:)

Had a goood day, but I am so tired it's ridiculous.

Can't believe the Olympics are almost over! :O

WHISTLER 2008

I was randomly going through old facebook stuff..and rewatched this vid.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=193413405656

(way too lazy to save then upload, hahah)

GOOD TIMES :)

Random Thoughts That Only Make Sense to Me hahaha Sorry.

1. I need to get downtown one more time before the olympics are over. Saturday? Bien.

2. I'm scared about having to get my wisdom teeth out sooooon. ahhhh.

3. Well, that was short lived. niceeee.

4. The little voice inside my head telling me to do my homework is getting louder and louder. shuttt up.

5. I need to start workin' again "ayyyysaaaaaap" hahah

6. I need to stop running useless errands for the sake of driving. HAHA.

7. I don't care.

8. :) Good times!

9. Good for you.

10. Not lookin' forward to getting back to more schoolwork.

11. I have never felt so proud to be Canadian. Ever.

12. WEML

Wednesday Morning, the rain is falling...

I'm sitting at guilford, waiting for my mom to get a haircut. Wow, it is waay too early. Haha. I am getting way too comfortable with waking up when I want to. Sigh. Back to school in less than a week. I guess I can't put the homework off for much longer.

Ahh, With or Without You by U2 just came on. Awesome. That concert was ridonkulous. :)

Anyways, I'm heading to Coquitlam with my momma to take her to the doctors. Hahah I'm sooo going to get lost. I mean, I know how to get there. Exit by planet ice (good field trip memories there from panorama!) But....still. I don't go there too too often. It shall be interesting. Haha

But today looks like it'll be fun even though this is my second day waking up before 9 (I know, my life is horrific!) Hahah I'm kidding, by the way. I don't really mind it much. I get more done when I wake up early anyway.

But seriously, all my life I've grown up hearing that my mom couldn't wait til I got my license so I could drive her places hahha, and now I do. I've looked forward (well, sorta haha) to this all myyy lyyfe!

Isn't getting your license one of the biggest milestones? Its still weird to wake up and remember that I have my license. Its like the world is my oyster. Hahah

Anyways, this rant kept me entertained for a bit. My mom should be almost done.

In a while, crocodile. :)
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Today was a good day :)

Today, I was reminded of this verse...

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Why? Well, I was buying a ticket for the skytrain, and I bought a day pass since...it costs the same as a 3 zone pass..you know. Anyways, as I was walking away, I saw a toonie on the ground. Obviously, I was overjoyed.

Later on, I was getting on the bus to bus to youth, and I couldn't find my daypass (I know, I only got $3.50 worth out of $7.00!) Haha, so as I'm scrambling to find it, I realize...AHA! I found two dolllasss! AND it was supposed to be $2.50....but THANKFULLY I got this super nice bus driver..who was not only patient with me, but said it was fine.

Anyways, moral of the story? Always carry change/ don't lose your daypass/ always be prepared. BUT REALLY, what I saw in this was...God works all things for the good of those who love him...you know? I thought it was just a toonie, but reallllyyy....it was meant to help me later on. HAHA.

I know it's cheesy. I just wanted to blog about it though...seeing as I'M A CHEESY PERSON OKAY!

It was a nice reminder that showed me that God can be found in every little thing if we just allow ourselves to see Him.

PS. it was also nice hanging out with ct&s :)

IN OTHER NEWS: i got a new earring for my cartilage piercing that i'm pretty haps about. it's SO CUTE :) hahaha..well, its nothing special. but it's a change from my stud. SO I'M PRETTY PUMPED. ARE YOU?!

UGH.

I just did the dumbest thing! :(

kajdfkjakfjakfakfakfkadjfkajf.

Thoughts.

You know what?

I need to get back on track with Bible reading and Jesus. Big time.

I am sitting here, thinking about how empty the upcoming week seems...thinking of ways I can fill it, and yet I'm missing the big picture.

