Merry Christmas!

Hi everyone!

The count down is on! Can you believe that it's only 2 more days until Christmas!?!? I was just chatting with Rob this morning going over everything that's happened this past year and how fast time seems to fly. This whole year has gone by in a blink and all the sudden its Christmas time! Crazy how time flies.

Anyways, I won't be blogging much, I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! (From both Rob and I!) Enjoy the time with family and this season of Love.

Love you all!

Peace.

Missy

Advent

Hi friends!

As I was at work tonight and on my drive home, I was reflecting and thinking alot about advent. No, not the little chocolates we enjoy every day until December 25th - though I will admit, I love those! This past week I went to church with Rob where we enjoyed a service and the lighting of the third candle of advent. For those of you who don't know what advent is, it is done four Sunday's before Christmas. The candles are symbols and reminders of the hope that the birth of Jesus brings to the people. The candles are lit one week at a time with the 5th candle being lit on Christmas day. Each candle represents a different hope we have. For example, the first candle represents love, second is peace, third is joy etc. Tonight when I was thinking about the reminders of the candles, the one that I was focusing on was peace. Throughout this (like any) Christmas season, there is alot of stress around money, giving the right gifts, and where time is spent. I have felt incredibly blessed right now that I have not stressed about any of it lately. I have every reason to be worried and anxious about money and gifts, this year I have made it known to everyone that this is going to be a small gift Christmas. I am very well aware that my bank accounts are going lower and lower into the negetives, but it's not something I am stressing about. I am feeling very blessed that I have been able to have a wonderful sense of peace throughout this Christmas season. There is alot of change happening this Christmas but I have an incredible sense of peace and I'm just thrilled and so blessed to be alive, have friends and family who love me, I am blessed because I do have a job when many people right now don't, I have a place to live and I am blessed to be dating the most wonderful man. I have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season, especially due to the fact that I am in a relationship with the one who created me.

This week as the 4th advent candle is lit, I hope that you will all remember that you are loved, and that our Lord promises us peace and hope through this wonderful season.

I am blessed.
Peace.

This weekend

Hey Everyone!

Sorry I haven't written in a little while, I had a very busy week! I am officially done my exams! I am free for the next couple of weeks! Whoooo!

And this past weekend was pretty crazy, it was Rob's birthday on Friday. He turned 23. I picked him up from work and we went skating at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto. Well attempted to. Friday it was -10 outside and windy. It was absolutely freezing! We bundled up and only ended up skating for about 20 minutes due to the freezing cold. He was fine, it was me that froze! Then spent the evening hanging out. Saturday we did a bit of Christmas shopping then I took him out for dinner to his favorite Thai food resturant. Then that evening we got back to his house and a few friends were there waiting for us. (He was very surprised!) Pat, our friend who is living in Montreal came down which was an extra surprise. Then we all surprised him again and took him to Laser Quest. He has wanted to go for a few weeks. We had a blast! There were about 10 of us that went out. We had such a great time. Lots of laughing and lots of laser shooting! Sunday we went to church then visited with Rob's relatives for his birthday. It was nice to visit with everyone. Then we hung out with dad and headed back to Vaughan. Monday was my last exam, so I wrote that then enjoyed the rest of the day hanging out with Rob! It was a nice weekend and now I'm ready to do a little relaxing this break.

JUst thought I would write a little update....I will write more later this week!!!!

Enjoy your day!

Peace.

Blue Christmas

Hi Everyone,
So on Sunday night, Rob and I went to his church for the evening service. I have been missing out on going for several weeks because of work, so when we had the chance to make the evening service I jumped! It was a great service where they read different passages and sang all different Christmas songs in between. It was so nice! One thing that pastor did at the beginning of the service, which he explained later was he lit a candle. No, it was not the advant candles, this was a different one. This one he said was lit for all the people who were going to have a difficult time at Christmas this year. Each year holds troubles and triumphants, life and death, and in many peoples' cases, Christmas just isn't a happy time due to many different circumstances. This year I feel like I am a little in that boat. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is still my absolute favorite time of year, however with having to work all holiday and with my new family set up, it's going to be much much different. I just pray that throughout the changes and the challenges the season holds, that I will always remember why we are celebrating in the first place. If God had not been gracious enough to send his son to save us, we would not have Christmas. So despite the changes and the challenges, I am going to choose to celebrate him and the life that Jesus lived. HE is the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas.
Peace.

'Tis the Season

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to share with you a few pictures of our Christmassey looking apartment! They are a little dark unfortunately, but I think you get the idea. There are lights in each of our bed rooms, around the kitchen, over the bathroom and there is tinsel and beads hanging around our doors and around the bathroom door. I also tried to get a picture of our little Christmas tree! Thanks to Mandy's friend Ben, we have a lovely little tree in our kitchen!

I can't believe that it's already December! The start of our advent calendars! Mmm chocolate everyday! It was fabulous to wake up this morning on this first day of December and see some snow on the ground - as minimal as it was. I did get a chance to brush the snow off my car before I left this morning and that pretty much made my whole day! I can't wait for a little more of the fluffy white stuff!

I also watched one of my all time favorite Christmas movies tonight. I was supposed to be working on a paper, but I am exhausted, so I took a small break and watched the original "Frosty the Snowman". Oh how I love that movie! It certainly helped get me in the mood for the snow!

Anyways, I should get back to work....I just wanted to share some of our decorating!

Have a fabulous evening!

Peace xoxox

Recent thoughts

Hey everyone!

I hope that everyone is doing well and starting to feel the beginning of the Christmas Spirit! I know I am! While I was doing some chores today I listened to Christmas music and even had the chance to watch the Radio City Christmas Spectaular with the Rocketts! Much to the dismay of my hallmates, I rather enjoyed myself! Now all we need is snow!!!!

