I got into my very first fender-bender yesterday. It was more like a tail-light cracker.
It was bound to happen. Icy conditions and well... we do live in Saskatchewan after all, where we spend the better part of six months driving through ice, snow and other hazards.
As I was pulling out of my parking spot at Safeway, a smaller SUV was also pulling out. Unfortunately, we pulled out into each other's path. I spotted the other vehicle first and immediately braked and laid on my horn. I struggled to switch gears while still honking - hoping to alert the other driver to my presence. Everyone in the parking lot stood still to watch this slow motion accident.
I was unsuccessful in alerting the driver however, but I think I did help prevent what could have wrought even more damage.
I barely felt the impact, but I did hear a crunch and I knew that wasn't good.
The only damage to my car was a chipped tail light. It could have been worse. The tail light broke right next to the trunk. If we had collided at a higher speed (as we were initially going to before I stopped) our trunk lid would probably have sustained damage as well.
The only damage to the other vehicle was some rather nasty looking scrapes to their spare tire cover. The vehicle owner insisted those marks were from a previous fender bender earlier in the week.
I think I shall watch out for a small grey SUV... two minor accidents in one week! Enough reason to stay I wary, I'd wager.
Anywho, although we will have to get a new tail light, with any luck on our side (and you know we have very little!) we can find the needed piece at a local auto wrecking place. We've found parts there before for our vehicles, so we shall pray they have a Plymouth Breeze with a driver's side tail light intact.
Listening to: Greg Sczebel (I'm in a mellow mood)
Assignments pending: 0!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Breathing
Finished my last assignment on Friday. I've spent the last two days discovering what many others appear to enjoy on a regular basis... free time.
What is this?
Oh my. What do I do with myself? I actually had a Saturday to just do... whatever.
Wow. I like it! To God and Bruce in Bruce Almighty... s'goood...!
I made chocolate chip cookies with Mik. She also helped me make supper - Turkey Saltimbocca with buttered angel hair pasta. She even ate it!
Today I've gone shopping for ingredients to the appetizer for small group tonight.
(In the process I got in a minor fender-bender. My very first. More on this and the damage it caused in the next few days... I'm sure).
After getting back I've sat with my feet up and relaxed while watching Richard play nintendo and the kids build stuff with lego. Seriously, could anything be more mundane?
But I like mundane. It's quite relaxing actually. And it feels so great not to be rushing or feel pressure to do something. It's pure bliss not to have a deadline hanging over my head.
This breather is such a blessing.
This attitude is a far cry from where I was when I woke up this morning. I made the big mistake of checking our bank account before going to church.
I should know better.
Instead of walking into church feeling encouraged and happy to worship together with my brothers and sisters in Christ... I felt blue.
I write so much and feel like I'm not accomplishing anything. I feel sometimes like it's all a wasted effort. How can I work so hard, be so frazzled and still be behind all the time? Why don't I have anything to show for it?
(Keep in mind those nine articles I wrote in February, plus one in March already, I have yet to be paid for. So I am owed a lot of money at the moment. Those payments should start trickling in this week. I think. I hope.)
But as I got ready for church, I fumed.
God, I've been praying for two years for a fulltime writing job. I've been praying for even a part time writing job, so I could keep freelancing. You've answered my brothers' and sisters' prayers around me. Why not mine? We've prayed for a house and yet we've encountered nothing but obstacles and bad luck. Do you not hear? Why is it just my prayers you can not answer?
I wondered about all this as we pulled into the church parking lot. Then I thought of the words to a simple chorus I remember from my childhood - We bring sacrifice of praise...
I love that song - mainly because it was the only song that went through my head the morning I was baptized at the age of 13. I've never forgotten it. Nor will I ever forget the words...
We bring sacrifice of praise
Into the house of the Lord
We bring sacrifice of praise
Into the house of the Lord
And we offer up to You
The sacrifices of thanksgiving
And we offer up to You
The sacrifices of joy
The word 'sacrifice' implies a cost. You're not sacrificing if you're not giving something costly - something of tremendous value.
So here I was having a pity party for one, as we walked into church. I prayed that God would accept my offerings of praise and thankgiving.
Because no matter what I'm going through, God is still God. And he still deserves my praise and thanksgiving for his constant watchful care.
Sometimes I don't see his hand in my life. Sometimes it appears he has left circumstances to chance all around me.
But instead of giving in to this feeling, today I chose to embrace him. I chose to bring my sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving and joy.
I trust in his love. I trust in his plan. I don't get it and today I confess I might even doubt the existence of his plan for my life - let alone that it could be a plan for blessing... but I will choose to believe it anyway.
Now I must toss together a vegetable pizza for our small group potluck! Ack!
Listening to: Mikaela telling me about the house she built with a front yard and back yard with a pool. I like it!
Pending assignments: none! Woohoo!
Houses looked at: 1
What is this?
Oh my. What do I do with myself? I actually had a Saturday to just do... whatever.
Wow. I like it! To God and Bruce in Bruce Almighty... s'goood...!
I made chocolate chip cookies with Mik. She also helped me make supper - Turkey Saltimbocca with buttered angel hair pasta. She even ate it!
Today I've gone shopping for ingredients to the appetizer for small group tonight.
(In the process I got in a minor fender-bender. My very first. More on this and the damage it caused in the next few days... I'm sure).
After getting back I've sat with my feet up and relaxed while watching Richard play nintendo and the kids build stuff with lego. Seriously, could anything be more mundane?
But I like mundane. It's quite relaxing actually. And it feels so great not to be rushing or feel pressure to do something. It's pure bliss not to have a deadline hanging over my head.
This breather is such a blessing.
This attitude is a far cry from where I was when I woke up this morning. I made the big mistake of checking our bank account before going to church.
I should know better.
Instead of walking into church feeling encouraged and happy to worship together with my brothers and sisters in Christ... I felt blue.
Frustrated, too.
I write so much and feel like I'm not accomplishing anything. I feel sometimes like it's all a wasted effort. How can I work so hard, be so frazzled and still be behind all the time? Why don't I have anything to show for it?
(Keep in mind those nine articles I wrote in February, plus one in March already, I have yet to be paid for. So I am owed a lot of money at the moment. Those payments should start trickling in this week. I think. I hope.)
But as I got ready for church, I fumed.
God, I've been praying for two years for a fulltime writing job. I've been praying for even a part time writing job, so I could keep freelancing. You've answered my brothers' and sisters' prayers around me. Why not mine? We've prayed for a house and yet we've encountered nothing but obstacles and bad luck. Do you not hear? Why is it just my prayers you can not answer?
I wondered about all this as we pulled into the church parking lot. Then I thought of the words to a simple chorus I remember from my childhood - We bring sacrifice of praise...
I love that song - mainly because it was the only song that went through my head the morning I was baptized at the age of 13. I've never forgotten it. Nor will I ever forget the words...
We bring sacrifice of praise
Into the house of the Lord
We bring sacrifice of praise
Into the house of the Lord
And we offer up to You
The sacrifices of thanksgiving
And we offer up to You
The sacrifices of joy
The word 'sacrifice' implies a cost. You're not sacrificing if you're not giving something costly - something of tremendous value.
So here I was having a pity party for one, as we walked into church. I prayed that God would accept my offerings of praise and thankgiving.
Because no matter what I'm going through, God is still God. And he still deserves my praise and thanksgiving for his constant watchful care.
Sometimes I don't see his hand in my life. Sometimes it appears he has left circumstances to chance all around me.
But instead of giving in to this feeling, today I chose to embrace him. I chose to bring my sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving and joy.
I trust in his love. I trust in his plan. I don't get it and today I confess I might even doubt the existence of his plan for my life - let alone that it could be a plan for blessing... but I will choose to believe it anyway.
Now I must toss together a vegetable pizza for our small group potluck! Ack!
Listening to: Mikaela telling me about the house she built with a front yard and back yard with a pool. I like it!
Pending assignments: none! Woohoo!
Houses looked at: 1
Friday, February 23, 2007
Hopes dashed
Last week's enthusiasm and optimism on buying a house were completely premature.
The finances we had hoped would fall into place did not.
So house hunting is again done. For at least a year.
I don't know what else to say. I'm disappointed. Frustrated. Discouraged.
But perhaps God has a very good reason for all this. Perhaps He will have a remarkable way of turning it around.
Tonight I'm off to birthday party on the other side of the city. I'm not sure how I feel about trekking out on these roads right now, but I'm not the one driving! And that's just fine with me.
After the bday celebration, we will be heading over to Vangelli's on Broadway in support of a friend of mine who's band is doing their first gig since last August.
It's a social event and a date night all in one!
Listening to: the news (yawn!)
Pending assignments: 1, but I see another one sitting in my inbox that I haven't read yet...
The finances we had hoped would fall into place did not.
So house hunting is again done. For at least a year.
I don't know what else to say. I'm disappointed. Frustrated. Discouraged.
But perhaps God has a very good reason for all this. Perhaps He will have a remarkable way of turning it around.
Tonight I'm off to birthday party on the other side of the city. I'm not sure how I feel about trekking out on these roads right now, but I'm not the one driving! And that's just fine with me.
After the bday celebration, we will be heading over to Vangelli's on Broadway in support of a friend of mine who's band is doing their first gig since last August.
It's a social event and a date night all in one!
Listening to: the news (yawn!)
Pending assignments: 1, but I see another one sitting in my inbox that I haven't read yet...
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Down to one!
Yes!
Doing a happy Snoopy dance here!
I've had nine articles to write in the month of February. I just finished number eight. My third for this week alone!
Number nine is a major centre spread for Living Light News and due Monday. I just finished the interview this morning.
Tomorrow I get to rest and relax. I have coffee planned with a friend in the morning and then a whole afternoon to just do whatever.
Can I tell you how exciting that sounds right now? Do... whatever. Ahhh...
After I send in this last assignment on Monday I will truly be done for the month. I hope.
(Although any editors out there are welcome to send more assignments my as the month is not yet over... and hey nine articles in a month is crazy, but so is 10... or 11...!)
Listening to: Logan make himself iced-tea with his dad's frother (it's gets all foamy)
Pending assignments: 1! WOOHOO!
Doing a happy Snoopy dance here!
I've had nine articles to write in the month of February. I just finished number eight. My third for this week alone!
Number nine is a major centre spread for Living Light News and due Monday. I just finished the interview this morning.
Tomorrow I get to rest and relax. I have coffee planned with a friend in the morning and then a whole afternoon to just do whatever.
Can I tell you how exciting that sounds right now? Do... whatever. Ahhh...
After I send in this last assignment on Monday I will truly be done for the month. I hope.
(Although any editors out there are welcome to send more assignments my as the month is not yet over... and hey nine articles in a month is crazy, but so is 10... or 11...!)
Listening to: Logan make himself iced-tea with his dad's frother (it's gets all foamy)
Pending assignments: 1! WOOHOO!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Cookin'
I love to cook. It is yet another way I use my creativity. And this one blesses my family directly everyday.
Perhaps that's why making a meal plan and and cooking healthy foods gives me such joy. My kids don't enjoy these foods near as much as I do... yet, anyway!
I figure if they are exposed to it when they are young, they will think it is normal. And hopefully the eating habits they observe their parents demonstrating day in and day out will have an impact.
They are getting better at trying new things.
I watched an episode of Dr. Phil a few weeks ago about obese children. It just about broke my heart to hear their stories. To start off so young and have their view of food and nutrition so horribly skewed.
And these well-meaning, but horrificly mis-informed and mis-guided parents! Giving our kids healthy food is one way we bless them, not just today but for days to come. Start them early!
Today we are having Cream of Broccoli soup with butter pan buns from Safeway. (Does Safeway not have the best buns in the city...?)
Every meal is also adorned with a big bowl of raw veggies. Many people serve salad, but none of us are salad eaters. Raw veggies my kids go nuts for.
So I make dip and buy their favourite vegetables to cut up together. I also serve low fat cheese at most meals to give Logan his calcium requirements as he does not like milk.
Cooking also helps me to release tension. Baking bread is the ultimate in stress relief.
I cook as much as I can from scratch. I figure it's healthier that way. I avoid mixes and prepared foods as much as possible.
Lest you think I am some sort of genius chef, I can assure that is not the case. My cooking skills are pretty rudimentary.
I will share a secret...
The Dinner Diva. She is an absolute gem. She sends me an email once a week with a meal plan for six dinners and a grocery list. I print it off and like today I go to the store to buy everything I need for the week.
It costs about $30 a year, but my sanity is worth it. I never have to wonder what's for supper. What a blessing that is! And that in turn blesses my family.
So I thought I would share with you one of my favourite blessings. If you think you'd like to cook more or cook healthier meals, but don't know where to start - check out The Dinner Diva.
She also has new recipe bundles for those who like to freeze meals ahead of time. Great for working moms! She has several different style of menus for those with special dietary needs like low carbs or heart-healthy, etc.
Now I'm off to finish making supper and then nose to the keyboard... er... grindstone it will be for me!
Listening to: my children make themselves ice-tea with their dad's frother.
Pending assignments: 3 (minus one tonight when I finish the latest!)
Perhaps that's why making a meal plan and and cooking healthy foods gives me such joy. My kids don't enjoy these foods near as much as I do... yet, anyway!
I figure if they are exposed to it when they are young, they will think it is normal. And hopefully the eating habits they observe their parents demonstrating day in and day out will have an impact.
They are getting better at trying new things.
I watched an episode of Dr. Phil a few weeks ago about obese children. It just about broke my heart to hear their stories. To start off so young and have their view of food and nutrition so horribly skewed.
And these well-meaning, but horrificly mis-informed and mis-guided parents! Giving our kids healthy food is one way we bless them, not just today but for days to come. Start them early!
Today we are having Cream of Broccoli soup with butter pan buns from Safeway. (Does Safeway not have the best buns in the city...?)
Every meal is also adorned with a big bowl of raw veggies. Many people serve salad, but none of us are salad eaters. Raw veggies my kids go nuts for.
So I make dip and buy their favourite vegetables to cut up together. I also serve low fat cheese at most meals to give Logan his calcium requirements as he does not like milk.
Cooking also helps me to release tension. Baking bread is the ultimate in stress relief.
I cook as much as I can from scratch. I figure it's healthier that way. I avoid mixes and prepared foods as much as possible.
Lest you think I am some sort of genius chef, I can assure that is not the case. My cooking skills are pretty rudimentary.
I will share a secret...
The Dinner Diva. She is an absolute gem. She sends me an email once a week with a meal plan for six dinners and a grocery list. I print it off and like today I go to the store to buy everything I need for the week.
It costs about $30 a year, but my sanity is worth it. I never have to wonder what's for supper. What a blessing that is! And that in turn blesses my family.
So I thought I would share with you one of my favourite blessings. If you think you'd like to cook more or cook healthier meals, but don't know where to start - check out The Dinner Diva.
She also has new recipe bundles for those who like to freeze meals ahead of time. Great for working moms! She has several different style of menus for those with special dietary needs like low carbs or heart-healthy, etc.
Now I'm off to finish making supper and then nose to the keyboard... er... grindstone it will be for me!
Listening to: my children make themselves ice-tea with their dad's frother.
Pending assignments: 3 (minus one tonight when I finish the latest!)
Apologies
I didn't mean to alarm anyone with my post last night.
Have you ever had one of those days? A day that taxes every ounce of patience you have? A day that jumps you a dark alley and beats the crap out of you and leaves you in a sobbing heap?
Yeah. That's the kind of day I had.
But I tried to end on a positive note. Life still must go on. The earth keeps spinning on its axis and we must gather ourselves up and try again.
When life kicks us in the teeth we simply get up and brush ourselves off and continue on.
I shall pick myself up again and again. And each time I will learn a little.
There are just times when we must allow ourselves a few moments of self-pity, a few moments of oh-my-gosh-life-is-so-hard whining, before we carry on.
I'll be focusing the next few days on self-care - taking care of my physical (eating properly - no junk food, no pepsi), spiritual (sipping, renewing, and refreshing from the well of God's grace), emotional/psychological, and social needs (meeting with friends and staying in contact with those I love through email).
As well I'll be taking some time to refill the creative reservoir by watching lots of movies and doing some creative crafting.
I also plan to try and catch some curling action over the weekend.
Listening to: blessed silence
Pending assignments: 3 - bless 'em!
Have you ever had one of those days? A day that taxes every ounce of patience you have? A day that jumps you a dark alley and beats the crap out of you and leaves you in a sobbing heap?
Yeah. That's the kind of day I had.
But I tried to end on a positive note. Life still must go on. The earth keeps spinning on its axis and we must gather ourselves up and try again.
When life kicks us in the teeth we simply get up and brush ourselves off and continue on.
I shall pick myself up again and again. And each time I will learn a little.
There are just times when we must allow ourselves a few moments of self-pity, a few moments of oh-my-gosh-life-is-so-hard whining, before we carry on.
I'll be focusing the next few days on self-care - taking care of my physical (eating properly - no junk food, no pepsi), spiritual (sipping, renewing, and refreshing from the well of God's grace), emotional/psychological, and social needs (meeting with friends and staying in contact with those I love through email).
As well I'll be taking some time to refill the creative reservoir by watching lots of movies and doing some creative crafting.
I also plan to try and catch some curling action over the weekend.
Listening to: blessed silence
Pending assignments: 3 - bless 'em!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Down
Life was trucking along. Things weren't perfect but then things never are, never will be.
But things were going... we were moving forward at least - we may have been jostling along in the back of a pick up on a grid road at 60 mph, but still... things were moving along.
In the space of a day I've gone from excited at my family coming back home from various parts of the province to devastated.
The meltdowns have returned.
And this time I'm bitter. Bit. Er.
I do everything the same. There are certain things I just don't mess with because I know a big fight is in store. I obsess about routines and habits - knowing the less I have to tell him to do and the more he remembers on his own, the fewer squabbles we will have.
