More Wisdom from Good Old Chuck

Okay, the rain and thunder have temporarily stopped, so I am feeling inspired to finish the blog I started last time. Chuck Swindoll, I find him to be one of the most inspiring preacher/authors I have ever read, him and well, of course, Max...maybe I will one day talk about my adoration for Max, as well as the adoration of Chuck, but that might take a little time, because I have not yet read all the books that these two men have published, so for now, you will have to just except me at my word, and enjoy the little tidbits of Chuck that I throw your way. One of the things that Charles Swindoll talks about the most, is something that most people in my life struggle with, as well as myself...that is the communication breakdowns. And how sometimes, the things that are most important to us, that we really feel need to be told to others, are the things that end up "lost in translation" They are the things that no matter how many times you work them through your brain, the moment they arrive at your mouth, it is jumbled and you end up looking like a fool. It is almost like Murphey's Law. The more important the statement, the worse you screw it up. In Chuck's book of illustrations, he devotes over 4 pages to the importance of communcating clearly with others...I want to share with you a few of his examples.

Communication pg.99-105 (Swindoll's Ultimate Book)

Punctuation in communication is important. Think about the importance of a comma in this little note: A naval wife asked the church to pray, "John Anderson, having gone to sea, his wife desires the prayers of the congregation for his safety." When read aloud without the first two commas: "John Anderson having gone to see his wife, desires the prayers of the congregation for his safety."

A woman who travelled abroad without her husband got to Paris abd found this fabulous bracelet she'd been looking for. ANd so she sent a wire back home saying, "I have found this beautiful bracelet, one I've been looking for all my life. It only costs $7,500. Do you think I can buy it?" Her husband wired her back immediately with a short but firm reply, "No, price too high!" And signed his name. But in the transmission the comma was left out and the message read, "No price too high" Oh, she was thrilled! Omitting that comma almost put that guy in a coma.

Okay, and this last one is an oldie but a goodie, one of my personal favourites from his book that I have read a thousand times at least "Come before Winter"

The following is a series of actual quotes taken from insurance and accident forms. They are actual words of people who tried to summarize their encounters with trouble, but albeit, as important as their claims were, their mouths refused to word it properly.
"Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have."
"The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intentions."
"I thought my wondow was down, but I found it was up when I put my hand through
it."
"I collided with a stationary truck that was coming the other way."
"A truck backed through my windshield into my wife's face."
"A pedestrian hit me and went under my car."
"The guy was all over the road; I had to swerve a number of times before I hit
him."
"In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole."
"I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an
accident."
"An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car, and then vanished."
"The pedestrian had no idea what way to go, so I ran him over."
"I was sure that the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the
street when I struck him."
"I saw the slow-moving, sad faced gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car."
"I was trhown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by
some stray cows."

There, I hope this gives some insight as to how messages can get out of control. So, my advice is to slow down, think carefully and be prepared to handle the fall out if in fact, the message gets messed up.

When the rain has stopped

I have been sitting in my window for about an hour before I wrote this, and I was watching the rain fall on the earth. It is simple things like the rain, that stops me dead in my tracks and makes me think about the creation of the world. It makes me shout "PRAISE GOD!" How does it effect you?

The Wisdom of Chuck Swindoll

I was lucky enough to go to Assemby this past week...for those who do not know, Assemby is the big annual meeting type thing of the Baptist Chruches of Ontario and Quebec...I was not lucky enough to be a delegate this year because apparently I was "too young to understand the issues around same sex marriages" but I went as a visitor anyways. But this blog is really about a great book me and my father discovered when checking out the book store there, it is called "Swindoll's Ultimate Book of Illustrations and Quotes" Now me being a huge fan of good old Chuck, I wanted to buy it for myself...but as my father wisely put it "why buy for yourself when pastors have a book allowance" Yay daddy! But I shall share with you a few of my favourite tidbits.

After a While

After a while, you learn the subtle difference between
holding hands and chaining a soul,
and you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
and company doesn't mean security
After a while, you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes open
with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child
After a while, you learn to build your roads of today because
tomorrow's grounds are too uncertain for plans
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you get too much. So plant your own garden
and decorate your own soil instead of waiting
for someone to bring you flowers
And you learn that you rerally can endure
...that you really are strong
...and you really do have worth

Okay, the rest will have to wait, I need to get home before it pours

Tide, tide, whate'er betide, There's aye the Haigs of Bemersyde

Well, these last two weeks have been hectic. I have started to look into researching my family history and thanks to my grandma degear, I discovered my scottish heritage...which is really cool. My family comes from the Haig Clan, which are currently living in the town of Melrose in Southern Scotland. Here is the history of the Haig House, called Bermersyde. here

Long and Interesting Facts (not all the same as the email)

Spell your first name backwards: ellenej

Where do you live?: Brampton

DESCRIBE YOUR:

[Wallet]: it is a very nice, made by Graham, duct tape wallet with little fish stickers stuck on by me

[Jewelry worn daily]: usually, silver hoop earings, and my heart neckless
[Shoes]: seriously, I have about 15 pairs...
[Handbag]: a multi-coloured one that Jen brought me back from Bolivia

[Favorite top]: ummm..either my Punk Princess tank top or one of my Princess shirts

[Piercing]: one in each ear, and my belly button

[What you are wearing now]: a pair of jeans and a t-shirt

[On my mind]: everything from school to work to friends to relationships...it's a mess in my mind

[Wishing]: that someone could just make all my decisions for me

[Talking to]: Graham, who else would I be talking to

[Eating]: nothing at the present moment, although, I did just finish a yummy cookie

[favorite movie]: I seriously do not like this question because I never know how to answer it...I love movies, it is true, I really enjoy watching movies, but when it comes to picking my favourite...I have so many...let's go with The Princess Bride and Ever After...yes, those ones...although...I also like the Wal-Mart Baby movie, and Gone in 60 seconds...the Matrix Trilogy was really good as well...see...dangerous question...move on

[something you're looking forward to in the upcoming months]: ummm...graduating, going to hermosa, seeing my friends and family, seeing Graham more...ummm...that is all

[The last thing you ate?]: I just said that I finished eating a cookie...it was yummy...but before that I had a turkey sandwich from Timmy's

[Something that you are deathly afraid of?]: the real question here, is what is Jenelle not deathly afraid of...that is what is on everyones mind...but I will give you my top 5 fears (in no particular order) being alone, thunderstorms, heights, flying and needles
[Do you believe in love]: that is a definate yes
Do you believe in soul mates]: I believe that I do, and I believe that not everyone finds theirs...but I have mine
[Do you believe in love at first sight]: no, I believe in LUST at first sight

[Do you believe in forgiveness]: yes, I am a big fan of forgiveness

[What are some of your favorite pig out foods?]: I'm not that big on "pigging out" but I do like the occasional Swedish berry, or Ketchup Chips

[What's something you wish you could understand better?]: why good people sometimes do really stupid things and hurt the people they care about

[Anyone you miss that you haven't seen in a long time?]: yes, I have a lot of people that I am missing right now, but it would take me years to write them all down, so here goes...if you know me (which all of you do because I am sending this to you) and you have not seen me today, then I miss you

In the last 24 hours, have you:

[Cried?]: actually yes, I have, but this is me we are talking about, you would know something was wrong if I didn't cry today

[Gotten sick]: yes, I was sick just a few minutes ago, stupid peanuts!
[Eaten?]: yes, I like to eat, I do it all the time

[Been kissed?]: unfortunately no :-(

[Felt stupid?]: I always feel stupid, goes with being me

[told someone you loved them]: yes, I did!

[Met someone new?]: Actually yes, a father on the baseball team brought his new girlfriends, so I met her

[Moved on?]: no...I can't think of anything that I would need to be moving on about...

[Talked to an ex?]: no, nor would I want to

[Missed an ex?]: HA, not in their lives

[Talked to someone you have a crush on?]: yes, actually I did

[Had a serious talk?]: not really serious...but not comical either, I mean it could have lead to something more serious in talking nature, but we kept it on the down low

[Hugged someone?]: no...:-(

[Fought with your parents?]: it would not be a complete day if I didn't fight with my mother...I got yelled at like 7 times in one hour today, YIPPEE

[Done something your parents said no to]: see above

Would you rather be with friends or on a date?]: I would want to be with friends, because a "date" for me, would be with my boyfriend, who is my best friend
[Do you have a job?]: yes, well...I will...I am working at camp

[Do you like being around people?]: sometimes, unless I don't like the people, then no

Who…

[Have you known the longest]: I lied, Jen Ford, I have known her since I was a baby, she reminded me of this fact


[Do you argue the most with?]: ummm other then my parents...probably...I have no idea...I am not really a arguing type of person

[Do you always get along with?]: everyone

[Is the most trustworthy?]: well it's obviously God...but Graham, Amy, April, or Em, Karl
[Makes you laugh the most?]: The Fab 4 plus 2 whenever we are all together

[Has been there through all the hard times?]: Graham, April, Amy, Em and Karl for sure

[Has the coolest parents?]: ummm...Graham, his mom is great, Amy's parents are awesome as well

[Is the most blunt?]: April or Graham

[Is the smartest?]: Me! pick me, pick me

Other stuff...

