time: Casablanca...and I change who will play me in the story of my life...Ingrid Bergman

The End

Oops

P.S Happy Birthday Matt!

Congrats!

My congrats go out to my wonderful boyfriend Graham on being voted "Off Campus Rep" at ABU. I knew that you could do it and I am so very proud of you. Good luck with the tasks for this year. Cause a disturbance, please. I look forward to our future political careers in the process of taking over the world. It is now in our grasps. I love you so much!!

The New Kid on the Block

Well, after how many weeks of being unemployed and searching desperatly for a job doing anything anywhere. I finally got a job. You are all talking to the newest preschool teacher in Mississauga! I got called this morning by the supervisor of Active Kids Day Care and was offered a full time position with them as the head teacher in their new preschool room. I have never been so excited in my life! Maybe that is an exageration, but I am really happy right now. The best part is that I do not have to start until the 15th of November which just so happens to be the day after I return from my trip. How great is that?

P.S I really suck at this blogging thing right now and I apologize. This is a really busy weekend for me right now, so the Survivor update will be readable on Monday or Tuesday. I am deeply sorry for the delay

The ground is shaking

After a tribal reshuffling sent two men to Yasur, that tribe moved one castaway closer to reverting to an all-woman crew when they voted out new member Travis Sampson. Just before the Immunity Challenge began, Travis attempted to communicate secretly with a former tribemate. His new comrades at Yasur saw this as an act of disloyalty and swiftly sent him packing in an almost unanimous decision. Shortly after that fateful decision, Travis warned, "Don't let nobody fool you. It's as tough as you see on TV."

After yet another cold night, the men of Lopevi immediately awoke to conflict over who gets to sleep by the fire. Happy with his pole-position of heat, Travis refused to consider a rotating sleeping situation that would give all Lopevi members a chance to sleep in the prime position. As Chad Crittenden explained, "Some positions are more desirable than others. Bubba just would not give up his prime spot."

The women of Yasur and the men of Lopevi were all surprised to spot indigenous Vanuatu tribesmen approach their shore. Upon reaching the camp, the Vanuatu warriors demanded that each tribe choose a chief. Lopevi chose Lea "Sarge" Masters, while Yasur chose Scout Cloud Lee. "We kinda have a feeling that the tribes are going to get mixed up in some way," predicted Leann Slaby.

As they speculated about the mysterious roles of their chiefs, both tribes were surprised by a furious earthly rumble. It was a Vanuatu earthquake, which sent the birds into a frenzy and awoke the island volcano. Realizing the power of the Vanuatu land, the castaways were unnerved. "I could do without that," said Leann, putting it mildly.

As the castaways convened for the Reward Challenge, host Jeff Probst announced a tribal reshuffling. The two chosen chiefs, Sarge and Scout, would now be leaders of the new tribes. Scout was to assign the Survivors to each tribe, and Sarge would get to choose which tribe he would lead.

After Scout's selections were completed, the new Yasur retained its old roster with the additions of Rory and Travis, minus Julie and Twila. After the shuffle, the new Lopevi roster was Chad, Chris, John K, Julie and Twila, with Sarge as leader; the new Yasur lineup was Ami, Eliza, Leann, Lisa, Rory and Travis, with Scout at the helm.

As the new tribes readied for the Reward Challenge, Jeff Probst explained that this Challenge would be a relay-style race down into the deep water of Vanuatu. Pulling themselves along a rope line one at a time, the castaways would retrieve markers placed at two-foot increments. The tribe retrieving the most markers in the time allotted would win the Reward: a daytime excursion to the picturesque waterfalls of Vanuatu, with all the Pringles they can eat, washed down with all the beer they can drink.

The Challenge started off with a splash as the Survivors dove into the ocean in search of markers. Lopevi suffered a major blow when Chris Daugherty, dropped his marker and watched it descend to the bottom of the ocean. Stalemated and with time running out, Chris submerged himself for Lopevi while Ami Cusack, dove under for Yasur. Ami could not make it that deep and emerged empty-handed. Chris redeemed his previous mistake as he rose from the depths of the Vanuatu waters holding the crucial marker that sealed the Reward for his new Lopevi tribe.