Yet, none of it matters.
My prayers accomplish nothing. And the peaceful existence I thought had carved out for myself shatters into pieces so small they might as well be specks of dust.
I don't understand, God. I don't understand.
It always throws me for a loop. And writing becomes a painful process - as evidenced by the tears on my keyboard tonight. How do you emotionally regroup when your heart aches?
So I'm looping Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars in the background and waiting out the tide of grief.
There's still assignments to complete. There's still work to be done. There are clients to make happy. And others to chat with tomorrow.
If I just lay here... would you lie with me and just forget the world?
But things were going... we were moving forward at least - we may have been jostling along in the back of a pick up on a grid road at 60 mph, but still... things were moving along.
In the space of a day I've gone from excited at my family coming back home from various parts of the province to devastated.
The meltdowns have returned.
And this time I'm bitter. Bit. Er.
I do everything the same. There are certain things I just don't mess with because I know a big fight is in store. I obsess about routines and habits - knowing the less I have to tell him to do and the more he remembers on his own, the fewer squabbles we will have.
Yet, none of it matters.
My prayers accomplish nothing. And the peaceful existence I thought had carved out for myself shatters into pieces so small they might as well be specks of dust.
I don't understand, God. I don't understand.
It always throws me for a loop. And writing becomes a painful process - as evidenced by the tears on my keyboard tonight. How do you emotionally regroup when your heart aches?
So I'm looping Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars in the background and waiting out the tide of grief.
There's still assignments to complete. There's still work to be done. There are clients to make happy. And others to chat with tomorrow.
If I just lay here... would you lie with me and just forget the world?
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Random thoughts on a Saturday
Random thought #1:
I'm home by myself this weekend. The kids are with my mom and the hubby is helping to renovate his brother's bathroom in Regina.
This is all well and good. I happen to like being alone. For one thing, I always know I'm in good company. Far from being lonely, I am relaxed and thoroughly enjoying some space to myself.
Last night I went out for supper with a friend of mine. After supper we ate a leisurely dessert and sipped specialty coffees while we laughed and share. I treasure such times in my heart. God has blessed me with such amazing friends.
Random thought #2:
Looking forward to a season of growth and change. My writing continues to expand and keep me busy.
Work is also going to be going through major changes with a new person just hired and a new location TBA soon (I hope!)
I'm praying God will grant me peace - peace enough that I can speak into the tumult and chaos that will surround me over the next few months.
Random thought #3:
If God grants us a house in that time...! Wowee!
Random thought #4:
I hate shopping at Sobey's.
Random thought #5:
McCain pizza has a wonderful thin crust variety called Parisian Chicken. All the toppings are wonderful - spicy chicken, mushrooms, cheese, some sort of white sauce I forget the name of, and in a stroke of genius - chopped spinach. It's delicious. And I get to enjoy it all by myself!
Random thought #6:
I rarely have soft drinks in the house, but I bought myself a bottle of Pepsi.
Pepsi=yum!
Random thought #7:
The Riders have released their schedule. Check it out here. Or at Riderville.
Listening to: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers (yes I'm an NHL dabbler...)
Pending assignments: 4
I'm home by myself this weekend. The kids are with my mom and the hubby is helping to renovate his brother's bathroom in Regina.
This is all well and good. I happen to like being alone. For one thing, I always know I'm in good company. Far from being lonely, I am relaxed and thoroughly enjoying some space to myself.
Last night I went out for supper with a friend of mine. After supper we ate a leisurely dessert and sipped specialty coffees while we laughed and share. I treasure such times in my heart. God has blessed me with such amazing friends.
Random thought #2:
Looking forward to a season of growth and change. My writing continues to expand and keep me busy.
Work is also going to be going through major changes with a new person just hired and a new location TBA soon (I hope!)
I'm praying God will grant me peace - peace enough that I can speak into the tumult and chaos that will surround me over the next few months.
Random thought #3:
If God grants us a house in that time...! Wowee!
Random thought #4:
I hate shopping at Sobey's.
Random thought #5:
McCain pizza has a wonderful thin crust variety called Parisian Chicken. All the toppings are wonderful - spicy chicken, mushrooms, cheese, some sort of white sauce I forget the name of, and in a stroke of genius - chopped spinach. It's delicious. And I get to enjoy it all by myself!
Random thought #6:
I rarely have soft drinks in the house, but I bought myself a bottle of Pepsi.
Pepsi=yum!
Random thought #7:
The Riders have released their schedule. Check it out here. Or at Riderville.
Listening to: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Edmonton Oilers (yes I'm an NHL dabbler...)
Pending assignments: 4
Friday, February 16, 2007
Resuming the hunt
It's on. Or more accurately... it's back on!
We're officially back into the house-hunting business.
For those of you who haven't purchased a house in the last ten months please realize that the market right now is extremely hot and is unlike the market in which you bought your house.
We've done this before but it's not even like the market we were looking in last fall. Things have changed that much.
Houses are going for far more than their asking prices. And they are moving quickly.
It's going to take nerves of steel, an immense amount of luck and a heavy dose of patience. And add in a little bit of being in the right place at the right time!
Thankfully, Richard and I both have this heavy stubborn streak. So here's hoping it serves us well in finding a place to call home.
Prayers for buckets of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Listening to: the downstairs tenant belting out CCR... If that isn't incentive to move...
Pending assignments: 4
We're officially back into the house-hunting business.
For those of you who haven't purchased a house in the last ten months please realize that the market right now is extremely hot and is unlike the market in which you bought your house.
We've done this before but it's not even like the market we were looking in last fall. Things have changed that much.
Houses are going for far more than their asking prices. And they are moving quickly.
It's going to take nerves of steel, an immense amount of luck and a heavy dose of patience. And add in a little bit of being in the right place at the right time!
Thankfully, Richard and I both have this heavy stubborn streak. So here's hoping it serves us well in finding a place to call home.
Prayers for buckets of wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Listening to: the downstairs tenant belting out CCR... If that isn't incentive to move...
Pending assignments: 4
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Number crunching
I always get the strongest urge to blog when I am facing a deadline. I'm not sure that's good or bad. And I'm procrastinating big time right now!
I did some comparing of this year's writing stats to last year's writing stats. This would be from the retail training I had - exceeding last year sales are always part of your sales goals. So last year's numbers are very important.
In the first two months of 2006 I wrote 9 articles. In the first two months of 2007 I will have written 12.
I also increased my pay per word. So that is progress as well.
There are but small steps - babysteps - but eventually even babysteps will get you where you want to go.
I did some comparing of this year's writing stats to last year's writing stats. This would be from the retail training I had - exceeding last year sales are always part of your sales goals. So last year's numbers are very important.
In the first two months of 2006 I wrote 9 articles. In the first two months of 2007 I will have written 12.
I also increased my pay per word. So that is progress as well.
There are but small steps - babysteps - but eventually even babysteps will get you where you want to go.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Bummer
The job at the SP went to someone internally. Nice guy. Talented too. I don't feel like I've been slighted at all.
In the meantime I have four articles due this month. Three until this morning and then I got another assignment. So things are just trucking along.
As to how in the world I will continue to keep all these balls in the air without dropping any of the important ones... I have no idea. I have begged God to help me find a way out of the high stress stakes of freelancing. But I trust his timing.
As I was typing the above, this verse came to mind:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)
I've let God know my prayers. I am so grateful for the work he has brought my way. I have been blessed in abundance lately!
So I will stand on the first part of the verse: be anxious for nothing. God knows my heart, I commit to trusting his guidance.
He has blessed me with work, I will continue to trust that he will provide the strength to complete it.
Listening to: nothing... strange but true.
Pending assignments: 4
In the meantime I have four articles due this month. Three until this morning and then I got another assignment. So things are just trucking along.
As to how in the world I will continue to keep all these balls in the air without dropping any of the important ones... I have no idea. I have begged God to help me find a way out of the high stress stakes of freelancing. But I trust his timing.
As I was typing the above, this verse came to mind:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)
I've let God know my prayers. I am so grateful for the work he has brought my way. I have been blessed in abundance lately!
So I will stand on the first part of the verse: be anxious for nothing. God knows my heart, I commit to trusting his guidance.
He has blessed me with work, I will continue to trust that he will provide the strength to complete it.
Listening to: nothing... strange but true.
Pending assignments: 4
Monday, February 12, 2007
The requisite weather-related post
It's dang cold out there.
How cold, you ask?
So cold Richard said the CD player in the car didn't work until he was almost at work.
So cold our car has resorted to swearing at us every morning.
So cold about one-third of the population of Saskatoon are currently south of the border - Arizona, California, Florida, Barbados, Hawaii, New Zealand... etc
So cold Environment Canada has begun their annual carrot-and-stick routine to keep us all from running en-masse to the border or overwhelming airlines to warm destinations.
They are currently saying the high on Thursday will reach -2.
Uh-huh.
Tomorrow the forecast for Thursday will suddenly become minus a gabillion and then Friday will warm up.
But, of course, we can't complain. We can't do without our weather prognosticators. For one thing we live in Saskatchewan where half the conversations from February to June revolve weather in one form or another.
We have to access the gifted minds of Environment Canada or the Weather Network, otherwise we can't talk for five months.
And perhaps it is in their infinite weather wisdom that they understand this time of year we start to avoid them. When the forecast is five days of frigidly monotonous temperatures, what's the point in watching them. It's like knowing how the story is going to end before you read the book... so why bother?
And so the weather forecasters in our great nation resort to the bait-and-switch technique of weather reporting. They invent a "chinook" five days in advance when forecasting becomes rather iffy anyway.
The "chinook" hits in early April. It's called spring.
Listening to: back to the newboys...
Pending assignments: 3, plus one rewrite (whew!)
How cold, you ask?
So cold Richard said the CD player in the car didn't work until he was almost at work.
So cold our car has resorted to swearing at us every morning.
So cold about one-third of the population of Saskatoon are currently south of the border - Arizona, California, Florida, Barbados, Hawaii, New Zealand... etc
So cold Environment Canada has begun their annual carrot-and-stick routine to keep us all from running en-masse to the border or overwhelming airlines to warm destinations.
They are currently saying the high on Thursday will reach -2.
Uh-huh.
Tomorrow the forecast for Thursday will suddenly become minus a gabillion and then Friday will warm up.
But, of course, we can't complain. We can't do without our weather prognosticators. For one thing we live in Saskatchewan where half the conversations from February to June revolve weather in one form or another.
We have to access the gifted minds of Environment Canada or the Weather Network, otherwise we can't talk for five months.
And perhaps it is in their infinite weather wisdom that they understand this time of year we start to avoid them. When the forecast is five days of frigidly monotonous temperatures, what's the point in watching them. It's like knowing how the story is going to end before you read the book... so why bother?
And so the weather forecasters in our great nation resort to the bait-and-switch technique of weather reporting. They invent a "chinook" five days in advance when forecasting becomes rather iffy anyway.
The "chinook" hits in early April. It's called spring.
Listening to: back to the newboys...
Pending assignments: 3, plus one rewrite (whew!)
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Unexpected
The kids came busting through the front door on Friday absolutely breathless.
"Mom! Mom!" they called. "We don't have school next week."
I nodded. True. We had talked about it all week. I was surprised that they were surprised by it.
They looked confused. "Well, aren't we going to Grandma's house?"
"No, your dad and I decided you could hang out with us for a week."
"What?!"
"Well, you've been at Grandma's twice since Christmas, I thought we should give Grandma a break," I explained trying to hide my amusement.
"A break? What?"
The two of them looked at me like I'd lost my mind.
When relating the story to my mom yesterday she said they'd been wondering when I was going to call. She assured me that it was fine. If the kids wanted to come, they were welcome. In fact, they had been expected.
So today we packed up the kids after church and Richard drove them to meet mom in Biggar, while I slaved over the finishing touches on an article.
I'm faced with an unexpected break from my kids and I find myself missing them already. Weren't they just gone? Didn't we just get back?
Truth is I haven't had a chance to catch my breath since we got back from Edmonton. And with the hailstorm of assignments it's been a taxing workload to say the least.
I've been praying that through the storm I could feel his calm and feel him caring for me in ways I couldn't even guess or have time to think about or list.
This break might be just what I need as I wrap up several articles. It's like God knew and God provided just the break I needed. Isn't He a great heavenly Father?
He provides unexpected blessings for me. He is so good to me. I'm learning this over and over.
So what unexpected blessings have you experienced recently? Have you been looking? Can you see him peering down from heaven delighting in surprising you?
Listening to: Wow worship 2004 (I know it's not the newsboys! I'm branching out. Today so far I've sampled music by Snow Patrol, Daniel Powter, Tobymac, Casting Crowns, Tait, Building 429 and Tom Cochrane. Is that an eclectic mix or what?)
Assignments pending: 4 yay!
"Mom! Mom!" they called. "We don't have school next week."
I nodded. True. We had talked about it all week. I was surprised that they were surprised by it.
They looked confused. "Well, aren't we going to Grandma's house?"
"No, your dad and I decided you could hang out with us for a week."
"What?!"
"Well, you've been at Grandma's twice since Christmas, I thought we should give Grandma a break," I explained trying to hide my amusement.
"A break? What?"
The two of them looked at me like I'd lost my mind.
When relating the story to my mom yesterday she said they'd been wondering when I was going to call. She assured me that it was fine. If the kids wanted to come, they were welcome. In fact, they had been expected.
So today we packed up the kids after church and Richard drove them to meet mom in Biggar, while I slaved over the finishing touches on an article.
I'm faced with an unexpected break from my kids and I find myself missing them already. Weren't they just gone? Didn't we just get back?
Truth is I haven't had a chance to catch my breath since we got back from Edmonton. And with the hailstorm of assignments it's been a taxing workload to say the least.
I've been praying that through the storm I could feel his calm and feel him caring for me in ways I couldn't even guess or have time to think about or list.
This break might be just what I need as I wrap up several articles. It's like God knew and God provided just the break I needed. Isn't He a great heavenly Father?
He provides unexpected blessings for me. He is so good to me. I'm learning this over and over.
So what unexpected blessings have you experienced recently? Have you been looking? Can you see him peering down from heaven delighting in surprising you?
Listening to: Wow worship 2004 (I know it's not the newsboys! I'm branching out. Today so far I've sampled music by Snow Patrol, Daniel Powter, Tobymac, Casting Crowns, Tait, Building 429 and Tom Cochrane. Is that an eclectic mix or what?)
Assignments pending: 4 yay!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Buy a paper!
Hey all you out in blogger world...
Buy a StarPhoenix tomorrow, k?
They will be running a story about Baby Jane that includes quotes from my co-worker Kate and blurb about our organization (Real Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre).
The reporter couldn't interview me, because I write for the paper - making it a slight conflict of interest. And with a last name like mine, I don't exactly blend in, if you know what I mean.
Yay! How cool is that?
Listening to: newsboys: Go ... seriously, why do I even list this...?
Pending assignments: 5 (hopefully 4 by the end of the day)
Buy a StarPhoenix tomorrow, k?
They will be running a story about Baby Jane that includes quotes from my co-worker Kate and blurb about our organization (Real Choices Crisis Pregnancy Centre).
The reporter couldn't interview me, because I write for the paper - making it a slight conflict of interest. And with a last name like mine, I don't exactly blend in, if you know what I mean.
Yay! How cool is that?
Listening to: newsboys: Go ... seriously, why do I even list this...?
Pending assignments: 5 (hopefully 4 by the end of the day)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Almost...
Almost there.
I've been drowning in a haze of assignments. I just put two to rest tonight. I'll do another tomorrow.
And then another for Monday. My eyes and finger tips should be square by then.
And then... next Tuesday I think I'll throw a party... or maybe just have a very long bubble bath and a nap.
In the meantime I'm so tired I could cry. I shall go insane with the tension in my life. It feels like there is a constant war between my work and my writing and I'm tired of refereeing the fight.
It's making me weepy. I also got very sad news from a friend of mine tonight. So that didn't help.
Almost there, though. Almost...
Listening to: my own fingers crunch the keyboards
Assignments pending: 5
I've been drowning in a haze of assignments. I just put two to rest tonight. I'll do another tomorrow.
And then another for Monday. My eyes and finger tips should be square by then.
And then... next Tuesday I think I'll throw a party... or maybe just have a very long bubble bath and a nap.
In the meantime I'm so tired I could cry. I shall go insane with the tension in my life. It feels like there is a constant war between my work and my writing and I'm tired of refereeing the fight.
It's making me weepy. I also got very sad news from a friend of mine tonight. So that didn't help.
Almost there, though. Almost...
Listening to: my own fingers crunch the keyboards
Assignments pending: 5
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Aha!
Ever have an epiphany? Something that is so simple and obvious suddenly becomes crystal clear. Like DUH!
I’ve been struggling for months with trying to balance everything – trying to do everything. Nothing was consistent except the constantly overwhelming feeling of being... well... overwhelmed.
Along would come a hailstorm of assignments and I’d feel defeated because everything sorta fell apart with the house, laundry and meals. Why can’t I do this all consistently!? I kept railing against myself.
Anyway… it hit me today! I don’t need to. I don’t need to do laundry consistently to bless my family with clean clothes. I don’t have to keep the house spotless every single day to keep it functional and peaceful. I don’t have to cook fabulous meals – my family won’t ever starve around here!
My life is like the tide – it goes out and it comes in. Sometimes I’m standing knee deep in work. And other times I’m standing on dry land and can barely even see the waves.
Sometimes I’m writing my fingers to the bone and then other times I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs and beating myself up for not being more productive or making more contacts and being more consistent in writing.
Then when I am busy and writing my fingers to the to the bone and still trying to do all the other stuff that I do when I’m not so busy.
Like duh!
Why don’t I just focus on writing and my deadlines and do the basics – my evening routine, my morning routine, planning meals (keeping quick meals around in reserve for times like this)? And then when things quiet down I can go back to more of the things that I do around the house – decluttering, detail cleaning, laundry every day, and other creative pursuits.
