Come Back Summer?

I miss the summer time. I can't wait for it to come back. The sun staying out late, flowers blossoming all around, sitting under the shade of a tree on a hot summer day...

Still burried beneath the books...

It has been a while since I've updated so I thought it was time for another post. Right now I'm at the end of yet another semester. Looking back this semester has been great... meeting new people, ingaging lectures and discussions, and great profs. Next semester will be a little more challenging with my stats course (ick) and more upper level social work courses. Never the less I am still excited. I can't believe how fast time is going by these days. It feels like summer just finished a couple weeks ago. Now as I look outside my window there is a fresh coat of snow on the ground once again. Christmas is quickly approaching and I still have to get my Christmas cards done and finish our shopping. Hopefully next weekend, after my last exam, Ryan and I can finish our shopping.

I am so excited for our first Christmas together. We are going to spend Christmas day with at Ryan's mom's with her side of the family. Each year they open stockings in the morning, eat breakfast together, and then open the gifts. Later in the day we will head over to the farm and go snowmobiling and work on Christmas dinner. It's a small family but it's always fun. Besides Christmas day we will be running around to the different family member's houses and visiting with friends over the holidays. No plans yet for New Years Eve... hopefully something fun! Anywho, nothing really exciting. Hope all is well with everyone out there.

This is my favourite tree...

Update Time...

Update time... for those that like to stay informed. It's that busy time of year again with school and Christmas quickly creeping up. Ryan and I have been busy but everything is going well. We're in the middle of the busy season with school papers, preparing for our first Christmas, getting the barn yard built before winter, and the everyday stuff.

There's lots going on at school right now. We just had our open house. I was the student rep for my program and held information sessions for prospective students doing the usual babble. Tomorrow is the Christmas parade which is really exciting. My program has sponsered a float so we were decorating the float today. I love decorating floats and Christmas parades. We went the with the theme of Charles Dickens 'The Night Before Christmas'. It really came together and everyone has great authentic looking costumes. Also, I've been helping organize fundraising events and social awareness activities with the social work club. It's a good time and I'm the secretary, nothing too exciting. Also, exciting news. I got on to the executive council as the student rep for the Ontario Association of Social Workers (Durham Region). I'm so excited about getting more involved in promoting my profession and increasing awareness of issues. I can't wait to see what this new position brings. In a nutshell I've gotten myself so occupied that I don't really have much free time...but I'm really loving all the exciting things that I've gotten involved in. They also will improve my chances into getting in the professional years this winter. That's the next big thing coming up for me... the application this winter. Other than that life is really calm back on the homestead. Thank goodness!
Talk to you all later

Picture Time...

Finally I have gotten around to scanning a few of our wedding pictures... We kind of had a not so great experience with our photographer but not all was lost. Kathleen saved the day with her good ol' digital camera. She took some really great pictures. Yay!

This Little Piggy Went Weee Weee Weee...

Today I thought I would introduce you to the wonderful world of farm life. Yes, farm life everyone. I guess I should update a few of you since I'm oh so bad at keeping in touch. Well you see after my adventures in the big C.Dot (Cambridge) I moved back home-ish onto a farm. I have always loved the country but I never would have imaged in a billion-and-five-years how much I would miss the city. I do miss it though. Now I'm living on a good ol' dirt filled concession road on a very stinky beef farm. There's more than those big beef cows though. There are some pigs too and lots and lots of cats. There's always lots of work to be done though.

But it's time for another adventure story from our lives here on the farm. Last week while I was making cookies I looked out my big ol' kitchen window. It was raining pretty hard outside so when I first saw this little figure run by I thought I was seeing things. So I looked out the window once again. I didnt' see anything for a couple minutes...and then there it was. Another flash of a little figure. It looked like it was the size of a little puppy but we don't have any puppies here.

Ryan and I went outside. As I looked down the laneway and around the yard I saw all these little hoof prints all over the place. What a sight. That's when I finally realized what the blurry figure was. Only it wasn't one... it was 15 little piglets running around like the wind in the ran. They were sniffing, and snorting, and squiling with joy. Each one enjoying the rain and mud puddles. Well Ryan wasn't as happy seeing the piglets out and about as I was. He started to chase the little guys up towards the barn. Then I began to laugh so hard my stomach started to ache. Ryan was still chasing the little piggies while I stood there laughing myself silly. The little guys were out running him. I never knew how fast they were until then. Finally, I calmed myself down and began to help out. Ryan and I finally chased all the little guys back into the barn. Silly little pigs....they opened to gate and got out again that night. The second time we realized what they did and finally fixed it. Smart piggies.