[Who is your role model?]: Jesus or my father

[Have you ever liked someone you had no chance with?]: who hasn't...it's what you do in high school

[Have you ever cried over the opposite sex?]: sure have...not that I am proud of this fact, I am such a geek

[Do you have a "type" of person you always go after?]: no...well someone who cares about me and will treat me right...thats about it really...everything else is just bonus

[Ever wanted to get revenge on someone because they hurt you]: all the time! No, really, this is me, I run away from problems not cause them

[Rather be the dumper or dumped?]: both are horrible, so I pick neither

[Rather have a relationship or a "hookup"?]: relationships, they mean a whole heck of a lot more in the long run

Ever liked your best guy/girl friend?]: actually I do

[want to get married?]: yes, very much so

[want kids?]: yes, I want a whole bunch of kids, no less than 6

[Do you believe you know the person whom you will marry at this point in time?]: Yes, I can wholeheartedly say that I know exactly who it is that I am going to marry

[What is your favorite part of your emotional being?]: my emotional what? who wrote these questions? I have an emotional being? News to me? When do I get to meet this being?

[Are you happy with you?] yes, I am happy with me, we are very good, we understand each other

[Are you happy with your life?]: somethings need adjusting but that will take time, so I am happy with where I am right now

MORE AND MORE AND MORE

Have you ever had a song written about you: well...one year, at Camp Hermosa, my last year as a camper, the Fab 4 wrote some really crazy songs, and there were some about me...and my feet

3) What song makes you cry: again, what songs do not make me cry? Currently, any love song will make me cry

4) What song makes you happy: right now, anything Country, or by Dashboard confessional...really As Lovers go...but check out my website...for a complete list of happy songs check below

5) What do you like to listen to before bed: anything, I enjoy falling asleep to music

a p p e a r a n c e

HEIGHT: 5'4, or 5'5 not sure

HAIR: it is quite the mix right now, there is some blond, some brown, some black and some red all mixed in there and it is actually getting pretty long

SKIN COLOR: well...right now I have a little bit of a tan from a few weeks back...but normally peachy pink

EYE COLOR: brown

TATTOOS: no, none of those...I don't think I would ever get a tattoo...

r i g h t n o w

WHAT SONG ARE YOU LISTENING TO: When you Kiss Me --Shania

WHAT TASTE IS IN YOUR MOUTH: actually...I'm not sure...maybe water...does that even have a taste? I think not

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE: For once, it is not raining, it is a little chilly out, but not raining

d o y o u

GET MOTION SICKNESS: depends, if I read in the car, then yes

HAVE A BAD HABIT: who doesn't..I have enough to field an army.

GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS: sometimes, more so my dad than my mom

LIKE TO DRIVE: I do not drive

f a v o r i t e s

TV SHOW: 7th Heaven, Gilmore Girls, Charmed, Everwood, One Tree Hill, American Idol and Survivor, OLTL, AMC

BOOK: anything Shakesphere, or by Lori Wick

NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK: fruit punch or apple juice

ALCOHOLIC DRINK: I do not drink

BAND OR GROUP OR SINGER OR RAPPER: Dashboard, Fighting the Fall, Backward Heros (brother's band), FM Static, or Krutch

h a v e y o u

BROKEN THE LAW: not recently, but I mostly likely have before in my life...in fact, when I was 4, I stole candy from the convenince store...they were inn open bins...I thought "yummy candy" COME ON, I WAS 4 YEARS OLD!!!! Don't judge me

RAN AWAY FROM HOME: not exactly, I like to get away from home...but that is not really running

SNUCK OUT OF THE HOUSE: in my younger days

EVER GONE SKINNY DIPPING: This one I can honestly say no too

MADE A PRANK PHONE CALL: yeah...it's part of growing up

? EVER TIPPED OVER A PORTA POTTY: no...wait...I watched a friend tip over a porta potty...But I never took part

USED YOUR PARENTS' CREDIT CARD BEFORE: well not without their permission

SKIPPED SCHOOL BEFORE: of course...that is also part of growing up

FELL ASLEEP IN THE SHOWER/BATH: no...I do not want to drown

BEEN IN A SCHOOL PLAY: yep, serveral...The Trial of Goldilocks was my first (I was momma bear)and who can forget "I am not my freaking khakis", where I played Stella

LET A FRIEND CRY ON YOUR SHOULDER: many times, that is what my shoulders are there for, come on now

SEXUALITY: straight

CURRENT CRUSH: does Graham count? I think he should count, so yes, I have a crush on Graham

BEEN IN LOVE: yes

HAD A HARD TIME GETTING OVER SOMEONE: yes, but who doesn't

BEEN HURT: who hasn't? ( I agree Beth, everyone has to have been hurt sometime in their life, if they haven't then they are missing out on one of life's most important aspects)

YOUR GREATEST REGRET: not saying 'yes' to a certain someone the first time they asked me out

GONE OUT WITH A SOMEONE YOU ONLY KNEW FOR THREE DAYS: I changed my mind...technically yes, I did "go out" with Kyle after one day of camp...it doesn't really count...but whatever, who really cares anyways

DO YOU HAVE A JOB: yes...haven't I answered this already...I am working in the kitchen at Camp Hermosa...I feel like I am repeating myself here

YOUR CD PLAYER HAS IN IT RIGHT NOW: it is a mix CD of my favourite country songs from last summer

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? hot hot pink

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY: my friends and hermosa, and life in general
WHO MAKES YOU THE HAPPIESt: my friends and Graham, family and little white rabbits (that do not kill people)

WHAT'S THE NEXT CD YOU'RE GONNA GET: which ever one catches my eye next...I would like to get Clay's CD but we shall see

WHO DO YOU CONSIDER GOOD FRIENDS: there are a whole heck of a lot of them...but everyone I sent this to...can consider themselves on the list, and hey, if you sent it back to me...I will put you on twice

w h e n / w h a t w a s t h e l a s t TIME YOU CRIED: cried for real? tonight actually, I like my mind go crazy, and it upset me quite a bit...so I cried...maybe I will say why one day

YOU GOT A REAL LETTER: a couple of days ago
YOU GOT E-MAIL: today...

THING YOU PURCHASED: I bought some candles for a shower present

TV PROGRAM YOU WATCHED: One Life to Live (come on, my stories are great)seriously, the last time I watched tv was yesterday afternoon

MOVIE YOU SAW AT THE THEATER: that is an excellent question..pretty sure it was the Passion

y o u r t h o u g h t s o n ABORTION: bad, very very bad...I don't care what you call it, it is still MURDER

TEENAGE SMOKING: if you want to put that crap into your body, then it's your choice, just don't do it near me, it will kill me

DREAMS: yeah, I have those, sometimes they are fun, sometimes they are not...but yeah

Favourite Songs of today

Hey all, Wow, I am really bad at this blogging thing, and to think it is only going to get worse, as I am leaving in just over a month to live at camp for the summer...what a time that will be...anyways, today I thought that I would give you my top 12 favourite songs, the lyrics to them, so you will all know what I am spouting on about. Anyways, here they are, in no particular order:

Song #1: I'm Sensitive
Jewel
(from: pieces of you)

I was thinking, that I might fly today
Just to disprove all the things that you say
It doesn't take a talent to be mean
Your words can crush things that are unseen

So please be careful with me
I'm sensitive,
And I'd like to stay that way

You always tell me, that it's impossible
To be respected and be a girl
Why's it gotta be so complicated
Why you gotta tell me if I'm hated

So please be careful with me
I'm sensitive
And I'd like to stay that way

I was thinking that it might do some good
If we robbed the cynics and took all their food
That way what they believe will have taken place
And we'll give it to people who have faith

So please be careful with me
I'm sensitive
And I'd like to stay that way

I have this theory, that if we're told we're bad
Then that's the only idea we'll ever have
But maybe if we are surrounded in beauty
Someday we will become what we see
Cause anyone can start a conflict
It's harder yet to disregard it
I'd rather see the world from another angle
We are everyday angels

Be careful with me, cause I'd like to stay that way

Song #2: Things I'll Never Say
Avril Lavigne
(from: Let Go)

I'm tugging at my hair
I'm pulling at my clothes
I'm trying to keep my cool
I know it shows

I'm staring at my feet
My cheeks are turning red
I'm searching for the words inside my head

I'm feeling nervous
Trying to be so perfect
Cause I know you're worth it
You're worth it..yeah..

If I could say what I want to say
I'd say that I want to blow you away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight
If I could say what I want to see
I want to see you go down on one knee
Marry me today
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say

It don't do me any good
It's just a waste of time
What use is it to you?
What's on my mind?

If it ain't coming out
We're not going anywhere
So why can't I just show you that I care

Cause I'm feeling nervous
Trying to be so perfect
Cause I know you're worth it,
You're worth it...yeah...

If I could say what I want to say
I'd say I want to blow you away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
If I say what I want to see
I want to see you go down on one knee
Marry me today
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say

What's wrong with my tongue
These words keep slipping away
I stutter, I stumble
Like I've got nothing to say

La da da da da (continued)

If I could say what I want to say
I'd say I want to blow you away
Be with you every night
Am I squeezing you too tight?
If I say what I want to see
I want to see you go down on one knee
Marry me today
Marry me today
Guess I'm wishing my life away
With these things I'll never say

Song #3: She's not just a pretty face
Shania Twain
(from: UP)

She hosts a TV show, she rides the rodeo
She plays the bass in a band
She's an astronaut
a valet at the parking lot
A farmer working the land
She is a champion, she gets the gold
She's a ballerina, the star of the show

She's not just a pretty face
She's got everything it takes

She has a fashion line
A journalist for "Time"
Coaches a football team
She's a geologist, a romance novelist
She is the mother of three
She is a soldier, she is a wife
She is a surgeon, she'll save your life

She's not just a pretty face
She's got everything it takes
She's the mother of the human race
She's not just a pretty face

Oh, Oh, yeah
Oh, na, na, na, na
She is your waitress, she is your judge
She is your teacher
She is every woman in the world

Oh, la,la, la
She flies an airplane
She drives a subway train
At night she pumps gasoline
She's on the council, she's on the board
She's a politician, she praises the Lord

She's not just a pretty face
She's got everything it takes
She's the mother of the human race
She's not just a pretty face

Song #4: Princes and Frogs
Superchic(k)
(from: Last One Picked)

You hate me, that's what you say
And I understand why you feel that way
All girls dream of a fairy tale
But all you got's like a used car sales-
Man trying to conceal what's wrong
Behind a smile and a song
And I'm not saying that boys are not like that
But I think you should know
That some of us will grow
because...
All princes start as frogs
All gentlemen as dogs
Just wait till it's plain to see
what we're growing up to be
Cause some frogs will still be frogs
Some dogs will still be dogs
But some boys will become men
Just don't kiss us til then

Song #5: As Lovers Go
Dashboard COnfessional
(from: A Mark~A Mission~A Brand~A Scar)

She said, "I've gotta be honest,
You're wasting you're time if you're fishing around here"
I said, "You must be mistaken,
I'm not fooling, this feeling is real"
She said, "You gotta be crazy!
What do you take me for? Some easy mark?"