The creative life is never consistent so why would I expect my life to fall into a pattern that makes sense? The trick is to apply what works when I’m not busy writing to those times when I am. Just do it in smaller doses.
Learning to live in the ebb and flow...
Listening to: Geoff Moore & The Distance
Pending assignments: 7! eeeeeooooooo!
I’ve been struggling for months with trying to balance everything – trying to do everything. Nothing was consistent except the constantly overwhelming feeling of being... well... overwhelmed.
Along would come a hailstorm of assignments and I’d feel defeated because everything sorta fell apart with the house, laundry and meals. Why can’t I do this all consistently!? I kept railing against myself.
Anyway… it hit me today! I don’t need to. I don’t need to do laundry consistently to bless my family with clean clothes. I don’t have to keep the house spotless every single day to keep it functional and peaceful. I don’t have to cook fabulous meals – my family won’t ever starve around here!
My life is like the tide – it goes out and it comes in. Sometimes I’m standing knee deep in work. And other times I’m standing on dry land and can barely even see the waves.
Sometimes I’m writing my fingers to the bone and then other times I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs and beating myself up for not being more productive or making more contacts and being more consistent in writing.
Then when I am busy and writing my fingers to the to the bone and still trying to do all the other stuff that I do when I’m not so busy.
Like duh!
Why don’t I just focus on writing and my deadlines and do the basics – my evening routine, my morning routine, planning meals (keeping quick meals around in reserve for times like this)? And then when things quiet down I can go back to more of the things that I do around the house – decluttering, detail cleaning, laundry every day, and other creative pursuits.
The creative life is never consistent so why would I expect my life to fall into a pattern that makes sense? The trick is to apply what works when I’m not busy writing to those times when I am. Just do it in smaller doses.
Learning to live in the ebb and flow...
Listening to: Geoff Moore & The Distance
Pending assignments: 7! eeeeeooooooo!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
God bless cable repair guys
Internet is back. Yay!
I could have hugged the cable guy when he stood on my doorstep with a new modem under his arm.
"You brought a new modem!" I almost shrieked. But I managed to restrain myself. People think I'm weird enough without screaming random phrases.
I've been whining about needing a new modem for the past year to every cable repair guy and the response is always the same... "Well, it COULD be the modem, but then there's... insert geek-speak here..."
Mainly, the tech talk related to something that would be OUR problem, such as the router. If one more tech asks me if I have a router I'll scream! I swear.
In addition they always said the same thing... "Hmm... your levels are ok, but not great. They are ok, though."
"But I don't want to be ok," I would complain in my head. "I want to be Tony the Tiger GRRREAT!"
Didn't these people realize who they were dealing with? A computer guru/tech-freak married to a writer who's research skills are limited only by her ADD-like ability to surf the internet?
Ok? Our levels are ok?
Ok is unacceptable.
But every time they came, they'd replace a new cable or switch a setting and all was well... until the next crash...
Crash meaning no access to email. No internet. Nuttin'.
And I would call Shaw support only to get asked, "Do you have a router?"
AHHHHH!
Well, God bless the cable repair guy that came today! He immediately said, it's probably the power supply.
Power supply?
Then he showed me the burned/browned label on the power supply. It wasn't the worst he'd ever seen, but almost!
"They can even blister and bubble," he says matter-of-factly. Yikes!
The new modem is tiny compared to our old clunker, but I'm very excited.
The tech then proceeded to drool over our computer.
"Ooo... dual core... ooo..." he muttered, while his partner stared at him blankly.
Apparently, not all cable repair guys are tech-freaks.
Listening to: newsboys - Shine: The Hits
Assignments pending: FIVE! Count 'em... one, two, three, four, FIVE! help!
I could have hugged the cable guy when he stood on my doorstep with a new modem under his arm.
"You brought a new modem!" I almost shrieked. But I managed to restrain myself. People think I'm weird enough without screaming random phrases.
I've been whining about needing a new modem for the past year to every cable repair guy and the response is always the same... "Well, it COULD be the modem, but then there's
Mainly, the tech talk related to something that would be OUR problem, such as the router. If one more tech asks me if I have a router I'll scream! I swear.
In addition they always said the same thing... "Hmm... your levels are ok, but not great. They are ok, though."
"But I don't want to be ok," I would complain in my head. "I want to be Tony the Tiger GRRREAT!"
Didn't these people realize who they were dealing with? A computer guru/tech-freak married to a writer who's research skills are limited only by her ADD-like ability to surf the internet?
Ok? Our levels are ok?
Ok is unacceptable.
But every time they came, they'd replace a new cable or switch a setting and all was well... until the next crash...
Crash meaning no access to email. No internet. Nuttin'.
And I would call Shaw support only to get asked, "Do you have a router?"
AHHHHH!
Well, God bless the cable repair guy that came today! He immediately said, it's probably the power supply.
Power supply?
Then he showed me the burned/browned label on the power supply. It wasn't the worst he'd ever seen, but almost!
"They can even blister and bubble," he says matter-of-factly. Yikes!
The new modem is tiny compared to our old clunker, but I'm very excited.
The tech then proceeded to drool over our computer.
"Ooo... dual core... ooo..." he muttered, while his partner stared at him blankly.
Apparently, not all cable repair guys are tech-freaks.
And what are our levels now you ask? They're grrrrreat! Thanks for asking!
Listening to: newsboys - Shine: The Hits
Assignments pending: FIVE! Count 'em... one, two, three, four, FIVE! help!
Waiting
Waiting...
Waiting for Richard to be done his morning work, so I can go get him and he can take me home.
Waiting for our internet to be fixed. It spontaneously decided to work yesterday afternoon, but it still crashes frequently. Which sucks.
Waiting to hear from people at work regarding a bunch of stuff.
Waiting to hear about the job I applied for.
Waiting here for Richard to be done so I can go home to wait for the Shaw repair guy.
Waiting...
Waiting for Richard to be done his morning work, so I can go get him and he can take me home.
Waiting for our internet to be fixed. It spontaneously decided to work yesterday afternoon, but it still crashes frequently. Which sucks.
Waiting to hear from people at work regarding a bunch of stuff.
Waiting to hear about the job I applied for.
Waiting here for Richard to be done so I can go home to wait for the Shaw repair guy.
Waiting...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Quick post
Our internet connection is very very very flaky. I'm hoping it holds long enough to post this.
Anyway, I would love to post some observations from Break Forth, but unfortunately I shall have to wait until the ISP problem is fixed. The Shaw cable guy is coming tomorrow.
In the meantime... it means I am without internet access (I shall go through withdrawals!) and email. So if you are waiting to hear from me, just be aware I will only have internet access if the monitor at work continues to hang on to usefulness by a thread. Sigh...
As well, I have several article deadlines flying around my head! Whee...
Anyway, I would love to post some observations from Break Forth, but unfortunately I shall have to wait until the ISP problem is fixed. The Shaw cable guy is coming tomorrow.
In the meantime... it means I am without internet access (I shall go through withdrawals!) and email. So if you are waiting to hear from me, just be aware I will only have internet access if the monitor at work continues to hang on to usefulness by a thread. Sigh...
As well, I have several article deadlines flying around my head! Whee...
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Bloggin' Break Forth #2 - Tandori
Today Richard and I spent all of our workshop sessions with Dr. Stuart Briscoe.
Briscoe is a grandfatherly man with grey hair and a beard. He is exactly like how you would picture a typical British professor - complete with sweater vest.
His style of teaching is an absolute delight. He gives lots of meat and after each new point he reviews all previous points. Everything is peppered with his wry humour.
He pastors a church in Milwaukee and has authored 40 plus books.
Clik here to visit his website.
The main session tonight was with Brian Doerkson (which was far too loud in my opinion), followed by a challenging message from renowed author Tony Compolo. I have always wanted to hear him speak. It was such a treat - even if his message was difficult in spots.
After the session the six of us headed out to an East Indian restaurant. Our friends had been planning the night out since before we got here. The rest of us, though hesitant, agreed to step outside of our norm and try something completely different and new.
The food was wonderful. I enjoyed every dish. They ordered everything mildly spicy, but we could still feel the heat.
It's nice to step outside our comfort zones. Which oddly enough was part of Compolo's challenging message to us. To go where God wants us to, we have to be willing to go where we don't feel safe - where we may feel uncomfortable. We may even miss our creature comforts.
Although going to an East Indian restaurant isn't too huge of a deal - not like moving to a different culture or anything! - but in the process we can find something thoroughly enjoyable. Like Tandori salmon.
Briscoe is a grandfatherly man with grey hair and a beard. He is exactly like how you would picture a typical British professor - complete with sweater vest.
His style of teaching is an absolute delight. He gives lots of meat and after each new point he reviews all previous points. Everything is peppered with his wry humour.
He pastors a church in Milwaukee and has authored 40 plus books.
Clik here to visit his website.
The main session tonight was with Brian Doerkson (which was far too loud in my opinion), followed by a challenging message from renowed author Tony Compolo. I have always wanted to hear him speak. It was such a treat - even if his message was difficult in spots.
After the session the six of us headed out to an East Indian restaurant. Our friends had been planning the night out since before we got here. The rest of us, though hesitant, agreed to step outside of our norm and try something completely different and new.
The food was wonderful. I enjoyed every dish. They ordered everything mildly spicy, but we could still feel the heat.
It's nice to step outside our comfort zones. Which oddly enough was part of Compolo's challenging message to us. To go where God wants us to, we have to be willing to go where we don't feel safe - where we may feel uncomfortable. We may even miss our creature comforts.
Although going to an East Indian restaurant isn't too huge of a deal - not like moving to a different culture or anything! - but in the process we can find something thoroughly enjoyable. Like Tandori salmon.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Bloggin' Breakforth
Just finished my first intensive day of workshops at Breakforth here in Edmonton.
The guy who led it was a very funny, dynamic speaker. He told us story after story after story. I came away with so much about the art of crafting story - whether fiction or nonfiction.
Speaker's name was Steven James. He has a book coming out in August! I can't wait to buy it.
Some nuggets for thought:
If you are going to write stories from your life, you are going to have to change it.
Worst advice: write what you know. It's better to write what leads you to your passion.
Never put anything in your story that doesn't have significance.
Start at the end of your story. You won't know how to begin your story until you know how it's going to end.
The ending of your story should have two characteristics:
1. Inevitable - meaning it should be the sum parts of everything that took place before. The reader should be able to say: Of course! That's how it ends (or is solved or whatever).
2. Unpredictable - no one will read a story they aren't curious about. So if the reader knows the end before they get there... why continue reading.
All in all it confirmed what I have believed for a very long time. Stories were God's idea. Therefore there is an imprint in our hearts of what makes a good story - which is why the redemptive stories in the Bible touch our hearts - they are touching the imprint of our Maker.
All good stuff. Now we're off to have shop, have supper and then go to the worship service with Ken Davis and Casting Crowns. No idea who they are, but we're about to find out!
Listening to: hotel room heater and Richard look at his Ikea catalogue
The guy who led it was a very funny, dynamic speaker. He told us story after story after story. I came away with so much about the art of crafting story - whether fiction or nonfiction.
Speaker's name was Steven James. He has a book coming out in August! I can't wait to buy it.
Some nuggets for thought:
If you are going to write stories from your life, you are going to have to change it.
Worst advice: write what you know. It's better to write what leads you to your passion.
Never put anything in your story that doesn't have significance.
Start at the end of your story. You won't know how to begin your story until you know how it's going to end.
The ending of your story should have two characteristics:
1. Inevitable - meaning it should be the sum parts of everything that took place before. The reader should be able to say: Of course! That's how it ends (or is solved or whatever).
2. Unpredictable - no one will read a story they aren't curious about. So if the reader knows the end before they get there... why continue reading.
All in all it confirmed what I have believed for a very long time. Stories were God's idea. Therefore there is an imprint in our hearts of what makes a good story - which is why the redemptive stories in the Bible touch our hearts - they are touching the imprint of our Maker.
All good stuff. Now we're off to have shop, have supper and then go to the worship service with Ken Davis and Casting Crowns. No idea who they are, but we're about to find out!
Listening to: hotel room heater and Richard look at his Ikea catalogue
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Hmmm...
As you know I recently became much more settled in where I am in my life right now. I really felt like God was saying just enjoy where you are at this moment, look at how I have blessed you.
I was foremost a wife and a mom. My two other jobs in life were: writer and client services coordinator at the crisis pregnancy centre. I had to stop fretting and worrying and just trust God to do the rest.
I even blogged about the undeniable feeling of peace and contentment that I was experiencing.
Something I hadn't felt in a very long time.
Well, an opportunity has arisen for me to work fulltime. I'll be forwarding my application in a few minutes. This is harder than I thought. As much as I prayed this would happen for almost 18 months (yes, for those wondering, it is a position with the SP newsroom) I found myself unexpectedly hesitant.
Why? I have no idea. Perhaps simply a reticence to disrupt the comfortable routine I've been able to forge.
I asked for prayer from a couple of wise and trusted friends. I didn't feel completely comfortable applying so I put it off.
Finally, on the last day of the job posting I emailed my friend at the SP (who would be doing the hiring) and asked several questions about the position. I decided that whatever his answer I would trust it as a sign from God. God has used this man in the past to give me answers about my career plans, so I trusted the same could happen this time.
As the deadline for applying passed, I simply decided this was part of God's answer - the timing was wrong. I accepted it without even feeling that disappointed. My life was abundant as it was, right?
My friend's answer came today. And it totally made me sit up and take notice. It confirmed what I'd already suspected: the position would be a good fit for me. It will take an incredible amount of training, but it was definitely something I was interested in and (possibly) would be very good at.
Hmmm... was this God's plan all along? That I would finally learn to walk in a new measure of peace and surrender - only to have what I'd prayed for all along come flying and hit me in the face.
So here I go folks... tossing my hat into the ring. Please say a prayer for this application. Pray that whatever happens I will have the same complete peace.
There are logistics to work out and again, I'm trusting that God will work them out when and if necessary.
Thank you for your prayers. I'm on my knees in gratitude that there is even a smidgen of a possibility that this could be part of God's plan. I'm taking this step forward as prayerfully as I can.
Listening to: What else? Go (limited edition) - Newsboys
Pending assignments: 2
I was foremost a wife and a mom. My two other jobs in life were: writer and client services coordinator at the crisis pregnancy centre. I had to stop fretting and worrying and just trust God to do the rest.
I even blogged about the undeniable feeling of peace and contentment that I was experiencing.
Something I hadn't felt in a very long time.
Well, an opportunity has arisen for me to work fulltime. I'll be forwarding my application in a few minutes. This is harder than I thought. As much as I prayed this would happen for almost 18 months (yes, for those wondering, it is a position with the SP newsroom) I found myself unexpectedly hesitant.
Why? I have no idea. Perhaps simply a reticence to disrupt the comfortable routine I've been able to forge.
I asked for prayer from a couple of wise and trusted friends. I didn't feel completely comfortable applying so I put it off.
Finally, on the last day of the job posting I emailed my friend at the SP (who would be doing the hiring) and asked several questions about the position. I decided that whatever his answer I would trust it as a sign from God. God has used this man in the past to give me answers about my career plans, so I trusted the same could happen this time.
As the deadline for applying passed, I simply decided this was part of God's answer - the timing was wrong. I accepted it without even feeling that disappointed. My life was abundant as it was, right?
My friend's answer came today. And it totally made me sit up and take notice. It confirmed what I'd already suspected: the position would be a good fit for me. It will take an incredible amount of training, but it was definitely something I was interested in and (possibly) would be very good at.
Hmmm... was this God's plan all along? That I would finally learn to walk in a new measure of peace and surrender - only to have what I'd prayed for all along come flying and hit me in the face.
So here I go folks... tossing my hat into the ring. Please say a prayer for this application. Pray that whatever happens I will have the same complete peace.
There are logistics to work out and again, I'm trusting that God will work them out when and if necessary.
Thank you for your prayers. I'm on my knees in gratitude that there is even a smidgen of a possibility that this could be part of God's plan. I'm taking this step forward as prayerfully as I can.
Listening to: What else? Go (limited edition) - Newsboys
Pending assignments: 2
Monday, January 22, 2007
God is so good!
Remember how I said I pray that God takes my name to wherever it needs to go so that I can use my writing to provide for my family?
Yeah. About that...
Today I got an email from a band I wrote a profile on a couple of years ago. I've been keeping tabs on them for a while now.
Anywho... they recommended me to their indie label in Toronto to write the bio for their new album coming out in the spring.
Very cool.
Plus I posted an email to an online writer's group I belong referencing a prominent Christian journalist's recent columns.
Someone on the list works with the prominent Christian journalist and asked if she could pass along my post to her. She read it over the phone to my journalistic hero and my hero was said to be touched by my words.
Yeah. Very, very cool.
I can tell you this: God makes the best agent and marketer some days...
Yeah. About that...
Today I got an email from a band I wrote a profile on a couple of years ago. I've been keeping tabs on them for a while now.
Anywho... they recommended me to their indie label in Toronto to write the bio for their new album coming out in the spring.
Very cool.
Plus I posted an email to an online writer's group I belong referencing a prominent Christian journalist's recent columns.
Someone on the list works with the prominent Christian journalist and asked if she could pass along my post to her. She read it over the phone to my journalistic hero and my hero was said to be touched by my words.
Yeah. Very, very cool.
I can tell you this: God makes the best agent and marketer some days...
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Soapbox
I'm up on my soap box. If you don't like political diatribes, just click the back button on your browser and go to one of your favourite websites...
I admit I've had it in for our health care system ever since they closed our rural hospital in my home town. It's not so much that they closed it, it's that they closed it and told us it was the logical thing to do.
They said that. With a straight face.
Logical, eh?