It's a bird, it's a plane... no it's a redneck wedding celebration

It's a bird, it's a plane...no it's a red neck wedding after-party. Only, and I mean only, in the country do you have a party after the wedding at the farm...and have a decorated outhouse.. ha haha. Oh man there's been some good times. Here's the pics of Ryan's ma's & grandma's decorating job on the outhouse they had for the party... I have to say my in-laws rock.

Learning God Style

It's funny how God likes to through these trials in your life. They never really come at the right time for you... but then again when is it ever a good time for a trial, eh. But...God's really streching me these days. Teaching me to become a more patient individual and wife. Learning to wait for the right timing and learning how to determine when is good... I can't say I'm really liking this "stretching & growing time" but I know that God puts these times in our lives to help us become better people. So yah.. this week is a week filled with learning God style.

What a Beautiful Time of Year

mmm... I love turkey! What a good thanksgiving filled with good times and family. Ryan and I went up to Haliburton to see the beautiful colours and just check out the scenery. I couldnt' believe how beautiful everything was. I wanted to stop and take pictures almost every five minutes. lol. It was a great day just relaxing and spending time together. I love the fall. Hope everyone else had a good Thanksgiving. Cheers

October Already???

I can't believe that it's October already. Time passes by so fast these days. I can hardly keep track of the days. Midterms are here, along with papers, and soon before I know it it'll be finals. Well here's the update on me y'all...just incase you were all wondering where in the world I've ended up. So here the story goes...

After the wedding life slowed down, as much as it does for Ryan and I, and everything got back to normal. Ryan's still working for his boss Joe and finishing up his apprenticeship as a stone mason. He loves his job so much. I went back to work at good ol' Reid's Independent. I started off there as a casheir and now I'm in between customer service and the front end supervisor. The girls/ladies there are great. It's a pretty good job.

Along with working this summer I spent a lot of it reflecting on life. You know...just thinking about where I have been heading towards and my decisions. I've been doing so many things to please other people, rather than thinking of myself. I tend to do that though. It's a bad habit. Anywho, with the thinking came the praying...asking God what to do next. What did he want me to do? It was in my school's moto, "pursuing passion and excellence", that lay part of my answer. I was no longer pursuing my passion something I longed to do. Long story short I decided not to return to Heritage. I contacted Laurentian and re-enrolled into the Bachelor of Social Work with a double major in Social Work and History. Something I absolutely love. I have never been so challenged by the course material or other classmates before. God has also opened so many doors for me to share bits of my experiences and past with others? I even met two people who had attended a Bible College prior to now. It's crazy how God introduces the right people into your life just at the right time. His timing is always perfect.

Looking back so much has changed since April yet everything seems the same. Kind of weird, eh? Who know God would lead me on such a interesting journey. Leaving high school I would have never thought I'd have attended a Bible College or actually be accepted into university. I guess it just goes to show just what God can do in one's life. Thanks God.

Lovey Lovey

Well this is it. A beautiful picture of the love of my life on our wedding day. This is the place where we had our first kiss dating and it's the first place we kissed as husband and wife. This swing is where it all began. :D. So much has happened in the last four months since we've gotten married but it has been great. I couldn't imagine another person I would rather be with. I love my cute little husband so much. As he says "I love you mass bucket loads"...lol. Anyways, I just thought that I'd post up a picture for everyone to see.

untitled

I miss the days of Timmy's runs...

11 Days!

I can't believe that it is almost our wedding day. Each day I get a little more stressed and a little more excited. We both can't wait for the wedding. Ryan and I are just so excited. Anywho, I can't wait to see you all there. 11 Days left!

Updating...

So this weekend was mine and Ryan's Jack & Jill. All I can say was it ever fun. I had such a blast. Too bad one of the bridesmaids got extremely drunk and messed up a few fundraisers. It was kinda was embarasing...but oh well. Life goes on. I just couldn't believe they made such a fool of themselves :S. Other than that everything is going pretty well. I've moved into the house and am finally getting everything settled in. It's a pretty nice place with lots of room and cows. Oh I love cows! On the down side all of the people in my family invited to the dinner are quickly declining on their RSVPS due to family issues. They've decided it's just too much hassle to come. Honestly, I'm a little heart broken. I really wish that they would decide to share in my & Ryan's special day. It's quite heartful really...people should realize the power of their words and actions. I guess y'all can tell I'm a little bitter right now. We all just have to keep in mind that at the end of the day I'm still married to the love of my life. I'm so happy that God has placed Ryan's wonderful family into my life. They have been so wonderful to me and supported me through all of this drama. Despite all of the drama God has brought some nice blessing into my life. Yay God! Anywho, that's a brief summary of what's going on in the life of me. Comment y'all and hopefully I'll be posting again soon.
Lots of love to y'all...