Our semester is coming to a close. We have about 2 weeks of classes left and then exams. I'm glad that things are wrapping up however, that means lots of papers and presentations. With the support of my friends, we're getting things done. Unfortunately, this Christmas break I will be spending it in King City, I have requested to stay in residence over the holidays due to my work schedule. It's slightly unfortunate as I am going to have to pay a couple hundred dollars to stay when I would much rather be at home with my family. Hopefully I will be able to work more hours and make a bit of money over the holidays. I will be driving back and forth as much as I can afford. I've been struggling with money worries again, as paying next semester fees are coming up. Again, I am having trouble making payments and now with Christmas coming up, I am afraid of not being able to afford much of anything. However, I am doing my best not to be discouraged. I have faith that God will provide. I am learning not to stress and worry about things but to trust that He will take care of me in some way or another. I have been blessed lately to not have to buy too much food as its been given to me or I have been able to eat big meals with the girls down the hall. I have many decisions to be made financially as I prepare for next semester. Please pray for encouragement and wisdom as I make those decisions.

On a happier note, I just want to let you all know that despite the stress and worries that I have had lately, I am good! Life is good. God continually provides. I am so blessed. I have made some fantastic friends here and we have TONS of laughs together. I am blessed by the encouragement and support and love from my Heritage friends! I am blessed to have my family who I know all love me and I love back. I am also blessed with such a wonderful boyfriend who is
always there for me. I also have a wonderful God who I know loves me and I am reminded this season of how much he loves me by sending his son in the miraculous way he did.

So despite the things that are not entirely positive or are a littel stressful, life is good. God is good.

Peace xoxox

Bank Account

Hey again!

I just wanted to put out a warning to everyone. The other day, my bank account got broken into and money was stolen out of it. I was quite baffled because I had my debit card with me the whole day and couldn't have seen how that was possible. Apparently my card had been copied and hacked into. I never thought that this could happen to me, so I was never one to hide my pin number or shred bank documents - I HIGHLY recommend, especially at this time of year that you all make sure your covering your pin when you use your debit card. I know it seems funny to cover it over, but people find ways of getting your account information.

My situation has all been resolved and I am being reembursed the money. The investigation is open on my file so hopefully this card copier will be stopped. I just wanted everyone to have a heads up so that you protect your information and this doesn't happen to you!

Christmas spirit

Hey everyone!

Sorry it's been a little while since I have written. I have been busy! These last few weeks of the semester are filled with projects and papers. I'm doing well, just trying to maintain balance over the last couple weeks that will carry on to the next few!

I didn't have a chance to write about it yet, but I am officially in the Christmas spirit! Though, those of you who know me, know that I am usually always in the Christmas spirit! Last week a group of us, (Dad, Mandy, Rob and his dad, and our friends John and Sheila) went to the Air Canada Centre to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. They are a fantastic musical group that does mostly Christmas music. They are a whole orchestra, along with electric guitars and crazy special effects! If you have never heard of them or their music, I highly recommend that you YouTube them! The Christmas stuff they do is fantastic, each album tells a Christmas story through the music. It's really neat. Anyways, dad and Mand and I have been to their concert twice before, and we were certainly not disappointed the third time! Music was great, lights were crazy and it really got me into the Christmas mood!

Another reason why I am in the Christmas mood is becuase earlier this week, Mandy and I - along with the help of our friends - decorated our apartment for Christmas! There are lights and tinsel and decorations all over the place. It's so awesome! We listened to Chrismas music and strung lights. It was fabulous! I even have my Christmas CD's in my car now! Now, I can't wait for the snow!

Rob and I also watched our first Christmas movie of the season - The Muppet Christmas Carol! A classic! I have to admit, as excited as I was to watch the movie, I may have fallen asleep for part of it! I have a good excuse though, I was feeling really awful, and I had taken some cold medication so that was enough to knock me out!

Anyways, I hope you are all starting to feel the Christmas spirit! Since it is "The most wonderful time of the year!"

Food blessing

Hi friends!

I just wanted to share with you something so simple yet such a tremendous blessing!
Last night, a couple of friends from home came to visit me up in little King City. Pat, Todd and Rob showed up at my work (after getting lost) met me there and followed me back to my residence. It was a fabulous time of chatting, joking and hanging out. They got to meet my new Seneca friends, who may I say are awesome! We had alot of laughs! I just love you girls! Anyways, we all hung out, ate cookies and did a little celebrating for Julie's birthday! Once we separated a little bit and I got chatting and catching up with the boys, it came up that I am paying out more money for my different payments than I am actually bringing in. I am struggling financially quite a bit. I'm not letting it bother me too much, I've prayed about it and am making all the payments I need from week to week. Anyways, the boys heard about my money struggles and proceeded to ask "What's open at this hour?" (This hour being 1am) Not knowing where they were going with this, I knew there was a 24 hour gas station and a 24 hour Sobey's in Aurora. They all jump up, tell me to get my shoes on and announce that we are going shopping. I started to feel bad thinking that I had made them feel guilty and like I needed them to pay for stuff for me. Pat encouraged me a little by reminding me that sometimes, we need others to bless us. So we packed up and headed to Sobey's at 1:30am. We went in and did some shopping - a cart full of fabulous frozen foods, veggies, bread and fruit. At one point I started feeling rather guilty again and went to Pat and reminded him that he didn't have to do this and I didn't want to feel like I needed the charity. All he did was stop walking, kiss me on the forehead and say "I love you Missy" and he walked away. It was just a reminder that he knew he didn't HAVE to do it for me. It's because he loved me that he wanted to bless me in this way. (In a way it's kinda what Jesus did for us...he didn't HAVE to die, He chose to becuase He loves us). Anyways, We left an hour later with handfulls of grocceries, a few tears and an incredible blessing.

I have to say, I have the best friends in the world! I cannot say "Thank you" enough for the amazing blessing of a few grocceries! It's complete proof that God provides when you trust him. I am so grateful for the generocity and am so blessed by my amazing friends!
Thank you guys! Love you!!!!

Are you afraid of the dark?

Hey everyone!

