It's Jon's 25th birthday today! We have a lot of fun together.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A Couple of Announcements
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Besides these two exciting happenings, Jon and I have another piece of official news to share (some of you know this already, and no, I'm not pregnant)...Jon has been accepted to McMaster University in Hamilton! We are heading out this August, and will be living there for a year. There were two options as far as a Master's in History; one involved a year with more coursework and writing an article, the other involving two years with less coursework and writing a thesis. Jon chose the first option (as time-wise it is awesome and less costly) and with more course
work there is more opportunity to experience more variety/range vs. a complete focus on a thesis topic.
As you can see in the picture, McMaster has a beautiful campus. Now that we know where we are off to, we have a lot of planning to do for the move!
I'm also pleased to announce that I'm going to be an auntie again...Jon's sister April is expecting for September! We are all very excited for her and Jordan.
Monday I start my teaching block...think of me!
Besides these two exciting happenings, Jon and I have another piece of official news to share (some of you know this already, and no, I'm not pregnant)...Jon has been accepted to McMaster University in Hamilton! We are heading out this August, and will be living there for a year. There were two options as far as a Master's in History; one involved a year with more coursework and writing an article, the other involving two years with less coursework and writing a thesis. Jon chose the first option (as time-wise it is awesome and less costly) and with more course
work there is more opportunity to experience more variety/range vs. a complete focus on a thesis topic.As you can see in the picture, McMaster has a beautiful campus. Now that we know where we are off to, we have a lot of planning to do for the move!
I'm also pleased to announce that I'm going to be an auntie again...Jon's sister April is expecting for September! We are all very excited for her and Jordan.
Monday I start my teaching block...think of me!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Recent Excitement
Well, a BIG congratulations to Kristy and Graham on the successful delivery of Norah Marie Friesen yesterday, March 15th! Although 9 1/2 weeks early, Norah is doing well. If you are someone who prays, please keep this family in your prayers for the next while.
After a lot of worry with yesterday's events, it was followed up by another event this evening.
Janessa and I were on our way to Superstore from my parent's house tonight, and we saw a man waving at cars by the train tracks on Fermor. At first I thought he was hitchhiking, but by the way he was waving his arms, it looked more as though something was wrong. No one was stopping for him.
Wondering if we should stop, I looked down the train tracks to see a person lying down farther down the tracks, and another person standing beside the one on the ground.
Janessa and I immediately decided to call my parents, and as we were turning around to go back to the man, I told my dad the situation and asked him to meet us at the tracks so that we had someone else to be with us and help. We ran up to the man, who no one had stopped for, still, and asked him what was wrong. He said his friend was having seizures and needed help. As we talked, a woman (the one standing by the man on the tracks) came too, telling us the same thing. So we called 911...and while I was talking with the respondent, Janessa and I started walking over to the man as he was now lying there alone. While
I was talking still, we noticed the friends were walking away and we didn't understand why. Janessa and I helped keep the man on his side as told by the paramedic phone respondent, my dad soon showed up, and then 2 police cars and an ambulance came.
I was so incensed that no one else had bothered to stop--and I knew I wasn't the only person to have seen the guy lying on the tracks, or the man waving for help! The man trying to get help for his friend was Aboriginal, and I can't help but wonder if people would have been more inclined to help had the person been of a different ethnicity.
The friends were nowhere to be found and the man was helped. My guess as to why the friends left early was that they knew help was on the way, their friend was now safe, and they wanted to avoid the police for whatever reason(s).
When talking to the police, one thanked us for showing compassion and care, and for helping someone in need, as it was nice to see a glimpse of humanity. In my head I was thinking...what the heck else would I do?! It makes me sad to know that not all people will help one another.
After a lot of worry with yesterday's events, it was followed up by another event this evening.
Janessa and I were on our way to Superstore from my parent's house tonight, and we saw a man waving at cars by the train tracks on Fermor. At first I thought he was hitchhiking, but by the way he was waving his arms, it looked more as though something was wrong. No one was stopping for him.
Wondering if we should stop, I looked down the train tracks to see a person lying down farther down the tracks, and another person standing beside the one on the ground.
Janessa and I immediately decided to call my parents, and as we were turning around to go back to the man, I told my dad the situation and asked him to meet us at the tracks so that we had someone else to be with us and help. We ran up to the man, who no one had stopped for, still, and asked him what was wrong. He said his friend was having seizures and needed help. As we talked, a woman (the one standing by the man on the tracks) came too, telling us the same thing. So we called 911...and while I was talking with the respondent, Janessa and I started walking over to the man as he was now lying there alone. While
I was talking still, we noticed the friends were walking away and we didn't understand why. Janessa and I helped keep the man on his side as told by the paramedic phone respondent, my dad soon showed up, and then 2 police cars and an ambulance came.I was so incensed that no one else had bothered to stop--and I knew I wasn't the only person to have seen the guy lying on the tracks, or the man waving for help! The man trying to get help for his friend was Aboriginal, and I can't help but wonder if people would have been more inclined to help had the person been of a different ethnicity.
