Jer and Rie

Adventures with epilepsy...

2008-08-11T10:34:00.003-06:00

I spent Thursday night with Bryson at the Winnipeg Children's Hospital. As soon as we got to Jan's he had the biggest seizure that he has ever had since living with us. Actually...he's never had one like that before. I felt so totally helpless...Eventually after all the tests were done they determined that his medication needed to be increased. I will say though, I can't understand why some people would not put their children on epilepsy medication after seeing that. I can see how serious damage can be done. His vision and stomach didn't fully recover for a few hours.

After throwing up quite a bit and getting more medication and rest, he seems to be fine now but he isn't allowed to play video games for awhile and this is making him a little frustrated to say the least. This whole experience made me that much more appreciative of parents who have to deal with these kinds of things on a regular basis... What strength they must have.

Marie

So I'm employed...again

2008-04-21T14:00:00.002-06:00

I guess that I have more news. I also had an interview with SASK Justice for the position of Victim Witness Services Coordinator....and I got that one too! I've decided to take the Justice job because it is Monday to Friday (8 - 5pm) with every third Friday off and I don't have to work nights. It's pretty neat how everything has worked out. Really I would have been pleased with either.

I had the interview for Justice last week and I was interviewed by a Crown Prosecutor and a Senior Social Worker and I was sure I did horrible...but I guess not! YAY!

Will keep you all posted as time goes by! Thanks for all the prayers and support.

Marie

I'm employed!

2008-04-16T21:13:00.001-06:00

I got the job I interviewed for last week! Thank you everyone for your prayers. I have orientation next week. I'm so glad that I made this decision. More to come....

Rie

Trying not to dance around like a crazy person....

2008-04-10T11:09:00.002-06:00

This week I applied for my dream job basically as a crisis counsellor in the Women's shelter at the YWCA. Since I got involved in Social Work, I have always wanted to work there. The past two months have been tough and somewhat discouraging after quitting my job. However, after visiting my old co-workers on Tuesday I knew that I had made the right decision. I'm feeling a lot better physcially and emotionally and was ready to work at McDonald's if necessary (although this possibility didn't excite me...I'll be honest)

Today I got a call and I actually managed to get the interview for my dream job position! It's tomorrow at 11:30am. I'm trying to not put all of my eggs in the same basket because I know that even if I don't get to work there now, I'll try again someday and that something better will come along. At the same time though...I'm going freakin' crazy over here! Somehow even the possibility of such things brings me a new excitement and energy! YAY!

Rie

It's been a long time...

2008-03-11T23:17:00.003-06:00

I'm sure most of you who used to read this have long given up on us.

Our family has been having quite a few life changes recently. I decided to quit my job without a back-up, which was somewhat interesting. I'm realizing that I had a lot more faith right after quiting than I have right now in my fifth week of unemployment. I am trying to trust God that he will bring the right position to me.

I'm debating if I should go to my 10 year reunion... I want to see some people, but others I'm not excited about. I have so many difficult memories from that period in my life and I'm not sure I want to re-live them. Any thoughts anyone? Should you just bite the bullet and show up, or stay home and sulk...Sulking sounds good....

Also...this blog sucks and I think that I would like to set up my own web page that I control. Stay posted for the new address of this in the future. If I can tear Jer away from his homework to help me with this, I will.

Marie

Moving...

2007-06-26T15:33:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! Jer and I are moving this weekend. Bryson is going to the cabin with my brother and sister in law to see my parents and Jer and I are pretty much moving our place on our own. (Andrew is helping for a day...) If you're in town and can lend a hand, feel free to give us a call. Pizza and good times will be had by all afterwards. (And I'm sure you won't have to twist Jer's arm to play a bit of Xbox 360 on our new TV afterwards either)

Rie out

Crazy weekend...

2007-06-10T20:01:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a whirl wind of a weekend. On Thursday night Jer and I went to our real estate agent's office to open the offers for our house. There were 5! We ended up accepting an offer for 22,000 dollars over asking price! How crazy is that?! In July I will officially have no more student loans! Yay! Then, right after that we took off to Regina to meet my parents at the Holiday Inn so that we would be ready to go to my convocation ceremony the next day. After the ceremony (which was long... and hot in my gown) we had several family events/dinners and then we stayed another two nights after that. I went for breakfast with my Grandma, had fabulous indian food with my sister and husband, and saw my cousins play at a club in Regina. We went to the IMAX and we left this morning. When we got to Saskatoon we had birthday presents to buy and we had to meet Jer's family for supper.

Now...after all that I'm finally home... And this won't be home for much longer... Back to my new job tomorrow and a whole new week. All the best everyone. There's going to be a major party at our place before we leave so I'll keep you all posted.

Rie

As stated...

2007-06-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

Here's the link of our house listing on mls.ca

There's been lots of interest already. I had tons of messages on the phone today and couldn't come in and go to the bathroom because three cars were outside my house. Yikes!

Rie

Life transitions...

2007-06-03T11:11:00.000-06:00

What a weekend it has been... The for sale sign is officially on our lawn and the house goes up on the market tomorrow. The real estate agent says that we won't be home much this week because we aren't allowed to be present for viewings. We're debating sleeping at my Mom's for the week. If you need to reach us, it's probably best to call our cell phones.

I'm a bit sad about it and I found myself getting a bit teary as I saw him put the sign on the lawn. I have such fond memories of my past three years here. I do know that this is the right thing for us and for Bryson so it makes more sense. I will miss the relaxed nature of a smaller town though. (But I sure won't miss the gas money!) After our house is sold we'll have a final fire in our fire pit and invite everyone out for some kind of get together.

I seem to be experiencing transitions in my friendships too. It's weird... I know that as you grow older and go through different things you grow apart from certain people. I guess I never thought that would happen with certain people in my life. I'm wondering, should you just let it go or keep trying to preserve the friendship if you see this happening. I guess that it's good to be grateful for what you have had with people in the past and maybe that's where it ends... I don't know.

Anyway, I have to go back to cleaning this place to get it ready to go by tomorrow.

Rie

Employed!

2007-05-31T14:09:00.000-06:00

So finally after many years in school, I have a job. I start on Monday as a child protection social worker. It will be tough, but I know that this is where God wants me and I can rest in that. The wage is a very good one and means that Jer can pursue his education and I will have enough money to support us. Ironically, I am replacing someone who got a job over me at CPAS. I'm excited and nervous. I've missed the people that I worked with and I'm looking forward to spending time there, but I know the work is very hard. I'm going to have to get very good at finding relaxing activities.

Jer and I have decided to move to the city (although those of you who are on facebook will know this already...I'm addicted to facebook and contemplating deleting this blog altogether). We plan on paying off debts with the extra money made from our house and renting a place while Jer is in school. When he's finished, we'll be in a much better position to buy a home again. (With one decent and one high income). We hope to have a place this weekend... There are some good options.

Tango lessons with Helen and Matt has been fun. It sure kicked my butt yesterday. I realize that although I always love the effects of exercise, dancing is the only kind of exercise I enjoy while doing it.

So that's it from me. I'm off! Check up with me on facebook.

Rie

Third time is a charm...

2007-04-29T18:05:00.000-06:00

My friend Cara is getting married! (Congrats to Cara and Jamie) The date is set for September 22 and I will be a bridesmaid for a third time. Below is a picture of the dress that I've chosen to wear. Cara let me choose the style of dress, but it will be a police wedding so our dresses had to be claret red. I'm really excited about it and I had a ton of fun doing wedding things with her yesterday! Congrats Cara!

P.S. Ever since I updated to this new gmail blogger, every post says I am Jeremy. I'm just going to sign my name after the posts that I write until I make my own new blog.

Marie

The end is virtually here...

