Saturday, December 26, 2009

Something that Produces Results

I feel like I've had a very productive day. A long day followed by a perfect night. I worked eight hours among the crazy boxing day shoppers (who need to practice their literacy skills. If it doesn't say "take an extra x% off, then the price is as marked!). After that, my tired eyes and tired legs came home and I enjoyed some yummy shrimp cooked up by brother. What could make this night greater? "Gilmore Girls" whilst scrapbooking. For Christmas, I decided to make my sister and brother-in-law a wedding scrapbook. But, I wasn't able to finish it before Christmas, so I'm working on it now. I was able to finish two layouts and I think they turned out pretty well. Using all the lovey-dovey type embellishments, I was inspired to make a card for my guy since our anniversary is coming up in a few weeks (two years!). Making this evening even more productive, I prepared my lesson that I get to teach in Relief Society tomorrow. I'm actually pretty excited to teach. I'm the secretary in the Relief Society presidency, so I don't get to teach very often, but since the regular teacher wasn't able to, I was asked to. I love teaching. I'm crossing my fingers it goes well! 

Friday, December 25, 2009

"I'm in one ear... and I'm in the other!"

Picture this: Bob and Doug. Twelve Days of Christmas. How does it get better than that? I'll tell you. Right ear: me. Left ear: David. Since we could only hear Bob (me) or Doug (David), we decided to repeat everything we heard for a cohesive effect. This was driving home from the Live Nativity Pageant last night. Mom thought we were doing it from memory. I wish! Merry Christmas all! I am very jealous that I am not currently in a living room a few hours from here, listening to the wonderful voice of someone I love very much. But, it's okay. I can wait. I am very blessed to have the family I do, and that we always have such a good time together.Thanks for the laughs. (Name types of paints: red and blue!)



Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Fineto!

I am done! Done. Done Done! I had my last exam today! I am so thrilled to be done! Now, I get to read whatever I like, and I won't feel guilty! During my month off (yes, a month!) I plan to work work work, spend a lot of time with my family, read novels not on my reading lists, read some Shakespeare (since I still have that class next semester), write lots of letters, and patiently or not so patiently await the beginning of Winter semester because I am truly a nerd who needs her learning, lecture halls, and books to make her happy! Also, besides the end of the semester, this day is great for some other reasons. My brother is in town (and he is awesome!), I got a package from Justin yesterday (he sent me enough candy to last me until he is home!), and it was a beautiful day out today! I didn't have to wear my winter coat, and no gloves. I love chinooks.
 

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Dear Jack

I need to thank two boys who decided to play "Banana Pancakes" at the my first EFY. That was my first experience with Jack Johnson, and I am so glad for that. Jack Johnson has a special place in my heart for many reasons. Hearing that soft acoustic guitar makes my spirit feel light, and reminds me of listening to my guy strum his guitar. Doesn't his music just make you want to jump a plane to Hawaii, have a bonfire party on the beach then catch some waves in the morning? That's how I feel. Love just melts out of me when I hear that voice. Not only are his melodies beyond beautiful, some of his lyrics are definitely on  my list of "I wish I wrote that". For example, "If I had eyes at the back of head, I would have told you that looked good as I walked away". I just love the simple genius of that. 
Here is Jack Johnson and Matt Costa (another one who melts my heart) singing "Lullaby".

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Same Girl

This is me about eighteen years ago. I've changed a little bit. No more blond hair, the chubby cheeks aren't so cute anymore, and I won't be sporting the overalls anytime soon.
But, I think I'm still as happy. I still love being on a swing at the park, and I'm pretty in love with life. Sometimes, it's not so fun. But, it will get better ... until it gets worse. But, then better. And I'll just keep learning. Because being able to learn from my trials is the greatest blessing my Heavenly Father could have ever given me, besides the amazing people I get to share my life with. 
ps: Happy fiftieth post!

Friday, December 04, 2009

Cursed.

I have a curse. I have suffered from this curse for a very long time. And it doesn't look like it will soon become one of those "blessing and a curse" deals any time soon. What is this curse? Expensive taste. For the longest time I have been plagued with a love all things that I can never afford. And it's getting worse! I have recently discovered Christian Louboutin. I want to wear his shoes every day! Every single day. However, one pair cost about the same as I make in a (good) month. But I really, really want them.
Aren't they fabulous? And that signature red sole? Love.


And these Valentino peep-toe pumps? If only money grew on trees. Or even better -- shoes!


Monday, November 30, 2009

Rule Breaker

By nature, I am not a rule breaker. But, today I broke one of my rules. I have a rule for myself that while I'm in school, I don't read any books unrelated to my courses. As an English major, I have plenty of reading to do throughout the semester so adding a 'just for fun' book to the mix is generally not a help. However, last week I picked up a copy of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and with the snow we've had the past few days, I couldn't resist taking it on the train this morning. So far, ten pages in, I love it. And I keep picturing the characters as the muppets since "A Muppets Christmas Carol" is my favourite. I plan to break this rule all week. I'm a true rebel, I know. 


 {photo}

Friday, November 27, 2009

"We're after the same rainbow's end"

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? Really. If you find that one lone person, sit them down and make them watch (and ENJOY!) one of my all time favourites. Breakfast at Tiffany's. You haven't seen it?! You must watch it! You've already seen it? Watch it again! That's my plan for the evening. My heart just aches (in a good way) every time I hear Audrey sing "Moon River". Holly Golightly, you are a girl after my own heart.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

"You gotta swim"


I have a lot of favourite songs. They change almost daily. Today, the prize goes to "Swim (Music Box)" by Jack's Mannequin. It's been my anthem of sorts this week. Once again, Andrew McMahon makes life worth living. 
"You gotta swim,



Swim for your life,



Swim for the music,
That saves you,



When you're not so sure you'll survive,



You gotta swim,
And swim when it hurts,



The whole world is watching,



You haven't come this far,
To fall off the earth."