Now say you are in an accident anywhere near Wilkie, they will pack you up into an ambulance and drive 30 minutes further from Saskatoon to the nearest hopsital (in Unity) and then a doctor will look at you and say... yes they are badly injured... you must go to the trauma unit in Saskatoon.
Then they will pack you back up into the ambulance and drive the 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Saskatoon. The first 30 minutes of which will look familiar since you've just driven it.
Makes sense, eh?
(Now I admit they will if you are badly in need of trauma help fly you to Toon Town with a doctor.)
The fact that closing the hospital practically sounds the death nell for a struggling farming community holding on by a thread didn't even fizz on them.
The other part that made no sense to me was their insistence that the hospital in Wilkie wasn't accessed enough to make it worthwhile keeping it open.
Uh-huh. O.k.
The funny part was when we insisted we see numbers, they agreed to keep it open one more month while they monitored usage. They would let those numbers factor into their decision.
At a town hall meeting later they said they found the numbers dubious, because they were "too high". Therefore the community must have accessed the hospital when it wasn't necessary in order to skew their numbers.
I kid you not.
Again, they said it with a straight face like it was the most logical thing in the world, while the rest of us stood there scratching our heads.
To add insult to injury they added since we no longer had a hospital they didn't think we qualified for the two doctors we had. We only qualified for one and a half.
Excuse me? Half a doctor?
Where in the world are we going to find half a doctor? Let alone one willing to come to rural Saskatchewan to a small town with no freakin' hospital?!
Since that day I haven't exactly been a big fan our wonderful health care system. I've taken to calling it "Soviet-style health care" since it seems hell-bent on ensuring everyone receives the lowest common denominator of service.
I also resent the media telling me repeatedly that Canadians don't want two-tier health care. Really? Have they asked us? Because I can name you about fifty people that I know that would be willing to pay a user fee if it meant I don't have to deal the crap that I usually have to deal with when I access our health care system!
Like wait times. Like having wait times to see a specialist so long you should sign up to see them when you're in the cradle! Because if you sign up now you'll be dead by the time you get to see them. Like crabby nurses who are overworked in wards that are understaffed. Like beds they can't open for lack of staff.
My mother brought her dear sweet brother this week into the hospital to have minor surgery in Saskatoon. She had a major run-in with a nurse. No matter how mom tried to broach the subject of him staying in the hospital the night before the surgery, the nurse wouldn't even let her ask the question.
She interrupted her not once, but twice to say, "The answer is no" even before the question had been asked.
My uncle has many problems and his is not a normal case of anything. Surely the extenuating circumstances in his health would allow them to make an exception, right?
Nope.
Instead, they sent my mother and her sister off with a nod and "good luck" to deal with a man who's roughly four or five years old mentally with volatile blood sugar, prone to anxiety attacks all by themselves in a city they don't live in.
To say the next 18 hours were rough would be a giant understatement.
For my uncle to spend TWO nights away from home would be like the rest of us roughing it in the North country surrounded by wolves with no gun for one week.
They didn't even offer him a tranquilizer or something so at least they could have gotten some sleep that night.
When the doctor reviewed his case the next day she said everything seemed fine and had healed up nicely and she gave them a choice of whether to have surgery or not up to them. They opted to wait and see how things go.
When they told the doctor of the nurse's rude behavior the day before, she was shocked. She lamented that if she had known she would have put an order in his chart to have him admitted.
"Rules are made to be broken," she said. "And you ask anyone in this building, I've broken them all!"
(I love this doctor, btw!)
The situation resolved itself rather anticlimatically.
But my point is this: This system simply is designed to maintain the status quo. Excellence in care is the exception not the rule, because the system refuses to listen to those who have a stake in what happens: the patients and their caregivers.
But the media in this country still worship at the altar of universal health care. I'm not convinced it's the best use of our resources.
I AM convinced it's time to at least have a conversation about alternatives.
I admit I've had it in for our health care system ever since they closed our rural hospital in my home town. It's not so much that they closed it, it's that they closed it and told us it was the logical thing to do.
They said that. With a straight face.
Logical, eh?
Now say you are in an accident anywhere near Wilkie, they will pack you up into an ambulance and drive 30 minutes further from Saskatoon to the nearest hopsital (in Unity) and then a doctor will look at you and say... yes they are badly injured... you must go to the trauma unit in Saskatoon.
Then they will pack you back up into the ambulance and drive the 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Saskatoon. The first 30 minutes of which will look familiar since you've just driven it.
Makes sense, eh?
(Now I admit they will if you are badly in need of trauma help fly you to Toon Town with a doctor.)
The fact that closing the hospital practically sounds the death nell for a struggling farming community holding on by a thread didn't even fizz on them.
The other part that made no sense to me was their insistence that the hospital in Wilkie wasn't accessed enough to make it worthwhile keeping it open.
Uh-huh. O.k.
The funny part was when we insisted we see numbers, they agreed to keep it open one more month while they monitored usage. They would let those numbers factor into their decision.
At a town hall meeting later they said they found the numbers dubious, because they were "too high". Therefore the community must have accessed the hospital when it wasn't necessary in order to skew their numbers.
I kid you not.
Again, they said it with a straight face like it was the most logical thing in the world, while the rest of us stood there scratching our heads.
To add insult to injury they added since we no longer had a hospital they didn't think we qualified for the two doctors we had. We only qualified for one and a half.
Excuse me? Half a doctor?
Where in the world are we going to find half a doctor? Let alone one willing to come to rural Saskatchewan to a small town with no freakin' hospital?!
Since that day I haven't exactly been a big fan our wonderful health care system. I've taken to calling it "Soviet-style health care" since it seems hell-bent on ensuring everyone receives the lowest common denominator of service.
I also resent the media telling me repeatedly that Canadians don't want two-tier health care. Really? Have they asked us? Because I can name you about fifty people that I know that would be willing to pay a user fee if it meant I don't have to deal the crap that I usually have to deal with when I access our health care system!
Like wait times. Like having wait times to see a specialist so long you should sign up to see them when you're in the cradle! Because if you sign up now you'll be dead by the time you get to see them. Like crabby nurses who are overworked in wards that are understaffed. Like beds they can't open for lack of staff.
My mother brought her dear sweet brother this week into the hospital to have minor surgery in Saskatoon. She had a major run-in with a nurse. No matter how mom tried to broach the subject of him staying in the hospital the night before the surgery, the nurse wouldn't even let her ask the question.
She interrupted her not once, but twice to say, "The answer is no" even before the question had been asked.
My uncle has many problems and his is not a normal case of anything. Surely the extenuating circumstances in his health would allow them to make an exception, right?
Nope.
Instead, they sent my mother and her sister off with a nod and "good luck" to deal with a man who's roughly four or five years old mentally with volatile blood sugar, prone to anxiety attacks all by themselves in a city they don't live in.
To say the next 18 hours were rough would be a giant understatement.
For my uncle to spend TWO nights away from home would be like the rest of us roughing it in the North country surrounded by wolves with no gun for one week.
They didn't even offer him a tranquilizer or something so at least they could have gotten some sleep that night.
When the doctor reviewed his case the next day she said everything seemed fine and had healed up nicely and she gave them a choice of whether to have surgery or not up to them. They opted to wait and see how things go.
When they told the doctor of the nurse's rude behavior the day before, she was shocked. She lamented that if she had known she would have put an order in his chart to have him admitted.
"Rules are made to be broken," she said. "And you ask anyone in this building, I've broken them all!"
(I love this doctor, btw!)
The situation resolved itself rather anticlimatically.
But my point is this: This system simply is designed to maintain the status quo. Excellence in care is the exception not the rule, because the system refuses to listen to those who have a stake in what happens: the patients and their caregivers.
But the media in this country still worship at the altar of universal health care. I'm not convinced it's the best use of our resources.
I AM convinced it's time to at least have a conversation about alternatives.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Writing and other life stuff
I've been feeling something weird these last few weeks. I'm not sure I know how to describe it...
I look at the state of our bank account and I no longer panic that I'm not doing enough.
I've written out my weekly goals and when I don't accomplish them, I'm not beating myself up anymore. I smile at what I accomplished and whisper a prayer that God will continue to provide for my needs.
The last two weeks I've had assignments spring up simply from editors calling editors and asking for names of freelance writers. (There's one lady at the SP I should buy flowers! And I never worked with her in my eight months on staff.)
When I examine my writing business, instead of seeing all the things I haven't accomplished, I see the amazing things God has done. He's brought editors to my doorstep without me even lifting a finger. All my useless fretting and He's used my time at the SP to cultivate relationships with people who've recommended me whenever they've been asked. Without me needing to fret over a thing.
Those recommendations have blossomed into lucrative ongoing (love that ongoing part!) assignments.
It's easy in a feast or famine career to always worry. You always fear there will be a day when editors will stop calling, stop emailing and stop asking. It's a fear that has haunted me and coloured everything I did.
It was like being weighed down with heavy chains. It made a work I love - pure drudgery at times.
For the first time in my life I feel like I'm experiencing ... what is this? Could it be... peace?
I've asked God to bless my writing. I pray each week He will act as my agent and take my name where it needs to go to provide for my family.
I make my list, pray over it and email it to a friend (hi Heather!) for accountability and then I ask God to do what I can not - to control what I can not. I'm just called upon to finish my assignments to the best of my ability and be the best wife and mom I can be. The rest I trust God to do.
And guess what? He does it.
How have I been so blind as to miss this before?
I look at the state of our bank account and I no longer panic that I'm not doing enough.
I've written out my weekly goals and when I don't accomplish them, I'm not beating myself up anymore. I smile at what I accomplished and whisper a prayer that God will continue to provide for my needs.
The last two weeks I've had assignments spring up simply from editors calling editors and asking for names of freelance writers. (There's one lady at the SP I should buy flowers! And I never worked with her in my eight months on staff.)
When I examine my writing business, instead of seeing all the things I haven't accomplished, I see the amazing things God has done. He's brought editors to my doorstep without me even lifting a finger. All my useless fretting and He's used my time at the SP to cultivate relationships with people who've recommended me whenever they've been asked. Without me needing to fret over a thing.
Those recommendations have blossomed into lucrative ongoing (love that ongoing part!) assignments.
It's easy in a feast or famine career to always worry. You always fear there will be a day when editors will stop calling, stop emailing and stop asking. It's a fear that has haunted me and coloured everything I did.
It was like being weighed down with heavy chains. It made a work I love - pure drudgery at times.
For the first time in my life I feel like I'm experiencing ... what is this? Could it be... peace?
I've asked God to bless my writing. I pray each week He will act as my agent and take my name where it needs to go to provide for my family.
I make my list, pray over it and email it to a friend (hi Heather!) for accountability and then I ask God to do what I can not - to control what I can not. I'm just called upon to finish my assignments to the best of my ability and be the best wife and mom I can be. The rest I trust God to do.
And guess what? He does it.
How have I been so blind as to miss this before?
I know I feel so much lighter. I feel free. And I have to admit freedom is something I never been able to associate with Christianity. I must admit this feeling is ... well ... I like it!
And to think all my fussing and fretting kept me shackled, blind and never accomplished what I wanted it to.
Just had to share some of the lessons God has opened my eyes to. Our God is an amazing God.
Listening to: Barbie in Rapunzel
Assignments pending: 1
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Faith journeys
This week Richard and I made a harrowing journey to the school to pick up our kids during the worst blizzard in over five decades.
On the way home, facing in the 90 km/h winds I was completely blinded. The wind gusts kept stripping off my hood taking my breathe with it and bringing that freezing cold air down my neck and back and into my ear.
I grabbed my hood and scrunched it around my face to block the gale. In doing so I rendered myself blind. I gave myself a small lookout hole and put my head down.
In order to keep myself from wandering into traffic or a light pole, I grabbed onto a strap on Richard's back pack. I clung to the strap to guide my way. I trusted him to lead me.
I must have been a comical sight. Stumbling blindly through snowdrifts, slipping on icy patches. But I never let go. I just kept going.
The second my breathe hit the air, it condensed to form an icy moustache above my lip. My leg muscles ached as we plowed through stiff drifts of snow, my hand gripping my hood began to throb and I could feel ice crystals forming my eyelashes and face.
Richard often stopped to ask if I was ok. I would always reply, "Keep going."
Whether I was ok, wasn't the point. Keep moving. Don't stop. We're not at our destination yet. Just go.
Then I ran across this enlightening interview with Peter Furler (lead singer with the Newsboys) and Christianity Today in October of '06. He talks about (among other things) how he left the church for almost 15 years and has only come back to it about five years ago.
Go on. Do the math.
I'll wait.
You got it?
That means that the stalwarts of Christian rock music who's been inviting us to live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ for over twenty years were not attending church for the majority of their careers and only came back in about 2001.
Like wow!
It's a stunning revelation. I'll let you read all of the whys and wherefors in the article.
I think in a way it highlighted for me, how much I appreciate open honesty from Christians. I don't need a bunch of people around me who have it all together.
No where in the bible does it say, "Blessed are those who have it all together and never struggle to make Jesus the Lord of their life."
I appreciate so much people who are broken. I don't wish difficult times in the lives of my loved ones, but if they haven't had those painful tribulations I don't know what they could say to me or for that matter anyone about their faith in Jesus Christ. It isn't a faith then. It's just a cerebral set of ideas. An intellectual matter. Nothing personal and certainly nothing life changing.
But in the midst of pain, disappointment and tragedy, then faith becomes faith. It becomes something precious. Something I want in my life.
I think of friends who nearly lost their dad to an often fatal illness and their steadfast prayers, but also their painful acceptance that whatever happened God had it all in hand.
I think of another couple who lost their unborn baby on the day she was to be induced. I'm in awe of the peace they exude even through the tears.
I think of another friend who took the brave step of leaving home for a far off land - where she knew neither the language or customs - knowing it would be difficult, knowing it would be a growing experience that would be (at times) uncomfortable.
Faith only becomes faith when you have nothing left to hang on to. It only becomes something of value when everything else you thought had value suddenly becomes meaningless.
Only then does it become real. Only then does it become truly alive - meaning it grows and changes.
To hear someone I respect for their energetic and profound Christian music speak so openly about their own faith journey - skipping past all the cliches... instead offering a true and real account of what they've gone through and wrestled with - it inspires me to be more vigilant about not wearing that Christian mask I so often slip on.
You know the one. The one that says to the world: I'm fine. Everything's fine. I have no problems and if I did have problems me and Jesus worked it out just fine without you. I don't need prayer and I sure don't need grace. I'm just fine and I fit perfectly in the cookie-cutter image we all have of what a Christian should be and do.
I guess in a nutshell: I want to see people in my life who's faith is not perfect. Who offer me more than mere platitudes when my life falls apart. Who know that this journey in Christ is often a messy sticky gooey chaotic trek. Furthermore I want to be someone like that.
Like me hanging on to my husband's back pack strap in this week's blizzard, we all stumble along through our journey - making mistakes and riding through bumps, often looking less than graceful.
Sometimes we don't walk in a straight line and we often can't see where we're going. And our progress is at times difficult and uncomfortable.
The goal (just like walking in a blizzard) is to keep moving. Don't stop. We haven't reached our destination yet. Just go!
Listening to: Newsboys: Go (limited edition)
Assignments pending: 1
On the way home, facing in the 90 km/h winds I was completely blinded. The wind gusts kept stripping off my hood taking my breathe with it and bringing that freezing cold air down my neck and back and into my ear.
I grabbed my hood and scrunched it around my face to block the gale. In doing so I rendered myself blind. I gave myself a small lookout hole and put my head down.
In order to keep myself from wandering into traffic or a light pole, I grabbed onto a strap on Richard's back pack. I clung to the strap to guide my way. I trusted him to lead me.
I must have been a comical sight. Stumbling blindly through snowdrifts, slipping on icy patches. But I never let go. I just kept going.
The second my breathe hit the air, it condensed to form an icy moustache above my lip. My leg muscles ached as we plowed through stiff drifts of snow, my hand gripping my hood began to throb and I could feel ice crystals forming my eyelashes and face.
Richard often stopped to ask if I was ok. I would always reply, "Keep going."
Whether I was ok, wasn't the point. Keep moving. Don't stop. We're not at our destination yet. Just go.
Then I ran across this enlightening interview with Peter Furler (lead singer with the Newsboys) and Christianity Today in October of '06. He talks about (among other things) how he left the church for almost 15 years and has only come back to it about five years ago.
Go on. Do the math.
I'll wait.
You got it?
That means that the stalwarts of Christian rock music who's been inviting us to live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ for over twenty years were not attending church for the majority of their careers and only came back in about 2001.
Like wow!
It's a stunning revelation. I'll let you read all of the whys and wherefors in the article.
I think in a way it highlighted for me, how much I appreciate open honesty from Christians. I don't need a bunch of people around me who have it all together.
No where in the bible does it say, "Blessed are those who have it all together and never struggle to make Jesus the Lord of their life."
I appreciate so much people who are broken. I don't wish difficult times in the lives of my loved ones, but if they haven't had those painful tribulations I don't know what they could say to me or for that matter anyone about their faith in Jesus Christ. It isn't a faith then. It's just a cerebral set of ideas. An intellectual matter. Nothing personal and certainly nothing life changing.
But in the midst of pain, disappointment and tragedy, then faith becomes faith. It becomes something precious. Something I want in my life.
I think of friends who nearly lost their dad to an often fatal illness and their steadfast prayers, but also their painful acceptance that whatever happened God had it all in hand.
I think of another couple who lost their unborn baby on the day she was to be induced. I'm in awe of the peace they exude even through the tears.
I think of another friend who took the brave step of leaving home for a far off land - where she knew neither the language or customs - knowing it would be difficult, knowing it would be a growing experience that would be (at times) uncomfortable.
Faith only becomes faith when you have nothing left to hang on to. It only becomes something of value when everything else you thought had value suddenly becomes meaningless.