2007-04-17T21:35:00.000-06:00

I have five full days left of work to complete my BSW (Bachelor of Social Work). I can't believe how crazy these past few months have been, and I couldn't have done it without a few people (God and Jer...and Tam...thanks Tam) I'm glad to be done and I feel really pleased that I can now contribute what I've learned on the job. Speaking of jobs....

I GOT AN INTERVIEW AT CPAS (Client Patient Access Services - Saskatoon Health Region) An old prof. of mine put in a good word for me. The health region is a much better pay than where I am now and much less stress. Prayers are very much appreciated here. The interview is April 25 at 9am. I'm nervous, but excited at the same time. The plan is to build up seniority in the Health Region and then eventually work in the Addictions field. I'd like to get a job in that new treatment facility for youth that they are trying (and notice I say trying) to build near the Christian School. (I'm not going to comment on that whole scandal until I know I'll be rational...) I'm really hoping that I can get this job. Although, even an interview is more promising than what I had this morning... A whole lot of nothing.

I am excited. A big congrats goes out to Caroline as well for being finished. I know Law School is quite a bit more challenging that what I've been doing, so I'm super proud of her too! We all need to take a trip to the spa.

Below is a picture of where my convocation ceremony will take place. I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks to everyone who has been there for me over the past few years.

"Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated."
~Garry Trudeau

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles," 1992 (commonly misattributed to Nelson Mandela, 1994 inauguration speech)

Have a great spring and summer everyone!

Marie

A huge update is needed...

2007-03-06T22:21:00.000-06:00

So, it's official... I have only a month and a week until my practicum is finished and I start getting paid for my work. I don't officially convocate until June 8th 2007, but I will have completed everything anyway.

I've just finished looking for jobs on the internet and I'm not sure where I'll end up. I'm applying with the Saskatoon Health Region with CPAS - Client Patient Access Services and with Addictions Services. I'm also looking into applying at the John Howard Society as a youth mediation caseworker, a position at Red Willow Centre as a Youth Care Worker and an Acquired Brain Injury Community Support Worker through the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Of course I'll apply at my current practicum placement (Department of Community Resources - AKA "Social Services") as well. I'm getting a bit stressed just thinking about it.

One thing that has become clear through this search is that there are jobs for social workers in Saskatchewan. This is a comforting thought.

Anyway, I hope everyone is well. My apologies for being so reclusive. I can't believe all these years in University are almost over....(I must pinch myself... pinch, pinch)

In other news, Jeremy was accepted into the University of Saskatchewan College of Engineering with an instant scholarship! Yay for him and being so smart. I may have married a geek, but a geek is the only way to go. ;-) We're still waiting to hear about several other scholarships he has applied for. The plan is, if he gets 85% of the expenses covered, he's going. If God wants it to happen it will. Jeremy is quiting his job at Globe as of the end of June this year and plans to take the summer off to look after Bryson and garden. He's worked very hard the past few years and deserves a much needed break. (Hopefully I can bring home enough bacon for us to live on...)

That's the update from us... Love and miss all of you.

Marie

Party on!

2007-01-10T16:26:00.000-06:00

You know you want to watch it guys. Schwing!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-03T11:27:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas break and came home exhausted on New Year's eve. (We actually slept through the countdown...how pathetic is that? I'm definetly aging rapidly...) Upon later reflection, we wished we would have gone to Helen's place and seen everyone. I'm sorry we missed you guys. There's always next year...

Fairmont and area was beautiful! I will post pictures very soon. It was nice to see Lo while we were in Calgary. Some catching up was definetly needed!

The countdown is on... I am officially no longer a student in 107 days. Caro...I hope you are still planning on going to the spa! I'm sure going to need it. (In fact, I'm sure we both will.)

In other news... I totally screwed up our blog. I did some weird update and now Jer can't properly post. I think we are both thinking of starting up our own blogs as well as a couply one, but I'm not sure. Keep posted. It should happen in the next few weeks.

Lastly, as many of you as possible, try and keep this Saturday the 6th free. Jer and I are going to have a Wayne's world watching party with games, snacks, and the like. We're going to try and borrow my Dad's projector and screen. I'll send an email out with times, otherwise feel free to comment and we'll give you the details.

That's all the tidbits from me.

What I'm up to...

2006-12-22T09:30:00.002-06:00

Shopping and Christmas stuff has been crazy. I'm still not done shopping and we celebrate our first family Christmas in 2 days! Yikes

Anyway, Jer and I are headed to Fairmont B. C. (picture above) via Calgary with my family. We leave on the 26th and we will be back New Year's Eve day. I'm very excited about it. It all hit home when Jer took out his snowboard yesterday. Prayers are appreciated driving through the mountains though.

When we get back I'll be spending my last few months as a student at Child and Family Services in the Child Protection area. (Prayers are appreciated there too.)

We both wish you all the most wonderful Christmas. May God richly bless all of you in this time.

I got two packages in the mail today!

2006-12-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

The first package was from my good friends Claire and Julie and their family from Belfast, N. Ireland. They sent me seasons 1, 2, & 3 of the best show ever created...Father Ted. I need to have a movie night at my place I think... It's SO funny!

The second package contained a movie I ordered about Enron. It sounds really good and got excellent reviews. I'll let you all know how it was.

The Most Obnoxious Thing You've Heard in a While

2006-12-03T14:02:00.000-06:00

Inbred

This is what happens when you let Matt and I loose with Garageband.

Sometimes other people speak what's on my mind

2006-12-01T20:25:00.000-06:00

"Personally I'm in favor of democracy, which means that the central institutions in the society have to be under popular control. Now, under capitalism we can't have democracy by definition. Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are in principle under autocratic control. Thus, a corporation or an industry is, if we were to think of it in political terms, fascist; that is, it has tight control at the top and strict obedience has to be established at every level -- there's a little bargaining, a little give and take, but the line of authority is perfectly straightforward. Just as I'm opposed to political fascism, I'm opposed to economic fascism. I think that until major institutions of society are under the popular control of participants and communities, it's pointless to talk about democracy."

Silly Marie...

2006-11-29T11:01:00.000-06:00

(Firstly, please excuse the spelling and grammar issues in this post)

Bryson and I are already late getting him to school. I'm wearing my workout pants that are too long with a lime green stripe down the side, no makeup (a lot of zits), and I think 'It's not like I'm going to see anyone...' We get into the car (which is in the garage) and I figure 'If I pull out fast enough, I won't get stuck'. So, I floor it, and what happens? I get stuck, really stuck.

So...picture this, me in my lime green striped yoga pants, zits all over the place, hair greasy and fro like, trying to dig my car out of my driveway with a car window scraper. Who should pull up?

TA DA! FATHER-IN-LAW (with his big truck) to the rescue! He just happened to be driving by. (Maybe he is a super hero...intuition and all that) He tried to dig me out for the longest time and I couldn't get out so he let me drive Bryson to school in his truck (which was a lot nicer to drive in the snow than my car). By the time I got back, he had shovelled out my car and put it back into the garage for me and shovelled snow out of the driveway so that I wouldn't get stuck the next time I drove out. What a great guy (Did I mention he has a truck)

I've been teasing him about being a 'redneck' but maybe a redneck isn't so bad after all.

When it is all said and done, I'm thankful today for people who help out daughter-in-laws who are challenged in regards to winter driving. Thanks Dad.

This is so true to me that it's scary!

2006-11-23T00:56:00.000-06:00

You Are a Chimera

You are very outgoing and well connected to many people.
Incredibly devoted to your family and friends, you find purpose in nurturing others.
You are rarely alone, and you do best in the company of others.
You are incredibly expressive, and people are sometimes overwhelmed by your strong emotions.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

P.S. Could I be any more distracted? (A paper must be due tomorrow...)

I thrive on this...