"No, you've got wits,
You've got looks,
You've got passion,
But I swear that you've got me all wrong."
I'll be true,
I'll be useful,
I'll be cavalier,
I'll be yours my dear,
I'll belong to you if you just let me through.

This is easy as lovers go
So don't complicate it, by hesitating
This is wonderful as loving goes
This is tailor-made, what's the sense in waiting?

I said, "I've gotta be honest,
I've been waiting for you all my life."
For so long I thought I was asylum bound,
But just seeing you makes me think twice.
And being with you makes me sane
I fear I'll go crazy if you leave my side.

"You got wits,
You've got looks,
You've got passion,
But are you brave enough to leave with me tonight?"

Song #6: Carry You To Jesus
Steven Curtis Chapman
(from: Declaration)

I will not pretend to know the pain you're going through
I know I cannot comprehend the hurt you've known
And I used to think it mattered if I understood
But now I just don't know

Well, I'll admit sometimes I still wish I knew what to say
And I keep looking for a way to fix it all
But we know we're at the mercy of God's higher way
And our ways are so small

But I will carry you to Jesus
He is everything you need
I will carry you to Jesus on my knees

It's such a privilege for me to give this gift to you
All I'd ever hope you'd give me in return
Is to know that you'll be there to do the same for me
When the tables turn

But I will carry you to Jesus
He is everything you need
I will carry you to Jesus on my knees

And if you need to cry, go on and I will cry along with you
I'll give you what I have but still
I know the best thing I can do
Is just pray for you

I'll carry you
I'll take you to Jesus on my knees

Song #7: Hold Me Twice
FM Static
(from: What are you waiting for?)

I saw you in the hallway
I bet thats what they all say
You probably didn't even notice
I was the loser,
Who was staring at my shoes
I couldn't think of nothing to say
I'm on a runway
Of a flight that's going one way
On "Cross your fingers" airlines
I'm picking my pace
I'm getting nervous in the worst way
Here goes nothing,

I saw you walking over
Now you're moving closer
Wrote you a letter about a week ago
To my surprise, you replied and said:

You can hold me once, you can hold me twice
Even better if the stars are good tonight
You can hold me, be my one and only.
This is the reply to the letter you wrote me

You told me to meet you after gym class
But I forgot to get a hall pass
I got sent to the office
You tried to call me,
Asked everyone who saw me, they didn't even notice
You're on your way now
Moving with your parents to some hick town
A thousand miles away
I'm in the playground, with my memories
So much I could say now
I still remember when

I saw you walking over
You're slowly moving closer,
I wrote you a letter about a week ago
And to my surprise, you replied and said:

You can hold me once, you can hold me twice
Even better if the stars are good tonight
You can hold me, be my one and only
This is the reply to the letter you wrote me

It's been awhile since we said "hi"
three hundred sixty-five days have gone by now
And I could paint a picture of you
I see you everytime I pass your locket
Remember he time we talked till six am
And I'm tired of missing you

Song #8: Jefferson Aeroplane
Relient K
(from: 2 lefts don't make a right...but 3 do)

If it hurts, kiss it better
You wear skirts, I write nice letters
Never said nothing with flowers,
But we always talk for hours
And it seems to get much colder,
When you cry on your own shoulder
And we know the show must go on
Guess I know, I guess I'll throw on

Some Jefferson Aeroplane
I'm trapped and I am enclosed
But I won't complain,
I'll open all the windows
Cause when it's colder
I feel much better
When you cry on your own shoulder
Just throw on a sweater and go

And I'll go to undergo a change of heart, a chang of clothes
And when I'm home,
I guess I'll go eat cereal and stare out the window

I'll make the calls, you cover your ears
Niagra Falls still flows on New Years
I'll save your plunging neckline
Kiss your face, you try to deck mine
If I behave, it'ss gonna cost him
Skip the rave in Downtown Boston
And we know the show must go on
Guess I know, I guess I throw on...

CHORUS

And I'll go to undergo a surgery to purge me of this lonely mood
And my ego, the staus quo, provides me with a decent attitude
And I'll go to undergo a change of heart a chang of clothes
And when I'm home, I think I'll go eat cereal and stare out the window

But you confuse me more than anyone
An adjustment has begun to let me feel
The desperate need to leave what we undid undone
And maybe you can sympathize
With the bags under my eyes
And we'll see the signs are saying
that we have used up all our tries
Try to be a better person
To be a better friend
To be a better son
He tries to be a better someone
Who understands the difference
And that he can't show all the people, all the things
That really mean as much as he could feel
Feels like I don't remember
Ever being this tired before
Before now my eyes were closed to all the beauty of this world

And I'll go to undergo a surgery to purge me of this loney mood
And my ego, the status quo provides me with a decent attitude
And I'll go to undergo a change of heart a change of clothes
And I'll go, oh yes I'll go
And hope this new me shows so everybody knows
That I've found myself able to fly away
Without magic feathers or Jefferson Aeroplanes
I've got with me all that I need

Song #9: Airport Road
Straight Edge (RIP)
(from: Shadows and Silhouettes)

It's the summer, and I'm far from home
And I'd write you or call you on the phone
And then I remember what it was like
When I was free, when I was free
But it's over, far from now
And you're far from, my heart
And your speed dial, is off my phone
Ans I can't remember, your number

Romances and tragedies,
The best of friends we'll never be
Yeah the truth is on m tongue
I wish you could understand
I wanted nothing more than a friend
But I guess I was wrong

So I'll carry on with my life
And I guess that I don't care
Again is this over? Are you done?
Yeah, you're with him,
But your friends are gone
I could believe that you're the one
But I could be wrong
And this melody that's in my heart
Is telling me to stay away

Romances and tragedies
The best of friends, we'll never be
Yeah, the truth is on my tongue
I wish you could understand
I wanted nothing more than a friend
But I guess I was wrong

I wanted nothing more

Song #10: What's Simple is True
Jewel
(from: Spirit)

Turn to me with frozen lips
Your hands are icy cold
Your eyes burn brightly against the frist bit sky
You never seemed more lovely than you do tonight

Plae on the horizon
Like leaves frozen in the snow
Our two shadows merge inseparatly
Will time stand still if it's pierced with cold

The more I live
The more I know
What's simple is true
I love you

There's a warmth in my heart
It haunts me when you're gone
Mend me to your side and never let go
Say "Time knows nothing, we'll never grow cold"

The more I live
The more I know
What's simple is true
I love you

Twilight descends upon our silhouette
How soon spring comes
How soon spring forgets
I wanna hold time, say it will never begin
Old man winter be our friend
Old man winter be our friend

Cause the more I live
The more I know
What's simple is true
I love you

Song #11: Hero
Superchic(k)
(from: Last One Picked)

No one sits with him, he doesn't fit in
But we feel like we do when we make fun of him
Cause you want to belong, do you go along?
Cause his pain is the price paid for you to belong
It's not that you hate him or want him to die
But maybe he does home and thinks suicide
Or he comes back to school with a gun at his side
And a kindness from you might have saved his life
Heros are made when we make a choice

You could be a hero, heros do what is right
You could be a hero, you might save his life
You could be a hero, you could join the fight
For what's right, for what's right, for what's right

No one talks to her, she feels so alone
She's in too much pain to survive on her own
The hurt she can't handle overflows to a knife
She writes on her arm, wants to give up her life
Each day she goes on, is a day that she's brave
Fighting the lie that giving up is the way
Each moment of courage, her own life she saves
When she throws the pills out, a hero is made
Heros are made when we make a choice

CHORUS

No one talks to him about how he lives
He thinks that the choices he makes are just his
Doesn't know he's a leader with the way he behaves
And others will follow the choices he's made
He lives on the edge, he's old enough to decide
The brother who wants to be him is just nine
He can do what he wants because it's his right
The choices he makes, change a nine-year-olds life
Heros are made when we make a choice

CHORUS

Final Song: Final Curtain Call
Straight Edge (RIP)
(from: Shadows and Silhouettes)

The van is packed, we're ready to go
It's six-o-clock and we're on the road
And I won't forget this time we'll have
Memories, they just fly by
Three years I wonder why?
And I don't want to forget

This is our final curtain call
I know that we'll miss you all
I can't believe this is over
I'm sorry it's over
We're all gone tomorrow

When the shows is over and the clean up comes
Keep this in your heart, where it's from
Let those tears drip of memories
The future is waiting to take our lives
Let's not rush this night
Let's just keep holding on

CHORUS

a little update on me....

Okay, I am seriously, like the worst blooger in the world...I have never been all that good at journaling...ask Graham...he knows what I am talking about...but I figured that it was time to catch you all up on the fun goings ons in my life at this present moment...

~My allergies are in full swing right now...the sneezing is driving me bananas...thats right, I said bananas

~My sister got married a couple weeks ago...but you all know that already...it was good.