Tonight I had the neatest dinning experience! For one of my projects at school, we chose to see what it would be like to be blind for a couple hours. We chose to go and eat at a restuarant in Toronto called O'Noir. We had read about it and thought we were prepared for what awaited us! Ok let me back track to a little earlier in the day. Class was cancelled this morning, so I got to do a little sleeping in, in hopes of doing some homework. Unfortunately I was very bad and didn't get much of anything done. We decided to do a couple little trips today, since my friends down the hall are doing a different topic. We started out the day with a much needed Starbucks run! There we also drew names for our Christmas Secret Santa. Once that was done, we packed up and headed to downtown Toronto. We went through gay town, Chinatown and FINALLY (with dad's directional help) made it to Little Italy. We drove through and took some pictures for the girls' presentation. Then we started to head to our dinner destination with a few detours and changes of direction. It was nice to go for a little drive and it was fun to just hang out together for a while. Back to my original topic - dinner! So, we had read about the restuarant and were super excited to check it out and experience it ourselves. We got there, and had to go downstairs. The whole restaurant was underground. It was dimly lit and we were seated in the bar area and given menus. We picked out our food as we waited to be seated. Once they had taken our orders, we were lead over to the door which lead into the actual eating area. The waitress came out and introduced herself as Tracy. (She was seeing impaired). She had us split and enter in 3 at a time. I grabbed her shoulder, Emily grabbed my shoulder and Danielle grabbed Emily's. She lead us through one door, and then another. The restuarant was as black as if you were squeezing your eyes shut. She lead us around a few tables and helped us get seated. Once we were sitting, she went out and grabbed the rest of our group. Once all 6 of us were seated she brought us glasses of water and handed them to us by tapping on our right shoulders and we would reach back to find her hand. She explained to us where everything was located on the table so we had an idea of where things were. We basically just felt around to find anything we needed. Then she brought us bread rolls which we had to reach into a basket to grab. At this point we were all still a little leary about how dinner was going to go. We all said that our eyes were strained becuase we were trying to open them as wide as we could thinking that they would adjust to the lighting, but that didn't happen. We managed to eat our meals and share with each other without too much of a mess! Everyone used their hands to touch the food and feel where it was placed on the plate - we said it was the only place you could play with your food and it would be ok becuase no one could see you! By the end of the meal, we were very aware of where things were, we had a better idea of how far away people and objects were and were more comfortable and relaxed in the setting. It was extremely strange not being able to see anything. We found though, that we were more attuned into each other's voices and the fluctuation seeing as we couldn't see to read body language. We found it to be quite the bonding experience too as we sat in the dark and had to trust everyone else for everything we needed. It was a fantastic meal and we all had such a great time together. When we left, we had quite the shock going out into the dimly lit area again. We all found it a little hard to see and I found myself to be a little off balanced and dizzy when we got back into the light. It was a great experience though and I recommend it to everyone!

It was a great chance to step into the shoes of a blind person for even a couple hours. It was a great chance to chat with friends, learn how to trust others and use our other senses for a little while!

Rockin' Out

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to share something new that Rob and I got! Over reading week while we were in the states, I learned how to play Guitar Hero for the first time ever! I enjoyed it so much that Rob and I decided to get Rockband! It's so much fun! I love playing the drums, and I am slowly improving on the guitar! Someday I will be a pro!

Anyways, enjoy the pics, the night we brought it home the whole family wanted to play!

If you have the chance to play, so it! So much fun!

It's beginning to look alot.....

Hello everyone!

So this morning I am in a very wonderful mood. There are a couple reasons for this!

First reason: I woke up this morning and there is a layer of snow on the ground here at school!!!! It is fabulous! It looks beautiful it smells great and I'm so excited for Christmas as it approaches!

Second reason: Today is Friday. There are a couple of things that happen on Friday's, first thing being big breakfast day with the Seneca girls. So far every Friday before class we get up and cook a delicious breakfast of bacon, hashbrowns and soemtimes other things too! I'm excited to go eat breakfast with them this morning. Another thing being, that I get to see Rob today!

Third reason: Life is good. I know I stress alot and worry far too much, but really, I am so insanley blessed. Rob reminded me of that last night as we were chatting, that in the long run, it doesn't mean anything. Life is good. God is good.

So yes, I am looking forward to a wonderful snowy day!

I hope you all have a fantastic day and a lovely weekend!
Love you all!

To my loves....

Hi everyone!

I don't have anything profound to write about today, but I just wanted to share a couple of things for those of my friends who read this!

First, I just want to state that I have the best friends in the whole world! Just want that to be clear to everyone!!! lol

To my friends from Heritage....I Love you guys! I'm sorry I don't get a chance to see you very much, I'm going to try and make more regular visits and have more frequent conversations. I don't want to become an outsider! I love you guys so much and want to make sure I am maintaining those deep relationships.

Second, to my new friends - my Seneca girls! I just want you guys to know how much I am appreciating getting to know you. We have lots of laughs and I really look forward to getting to know you guys even more! I look forward to our next few years together!

To all of my friends who do not fit into these categories, please let me assure you that I appreicate and love you too!!!!

To my best friends, Mandy and to Robert....the love of my life! You guys are awesome! I love you so much!

I am so blessed by my incredible friends and family and I am so grateful for all of you! Please be assured that I pray for each of you consistantly and I love you all!

Love Missy
xoxox

I'm back!

Hi everyone!
So we made it back safely from Alabama. After driving an exhausting 14 hours we made it. I spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with Rob and loving every second of it! We visited with my parents and played some Rock Band! I'm gonna be a pro drummer....I've decided. lol. I made it back to dorm tonight and had my wonderful new friends come help me carry my stuff inside. I really enjoy getting to know these girls! They're hilarious and happy and we have alot of laughs together.
Anyways, I should get going....I have alot to unpack! Just thought I would let you all know I made it back safely!
xoxox

It's Friday.....

Everywhere else in the world, people would be thrilled that it's Friday. Unfortunately for me, I'm not quite as excited! That means the end of our little road trip is almost over. This week has been so great. So nice and relaxing. It's been great to spend time with Rob, spend time with his family and also get to know some new people. I've had a great time here, Rob's relatives are so nice. They're hilarious and so much fun. They've been really great and accomodating for all of us. HOwever, tomorrow is Saturday, you know what that means? Means we pack up the car, head back over the boarder, back into reality and work again. Not that I'm upset to come home, that's not it at all. It's just I have enjoyed this so much! It's been so wonderful spending each day with Rob, now I have to go back to school where I'm lucky if I see him once a week. Bummer. Though, I think I have finally caught up on my lack of sleep from being at school and work all the time! I mean I slept all the way here, have slept a solid 7-8 hours each night and had a nap most days! We've all been sleeping alot. It seems thats the thing to do while in Alabama!!! I'm looking forward to sleeping a little more on the ride home tomorrow, then hopefully I'll be energetic and ready to go for Monday again!

