Monday, November 30, 2009
Two and a half weeks!
The countdown is on. Two weeks left of school, plus a half week for exams. I can't wait! I think it will be so relaxing to go home and not have to worry about studying or completing assignments. I'll probably have to get a job though. I mean I won't have to, but I like to spend money so it will probably be a good idea. I'll also have to buy Christmas presents, which will cost more money. I haven't even bought any gifts yet. The more I think about it, the more the Christmas season sounds stressful. I guess any situation can appear stressful or relaxing, depending on how you look at it. It will be a good feeling to finish off well this semester. It will also be so nice to sleep in my own bed. Maybe I can get a job with some friends, that is always fun.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Autobiography
Attending Simonhouse Bible Camp as a kid, Julia never thought she would ever be a counselor: “It never crossed my mind.” It was not until she reached 15 that her mother suggested she apply to be a counselor. Her friend applied as well, and they excitedly embarked on the adventure that is a camp counselor.
During the first week of staff training, the staff went around in a circle to say why each had chosen to go to camp. One counselor said that she had told God she would give the camp three summers, so she was back for summer number three. Julia was impressed this girl had gone for three summers. She silently prayed to God “That’s great Arlyn wants to do a three summer deal God, but one summer is enough for me.”
The kids came and she was a counselor-in-training (C.I.T.), which meant she spent every week in a different cabin with a different counselor helping them out. She made a lot of friends, and felt really encouraged in her faith. She could not believe how much fun she had during the summer. She knew she would have to go back.
The second summer she went back, she was a counselor in her own cabin. She had a lot more responsibility and she was stretched in her faith. She was a mentor to both her C.I.T., and to her campers. She learned how to take care of other people. She learned how to comfort homesick girls, take girls to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and clean up messes when the girls did not wake up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. She learned how to love kids who were not always easy to love, and listen to kids who needed someone to talk to. It was a very challenging summer for Julia, but she found it very rewarding.
She had put in two summers to camp. She knew God was revealing to her that He knew better than she did what was ‘enough’ for her. He had placed the camp on her heart, so she went back again.
Her third summer, she was a counselor as well as the camp lifeguard. She had even more responsibility and even less time for herself. She had never felt she had served God so much in her life. It was another fantastic summer.
Camp has been a growing experience for her over the past three summers. She could not believe she had made it to three summers after she had specifically told God what she wanted. “God knows what you can handle, if you try to tell him any different, he will stretch exactly how you don’t want to be stretched, but in the end, you will always be better off for it.”
During the first week of staff training, the staff went around in a circle to say why each had chosen to go to camp. One counselor said that she had told God she would give the camp three summers, so she was back for summer number three. Julia was impressed this girl had gone for three summers. She silently prayed to God “That’s great Arlyn wants to do a three summer deal God, but one summer is enough for me.”
The kids came and she was a counselor-in-training (C.I.T.), which meant she spent every week in a different cabin with a different counselor helping them out. She made a lot of friends, and felt really encouraged in her faith. She could not believe how much fun she had during the summer. She knew she would have to go back.
The second summer she went back, she was a counselor in her own cabin. She had a lot more responsibility and she was stretched in her faith. She was a mentor to both her C.I.T., and to her campers. She learned how to take care of other people. She learned how to comfort homesick girls, take girls to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and clean up messes when the girls did not wake up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. She learned how to love kids who were not always easy to love, and listen to kids who needed someone to talk to. It was a very challenging summer for Julia, but she found it very rewarding.
She had put in two summers to camp. She knew God was revealing to her that He knew better than she did what was ‘enough’ for her. He had placed the camp on her heart, so she went back again.
Her third summer, she was a counselor as well as the camp lifeguard. She had even more responsibility and even less time for herself. She had never felt she had served God so much in her life. It was another fantastic summer.
Camp has been a growing experience for her over the past three summers. She could not believe she had made it to three summers after she had specifically told God what she wanted. “God knows what you can handle, if you try to tell him any different, he will stretch exactly how you don’t want to be stretched, but in the end, you will always be better off for it.”