I am blessed beyond measure. I always forget that. I feel like I have to keep saying it to remind myself. This week has been truly amazing. Beautiful, sunny days..filled with absolutely nothing..but me enjoying being 17 - not to mention being surrounded with great people - both friends AND family - in the process. All of this has led me to forget what is really important in life. What a shame.

I feel like this year has been the biggest year for me in terms of my faith, and I am disappointed in myself for losing hold of that. I always longed for my faith to be real to me, and for Jesus, and all aspects of Christianity, to be more real to me. And looking back on it now, I think that actually happened. At least I think so. It wasn't a huge realization I don't think. It was a gradual thing. Also, I think being surrounded with people who were also striving for the same things I was, helped. And I will always be thankful that I had/ have those people who are willing to fight through those things with me.

Anyways, this year taught me a lot about who I wanted to be, and who Jesus wanted me to be. Not in the sense of my career or my future, but in terms of my character. I think simply put, I learned the importance of making Jesus the center of my being, and how important it is to do all things for His glory. (Which seems simple, but it was mind-blowing when I actually realized it...and I say it all the time, but I just can't get over it) For the record though, I learned that me realizing it, and me putting it into action, are two completely different things - which also, is something I need to continue to work on.

Back to the point though, I learned the importance of being in the Word...not only to grow in my relationship with God...but also because when you are, it gives you a desire to share what you've learned with others, which is ULTIMATELY my purpose, isn't it?

(I lost my train of thought...hate when that happens when I have a lot to say)

The difficult thing is actually stay committed to reading my Bible. I'm not trying to make excuses, but I can't even explain how hard it is to juggle being 17, and wanting all these worldy things, loving Jesus - and striving to be the person He wants me to be - at the same time. haha, I'm sure if you're reading this, you can relate in one way or another. And...it probably doesn't get easier as time goes on right? Darn.

Life is tough. Haha.

The thing is though, I can be having the most terrible Bible reading streak (translation: if I haven't read it in a long time) and still love Jesus. Wait, there's an explanation for that...I just couldn't find a better way to put it. What I meant was that, I can be having the worse day, and yet...I still don't doubt that I have Someone looking out for me. It's like...I know I push God aside sometimes, but I don't doubt that He is still there for me through everything. (which I KNOW isn't fair...ugh) It's just this ongoing battle, y'know?

I don't know what I'm saying now...I'm just rambling. Thought vomit. But point was...I think I can be having the most terrible time with my Bible reading, or be at a place where my priorities are all messed up, yet I still wouldn't trade what I know to be true for anything. Does that make sense? I'm having the hardest time putting this into words...Ugh.

I am Christian, and I love Jesus not because it's all I've ever known (which yeah, it is), but because it's the only thing that makes sense to me, you know?

And if the answer is no, you don't know...then hollaaa at me :) we'll chit chat or something.

I'll try my best to explain why I think so.

Goal: Empty week = lots of Bible reading to catch up on. (this is not to brag, but for you to keep me accountable.)

Smell ya later alligator!

boy meets world = the best.

You know what I was thinking the other day?

HOW REVOLUTIONARY FACEBOOK IS!

like that might come across as really LG-ish, but really, think about it.

Like, facebook keeps us in touch with EVERYONE/ anyone...and it keeps you up to date with everyone's lives. What would anyone do with their pictures otherwise? Crazy. I was thinking about it. Especially the picture one. You get to see so many things you wouldn't otherwise...and yeah, you get to share your experiences with your friends around you too.

It does EVERYTHING. events, statuses, pictures, info. (hahah)

facebook friends = friends.

anyways, i'll stop now since I sound like a fb ad. i mean...

It's KINDA sweet, let's be real.