2006-11-22T23:16:00.000-06:00

I'm pulling an all nighter tonight... I have a huge case assessment paper due tomorrow. For some reason I seem to work best under pressure. (I'm sure as I get older, this will change... I already can't stay up as late as I used to be able to)

I am 2 weeks away from being finished with University classes all together! (That is until I pursue my master's degree...if that is what I choose to do) It's kind of a surreal feeling. This last term has been so tough and has stretched me, but I don't think I've every enjoyed University as much as I have these past three months. I'm going to miss the people that I worked with in my mini-practicum. I'm going to miss my fellow social work students. As challenging as it has been to survive in this area, I feel very blessed. I've made some very good (lifelong) friends. I feel hopeful... As difficult as it can be to work in the area of social welfare, I have confidence in my peers and their dedication to making this world a better place.

These 6 years have been long...and now it is finally time to go out on my own. No assignment or papers to hide behind... I'll be a 'professional' soon. (April 20th is not far away!)

"I fall, I stand still… I trudge on. I gain a little… I get more eager and climb higher and begin to see the widening horizon. Every struggle is a victory."
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."

Hellen Keller (1880-1968)

Isaiah 10: 1-4

2006-11-08T10:44:00.000-06:00

Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,

to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people,
making widows their prey
and robbing the fatherless.

What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?

Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.

Walmart: the high cost of low prices

2006-11-08T10:37:00.000-06:00

I've heard that this documentary is a very good one. I haven't seen it, but I'd like to. (If anyone would like to join me) Whether you agree or not, we need to ask the tough questions people...

Lack of sleep...

2006-11-01T15:57:00.000-06:00

Three papers, one presentation, and a big mid-term exam all in one week.

Let's just say I'm living off of this stuff:

Once you get past the cough syrup like taste in the first sip (very sweet!) it's not too bad. Although, I don't feel super energetic... yet.

P.S. Thanks to Al's Marie for finding this pandora thing. It's proving to be quite distracting, which could be good...eventually.

It's Halloween

2006-10-31T17:40:00.000-06:00

Why not show off my pumpkin?

OK, Chew on This Then

2006-10-26T18:44:00.000-06:00

"God has been made into a distinct, separate entity to which we must offer worship, humor, and please-all in the hopes to get a reward at the end of life. This is not what God is. That is blasphemy."

"The height of arrogance is the height of control of those who create God in their own image."

Those are both quotes from a VERY interesting movie on quantum physics called "What the Bleep Do We Know?!" This is a quote from the Word of God (in the form in which it is perceived by our feeble human minds):

"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Dang...

We live in a time where scientists are beginning to find the real essence of the almighty God who created them, as the Church continues to hold up the ideas of God she has created for herself.

One of My New Favorite Quotes

2006-10-25T08:01:00.000-06:00

Funny, I heard it first on a top 40 radio station. Shudder.

Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. - Plato

Our Personalities

2006-10-16T13:40:00.000-06:00

Marie


Neuroticism	66
Extraversion	87
Openness To Experience	60
Agreeableness	79
Conscientiousness	21

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report
Find your soulmate / pysch twin

MySpace Layouts, MySpace Layout Generator and Shearling Coats by Pulseware Survey Software

Jeremy


Neuroticism	43
Extraversion	74
Openness To Experience	80
Agreeableness	75
Conscientiousness	86

Test Yourself Compare Yourself View Full Report
Find your soulmate / pysch twin

MySpace Layouts, MySpace Editor and MySpace Surveys by Pulseware Survey Software

Lesson...

2006-10-16T13:09:00.000-06:00

"...Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, Blessed by Your name.... You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord, Blessed be Your name." - Matt and Beth Redman

God is good, even in the dark valleys of life. A difficult event this weekend reminded me that God can use what is meant for evil for good. In our weakness, he is our strength. Lord, Blessed be Your name.

On a Whim

2006-10-04T22:37:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the best music I buy is the stuff I'd never heard of until I was standing in the music store. I picked up Kasabian's "Empire" today and I must say I am very, very impressed. Probably somebody I should have heard by now but, I've been living under a musical rock for a long time now. Satellite radio is changing that for me. Anyhow... if you've ever wondered what would happen if The Chemical Brothers and Sloan put out an album together, that's pretty much how I'd describe this one. Oh and on a somewhat related note, my new iMac and iTunes 7 are rocking my world right now.

Today was a rough day...

2006-09-28T20:17:00.000-06:00

and instead of comforting myself with cheesecake, I did something else.

I decided to read children's books to myself. Sounds weird I know, (and Jer sure thought it was) but it really helped. Do any of you remember the little critter books by Mercer Mayer? I found this collection at the University bookstore for just over 10 dollars for the collection. Apparently it is the 30th anniversary. Why is it that books written for children speak a lot of sense into an adult world sometimes? Funny... And we think we are the mature ones.

Tough spot...

2006-09-27T20:52:00.000-06:00

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you are always judged? I'm really feeling this way at the moment. Whether it be through my personal appearance, intellect, professional manner, faith, etc. I need to learn to cope with the anxiety that comes from the above realizaton in a healthy way. I need to remember that I'm good enough, despite what anyone else thinks. (No matter how close they are to me.)

Wisdom from the 4th Century

2006-09-11T09:27:00.000-06:00

"A servant, indeed, one will be able perhaps to bind down by fear; nay, not even for him, for he will soon leave you. But the partner of one's life, the mother of one's children, the foundation of one's every joy, one ought never to chain down by fear and threats, but with love and good temper. For what sort of union is that, where the wife trembles at her husband? And what sort of pleasure will the husband have if he dwells with his wife as with a slave? Yea, even though you suffer everything on her account, do not scold her; for neither did Christ do this to the Church."

Saint John Chrysostom (347 - 407)

A very expensive (but wonderful) day...

2006-08-30T00:29:00.000-06:00

I decided that I'm going to get back into music... It's been far too long. I've been getting into writing once again after a long absence.

The result?

Jer and I went and bought a whole lot of recording equipment today. I'm very pumped! (But my pocketbook is hurting a bit.)

We bought:

- M-Audio Fast Track Pro (4 x 4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Preamps)
(along with software)
- Apex - SP1 Studio condenser microphone package
- AKG Acoustics K 66 Natural Sound Digital Stereo Headphones
- Mic stand, cables, and clips.

Now I really have no excuse.

No wonder I like Jeff Buckley...

2006-08-30T00:28:00.000-06:00

Take the quiz:
Which Dead Rock Star Are You?

Jeff Buckley
You are Jeff Buckley! You're influential to many young and old, and very talented. You have charisma and grace that sets you a part from many. You are beautiful! Oh, he died in 1997 from a drug-induced drowning in the Mississippi River.

Quizzes by myYearbook.com -- the World's Biggest Yearbook!

Courtesy of Crys' blog...

2006-08-22T09:31:00.000-06:00

You Are Most Like Charlotte!

You are the ultimate romantic idealist
You've been hurt before, but that hasn't caused you to give up on love.
If anything, your resolve to fall in love is stronger than ever.
And it's this feminine optimism that men find most appealing about you.

Romantic prediction: That guy you are seeing (or crushing on)?

Could be very serious - if you play your cards right!

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

This quiz courtesy of Helen's blog...

2006-08-17T15:42:00.000-06:00

that is, the Helen who is the most fantastic hairdresser I've ever had! I love my hair girl! You are a genius!

Anyway, yeah...obviously I got my hair done by Helen. I will post a picture soon, (as soon as I find that stupid chord).

With my new hair, I think I'd fit well in London....I've always loved the city too...

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

I am perplexed...

2006-08-07T22:17:00.000-06:00

I always thought that it was better to be honest with people, than to tell them exactly what they want to hear all of the time.

Should you be forced to agree with something that you absolutely do not agree with just because a friend is doing it? Isn't lying about it worse?