The Week of Good Bye, So Long, See Ya Soon...

It's that time again. The end of the school year. Where everyone is filled with joy that the school year is done and sadness that another year with our friends is over. This year seems to be different for me. I'm torn. I don't know whether or not to shout for joy or cry over my sadness of leaving. I am excited though to be beginning another point in my journey of life. I am excited to be moving into my new home, marrying Ryan (the love of my life and strength), and to be home with old friends. I am sad though because I am moving away from the wonderful group of friends that I have come to know at Heritage. I will no longer be able to run across the hall, or up the road, to cry on my beloved friends' shoulder or jump on their bed with joy. I have had such a great time. God has stretched me beyond belief and has caused me to grow so much this year. Change makes us all sad I guess...but without change there would be nothing.

School's Out for the Summer

Thank goodness classes are offically done! Now onto exams. I can't wait for the school year to be done. It has been so busy and hetic.

Can't Get Better Than This...Tunes & Time Wasting

Directions: Put your iTunes/Winamp/WMP/ (or whatever you use as a playlist.. i used my media player) on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING.

1. How does the world see you?
Ouch..."Disapointment" by the Cranberries. Well this is definately something that my parents say alot. Well I think this is a well deserved replay/remix..."Time After Time" by Cindy Lauper. Ohhh...I love this song. What can I say I have a soft spot for 80's songs. I like it. Someone will always be there to catch me when times are tough and I'm lost. Definately what I'm needing now. Quick someone catch me...lol. Well that's a more positive note.

2. Will I have a happy life?
"I can't give you anything"...the Ramones. Hmm... I'm thinking that maybe I have a lot of negative angry or sad music here lol. Maybe I should put on some happier music before I do this. haha.

3. What do my friends think of me?
"Who could it be" O.C. Supertones. Have my friends forgotten me?

4. Do people secretly lush after me?
"Mississippi Queen" by Mountain. Aparently I'm a queen...that can teach you anything and everything. wink wink.

5. How can I make myself happy?
"Shiver" by Coldplay. I love coldplay.
I look in your direction
but your paying no attention

6. What should I do with my life?
"Lucky Trumble" by Nancy Wilson. This is a relaxing instrumental piece. This calls for a redo...one with lyrics maybe? Haha...serves me right another instrumental piece. "For Elise" by Beethoven. My favourite composer...besides Bach. I think maybe it means that I should relax and enjoy the beauty in life more often. Take time to sit back and enjoy God's wonderful creation.

7. Will I ever have children?
"Are We The Waiting" by Green Day. I'm waiting for now I guess. I can go with that plan for now. I'm not quite ready for introducing children into my crazy hectic life. Although I'd love to raise a large family someday. I think I'll wait.

8. What is some good advice for me?
"You are Merciful to Me" by Ian White. How true. No matter what God brings into my life I must remember that it is nothing I cannot handle. I was reading through my devotional today and it was about how Jesus had problems too. God's had this reocurring theme going on throughout my day today. God's got my back and I'll make it through this trial. Here's an excerpt from what I was reading today...

"When something unexpected and difficult comes into your life, get on your knees and say, “God, I don’t know why you’ve allowed this, but you’re a good and faithful God and I trust you. I believe that nothing comes into my life but for your good purposes . Lord, I want to find the good in it, and I want to bring glory to you in this situation.” As quickly as you can, get to that place of humble submission and speak those powerful words, “God, I trust You.” "

Just a little something to keep in mind.

9. How will I be remembered?
"World Go 'Round" by No Doubt. I really like this song. Hopefully people will remember me as someone who fought for change, who tried to start change through my actions and own life. I'll put the lyrics for this one up...so you can all read it.

In the quickness of our time
It seems we forget how to live
The old blueprint
No longer manifests itself
As the correct way to exist

Wipe the grim off the view hole
And plase take a closer look
Environmental bandits
Up to their shenanigans
Crooks disguised...
We've got to find another way
To make the world go 'round.

Our individual roles we think
Not so important to the plot
The big picture unseen
Leaving life in between
Destroyed and overwrought

There's no need to point the finger
We understand who takes the blame
Delinquents caught
Red-handed in the act
Crooks disguised as you and I

We've got to find another way
To make the world go 'round

You see there's many many many
People in the world
And I'm not sure if I like
What I've heard
I'm not sure if I like
What I'm doing myself
I'm not sure if I like how it turns.