Only then does it become real. Only then does it become truly alive - meaning it grows and changes.
To hear someone I respect for their energetic and profound Christian music speak so openly about their own faith journey - skipping past all the cliches... instead offering a true and real account of what they've gone through and wrestled with - it inspires me to be more vigilant about not wearing that Christian mask I so often slip on.
You know the one. The one that says to the world: I'm fine. Everything's fine. I have no problems and if I did have problems me and Jesus worked it out just fine without you. I don't need prayer and I sure don't need grace. I'm just fine and I fit perfectly in the cookie-cutter image we all have of what a Christian should be and do.
I guess in a nutshell: I want to see people in my life who's faith is not perfect. Who offer me more than mere platitudes when my life falls apart. Who know that this journey in Christ is often a messy sticky gooey chaotic trek. Furthermore I want to be someone like that.
Like me hanging on to my husband's back pack strap in this week's blizzard, we all stumble along through our journey - making mistakes and riding through bumps, often looking less than graceful.
Sometimes we don't walk in a straight line and we often can't see where we're going. And our progress is at times difficult and uncomfortable.
The goal (just like walking in a blizzard) is to keep moving. Don't stop. We haven't reached our destination yet. Just go!
Listening to: Newsboys: Go (limited edition)
Assignments pending: 1
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Blizzard
I can now officially say that I have walked to school in knee-deep snow with windchills in the minus 30s into the wind both ways.
As some may be aware Toon Town is experience the clenched fist of old man winter. He wound up and walloped up us but good!
The city has become paralyzed with snow and white-out conditions. On my trek home from work (thanks be to heaven I left work before 11!), I noticed several abandoned cars on eighth street as I crawled home. I was so grateful to reach my driveway!
DH was sent home from work early, too. I told him he was on his own to get home, so a co-worker drove him around 2:00.
We then bundled up to walk and get the kids. We weren't able to get through on the phone to the school (the phone systems have been flaky all day), but we knew they were asking parents to pick up their kids. Because the bus hadn't arrived to pick them up this a.m. I figured they wouldn't be running this afternoon either.
So away we trudged through knee-deep and sometimes thigh- or waist-deep snow drifts. The second my breath hit the cold air it condensed - eventually I had mustache of ice above my lip.
We arrived at school only to discover our kids were riding their bus and the bus had just left minutes before. So we bundled up again and then made the ugly trek back home.
We phone our neighbour to tell her to watch for our kids and take them in when the bus dropped them off in case they arrived home before we did. This turned out to be the case. I was just glad my precious kiddos were spared the frost-bite-and-hypothermia-risking walk from school.
We were all glad to be safe and sound (and warm!) at home.
Our neighbour from across the street got called into work, so we had to watch their two kids. Their dad arrived about a half hour later. He told us of his harrowing journey coming home. It took him almost two hours to get from downtown to here. He said it took him about 30-45 minutes to get off Circle onto eighth street because of the uphill slope. Then he made the mistake of trying to get onto 14th - which the police had closed earlier.
But all that I know are safe and sound. God is good. He is our Shield and Protector.
As some may be aware Toon Town is experience the clenched fist of old man winter. He wound up and walloped up us but good!
The city has become paralyzed with snow and white-out conditions. On my trek home from work (thanks be to heaven I left work before 11!), I noticed several abandoned cars on eighth street as I crawled home. I was so grateful to reach my driveway!
DH was sent home from work early, too. I told him he was on his own to get home, so a co-worker drove him around 2:00.
We then bundled up to walk and get the kids. We weren't able to get through on the phone to the school (the phone systems have been flaky all day), but we knew they were asking parents to pick up their kids. Because the bus hadn't arrived to pick them up this a.m. I figured they wouldn't be running this afternoon either.
So away we trudged through knee-deep and sometimes thigh- or waist-deep snow drifts. The second my breath hit the cold air it condensed - eventually I had mustache of ice above my lip.
We arrived at school only to discover our kids were riding their bus and the bus had just left minutes before. So we bundled up again and then made the ugly trek back home.
We phone our neighbour to tell her to watch for our kids and take them in when the bus dropped them off in case they arrived home before we did. This turned out to be the case. I was just glad my precious kiddos were spared the frost-bite-and-hypothermia-risking walk from school.
We were all glad to be safe and sound (and warm!) at home.
Our neighbour from across the street got called into work, so we had to watch their two kids. Their dad arrived about a half hour later. He told us of his harrowing journey coming home. It took him almost two hours to get from downtown to here. He said it took him about 30-45 minutes to get off Circle onto eighth street because of the uphill slope. Then he made the mistake of trying to get onto 14th - which the police had closed earlier.
But all that I know are safe and sound. God is good. He is our Shield and Protector.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
A new year - no more worry
To revisit Christmas:
We were off to Dauphin for five days and I dare say I feel the tiniest bit guilty for doing absolutely nothing for those five days. It was fabulous, though! The massive amounts of stress I felt before the holidays seemed to be slowly peeled away.
Next we visited my mom and her family for two days in Wilkie. I got to see aunts and uncles and have lunch with my Grandma - a spry lady at the age of 93 with a will of iron. It brought back so many memories to sit at that table and eat sausage with potatoes and noodles. Yum!
We came back to Saskatoon and spent two days shopping. We were looking for shelves for Logan's room. I also bought several bins so we can sort out all his toys into these bins. Hopefully, it will be easier for him to keep his room clean and neat... she says with a rueful laugh...
I got spoiled by my family this year. Richard bought me a new crockpot with matching mini crockpot - both in stainless steel. Mikaela gave me a "spin spa" - a battery powered brush with various attachments to use in the shower to exfoliate and massage. You can even put your favourite shower gel inside the sponge. Logan bought me a foot spa and massager. I shall be very well massaged and relaxed it would seem!
One of my favourite gifts was wrapped in green paper and topped with a huge green bow. Inside were two shirts - a Roughrider sweatshirt and a Roughrider tank top. Woohoo! I'm set for football season.
Another favourite was my hubby's other gift of Alias season one. We spent the week enjoying every suspenseful, action-packed minute.
With the money my mom gave me I bought myself new work out clothes and a strength training book for women. The book is awesome. I started my new workout routine yesterday and my abs and arms feel it today! Oh boy!
Looking forward:
The gift I bought for myself were two books: The Power of a Praying Wife (actually part of a three-in-one book - so it includes the Power of a Praying Parent and the Power of a Praying Woman as well) and the journal to accompany Praying the Names of God. This gift may turn out to be the most important.
I've decided to make prayer and Bible reading more of a priority in 2007. So far I have learned so much. I feel like a new person already.
For starters I've learned I don't need to worry. While that may not seem like much of lesson, for this all-star fretter it's absolutely huge.
I've always felt - specifically in the last two years, especially since I left the SP - that I was supposed to be doing something else. I watched in envy as everyone else's life around me seemed to have such focus and purpose. I watched as those I knew pursued educational goals, family goals, career goals, etc and had them all come true. I was both envious and frustrated. And it fueled this deep-seated restlessness that I should be doing something else somewhere else.
But what?
I didn't know.
My prayers brought little relief, as well. I was so angry and disillusioned with God, I felt He had abandoned me completely. And the loneliness was unlike anything I had felt before.
In the meantime we tried to by a house - but that didn't work out. More pain. More disappointment. Where was God anyway?
Over the holidays I felt like God was saying in that still and quiet voice:
"JJ don't have to do anything else. You don't have to make more money or work at a different job. I have called you to do these two things - write and work at the CPC for now. It's only for a season. All you need to focus on is doing those to the best of your ability and focus on being the best wife and mom you can be. That's your job. I'll take care of the rest."
I feel like a hundred pound weight was lifted off my chest. It's such a relief it's almost hard to explain. It took a long time but I think God finally got through this thick skull of mine!
I've chosen some theme verses for this year:
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories. Isaiah 41:10
Where you go, I will watch over you, then later I will bring you back to this land. I won't leave you - I will do all I have promised. Genesis 28:15
God bless you as you prepare for the new adventures of 2007. May God guide you, bless you and make His face to shine upon you and give you His precious peace.
Listening to: blessed silence
Assignments pending: 1
We were off to Dauphin for five days and I dare say I feel the tiniest bit guilty for doing absolutely nothing for those five days. It was fabulous, though! The massive amounts of stress I felt before the holidays seemed to be slowly peeled away.
Next we visited my mom and her family for two days in Wilkie. I got to see aunts and uncles and have lunch with my Grandma - a spry lady at the age of 93 with a will of iron. It brought back so many memories to sit at that table and eat sausage with potatoes and noodles. Yum!
We came back to Saskatoon and spent two days shopping. We were looking for shelves for Logan's room. I also bought several bins so we can sort out all his toys into these bins. Hopefully, it will be easier for him to keep his room clean and neat... she says with a rueful laugh...
I got spoiled by my family this year. Richard bought me a new crockpot with matching mini crockpot - both in stainless steel. Mikaela gave me a "spin spa" - a battery powered brush with various attachments to use in the shower to exfoliate and massage. You can even put your favourite shower gel inside the sponge. Logan bought me a foot spa and massager. I shall be very well massaged and relaxed it would seem!
One of my favourite gifts was wrapped in green paper and topped with a huge green bow. Inside were two shirts - a Roughrider sweatshirt and a Roughrider tank top. Woohoo! I'm set for football season.
Another favourite was my hubby's other gift of Alias season one. We spent the week enjoying every suspenseful, action-packed minute.
With the money my mom gave me I bought myself new work out clothes and a strength training book for women. The book is awesome. I started my new workout routine yesterday and my abs and arms feel it today! Oh boy!
Looking forward:
The gift I bought for myself were two books: The Power of a Praying Wife (actually part of a three-in-one book - so it includes the Power of a Praying Parent and the Power of a Praying Woman as well) and the journal to accompany Praying the Names of God. This gift may turn out to be the most important.
I've decided to make prayer and Bible reading more of a priority in 2007. So far I have learned so much. I feel like a new person already.
For starters I've learned I don't need to worry. While that may not seem like much of lesson, for this all-star fretter it's absolutely huge.
I've always felt - specifically in the last two years, especially since I left the SP - that I was supposed to be doing something else. I watched in envy as everyone else's life around me seemed to have such focus and purpose. I watched as those I knew pursued educational goals, family goals, career goals, etc and had them all come true. I was both envious and frustrated. And it fueled this deep-seated restlessness that I should be doing something else somewhere else.
But what?
I didn't know.
My prayers brought little relief, as well. I was so angry and disillusioned with God, I felt He had abandoned me completely. And the loneliness was unlike anything I had felt before.
In the meantime we tried to by a house - but that didn't work out. More pain. More disappointment. Where was God anyway?
Over the holidays I felt like God was saying in that still and quiet voice:
"JJ don't have to do anything else. You don't have to make more money or work at a different job. I have called you to do these two things - write and work at the CPC for now. It's only for a season. All you need to focus on is doing those to the best of your ability and focus on being the best wife and mom you can be. That's your job. I'll take care of the rest."
I feel like a hundred pound weight was lifted off my chest. It's such a relief it's almost hard to explain. It took a long time but I think God finally got through this thick skull of mine!
I've chosen some theme verses for this year:
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories. Isaiah 41:10
Where you go, I will watch over you, then later I will bring you back to this land. I won't leave you - I will do all I have promised. Genesis 28:15
God bless you as you prepare for the new adventures of 2007. May God guide you, bless you and make His face to shine upon you and give you His precious peace.
Listening to: blessed silence
Assignments pending: 1
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Apologies
With the Christmas rush I got a little behind on the 12 Days of Christmas recipes. Thankfully, I had planned out ahead some of them or probably none of them would have gotten posted!
Anyway, I apologize to everyone who was anxiously awaiting recipes. I'll post them all in a couple of days for those that want to save them for next year.
We just got back into the city from Dauphin. We're decompressing and regrouping for Christmas: Round Two. This time at my mom's house in Wilkie.
We have a few errands to run tomorrow and then we'll be off.
The kids will be staying with Grandma for about a week. The hubby and I will be back in Toon Town sometime Friday.
Merry Christmas and love to you all!
Anyway, I apologize to everyone who was anxiously awaiting recipes. I'll post them all in a couple of days for those that want to save them for next year.
We just got back into the city from Dauphin. We're decompressing and regrouping for Christmas: Round Two. This time at my mom's house in Wilkie.
We have a few errands to run tomorrow and then we'll be off.
The kids will be staying with Grandma for about a week. The hubby and I will be back in Toon Town sometime Friday.
Merry Christmas and love to you all!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Scam artists
Police in Montreal busted a major international telemarketing fraud ring yesterday. They arrested around 30 people. Click here to read the story.
I mention this because at work we've been the target of this type of scam. They billed for services never rendered. And then phoned last week to threaten me if we didn't pay. We had no intention of paying which absolutely infuriated the caller. Because of the threatening nature of the language being used, I had to report it to Sasktel and the police.
As well, we filed a complaint with the RCMP's phone fraud hotline.
I hope they throw the book at these creeps. The fact that they bilked thousands of dollars out of senior citizens is despicable. The fact that I as a young person, internet savvy, and not afraid to ask questions felt threatened and uncertain at times (these people are really good at what they do!), I can't imagine what an older person might feel. They msut have felt like they had no choice but to pay. Perhaps they felt ashamed and didn't want anyone to know.
In addition, (I didn't know this) but telemarketing fraud has been taken over by organized crime - Hells Angels and the like. Yikes! These people don't deserve to ever touch a phone again.
I do hope the Canadian government comes up with stricter prison sentences (or any jail time at all would be a start!) for these bums. Right now I'm hoping the people busted yesterday will be extradicted to the states (most of their targets were seniors in the U.S.) where they will face 5 to 10 years in prison. Lock them up and throw away the key, I say!
Meanwhile, I hope they got the guys who were threatening us...
I mention this because at work we've been the target of this type of scam. They billed for services never rendered. And then phoned last week to threaten me if we didn't pay. We had no intention of paying which absolutely infuriated the caller. Because of the threatening nature of the language being used, I had to report it to Sasktel and the police.
As well, we filed a complaint with the RCMP's phone fraud hotline.
Our con artists were calling from St. Laurent (Montreal) so it's conceivable our lovely thugs were rounded up in this latest bust.
I hope they throw the book at these creeps. The fact that they bilked thousands of dollars out of senior citizens is despicable. The fact that I as a young person, internet savvy, and not afraid to ask questions felt threatened and uncertain at times (these people are really good at what they do!), I can't imagine what an older person might feel. They msut have felt like they had no choice but to pay. Perhaps they felt ashamed and didn't want anyone to know.
In addition, (I didn't know this) but telemarketing fraud has been taken over by organized crime - Hells Angels and the like. Yikes! These people don't deserve to ever touch a phone again.
I do hope the Canadian government comes up with stricter prison sentences (or any jail time at all would be a start!) for these bums. Right now I'm hoping the people busted yesterday will be extradicted to the states (most of their targets were seniors in the U.S.) where they will face 5 to 10 years in prison. Lock them up and throw away the key, I say!
Meanwhile, I hope they got the guys who were threatening us...
Monday, December 18, 2006
On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me yuletide slices!
Memories will come back when you see these little gems. I think the recipe was made popular in the late seventies and early 80’s. You’ll recognize them. I got this one from my mom. You still see them at the occasional church social.
Yuletide Slices
Pretty and oh so simple
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
1/2 icing sugar
1 pkg mini marshmallows (the colourful kind)
1 pkg flaked coconut
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate, butter and milk on medium. When everything is smooth add sugar and blend well. Gently fold in marshmallows.
Place about 1/3 of coconut on wax paper and spoon about 1/3 of chocolate mixture and roll into 8-inch log. Make sure to completely coat with coconut. Repeat with rest of chocolate.
Wrap logs tightly and place in fridge for at least 3 hours or until firm. These can be frozen as well.
To serve cut each log into slices (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch).
Get creative: add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch!
Memories will come back when you see these little gems. I think the recipe was made popular in the late seventies and early 80’s. You’ll recognize them. I got this one from my mom. You still see them at the occasional church social.
Yuletide Slices
Pretty and oh so simple
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp milk
1/2 icing sugar
1 pkg mini marshmallows (the colourful kind)
1 pkg flaked coconut
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate, butter and milk on medium. When everything is smooth add sugar and blend well. Gently fold in marshmallows.
Place about 1/3 of coconut on wax paper and spoon about 1/3 of chocolate mixture and roll into 8-inch log. Make sure to completely coat with coconut. Repeat with rest of chocolate.
Wrap logs tightly and place in fridge for at least 3 hours or until firm. These can be frozen as well.
To serve cut each log into slices (about 3/4-inch to 1-inch).
Get creative: add walnuts or pecans for extra crunch!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
On the fifth day of Christmas
... my true love gave to me two kinds of fudge!
CAUTION: both recipes I'm posting today contain nuts. Though they can be made without!
The first one is absolutely delicious. It was a new recipe I tried this year and comes courtesy Kraft Canada (with some modifications). It's simple and if you like creamsicles you better make a double batch!
White Chocolate Fudge
Hard to resist!
2 pkg (6 squares each) Bakers white chocolate
3/4 cup sweetened condesnsed milk (this is less than a full can)
1 cup chopped toasted almonds (or cashews)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp grated orange peel
Line 8-inch square pan with foil. In microwaveable bowl microwave chocolate and milk one medium until melted. Stir until smooth. Add almonds, cranberries and orange peel. Blend well. Spread into prepared pan and refrigerate until firm. Lift fudge out of pan using foil and cut into 24 pieces.
Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Do not freeze.
Get creative: Instead of almonds, use pecans and substitute red and green candied cherries for the dried cranberries for an extra festive touch!