LAAAVIN' THE BREAK!

ohh my...can life get any better right now?

olympics, olympic break, sunny weather, got my N = a very, very cheery joanne.

also, i just did the PSI form, and self reported my graaades to sfu.

i get this weird feeling in my gut when i think about university. hahaha.

but at the same time..being out these past few days...it FEELS like summer, and it ALMOST feels like school is out...and it hasn't been too shabby ;) it's a good kind of change...aint it?

i think it'll be okay. HAHA which is huge coming from me.

besides, last four months are gonna be AMAZING.

well, friends, i have nothing else to say.

toodles.

wahhhhh.

I'd appreciate the prayers tonight!

Pls and thanks! :)

:)

It has been a great start to the break :)

Actually, I haven't gotten ANY homework done, but who does homework anyway? Especially during olympic break. pfft. procrastination ftw.

Anyways, I have been productive though. Check out that pile. It's my "giveaway" pile after cleaning out my closet. And that is really saying something considering that I am the bigggest pack rat EVER. for real. I have clothes that I only keep for sentimental reasons. Haha.

To the point...since I always have a point when I blog right?

I really, really appreciate friends, and people who really try to go out of their way to make an effort you know? People who don't owe you anything, who you don't even really know, yet they go out of their way to put that smile on your face, or to show you that they were thinking about you/ care enough about you to do that little something for you. Those kinds of people are amazing. I was just reminded of it today.

I also think that...I take the people I know really well for granted. Almost like...I think the kindness is a given, when it's not. It's just as thoughtful, and sometimes even more thoughtful because...you're ALREADY friends..and they don't really have to work at the friendship as much. Does that make sense?

Point was, I appreciated a little act of kindness today, and I was just reminded to be appreciative of other acts of kindness in the future. Also, that I should be more aware of little things I can do for people too.

Hey you, Thanks.

blogger troubles. sigh.

what the heck!

i was just randomly looking through my posts. like RANDOMLY clicking through old ones..and i clicked on a january one and i just saw a comment on the side, THAT I'VE NEVER SEEN! and srsly, does that mean i'm missing some of my comments?! and also...WHY DIDN'T IT SHOW UP WITH THE REST?! why why why.

i'm so sad.

I hope I'm not missing any..

sincerely,

message mishaps.

A picture I found

Oh my, I love this picture.

Usually, i'n not into the solo pics, but seriously this one probably is my all time favs, if not its in my top 3 fo sho. This was grade 7...in Aruba maybe? Or in somehere near there...

HAHA. No but really, the canted angle on the beach with the blue, blue water and sandy white beach...ah, it's just so sereneeee, and it reminds me of an easier time. HAHA jokkinggg, or not.
Really, I'm not (that) vain, but you should see it, I love it :)

Haha g'night friendsss :)
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network

Trip down Memory Lane. Typical.

At any given time, if you ask me if I have my camera, the answer will most likely be yes. I usually always have my camera with me, because I'm worried that the one day I decide I won't need it, I will.

I love taking pictures. Not in the artistic sort of way, even though that is fun too. I just don't have the right camera for that.
I am the type of person who will quote you when you say something funny, and the type of person who will snap a picture of you...while juice is coming out of your nose..because even though it is bad timing, I know it'll be great in probably a week..or two. And I've kinda been lacking in this lately, and I miss it.

But anyways, the reason I was inspired to blog about this was because...I was just looking through old pictures from Slovakia just in case I wanted to include any in the Dogwood scholarship thing I might try and put together. So anywho, I looked through the 6 albums and wow, it feels like a lifetime ago. And even though it does, I still close my eyes and remember so many things like it was just yesterday. Cliche, I know, but it's daa truth.

Anyways, that is definitely something I can expand on and go on and on about, but that is a story for another time. Right now...this is what I want to talk about. It's coming, don't worry.

So after looking through Slovakia pictures, I ended up browsing through outreach retreat photos from last year, and wowee, how far we have come.

And while this picture may not look any different from let's say, a picture like this one,

or these two,

I could probably tell you loads and loads of reason why they're not.
And granted, 10 years from now, or maybe even 5 years from now, these pictures probably will look like they are all the same. Typical old high school pictures.