Degradation
Violation
Inexcusavle exploitation
It's the dawning of a new era
People consciously don't care
How unfair

We've got to find another way
To make the world go 'round.

10. What's my signature dancing song?
haha... "The Bunny Song", Veggie Tales. I do love a goofy song. Remember when life gets tough just twirl..... okay mabye a bit of dancing & singing too.

11. What's my current theme song?
"California" by hawk nelson. Good song. I'm definately getting sick of everything happening. I was actually thinking of running off to California yesterday lol. It's so beautiful and sunny out there. Maybe I'll go....

12. What do others think is my current theme song?
"Broke in the Head", Bleach. Haha... No it's not about going crazy. Although y'all probably think I'm pretty much there now. "Is there anything that I could have said...To help you fix what's broke in your head..." good line. There's lots I wish I could have done....and wondered what I could have done to fix things between my momma and I... There's gotta be something to fix things.

13. What shall they play at my funeral?
"Wish you Were Here". Oh no...I don't know who the singer is. Tear... Aww. What a sad song. They actually played this song at Shirley's funeral (ryan's step-momma). It still brings a tear or two to my eyes when I hear it. I don't think I've listened to this song since...and I forgot how much I loved it. I hope that y'all miss me when it's time for me.

14. What type of men do I like?
"Over My Head" by Starfield. Well ... I do love a nice and tall man. lol. Honestly though this song is about G.O.D.

15. How's my love life?
haha....guess what just poped up? "It's All Been Done", Barenaked Ladies. I don't really think that that's how my love life is at the moment. I'm totally madly in love with Ryan...and I can't wait till our wedding day.

16. To sum it all up...
"Let it Be", The Beatles. What a wonderful and wise song. I think I should take advice from this one. Relax, take a deep breath, and let it be.

If I had an endless amount of money right now...I would just leave everything. I'd grab my wallet and passport, grab a friend, and go. I don't know where. Randomly hop on some bus, or plane, or someone's car. I'd just keep travelling....going, and going until I felt like coming back. I have this huge travel jitter bug.

From 1 to 16...

1) I am addicted to tea. I could not live without it.
2) I love sitting alone in the middle of the woods.
3) I wish school was over and the assignments stoped.
4) I love farm boys.
5) Why is gas so stinkin' expensive? Ridiculous.
6) I wish it were summer and I was camping right now.
7) I really don't like the city.
8) I wonder why people love the city so much.
9) In grade 8 I started a club called B.S.B.L....take a guess. BackStreet Boys Lovers. I know, lame.
10) Music warms my souls.
11) I'm craving a painting session. I would love to just sit somewhere outside and paint.
12) I'm really self-conscious.
13) I'm never satisfied with myself.
14) There's always an excessive amount of drama in my life. I don't think I could survive without it though.
15) I wish I knew my father more.
16) I secretely wish I could drive through a huge mud puddle and cover some poor inocent unsuspecting bystander with mud...from head to toe. haha.

Long time no see

Wow. It's been more than two weeks since I've put anything up. What can I say...I guess it's that time of school year again. You know...the time where prof's try to drown you in papers. School's a little overwhelming right now along with the usual family crisis solving. Oh well...such is life. I just thought I should let you all know that I am still alive but I'm somewhere in my room swimming in research. Talk to yall soon.

Prayer Request

Right now I'm going through a very difficult time. Could everyone keep me in their prayers. Please pray for me, for peace, for strength, and guidance from God....

Stranded

Oh my goodness! What a night last night! Monday's are the days that I do some quite homework and drive back to school. So the late afternoon came along quickly and I went to go pick up my car from the garage. It ended up that my gas tank had rusted and was about to fall out the car. That wouldn't have been good if it fell out while I was driving. oh no! So I got my car and packed it all up. The next thing I knew I was on the road. Driving, driving, driving....sputter, clink, stale. Oh no there's a car coming up behind me! I was stuck in my lane on the road and couldn't get my car going. I put it back into park and restarted the car. Driving, driving, driving....the stearing goes stiff. Oh no! Not again. Yup....it died once again. I put the car in park once again and started it up. Once more I'm driving along thinking my car is finally well and it dies. Yup that's right DIES! Not even in Newmarket. I was stuck outside of the city with no where to go. Thank goodness I just finished charging my phone before I left. I called Ryan and did what he told me to do that might fix the car. Nothing worked. I had to get back to school. It was now more than 1 1/2 later. I had to get back for impact group and I was more than hour away. Oh no I thought. I am going to be in so much trouble. I phoned Ryan once more. He just had to pick me up because there was no way this car was going to make it on the 401. Ryan came and picked me up. It took almost 2 hours to make a 40 minute drive back home. That sucked. Once again my car died right in Ryan's driveway. Ick. 21 breakdowns later I was finally back. Here I am now stranded and waiting for Ryan to get home. So maybe sometime this week I just might make it back to school. Here's to wishing and hoping I'll be home/school this week.