A note about the second recipe I'm posting. While I've made this recipe numerous times I have apparently developed some sort of disability with it comes to making it. Both this year and last year I was unable to get the squares out of the pan without the fudge and shortbread coming apart. If I let the recipe come to room temperature before cutting it was easier, but I don't know how to solve this problem.
One tip: make sure to melt the chocolate well. You don't want to be trying to spread chocolate onto the shortbread while it's cooling. It makes a crumbly mess - believe me!
Fugde-topped shortbread
Combining two favourites for double the pleasure
1 cup butter (no substitutes)
½ cup icing sugar
¼ tsp salt
1-1/4 cup flour
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp almond extract
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Beat butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in flour. Spread into greased 13-in X 9-in baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate chips with milk. Stop frequently to stir (chocolate will keep its shape even when melted in the microwave). Stir until smooth. Stir in extract. Spread over shortbread. Sprinkle with almonds and press down. Refrigerate until firm and cut into squares. And of course, share with loved ones!
CAUTION: both recipes I'm posting today contain nuts. Though they can be made without!
The first one is absolutely delicious. It was a new recipe I tried this year and comes courtesy Kraft Canada (with some modifications). It's simple and if you like creamsicles you better make a double batch!
White Chocolate Fudge
Hard to resist!
2 pkg (6 squares each) Bakers white chocolate
3/4 cup sweetened condesnsed milk (this is less than a full can)
1 cup chopped toasted almonds (or cashews)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp grated orange peel
Line 8-inch square pan with foil. In microwaveable bowl microwave chocolate and milk one medium until melted. Stir until smooth. Add almonds, cranberries and orange peel. Blend well. Spread into prepared pan and refrigerate until firm. Lift fudge out of pan using foil and cut into 24 pieces.
Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Do not freeze.
Get creative: Instead of almonds, use pecans and substitute red and green candied cherries for the dried cranberries for an extra festive touch!
A note about the second recipe I'm posting. While I've made this recipe numerous times I have apparently developed some sort of disability with it comes to making it. Both this year and last year I was unable to get the squares out of the pan without the fudge and shortbread coming apart. If I let the recipe come to room temperature before cutting it was easier, but I don't know how to solve this problem.
One tip: make sure to melt the chocolate well. You don't want to be trying to spread chocolate onto the shortbread while it's cooling. It makes a crumbly mess - believe me!
Fugde-topped shortbread
Combining two favourites for double the pleasure
1 cup butter (no substitutes)
½ cup icing sugar
¼ tsp salt
1-1/4 cup flour
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ tsp almond extract
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Beat butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in flour. Spread into greased 13-in X 9-in baking pan. Bake at 350 F for 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
In a microwaveable bowl melt chocolate chips with milk. Stop frequently to stir (chocolate will keep its shape even when melted in the microwave). Stir until smooth. Stir in extract. Spread over shortbread. Sprinkle with almonds and press down. Refrigerate until firm and cut into squares. And of course, share with loved ones!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
On the fourth day of Christmas... (catching up!)
My true love gave to me a handful bundle of ginger cookies!
When I was in college, one of my dorm-mates got regular carepackages from her mother. One of them was a ice cream bucket full of ginger cookies. They had crackly tops rolled in sugar and were soft and chewy. Whenever a carepackage arrived everyone crammed into her little room to get a taste of those spicy little cookies.
I looked for years for a recipe like this. Once I found it in my Pillsbury goldmine, it definitely sealed the deal on the cookbook. There was no way my mom was getting it back.
As I said, I’ve been known to make a batch of these in anticipation of company the next day – only to have none to share with company. Watch out they go fast!
Ginger Snaps
Soft and chewy or for a crunchier cookie bake for a few minutes longer
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2-1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
Beat 1 cup of sugar, margarine, molasses and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup sugar. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in 1/4 cup sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 for 8 to 12 minutes. (The coolest part of these cookies is they puff up and then flatten while in the oven. It's fun to watch.) Cool for 1 minute before putting them on cooling racks.
Yield: roughly 5 dozen
When I was in college, one of my dorm-mates got regular carepackages from her mother. One of them was a ice cream bucket full of ginger cookies. They had crackly tops rolled in sugar and were soft and chewy. Whenever a carepackage arrived everyone crammed into her little room to get a taste of those spicy little cookies.
I looked for years for a recipe like this. Once I found it in my Pillsbury goldmine, it definitely sealed the deal on the cookbook. There was no way my mom was getting it back.
As I said, I’ve been known to make a batch of these in anticipation of company the next day – only to have none to share with company. Watch out they go fast!
Ginger Snaps
Soft and chewy or for a crunchier cookie bake for a few minutes longer
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2-1/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
Beat 1 cup of sugar, margarine, molasses and egg until light and fluffy. Stir in remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup sugar. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in 1/4 cup sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350 for 8 to 12 minutes. (The coolest part of these cookies is they puff up and then flatten while in the oven. It's fun to watch.) Cool for 1 minute before putting them on cooling racks.
Yield: roughly 5 dozen
On the third day of Christmas...
My true love gave to me... a new favourite recipe!
Lemon butter cookies. Yum! They are definitely my new favourite recipe from my Pillsbury book. As I noted in an earlier post I tried a lemon cookie recipe years ago. I hated it. And I really was upset having to explain to everyone what the lemon zest was. Ick.
Anyway, this version is wonderful. It won hubby’s seal of approval.
Lemon Butter cookies
Lemony and melt in your mouth – heavenly
½ cup sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup oil
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg
2 ½ cups flour
½ cup tsp cream of tartar
½ cup baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Yellow decorator sugar (I used regular sugar)
Beat sugar, powdered sugar, butter and oil unitl light and fluffy. Stir in lemon peel, lemon juice and egg. Then add flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Mix well.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. (Makes it easier to handle).
Heat over to 350 F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Bake at 350 for 7 to 12 minutes.
Makes about 3-1/2 dozen.
Enjoy!
Lemon butter cookies. Yum! They are definitely my new favourite recipe from my Pillsbury book. As I noted in an earlier post I tried a lemon cookie recipe years ago. I hated it. And I really was upset having to explain to everyone what the lemon zest was. Ick.
Anyway, this version is wonderful. It won hubby’s seal of approval.
Lemon Butter cookies
Lemony and melt in your mouth – heavenly
½ cup sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup butter or margarine, softened
¼ cup oil
1 tbsp grated lemon peel
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg
2 ½ cups flour
½ cup tsp cream of tartar
½ cup baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Yellow decorator sugar (I used regular sugar)
Beat sugar, powdered sugar, butter and oil unitl light and fluffy. Stir in lemon peel, lemon juice and egg. Then add flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Mix well.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. (Makes it easier to handle).
Heat over to 350 F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar. Bake at 350 for 7 to 12 minutes.
Makes about 3-1/2 dozen.
Enjoy!
Friday, December 15, 2006
On the second day of Christmas...
My true love gave to me... butter tarts!
At our house they became a tradition when I decided to surprise my hubby with a batch of butter tarts as his Christmas present - one of his favourite treats and something I had never made before. I even hid them in the basement after I made them.
Unfortunately, one of my coworkers inadvertently ruined the surprise , but he did enjoy his butter tarts. Since then I try to make a batch for Christmas and sometimes just because!
Recipes for butter tarts are a dime a dozen, but I’m including my mom’s here. They are way easier than most people think. Especially when you buy the tart shells!
Butter Tarts
What is Christmas without butter tarts?
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 to 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
Melt all ingredients except raisins and egg. Stir in raisins. Beat egg in and add to melted mixture. Spoon into frozen tart shells. Bake on lowest rack for 15 - 20 minutes in a hot oven.
Get creative: instead of using raisins make butter tarts the way God intended – with coconut, almonds or pecans. I honestly didn’t know butter tarts typically had raisins in them until I left home, because our family always made three versions: coconut, almonds, and raisins. I just thought everyone did. Raisins = icky.
I will be posting several days worth of recipes tomorrow to catch. I realized today I am two days behind. (I wanted to end on Christmas eve, because who wants to bake on Christmas day?)
Have fun!
At our house they became a tradition when I decided to surprise my hubby with a batch of butter tarts as his Christmas present - one of his favourite treats and something I had never made before. I even hid them in the basement after I made them.
Unfortunately, one of my coworkers inadvertently ruined the surprise , but he did enjoy his butter tarts. Since then I try to make a batch for Christmas and sometimes just because!
Recipes for butter tarts are a dime a dozen, but I’m including my mom’s here. They are way easier than most people think. Especially when you buy the tart shells!
Butter Tarts
What is Christmas without butter tarts?
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 to 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
Melt all ingredients except raisins and egg. Stir in raisins. Beat egg in and add to melted mixture. Spoon into frozen tart shells. Bake on lowest rack for 15 - 20 minutes in a hot oven.
Get creative: instead of using raisins make butter tarts the way God intended – with coconut, almonds or pecans. I honestly didn’t know butter tarts typically had raisins in them until I left home, because our family always made three versions: coconut, almonds, and raisins. I just thought everyone did. Raisins = icky.
I will be posting several days worth of recipes tomorrow to catch. I realized today I am two days behind. (I wanted to end on Christmas eve, because who wants to bake on Christmas day?)
Have fun!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
It's baaack...
Environment Canada just issued a snowfall warning.
http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?sk18
Again, I say... didn't we do this day already?
http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?sk18
Again, I say... didn't we do this day already?
On the first day of Christmas...
My true love gave to me a chocolate chip cookie.
If I had to name one reason to keep my Pillsbury baking book, this recipe would be it. Soft gooey and chock full of chocolate chips, it’s a perfect after school snack and certainly satisfies the chocolate lover.
The best part (and also the worst part) about this recipe is it makes six dozen according to the recipe (the last time I made them I had eight dozen because I make them smaller). It’s great if you need to whip up a lot of cookies for a potluck or family function or something. But by the time you put the last batch in the oven it’ll get tedious. ; )
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A great cookie jar staple
1- ¼ cup sugar
1- ¼ cup brown sugar
1- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4-1/4 flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 – 2 packages chocolate chips
Cream together sugar and margarine until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cooking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
Get creative: Because this makes such a large batch you can split the dough and use different types of chocolate chips for each part of the dough, such as mint chocolate chips, white chocolate, or whatever.
Make ahead: Once you’re done stirring the dough together you can freeze it for up to one month. After the cookies are baked, I’ve been known to freeze a Ziploc bag or two when no is looking. It’s a great stash for when company arrives, or the kids need a treat, or PMS hits!
If I had to name one reason to keep my Pillsbury baking book, this recipe would be it. Soft gooey and chock full of chocolate chips, it’s a perfect after school snack and certainly satisfies the chocolate lover.
The best part (and also the worst part) about this recipe is it makes six dozen according to the recipe (the last time I made them I had eight dozen because I make them smaller). It’s great if you need to whip up a lot of cookies for a potluck or family function or something. But by the time you put the last batch in the oven it’ll get tedious. ; )
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A great cookie jar staple
1- ¼ cup sugar
1- ¼ cup brown sugar
1- ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
4-1/4 flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 – 2 packages chocolate chips
Cream together sugar and margarine until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cooking sheet. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.
Get creative: Because this makes such a large batch you can split the dough and use different types of chocolate chips for each part of the dough, such as mint chocolate chips, white chocolate, or whatever.
Make ahead: Once you’re done stirring the dough together you can freeze it for up to one month. After the cookies are baked, I’ve been known to freeze a Ziploc bag or two when no is looking. It’s a great stash for when company arrives, or the kids need a treat, or PMS hits!
12 Days of Christmas!
Most of the recipes I’m including in the 12 Days of Christmas come from my infamous Pillsbury cook book, but not all. For instance, the Cream Cheese Candies recipe I posted a few days ago came from a magazine I subscribed to years ago. I will include a source wherever possible.
Jennifer’s tips:
I never, ever, ever bake anything at the temperature the recipe calls for. I drop the temperature by at least 25 degrees. In the recipes I’ll post here I am including the temperature the recipe calls for. But again I DO NOT bake them at that temperature.
A word about cookie sheets: I use a Pampered Chef baking stone and get amazing results. The baking stone cost an arm and a leg, but was worth every single penny when you see the wonderful golden brown results. I’ve used other imitation baking stones and didn’t like them quite as much. I will tend not to specify regarding whether it should be greased or ungreased cookie sheets, because it will depend on what type of cookie sheet you prefer. And I will assume you know best how to bake with them. ; )
I use only real vanilla. Right now the vanilla I have comes straight from Mexico (courtesy of my snowbird auntie Freda).
I hate overbaked baking, so I rarely use all the time required by a recipe to bake something.
I often make cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake. This breaks up the time needed to bake something and in my hectic schedule it is often the only way I can do any baking at all.
I also feel compelled to mention that while I do love to bake, sweet treats are not all I make. I also have this huge fetish for appetizers. ; ) Maybe next year I'll do appetizers!
Bake on!
Jennifer’s tips:
I never, ever, ever bake anything at the temperature the recipe calls for. I drop the temperature by at least 25 degrees. In the recipes I’ll post here I am including the temperature the recipe calls for. But again I DO NOT bake them at that temperature.
A word about cookie sheets: I use a Pampered Chef baking stone and get amazing results. The baking stone cost an arm and a leg, but was worth every single penny when you see the wonderful golden brown results. I’ve used other imitation baking stones and didn’t like them quite as much. I will tend not to specify regarding whether it should be greased or ungreased cookie sheets, because it will depend on what type of cookie sheet you prefer. And I will assume you know best how to bake with them. ; )
I use only real vanilla. Right now the vanilla I have comes straight from Mexico (courtesy of my snowbird auntie Freda).
I hate overbaked baking, so I rarely use all the time required by a recipe to bake something.
I often make cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake. This breaks up the time needed to bake something and in my hectic schedule it is often the only way I can do any baking at all.
I also feel compelled to mention that while I do love to bake, sweet treats are not all I make. I also have this huge fetish for appetizers. ; ) Maybe next year I'll do appetizers!
Bake on!
Friday, December 08, 2006
What if...
What if I woke up every day with this thought:
Every day that passes I am a day closer to being with Jesus which makes it the best day of my life.
How would things be different in my life? What would I accomplish? What things would be different?
How would things be different in your life?
Things I ponder as I transcribe an interview I did on Monday.
Listening to: Myself interview someone
Pending assignments: Still 1!
Every day that passes I am a day closer to being with Jesus which makes it the best day of my life.
How would things be different in my life? What would I accomplish? What things would be different?
How would things be different in your life?
Things I ponder as I transcribe an interview I did on Monday.
Listening to: Myself interview someone
Pending assignments: Still 1!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Twelve days of Christmas baking
Ok. You got it!
By popular demand I will be posting some of my favourite Christmas baking recipes right here at this very blog!
In order not to violate any copyright laws I will have to take some special precautions, though.
Copyright applies only to the instructions on a recipe - not the list of ingredients. So I will be posting the ingredients and creating my own version of how to do it.
In addition, I will happily allow anyone who wishes to gaze at the golden recipe book whenever they please... at my house. (wink, wink)
So stay tuned, some delicious additions to your cookie tray are just a few days away.
I am happy to share some of my favourite baking with you. I love baking. It's both ignites my creativity and reminds of the many, many afternoons I spent at my grandparents house on baking day. I loved the smell of bread baking as I walked in the door.
I often helped make cinnamon buns, apple coffee cake (or kuchen), and a family specialty bread stuffed with ground beef and sauerkraut.
My Grandmother is currently 93 years young. She doesn't bake as much as she used to. I am blessed to pass on her love of baking to my children and to share it with those I love and care about.
As a result some of you will get a taste of the recipes featured here when I hand out my Christmas cards.
Here's one to get you started:
Cream Cheese Candies
A wonderful, cool hit of mint after a big meal.
1-3 oz package cream cheese
3 cups icing sugar
1/4 tsp peppermint extract (or almond extract)
Decorator sugar (optional)
Beat cream cheese with 1-1/2 cups of icing sugar and peppermint extract until smooth. Stir/knead in 1-1/2 cups icing sugar. Roll into 1/2-inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Roll in decorator sugar. Flatten with finger or glass or fork or whatever. Let harden for at least one hour. Store in the refrigerator.
(This recipe can be quite messy. Yesterday my mom called in the middle of making them and I nearly had my hand cemented to the phone by the time I hung up. But they are worth it! I've also stored these little gems in the freezer to last a bit longer.)
Listening to: 100.3 FM!
Pending assignments: 1
By popular demand I will be posting some of my favourite Christmas baking recipes right here at this very blog!
In order not to violate any copyright laws I will have to take some special precautions, though.
Copyright applies only to the instructions on a recipe - not the list of ingredients. So I will be posting the ingredients and creating my own version of how to do it.
In addition, I will happily allow anyone who wishes to gaze at the golden recipe book whenever they please... at my house. (wink, wink)
So stay tuned, some delicious additions to your cookie tray are just a few days away.
I am happy to share some of my favourite baking with you. I love baking. It's both ignites my creativity and reminds of the many, many afternoons I spent at my grandparents house on baking day. I loved the smell of bread baking as I walked in the door.
I often helped make cinnamon buns, apple coffee cake (or kuchen), and a family specialty bread stuffed with ground beef and sauerkraut.
My Grandmother is currently 93 years young. She doesn't bake as much as she used to. I am blessed to pass on her love of baking to my children and to share it with those I love and care about.
As a result some of you will get a taste of the recipes featured here when I hand out my Christmas cards.
Here's one to get you started:
Cream Cheese Candies
A wonderful, cool hit of mint after a big meal.
1-3 oz package cream cheese
3 cups icing sugar
1/4 tsp peppermint extract (or almond extract)
Decorator sugar (optional)
Beat cream cheese with 1-1/2 cups of icing sugar and peppermint extract until smooth. Stir/knead in 1-1/2 cups icing sugar. Roll into 1/2-inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Roll in decorator sugar. Flatten with finger or glass or fork or whatever. Let harden for at least one hour. Store in the refrigerator.