Against the spectacular backdrop of Vanuatu's waterfalls, the new Lopevi tribe bonded over all the beer and Pringles they could consume. New Lopevi members Julie Berry, and Twila Tanner, immediately tried to bond with their tribemates. "Two women, the rest of them men. Are they gonna try to pick us off? I don't know," admitted Julie. "So, me and Twila tried to weasel our way in there pretty tight."

Meanwhile, at Yasur, the women greeted Rory and Travis with open arms, offering the new arrivals coconut milk, sweet sugar cane and comfortable beds. Dissention quickly arose when Ami second-guessed her tribe's hospitality. "I don't think it's so important to show them all of our secrets," she noted. "We're definitely still five women strong, and they need to prove themselves, or else they're out of here."

When the tribes assembled for the Immunity Challenge, Jeff Probst explained that this would be another relay race, this time through the jungle and out into the water. The castaways must race into the jungle to gather outrigger canoe parts and paddles. Once all the pieces are gathered, each tribe must assemble their canoe, then paddle out to retrieve their flag. The first tribe to bring their flag back to the beach wins.

As Jeff Probst explained the Challenge, Travis tried to communicate something to Chad, now on the opposing tribe. This exchange attempt was not lost on Ami, who had been watching her new tribemates.

The battle got off to a franetic start as Julie and Chad emerged from the brush with the paddles, giving Lopevi the early lead. Yasur fell even farther behind when Rory had trouble untying the knots to release their paddle. Enjoying a big lead, Lopevi assembled their canoe and took to the water. Paddling fiercely, Chad and John Kenney, had trouble steering the Lopevi canoe, which allowed Yasur a chance to get back into the game albeit they had the worst paddling technique I have ever seen...and I have seen quite a bit of canoing in my lifetime (my dad used to take us all the time, I loved it). However, it was too little, too late for Yasur, as the Lopevi tribe members righted their craft, captured their flag and carried it onto shore to secure the victory and the coveted Immunity.

Returning to camp after their crushing defeat, Yasur considered which tribemate they should send packing. As the newest members and the only men in the tribe, Travis and Rory knew they were on the chopping block. However, Eliza Orlins, argued that without the men, Yasur's ability to compete in Challenges could be compromised.

Despite Eliza's arguments, it was clear that Travis' new tribemates saw his attempt to communicate with Chad as treachery. "People will get themselves kicked out,"

Ami noted. "You don't have to kick them out. They'll get themselves kicked out." In the end, Travis did get himself kicked out. His brief stay at Yasur ended with a six-to-one decision that sent him home. Travis became the sixth Survivor to be voted off SURVIVOR: VANUATU.

26 Days to Go

Okay Okay, enough with the blackmail to get back to the whole writing a blog thing. I realize that it has almost been a week since I last posted an entry...but in that space of time, I have been at the computer all of 5 times, and each of those times for like 2 seconds each. I have been to Toronto, to Peterborough, to Kitchener, to babysitting the child from hell...to being sick, to being tired, to being to apthetic to even move. But I am here now...letting you all know that in 26 days, give or take a few more, Beth and Me are jumping on a plane and flying out east. It should be a great time, and I can not wait to see Graham, I never realized just how much I loved him until he left, and now I miss him like crazy! So yay for a trip to see him...(Graham...you better realize how much I love you now...seeing as I am doing the thing that I am scared of the most just to see you!) Okay, moving now...actually, I am exhausted after trailing an 8 year old ADHD boy for the last day and a half...and I have to do it all day tomorrow too....so I am going to bed...I will maybe write more some other time.