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Bordertown Cafe
Tonight I have the pleasure of seeing a play at Bordertown Cafe. Bordertown Cafe is in Winnipeg and all the acting and theater students are required to go. I'm excited, I like watching live performances. This summer I went to Beauty and the Beast at Rainbow stage and it was amazing. I'm not really a movie person, but live performances I'm all over. I appreciate the work they put into sets, costumes, and choreography that much more when I can see it for myself. I'm hoping the play is entertaining, and that it will be a good night.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fire Alarm
Last night I was woken up at 3:15 by a screaming fire alarm. The alarm is unbearable which forces people out of the building faster. I didn't even mind leaving the warm but excruciatingly loud building to stand outside. Everyone was wide awake, first because of the sound, and second because of the cold air.
The first time we had the fire drill I completely freaked out because the sound isn't like any fire bell I've ever heard before. I somehow ended up sitting on my roommates lap covering my ears and squeezing my eyes shut. Thank goodness we had had a previous drill, otherwise I wouldn't have recognized the drill and who knows how I would have freaked out at 3 in the morning.
The first time we had the fire drill I completely freaked out because the sound isn't like any fire bell I've ever heard before. I somehow ended up sitting on my roommates lap covering my ears and squeezing my eyes shut. Thank goodness we had had a previous drill, otherwise I wouldn't have recognized the drill and who knows how I would have freaked out at 3 in the morning.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Starting Over
She will never forget the first morning she woke up alone. The family had returned to their normal lives one by one over the past month. The last one, her daughter, had left yesterday.
The house was cleaner then it had been in a long time, and the fridge was loaded with food. Baked goods, assorted veggie trays, and casseroles were ready to fall out if the door were to open. She sat down at the kitchen table like she did every morning. Three bouquets of flowers took up all the room on the small wooden table.
Nancy strolled into the kitchen sitting up on her hind legs, begging for her breakfast. “I guess it’s just you and me now cat.” she whispered to her. The cat meowed back. She always had something to say back.
She dished out the cat’s breakfast, but wasn’t hungry herself. She didn’t bother making breakfast for herself if none else needed to eat. She wandered into the living room and thought she would see what was on TV.
She sat down in her soft chair, and gazed across the room at the big empty green chair. “I guess I get to choose the program she thought.” She knew how to use the remote. She was the one who would turn the TV down when the phone rang, or off when he had fallen asleep in his chair. She didn’t know what kinds of programs were on TV though. She had only ever watched the news or politics with him, or the cartoons with the grandchildren. She hadn’t realized there were so many other kinds of programs on TV. She found a rerun episode of the young and the restless. She really enjoyed watching the TV.
The phone rang. It was her daughter telling her she was home safe. They didn’t talk for too long before her daughter promised to call back every Wednesday and hung up. Her youngest son had also promised her he would be calling her once a week on Sundays. It frustrated her to think they were worried about her. She had taken care of herself for most of her life. And up until a month ago she had been taking care of her 95-year-old husband as well. She was happy to talk to them though, and find out what was going on in their lives, even though they lived so far away.
She watched TV longer, then got up in time to make lunch. She knew Irene was coming over on her lunch break, Irene had promised she would come over throughout the week. Although her oldest son wasn’t legally married to Irene, she considered her a daughter-in-law.
A neighbor came over in the afternoon for tea and a visit. She watched TV for the rest of the evening before going to bed.
Slowly her routine came together. Sophie called Wednesdays; Robbie called Sundays. Ron came into town every second day to visit, get groceries, and pick up her lotto tickets. Irene came for lunch during the week, and she had three different neighbors who would also visit throughout the week in the afternoons. She fed the cat and let her out morning and night. She read the paper every morning, and watched TV in the evening. She waited up late on Friday for her super 7 numbers on TV, and played NCI FM bingo on Saturday mornings.
She is happy, and she hardly ever feels alone.
The house was cleaner then it had been in a long time, and the fridge was loaded with food. Baked goods, assorted veggie trays, and casseroles were ready to fall out if the door were to open. She sat down at the kitchen table like she did every morning. Three bouquets of flowers took up all the room on the small wooden table.
Nancy strolled into the kitchen sitting up on her hind legs, begging for her breakfast. “I guess it’s just you and me now cat.” she whispered to her. The cat meowed back. She always had something to say back.