(This recipe can be quite messy. Yesterday my mom called in the middle of making them and I nearly had my hand cemented to the phone by the time I hung up. But they are worth it! I've also stored these little gems in the freezer to last a bit longer.)
Listening to: 100.3 FM!
Pending assignments: 1
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Woohoo!
I'm doing the snoopy happy dance...!
Eric Tillman has made his choice for head coach of the Roughriders and guess who he chose.
Yup. Kent Austin is returning to the club. As a quarter back, Austin helped to bring the Grey Cup to Saskatchewan in 1989.
He's on a mission to do the same again.
Check it out.
Grey Cup 2007: Here we come! Go Green!
Listening to: 100.3 at work! (for the first time!)
Assignments pending: 1
Eric Tillman has made his choice for head coach of the Roughriders and guess who he chose.
Yup. Kent Austin is returning to the club. As a quarter back, Austin helped to bring the Grey Cup to Saskatchewan in 1989.
He's on a mission to do the same again.
Check it out.
Grey Cup 2007: Here we come! Go Green!
Listening to: 100.3 at work! (for the first time!)
Assignments pending: 1
Monday, December 04, 2006
Baked
For years my mother and I have playfully argued over the rightful ownership of a cookbook.
Not just any cookbook either - a Pillsbury cookbook - only the best collection of baking recipes on the planet.
Years ago, when I lived in the same town as my mom, we shared a recipe subscription. We had a handsome three ring binder and every month we would get new recipe cards to put in it.
Eventually, I began to realize that I didn't like cookbook very much. The recipes sometimes used things I'd never heard of and more often than not didn't live up to expectations.
In the meantime, my mom bought this wonderful Pillsbury cookbook from a salesman that visited her shop from time to time selling books.
When we moved to Saskatoon, I took the binder with me, but it wasn't long before I negotiated a trade. The huge binder full of slightly useful recipes for the Pillsbury collection.
I've never regretted that decision for a day. In fact, it didn't take long before I told my mom the only way she'd get the recipe book back was if she pried it from my cold dead fingers.
As an aside, I have since tried in vain to track down this book, but it is out of print. I found it on ebay once, but it was expensive.
This Pillsbury cookbook is amazing. Every recipe I've ever tried far exceeds expectations. The recipes range from the traditional to more sophisticated offerings. Perfect for someone like me who loves to experiment and try new things. My Herbed Oatmeal Panbread and Ginger Cake with Raspberry-Pear Sauce are both recipes from this collection.
This year I will be giving friends and family the gift of my baking. We don't have much extra cash this year, but I really wanted to give my friends something that captured how much we treasured their friendship and support over the years.
So far I've frozen:
Lemon Butter cookies: Years ago I tried a lemon cookie recipe and swore I'd never try another. I had to tell people they were lemon cookies. They kept asking what the lemon zest was. Oi! Anyway, this year's attempt was declared "delicious" at first bite by my hubby.
Ginger cookies: These might not last til I give out my goodie plates, as these are hands down my family's favourite cookies. Even though it makes a huge batch I can never keep these things around for long. I may have to wrestle each cookie out of someone's hand to get it on a plate to give away!
Yuletide slices: This is a favourite receipe from my childhood that I rediscovered this year. Colourful marshmallows mixed with melted chocolate and rolled in coconut. Yum!
Berry fudge bars: One of the prettiest squares to ever grace a Christmas tray - white chocolate, dried cranberriess and silver dragees, all atop a chocolate-fudge base.
Blondies: Speckled with chocolate chips and Skor candy bits.
To be made this week or next:
Butter tarts: I made these as Richard's Christmas present one year. I'll be making some with coconut this year (because I hate raisins.)
Cream cheese candies: Just for Dave.
Chocolate Chip cookies: My daughter's favourite - soft, gooey and chocolately.
Butterhorns or other roll: This one hasn't been determined yet!
To be baked just before giving time:
Chocolate pixies: A little bite of chocolate fudge cake. For the chocolate lovers, it's a little bite of heaven.
Reindeer Cookies: On December 23 of last year I suddenly remembered I had forgotten to bake these whimsical cookies and I was so disappointed. Gingerbread cookies decorated to look like Reindeer with pretzels, chocolate chips and red smarties. These are often the cookies we leave out for Santa.
Split second shortbread: With a delightful strip of jam down the middle and a unique shape, these are both simple and yummy to make.
There. I probably just gave everyone a cavity!
Happy Christmas preparations!
Not just any cookbook either - a Pillsbury cookbook - only the best collection of baking recipes on the planet.
Years ago, when I lived in the same town as my mom, we shared a recipe subscription. We had a handsome three ring binder and every month we would get new recipe cards to put in it.
Eventually, I began to realize that I didn't like cookbook very much. The recipes sometimes used things I'd never heard of and more often than not didn't live up to expectations.
In the meantime, my mom bought this wonderful Pillsbury cookbook from a salesman that visited her shop from time to time selling books.
When we moved to Saskatoon, I took the binder with me, but it wasn't long before I negotiated a trade. The huge binder full of slightly useful recipes for the Pillsbury collection.
I've never regretted that decision for a day. In fact, it didn't take long before I told my mom the only way she'd get the recipe book back was if she pried it from my cold dead fingers.
As an aside, I have since tried in vain to track down this book, but it is out of print. I found it on ebay once, but it was expensive.
This Pillsbury cookbook is amazing. Every recipe I've ever tried far exceeds expectations. The recipes range from the traditional to more sophisticated offerings. Perfect for someone like me who loves to experiment and try new things. My Herbed Oatmeal Panbread and Ginger Cake with Raspberry-Pear Sauce are both recipes from this collection.
This year I will be giving friends and family the gift of my baking. We don't have much extra cash this year, but I really wanted to give my friends something that captured how much we treasured their friendship and support over the years.
So far I've frozen:
Lemon Butter cookies: Years ago I tried a lemon cookie recipe and swore I'd never try another. I had to tell people they were lemon cookies. They kept asking what the lemon zest was. Oi! Anyway, this year's attempt was declared "delicious" at first bite by my hubby.
Ginger cookies: These might not last til I give out my goodie plates, as these are hands down my family's favourite cookies. Even though it makes a huge batch I can never keep these things around for long. I may have to wrestle each cookie out of someone's hand to get it on a plate to give away!
Yuletide slices: This is a favourite receipe from my childhood that I rediscovered this year. Colourful marshmallows mixed with melted chocolate and rolled in coconut. Yum!
Berry fudge bars: One of the prettiest squares to ever grace a Christmas tray - white chocolate, dried cranberriess and silver dragees, all atop a chocolate-fudge base.
Blondies: Speckled with chocolate chips and Skor candy bits.
To be made this week or next:
Butter tarts: I made these as Richard's Christmas present one year. I'll be making some with coconut this year (because I hate raisins.)
Cream cheese candies: Just for Dave.
Chocolate Chip cookies: My daughter's favourite - soft, gooey and chocolately.
Butterhorns or other roll: This one hasn't been determined yet!
To be baked just before giving time:
Chocolate pixies: A little bite of chocolate fudge cake. For the chocolate lovers, it's a little bite of heaven.
Reindeer Cookies: On December 23 of last year I suddenly remembered I had forgotten to bake these whimsical cookies and I was so disappointed. Gingerbread cookies decorated to look like Reindeer with pretzels, chocolate chips and red smarties. These are often the cookies we leave out for Santa.
Split second shortbread: With a delightful strip of jam down the middle and a unique shape, these are both simple and yummy to make.
There. I probably just gave everyone a cavity!
Happy Christmas preparations!
Friday, December 01, 2006
If tomorrow never comes...
I look outside and see blustering, swirling snow and a sidewalk that needs shoveling - again.
And all I think is...
Didn't we do this day already? It's like the same day over and over. I feel like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day.
"What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't today!"
Snow, cold, wind. Then the next day... more snow, more cold, more wind.
It's like the energizer bunny - just keeps going and going.
At this rate the city might get to some of the side streets sometime... oh... about April.
As a result of the icky weather, dressing up in 15 layers just to take the kids to the bus and driving on streets that are so deeply groved with ice ruts it's like driving on train tracks... as a result of all this I'm feeling down today. That coupled with the pre-holiday slow down in writing jobs and the fact that several writing gigs have fallen through have me questioning why in the world I put myself through this.
I'm getting very discouraged with my writing. I've been at this six years and I still can't make a decent living with it. Frustration! Why does it seem like my dreams will never come true, while I watch everyone else in my life have their dreams accomplished? Is there something wrong with me?
Gloomy is a good word. I've even considered chucking it all and going to law school. Where's my personal butt-kicker when I need one?
So to cheer myself up I made myself a cup of apple cider and put in one of my new CDs - Sandy Foster's Marooned. (and seriously if you are a fan of jazz at all and haven't bought all of her CDs - what are you waiting for!? They are awesome - including her new Christmas album called Spruce It Up!)
Her beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics are just what I needed today. Her Norah Jones-like jazz has transformed my gloomy day.
So here is a list of some of the things I wanted to thank God for today:
1. A loving husband who never ceases to amaze me.
2. Two beautiful sweet-natured kids who are such a joy to watch as they grow and change.
3. A job where I get to watch Jesus' love touch lives.
4. The beautiful, glittering snow outside. Despite shoveling it, it is very pretty you have to admit!
5. We get to put up the Christmas tree tomorrow.
6. 24 sleeps til Santa comes!
7. A car that runs. Yippee!
8. Friends who care about me.
9. I have half of my Christmas baking done.
10. I managed to get MOST of my laundry done yesterday without being interrupted by other people needing the laundry facilities. Praise God!
11. I plowed through the snow to the store to get groceries so we can eat for at least another week. ; )
12. The exercise I'm about to get as I shovel the sidewalk...
Assignments pending: 1
Listening to: Marooned by Sandy Foster
And all I think is...
Didn't we do this day already? It's like the same day over and over. I feel like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day.
"What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't today!"
Snow, cold, wind. Then the next day... more snow, more cold, more wind.
It's like the energizer bunny - just keeps going and going.
At this rate the city might get to some of the side streets sometime... oh... about April.
As a result of the icky weather, dressing up in 15 layers just to take the kids to the bus and driving on streets that are so deeply groved with ice ruts it's like driving on train tracks... as a result of all this I'm feeling down today. That coupled with the pre-holiday slow down in writing jobs and the fact that several writing gigs have fallen through have me questioning why in the world I put myself through this.
I'm getting very discouraged with my writing. I've been at this six years and I still can't make a decent living with it. Frustration! Why does it seem like my dreams will never come true, while I watch everyone else in my life have their dreams accomplished? Is there something wrong with me?
Gloomy is a good word. I've even considered chucking it all and going to law school. Where's my personal butt-kicker when I need one?
All I wanted to shout to the world was: Wake me when it's spring!
So to cheer myself up I made myself a cup of apple cider and put in one of my new CDs - Sandy Foster's Marooned. (and seriously if you are a fan of jazz at all and haven't bought all of her CDs - what are you waiting for!? They are awesome - including her new Christmas album called Spruce It Up!)
Her beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics are just what I needed today. Her Norah Jones-like jazz has transformed my gloomy day.
So here is a list of some of the things I wanted to thank God for today:
1. A loving husband who never ceases to amaze me.
2. Two beautiful sweet-natured kids who are such a joy to watch as they grow and change.
3. A job where I get to watch Jesus' love touch lives.
4. The beautiful, glittering snow outside. Despite shoveling it, it is very pretty you have to admit!
5. We get to put up the Christmas tree tomorrow.
6. 24 sleeps til Santa comes!
7. A car that runs. Yippee!
8. Friends who care about me.
9. I have half of my Christmas baking done.
10. I managed to get MOST of my laundry done yesterday without being interrupted by other people needing the laundry facilities. Praise God!
11. I plowed through the snow to the store to get groceries so we can eat for at least another week. ; )
12. The exercise I'm about to get as I shovel the sidewalk...
Assignments pending: 1
Listening to: Marooned by Sandy Foster
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Roughriders
This arrived in my mailbox this morning…
Q. How many SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS does it take to win a GREY CUP?
A. Nobody knows and we may never find out!
Q. What do you call 47 people sitting around a TV watching the GREY CUP?
A. The SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Given my limited access to blogger right now, I’ve been missing out on commenting on my dear boys in green.
Yes, they lost to B.C. in the western final. Again.
Aside: B.C. fans appear to need a tutorial on the game of football. Your team wears orange and black. When they have the ball, cheer like mad. The rest of the time sit down and shut up until something exciting happens, k?
The loss pretty much sealed the fate of head coach Danny Barrett. I love the guy. I really do. He’s done incredible things for the ball club and for so many players. So my hat is off to you Mr. Barrett. It was a tough season - on and off the field. And you handled it with grace, dignity and more guts than most people know.
In the final analysis it was time for a fresh start. As sad as I am to see Barrett go, I agree with Tilman on this one.
Then… what is this I hear?
Tilman is in talks with others he has worked with in the past – including but not limited to – Kent Austin!
Holy crap, Batman! Kent Austin!?
For those of you who have no idea who Kent Austin is, never fear. I shall enlighten you.
But we must back up to the beginning. To the very beginning of how I became a Roughrider fan.
Had this incident not occurred, I probably would still be a fan – I mean it’s in the water here in the province – you can’t help but become a fan. But I wouldn’t be as “rabid” as they say. This incident quite possibly also helped me pass grade eight P.E.
Back in seventh grade (at least I think it was seventh grade), I found myself at a youth retreat at a Christian college in northern Saskatchewan. I admit I wasn’t exactly an eager participant.
But my ears perked up when they announced the name of the guest speaker that day – Kent Austin. Not being into Canadian football (yet!) I had no idea who he was. Of course, all the guys in the auditorium started drooling instantly.
Kent Austin, at that time, was quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He told his testimony about how Christ had come to be the centre of his life. And he served Christ by playing football.
I might not remember all he said, but I definitely decided I needed to keep up with who he was and find out more about these Roughrider characters. Somewhere at my mom's house, I'm sure I still have Austin's autograph.
The following year I was blessed (or punished) with a very football-crazy phys. ed. teacher. He had this belief that all God’s children should play football.
And that apparently included those of us under five feet (who at this point could literally walk UNDER the volleyball net without making it move – I kid you not!). Not only was I short, I wasn’t exactly linebacker material. I was pretty petite. Further, skills in playing sports of any kind seemed to be something missing on a DNA level.
Catching an underhand toss of a baseball was a major achievement for me.
I knew the games we played to the point that I made an excellent linesman or scorekeeper. A role I relished. But playing them...? Nope.
I was able to impress this wonderful (or demented) football teacher by my meagre knowledge of the game and the fact that I had personally met Kent Austin.
Now I don’t have too many fond memories of the zillions of scrimmages we played every gym period that fall, but I do remember one amazing moment of football.
Everyone else had their patterns – post, hook, whatever. Then my teacher (who always played quarterback) turned to me and said, “you’re going to get the ball”. I was stunned. I knew how to run all the patterns, but I’d never actually been selected to actually get the ball.
Apparently, this may have been what the teacher was counting on. While all my classmates were covered, I was wide open.
He made eye contact and then fired the ball right at me.
I caught it.
I actually caught it!
It didn’t bounce out of my arms. I didn’t fumble it or let it drop.
I caught it cleanly and beautifully.
Everyone on the field that morning was stunned. No one more than I.
I don’t remember if I was over the first down marker, to be honest. But that was one glorious moment of grade eight gym class. And believe me, golden moments in PE weren’t too plentiful when you’re five foot nuttin’!
Aside: During the volleyball season, the same PE teacher expected me to spike the ball OVER the volleyball net. This would be the same net I could WALK under. Yeah… that was happening. Maybe if I stood on a chair…
Anywho, that’s who Kent Austin is. One of the major reasons Roughrider games are marked out on my calendar every spring. They are appointment TV.
I’ve lost track of Austin once in a while over the years, but he always pops back up on the radar. Last I heard he was offensive coordinator for the Argos I believe. They fired him in August, right?
While I’m sad to see an era end at Mosaic field (Taylor field for the die-hards), I trust Danny can leave knowing the legacy he left will not be forgotten. And if we’re really lucky Kent Austin can continue the work.
Grey Cup 2007: Here we come! Go Green!
Q. How many SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS does it take to win a GREY CUP?
A. Nobody knows and we may never find out!
Q. What do you call 47 people sitting around a TV watching the GREY CUP?
A. The SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Given my limited access to blogger right now, I’ve been missing out on commenting on my dear boys in green.
Yes, they lost to B.C. in the western final. Again.
Aside: B.C. fans appear to need a tutorial on the game of football. Your team wears orange and black. When they have the ball, cheer like mad. The rest of the time sit down and shut up until something exciting happens, k?
The loss pretty much sealed the fate of head coach Danny Barrett. I love the guy. I really do. He’s done incredible things for the ball club and for so many players. So my hat is off to you Mr. Barrett. It was a tough season - on and off the field. And you handled it with grace, dignity and more guts than most people know.
In the final analysis it was time for a fresh start. As sad as I am to see Barrett go, I agree with Tilman on this one.
Then… what is this I hear?
Tilman is in talks with others he has worked with in the past – including but not limited to – Kent Austin!
Holy crap, Batman! Kent Austin!?
For those of you who have no idea who Kent Austin is, never fear. I shall enlighten you.
But we must back up to the beginning. To the very beginning of how I became a Roughrider fan.
Had this incident not occurred, I probably would still be a fan – I mean it’s in the water here in the province – you can’t help but become a fan. But I wouldn’t be as “rabid” as they say. This incident quite possibly also helped me pass grade eight P.E.
Back in seventh grade (at least I think it was seventh grade), I found myself at a youth retreat at a Christian college in northern Saskatchewan. I admit I wasn’t exactly an eager participant.