And then they were weak

The only place where being healthy and young may be a liability is the Lopevi camp, where the alliance of elders continues to cut down the youthful and strong. The victim this time was Brady Finta, who, like the others before him, failed to put a dent in the five-man alliance formed at the very beginning of SURVIVOR: VANUATU. After seeing his torch snuffed, Brady spoke as though he were a member of the pact of elders in his Final Words: "Brady is one of those guys where, if he makes it to the merge, he's going to kick my ass."
Returning from a Tribal Council in which Lisa Keiffer, broke her alliance in order to vote out Mia Galeotalanza, tensions were high and trust was low at the Yasur camp. After fielding a verbal assault from the alliance of young women, Lisa defended her vote by pointing out the previous dishonesty perpetrated by Eliza Orlins. "I did what I did. I'm not going to argue with you. I told you I didn't trust you!" Lisa forcefully explained to Eliza.
The day after Tribal Council, the alliance of Lopevi elders were feeling good as the five older men had so far succeeded in systematically voting off the younger members. Strong, on the chopping block and hoping to turn the tide, Brady tried to make himself invaluable to the tribe by positioning himself as Lopevi's provider of fish. Using a Hawaiian sling won at a previous Challenge, Brady could only bring home the smallest of catches. "Hopefully, we'll figure out a way to shake up camp and change the dynamics of what's going on right now, because something's gotta happen," Brady observed.
When the tribes convened for the Reward Challenge, host Jeff Probst explained that this would be a test of memory skills. Pairs of tam tams, shells, pig tusks, fish traps and other Vanuatu cultural items were hidden under an array of woven baskets. The Survivors must take turns finding matching pairs in the field of baskets. The first tribe to find five pairs wins the services of an authentic Vanuatu tribesman named Dah. For 24 hours following the Challenge, Dah would teach the winning tribe everything they need to know about survival in Vanuatu, including the nuances of fishing, hunting and shelter.
Yasur quickly jumped to a wide lead, thanks to the sharp memories of Ami Cusack, Leann Slaby, Julie Berry, and Eliza. Lopevi marched back into the competition when Lea "Sarge" Masters, matched the pig jaws, and Chad Crittenden, matched the coconuts.
But victory was not meant for the men of Lopevi. Lisa uncovered the second nautilus shell to make the final pair, which won Yasur the reward of Vanuatu tutelage under Dah, the island expert.
When Yasur lined up on the beach to welcome Dah, the local specialist wasted no time with pleasantries launched into the lessons. Dah immediately taught the women of Yasur how to retrieve coconuts for milk, then showed them roots, nuts and sugarcane. The crash course on Vanuatu survival was sure to aid the Yasur tribemates for the rest of their stay. "I definitely feel more confident that I could find food by myself, that I could cook it by myself," exclaimed Ami. "I think he really boosted team moral. That's huge."
Morale was low at Lopevi as Travis Sampson, became achingly homesick. To add to their problems, the feud between alliance members Rory Freeman, and Sarge intensified. Travis observed, "Right now, we just need harmony in the team. And today, that definitely wasn't happening."
After a tearful goodbye to Dah, the refreshed Yasur tribe made their way to the Immunity Challenge, reconvening with the depleted Lopevi. Jeff Probst explained that this Challenge involved mental agility. The tribes must race to match a series of large colored tiles according to the symbol painted on each. With each tribe designating a member to be the "eyes" from a perch, they must arrange the tiles in a grid so that no repeated colors or symbols would be in the same row or column. The first tribe to decipher this brainteaser would win Immunity.
Yasur chose Eliza to be their eyes; Lopevi chose Rory. The competition got off to a chaotic start for Lopevi because the members weren't acting in accord with each other or listening to Rory. Yasur, on the other hand, listened to Eliza and worked as a team to figure out how crack the puzzle. Ultimately, the suggestion from Scout Cloud Lee, held the key to the puzzle, handing the women of Yasur the crucial victory.
With the task of sending someone home looming, the men of Lopevi returned to camp a tribe divided. Knowing they were on the chopping block, Brady and John Kenney, voiced their concern that the alliance of tribal elders was making a big mistake by voting off the stronger members because without the skills and strength of youth, Lopevi was sure to lose Challenge after Challenge. Meanwhile, the pact of five knew that it was crucial to hold strong to their plan and not waver. "Man, I hope the five of us really are together, because if not, I'm dead right now," worried Rory.
Rory's fears proved to be unfounded as the men of Lopevi ousted Brady, in a landslide six-to-one decision. Brady became the fifth Survivor to be voted off SURVIVOR: VANUATU.