She dished out the cat’s breakfast, but wasn’t hungry herself. She didn’t bother making breakfast for herself if none else needed to eat. She wandered into the living room and thought she would see what was on TV.
She sat down in her soft chair, and gazed across the room at the big empty green chair. “I guess I get to choose the program she thought.” She knew how to use the remote. She was the one who would turn the TV down when the phone rang, or off when he had fallen asleep in his chair. She didn’t know what kinds of programs were on TV though. She had only ever watched the news or politics with him, or the cartoons with the grandchildren. She hadn’t realized there were so many other kinds of programs on TV. She found a rerun episode of the young and the restless. She really enjoyed watching the TV.
The phone rang. It was her daughter telling her she was home safe. They didn’t talk for too long before her daughter promised to call back every Wednesday and hung up. Her youngest son had also promised her he would be calling her once a week on Sundays. It frustrated her to think they were worried about her. She had taken care of herself for most of her life. And up until a month ago she had been taking care of her 95-year-old husband as well. She was happy to talk to them though, and find out what was going on in their lives, even though they lived so far away.
She watched TV longer, then got up in time to make lunch. She knew Irene was coming over on her lunch break, Irene had promised she would come over throughout the week. Although her oldest son wasn’t legally married to Irene, she considered her a daughter-in-law.
A neighbor came over in the afternoon for tea and a visit. She watched TV for the rest of the evening before going to bed.
Slowly her routine came together. Sophie called Wednesdays; Robbie called Sundays. Ron came into town every second day to visit, get groceries, and pick up her lotto tickets. Irene came for lunch during the week, and she had three different neighbors who would also visit throughout the week in the afternoons. She fed the cat and let her out morning and night. She read the paper every morning, and watched TV in the evening. She waited up late on Friday for her super 7 numbers on TV, and played NCI FM bingo on Saturday mornings.
She is happy, and she hardly ever feels alone.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Santa Claus Parade
I went to the Santa Claus parade on Saturday with my family. I was really excited to go because I hadn’t been to a parade since I was young. We got there late and ended up standing behind rows of people. I couldn’t see anything unless the float was on a big truck. I’m also too big to sit on my dad’s shoulders. It was very chilly as well. I had thought I dressed warm enough, even wearing long johns under my pants, but I was frozen. We ended up leaving early and missing the end of the parade. I thought it would be fun going with my family, but I think parades are a kid thing. You either need to be a kid (that way everyone lets you stand in front to see, and you catch all the candy) or you need to be with kids (to watch how amazed they are by all the floats and characters). Also, it helps if you’re dressed warm enough.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Rumors
I realized I didn't blog on Friday, because I had a lot going on, so tonight I will write an extra long blog, because I have a lot to say!
No one I talk to ever knows where Providence is. I always get strange looks when I tell relatives, friends, and hairdressers where I go to school. Even the U of M librarian hadn’t heard of Providence. If anything, people think I’m referring to a school in the U.S., Providence in Rhode Island, which is a highly regarded school. The other night I was at a friend’s house and there were some other people there as well. I watched one boy I know come in. I was talking with some friends so I didn’t go greet him right away, but I noticed he was staring at me. Finally he came up to me awkwardly and I excitedly asked him how he was and what he was doing this year. After staring unresponsive at me for what must have been 20 seconds, he asked “Julia?” I was really surprised he didn’t recognize me so I confirmed who I was and asked if I looked different.
He told me I didn’t look different but he thought I was going to school at Harvard in the U.S. so he didn’t think I would be in Winnipeg. I laughed pretty hard when I realized that there was a rumor going around that I go to Harvard simply because people mixed up Prov. with the school in the states. Its pretty rare rumors are flattering!
No one I talk to ever knows where Providence is. I always get strange looks when I tell relatives, friends, and hairdressers where I go to school. Even the U of M librarian hadn’t heard of Providence. If anything, people think I’m referring to a school in the U.S., Providence in Rhode Island, which is a highly regarded school. The other night I was at a friend’s house and there were some other people there as well. I watched one boy I know come in. I was talking with some friends so I didn’t go greet him right away, but I noticed he was staring at me. Finally he came up to me awkwardly and I excitedly asked him how he was and what he was doing this year. After staring unresponsive at me for what must have been 20 seconds, he asked “Julia?” I was really surprised he didn’t recognize me so I confirmed who I was and asked if I looked different.