But my ears perked up when they announced the name of the guest speaker that day – Kent Austin. Not being into Canadian football (yet!) I had no idea who he was. Of course, all the guys in the auditorium started drooling instantly.
Kent Austin, at that time, was quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He told his testimony about how Christ had come to be the centre of his life. And he served Christ by playing football.
I might not remember all he said, but I definitely decided I needed to keep up with who he was and find out more about these Roughrider characters. Somewhere at my mom's house, I'm sure I still have Austin's autograph.
The following year I was blessed (or punished) with a very football-crazy phys. ed. teacher. He had this belief that all God’s children should play football.
And that apparently included those of us under five feet (who at this point could literally walk UNDER the volleyball net without making it move – I kid you not!). Not only was I short, I wasn’t exactly linebacker material. I was pretty petite. Further, skills in playing sports of any kind seemed to be something missing on a DNA level.
Catching an underhand toss of a baseball was a major achievement for me.
I knew the games we played to the point that I made an excellent linesman or scorekeeper. A role I relished. But playing them...? Nope.
I was able to impress this wonderful (or demented) football teacher by my meagre knowledge of the game and the fact that I had personally met Kent Austin.
Now I don’t have too many fond memories of the zillions of scrimmages we played every gym period that fall, but I do remember one amazing moment of football.
Everyone else had their patterns – post, hook, whatever. Then my teacher (who always played quarterback) turned to me and said, “you’re going to get the ball”. I was stunned. I knew how to run all the patterns, but I’d never actually been selected to actually get the ball.
Apparently, this may have been what the teacher was counting on. While all my classmates were covered, I was wide open.
He made eye contact and then fired the ball right at me.
I caught it.
I actually caught it!
It didn’t bounce out of my arms. I didn’t fumble it or let it drop.
I caught it cleanly and beautifully.
Everyone on the field that morning was stunned. No one more than I.
I don’t remember if I was over the first down marker, to be honest. But that was one glorious moment of grade eight gym class. And believe me, golden moments in PE weren’t too plentiful when you’re five foot nuttin’!
Aside: During the volleyball season, the same PE teacher expected me to spike the ball OVER the volleyball net. This would be the same net I could WALK under. Yeah… that was happening. Maybe if I stood on a chair…
Anywho, that’s who Kent Austin is. One of the major reasons Roughrider games are marked out on my calendar every spring. They are appointment TV.
I’ve lost track of Austin once in a while over the years, but he always pops back up on the radar. Last I heard he was offensive coordinator for the Argos I believe. They fired him in August, right?
While I’m sad to see an era end at Mosaic field (Taylor field for the die-hards), I trust Danny can leave knowing the legacy he left will not be forgotten. And if we’re really lucky Kent Austin can continue the work.
Grey Cup 2007: Here we come! Go Green!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The final word on house hunting... for now
Several of you have commented on my tirade the other day about finding a house. I appreciate all of your concern and encouragement. I really do.
This time it’s official. It’s over. Completely, totally and officially over. Like notified-our-real-estate-agent-over. Over. Done. Ka-put.
The house hunt is over. The money we had saved to use as a deposit when we make an offer on a house will be used to buy our car a new gasket. Kind of an important deal. Choosing between the ability to drive and having a house is a tough call, I'll admit. But I think I'd rather not be walking everywhere. Especially in this weather.
I’m not as upset about it as I thought I would be. The mechanic's we visit had alerted us to the crack in the head gasket last winter. But because it was rather small, we were able to postpone it. As well, because during the summer the seals would expand from being warm, there was less leaking. Therefore we were able to put off this important work even longer.
But our car can no longer afford to have us ignore it. The problem needs to be addressed. The shocking dollar amount of the repairs, aside, I am grateful we will be able to do this. And while it might affect our Christmas spending a little, we are able to do this without any drastic effects on our finances.
It does mean buying a house right now is positively out of the question.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, who listened, and offered encouragement and advice. We really do appreciate it. And to all those who offered to help fix up any house we did get… you’ll have to wait a bit longer I'm afraid.
This time it’s official. It’s over. Completely, totally and officially over. Like notified-our-real-estate-agent-over. Over. Done. Ka-put.
The house hunt is over. The money we had saved to use as a deposit when we make an offer on a house will be used to buy our car a new gasket. Kind of an important deal. Choosing between the ability to drive and having a house is a tough call, I'll admit. But I think I'd rather not be walking everywhere. Especially in this weather.
I’m not as upset about it as I thought I would be. The mechanic's we visit had alerted us to the crack in the head gasket last winter. But because it was rather small, we were able to postpone it. As well, because during the summer the seals would expand from being warm, there was less leaking. Therefore we were able to put off this important work even longer.
But our car can no longer afford to have us ignore it. The problem needs to be addressed. The shocking dollar amount of the repairs, aside, I am grateful we will be able to do this. And while it might affect our Christmas spending a little, we are able to do this without any drastic effects on our finances.
It does mean buying a house right now is positively out of the question.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, who listened, and offered encouragement and advice. We really do appreciate it. And to all those who offered to help fix up any house we did get… you’ll have to wait a bit longer I'm afraid.
Light blogging
Sorry for the lack of posts.
Unfortunately, hubby has been tinkering with the router settings - blocking websites that have bad stuff on them. It's all well and good. With our kids on the computer from time to time, we need to have sites with X-rated content blocked.
However, it does mean once in a while my router thinks it should block a site that has nothing but benign content. An example? Google. Yes, my router thinks Google is a bad site. I have no idea what search term I may have put into it recently, but if my search brings up a website with bad content Google gets banned.
Then I have to go to hubby and get Google unbanned.
As I say, this is a useful feature. But once in a while useful features become a pain in the butt!
Anyway, right now my router thinks blogger beta is bad. Horrible. Rotten to the core. It must think this because I've been unable to log in for days.
And since you are reading this, I know it's not a blogger problem - because I'm posting this from work.
Anyway, there will be several posts in the next little bit.
Enjoy!
Unfortunately, hubby has been tinkering with the router settings - blocking websites that have bad stuff on them. It's all well and good. With our kids on the computer from time to time, we need to have sites with X-rated content blocked.
However, it does mean once in a while my router thinks it should block a site that has nothing but benign content. An example? Google. Yes, my router thinks Google is a bad site. I have no idea what search term I may have put into it recently, but if my search brings up a website with bad content Google gets banned.
Then I have to go to hubby and get Google unbanned.
As I say, this is a useful feature. But once in a while useful features become a pain in the butt!
Anyway, right now my router thinks blogger beta is bad. Horrible. Rotten to the core. It must think this because I've been unable to log in for days.
And since you are reading this, I know it's not a blogger problem - because I'm posting this from work.
Anyway, there will be several posts in the next little bit.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Househunting part 687
I came to the end today.
I no longer want to look at houses. I'm throwing in the towel, raising the white flag, and giving up.
The house Richard and I had talked about buying and fixing up - it needed lots of work, but had a nice lay out - officially sold today. Sigh.
So I hereby take my hat out of the ring.
Perhaps in a few years we'll be able to try again, but for now I'm done. The competition is way to fierce in our price range and we just don't have what it takes to compete.
I give up.
I no longer want to look at houses. I'm throwing in the towel, raising the white flag, and giving up.
The house Richard and I had talked about buying and fixing up - it needed lots of work, but had a nice lay out - officially sold today. Sigh.
So I hereby take my hat out of the ring.
Perhaps in a few years we'll be able to try again, but for now I'm done. The competition is way to fierce in our price range and we just don't have what it takes to compete.
I give up.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Website
Ok. I've been keeping it hush-hush for a while now, but I think it's time I let everyone have a peek at my new website.
I've been working on it for about a month now. I even managed to learn to speak a little HTML so I could code parts of it myself. Yay me!
It's not all there yet. But most of it is functional.
So...
... drumroll please ...
Here is my newly designed and improved website:
www.jacobysmith.ca
Pending assignments: 1
Houses looked at this week: 0
I've been working on it for about a month now. I even managed to learn to speak a little HTML so I could code parts of it myself. Yay me!
It's not all there yet. But most of it is functional.
So...
... drumroll please ...
Here is my newly designed and improved website:
www.jacobysmith.ca
Pending assignments: 1
Houses looked at this week: 0
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Rest - day two
This week is my week of rest. I had to turn down work to get it, too. Almost cried over that.
But here I am enjoying some well-desrved time off. A week to spend in reflection, relaxation and re-evaluation.
I have to admit it took until 11:30 of day two for me to get bored.
Maybe this is a good thing. I'm not sure. Truthfully, I don't know what to do. I rarely ever get bored.
...
So...
...
What does a person do when they're bored?
Well, I'm going to start with a bubble bath... or paint my toes... you know... girly things!
But here I am enjoying some well-desrved time off. A week to spend in reflection, relaxation and re-evaluation.
I have to admit it took until 11:30 of day two for me to get bored.
Maybe this is a good thing. I'm not sure. Truthfully, I don't know what to do. I rarely ever get bored.
...
So...
...
What does a person do when they're bored?
Well, I'm going to start with a bubble bath... or paint my toes... you know... girly things!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Winter blues
Here we are just a scrape into November and I'm already talking winter blues... That doesn't bode well, does it?
Winter hit hard here yesterday. One foot of snow all at once is not my idea of winter... more like Hades. Especially when it was preceded by a full day of the world being shellacked in ice.
In case anyone is wondering shovelling heavy wet sticky snow while dancing on an ice rink formed by the sidewalks definitely makes life more interesting or treacherous. At any rate, it's quite a workout!
I am happy to report, that aside from a few twinges, my badly sprained ankle from last year has performed very well despite all the ice. Of course, my entire front step is white... with salt. So maybe that helps, no?
Although the unprecedented precipitation (in both forms) has made driving in the city a take-life-in-your-hands kind of deal, it has drastically altered the shape of my weekend as well... leading to disappointment of mammoth proportions.
The kids will no longer be going to Wilkie. Today anyway.
I'm still holding out hope that some sanding crews and snowplow drivers will take pity on the stretch of highway between Biggar and Wilkie (which right now is one of the few roads labelled travel not recommended in the entire province - what's up with that?).
As sad as I am for myself who desperately needed a break from things - from everythings -there will be huge heartbreak when the kids come home. They were so looking forward to going to Grandma's.
Meanwhile, I'm checking out the price of flights to all places warm.
Winter hit hard here yesterday. One foot of snow all at once is not my idea of winter... more like Hades. Especially when it was preceded by a full day of the world being shellacked in ice.
In case anyone is wondering shovelling heavy wet sticky snow while dancing on an ice rink formed by the sidewalks definitely makes life more interesting or treacherous. At any rate, it's quite a workout!
I am happy to report, that aside from a few twinges, my badly sprained ankle from last year has performed very well despite all the ice. Of course, my entire front step is white... with salt. So maybe that helps, no?
Although the unprecedented precipitation (in both forms) has made driving in the city a take-life-in-your-hands kind of deal, it has drastically altered the shape of my weekend as well... leading to disappointment of mammoth proportions.
The kids will no longer be going to Wilkie. Today anyway.
I'm still holding out hope that some sanding crews and snowplow drivers will take pity on the stretch of highway between Biggar and Wilkie (which right now is one of the few roads labelled travel not recommended in the entire province - what's up with that?).
As sad as I am for myself who desperately needed a break from things - from everythings -there will be huge heartbreak when the kids come home. They were so looking forward to going to Grandma's.
Meanwhile, I'm checking out the price of flights to all places warm.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Sooner...
It was a short night for me. Dear son of mine was up at 3:30 sick. He's still sick and looking pale as a sheet. I've only dozed since that first early wake up call.
I do have a major article to finish this morning and my brain is fuzzy. God grant me the strength. I think I'm going to need a nap later just to make it through the day. I also work tonight at the centre from 5:30 to 9. Suddenly my mini-vacation seems so far away...
I could be all set for a pity party, if I really tried. I've got the streamers and everything.
Meanwhile, I purchased a Greg Sczebel CD last week and my two CDs from my friend Sandy Foster arrived on Thursday. So lots of great jazz music playing through my house these last few days.
Anyway, the words to one song by Greg Sczebel really hit me this morning for so many reasons. Possibly exhaustion being the main one.
So again, these are not my words, though I've prayed ones very similar a time or two...
Perhaps (not the entire song)
Have You ever hurt so bad before
You could not feel the floor beneath Your feet?
And have You ever cried so long
The tide swept You away like a song that was bittersweet?
Do You understand, do You think You can relate?
Maybe this reminds You of another time or place
Perhaps Gethsemane
I could have sworn, as I lay warm in my bed
I could hear Your heart break for me
And You did not hesitate to take this pain away
You throw Your arms around me like a robe
Hold me close to let me know I'm not alone anymore
And You tell it like it is, like it was yesterday
And I just can't believe my ears as I hear You say...
Do you think that I'd forget
The kiss of death that was left on My face?
Do you think I did not hear the people mock
The soldiers sneer on that day?
Do you think that I don't cry
When the very world for which I died
Just tries to wipe My name from history?
Child, it reminds Me of Gethsemane
Do you think that I'm immune
To the pain you put Me through
When you close your heart and walk away
And disregard the price I paid?
Do you think that I didn't cry all day?
You see you're not the only one
Who understands where you're coming from
I've been there all along.
Sleeps until vacation starts: 4!!
Pending assignments: 2
Houses looked at: 1
Listening to: Sandy Foster - Spruce It Up!
I do have a major article to finish this morning and my brain is fuzzy. God grant me the strength. I think I'm going to need a nap later just to make it through the day. I also work tonight at the centre from 5:30 to 9. Suddenly my mini-vacation seems so far away...
I could be all set for a pity party, if I really tried. I've got the streamers and everything.
Meanwhile, I purchased a Greg Sczebel CD last week and my two CDs from my friend Sandy Foster arrived on Thursday. So lots of great jazz music playing through my house these last few days.
Anyway, the words to one song by Greg Sczebel really hit me this morning for so many reasons. Possibly exhaustion being the main one.
So again, these are not my words, though I've prayed ones very similar a time or two...
Perhaps (not the entire song)
Have You ever hurt so bad before
You could not feel the floor beneath Your feet?
And have You ever cried so long
The tide swept You away like a song that was bittersweet?
Do You understand, do You think You can relate?
Maybe this reminds You of another time or place
Perhaps Gethsemane
I could have sworn, as I lay warm in my bed
I could hear Your heart break for me
And You did not hesitate to take this pain away
You throw Your arms around me like a robe
Hold me close to let me know I'm not alone anymore
And You tell it like it is, like it was yesterday
And I just can't believe my ears as I hear You say...
Do you think that I'd forget
The kiss of death that was left on My face?
Do you think I did not hear the people mock
The soldiers sneer on that day?
Do you think that I don't cry
When the very world for which I died
Just tries to wipe My name from history?
Child, it reminds Me of Gethsemane
Do you think that I'm immune
To the pain you put Me through
When you close your heart and walk away
And disregard the price I paid?
Do you think that I didn't cry all day?
You see you're not the only one
Who understands where you're coming from
I've been there all along.
Sleeps until vacation starts: 4!!
Pending assignments: 2
Houses looked at: 1
Listening to: Sandy Foster - Spruce It Up!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Soon
I need rest.
Soon.
I've been working far too hard. After a discussion with my counselor I was urged (she didn't quite give me marching orders! LOL!) to take some time off.
Soon.
I can't remember the last day off I had when I didn't have writing commitments to work on or responsibilities at the centre. My brain is suffering from fatigue.
I'm not exactly burned out yet, but I can see it from here.
So as a result I have booked myself a little holiday. I will be taking off the week of November 13 - 17.
Technically, due a very long weekend for my kiddos my week off starts next Friday. My kids go to Grandmas on Thursday night.
I've already made plans to go get my hair done on Friday and go shopping while Richard is at work. Then we have booked a hotel for a romantic escape - including dinner out at the Freehouse.
Our hotel is a package we won at a silent auction earlier this year and it included a Sunday brunch for two as well. Yippee!
I'm looking forward to this. The idea is to have nothing to do and to allow myself to get bored - oh the joys...!
My recent reading has included Robin McGraw's book Inside My Heart. One of her essential messages in the book spoke volumes to me. A mother that neglects herself is really neglecting her family. We moms need to take care of our needs or we won't be able to take care of the needs of our family.
So I'm taking care of myself. And I need a repreive.
In other news... we're looking at a couple of houses this weekend. Aren't you excited?
Pending assignments: 2 (only 2!)
Houses looked at this week: 0
Listening to: Sandy Foster's Marooned
Soon.
I've been working far too hard. After a discussion with my counselor I was urged (she didn't quite give me marching orders! LOL!) to take some time off.
Soon.
I can't remember the last day off I had when I didn't have writing commitments to work on or responsibilities at the centre. My brain is suffering from fatigue.
I'm not exactly burned out yet, but I can see it from here.
So as a result I have booked myself a little holiday. I will be taking off the week of November 13 - 17.
Technically, due a very long weekend for my kiddos my week off starts next Friday. My kids go to Grandmas on Thursday night.
I've already made plans to go get my hair done on Friday and go shopping while Richard is at work. Then we have booked a hotel for a romantic escape - including dinner out at the Freehouse.
Our hotel is a package we won at a silent auction earlier this year and it included a Sunday brunch for two as well. Yippee!
I'm looking forward to this. The idea is to have nothing to do and to allow myself to get bored - oh the joys...!
My recent reading has included Robin McGraw's book Inside My Heart. One of her essential messages in the book spoke volumes to me. A mother that neglects herself is really neglecting her family. We moms need to take care of our needs or we won't be able to take care of the needs of our family.
So I'm taking care of myself. And I need a repreive.
In other news... we're looking at a couple of houses this weekend. Aren't you excited?
Pending assignments: 2 (only 2!)
Houses looked at this week: 0
Listening to: Sandy Foster's Marooned
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