Last night we played Cranium Pop 5. If you have never played it, you should! lol. It's so much fun! I love Cranium - the original game, but this one was even more fun! I've decided that I love game nights! lol. I think tonight we're going to try and play Guesstures - its a charades game! This trip, I have also played a game I never have before.......Guitar Hero! Now I love it! Rob's brothers have it for Wii (which is the gaming station I have) and see if I like it and maybe want to buy it myself!!! Dan bought it for XBox which is where we've been playing it these last couple days. SO fun!

Just a reminder to all of you guys at home - - Saturday is Fall Back....turn clocks back one hour! I'm going to be right on track for that because it's central time here in Alabama, which means that I'm already an hour behind!

Anyways, I think people are starting to get up, so I'm gonna get going! Please pray that we have safe travels back home this weekend. I will let you know once we have arrived! Enjoy your day!

xoxox

Money worries....again

Hi everyone,

I just thought I would write a little blog update to ask for a little prayer. This week has been incredibly good. It's been relaxing and been so great to spend all week with Rob and his family. However, this morning I was woken up by an early morning phone call. Unfortunately a cheque that I wrote to pay a bill a few weeks ago bounced. Now I have to pay a fee on top of that and repay October's fee and now with November coming this week have to pay that as well. I'm a little stressed becuase its alot of money that I don't have. I'm going to have to work a few extra hours this week when I get back.

I know that God is in control. I know that He will help provide for me. That's the thing, I know it in my head, I'm just doubting alot. Not that I doubt He is in control and that He will provide, it's just that I take things into my own hands and panic because I know I can't handle it. Please pray that I might rely on God for his provision. Also that I would not be too proud to ask others for help when I need it. Thanks.

On another note, Rob and I went on a date night the other day. We went to the movies to see "Where the Wild Things Are". It was cute, but not as fantastic as we had hoped. It was just nice to spend a couple hours just him and I, without everyone else. We don't have too much planned for the rest of the week. Some more visiting and relaxing which is just what I needed! I'll try to blog once more before we leave....if not, I will do it the day we get back to let you all know we made it safely.
Thanks for your prayers!
Love you all

Trip update

Hi everyone!
It's been a couple of days, so I just thought that I would let you know how our trip is going! It's fabulous! The last couple of days have been very relaxing and enjoyable. There has been lots of laughs and lots of chocolate! We've had fantastic meals and played alot of games together. We got to go boating on Sunday afternoon. It was so fun! Yesterday we spent the day doing a little shopping while a few of the guys played golf. So far today we haven't done anything! I did a little homework and the guys played some video games, but Rob's parents went out on a date, so the 4 of us kids are still in our pjs! Rob and I are going to have a date night tonight, I think we're going to go see "Where the Wild Things Are" in theatres. I'm really looking forward to a little him and me time. We don't have a ton planned for the next few days, I'm just really enjoying spending all week with Rob and relaxing as much as I have been able to.
I'll update again in a few days!
Love Missy

Alabama

Hey everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that we made it to Alabama safe and sound! Last night we packed and did a little visiting and running around until about 12:30, then Rob and I went to bed only to get woken up an hour later. We piled everything into the car and headed off. I fell asleep almost immediately and didn't wake up until we reached to boarder. I went back to sleep and slept another 3ish hours until we were woken to do breakfast. We stopped and ate at the Waffle House in Cinncinati Ohio. Then Rob and I watched a couple episodes of a TV show, then went back to sleep! Overall, it was about a 13 hour drive in total and I think I slept about 10 of the hours. It was incredible and made the drive go by super fast! Tonight, we hung out at the house, went out for pizza and played a few rounds of Scene It! It's been a good relaxing evening and we're about to hit the hay! I hear its supposed to be nice and warm here tomorrow so Im looking forward to some sunshine!
Just wanted to let you know that we made it! It's going to be a fun week! I will try to update a couple times to let you know how we're all doing!
Love you all!
Love Missy

Ordinary miracle

Hi friends!
I was listening to this song on the radio the other day and just thought I would share it with you. It's a beatiful song by Sarah McLachlan called "Ordinary Miracle". Its a simple reminder that miracles are happening around us each and everyday. Sometimes its hard for us to believe, but if we just pay attention to life happening all around us, it will help give us faith that miracles still happen today. The song goes like this:

It's not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today
The sky knows when it's time to snow
Don't need to teach a seed to grow
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn't is remarkable
That every time a rain drop falls
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Birds in winter have their fling
But always make it home by spring
It's just another ordinary miracle today
When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we're all a part
Of the ordinary miracle
Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional
That things just work out after all
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It's just another ordinary miracle today

One of the biggest miracles of all time is LOVE. The sacrifice and dedication made to those we love. More details coming about love in my next blog!

For now, I'm heading out - have to finish packing! We're leaving tonight for the states, I can't wait! I will write sometime while we're away so that I can update you on how we're doing!
Take care, enjoy study week (for those of you who have it!!)
Love Missy

Selflessness...the greatest gift

I just wanted to share a quick story about something that happened at work the other day.
I was doing my job like usual and shuffeling through people, sort of robotic like, I had my memorized speaches and was bagging super quickly. On every other occasion, with each customer, I try to make eye contact and comment on something they are buying, something about them personally or even about the children, but for some reason, this day I was not in a commenting mood. I wasn't being rude, I just wasn't carrying conversations with the customers like I generally do. About a quarter of the way into my shift, I had a lady come to my till. She was stunning. I believe she was India and was going to a wedding. (I assume that based on the conversation) She was dressed beautifully, she had on a pink and gold sari, she had jewels on her forehead, henna on her arms, and these amazing earrings. I took notice of her attire the second she started walking towards me. As I was serving her, I made a comment about how lovely she looked today. She said thank you very politely, I then made another comment about how nice her earrings were. At this point, she got very excited and said "Yes, you like?!". And I told her how they were very pretty and looked great with her outfit. She then proceeded to put her hands to her hears and said "You like, you can have!". She was about to take them right out of her ears and give them to me! I politely declined, but was in shock that she was just going to give them to me! No hesitation or second thoughts, she was about to take them out and hand them over knowing she would never see them again. I was completely in shock. I was so in awe that someone would do that for me. You don't hear stories like this anymore, of people taking things right off their own back's and giving them to someone else. It was pure selflessness. It was so cool to witness and see that first hand.