I always thought it was more important to be honest with the people you love rather than sustain their egos. The past few years have proven to me that the majority of people just want you to tell them what they want to hear, and not your honest opinion.

I'm not saying that you should go around sticking your nose into things...but if you love someone and they ask your opinion, you'd think that they actually want a truthful answer. I guess I know nothing.

(that's my silly little vent for today....)

Home Reno's

2006-08-05T14:39:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone. My apologies for the absence. Jeremy and I (and several other wonderful family members) have been renovating our house for the last week and a bit. We've been living at my parents house for the duration.

So far, the bathroom, office, and master bedroom all have new paint. The office and master bedroom have new berber carpeting. All of the doors have been painted, and Jeremy replaced and installed closet doors in the master bedroom and privacy blinds in the master bedroom and the office. (A lot of this occurred due to my husband's crazy work ethic....he just doesn't stop!)

Sometime in the next few weeks we will be replacing all of the shingles on our roof and venting our bathroom fan outside of the house.

The goal? To put our house on the market and see what we might be able to get for it. (Although...we are starting to really love it now...) I'll post some pictures as soon as I can to illustrate the transformation.

Things I've learned:

1. Bathroom walls can be made out of pannel board (as ridiculous as it seems)

2. There is someone in Jeremy's family that can do just about anything. (thanks Andrew and Mom H)

3. I need a lot of practice with paint rollers.

4. My parents air conditioner is amazing!

And finally...

5. My husband is superman....and he cooks too!

Taken from Sally...

2006-08-05T14:37:00.000-06:00

Pure Nerd
65 % Nerd, 26% Geek, 17% Dork

For The Record:

A Nerd is someone who is passionate about learning/being smart/academia.

A Geek is someone who is passionate about some particular area or subject, often an obscure or difficult one.

A Dork is someone who has difficulty with common social expectations/interactions.

You scored better than half in Nerd, earning you the title of: Pure Nerd.

The times, they are a-changing. It used to be that being exceptionally smart led to being unpopular, which would ultimately lead to picking up all of the traits and tendences associated with the "dork." No-longer. Being smart isn't as socially crippling as it once was, and even more so as you get older: eventually being a Pure Nerd will likely be replaced with the following label: Purely Successful.

Congratulations!

Also, you might want to check out some of my other tests if you're interested in any of the following:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Professional Wrestling

Love & Sexuality

America/Politics

Thanks Again! -- THE NERD? GEEK? OR DORK? TEST

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 59% on nerdiness
You scored higher than 33% on geekosity
You scored higher than 15% on dork points

Link: The Nerd? Geek? or Dork? Test written by donathos on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Quote of the Day (with help from Matt's blog)

2006-08-04T07:41:00.000-06:00

"Too many of us dissipate our energy by being 'for all good causes,' attending meetings and passing resolutions, organizing and presenting petitions — all this effort to change others, when if we really got down to it we could use this energy to change ourselves…" - Ammon Hennacy

Only four more days...

2006-07-12T12:58:00.000-06:00

The above picture is from Lac La Ronge Saskatchewan. I'm going to spend a few days up there with my parents after I drop Bryson off at Christopher lake for camp. We leave Sunday and I just can't wait. It's so increadibly beautiful up there. Whoever said Saskatchewan was all flat and dull didn't know the real Saskatchewan.

I can't wait to have a break from the schedules and the chaos... Oh, to spend some quality time in God's beautiful creation. (Even thinking about it makes me relaxed)

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."
- Anne Frank

A must read...

2006-06-21T14:03:00.000-06:00

This book is truly amazing. It is a really accurate representation of what is happening in our cultural climate today. I found out about it through University, but I'm reading it on a personal basis now. Here are some quotes from it:

"Sexiness is no longer just about being arousing or alluring, it's about being worthwhile...Hotness has become our cultural currency, and a lot of people spend a lot of time and a lot of regular, green currency trying to acquire it." (Levy, 2005, p. 31)

"It is true that women are catching up with men in the historically masculine department of sexual opportunism; trying to get the best and the most for ourselves in that arena as we are everywhere else. But it's not true that men parade around in their skivvies as a means to attaining power, at least not men in mainstream heterosexual American culture - they don't have to." (Levy, 2005, p. 32).

"Between 1992 and 2004, breast augmentation procedures in this country went from 32,607 a year to 264,041 a year - that's an increase of more than 700 percent." (Levy, 2005, p. 22).

Something is wrong here people... Why can't we just love ourselves as we are?

Courtesy of Tam's blog

2006-06-15T17:49:00.000-06:00

Accent: Canadian
Chore I Hate: laundry & taking out the garbage
Dog or Cat: Dog for sure
Essential Electronics: computer, and mp3 player, although...I guess no electronics are truly 'essential'
Favorite Cologne: Eternity by Calvin Klein
Gold or Silver: White Gold or silver
Hometown: Regina / Saskatoon
Insomnia: Mostly around paper time...
Job Title: Professional student / therapeutic foster mother
Kids: 1 boy (11 years old)
Living arrangements: With husband and foster son in 3 bedroom (very small) house
Most admirable trait: Ummm.....no idea really... I like to think that I really care about people, but I'm not always good at that one.
Overnight hospital stays: Probably about a week total over the years.
Phobias: Spiders (somewhat) and vermin of all sorts. I used to be afraid of bats until LaRonge.
Quote: 'Music is a higher revelation than widom and philosophy' -Beethoven
Religion: Christian (Veering towards Orthodox Christianity)
Siblings: 1 sister, 1 brother, 1 sister in law, and one brother in law.
Time I wake up: Whenever Bryson does. (Usually early)
Unusual talent or skill: No idea...
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Beats
Worst habit: biting my nails, and eating when I'm bored rather than hungry.
X-rays: abdomen, chest, head, neck, ankle, and knee.
Yummy foods I make: Me...cook? You've got to be kidding! (But I guess I can make pretty good pie)
Zodiac sign: Cancer

My latest obsession...

2006-06-15T15:58:00.000-06:00

no sugar, no caffeine, no sodium, and no aspertame (sweetened with Splenda) It's really good and I highly recommend it for you diet drinkers out there. (You can get it at Sobeys)

Ways to procrastinate...

2006-06-08T16:52:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of Mark's blog...

Turn your mp3 player on shuffle and use the song titles to answer the following questions:

How am I feeling today?
Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus)
please...please don’t make fun

Will I get far in life?
Cannonball (Damien Rice)

How do my friends see me?
You’re beautiful (James Blunt)
....so not sure at all about this one...it sounds like I planned it...I really didn’t (and please don’t make too much fun of the James Blunt thing)

When will I get Married?
Babylon (David Gray)

What's my best friend's theme song?
Love will come through (Travis)

What is the story of my life?
Steal my kisses (Ben Harper)
HA....how true!

What is/was highschool like?
High and Dry (Radiohead)
Wow! Another one that’s true.

How can I get ahead in life?
Loose Yourself (Eminem)

What is the best thing about me?
Striptease (Hawksley Workman)
I’m laughing my butt off at this one...rated 14A

How is today going to be?
Climbing up the walls (Radiohead)

What is in store for this weekend?
Opportunity (Pete Murray)

What song describes my parents?
Rebellion - Lies (The Arcade Fire)
I’m laughing my butt off once again...

What song descirbes my grandparents?
I wanna be adored (The Stone Roses)

How is my life going?
Just (You do it to yourself) -(Radiohead)
(There’s a little too much truth in this one)

What song will they play at my funeral?
Paranoid Andriod (Radiohead)
This one is VERY true....and my iPod seems to be loving Radiohead...I think I’ve hit all the songs...

How does the world see me?
Yellow (Cold Play)
I sure hope not...I mean I’ve been sick but...