But really, it's true what they say about a picture being worth thousand words.
And for me, RIGHT NOW, I look at these pictures, and I see a world of difference between each one. And maybe, that sounds overdramatic and cliche. And so, to that, I say, heeello have you met me? I tend to be both. Haha, but really, I think in this case it's daa truth.

You know, after all the trouble I went through getting this blog to look just right, I lost all my deep thoughts in the process. However...I will try and press on and maybe I will rediscover what I was trying to say.

Point was, pictures are a great thing aren't they? They can capture any given moment, and at any time, just looking at one has the power to take you right back to the moment where it was taken. A picture can allow a person to see so many things, feel so many emotions, remember so many different memories, and yet to another person the picture is just a picture.

I don't know about you, but for me, looking at these particular four pictures right after one another is kind of funny. Not ha-ha hilarious, I am laughing my head off kind of funny. But funny in a thoughtful way that just makes me go, "hmmmmm, weird." Make sense? Probably not.

It's just hard to try and re-imagine all the different situations, circumstances and stories, (drama) I see in each picture. And even harder to imagine that it's all taken place in the span of the last year and...four months? Wow, it's really only been a year and four months. Yet in that span of time, I find mysef here...Only four months til graduation, and what almost feels like, a lifetime away. Yeah, okay, overstatement.
But for reals, oh the stories I could tell you! But I won't. Not now anyway.

Just imagine, another year and four months down the road...who knows what'll be different then. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and keep you updated though.
Don't you worry.

Goodnight.

PS. Mel also mentioned that these pictures allow her to see who's changed, and who hasn't. Funny all the things a year can bring. OH, the power of a picture! Alliteration? Perhaps.

thoughts as i was setting the table

Hmm, I just spent the last 20 mins or so typing out another entry, but failed miserably. I lost my train of thought somewhere halfway through, and it all just went downhill from there. Rats.

Anyways, I was just talking about something I was thinking about today...

I was pondering the idea of how easy it is to be vulnerable when it comes to people we don't know. How it's so much easier to be open because you know there is going to be no baggage, no judgement, no expectations, just straight up facts. It's kind of nice sometimes to find opportunities like that with people that don't expect. It's a nice surprise.

I think it's kind of the same with blogging. It's a nice escape, to be able to just talk and talk and whoever wants to listen (or read) will. And sometimes, it doesn't even matter if no one IS listening, it's just to be able to talk things out, and not be afraid of what people will think.

That's the nice thing about speaking to people you're not best friends with. (Not that it ISN'T nice to talk to your best friends too, because that's a great thing as well But this is a different kind of nice, y'know?) They don't have all these pre-conceived notions of who you are, and the person they see in front of them, and the stories they are hearing...that's all they know. And that moment, and those memories/ facts are all that matter. That's kind of nice isn't it? To just be able to step away from who we are and just be the person right in that moment.

It's nice...to be able to tap into someone's life. Even for just a few moments, and hear how they perceive the world, and their memories, their lessons learned. I don't know. I just think it's kind of an amazing thing when people let you in, because it's not something that happens everyday. Vulnerability is a crazy thing isn't it? I mean...it is.

i love carrots and hats.

I always find that the blogs where I try to explain the lesson I learned from someone the hardest to write. It's like...I struggle the most with trying to explain it in as perfect and clear as the way I understood it, and heard it. I always find that when I type it out, it just becomes meaningless words on a page. It's like i just raamble on, and on and on and its just like word vomit. Vomit! Okay, not really. But yaaa dig? HOWEVER, I still feel this need to write it out, so that I can re-ponder it, think about it, dwell on it - whatever. Mar was saying the other night how there is something different about seeing the words written, and I agree. It just makes more sense.