The friends were nowhere to be found and the man was helped. My guess as to why the friends left early was that they knew help was on the way, their friend was now safe, and they wanted to avoid the police for whatever reason(s).
When talking to the police, one thanked us for showing compassion and care, and for helping someone in need, as it was nice to see a glimpse of humanity. In my head I was thinking...what the heck else would I do?! It makes me sad to know that not all people will help one another.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Last Assignments
I am working on my LAST university assignments right now! (Well, before and after this little post). It is so weird to think that I am almost not a student. My last two classes are this Tuesday, and then all that is left is my teaching block.
That's about all I have to say for now...I really should be writing a paper!
Here is a picture that might entertain some of you, taken in Drama class last term. It was our worst presentation ever..but still, as always, very fun!
That's about all I have to say for now...I really should be writing a paper!
Here is a picture that might entertain some of you, taken in Drama class last term. It was our worst presentation ever..but still, as always, very fun!
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Latest
I am feeling great now: I am over the flu and post-flu effects, and a lot of exciting things are happening for Jon and I.
This week has gone by unbelievably quickly! I find it hard to believe that I only have a week and a half left of university classes! Soon I'll be off to my practicum till the end of April and *BAM* graduation. I've actually been preparing a lot in advance for my teaching, and I am feeling very excited about it!
Something very recent and exciting is that Jon received his acceptance to McMaster University Wednesday evening! Now we're waiting to hear from York and what they are offering Jon before we decide where we're off to...but the ball is rolling!
Two Thursdays ago Jon and I went out for a week-late Valentine's dinner. We went to Vesuvio which is in South Osborne area, and it was lovely. It's a small little place with brick walls and wooden beams. It was very cozy and romantic inside, and the food was excellent--best soup I have ever tasted! I love going on dates with Jon! The next morning, we went to Stella's for a breakfast together.
Speaking of dating when married...last week I went to my friend Alicia's "Epicure" shower, and part of the evening included introducing oneself and imparting a piece of advice for the bride. Now, I didn't think my advice was particularly funny, but when I said that it is important to keep dating and to surprise one another every now and then, almost all the ladies laughed at me! Interestingly, most of them didn't give any advice. I thought my words had wisdom to them...maybe only 2.5 years of experience, but wisdom nonetheless. Despite feeling weird about being laughed at,I was grateful to a lady I used to work for who was there, who backed me up when her turn came around! It was nice to have support from an 'older' person who has been married longer; someone people respect, too. I also told them that my parents have been married for 30 years and they still frequently date--and I love that!
Jon and I have been on a great streak as far as movie watching goes...two recents include Juno (finally saw it and LOVED it!) and Stardust. I had heard so many great things about Juno, so my expectations were pretty high--and I was not disappointed. It is such a funny yet extremely touching film that I would recommend to anyone. I want to see it again! Stardust, although a very different type of movie, was also very enjoyable. Jon described it perfectly: "It's like a really good bedtime story."
And one more thing...some of my flowers are still looking pretty from (the real) Valentine's Day! I love having them around.
This week has gone by unbelievably quickly! I find it hard to believe that I only have a week and a half left of university classes! Soon I'll be off to my practicum till the end of April and *BAM* graduation. I've actually been preparing a lot in advance for my teaching, and I am feeling very excited about it!
Something very recent and exciting is that Jon received his acceptance to McMaster University Wednesday evening! Now we're waiting to hear from York and what they are offering Jon before we decide where we're off to...but the ball is rolling!
Two Thursdays ago Jon and I went out for a week-late Valentine's dinner. We went to Vesuvio which is in South Osborne area, and it was lovely. It's a small little place with brick walls and wooden beams. It was very cozy and romantic inside, and the food was excellent--best soup I have ever tasted! I love going on dates with Jon! The next morning, we went to Stella's for a breakfast together.
Speaking of dating when married...last week I went to my friend Alicia's "Epicure" shower, and part of the evening included introducing oneself and imparting a piece of advice for the bride. Now, I didn't think my advice was particularly funny, but when I said that it is important to keep dating and to surprise one another every now and then, almost all the ladies laughed at me! Interestingly, most of them didn't give any advice. I thought my words had wisdom to them...maybe only 2.5 years of experience, but wisdom nonetheless. Despite feeling weird about being laughed at,I was grateful to a lady I used to work for who was there, who backed me up when her turn came around! It was nice to have support from an 'older' person who has been married longer; someone people respect, too. I also told them that my parents have been married for 30 years and they still frequently date--and I love that!
Jon and I have been on a great streak as far as movie watching goes...two recents include Juno (finally saw it and LOVED it!) and Stardust. I had heard so many great things about Juno, so my expectations were pretty high--and I was not disappointed. It is such a funny yet extremely touching film that I would recommend to anyone. I want to see it again! Stardust, although a very different type of movie, was also very enjoyable. Jon described it perfectly: "It's like a really good bedtime story."