Will I have a happy life?
Take it off (The Donnas)

What song describes my relationships with my friends?
My Old Self (Wide Mouth Mason)

What song describes my romantic status?
Bullet with Butterfly Wings (Smashing Pumpkins)

This was really fun! Compliments to Mark!

Breaking point...

2006-06-07T11:24:00.000-06:00

Painting titled 'Frustration' by Anan Thathamma courtesy of www.anans-art.com

I've been sick a lot lately, and my husband suggested to me that it may be due to stress. I never paid any attention to that, until today. I was bringing Bryson to a doctor's appointment and after we got back while I was packing his lunch for school he had an episode. After I dropped him off at school I started to feel sick to my stomach again.

I love this child with my whole heart and soul. Quitting on him is just not an option. But I'm tired. (and I just came back from two and a half weeks of holidays) I think of how selfish I was when I was on my own. Everything bothered me and I complained so much. Now, when I'm dealing with so much more, complaining isn't something that you can do. You just have to deal with things. It's not just about you anymore. You're forced to put others before yourself.

At the same time though, I do miss having 'my' time. I miss friends and having the opportunity to not be the parent of a child dealing with things that he shouldn't have to deal with in his young years.

There is a real shift in priorities.

As tiring as it is, it makes you realize what's really important. There's a freedom in dying to self. I thank God for opening my eyes and forcing me to look outside of my wants and needs. Mostly, I thank God for giving me the strength to do this...for giving me the ability to do more and enrich the life of someone else.

I just need to remind myself that it isn't about what I can do alone, but what I can do with the Lord's help.

I love shopping...

2006-06-03T14:50:00.000-06:00

I really do. A little too much. I bought a skirt, sandals, and four tank tops for a very good price.

I'm bored...I have nothing to say lately. Other than, Social Work education is frustrating.

(Mainly, I just wanted a new post so that people didn't see a Brazilian butt everytime they come to my blog...I guess I could remove the post) Oh well...

Home!

2006-05-28T08:32:00.000-06:00

It was so great to have been overseas. Not only is the place beautiful, but the people are amazing. I forgot how much I missed everything. Jeremy seems to have fallen in love with it too, which is awesome!

Here are some more pictures:

Goings on

2006-05-24T06:34:00.000-06:00

We leave tomorrow morning for Canada. Yesterday was our two year marriage anniversary and I spent the day sick in bed and Jer spent the day looking after me and reading. (That's true dedication) It's good to be feeling a little better now. Jeremy toured the Engineering department at Queens University today. I think he enjoyed it very much. I spent the morning watching the father Ted DVD that I bought. (So funny...)

So we arrive home at 10:25pm Saskatoon time on Thursday. It has been a wonderful few weeks. Once we're home we'll post more pictures. Internet access here has been limited and it's hard to post pictures when you only have dial-up internet.

Rie out

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

2006-05-18T12:37:00.000-06:00

In Ireland,
sitting in a pub,
drinking a Guinness,
(perfectly poured I might add),
Radiohead playing in the background,
waiting for my bangers and mash. (Westport, Co. Mayo)

That said, Ireland really is a beautiful place, here are just a few of the things we've seen:

The Slieve League - Co. Donegal

The Glen Gesh Pass - Co. Donegal

Parke's Castle - Co. Leitrim

Some Pics From Northern Ireland

2006-05-12T10:49:00.000-06:00

Giant's Causeway

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

We're here!

2006-05-10T08:58:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!

It's been a lovely few days here in Belfast. We arrived on Monday at 2:40pm Belfast time. (after a 17 and a half hours!)

So far Jeremy seems to be loving it here. We did a lot of shopping today and we bought Jeremy a new suit, tie, shirt, and dress shoes. He looks HOT! I forgot how much better people dress over here. The suits are deinetly a lot nicer. (and quite good for price)

We went to a little seaside town called Newcastle yesterday and tomorrow we are going to the Antrim Coast to Giant's Causeway and various sites.

We've been staying with my N. Irish parents (Sam and Sallie) and they are takig good care of us. (and spoilin us rotten) I think that Jeremy finally has a handle on the accent. (He's starting to sound N. Irish himself!)

So far we don't miss B too terribly much. (Ok...maye a wee bit)

We will post pictures shortly.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2006-05-07T08:12:00.000-06:00

'All our bags are packed. We're ready to go...'

We are on our way today. I cannot wait! Still, it doesn't seem like we are actually going yet. Maybe when we get to the airport it will feel more real.

Jer and I will be updating our blog while we are there, so feel free to check in to see what we are up to.

Bryson came out of his room last night covered in puke (which filled me with worry, as usual). This morning he was feeling better, but he said to me: "Mom...I'm still sick. You can't go to Ireland. If you and Dad go, who will clean up my throw up?" I thought that was cute.

Anyway, goodbye for a little bit everyone (and hello to some of you soon!).

Almost on our way...

2006-05-02T09:03:00.000-06:00

It's 5 days until we leave and there is so much to do! And yet, I've spent hours working on a UK music mix for Jer and I to listen to on the way and while we are there.

Does anyone have any suggestions? (Lo...I'm looking in your direction) The obvious ones are included: i.e. Radiohead, Blur, Coldplay, David Gray, Travis, etc.

I still can't believe this is happening and that I get to share the place I love with the man that I love. Sweet deal.

As for all you N. Irish folk...look out! You have a couple crazy Canadians coming your way. (Or at least one crazy Canadian and her subdued husband)

Tim and Robin's big day

2006-04-29T09:43:00.000-06:00

Congrats you two! We wish you every blessing in your new life together.

12 days!

2006-04-25T19:35:00.000-06:00

Good ways to waste time...

2006-04-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

Rie's results:

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Jer's results:

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

18 days!!!

2006-04-20T20:03:00.000-06:00

New Links

2006-04-13T12:05:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our links Amy, Helen, Robin, and Shannon! My apologies for not adding you sooner ladies.

I'm sure everyone reads their blogs anyway, but if you haven't you definetly should now. These four are some of my favourite blog reads.

Rie out.

Courtesy of Amy and Robin's blogs...

2006-04-13T09:27:00.000-06:00

Your 2005 Song Is

Beverly Hills by Weezer

"My automobile is a piece of crap
My fashion sense is a little whack
And my friends are just as screwy as me"

You breezed through 2005 in your own funky style!

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

You Are a Powdered Devil's Food Donut

A total sweetheart on the outside, you love to fool people with your innocent image.
On the inside you're a little darker, richer, and more complex.
You're a hedonist who demands more than one pleasure at a time.
Decadent and daring, you test the limits of human indulgence.

What Donut Are You?

Cain and Abel

2006-03-31T07:54:00.000-06:00

I had an interesting thought during my Bible reading today. I have always wondered why God did not accept Cain's offering but I think I may just have a different theory now. God says, shortly after he rejects Cain's offering but before Abel is murdered, "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." I think now that God chose not to accept Cain's offering in order to test him and in turn make him stronger for resisting sin's temptation. It had nothing to do with the quality of the offering. This just proves to me once again how mysterious the ways of God are to us humans.

41 days and counting...

2006-03-26T23:49:00.000-06:00

until jer and I leave for overseas!

I can't wait! I miss the people and the place so very much and I can't wait to share it with my honey. We're possibly going to be taking a short trip to Scotland while we are there. Awesome! I've posted some pics of where we may possibly stay and visit if we do decide to go with the bus tour.

And finally...here's a great picture of my former place of residence:

It's closer than it seems...

2006-03-23T11:13:00.000-06:00

This morning I registered for my last semester of University classes (my major practicum happens after the fall term...I'll be done in 2007). I can't believe that I have a year left. I feel like my job has been to be a student (I could almost be a doctor by now...Caroline understands!). Now I have to decide what on earth I'm going to do with my life... Mmmmm.... I thought I would know. Social Work isn't specific enough.