Dating for Dummies

So, I am sitting at home on an idle Thursday and I recieve an email from one of the leaders of my church (whose child just so happens to be in my Sunday School Class) and this leader from the church asked me to do a series in the class on "Dating for Christians" This came as a shock to me, because I for one do not consider myself an expert in this field...I am more an amature than anything else...because honestly, even ask Graham, I have done things sometimes that could have been considered as sabotaging the relationship, just stupid things really. Luckily for me, Graham loves me enough to look past these things because obviously we are still together. Anyways, back to my class...I honestly have no idea what I have to offer these children...all I really know is mostly from past relationships, remember Dave, Kyle, Ryan...etc....so I know some negative things like: how to avoid being kissed, how to deal with being stood up, and things not to give as gifts...this could be a test of my strength...I looked at the book "Every Young Girls Battle" and that could have been helpful, except for the 3 males in the class, who probably would not appreciate that...okay...so not sure what to do at this point. Hmmm...I will have to work on this. But until then, I can give you some useful information...how about, some good ideas of gift and some not so good ideas for gifts...Christmas and Birthdays are coming, and I have included some things that will work for the girl/guy who has everything...or doesn't know what they want...
(The italics are what NOT to get them, seriously)

Jenelle's A-Z list of good gifts:

A-

Affirmation- Giving this gift at every opportunity will change someone's life

Almonds- Okay this one would kill me, but some people like them

acne cream

B-

Belief- Let this person know that you believe in them

Box of Diamonds---who doesn't want this?

bedpan, broken seashell

C-

Carriage Ride- any romance inspired girl would love a carriage ride with their special guy. It may be difficult to arrange, but well worth it I assure you

Compliments- Take the time to notice the good in this person

cemetery plot, Christmas ornament (in July?), clothing 3 sizes too large

D-

Dessert- Prepare the person's favourite, a good way to the heart

Diamonds- yes again, they are a girls best friend

dead animals, plants, deodorant insoles

E-

Everything- This gift is perfect for the hard-to-shop-for

Exotic Pet- a small fish, a gerbil or a leopard...you pick

Extra Time- spending more time than usual with this person...

egg timer, eight track tape, exercise book, expired cottage cheese, exposed film

F-

Flower Shop- By buying the entire store for them, they will never run out

Frame a Favourite- Take a picture of the two of you, and frame it for them


G-

Glass Blowing Lessons- Expect to recieve several glass objects in the future

Gloves- could be any sort-winter, baseball, fancy, welding

H-
Hippopotamus- why not, everyone should have one, but to save you the trouble, have it gift wrapped at the store

Historical Relic- I was desperate for more "H" things...so try an old coin, well aged book

Hug- If you could package these, you would be a millionaire...give one everyday

home-made sand candle

I-

Inscription- Inscribe something meaningful on something special

Island- buy a deserted tropical island or rent one for the day...if cost is a facr, keep it small

J-

Journal- who doesn't want one of these? They can keep photos, quotes, letters...anything in it

Jokes- With the right timing, jokes can make anyone laugh

Jungle- If you could not afford the island, a jungle is less expensive

K-

Knapsack- prepare a knapsack full of picnic things...it's romantic

King- (for females giving gifts to males only) Treat them like a king for the day

Kentucky Bluegrass- buy as much as you can afford...if wealthy but Kentucky state

L-

Letterhead Stationary- Design and print a set of personal letterhead for this person

Library- Buy them a library, name it after them

last year's calender, lint brush, lunch with a newly divorced friend

M-

Marquee- rent a theatre or restaurant marquee (sign thing) and display a personal messge

Mint- not the breath type- the coin type

N-

Nonverbal Communication- Smiles, hugs, kisses are great. Take advantage of this easy-to-use silent gift.

Nourishment- Make them food, who does not like to eat, make their favourite

Nutmeg Farm- perfect for Christmas for individuals NOT allergic to nut products.

O-

Oneself- stick yourself in a box and send yourself to this person. Poke air holes in the box so that you are infact alive when you arrive, and label the box "LIVE PLANT, OPEN IMMEDIATELY"

Oyster Bed- ideal for the pearl lovers, hire divers

P-

Parking Lot- make sure it is conveniently located, hire a valet

Party- throw a party, the crazier the theme the better

Patience- dreaded word, I know...but it is a good thing

Q-

Quadriga- my dad helped me come up with this one, it is a Roman chariot drawn by 4 horses. This gift may be hard to fit in the living room.

Queen- (for males giving gift to females) Treat her like a queen for the day

Quotation- Find a quote that they like, write it in calligraphy and frame it

R-

Relaxation- Christmas/birthday can be a stressful time, let this person know that you want to just send a relaxing evening alone together.

Reunion- Plan a special reunion between this person and someone they have not seen in a long time.

S-

Sacrafice- Go out of your way to do everything this person has every dreamed of.

Stadium- This is a practical gift for the avid sports fan. For an added touch, purchase the home team.