~My sister and brother-in-law gave me a little tv...complete with bunny ears.

~My brother is currently moving out of his bedroom, so that the church can fix it, so that I can move into it...it is a tiny bit bigger than my current room...but not by much. I might be able to make it better by sticking my dresser into the huge walkin closet...but I am not really sure that this moment.

~I am leaving for camp in just over a month...I am working in the kitchen this year which does not have me overly thrilled but whatever, it is camp and it is money, so I will survive.

~I am graduating from Sheridan College in about 2 weeks...give or take 3...not quite sure on the right amount...but it is on June the 9th. We are having a party (well...my family is...) on the 5th of June...it is potluck...some of my friends will be invited...so if you hear from me either by phone or via email...that means you...please try to come...I love parties and people and this one is ALL ABOUT ME!

~My brother is going to the Dashboard Confessional Concert tonight and he isn't taking me...BOO

~My foot just fell asleep...seriously that was the weirdest feeling in the world

~My grandparents are home from Florida...they came home for the wedding...they might not come to my party

~Tomorrow I am going to Simcoe for my friend Amanda's wedding shower...why is it that everyone seems to be getting married lately...whose next? Anyone willing to place a bet on anyone...no...gambling is wrong

~So, my mom told me yesterday that I would be the perfect canadate for becoming addicted to gambling should I every try it...apparently this is because flashing lights facinated me as a child. Who knew

~My house is freezing cold...seriously...I need a parka

~I love Graham...but again, you all knew that, I just enjoy saying it because it is the truth I LOVE GRAHAM WARE!!!

~Jenelle's E-song of the day

Call Me
Cadet

I think about love, I think about life, I think about rock
I think about the times we used to hangout after school
I think about things, I think about you
I think about love, I think about life, I think about God
I think about the times we were loser acting cool
I think about you

You better call me, if you're going under
You better call me, before I lose another friend to misery

And if you're lonely, the we could T.P.
Just like we're thirteen
Throwing our worries ove rooftops and running off
And if ever you stumble, if ever you crumble
Just know I wont let you go

The end of an Era

First things first...what is with this new set up of blogger...that is really weird. Okay...moving on, Survivor is over, and here is my final summary for you all to enjoy:

Thirty-nine days, eighteen All-Stars, four tribes, dozens of broken alliances, two forfeitures, a budding romance and now, one Sole Survivor. Amber (austrailia), rode an alliance with her sweetheart in order to capture the million-dollar prize. In the gut-wrenching Final Tribal Council, Amber humbly admitted to the Jury that she got lucky and rode the alliance with Rob (Marquesas) to the end. Amber explained that she broke alliances to a lesser degree than Rob and therefore deserved to be Sole Survivor. The Jury agreed in a 4 to 3 decision, making Amber Brkich Sole Survivor and recipient of the one-million dollar prize. FINAL FOUR As night 36 took hold, the four remaining Chaboga Mogo tribe members took inventory of their situation. When Rupert (Pearl Island), went to pour out a bucket at the creek, Amber and Rob lobbied Jenna (Borneo), to vote off Rupert. "You have no chance to beat Rupert," Rob informed her. The surprised All-Stars were awakened by host Jeff Probst, who landed on their beach, gifts in hand: a breakfast spread of eggs, bacon, mimosas and pancakes. He also gave them a camera and scrapbook to collect the memories of their final days. The tribe shared in a grand toast of champagne and orange juice to making it to the coveted position of Final Four. "The four people that are in the Final Four are two distinct groups of two," assessed Rob, "There's no chance myself and Amber are going to break." As Amber and Jenna went to get water, they discussed Jenna's unique and difficult decision within the game. Jenna could vote for whoever doesn't win Immunity out of the Rob/Amber dyad with Rupert and cause a tie. In the event of a tie, the three All-Stars without Immunity would pick rocks out of a bag, with the castaway picking the purple rock being eliminated. Jenna's other choice would be to break her alliance and vote out Rupert, assuming he doesn't win Immunity, in order to go to the Final Three with Rob and Amber. "I didn't come thirty-seven days to reach into a bag and let a color decide my fate," Jenna declared, "So I'm taking fate into my own hands." As the four converged for an Immunity Challenge, Jeff Probst explained that they would have to negotiate a maze loaded with obstacles. At the end of each corridor would be a rung to a ladder for each Survivor. The first All-Star to assemble all eight of their rungs, thereby constructing a ladder on a tower, would then get to climb it and claim Immunity. The Challenge started off in a flurry as the Final Four Chaboga Mogo tribemates hurried into the labyrinth with purpose. Amber collected her first rung as Jenna fell behind. It was a close competition as each castaway collected rung after rung. It was dead even at five rungs each when Boston Rob became confused in the maze and fell behind. Rupert and Amber both collected their crucial seventh rungs, while Jenna and Rob were now playing catch-up. With his final rung in hand, Rupert ran toward the tower just in time to see Amber emerge at the top of her newly constructed ladder to claim the essential victory. Amber Brkich would live to see another day! After Amber won the Immunity Challenge, Jenna was faced with the problem she had feared would arise: should she vote for Rupert and go to the Final Three or vote for Rob and let her fate come down to chance? Back at camp, Jenna informed Rupert that she could not write his name down and so was going to vote the game into a tie. "My fate comes down to a 26-year-old single momma who wants to win very badly," noted Rupert. After much painful deliberation, Jenna simply could not let a purple rock decide her fate, and she voted Rupert off. Saddened, but not surprised, as he heard the three to one vote being read, Rupert will became the sixth member of the Jury and will have a say about who will become Sole Survivor and claim the million-dollar prize. Shortly after leaving Tribal Council, Rupert revealed, "I am a little angry at Jenna. Greed won out over friendship... almost disgustingly." After an early-morning visit from Jeff Probst, the three remaining Chaboga Mogo members were given a map to follow. After landing on an island where they adorned their bodies with a local tribe's war paints and jewelry, the Final Three All-Stars set along the trek that would lead them to their final Immunity Challenge. Along the journey, the Survivors passed by each of their fallen castaways' torches and reminisced about the 38 days they had spent on the Pearl Islands and of those they had spent it with. As the remaining three gathered for what would be their final Immunity Challenge, Jeff Probst explained they would battle in a test of endurance. The Survivors would have to balance themselves barefoot on a post, while holding onto to the Idol with one hand. Any All-Star who moved either foot off the post or touched the Idol with the free hand would lose. The last one standing would win Final Immunity. After an hour under the hot sun, the castaways were all in pain but holding strong. However, after two hours, Jenna Lewis inadvertently lifted her back foot off the post. With Jenna eliminated, Amber pleaded with Rob to let her win. Boston Rob, however, wanted to finish the Challenge fair and square. Fair and square it was, as Amber accidentally touched the Idol with her free hand to give Rob Mariano the coveted Final Immunity. Rob would also have the chance to choose who would join him in front of the Jury as the Final Two. Having been allied with Amber the entire time, Boston Rob made it clear he would be voting Jenna off at Tribal Council. That didn't stop Amber from being paranoid and a little scared. Rob even considered how the Jury would vote if he and Jenna were the Final Two. "I have seen him turn on people out here," confessed Amber, "I have seen him break his word. I just can't help but to feel nervous." Proving his alliance with Amber was strong, Rob Mariano kept his word and voted off Jenna Lewis. Jenna was not surprised at all and bravely stood as Jeff Probst extinguished her torch. Jenna became the final member of the Jury that will decide who earns both the title of Sole Survivor and the million-dollar prize. Shortly after the fateful decision, Jenna noted, "This time I am very proud of the way I played the game. I didn't get blindsided. I think I was more observant and more strategic. And I had a lot more fun; that's for sure." After spending a final night together, Rob and Amber prepared to meet the Jury the next day. They would each have to plead their case for why they should be the Sole Survivor and why they deserved the million-dollar prize. Despite competing with each other for the final slot, Rob and Amber enjoyed romantic moments, with the camp to themselves for the first time. "Over the first couple of days, there was a lot of flirting going on, and it turned into something real," remarked Amber, "Now we have an amazing bond." As the Final Two Chaboga Mogo tribe members sat down at Tribal Council, the Jury assembled to ask questions that would help them decide who would win the million dollars. As the emotional statements were made, many angrily alluding to Rob's deception and hurtful strategy, Rob stared blankly into the distance. As the questions rolled in and the answers rolled out, Rob defended his actions as part of the game. He also admitted that maybe he wasn't that proud of himself. Amber confessed that her position in the Final Two was partly due to luck and partly to riding Rob's coattails. After much deliberation, the Jury voted for Amber in a 4 to 3 decision and bestowed the title of All-Star Sole Survivor and the million-dollar prize.

Sad night for viewers

Well...last night was a sad night in TV Land...mainly because Friends came to an end after 10 years...and they have narrowed the Survivor lot down to the final four..which means that it too is coming to a close. Here is what happened last night.