Now I need to decide what area of social work...There's so many (far more than child protection)... HELP!

Ah well...I'm sure everything will work out for the best. God is in control (and maybe he'll find me one of the coveted jobs in the Saskatoon Health Region...fingers crossed). At least Jer will get to go to University after waiting all this time for me to be done.

In other news...I'm really into my old music lately. Like...all the classics, Hendrix, Dylan, Pink Floyd, and many others which I will not mention in fear of being made fun of. I'm happy to have eclectic tastes. I think that another music quiz is in order soon.

There's lots more in this head that's brewing...I will discuss it at a later time when I can make it less boring. ;-)

Courtesy of Lo's blog

2006-03-19T19:03:00.000-06:00

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional
Those who like you crave security

What Kind of Pie Are You?

Interesting evening...

2006-03-06T12:33:00.000-06:00

I had planned to watch the Oscars last night, but I ended up in the emergency room of RUH. I'm sitting here now in a neck brace and I can't take it off until they tell me if I broke a bone in my neck or not. Does anyone have any tips on how to sleep/rest in a neck brace? I'm having trouble with that one. ;-)

As much as it hurts...It's a really funny story...

I slipped on the floor that Jer just polished the day before and hit my head really hard on the door frame on the way down. I couldn't move for awhile. Bryson came in from playing outside in the snow with jer to find me on the floor. He was very concerned at first. However, we just bought him a camera and he's been taking pictures...he decided to take a picture of me crying on the floor in pain and then recited afterwards, "That's one for the family album!" Funny kid. It made the pain more bearable because it was so hilarious. I love that kid.

Rie out

P.S. Thanks to my little sis for coming out and helping me put my socks on and get my kid to school today. You rock!

Contentment

2006-02-20T13:15:00.000-06:00

I love my husband, my child, my life, and everything else that goes along with it. I'm thankful to be in this moment.

My Nop

2006-02-13T00:15:00.000-06:00

My dog died tonight. She started having seizures back to back and then couldn't walk. When my parents got her to the vet hospital, she was really out of it. They had to put her down.

I'm shocked at how much I am shaken up over this. She was mostly my Dad's dog. He's pretty upset. As silly as this sounds...you could be praying for the MacKays... We love our dogs almost (but not quite) to the level of people.

You'll be missed sweetie. If I ever have a dog half as wonderful as you, I'll be lucky. (sniff...)

P.S. At least we don't have to worry about her escaping anymore. ;-)

Exciting News!

2006-01-30T21:38:00.000-06:00

I know I said I was avoiding blogs for awhile, but I just can't help myself...

Jeremy and I are going to N. Ireland for a visit. We found a great flight deal and we actually have the money for it! I can't believe it's actually happening... I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!

-------------------------

In other news...for the next few days I'm attending the Moving Forward 2006 conference at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon. So far, it's been amazing. (Despite being one of four students out of 300 professional people...intimidating...but still amazing.)

Oh Maurice, When Will We Learn?

2006-01-18T16:33:00.000-06:00

I was driving home today minding my own business when I saw about 4 large blue and white conservative signs just outside of the Mall at Lawson Heights. Wow, I thought to myself, I thought that only Saskatoon's current mayor was crazy enough to do that (he currently holds the title of Canada's Craziest Mayor ) let alone my own Member of Parliament. The lights from the police cruisers that I saw were not alarming at first, as I thought they were making a valiant effort to thwart Maurice Vellacott's attemp to cause traffic accidents. I was wrong though, the police cruisers were in fact dealing with the aftermath of Maurice's victorious attempt to cause an accident. I'm serious here people, the accident was not even 5 metres from where Maurice himself was standing. I think that this man should be paying us to be our Member of Parliament because, party loyalties aside, he really is a moron. If you are not yet convinced, I invite you to explore this website which I found quite enlightening… disappointing… depressing… any one of those will do.

From the darkness...

2006-01-16T09:42:00.000-06:00

into His glorious light.

Yesterday was a day unlike most that I've experienced. We went to my brother's baptism and then to their church after with my family. God got my attention and I'm so glad he did. He had some words through people for Jeremy and I that people who didn't know us could not possibly have known, but I will test them. At the end of the service, I found myself weeping uncontrollably at the altar. 'This is my turning point' All this time God has been there...How did I forget that?

I finally feel like I am breathing fresh air. I know what I have to do and there are no excuses anymore. I'm taking a much needed break from this blog world to focus on what's really important.

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Stranded

2006-01-11T20:50:00.000-06:00

Ah yes...I am stranded in Regina. Fog, snow, and freezing rain are not a good mix. Although I miss my hubby and son, it isn't too bad. I'm enjoying being at my cousins place. They are great people.

The reason I'm here at all is because I have to commute weekly to Regina for a class. (Let's hope the weather isn't this bad every week) It seems like it will be a great class though. I'm excited about it.

I've taken a few pictures of my new campus (i.e. University of Regina) It's much smaller than the U of S, but I think I like it a lot more. (And the parking on campus here is a lot easier!) I'll post them as soon as I get back to Saskatoon.

Post-Christmas update

2005-12-30T09:51:00.000-06:00

I trust that you all had a good Christmas. Ours was good...busy...but good. I'm exhausted. Christmas is so much more complicated as a parent....Sorry Mom and Dad for making it difficult for you! (I'm convinced that I'm going to spend the rest of my life apologizing to my parents for my childhood and teenage years)

Bryson seemed to have fun though. He slept a lot less and this was somewhat problematic. However, I think that we're dealing with it now. I'm not sure if he ever had a Christmas like that before anyway. He's kind of spoiled by us and our families. Mom and Dad are going to look after him for New Year's so that Jer and I can have people over. It should be good. We haven't been able to do that for a long time.

I get so nostalgic at this time of year. I've been thinking about past New Year's celebrations and it has been interesting. Also interesting to think of all the resolutions that I've made that haven't stuck. Why do we need New Year's for resolutions anyway? I've never understood that.

Election 2006

2005-12-22T10:43:00.000-06:00

I see a lot of people putting info on their blogs about the coming election and I found a resource myself that seems extremely unbiased (which is strange) and very informative.

Click Here

That's a relief...

2005-12-22T00:29:00.000-06:00

Apparently I'm not as dim as I had once thought. All of my marks are now posted and it turns out that I've done quite well. This comes as a surprise considering I've been a full-time parent at the same time. (It was a little hairy for awhile there!) It's all God though... (and a very understanding husband)

Mom bought Jer and I a feather top cover for our bed. It's AMAZING! I haven't slept so well in years. 'Where have you been all my life featherbed?' I feel like singing love songs to it....that's how amazing it is. 'You are so beautiful to me (featherbed top)' Thanks Mom!

Trying to decide how (or if) I should present my political views in this coming election. (Probably won't because it usually makes people mad) Jer and I want to put a sign on our lawn... but I'm afraid of the ramifications of doing so.... He doesn't seem to care... Decisions, decisions...

Working through Christmas preparations... I think Jer and I went a little nuts in terms of presents for Bryson. This is my first time doing this... Christmas is such a wonderful time for me. I managed to stay away from the super Walmart (with the exception of one time). My family is so crazy when we get together. (I plan on posting some pics.) This is a time when I really thank God for my family (those who are alive and who have left us). But most importantly, for giving me life through the precious gift and sacrifice of his son. Blessings to all of you in this season.

(music = Paranoid Android - Radiohead)

Edmonton

2005-12-20T07:38:00.000-06:00

So...Jer and I got back on Sunday from our trip to Edmonton. It was really good. In some ways I wish it was longer...but we would have run out of money then. Here are some pictures...

Ugh!