He told me I didn’t look different but he thought I was going to school at Harvard in the U.S. so he didn’t think I would be in Winnipeg. I laughed pretty hard when I realized that there was a rumor going around that I go to Harvard simply because people mixed up Prov. with the school in the states. Its pretty rare rumors are flattering!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Italian Crucifixes
Apparently in Italy crucifixes in classrooms are banned because they hider children rights to freedom of religion. Parents are upset because they want their children to have a choice whether they want to believe or not. Crucifixes are pressuring the kids to believe in Christianity.
Crazy! These parents are concerned for their children so they choose to ban crucifixes? Why not porn or degrading music if they're so concerned about their child's moral.
The Greek Orthodox and the Catholic church are uniting together to take a stand against this. Bishop Nicholas from Greece, is worried that at this rate kids "will not have any worthy symbols at all to inspire and protect them."
I don't believe the symbols will protect anyone, and to me thinking they will is idolatry. I think they are a good thing though, because they are a reminder of Jesus, and what he did for us. I am surprised something like this would happen in such a 'catholic' country like Italy. To me this emphasizes how much power a symbol of a cross must have if satan feels the need to try to get rid of them.
Crazy! These parents are concerned for their children so they choose to ban crucifixes? Why not porn or degrading music if they're so concerned about their child's moral.
The Greek Orthodox and the Catholic church are uniting together to take a stand against this. Bishop Nicholas from Greece, is worried that at this rate kids "will not have any worthy symbols at all to inspire and protect them."
I don't believe the symbols will protect anyone, and to me thinking they will is idolatry. I think they are a good thing though, because they are a reminder of Jesus, and what he did for us. I am surprised something like this would happen in such a 'catholic' country like Italy. To me this emphasizes how much power a symbol of a cross must have if satan feels the need to try to get rid of them.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
November 11th
Today is remembrance day, and while I didn't attend a service I did donate a moment of silence. I was walking along the highway during this minute of silence, and I absorbed the view of fields around me. I never really understood when I was younger why I would be 'thankful' for someone who fought a war half way across the world before I was born. Now, thanks to history class, I have more of an understanding on why those wars were important to Canada. I'm so thankful we live in a free country. A guy from my church was deployed to Afghanistan last month; I can't even imagine doing something like that. I really am thankful for all the men and woman who have spent time trying to make the world a better place.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Car Shopping
I want a car so badly! The problem is I can't afford one.
I have been pretty spoiled since I got my license two years ago. I can't recall a single time when my parents refused to let my take the car. I drove to school, work, and anywhere else I needed to. I always had that freedom.
Now that I don't have access to a car, I feel trapped! I have a couple friends with cars at Prov., but I feel like if I suggest going somewhere it means I am 'using' them, even though I am not. I could buy a cheap car, but there is the whole issue of insurance, making sure its safetied,having winter tires, and gas. Also I don't want a car that will break down on me all the time.
I guess this means I am just going to have to deal with being 'trapped', and hitching a ride where I can.
I have been pretty spoiled since I got my license two years ago. I can't recall a single time when my parents refused to let my take the car. I drove to school, work, and anywhere else I needed to. I always had that freedom.
Now that I don't have access to a car, I feel trapped! I have a couple friends with cars at Prov., but I feel like if I suggest going somewhere it means I am 'using' them, even though I am not. I could buy a cheap car, but there is the whole issue of insurance, making sure its safetied,having winter tires, and gas. Also I don't want a car that will break down on me all the time.
I guess this means I am just going to have to deal with being 'trapped', and hitching a ride where I can.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Pool Night
Tonight is a Monday so it is care group night. I always have a night class before a care group, and an 8:30 class the next morning. This means I never really look forward to them because I am tired, or I know I will be tired. I have a bad attitude I guess. I always have fun when I am at care group though. I like being with the other girls in my dorm! Tonight I am especially excited because we are using my suggestion! We are going to have a pool tournament in the student life center. I was getting pretty good at pool not to long ago, but I haven't played in awhile. I hope everyone else likes it too!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Art Corman 1914-2009
Arthur Myron Corman, a hardworking trapper and family man of the north, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 surrounded by his family in The Pas Hospital on Friday January 2, 2009. He entered the hospital a day before, after falling and suffering a heart attack.