It got me thinking about selfishness. As Christians, we are supposed to follow the examples of love and selflessness that Jesus portrayed when he was alive on this earth. The lady was a great physical reminder to me of how amazing it feels to have someone sacrifice something of their own for someone else - a perfect stranger no less! It's a reminder of how blessed I am to know of and have accepted the love from the One who made the ultimate sacrifice for me.

This experience has had me thinking and evaluating alot lately about my own life and how I can live a more selfless life. Go forward with me, live a selfless life. Don't be afraid to do something nice for someone...you never know how it might affect them.

Update!

Hi everyone!
Sorry I haven't written in a while! Things have been crazy busy for me lately! I got up a little early this morning, so I thought that I would spend a little time updating you on things that have been going on with my life.

As you know, I have only one job now! They have been really great with hours, in fact, I had 34 this past week. Eeek! I was a little bummed becuase that meant I had to work all through Thanksgiving. Friday night I worked, Saturday I worked, Sunday I worked and even the holiday Monday I worked. I was able to head home a couple of times, I actually ended up doing alot of driving over the weekend. Rob, Ramsay, Mandy, Brandon and Mandy's friend Emily enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving dinner at my dad's on SUnday night. It was so wonderful! Rob (with the help of his wonderful mom) cooked turkey, potatoes, veggies and a delicious gravey. I drove home after work and got to sit down with all these wonderful people to a fantastic supper. It was a great night of football and food! I ate so much that I couldn't move! I'm sure some of you know the feeling I mean! I stayed over Sunday night, drove back to Vaughan on Monday morning, worked 8 hours (paid for time and a half!) and drove back to Cambridge again! This time I went to Rob's Oma's house. They had already eaten, but made sure to save a plate of food for me! Again, delicious! Despite all the work and driving I had to do, it was a great time spent with friends and family. I am so thankful for everyone who has an influence in my life. If you are reading this - I am thankful for you!

I am very blessed to have such awesome friends and family surrounding me. I thank the Lord for each and every one of you!

This week at school has been great! It's been a little crazy because I had a couple paper's due, and a presentation. Everything so far has gone by smoothly. The classes are really starting to pick up - with work loads and things. I have really had to work on my time management. Between working at the store, to getting homework done, to being able to still find time to spend with Rob and my new friends here at school. Please pray that I continue to do well in my classes and that I have good time management.

I'm also excited to share with you about my new friends here at school! There are a couple rooms of girls who live down the hall from me, who are also in my program. We've started chatting and hanging out alot, they are hilarious! I've really enjoyed getting to know them, and hanging out and just being able to laugh as hard as we do sometimes! Just last night, we had a lovely girls night! It started around 3pm, a couple of the girls came and hung out in my apartment for an hour, then we caught up with a couple of the other girls. We baked croissants, Halloween cookies, and pasta and watched a couple of shows on TV together. It was really fun, but by the end of the night we were all pretty tired and had had alot to eat! It was so much fun, we laughed alot and the food was great! Hopefully we'll continue to get to know each other and hang out much more!

Anyways, I think that's about it for now! Only one more week of classes, then it's Study Break. I'm very excited for that, as I will be going with Rob's family to visit some relatives in the states. I'm really looking forward to getting away for a week and being able to spend several days in a row with him!

Please continue to pray that I keep up with my studies, that the friendships continue to grow and that I don't forget through all the craziness, about all the blessings I have in my life.
Love you all! xoxo

Wonderful blessing

This weekend, I got a wonderful present! Rob's mom went out and bought Mandy and I this fantastic slow cooker! What a fantastic gift! She was concerned about our eating habits since we are both working and in school full time. Thanks Mrs. Hartholt! Can't wait to use it for the first time!!!

Mini vacation

Hey!
This week has been another crazy busy one! I had my training shift at the store on Tuesday, then dad came to visit on Wednesday night. He took us for dinner and we filled up on Pizza Hut...it was delicious! It was also great becuase we got left overs! Mmm.... And then when we came home he had gotten us a nice little gift! There is this new Wii game out (as pictured above!) that Mandy and I had thought about buying it for a few weeks, but it was a little too expensive for us. But dad surprised us and bought it for us! We tried it for the first time tonight! Sooo much fun! It's a great time waster! lol.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day....I have to work an 8 hour shift! Eeek! Hopefully I will be able to head to Cambridge after after and see Rob for a day or two this weekend.

This is just a short blog....hopefully I will do some more in detail soon!
Have a good weekend!!!

"I know the heart of life is good..."

Hi everyone!
I know its been a while since I last blogged. I apologize for keeping you all waiting!!! hahaha.
This week has been an interesting one. I have had to make a couple difficult decisions about work which was not fun! If you've been following my Facebook, you might have noticed, that I now only have one job! Yes, I had to cut down to one. Trying to schedule 2 jobs and a full time course load, AND a boyfriend....was a little crazy!!! I am now only working at The Children's Place in the Vaughan Mills mall. The store is HUGE. I am making decent hours, a slightly better wage and since I had already worked at the store in Cambridge, I was working by myself the first night I was there. The reason for this decision happened when I spoke to my manager at The Children's Place during my orientation - they were not willing to accomodate me for a second job. It was them (with additional hours) or I was going to be let go. I spoke with my dad and Rob and decided that the best option was to stay there. Unfortuantely that meant quitting Zellers. This was a difficult decision to make becuase I was really enjoying Zellers and liked the people I got to work with. Each job/situation had its pro's and con's, so I had to choose the job with the more positives. Thankfully Zellers was extremely understanding and told me that I would be welcomed back there any time. I very much appreciated their kindness and understanding.