Stamps- Ideal for the long distance, send this person a "school term" supply of stamps

T-

Tandem Bicycle- Buy, rent or borrow this two seater bike and take them for a ride

Thankfulness- make a list of all you are thankful about this person.

Traffic Light- Purchase a traffic light in your city and make sure it is always green, just for them.

U-

Umbrella- Do not buy just any umbrella, rather one with a radio in the handle or that turns into a life boat in case of flooding

Uplifting- Make a list of things this person enjoys doing, refer to it often

V-

Vacation- Take your special someone on a long vacation

Valentines- Why wait for February, send them cards and gifts all year, stock up on after day sales

W-

Wild Berries- they are yummy

Woods- it could go well with their jungle and island.

X-

X- giving a kiss is easy, inexpensive and delightful, but make it a good one.

Xebec- this 3-masted Mediterranean sailing vessel makes a unique gift.

Xerox- make 10 copies of your face and mail, hide, post and hand them to this person, so your face will not be forgotten

Y-

Yankees- why not, they are the super team after all

Yolks- make them breakfast in bed

Z-

Zany- allow them to be as crazy as they want to be

Zeppelin- this rare gift is a romantic way to fly, especially if you are not in a hurry

Zodiac- Rent one of these exciting inflatible boats and take them around a lake or harbour. Bring a pump and patch kit, Do not wear golf shoes.

"It's not junk!"

Okay, over the past few weeks, I have been told several times by several people that I have way too much stuff and would be what most consider "a pack rat" But honestly, everything that I have kept over the years has a story behind it and no less than 2 memories attached per thing. For example, I have kept every letter/gift that Graham has ever sent me since we became friends...and not to use as blackmail as a certain someone seems to believe. I kept them all so that I can look back and remember what we were feeling and when, and so that one day (not anytime soon, don't worry) I will be able to show my children the progression of the relationship between their father and me. The other thing that people have told me is that I have way too many stuffed animals, but again, each and every one of them was given to me by someone special and I wanted to remember those people for the kindness they showed me. So, I may be a pack rat, I know I keep a lot of stuff, but it is all really special.

However, as much as I treasure memories, there are certain things that over the years I have chosen to rid myself of, mainly because they were given to me by people that I no longer wish to have any contact with. But I found that when I got rid of one thing, my mother yelled at me that I should have kept it, but honestly, I think I was right in the disposal of it...and it is not like I just threw the thing in the garbage, I would never do that, I just stuck it in the mail and returned it to sender...was I wrong in that? I don't think so.

They gave Girls a bad name

On a night when both tribes were forced to trek to Tribal Council, the reigning alliance of the Lopevi tribe stuck to their plan. Despite his attempts to separate the pact by emphasizing the personal rift between Rory and Sarge, John Palyok, became the next victim of the Lopevi elders alliance by way of a five-to-three vote. J.P. disagreed with his tribe's decision, musing, "There was no way that I think I was outweighed, outlasted…outplayed."

After Ami Cusack, received Immunity from John Kenney, in a purely political move, the Yasur tribe was to send yet another castaway home. Under the pretext of emotional harmony for the tribe, Lisa Keiffer, crossed over Yasur alliances in order to vote out Mia Galeotalanza, in a stunning five-to-three decision.

Shortly after leaving Tribal Council, Mia shot some parting words at her rival: "Twila, you have been extremely deceiving with all the girls. I thought you were absolutely horrendous to me. Hopefully, you'll get voted off next."

As day seven of SURVIVOR: VANUATU crept in, both tribes had to contend with clashes amongst their members. With their alliance of older men seemingly secure, the Lopevi tribe awoke to work on their shelter. To the delight of the younger Lopevi members, personalities clashed within the ranks of the elder alliance when Lea "Sarge" Masters, questioned the work ethic of Lopevi lone wolf Rory Freeman. "He doesn't do a lot of physical work," Sarge complained. "He's not a team player. He's an individualist, but in a team you can't be your own man all the time."

The same day started with a bang at Yasur when Mia exploded at Twila Tanner, for what she had said at the previous night's Tribal Council. Mia's furious tirade centered around Twila's alleged disrespect to her and the other younger Yasur tribemates. "I can't stand Twila," Mia said. "I want her out."