So today, in Small Gs we continued talkin' about s-e-x. Yeah, sex. Anyways, in a nutshell, it was just deeeeeeeeeeeeeeep. Highlights? When you are looking for a boyfriend or whatever, you should write a list of all the things you look for/ want in that guy...then strive to be THAT. Basically, in order to find what you're looking for, you need to BE what you're looking for. Does that make sense? Well, anyways, it does to me. It's like...if I want a guy who is IN LOVE with Jesus, I can't just want it. I have to also be 100%, fully IN LOVE with Jesus. "But a good relationship is more about becoming the right person than finding the right person." (Every Young Woman's Battle, p. 35) - check out that referencing. English 12, wadddup! Anyways, back to the point...basically, that was the big one. Ultimately, I would want a guy who loves Jesus, and I won't find that if I'm not there with my relationship with Jesus. Also, I learned that we should always race towards the cross, with full force. The guy that we should look for is someone who is running toward is just as hard us as, or is running ever harder/ faster.

I think that's another one that stood out to me. That's Biblical ain't it? That the guy is the head of the household, and therefore it's important that the men we look for have a strong(er) foundation in the Lord. And when you find a guy that isn't, don't think that you can change him, because you can't. (myth number 5 in daa book). Why? Because the guy shouldn't want to change because he's in love with you, he should want to change because he is in love with Jesus.

Also, girls are more emotional than guys. (Okay, I guess that's a given). I guess...that's a story for another time.

Mmmm, these things were just mind-boggling tonight, put in a different way that just blew my mind. Or maybe I just loved it because it's stuff that I needed to hear/ learn.

Bon soir!

there's a chip in my tooth.

Help me come up with the word, because I can't think of how to put it.

I think I've got a ___________ personality. Like I'm a person who never learns. Like... in a way, I do, but I still refuse to change my ways even when I realize there is a problem. I just had this striking epiphany...long story. And since my blog is for long rants and stories, why not?

So today, I was sitting in Starbucks, with my books open. (Yeah, doing homework in Starbucks, legit too!) And I just finished my ginger molasses cookie (Slightly warmed up, of course) and I had my Caramel Apple Spice in my hand. (Really, you need all the context for this.) So, I'm reading some Beowulf for Lit and I don't know, for some reason I was running my tongue along my teeth in my mouth, and for one of my bottom molars (are those called molars? haha) on the left side of my mouth, I feel this really sharp edge. I'm like...yoo, what is that! but really, after more intense investigation, I realized I chipped the corner of my tooth somehow. How ridiculous it that. I mean, I didn't do anything crazy, or eat any hard candy or anything. Promise! So, believe me, I was just as confused as you are right now. I really, really don't know how it got there. So, on my to do list, is to book a dentist appointment. "Ayyysap" (in reference to the picture on lamebook haha)

So anyways, back to my original point, I seriously don't learn. The tip of my tongue now has a little boo-boo on it from the way I repeatedly run my tongue over my sharp-edged tooth. (Okay, really, it's not THAT bad. But, it's not pleasant either.) Actually, I think the side of my tongue is suffering a little too, or I'm just imagining it.

Anyways, yeah. I seriously can't just leave it. I know it's there, and I know it's going to scratch me a TEENY bit each time I do it, yet I keep running my tongue over it. It's becoming a habit. I don't know why I'm like this. It's like I am compulsive, y'know? Did I even use that right?

THEN, I got to thinking, I think I'm like that when it comes to a lot of things.

There are certain things in my life that I just don't EVER let go of. Sometimes, even though I know the answer to something, or even if I've already learned my lesson, I don't really do anything to change/ fix things, or move on. I MEAN OKAY, there are obviously some things that this doesn't apply to, but there are certainly things it does apply to. But for cereal, it's like I am a person who keeps digging myself a bigger hole, getting deeper into it, and making it harder to get out.

Like with my tooth, it's like I enjoy the pain or something. That can't be it, because really, who enjoys pain?

Hmm, I envisioned this entry different, and deeper, and...different. Yet, here it is.

Alright, The Battle of Grendel awaits.

Toodles.