2005-12-06T15:35:00.000-06:00

Do any of you ever feel phased out? I'm just thinking back to how many things have changed in my life and I wonder if I just appear unappealing to be around because I have responsibilities. I miss the people I used to be close to.

I guess that I'm jealous to some extent. I need to deal with that....I can't believe I'm even wasting the time to post this. (A paper must be due.) ;-)

Thanks to Caro and Mel...

2005-12-02T19:18:00.000-06:00

I've posted some new pictures on our flickr site, but here are three of my favourites...

Weigh in day

2005-12-02T18:00:00.000-06:00

I'm 18 pounds lighter than I was at the end of September. Woo hoo! I'm on the road to getting healthy...the long road full of temptations (like chocolate).

In other news...does anyone know how you post pictures from your digital camera through your blog posts instead of just using flickr? I haven't mastered this technology yet. I have some really good ones that I want to share with you guys.

Rie out.

Random things going on...

2005-11-30T13:03:00.000-06:00

My camera arrived on Monday and Jer and I have been playing with it ever since. I'll try and get some pictures up soon. Yay!

I've now lost 18 inches of flab from my body. Woo hoo! All this watching it is starting to pay off. I don't see it yet, but the measuring doesn't lie. I weigh in on Friday to see what the total is to date. I'm aiming to get my 10% weight lost by Christmas. (Hopefully not to put it on again in those few weeks) It sure is hard, but God seems to be giving me the strength to carry on.

If people could be praying for my Dad...His company is cutting back a lot of jobs because of this Vioxx scandal that happened. There's a good chance that he'll have to transfer to another city even if he doesn't loose his job. He'll know by the end of next week anyway... God knows what he's doing regardless. As usual, my parents are trusting God and are such strong people through him.

I'm almost done classes. Monday will be my last class until January. After that I have a final on the following Saturday and a project to hand in and then I get to chill out. Jer and got someone to do respite for us the weekend before Christmas so that's great news! We booked 2 nights at the Westin in Edmonton and we might hit the mall (very, very early in the morning so it's not too busy). I can't wait to sleep in that bed!

Today is a day for alternating between working out, paper writing, and putting up Christmas decorations. Pretty soon we should have our tree!

Meh...

2005-11-24T14:26:00.000-06:00

I bought something on ebay... It's a Nikon 5200 5.1 megapixel digital camera. Jeremy and I are waiting to get it in the mail from Itaca, New York. They shipped it UPS so it should be here quickly. It should be here by today or tomorrow.

Secondly, I'm desperately trying to get some respite care for Bryson so that Jer and I can have some time together alone. It's been four months since we've had time off and we're supposed to have 30 days off a year. I'm starting to get tired and need some time. I think that I'm more tired because school is so stressful right now. (Three more weeks!) Anyway, we're aiming for the weekend before Christmas and then maybe we can take a trip to Edmonton or something. (fingers crossed) Not sure who will do respite the week before Christmas though... Don't get me wrong though...I love the kid to bits!

I'm also starting to get impatient with church, and I think it's really starting to show. A lot of this rests on my shoulders, but it's tough to feel a part of your church community sometimes. Vulnerability soon becomes a problem. I used to be so careful about making sure I looked like everything was ok at church. I had a minor crack in the facade on Sunday, and now I'm feeling stupid about it. Why is it so hard to be vulnerable with one another? Weakness isn't the enemy, right?

Wow... I think they're right... except about the eunuch part!

2005-11-17T07:29:00.000-06:00

You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch.
Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes.
You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them.
You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

(Jer's results)

You Are 40% Boyish and 60% Girlish

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

(Rie's results)

Much needed night out

2005-11-16T21:38:00.000-06:00

Jer and I are headed to see Sarah Slean tomorrow at Louis. (Thanks to Caroline for buying the tickets and Jer's parents for babysitting) It's about time I got out of the house! Aside from parenting and University, there is not much else in my life at the moment. (That's not a bad thing...it's just nice to get out every once and awhile.)

Tomorrow I register for classes for the winter term. It turns out that I have to commute to Regina for one class because that same course really doesn't suit me in the Saskatoon time slot. I've heard that the professor's are much better down there and I think it will be nice to see my family every now and again. Luckily, two girls from Saskatoon are going to make the trek with me so gas won't be too much of an issue.

I've also decided that I'm going to try very VERY hard to get into social work in health settings when I convocate from U of R in 2007. (preferably palliative care or critical care in the hospital setting) My health professor that I have this term is absolutely amazing and she's really inspired me. I'm trying to trust God with it.

Finally, I've been writing music. I set my keyboard up again after a long absence. I'm trying to experiment with different styles of music because I find that I have such an eclectic taste. My music has been more 'folk' in the past, but I'm moving in some pretty interesting directions. It feels completely new. Speaking of music...I'm really into Keane right now. I bought the CD on a tip from my sister for 7.99 at future shop. I highly recommend it. It sounds a little bit like the band Travis is you've heard them. (I'm pretty sure I love it so much because it sounds like so much of the music I heard in the U.K. while I lived there)

Lastly, I'm sort of getting addicted to eBay. (Really bad obsession...especially when you're writing a paper.)

Convocation Day

2005-10-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I graduate from the University of Saskatchewan. I will be receiving my B. A. in Sociology. Everyone I talk to says, 'Don't trip'. (Let's hope that doesn't happen.) It would be just like me to trip and knock out the Dean and Chancellor. (Maybe someone should warn them?)

I picked up the tickets for the ceremony, my gown (which I'm not sure how to wear), and my snazzy frame that I got from the Alumni Association. It's a great feeling. In only a year and a half I'll be doing it all again with the University of Regina. But, this first experience is very special to me. (I'm going to wear my gown all night so that I get the best wear out of it.)

Yay!

100th post

2005-10-10T00:07:00.000-06:00

...and I've been tagged by Caroline.

The following is the fifth sentence from my 23rd post:

"It's my birthday in two days and I'd hate to get sad news then."

Not very interesting I know.

It's been awhile...

2005-10-05T16:40:00.000-06:00

...since I've posted anything remotely serious.

So...here I am doing it now. I hate to use a blog for this, but it is probably my best forum. I have to get some medical tests done, which will probably amount to nothing. However, when you over analyze like me, even a remote chance of something serious seems frightening. Could those of you who read this please pray for me? I'm pretty anxious and stressed at the moment and I know that your prayers are what will make the difference for me. Plus, I'm dealing with strep throat at the moment and planning Bryson's birthday party on Friday so I'm just anxious in general.

Thanks you guys.

Rie out

(Oh....and a big congrats is in order for Wade and Crys! Congrats on 1 year of marriage you guys! Your love for each other is truly a beautiful thing to see.)

I can't believe it! (I guess my Dad was born American)

2005-10-03T00:10:00.000-06:00

You Passed the US Citizenship Test

Congratulations - you got 7 out of 10 correct!

Could You Pass the US Citizenship Test?

At least I know I'm in the right place!

2005-09-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

Your Career Type: Social

You are helpful, friendly, and trustworthy.
Your talents lie in teaching, nursing, giving information, and solving social problems.

You would make an excellent:

Counselor - Dental Hygienist - Librarian
Nurse - Parole Officer - Personal Trainer
Physical Therapist - Social Worker - Teacher

The worst career options for your are realistic careers, like truck driver or farmer.

What's Your Ideal Career?

Pics are up

2005-09-02T07:10:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to let people know that I've posted Mike and Cindy's wedding pics on our flickr account. There are some other pics there from other weddings and events but those ones are not in groups yet. Hopefully in the next few days.

I should mention too that Jer took all of Mike and Cindy's wedding pictures himself. I'm so proud. ;-)

I've been tagged (a long time ago...)

2005-08-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

10 years ago today
-> My friend Jan was probably over and we were obsessing over what kind of men we would marry while watching Dirty Dancing. (that's the best I can do) I was also probably attempting to write music....notice I say attempting.