This month is going to be crazy for assignments at school! It is really beginning to pick up. Please keep me in thoughts and prayers, that I don't become too overwhelmed with the amount of school work and job work I am going to attempt to squeeze in! I have to say, I am enjoying most of my classes. A few of them are mainly refresher courses, since I have learned similar things already. I am also getting to know a few of the people in my class and I'm really enjoying getting to know them. As we are all becoming more comfortable, you can really see personalities emerge, which is kinda neat! I'm looking forward to seeing the relationships grow and develop over the next few semesters.

Some of you may have noticed the title of this blog is a John Mayer song. The song was playing while I was writing this blog and I have to admit, I love it! I thought I would share a couple thoughts about it. The chorus goes like this:

"Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No it won't all go the way it should
But I know the heart of life is good"

God IS Love. He is the HEART of life. And no matter what we're going through, despite the pain and the challenges we're constantly facing, He is with us. Guiding, teaching and loving us all along the way. Even though sometimes things seem to get from bad to worse, we have to remember that we're going to be ok. Becuase no matter what, love (God) turns everything around.

One final note, I am currently reading a book called "Blue like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It was refered to me by Rob and my dad. It's a fabulous read, I'm really enjoying it. If you've read the book before, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!!
xoxox

Meatball-y goodness!!!

This has been about a week late, but last Friday Rob and I went on a date to see a movie. Ever since we started seeing commercials for this film, we had said we were going to the theatres to see it! We went to the late show, I believe it was 9:50pm (for those of you who know me, know it was a stretch becuase I'm usually in bed by that point! lol). We walked into the theatre thinking we were going to be the only ones our age, we were happily surprised when we saw a theatre full of people our age! No kids at all! So we settled in with our popcorn and 3D glasses and enjoyed a fantstically funny "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs". I have to say, I LOVE 3D movies! I love that they are a trend right now! It's so much more fun to see the characters stand out!

Anyways, the movie is about a struggling scientist who spends his childhood years creating (and failing) at invention after invention. Finally he comes up with this brilliant idea of turning water into food. Through many trial and error, the machine finally works. The whole community is transformed and happy. Then of course, things go wrong. Throughout the film, he meets several new people, falls in love, repairs a relationship with his dad and finally learns that its ok to fail sometimes. It was a fantastic movie! We laughed through the whole thing. If you're looking for a cute date or family movie, I HIGHLY recommend it. You won't be disappointed!!! Though you may end up a little hungry!!!

My answer to prayer

Well, I FINALLY found a job! 2 jobs in fact! As most of you know, I went for an interview at Zellers last week and was hired on the spot. However, I had not heard back from them about orientation or anything, so in the mean time, I received a call about another interview at The Children's Place in the Vaughan Mills mall. I went in on Tuesday for my interview and again, was hired on the spot! What an answer to prayer!!!

I went for my orientation at Zellers last night. It wasn't anything exciting, mostly signing papers. We got a tour of the store, made arrangements for our first training shift, went over store policy and procedures and got our fancy Zellers shirts! I will be working as a cashier, hopefully getting from 8-10 hours a week. That's where The Children's Place comes in! I have yet to arrange a time to go in and sign papers there, but I will be receiving the same amount of hours. Now, I know what you're thinking....She's crazy!!! Yes, I believe I am! I will be working 2 jobs along with a full time course load!! Ahhh! Here is my logic/reasoning for taking on the extra job. One job alone, unfortunately, will not allow me to make the money that I need to live. It may cover my bills, but not enough to also buy grocceries and other necessities. I spoke to both stores and they are very flexible with perhaps putting together a set schedule. That way, I would work the same days/same hours every week. This would make scheduling things MUCH easier! However, if I do find that I cannot carry both jobs, that its too crazy, at that point I will drop one and figure things out from there.

Thank you for your prayers as I stressed about finding work! Please continue to pray that I don't get too overwhelmed and that I stay ontop of things.

Yay for work!!!!

My lovely gift

You know how I mentioned the other day that I had an exciting gift from Rob to share?! Well, here it is!! Rob knitted me this beautiful scarf! It's so beautiful! It's thick and soft and looks so fantstic! I can't wait for the weather to cool down so I can wear it! I'm so excited and I love it so much! Thank you Rob!!!! xoxox

LIGHTS in concert

This past Saturday night, Rob had tickets for us to see one of our favorite artists in concert. LIGHTS, was actually just the opening act for another band called Keane, but we were there mainly for her! We had amazing seats! We were 6th row from the front smack dab in the middle. It was a great concert and we had a wonderful date night! Thanks Rob!!

Blessing money

As I mentioned in my blog yesterday, I received a surprise email from the financial aid office here at Seneca. They requested my social insurance number for some sort of reoccuring bursary. I had no clue what they were talking about becuase I didn't apply for any scholarships or anything. So I called the office on Monday once I got back to the school and spoke to one of the officers there. And what a blessing! I received $750 towards next semesters tuition! Such a surprising blessing! If I keep my marks up this year, I will be elligable for money again next year! Yay for surprise money!!!

GOOD NEWS!!!

Hello everyone!!!
I have had a super CRAZY weekend!!!! There is so much I need to share with you! I think I will write a little bit here, then expand in more detail in the next couple of blogs throughout the week.

You'll notice by the title, that I have some exciting news! I got a job!!!!! 2 jobs infact. I went to two interviews and was hired on the spot for both of them! Such an answer to prayer! Now I have to decide which one. Over the next couple of days, I'll be going through pro's and con's and make a decision on where to work. Thank you for all your prayers in this aspect, it paid off!

This weekend, Rob and I went to a concert at the Centre in the Square in Kitchener. We had tickets to see a Canadian artist called LIGHTS. We had a great seats and a fabulous time! I'll write more on this later, and post some pictures from the night!!