And one more thing...some of my flowers are still looking pretty from (the real) Valentine's Day! I love having them around.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The Flu and an Interview
Valentine's Day this year was spent in bed...it was hot and sweaty--buuut not for the reasons you might think. Since Tuesday, I have been pretty much useless as I have been down with the flu. I haven't had a full-fledged flu (high fever, coughing, stuffiness, aches, "etc.") in years, and this experience makes me quite thankful for that! Anyways, I've been out-of-commission and am now (slowly) on the mend. Jon has been quite the doter and has been in and out of our room bearing gifts of water refills, sprite, cold cloths, sympathy, and whatever else I needed. Thank you, honey! Jon also got me some flowers for Valentine's Day (which I loooove) and made an album of some of our dating pictures/honeymoon pictures.
One thing I was worried about was that I had my Winnipeg 1 School Division (and only) interview at 1:00 yesterday. I felt like poo. My mom kindly offered to drive me to the interview so I wouldn't have to bus in my condition, which was SO appreciated. Despite the flu, my interview went really well! So well, in fact, that the interviewers recommended to the Assistant Director of Human Resources that she speak with me, for a second interview! I waited for a while, and as I was fading quickly, I decided to approach the woman I was to speak with once I saw she was free. She told me she had an appointment before me and didn't know how long exactly... but then said the interviewers were really impressed with me, that I could go and it wouldn't affect anything, and that they will be contacting me about a job in the future; that I landed the "special little pile." And so, even though I am moving away and can't work there next year, I'd love to in May and June, and when I return.
The One Month Challenge has officially started and Jon and I are signed up this year! It's not too late for you, too! The sign-up deadline has been extended to the 18th. Basically, it requires you to drink/eat only fair trade 1)coffee 2)tea and 3)chocolate for 30 days. Jon and I have been purchasing only fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate for over a year now, but we'll still eat/drink non-fair trade if offered by others...but not this month!
Why do it?
Every time you choose a fair trade product you help to make a positive difference. By buying fair trade, you help to enable producers in developing nations to live with dignity. You invest in workers, in their families, in their communities. You invest in healthy natural environments that will continue to sustain us all.
One thing I was worried about was that I had my Winnipeg 1 School Division (and only) interview at 1:00 yesterday. I felt like poo. My mom kindly offered to drive me to the interview so I wouldn't have to bus in my condition, which was SO appreciated. Despite the flu, my interview went really well! So well, in fact, that the interviewers recommended to the Assistant Director of Human Resources that she speak with me, for a second interview! I waited for a while, and as I was fading quickly, I decided to approach the woman I was to speak with once I saw she was free. She told me she had an appointment before me and didn't know how long exactly... but then said the interviewers were really impressed with me, that I could go and it wouldn't affect anything, and that they will be contacting me about a job in the future; that I landed the "special little pile." And so, even though I am moving away and can't work there next year, I'd love to in May and June, and when I return.
The One Month Challenge has officially started and Jon and I are signed up this year! It's not too late for you, too! The sign-up deadline has been extended to the 18th. Basically, it requires you to drink/eat only fair trade 1)coffee 2)tea and 3)chocolate for 30 days. Jon and I have been purchasing only fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate for over a year now, but we'll still eat/drink non-fair trade if offered by others...but not this month!
Why do it?
Every time you choose a fair trade product you help to make a positive difference. By buying fair trade, you help to enable producers in developing nations to live with dignity. You invest in workers, in their families, in their communities. You invest in healthy natural environments that will continue to sustain us all.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Life Lately
My 3rd pie...key lime this time! The reason for this pie was that Jon and I went to my parents' for the Super Bowl last Sunday, and they were serving Taco Salad. In consideration of the Mexican theme (more like, my labelling of a Mexican theme), I thought a key lime pie would fit in nicely. And it did. I'm not really sure when or if I'll stop updating on the pie making...only time will tell.Here are some happenings from the last couple weeks:
- Ayla (Alissa) and Gavin's (Sabrina) baby shower. Wow those babies are cute! It was fun propping them up beside one another and taking pictures of them, and holding them of course.
- Roger, (then pregnant) Kelly, and Cadance's visit --they now have another baby girl, Addyson Lee
- Movie watching with Jon: we saw a now favourite, "Born into Brothels." A must see documentary. Click here if you want to know more about it!
- Liam turned 9 (holy crap!) ... I started respite with him when he was 3.
- I marked 73 papers for a prof
- Handed in my application for a school division in Winnipeg (worked my butt off on my resume and cover letter!) ...and also finished my teaching portfolio
- Went shopping with Janessa
- Have been using the U of W insurance coverage for massages
- Had a mock interview with the principal at my practicum school (so helpful!)
- The beginnings of Alicia and Rob's wedding social are in place...everyone come! It's on April 4th.
- Went salsa dancing (and tango dancing) with Steph and Kara which was super fun! The tragedy of the evening, however was the loss of my interview turtleneck--boo hoo! I got really hot dancing so I took my turtleneck off...someone else had a similar one, and must have accidentally taken it...hopefully I can track it down before my Winnipeg 1 School Division interview on Friday!)And that's a bit of my life lately.
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