I'm off for now.

Yuck!

Did I ever tell you that February is a crapy month? I mean is there anything besides reading break that's good about it? See I was looking forward to reading week...that is until I realized how much I had to do. So I spent my free time reading, doing more reading, and finally reading more. For some strange reason my prof's thought that reading week was meant for reading. Right now I think I have almost enough work to swim in. Oh wait a minute. Sorry. I'm mistaken. There's not quite enough. I'd need a couple more assignments to build my homework swimming pool.

AGH

ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AGH! AGH! AGH! AGH! AGH! AGH! AGH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG GGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!














Sorry... I just needed to let out a little frustration. Nothing better than a good scream.

All Wedding-Out

I never thought that I'd say this but I am all wedding-out. Rather than a restful fun reading week I've been crazy busy with wedding planning. Now I'm just all worn out and wedding-out. lol. On the plus side I have gotten tons of the planning and organization done. I am now ahead of schedule. Definately nice. So the cake is picked out, flowers are done (under budget...wahoo!), guest favours are done, and lots more. So yah...this week has definately been really productive... but I am wedding-out. Time for a break and to get back to the school papers.

Am I rushing into things?
Am I giving up on dreams?
Have I forgotten who I am
Have I just changed me?

Sometimes I just get so confused by everything that is going on. I think that I'm doing well or the right thing...but then wham!

Just Twirl

When life gets you down you just have to dance and twirl. The dancing helps you to relax but the most important part is most definately the twirling. Twirling is a wonderful thing. Something that I think that each of us as little girls loved to do at one point in time. You know before we became to old or too cool to act so childish or silly. But twirling is something I love to do. It frees me. There's nothing better than a good ol' spotaneous twirl in the middle of my room, apartment, or even on my bed. I think the best place is the bed. I guess because I feel like I'm defying authority, especially my momma. haha. I still can here those words echoing in my head... "Amber lee you stop jumping on your bed. Get down this instant." Oh those were the days. But I digrese... the whole point is that we mustn't take life so seriously. We are only here a short time and being stuffy (and serious) will only make you miss the enjoyable things. You'll miss all the small memorable moments in life that make you laugh. Enjoy yourselves....and remember to keep on twirling.

Let them eat cake but first.....show me the money!

Well tonight was the annual Heritage Missions Conference "Cake Auction". What a fun filled night I tell ya. It was so good....and I'm not only talking about cake the cake. There was some good ol' entertainment from our beloved Dr. Wilson along with a great slide show of pictures from different mission trips students had gone on. The most intense moment of the night was the bidding for a delissious chocolate fudge cake with whip cream icing. MMMM... mmmmm.... good! I tell you it was worth every penny ($1400 to be exact). But it's not about the money and the tastey treats. It's all about supporting people and helping them to go out into the world to spread God's message to the world. To teach them about Jesus. I'm so glad that so much money was raised for this great cause. Congrats Heritage on raising more than $4000 and making such great cakes.

Moving On

I feel like I've been loosing a good friend of mine. It sucks! We all grow old, finish school, move away, and some get married as time moves on. Change is inevitable as we grow older. It's how we decide to deal with this change that makes everything so different. You can embrace it or you can fit it to the bitter end. I guess I've decided to fight it to the bitter end. I feel like my friend is slowly slipping out of my grip....afraid that I'll never see her again. It's like she's distancing herself from me, or maybe I am from her. Either way life's changes are pulling me many directions. I'm confused, happy, sad, alone, and yet surrounded by many people. It's a confusing time of change here. Things are moving on...and I don't like it.

Swimming

this is a dedication to my recent favourite past-time while here at Heritage. Wait one second while i clear my throat please. Ahem...there that's better. La, la, la, laaaaaa...

Swimming, swimming... in my swimming pool
When days are hot, when days are cold
in my swimming pool.
Front stroke, side stroke, and fancey diving too.
Oh don't you wish, oh don't wish there wasn't anything else to do
BUT.....
swimming, swimming in my swimming pool

Working Out

I'm trying this new thing that they call "exercise". I'm not sure if you've heard of it before. It is a relatively new fad. It's hard work though I tell you. First you get hot, then sweaty, your muscles begin to ache, and you even start to stink. What is it that makes people want to sweat and smell bad? Oh well. I'll try this fad out and see where it takes me. Wish me luck.