1 year ago today
-> I was getting ready for my final year in Sociology whilst enjoying newly married bliss.

Yesterday
-> Got Bryson's school supplies in order for school the next day (today) and had breakfast with and watched West Wing with my mom. (I'm getting addicted to that show)

Tomorrow
-> Get Bryson off to school, Buy textbooks, Clean the house (Jer is hoping for this one)

5 snacks I enjoy
->chocolate anything, dill pickles, popcorn with seasoning, nectarines

My Best impression
-> I don't really know the answer to this.

5 things I would do with $100 000 000
->take Jer to N. Ireland, debts, give, pay for Jer's education, buy Bryson every single Beyblade, Buy some new clothes (oops...I guess that's 6)

5 locations I would like to run away to
-> U.K. (England, Scotland, and N. Ireland), Italy, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, and Memphis, TN

5 bad habits I have
-> eating, TV, worrying, sticking my foot in my mouth, and biting my nails

5 things I love doing
-> singing/writing music, reading, laughing with friends, being with family, enjoying nature.

5 things I would never wear
-> Fanny pack, Moon boots, spandex, really short skirt (sorry Jer), super tight belt (this sees to be a trend lately...yuck)

5 movies I like
-> Fried Green Tomatoes, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Garden State, Napoleon Dynamite, Office Space etc...

5 famous people I would love to meet
-> (I have to use some dead people or I can't answer this question) Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Bono, John Stewart, Sheryl Crow (and many, many more musicians)

5 biggest joys at the moment
-> My husband, my foster son, my family, school beginning soon, and true crime TV.

5 favorite toys
-> iBook, my car, my cell phone, um....I can't think of anything else.

5 people to tag
-> I think everyone has already done this so there's no one left to tag.

Mike's a married man

2005-08-12T13:17:00.000-06:00

Congrats bro! We love you. The pictures look fabulous!

The last week's events

2005-07-26T07:55:00.000-06:00

1 - Got a new car (2004 Elantra GT) In Bryson's words, ' We get to drive the GT while Jeremy has to drive the junk heap. Ha ha.'
2 - Got a 10 year old to look after (I'm proving to get quite attached to this little dude)
3 - Was a bridesmaid in my friends wedding. (Congrats Sara and Kevin. All in all, a great day...but a bit windy for pictures)
4 - Turned 25 (Yikes...quarter of a century)

Maybe the list only consists of four things, but they were time consuming. My brother Mike is getting married on Saturday so that should be a great day. Bryson is going to stay at a prior foster mom's house for the weekend so Jeremy and I don't have to run after him. (He'll be missed though) Jeremy is taking all of the pictures and I'm singing and accompanying Cindy's sister who is also singing.

I can't think of anything else to post really. I have to take Bryson to day camp in a few minutes anyway.

Too Funny Not to Post

2005-07-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

I feel the need to break this to you gently.

Are you sitting comfortably? If you fall, you're not going to hit your head or anything? Sure?

Right then. Um.

You're Pauly Shore.

Possibly the most obnoxious B-list celebrity there ever was or could ever be, you were once an MTV veejay but have since moved into the world of really, really bad movies. Take, for example, Biodome. Or the risible Encino Man (aka California Man). You've complained that Beavis and Butthead stole your act - and you may well be right. Ugh.

Credit should go to you, though, for making a documentary called Spooge.

Which Annoying B-list Celebrity Are You?
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey.

And I (Marie) ended up even worse than Pauly Shore (in my opinion anyway)

Which Annoying B-list Celebrity Are You?
Brought to you by Rum and Monkey.

Ben forgot to write a blurb for this one, that's how bad you are.

Another quiz

2005-07-20T07:19:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Crystal for the new quiz. I promised myself that I'd never mention politics again on this blog. Oh well. I'd say this is different. (The results don't surprise me either)

Which Presidential Candidate Are You?
Rung from Rum and Monkey's very own liberty bell.

You're John Kerry!

The son of a community activist and a World War Two Air Corps pilot, you voluntarily joined the army to serve in Vietnam as you neared the end of your college years at Yale. There you earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V, and three Purple Hearts. However, during your tour of duty you became disillusioned with the involvement of the United States, and as soon as you left you became a spokesman for Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This was your introduction to politics; you then proceeded to help convict an organised crime head, and create rape counselling centres across New England.

In 1984 you were elected to the Senate, and there you remain, a seasoned politician fighting for progressive values. You’re one of the wealthiest politicians in the country, and are happily married to the heiress to the Heinz empire – without any bit of sauce on the side. In 2004, after a very strong fight, you accepted the Democratic Party nomination.

Sweet

2005-07-18T16:03:00.000-06:00

Congratulations, you're ebola!

You start, innocently enough, with a headache; a fever; chills. Nothing special. Might as well be the flu. But that is only the beginning.

You move on through the unpleasant symptoms list, inducing vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. You start to shut down the kidney and liver, and start to cause bleeding both internally and externally, with little or no clotting. Finally, the patient crashes and bleeds out, in a veritable explosion of blood. Anyone who has contact with that blood, or any of the patient's body fluids while s/he is infected, is also liable to get you. Now that's what I'm talking about!

Which Horrible Affliction are you?
A Rum and Monkey disease.

Test from Sally's blog

2005-07-15T10:19:00.000-06:00

Congratulations, you're rickets!

Caused by insufficient phosphorous, vitamin D and/or sunlight, you cause those unlucky enough to suffer you to have swelling in the joints, and bending of the longer bones (such as those found in the legs) in growing children.

You're not very prevalent in affluent societies any more - but don't worry, there's always the third world!

If you wish, you can proudly tell the world that you give kids bendy legs with the following fine graphic:

Which Horrible Affliction are you?
A Rum and Monkey disease.

It's been awhile

2005-07-14T11:57:00.000-06:00

No...I'm not dead. (I know some of you have been wondering) I've just had a lot of stuff to think about.

Clarity...

At the beginning of the week, I got back from a holiday up at Lac La Ronge with my family. I went up early and Jer, Andrew, and my in-laws came up on the Thursday night. Everytime I'm up there, everything seems so much clearer. It's like, all the crap that makes it hard to see me, the real me, dissapears. I felt like a kid again...it's weird living with your family after you're married. I had a new appreciation for it. If only I knew the gifts I'd been given prior to this. Most of my life I've felt sorry for myself. That's a shame, because I'm one of the fortunate ones. I think of people like Dwayne Harms who was just diagnosed with cancer and yet he exudes gratefullness. How dare we complain? There are lessons in everything and we should be grateful for the lesson.

Living a life full of anguish and pain is no life at all. My family taught me that this past week. Giving back helps us to heal...it helps us to be ourselves...to live a life worth living... They gave back to me, and I'm going to do the same for others.

"I've been thinking about how we all have chances to be "helpers". Each one of us takes our life expereinces and applies them to how we can walk along with others we relate to. Those of us who have been through the rigors of grade 6 can put an arm across a grade 6er and talk about teasing and bullying. If you've never experienced it, how can you relate? But you can. And you do. And when you do, you feel good about being able to comfort or care for or walk with a friend." (Courtesy of Dwayne's blog)

Anniversary

2005-05-23T14:33:00.000-06:00

Today Jer and I have been married a year. And I'm just as happy as ever to have him.

Rie out

Big News!

2005-05-10T08:12:00.000-06:00

My little brother just got engaged this morning to his girlfriend Cindy! She's a sweet girl and we're really going to enjoy having her as a part of our family. Congrats Mike and Cindy! (I can't believe my little bro is getting married....makes me feel older)

This is quite funny because right after my wedding my Dad said that would be the last wedding in our family. Mike sure showed him!

Yay!