Another bit of surprisingly good news, I got an email from the financial aid office at Seneca. Apparently I got a bursary of $750 towards next semester's tuition! And if I do well this year and keep my marks up, I could possibly get more next year. What a wonderful surprise and very much appreciated!!!

This weekend has been another busy one. We had some great visits with Rob's grandparents. I also enjoyed a wonderful evening with my dad on Friday night and 2 dates with Rob this weekend! Then all this good news about jobs and school money has added to the great weekend! I also got a fabulous gift from Rob - I'm gonna take pictures then share with you!
Thanks again for all your prayers!!! More details on all these subjects to come!!!!
xoxox

A little reflection, a little hope, and a lot of love.

Well its back to the grind! I had two classes today to start off the week. They were both good, but I'm finding it weird to try and get back into the swing of homework! I got a bunch of work done today and am working on prioritizing so that I make sure to have all my assignments done on time.

I was stressing about money again today, but had a really good chat with my dad earlier who reminded me that God is in control. Everything we have on this earth is only temporary, we won't take it with us. Money is one of those things that we can't take with us when we die. I shouldn't spend my life worrying and stressing about something I can't control. I need to live my life and enjoy what I do have. I am thankful for the help and support through this stressful time. I know that God is in control and I have no doubt that He will provide for me. I just need to trust. Trust and be patient as I wait for Him. His timing is perfect and He will provide!
Thank you dad for that reminder! I love you!

On another note, I have to say I miss Rob. I got the privilege of being able to spend the entire weekend with him. But now I won't see him until Saturday. I know it's only the second week of school and I'm hoping it gets easier, but I don't like being so far away! I know, this might be a little lame. But I think figuring out the distance thing is a little harder than either of us anticipated. I don't get to see him as often as I did when I was living at home, and now when we spend time together, we rarely get time just the two of us. It becomes about the errands we have to do and the people we have to see. Please pray that this gets easier for both of us. And that the distance doesn't cause any problems in our relationship. (I'm not expecting it to, but it's just encouragement as we figure this distance thing out!)

On a side note: I love that this blog is about the two most important men in my life! I just noticed that I wrote a paragraph about each of them! And a little shout out to another man in my life, Happy Birthday Uncle Dave! I hope you had a wonderful day!

Thanks everyone for all of your support so far in my journey! All the encouragement and love has been so great! Love you all! xoxo

P.S. As a little side prayer, please pray that Mandy and I would stay healthy and strong. There is alot of sickness starting to go around in the rez and I would love to not get sick!!! Thanks!

A lovely day....

Hey all!

I just thought I would write and let you know how my first week of school and my weekend went! This week was good. Nothing too heavy in my courses, which was nice. I'm still trying to get back into the routine of how to do school! I'm looking forward to start actually getting into the courses and learning this week!

This weekend I spent with Rob. Which was fabulous! We did alot of running around, a lot of visits...it was go-go-go all weekend! We did end up squeezing in time to make it to the Cambridge fall fair! Which is always fun, but really lame and cheesy! We also spent Sunday afternoon just hanging out and we took a few pictures, which I put up for you to see! It was so good to spend time with him and also be able to get lots of things done.

For all those who were interested, my interview on Friday night went incredibly well! I will be hearing from them either Tuesday or Wednesday this week. I'm very hopeful!!!

I'm looking forward to this week and starting to get right into things! Please continue to pray that I hear from the job. It would be a great answer to prayer! Also please continue to pray for Mandy and I as we struggle through funding. It's something I am really stressing about again. I know I need to trust that God will provide, but my human nature tends to get worried and nervous as deadlines approach. I have hope in a great God and I know that He will take care and provide for me!

First day

Hi Everyone!
Today was my first day of classes! I attended 2 classes this morning. It was good to meet some people in my classes and see the kinds of things I am going to be learning this semester. My teachers seem good so far! The two courses that I attended this morning were "Health, safety, and Nutrition" and "Human Development - Part 1". I think they are going to be very interesting courses and I'm really looking forward to them!

As a bit of a downer, I have been stressing about money quite a bit lately. There are alot of things I need to pay for these days and as of now, I don't have a job. I am going to go out again this week and apply at several more places. Please pray for me that I don't get too stressed or overwhelmed as I wait on something to come along. Being patient is hard! And not getting worried or stressed is harder!!

So it's going to be a busy week with residence events, beginning classes and continuing to get comfortable in our new surroundings! I appreciate all of the support and love as Mandy and I grow, learn and live in this new stage of our lives!

Dorm Life

Hey! So today was our very first residence meeting! I should back track and share with you what happened earlier in the day. It has been a busy one!
Last night, Mandy and I watched a movie on tv then washed our dishes and enjoyed a nice relaxing evening. Then this morning we got up and headed to Cambridge. I met up with Nathaniel and Todd and went to Heritage to meet up with some friends there. A group of us went out for Viet Thai food at a favorite restuarant! It was soooo good! I then took Rob and his dad to Toronto. His dad needed to pick up their 3rd car becuase it had a break down a few days ago. Then I drove Rob to work, he got a chance to pick up an overtime shift, so he was going in for the evening. I got back to school (to our new home!) and just watched tv as I waited for our residence meeting tonight. Mandy has a couple friends staying tonight - which I agreed to on the condition that they were quiet becuase I have class first thing tomorrow morning. We attended our floor meeting at 6. It was nice to see the people who were on our floor. We played a "get-to-know-you" type game and they went over our rules and information about the building. It wasn't too detailed but it was good to get out and see some people. We have different events every day this week, hopefully I'll have the chance to meet some people. Classes start tomorrow (for me), so I have to get up bright and early! My first two classes start, so I'll have a chance to meet some of my classmates and hear about the program which I'm really excited about!

On another note, I just want to say I have the best boyfriend in the world!!! lol. Rob's family always has these fantastic peppermints. They are a dutch thing, so I had never eaten them beforeI met him. I have to say I'm addicted! I love them, they are so delicious! Today when I picked Rob up, he brought me the rest of the bag that I had been eating! I know it doesn't seem like a big thing, but these are valued mints, so it was sweet of him to sacrifice them!!! xoxo

I'll try and write tomorrow sometime to let you know how my first day of classes went! Wish me luck!!