With deception and paranoia growing with each passing day, SURVIVOR: ALL-STARS has been whittled down to the Final Four Chaboga Mogos. Feeling secure in his alliance with Rob and Amber, Tom (AFRICA), was shocked to hear his name read at Tribal Council. Big Tom had mistakenly thought Jenna (BORNEO), was the target of the alliance, which sent him home in a four-to-one vote. Shortly after seeing his torch extinguished, Big Tom rationalized, "Don't worry about me. If you can live with it, I can live with it. And I'm going to live with it happily ever after." As day 34 crept into the Chaboga Mogo camp, the five remaining castaways were feeling the weight of the journey. Niceties were no more. Silence ruled the camp, and the game was the only thing on every All-Star's mind. "Camp life is hard. And as it gets down to the last few days, it's getting harder everyday," explained Rupert (PEARL ISLANDS). After breaking away from the tribe, Jenna and Rupert discussed their alliance. Just as they were strategizing about possibly voting off Rob (MARQUESAS), Rob appeared out of nowhere, to the horror of the scheming tribemates. Paranoid, Rob then expressed his fear of mutiny to Amber (AUSTRAILIA). "I was under the assumption that the game would be easier in the end," mused Amber, "Because I knew we had our strategy set in the beginning and that we weren't really gonna have to worry about it too much in the end. But I was completely wrong." As the tribe convened for a Reward Challenge, they were delighted to see a brand new Chevy Colorado truck parked in the clearing. Host Jeff Probst explained that this Challenge would give the castaways a second chance at some of the obstacles from Challenges past. The five All-Stars must first negotiate a long balance beam, and the last to cross it would be eliminated. The remaining four castaways must then do a military crawl to a slide puzzle; the last to finish the puzzle would be ousted. The three remaining must then stomp an item from a balance beam into a raised bucket three times; the last to do so would be eliminated. The final two must then compete by climbing a rope ladder to catch a flying fox. The first All-Star to jump off the flying fox and grab a waiting set of keys would win the Reward: the Chevy Colorado truck, which the winner would get to drive off immediately in order to enjoy a drive-in movie replete with refreshments. The competition started off with a close race over the balance beams, and Rupert fell off. The second round came down to the difficult slide puzzles, which Jenna just could not figure out in time. Tom had trouble figuring out the stomp competition and simply could not launch his item into the bucket three times. The Challenge came down to Amber versus Rob. In a close race, Boston Rob scaled the rope ladder just a nose quicker than Amber, which made all the difference. Excited, Rob swooshed down the flying fox then snapped up the keys to his new Chevy Colorado. Boston Rob was then offered the chance to invite another member of Chaboga Mogo to join him for the movie and he chose his sweetheart, Amber. After driving his new Chevy Colorado through the Panamanian jungle, Boston Rob was happy to arrive at the makeshift drive-in movie theater. His movie companion, Amber, was even happier when she was surprised with a Reward of her own: a brand new Chevy Malibu. The couple and their new cars then set in to watch a screening of "Lord of the Flies," a movie that serves as an inspiration and shares many of the same themes as SURVIVOR. "Time alone with Amber was unbelievable," smiled Rob, "For the first time, I didn't have to think about the game at all." After the couple returned to camp, they relayed the news of Amber's new car. It was obvious that the other members of Chaboga Mogo were jealous, more bitter than happy for Amber. "If there is a little SURVIVOR hex that keeps the car winners from winning the game, I would love that," Rupert admitted, "That would be my little justice." Feeling vulnerable after witnessing Rupert and Tom confer in private, Boston Rob tried to pit one against the other. Rob claimed that Big Tom was gunning for him, and he knew this because Rupert had told him so. Rob's lie worked, as Rupert and Big Tom had it out on the beach. "Did you or did you not tell me we needed to get Rob off?" Rupert repeatedly asked Big Tom. As the tribe reconvened for the Immunity Challenge, Jeff Probst explained that this competition would be a word scramble. Each castaway must search amongst a jumble of letters for a list of former SURVIVOR tribe names. The 17 tribe names would intersect and share letters. Once all tribe names have been found, the intersecting letters would unscramble to form the winning word. The first Survivor to unscramble the winning word would win the crucial Immunity. The five remaining All-Stars worked diligently to unscramble the tribe names from SURVIVORS past, as Amber took the lead, with Boston Rob and Jenna not far behind. Big Tom and Rupert fell back. Amber held her lead and was first to reach seventeen words, but she had trouble unscrambling the final winning word. Shortly after getting his seventeenth word correct, Rob immediately guessed the winning word to be "Chaboga Mogo" to take Immunity right out from under Amber's nose. Boston Rob would be wearing the coveted necklace at that night's Tribal Council. As Tribal Council loomed near, the members of Chaboga Mogo were panicked, making sure their alliances were still intact. Sensing she was on the chopping block, Amber feared Big Tom would join Jenna and Rupert in order to vote her off. After pulling Big Tom aside, Rob and Amber pressured him into reassuring them that their alliance was still strong. "What you tell me, that's what I'm putting on that card," Tom promised Rob and Amber. In the end, Tom kept his promise to Amber and Rob by writing down the name he was told. However, Amber and Rob didn't keep their promise to Tom by writing down his name. Livid, Big Tom was shocked as he witnessed the four-to-one vote that expelled him from the Chaboga Mogo tribe. Tom became the fifth member of the Jury and will now have a hand in deciding who will win the million-dollar prize and earn the name Sole Survivor. And the lookhe gave the final surivors could kill someone...priceless right there

Weddings

Hi All,

I realize that I said I would start writing after the wedding, but seriously, I just got my bearings back this morning, so here I go. The wedding of my sister Jen to Rob Augustine was absolutely beautiful. I have yet to see a more radiant bride in my life. The love between the two of them is so real, and so pure that it just made me cry throughout the entire thing. The church was packed for the ceremony and the reception hall seemed even fuller (it wasn't really, just a smaller space) But several people showed up from the church and community to celebrate the vows between these two. The wedding party was made up of 14 people (bride and groom included) but it had Me as maid of honour, Judson Stade (Rob's best friend) as Best man. The bridesmaids were Jean Brown (Jen's BLEC roommate), Caitlin Lorimer Duerkson (Jen's friend), Cathy Margeson (Jen's friend) and April Augustine (Rob's little sister). The usher's were Michael Augustine (Rob's little brother), Ryan Rushton (Rob's friend), Jonathan West (My brother) and Nathan Augustine (Rob's littest brother) The flower girl was Andrea Augustine and the ring bearer was Matthew Price (both cousin's of Rob) I have included some pictures if you are so inclined to see them.
Jen and Rob wedding pictures part 1

I am also including as my e-songs of the day, the lyrics to the two solos that were sung during the ceremony, they were beautiful

God Bless the Broken Road
Geoff Moore (sung in ceremony by Amanda Sutherland)

I set out on a narrow way
Many years ago
Hoping I would find true love
Along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two
I wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign
Pointed straight to you

That every long lost dream
Led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart
They were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way
Into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent
Just passing through
I'd like to have them back again
And give them all to you
But you just smile
And take my hand
You've been there
And you understand
It's all of a grander plan
That is coming true

That every long lost dream
Led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart
They were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way
Into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Now I keep rolling on
Into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

Can't Live a Day
Avalon (sung by Beth Walker Rushton)

I could live life alone
And never fill the longings of my heart
The healing warmth of someone's arms
And I could live without dreams
And never know the thrill of what could be
With every star so far and out of reach
I could live without many things
And I could carry on, but

I couldn't face my life tomorrow
Without Your hope in my heart I know
I can't live a day without You
Lord, there's no night and there's no morning
Without Your loving arms to hold me
You're the heartbeat of all I do
I can't live a day without You

I could travel the world
See all the wonders beautiful and new
They'd only make me think of You
And I could have all life offers
Riches that were far beyond compare
To grant my every wish without a care
Oh, I could do anything, oh yes
But if You weren't in it all

I couldn't face my life tomorrow
Without Your hope in my heart I know
I can't live a day without You
Lord, there's no night and there's no morning
Without Your loving arms to hold me
You're the heartbeat of all I do
I can't live a day without You

Jesus, I live because You live
You're like the air I breathe
Oh Jesus, oh, I have because You give
You're everything to me

I couldn't face my life tomorrow
Without Your hope in my heart I know
I can't live a day without You
Lord, there's no night and there's no morning
Without Your loving arms to hold me
You're the heartbeat of all I do
I can't live a day without You

Another One Bites the Dust

I realize that I said I would not write anything this week, and somehow I ended up writing more often then a normal week in my house, but whatever. My sister is getting married in the morning! I can't believe it. Anyways, the reason that I write is to do my weekly Survivor Update. Now, last night I did not get a chance to watch Survivor until around 1 in the morning (I don't sleep anymore), so if some of my facts are a little muddled, please forgive me. Okay, here goes, Surivor All-Stars episode 13:

Despite a fight to the end, Shii Ann (Thailand), was voted out of SURVIVOR: ALL-STARS. Shii Ann was the last remaining Mogo Mogo member before the deadly Chapera alliance sent her home in a five-to-one decision. In her last few days, Shii Ann scrambled like crazy, won an Immunity Challenge and fought bitterly. But in the end, it was all in vain. Shortly after Tribal Council, Shii Ann warned, "Don't forget little Amber with her big green eyes and her beautiful smile. Don't forget, she's playing for a million dollars." After living together in close quarters for over thirty days, the All-Stars were beginning to tire of each other. More than anyone else, Jenna (BORNEO), seemed to be getting on her Chaboga Mogo tribemates' nerves the most. "The girl's a bitch, let's face it," complained Shii Ann, "And she's bossier than anyone else in the tribe. She drives me crazy. I wanna strangle her." (Death threats are always a nice touch when it comes to Survivor) When the tribe convened for a Reward Challenge, they were delighted to be reunited with their loved ones from home. There were tearful reunions as, one at a time, Amber's mother, Shii Ann's mother, Big Tom's brother, Rupert's wife, Rob's brother and Jenna's brother emerged from the brush. Time with these loved ones would be the Reward. Host Jeff Probst explained this would be an eating competition in which the players must eat a smorgasbord of indigenous foods from SURVIVOR episodes past. The winner would get to spend the night with their loved one at the old Chapera camp. Jeff Probst shocked the castaways when he explained that the loved ones, not the All-Stars, would be competing and doing the eating. Each round would feature a different food item, with the player who finished last being eliminated. The last loved one standing would win the Reward. Fish heads were on the menu in the first round, in which Amber's mother was eliminated. Shortly after, Shii Ann was saddened to see her mother go, as was Rupert when his wife had to leave. After Jenna's brother broke the rules by drinking water during the tarantula dish, the competition was down to Rob's brother and Tom's son. The final item was a live coconut palm worm from Australia that Tom's son inhaled so quickly that it was no contest at all. Big Tom's son won the Reward for them both. After Tom (AFRICA), was offered the chance to invite another castaway and their loved one to join them, he looked over his tribe for a moment before he chose Rob (MARQUESAS). Big Tom, his son, Boston Rob and his brother were delighted to arrive at the old Chapera camp to find the place renovated and complete with pizza and beer. The boys enjoyed a night of drinking and bonding. With their batteries now recharged, Boston Rob and his brother broke off to go for a walk on the beach. Both All-Stars were left to discuss their strategies with their loved ones in private. "If Rob will hang in there with me, I think me and Rob will get first and second," prophesized Big Tom to his son, "That's what we said we were going to do." After returning to the Chaboga Mogo camp, both castaways, along with their loved ones, were quickly put to work. Big Tom's son proved to be a big help, while Boston Rob's brother was more inclined to relax. After Tom's son returned from a failed fishing expedition with a broken spear, Rupert Boneham (PEARL ISLANDS), tried his best to hide his anger. "They want to keep eating, they let me use the damn spear," Rupert insisted grimly. As the tribe reconvened for the Immunity Challenge, Jeff Probst explained that this competition would require the castaways to compete individually in order to ignite the top of a "teeter-totter tower." The players must gather firewood, then use matches to start a fire in a bucket. Once the fire was started, the All-Stars must raise the flame to a fuse by filling a bucket with water on the opposite side of the teeter-totter. The first player to ignite their tower would win Immunity. But there was a twist: each Survivor's bucket had a hole in it in order to make it more difficult to fill and keep full. The Challenge ignited with a race to the firewood. As the All-Stars worked diligently on their fires, Rupert was already going for water. Boston Rob raised his fire to the fuse, but he was disheartened to see that the fire wasn't strong enough to ignite it. All six Survivors' fires went out, and they all had to start over with the risk of running out of their limited number of matches. Boston Rob ran out of matches, then Amber (AUSTRAILIA), then Rupert and finally Jenna. The Challenge came down to Big Tom and Shii Ann. As Shii Ann worked on her fire, Big Tom's fire roared to life. Shii Ann was just a step too late as Big Tom ignited the fuse that exploded into the victory flame, which guaranteed him Immunity. Knowing she was on the chopping block yet again, Shii Ann scrambled to uproot the strong Chapera alliance. She first lobbied Big Tom, then Rupert, then Amber. Shii Ann felt the tide turning toward voting out Jenna, which gave her some comfort as the looming Tribal Council approached. "If you can't go all the way," she noted, "You gotta go all the way fighting." In the end, Shii Ann did go all the way fighting. It wasn't enough, however, as her last minute lobbying didn't take. Shortly before the five-to-one decision that would send her home, Shii Ann made one last stab by voting for Amber in an attempt to warn the remaining members of Chaboga Mogo that Amber is the real threat. Shii Ann became the fourth member of the Jury and will now have a hand in deciding who will win the million dollar prize and earn the title of Sole All-Star Survivor. Seriously, I think that Shii Ann's move at Tribal council was the stupidest move anyone could ever make. She could have almost gotten away with getting Jenna voted off, but then she opened her big annoying mouth and all bets were off. You would think that she had been to enough tribal councils in her life to realize, you really need to stay as quiet as possible.

Ode to Music

I found that today I had a lot more extra time than I thought that I would, and the stress was almost bareable...so I thought, why not listen to the radio for a bit, and I actually found a really decent Country Station coming out of the GTA, in which they play mostly country, but some other mixed in for good measure, and on this station, I heard several songs that sort of hit me and touched my heart, so I want to share the lyrics with each of my readers and maybe you will think likewise. All I ask is that you read all of the words and let them hit you.

My Last Name
Dierks Bentley

I learned how to write it when I first started school,
some bully didn't like it, he said it didn't sound to cool,
so I had to hit him and all I said when the blood came,
it's my last name

grandpa took of to europe to fight the germans in the war,
it came back on some dogtags nobody wears no more,
it's written on a headstone in the field where he was slain,
it's my last name

passed down from generations too far back to trace,
I can see all my relations when I look into my face,
may never make it famous but I'll never bring it shame,
it's my last name

daddy always told me far back as I recall,
son, your part of somethin', you represent us all,
so keep it how you got it , as solid as it came,
it's my last name

passed down from generations too far back to trace,
I can see all my relations when I look into my face,
may never make it famous but I'll never bring it shame,
it's my last name

so darlin' if you're wonderin' why I've got you here tonight,
I wanna be your husband, I want you to be my wife,
I ain't got much to give but what I got means everything,
it's my last name, oh, it's my last name

i learned how to write it when i first started school

I Don't Wanna Be
One Tree Hill (Gavin Degraw)

I don't need to be anything other than a prison guard's son
I don't need to be anything other than a specialist's son
I don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in one
Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn
I'm surrounded by a deadly crisis everywhere I turn
Am I the only one to notice?
I can't be the only one who's learned

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think about me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me

Can I have everyone's attention please
See, not like this and that
You're gonna have to leave
I came from the mountain, the crust of creation
My whole situation made from clay, dust, stone
And now I'm telling everybody

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been trying to be lately
All I have to do is think of me and I have peace of mind
I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I'm trying to do
Or who I'm supposed to be
I don't want to be anything other than me
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
I don't want to be
I don't want to be

How Soon is Now?
The Smiths (Charmed Theme Song)

i am the sun
and the air
of a shyness
that is criminally vulgar
i am the son and heir
of nothing in particular
you shut your mouth
how can you say
i go about things the wrong way
i am human and i need to be loved
just like everybody else does
i am the son
and the heir
of a shyness
that is criminally vulgar
i am the son and heir
of nothing in particular
you shut your mouth
how can you say
i go about things the wrong way
i am human and i need to be loved
just like everybody else does
there's a club if you'd like to go
you could meet someone who really loves you
so you go and you stand on your own
and you leave on your own
and you go home and you cry and you want to die
when you say it's gonna happen now
when exactly do you mean?
see i've already waited too long
and all my hope is gone

Redneck Woman
Gretchen Wilson

Well, I ain't never been the Barbie doll type
No, I can't swig that sweet Champagne, I'd rather drink beer all night
In a tavern or in a honky tonk or on a four-wheel drive tailgate
I've got posters on my wall of Skynyrd, Kid and Strait
Some people look down on me, but I don't give a rip
I'll stand barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip

'Cause I'm a SOUTHERN woman
I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raising
I say, 'hey ya'll' and 'yee-haw'
And I keep my Christmas lights on
On my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every Charlie Daniels song
So here's to all my sisters out there keeping it country
Let me get a big 'hell yeah' from the SOUTHERN girls like me, hell yeah

Victoria's Secret, well their stuff's real nice
But I can buy the same damn thing on a Wal-Mart shelf half price
And still look sexy, just as sexy as those models on TV
I don't need no designer tag to make my man want me
Well, you might think I'm trashy, a little too hardcore
But in my neck of the woods I'm just the girl next door

I'm a SOUTHERN woman
I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raising
I say, 'hey y'all' and 'yee-haw'
And I keep my Christmas lights on
On my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every Tanya Tucker song
So here's to all my sisters out there keeping it country
Let me get a big 'hell yeah' from the SOUTHERN girls like me, hell yeah

I'm a SOUTHERN woman
I ain't no high class broad
I'm just a product of my raising
I say, 'hey y'all' and 'yee-haw'
And I keep my Christmas lights on
On my front porch all year long
And I know all the words to every ol' Bocephus song
So here's to all my sisters out there keeping it country
Let me get a big 'hell yeah' from the SOUTHERN girls like me, hell yeah
Hell yeah, hell yeah
Hell yeah
I said hell yeah!

Somebody
Reba McEntire

At a diner down on Broadway, they make small talk,
When she brings his eggs and fills his coffee cup.
He jokes about his love life,
And tells her he's 'bout ready to give up.
That's when she says:"I've been there before.
But keep on lookin',
'Cause maybe who you're lookin' for is...."

"Somebody in the next car; somebody on the morning train;
"Somebody in the coffee shop that you walk right by every day.
"Somebody that you look at, but never really see.
"Somewhere out there is somebody."

Across town in a crowded elevator,
He can't forget the things that waitress said.
He usually reads the paper,
But today he reads a stranger's face instead.
It's that blue-eyed girl from two floors up;
Maybe she's the one.
Maybe he could fall in love with....

Somebody in the next car; somebody on the morning train;
Somebody in the coffee shop that you walk right by every day.
Somebody that you look at, but never really see.
Somewhere out there is somebody.

Instrumental break.

Now they laugh about the moment that it happened.
A moment they'd both missed until that day.
When he saw his future in her eyes,
Instead of just another friendly face.
And he wonders why he searched so long,
When she was always there,
At that diner waiting on...

Somebody in the next car; somebody on the morning train;
Somebody in the coffee shop that you walk right by every day.
Somebody that you look at, but never really see.
Somewhere out there.
Oh, somewhere out there is somebody.

More Quizzes

I had time, so here we go...

"HEAVEN's" plane
You belong on the same plane as the preverbial
"Heaven".Maybe not IN
"Heaven" but on the same plane of
exsistence.You feel at home with ppl and
helping others.You welcome companionship and
critisism.


What plane do you belong to?
brought to you by Quizilla

hmmm...not so sure what I think about this....