While fetching Tree Mail for their tribe, Yasur's younger alliance had a chance to discuss their last Tribal Council. With the tribe separated into two alliances of four women each, it was crucial that they were all on the same page. The younger alliance, comprising Mia, Lisa, Eliza Orlins, Julie Berry, was concerned that Eliza had changed her vote without telling her comrades. But it wasn't necessarily Eliza that the young women of this alliance should have been concerned with. "I've got a back-up plan," confessed Lisa, "so we'll see what happens."

As the tribes convened for the Challenge, host Jeff Probst shocked the Survivors by explaining that there would be two Tribal Councils, and each tribe must vote someone off. This was where good old Eliza made her almost convincing (cough cough) "NO!" to which I could not help but shake my head and laugh, typical of a girl to try to convince the host of a reality show to change his mind about something by being as pathetic as possible! They give girls like that a bad name! Anyways, the winning tribe would not only receive a Reward, but would also be able to participate in an Individual Challenge. The winner would receive Immunity, the opportunity to visit the other tribe's camp, and the ability to give Immunity to a member of the other tribe at their Tribal Council.

Jeff then explained that the Challenge would require the tribes to work together to make their way through three locked cages by untying planks, using grappling hooks to retrieve keys and mastering a series of interlocking slide rails. The first tribe to crawl through the three cages to safety would win a Reward of fishing gear as well as a chance for Individual Immunity.

The Challenge started in a flurry as both tribes worked diligently to untie the various knots on the first wall. Lopevi took the lead, making quick work of the knots, but they encountered a problem when they lost one of their grappling hooks, which allowed Yasur to make up ground. But Lopevi quickly broke the tie as Yasur had trouble obtaining the last key. With Sarge barking orders, the men of Lopevi secured their way to the finish mat to take the Reward, as well as the chance to compete against each other for Individual Immunity.

Jeff Probst then announced that the Challenge for Individual Immunity would involve digging ladder steps out of the sand in order to build a ladder with puzzle-like rungs. The first Survivor to build his ladder and climb it to freedom would win Immunity, a visit to the opposing camp and the ability to grant Immunity to one Yasur tribe member.

The Challenge quickly became a two-horse race between John K. and Chad Crittenden, (oh Chad, I want you to win) as the other Lopevi tribe members struggled to find their rungs. Chad came up first with seven rungs. While Chad set to build his ladder, John K. searched tirelessly for his final rung. Chad, however, had trouble assembling the puzzle-like ladder, which allowed John K. to overtake the lead, assemble his ladder, then climb to freedom and the precious Immunity.

With John K. in tow, the Yasur tribe returned to camp from their crushing defeat. In an attempt to discern the alliance structure of the tribe, John immediately separated the women of Yasur according to who had voted for Dolly Neely, (nice move on John's part I believe) the night before. While John was digesting the information so that he could decide to whom he would grant the Immunity, Eliza talked his ear off. "She seems really sweet," John noted. "I'm sure she's really nice, but the bottom line is, 'Oh my God, will you please stop talking?'"

After stating their case to John K., the younger Yasur alliance convened to decide who they would vote out. While Eliza pushed for Scout Cloud Lee, Mia lobbied for her nemesis, Twila. At the end of the discussion, the women concluded that the night's Tribal Council would most likely end up in a tie. Mia's assessment: "I think that me and Julie and Lisa and Eliza are going to be voting for Twila. And I'm pretty sure that Leann and Ami and Twila and Scout will be voting for me tonight."

Hoping to create a new alliance, Brady Finta, argued to Sarge that Lopevi's elder alliance should be broken up in order to vote off Rory, who doesn't seem to get along with most of his tribe. "It's simple, it's not underhanded and we know our four votes are going in one direction," Brady explained to Sarge.

Personal differences set aside, the initial alliance held strong for Lopevi as John P. suffered the five votes needed to send him home. J.P. became the third Survivor voted off SURVIVOR: VANUATU. BOO! I wanted him to go further, I liked him

At Yasur, John K. granted Immunity to Ami, who he knew was not going to be voted off anyway. In the name of tribal harmony, a Yasur alliance was broken as Lisa sided with the older members of the tribe in order to vote off Mia in the shocking five-to-three decision. Mia became the fourth Castaway voted off SURVIVOR: VANUATU. YIPPEE! So very glad she is gone, now just to get rid of Eliza and I will be very happy