Welcome to our humble home....at least for the next couple months!

So we have officially moved in! Mandy and I have unpacked and are beginning to enjoy our little home! Rob, John and dad helped us pack up and bring everything into the building yesterday and Mandy, ROb and I spent the evening unpacking and organizing. We also did a little groccery shopping and making sure we had some of the basics for our new home! Then this morning mom came up and took us for lunch. It was nice to show her our apartment and enjoy a nice lunch.

There isn't too much going on here until tomorrow night, where we have our first residence meetings. We are on the second floor. Each wing of the residence is separated into animal names, each with a separate residence assistant. Mandy and I are squirrels! lol. Lame! We are said to be living in the nut house! We even have team shirts that say that on the back! So tomorrow night we have a meeting with the rest of our floor. Should be fun to finally step out and meet some people! Then classes begin on Tuesday! It's really crazy to be living out on our own...kind of surreal feeling. I am really looking forward to this year though. It's going to be a good one!

Just for everyone's information...we have an address here, however we are NOT redirecting our mail here. So if you try to send something, it will go to my house and I'll be picking it up every couple weeks. We do however have a new phone number. We are going to be keeping our cell phones, but we also have a room phone. If you want the number, please let me know and I can send it to you!

Enjoy the pictures of our new little home....and PLEASE come visit and see it for yourself!!!

We're here!!!

Hey! I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that we made it to school and are working on settling in! It has been a busy day of packing, driving, moving and watching people lift heavy things!!! We had some great help today and are just working on unpacking and organizing everything! Once we've totally unpacked and gotten settled I will post some pictures of our apartment!

New Bling!

Ok, so I finally did it!!! Sarah and I decided that we'd had enough talk. We booked an appointment and got our noses pierced! We went to Thrive in Cambridge, where they explained the procedure, cleaning techniques and the healing process. They were really great and very detailed. I went first to get mine done because I was SOOO nervous! It was a little painful and a little strange, but in the end I loved it! Sarah went next and had the same experience where it was a little painful, but worth it afterward! Above, you'll see a before and after photo of us....see how we're still smiling in the after photo!? I have to admit, I love it! In November we can change the jewlery so I think I might pick something a little smaller. I feel that the stud that's in now is a little big, but it might also just be me getting used to seeing a little jewel in my nose! We'll see!

More pictures to come of my new face!!!

This is my season...

Hi everyone!
So it has finally come....the final crunch before we move! My room is a DISASTER. But I think I am FINALLY done packing. I have alot of things to go to Goodwill and several boxes to put in storage, but I think it's finally complete! I can't believe that we move TOMORROW! Ahhh! It's coming so fast! I'm excited, but nervous and a little unsure, because I'm not sure what this year holds for me. It's also a little sad becuase I'm not going to be seeing my friends and family as much as I'm used to. It's weird because all of my Heritage friends are moving back this weekend just as I am picking up to leave....it's a strange feeling! And I won't be able to see Rob as much as I would like....so that is going to be difficult to get used to. You know how they say "distance makes the heart grow fonder"? Whoever came up with that was having a break down of some kind. I hate distance! It sucks being apart for long periods of time!!! lol.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and prayers and love over the past couple weeks. Things have been crazy, but I am finally feeling ready to go. It's a big step but I think I'm really ready for it.

There is a verse in the Bible that I think is very fitting for this moment in my life. It's Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven". It just reminds me that as difficult and challenging that this year is going to be, and even these next couple of days as I say goodbye for a while, that its ok. That this is the point in my life where I get to start a new season. I get to open a new chapter in my life and continue to learn and grow. I know this year is going to test me as I learn to live with 230 other students, and as I get back into the swing of school, but I'm ready. This is my season. This is a significant time in my life and I'm ready!

Thanks again to everyone for your encouraging emails, notes and comments. I can't explain to you how much all the love and support means to me. Hopefully I will have a chance to write and let you all know how the settling in is going over the next few days. I know they are going to be a whirlwind of crazy-ness and excitment and emotion!

Overwhelm overload

Ok, so I woke up this morning and looked at the calendar. Bad idea! Figured out that it is Wednesday. I move to school Saturday. I have 2 days to pack becuase Thursday I am in Toronto all day. AHHHHH. Rob and I started to pack up my room yesterday afternoon. We got in a couple of hours and ended up packing 4 good-will bags, 1 garbage bag and 2 boxes for storage. Sounds like alot right? That's not even half of what I have!!!! I can't believe how much stuff I own. I feel so guilty and like a packrat. It's awful. I took a look around my room once I decided to get out of bed this morning and got so overwhelmed with the fact I had so much to do in so little time. It feels so crazy to be packing up for good. Knowing that I am packing up my room for good. It's kinda sad actually. I have to admit, I had a bit of a break down last night while all these thoughts were running through my head. This isn't just packing for school. This is packing up me....all the little knick-nacks. And moving away. This is going to begin a whole new chapter in my life. When I move out Saturday, I begin to live the life of an adult! Scary thought! Don't get me wrong, I am so incredibly excited for school. I'm looking forward to living with Mandy and being able to get out on my own. I am also really looking forward to my program, but I think it all just hit last night. Thankfully Rob was here, so I had someone to hug when I started getting overwhelmed and all teary. I think it's just alot to take in. A lot of different emotions involved in this transition.

So I have spent all day today, packing, cleaning out and getting rid of alot of stuff. I have been busy, but I feel like I accomplished alot. I still have a bit to go though. I am also feeling a little pressured about the job situation. As you know I applied to several places last week and have only heard back from one of them. And that one wasn't even to set up an interview at this point. I know I need to be patient, becuase it will happen, I just would like to have things all set up now! Please continue to pray for me as I patiently wait to hear about a potential job and as I continue to push through finishing up my room. Also just that I might not be so overwhelmed.

Thanks for everyone's support and love during this big change in my life!
Love you all! xoxox

My boys

I just thought this was really cute! I was in my room doing some stuff on my computer when Eddie curled up with Rob, I had to take a couple pictures! Aren't they so cute?!