You are a cow. You just move around stupid as can
be. You don't care if you eat yourself. Your
perfect mate is a chicken


What farm animal are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Again...this is just weird


-Perfect- You're the perfect girlfriend. Which
means you're rare or that you cheated :P You're
the kind of chick that can hang out with your
boyfriend's friends and be silly. You don't
care about presents or about going to fancy
placed. Hell, just hang out. You're just happy
being around your boyfriend.


What Kind of Girlfriend Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Okay...sure...

PRINCESS! your obsessed with music and pink nail polish!, you have a dash of punk in ya though



!!!goth, punk, princess, normal, which 1 r u!!!
brought to you by Quizilla

okay, I can agree with that

So long my friend

Hi,

Unfortunately, due to the vast amount of stress in my household at the moment, I am temporarily discontinuing my entries into this site. My sister's wedding is in 5 days, so I will be on break from here until May the 2nd. I apologize to my readers, but I will be back, bigger and better than ever. Please, pray for my family in this stressful and very close to murderous time. Thank you.

Love,
Jenelle

Warning...Graham...do not read until later (Survivor Info)

Clearly on the verge of extinction, Shii Ann (THAILAND), the only ex-Mogo Mogo member remaining, won a difficult Immunity Challenge, thus forcing the old Chapera tribe members to vote out one of their own. Shocked to be targeted at the last moment, Alicia (AUSTRAILIA), was eliminated from the Chaboga Mogo tribe in a six-to-one decision. Shortly after witnessing her torch extinguished, Alicia warned, "Now I sit on the Jury, and believe me, when I have to decide who actually gets the million dollars, I'm not going to make it easy." After returning from the Tribal Council that sent home her best friend Kathy, Shii Ann, felt the pressure of being the only remaining ex-Mogo Mogo member in the tribe. Knowing she was on the chopping block, Shii Ann approached Rob (MARQUESAS), with the hopes that she could save her skin. Despite her plea, Rob told Shii Ann he was going to vote according to plan. "I don't have anyone here. I got no one," Shii Ann realized sadly. As the tribe convened for a Reward Challenge, they were surprised to see a display of masks made from their likenesses. Host Jeff Probst explained that the castaways would have to face off in a SURVIVOR Q&A. First, the Survivors would fill out a questionnaire that asked personal information and private opinions of other Survivors. Next, they would vote on what they thought was the most common answer given by the tribe as a whole. Each Survivor who answered a question correctly would get to cut a section of rope connected to the swinging log of the tribemate he or she wanted eliminated from the game. Three cuts of a rope would send the log smashing into the mask. The tribemate with a mask still intact at the end would win the Reward. The Reward would take the tribe to a restaurant, where the winner would get to choose what each tribe member would eat for dinner that night. The meals would range from a juicy steak to a cold plate of rice. Nobody would be allowed to share food. The Challenge began with the All-Stars answering their questionnaires. Jeff Probst read the questions aloud, then announced what the most common answer was in the group. After the group found Boston Rob to be the most trustworthy, Shii Ann and Tom (AFRICA), each took a hit. After the group thought Shii Ann and Alicia were both least deserving of being an All-Star, Boston Rob cut the rope, which released the log that smashed into the mask of Big Tom's face. After Jenna (BORNEO), Shii Ann and Alicia were taken out, the group found out that Alicia was voted most likely to be under the false assumption that she was smart. Needless to say, this upset Alicia greatly. When Boston Rob witnessed his own mask being smashed, the Challenge came down to Rupert (PEARL ISLAND) and Amber (AUSTRAILIA). Both of them answered the question correctly, but because Rupert was ahead at that moment, he had the pleasure of sending a log into the likeness of Amber's face. With that, Rupert won Reward. After returning from the Reward Challenge, Alicia voiced her distaste with the fact that the tribe thought her not only the least deserving of being an All-Star, but also the one most under the false assumption that she is smart. So foul was Alicia's mood that she even rebuffed Jenna's attempts to console her. "I don't want anyone hugging me or touching or trying to do something," she barked, "Leave me alone." As Chaboga Mogo arrived at a special Panamanian restaurant, they beheld seven meals laid out before them. The meals spanned the spectrum from a juicy steak to a cold bowl of rice. After choosing the steak for himself, Rupert allowed Rob to settle on the cheeseburger; Jenna, the hot dog; Amber, the sandwich; Alicia, the salad; Big Tom, the potatoes; and Shii Ann was left with the rice. Some members of the tribe thoroughly enjoyed their dinner, while others, not so much. "We really wanted to stay at the restaurant for as long as we possibly could," Amber recalled, "'cause we dreaded coming back here with all the bugs and the really long night." Shortly before departing camp for an Immunity Challenge, Shii Ann approached Alicia in hopes of negotiating an alliance. Before Shii Ann could get a word out, Alicia waived her off, claiming, "There is a plan, Shii Ann. And it's too late for anything to change." As the tribe reconvened for the Immunity Challenge, Jeff Probst explained that it would be a battle of endurance. Each castaway would stand on a post directly under a large bucket filled with water. The bucket would be connected to the Survivor's wrist by a chained rope just above their head. If the Survivor were to drop their hand, they would be "all washed up" and eliminated from the competition. The last dry person still standing with a full bucket would win Immunity. The Challenge had barely begun before both Amber and Jenna were soaked and eliminated. Big Tom and Alicia followed suit, leaving Rupert, Rob and Shii Ann to duke it out. It was no secret that Shii Ann needed Immunity more than anyone. After Rob was splashed out of the competition, a one-on-one battle raged between Rupert, and the next targeted victim, Shii Ann. But the old Chapera alliance was not going to feast on another ex-Mogo Mogo as Rupert moved his arm to swat at a bug, thus washing away his hopes of Immunity. This granted Shii Ann the all-important Immunity. After returning to camp, the old Chapera alliance knew they had the task of voting out one of their own. Without the sacrificial Mogo Mogo lamb on the chopping block, nobody was safe. Even the budding relationship between Rob and Amber was up for grabs. Rob reflected, "She may be playing me. I don't know. I don't think so, I really don't. I think it's genuine, what's going on. I could be the biggest sucker in history." But in the end, Rob wasn't a sucker at all as, yet again, the person he picked was eliminated. Alicia Calaway, the castaway who wouldn't consider an alliance with Shii Ann right before the Challenge, was now the castaway witnessing her torch snuffed out. After hearing the six-to-one verdict, Alicia Calaway became the third member of the Jury and will now have a hand in deciding who will win the million-dollar prize and earn the name Sole Survivor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Holding On To You
Brad Paisley

I'm holdin' on to you
When I close my eyes
You're still in my arms
And we never said goodbye
And it's all that I can do
To go on with my life
But that's supposed to be the reason
Why I'm here tonight

In a downtown restaurant with a friend of a friend
Well she sure likes to talk and I ain't heard a single word she's said

Oh, but every now and then I nod
And I pretend to pay attention
And I say things like, "uh huh"
And, "yeah, you're right" and "are you kiddin"
And I laugh when it seems
Like the right thing to do
It's hard to hold a conversation
Holdin' on to you

I'd give anything
Just to hear your voice
Or see you look at me and smile
Oh but what I miss the most

Is holdin' on to you
'Cause here I am tonight
Starin' at a woman
Who's the last thing on my mind

Oh, but every now and then I nod
And I pretend to pay attention
And I say things like, "uh huh"
And, "yeah, you're right" and "are you kiddin'"
And I laugh when it seems
Like the right thing to do
It's hard to hold a conversation
Holdin' on to you

When I close my eyes
You're still in my arms
And we never said goodbye

Why not learn more about me?

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME

1) thunder storms

2) being alone

3) losing the people I love

THREE THINGS I DON'T UNDERSTAND

1) why people would want to intentionally poke themselves in the eye

2) Why the American's still have George W in power

3) Why the Blue Jays can't seem to win any games

THREE THINGS I'D LIKE TO LEARN

1) Ballroom dancing

2) how to hit a baseball

3) how to get through this wedding without committing murder

THREE THINGS I AM WEARING RIGHT NOW

1) My stressed out t-shirt

2) black stretch pants

3) mix-matched socks (shocked? I'm not)

THREE THINGS ON MY DRESSER (I do not have a desk)

1) Lava Lamp (from Graham, p.s I love you!)

2) Pictures of all my friends (April, Emily, Amy, Karl, Violet, Crystal and Graham)

3) my cordless phone

THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE

1) Travel to Europe(and yes, that means in a plane)

2) Get married and have children

3) brighten some one elses day

THREE WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY

1) sarcastic

2) honest

3) cute

THREE BAD THINGS ABOUT MY PERSONALITY

1) naive

2) a push over

3) stubborn (I know, shock!)

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE

1) native american

2) english

3) French/Dutch

THREE THINGS I LIKE ABOUT MY BODY

1) eyes

2) smile

3) hands

THREE THINGS I DON'T LIKE ABOUT MY BODY

1) toes

2) moles/freckles

3) too skinny

THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU

1) I am fairly transparent...so there isn't much people don't know

2) I wish to be a cowgirl

3) and let's face it, I LOVE country music

THREE THINGS I SAY THE MOST

1) that makes me happy

2) who shot who in the what now?