Art grew up in the Winnipegosis area, but later moved to the north to work in mining, diamond drilling, and trapping. His hard labor rewarded him with a long healthy life. He lived in Herb Lake for 9 years before moving permanently to The Pas commuting to his trap lines in the Snow Lake area. He didn’t retire until he was 75. He was a wise man who loved to talk to anyone, especially about politics and religion. Everyone was welcome in his home, unless you disagreed with his opinions. At Christmas he would go to the bank and take out money to give to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and buy boxes of chocolates and whiskey for his company. This would give him time to spend with his family, instead of shopping, and meant he didn’t have to worry about what to get. He did not believe in worrying, which is why he claimed he lived so long.
Art is survived by his wife, Anne Corman; children, Ron Corman (Irene Bjarnson), Robert Corman, Sophie (Greg) Chartran; grandchildren, Greg Chartrand, Carri (Jack) McDonald, Annette Chartrand, Tammy (Peter) Posillipo, Trudy Chartrand; and great-grandchildren, Julia and Jackson McDonald, Devon and Luc Posillipo, and Seth Chartrand.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Edible Animal Flesh
Eating meat has always grossed me out. The thought of eating muscle off of an animal is revolting. I have been known to eat chicken but as of late, all meat is unappealing.
People tease me about being a vegetarian, but I'm not, I try to get my daily protein. Killing animals isn't my main concern, although I think slaughterhouses are disturbing. I used to say I never liked the taste of meat, which is true. I've tried most meat, and I just don't like the taste of it. The main point that turns me off of meat though is the thought of eating something that used to breathe, eat, and go to the bathroom.
I've seen kids in The Philippines fight about eating the eye of a fish, and enjoying soup with half formed chick fetus's as the delicacy. (Maybe that's why I don't like eggs either.) You think I would appreciate the "packaging" of meat we have here.
I know it's supposed to be a normal part of life to eat meat, so I try. One of my favourite meals I like to make is sweet and sour meatballs, just don't ask me to eat them!
People tease me about being a vegetarian, but I'm not, I try to get my daily protein. Killing animals isn't my main concern, although I think slaughterhouses are disturbing. I used to say I never liked the taste of meat, which is true. I've tried most meat, and I just don't like the taste of it. The main point that turns me off of meat though is the thought of eating something that used to breathe, eat, and go to the bathroom.
I've seen kids in The Philippines fight about eating the eye of a fish, and enjoying soup with half formed chick fetus's as the delicacy. (Maybe that's why I don't like eggs either.) You think I would appreciate the "packaging" of meat we have here.
I know it's supposed to be a normal part of life to eat meat, so I try. One of my favourite meals I like to make is sweet and sour meatballs, just don't ask me to eat them!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Procrastination
pro·cras·ti·nate (transitive and intransitive verb)
-postpone doing something
I am a procrastinator. To be honest though, I like to think of myself as a productive procrastinator.
pro·duc·tive (adjective)
- producing much
I have two term papers due next week; one I haven't started yet, and the other one is almost halfway done. I had plenty of time today to work on either of them. Instead I've been vacuuming, cleaning, doing laundry, and I went to the gym. I also had three classes today. To me these are reasons to justify not doing homework. Ordinarily I'm not big on chores, but when I have something else I don't want to do, they seem like a better option. Well at least tomorrow I'll have no excuse. I'll have to start working on my homework!
-postpone doing something
I am a procrastinator. To be honest though, I like to think of myself as a productive procrastinator.
pro·duc·tive (adjective)
- producing much
I have two term papers due next week; one I haven't started yet, and the other one is almost halfway done. I had plenty of time today to work on either of them. Instead I've been vacuuming, cleaning, doing laundry, and I went to the gym. I also had three classes today. To me these are reasons to justify not doing homework. Ordinarily I'm not big on chores, but when I have something else I don't want to do, they seem like a better option. Well at least tomorrow I'll have no excuse. I'll have to start working on my homework!
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