3) I can't eat that, I might die

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY

1) Jenelle

2) Nellie

3) Baby Doll

THREE THINGS THAT AREN'T WORTH YOUR TIME

1. fighting with certain members of my family about this wedding

2. trying to change people's opinions about me

3. worry about everything (it will all be alright in the end)

THREE PLACES YOU'VE LIVED IN

a. Strathroy

b. Brampton

c. ummm...Goderich...I suppose...or Whitby, let's go with Whitby

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS

1) Graham

2) Fab 4 + 2

3) giving/recieving presents

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This
Toby Keith

I've got a funny feeling
The moment that your lips touched mine
Something shot right through me
My heart skipped a beat in time

There's a different feel about you tonight
It's got me thinkin' lots of crazy things
I even think I saw a flash of light
It felt like electricity

You shouldn't kiss me like this
Unless you mean it like that
Cause I'll just close my eyes
And I won't know where I'm at
We'll get lost on this dance floor
Spinnin' around
And around
And around
And around

They're all watchin' us now
They think we're falling in love
They'd never believe we're just friends
When you kiss me like this
I think you mean it like that
If you do maybe kiss me again

Everybody swears we make the perfect pair
But dancing is as far as it goes
Baby you've never moved me quite
The way you moved me tonight
I just wanted you to know
I just wanted you to know

You shouldn't kiss me like this
Unless you mean it like that
Cause I'll just close my eyes
And I won't know where I'm at
We'll get lost on this dance floor
Spinnin' around
And around
And around
And around

They're all watchin' us now
They think we're falling in love
They'd never believe we're just friends
When you kiss me like this
I think you mean it like that
If you do baby kiss me again
Kiss me again

A Day in the Life...

Hi All...I have become really bad at writing in this thing, I think it might be because I am not in class everyday anymore, so I don't think about the computer as often. But I have so much news to share with you all.

1. I got hired to work at Camp Hermosa again, but this year I will be in the kitchen. It could be a very interesting change for me to experience. But Gerry is coming back as the head cook, so I have no worries at all about having a good time. I only hope that I do not end up in the back triplex again this summer, it is pretty creepy back there late at night.

2. I got contact lens today, this is an interesting change...they take some getting used to...seriously, my eyes are not sure what to think...I still can not see out to the sides or up and down, but the part in the middle is clearer...which is good I think.

3. My sister's wedding is in less than 10 days, that is scary, my sister is getting married and leaving me...it is kinda sad really. But the day should be good, at least that is my hope if I can manage to keep everyone apart.

4. I saw Graham this week. And then he left to get back to Guelph for work...I miss him...but I will see him on Saturday. Seriously, everytime I see him, I fall more and more in love with him...one would think that after all this time and the vast number of times that I have seen him already...that I would not be able to love anymore. But that is simply not true, I love him more with every passing moment and every breath that I take. He is the most honest, caring, loving, wonderful, passionate person I have ever met, and I know that he will continue to make me happy for the rest of my life.

5. We went to downtown T.O last night, which was crazy! Seriously. with the Jays and the Leafs in town on a regular night it is crazy, but when you add to that the fact that it was game 7 of the round one play offs...it was down right nuts. But Graham and me went to the Jays game...it was fun, not much happened, the Jays lost, and there was almost a fight between the two teams...but there wasn't...although the pitchers jumping over the wall of the bull pen was entertaining.

6. While waiting for the GO bus in Union, I ran into an old friend...it was actually kinda weird and if she is actually reading this, I am sure should agree with me. I ran into my old best friend from high school...we haven't talked to each other in several years...and our friendship ended in the worst way...so it was kinda awkward...but we both survived.

That is all the news that I can think of right now...so I will add in my song lyrics and call it a day. I was listening to this song a lot this week, and I really liked it...it is by a Tooth and Nail band

Just Like You
Halo Friendlies

I'm cynical
always available
waiting for my number to be called
I'm skeptical
I can't control it
don't know if I ever will get caught
I don't need someone to tell me who I am
I don't need a lot of words
to help me understand
that I'm just like you only better

I'm hesitant
call the president
and maybe he will say a prayer for me
I'm a hypocrite
I can't afford it
consequences are expensive friends

I'll never let you down
cuz I'll never be around
long enough for you to see inside of me
and I'll never hurt you baby
and I'll never tell you lies
I'll only tell myself what I want to believe

A Little Note from Home

Okay, so I do not feel like writing today, but how about Survivor last night...I will get to that, it was the episode that always makes me cry, the one where they hear from home, always brings a tear...but I need to be side tracked for a minute to say that Jon Peter Lewis was kicked off of American Idol last night, made me cry, I liked that boy. Okay, Survivor now...

Proving that the old Chapera alliance remained alive and well, yet another former Mogo Mogo member faced the firing squad. Despite her strong campaign to break the core of the Chapera alliance, Kathy (MARQUESAS), was forced to hear her name read aloud at the Tribal Council and was sent home in a six-to-two decision. Shortly after the vote, Kathy concluded simply, "I wish I had gotten further. I wanted that million bucks so bad." After returning from Tribal Council and battling a torrential downpour, the Chaboga Mogo tribe was saddened to find their fire had been reduced to a muddy puddle. The rain continued, hard, cold and relentless. "Freezing cold and soaking wet," moaned Rupert (PEARL ISLANDS), "When the sun came up it was still bad, it was worse." As the tribe assembled for a Challenge, they were surprised to learn that the competition would be for both Reward and Immunity. Host Jeff Probst explained that the castaways would have to navigate the most difficult obstacle course SURVIVOR has ever known. There would be two parts to the Challenge, with the first part consisting of two teams of four and the final part pitting the four winners against each other in a battle for Individual Immunity. The Team Reward would consist of letters from home as well as much-needed rain parkas. The Individual Reward would be a chance to watch a video from a loved one while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. The victorious castaway would also win Immunity. The members of Chaboga Mogo were then treated to a taste of the videos sent from their loved ones at home. As they all gazed tearfully at a television screen, their loved ones spoke to them from many miles away. The only way for these homesick castaways to see the rest of their videos would be to win this most difficult Challenge. With the emotional video clip screenings completed, it was now time for the Challenge to begin. After captains Rupert and Alicia (AUSTRAILIA), were named, the tribe was separated into two teams of four. Rupert's team consisted of Kathy, Tom (AFRICA) and Jenna (BORNEO). Alicia's team consisted of Amber (AUSTRAILIA), Rob (MARQUESAS) and Shii Ann (THAILAND). The obstacle course involved a "tear-through" field in which the teams must fight through a gauntlet of twigs and small branches. The castaways must next navigate a series of balance beams, then participate in a military-style belly crawl. Next, the All-Stars must climb over a 10-foot wall, negotiate a blown out bridge, climb a rope ladder to a tower and cross a two-line rope bridge. One team member must then wait at a "flying fox," while the rest descended a ladder and dug out a buried flag. Once the team members had dug out the flag, the "flying fox" team member must zip down the line to grab a key to unlock the gate allowing the waiting team members to race to the finish line. The Challenge started off in a flurry as both teams tore through the field of twigs and small branches, with Alicia's team taking the lead. The lead enlarged as Alicia's team reached the wall and scaled it in quick time. It wasn't much of a race as Rupert's team trailed from obstacle to obstacle. Despite some trouble building a bridge, Alicia's team kept their cool--and their lead--as they dug out their flag and crossed the finish line to claim the victory. With Alicia's team having won the Reward, it was now time for them to compete against each other for Individual Immunity. Jeff Probst explained that this would involve solving a slide puzzle. The first person to complete the puzzle, slide out a knife and then chop a rope in order to raise their flag would win Immunity coupled with the complete video from their loved one at home. The four castaways went to work quickly on their puzzle. After having some difficulty at first, Rob quickly figured out how to slide the knife out of the puzzle. He then triumphantly chopped the rope that raised his flag to seal his Immunity. In an act of team allegiance, Rob chose to forgo seeing his video so that everybody could read their letters from home. Jeff Probst agreed to make that trade, and Rob's tribemates all hugged him in gratitude. After returning from the exhausting Challenge, the members of Chaboga Mogo separated in order to read their letters from home. In these private moments, emotions ran high as love from friends and family was quietly dispersed throughout the camp and surrounding areas. "It's just uplifting," noted a sentimental Rupert, "That gives me strength. I'll read it a thousand times in the next eleven days." After reconnecting with their homes via the letters, the members of Chaboga Mogo still faced the burden of the upcoming Tribal Council. The game was back on as Kathy lobbied to break the old Chapera alliance led by Boston Rob. Knowing she was on the chopping block, Kathy petitioned Big Tom and Rupert, suggesting that the strong bond of Rob, Amber and Jenna would not allow anyone else to reach the Final Three. "I think we got some last-minute scrambling going on in Panama today," smiled a confident Rob. In the end, that last-minute scramble proved to be in vain as the old Chapera alliance sent yet another former Mogo Mogo member out of the game. Kathy was sent packing in a six-to-two decision. Kathy becomes the second member of the Jury and will have a hand in deciding who will win the million-dollar prize and earn the title Sole Survivor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So today was crazy, seriously, we did some wedding shopping, and it was just exhausting...so I think I might just go to bed. It is my church's 131 anniversary on Sunday (my service is at 11, if anyone wants to come, email me for directions) but we are having a dinner tomorrow night, that will be fun, but I have to help set up tomorrow...boo for that. How about more info on me:

~I ran into my parents bed this morning as I was trying to get the phone and I now have a big bruise on my back

~I went to St. Thomas last night, and we didn't get lost

~I got to see Rob's play about the pirates, it gave me a good chuckle.

~Bob Cates is coming to Brampton in May, I think I might just go to that, he makes me laugh.

~I drank too much coffee last night and I was up half the night laughing

~My sister is now getting married in about 15 1/2 days, thats kinda scary

~I am going to pick up my dress tomorrow, that will be exciting

~After the wedding, I am moving into my brother's room upstairs, because he is getting Jen's room...at least it will be bigger than now

~I still haven't heard from Camp Hermosa, I am giving them until next week to contact me before I find something else.

~I am going to bed now

Jenelle's E-song of the day:

Because You Love Me
Celine Dion

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me