Monday, November 23, 2009

Love from California

After ten days without a letter, I finally got one! Two actually. Not talking to Justin has been so hard these past eight weeks. Since the day we met, we have had some sort of communication every day (minus a week), so my withdrawal experience has been a painful one.
He is doing well, though he has his challenges. But he works through them, and he is growing so much. I wish I could be there with him. It sounds like such a beautiful place. But, he has promised to take me to California when he gets home. We've talked about living there too. I've always had this fascination with California since I was a little girl. It's always been my dream to go there.
I've learned a lot these past eight weeks. I've learned about my strengths, my weaknesses. I've realized how much the gospel, and my family mean to me. And, I've learned that I really miss this guy. But, who wouldn't, with a face like this?

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Opinions Needed

As I have mentioned before, after a year of keeping my hair short, I have decided to grow it out! I miss my long hair (though I love my short hair!). But, I tend to get bored with my hair, so on Friday, I decided to cut myself some bangs. Thoughts? (please give your opinion. I miss having comments!) 
And, tonight, I have found that I am having success! I can now put most of my hair into a ponytail without having to attack it with bobby-pins! I'm sure you all understand what a breakthrough that is! 

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Applied

I did it! After three years of saying I would, I did. What is "it" you ask? I applied to be a counselor for EFY! I've been saying I would for years. But, after talking to my good friend, Chantelle, about it I decided that this is the year. So, we'll see what happens! (Fingers crossed!) I only have two summers left to do it! Hopefully after that, I will no longer be eligible to do it (ie. married!)


Saturday, November 14, 2009

Better Open the Door

I got two letters this week. With pictures! I love letters. I get so excited when I get mail. It's ridiculous! Seriously. Ask my family. For example: last night. My brother picked me up after work (because we had a fireside to go to: with Elder Richard G. Scott speaking!) and we had to get gas before going to the chapel. So, I'm sitting in the passenger seat, minding my own business, and David puts the letter against the window. I was so excited, I couldn't think. I couldn't remember how to open the door. It was quite hilarious. I fool people with my smart brunette locks.
 

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Love.

During the past eight weeks, I have developed a deep and abiding love for poetry. Poetry of all forms, but mostly sonnets. I love sonnets. Along with my love for poetry in general has come the love of this man. 
E. E. Cummings. Genius. I am not a fan of all of his work, but I am a fan of a huge chunk. For instance, this sonnet. 


i carry your heart with me(i carry it in


i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful 
you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree 
called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars
apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) 



Saturday, November 07, 2009

Let's Dance!

I was looking through some pictures that my Uncle James took at my sister's wedding reception and I stumbled across this one. Meet Tyler. He was my favourite dance partner of the evening. Ty is three years old (soon to be four!). He is my cousin Sarah's oldest boy (his younger brother Jake is quite the dancer too). He is such a blast. I love hanging out with this kid. This boy has moves! 

Friday, November 06, 2009

The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot

Meet Jesse Lacey. Music love of my life. When I was fourteen, I heard about this band named Brand New. After hearing their song "Sudden Death in Carolina", I instantly fell head over heels in love. People always say that there was a specific band or album or novel that changed their life, and it seems like it couldn't be true. I never believed it. But it happens. It happened to me. (Actually, it happens all the time). Brand New was such a big influence on me as I was going through my adolescent years. I began to appreciate the art of music so much more when I listened to them. True, Jesse Lacey has some serious anger issues ("Seventy Times Seven" anyone?), and could use some quality time with a professional psychiatrist, but he is immensely talented (if you forget their newest album... what's up with that?!). Really, truly. Find Deja Entendu, sit on your bed, and fall in love. It will make your heart happy.

ps. Is anyone else seeing the resemblance to Morrissey here? I think it may have been planned.


Listen. Watch. Love.

Monday, November 02, 2009

Letters, The Bard, E-mail and Hughes


I love Mondays. Love, Love, Love! "With a capital 'L'!" as Justin says. 
Today, I got an e-mail. A letter. I got to sit in my Shakespeare class and soak up the genius that is William S. I heard and read the beautiful, and moving poetry of Langston Hughes. It was a good day.
 



Thursday, October 29, 2009

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

I just want to write a quick note to give an update on my missionary! I got an e-mail on Monday and a letter today.
Justin is serving in a city called Yucaipa (You-KI-pa), California. He loves the weather and the palm trees! He didn't tell me much about the people or about his ward that he is serving in. But, I know that he is doing well, and that he is enjoying his mission. I look forward to getting more letters about the people that he will be teaching and serving.
And, tonight, my dad brought me supper at work, and a letter too! As I read my letter, it made me think of Saturday's Warrior when Benji is making fun of Julie for crying while writing Wally. "When she gets a letter from Wally, she blubbers! When she writes a letter to Wally, she bluuuubers!" That's me. Completely. I want letters every day! Or even just the weeks when I get more than one letter! Maybe this week will be one? No, not likely. But, a girl can dream! He's really growing, and I can see it already. Yesterday was the four week mark, and tomorrow is the one month mark. I've survived one month. Twenty-three more can't hurt, right?
Oh, and yes, I am still waiting for Justin. I've already had people ask me that! Even a few days after he left! I am definitely still waiting. Also, on that subject. Justin is still my boyfriend. No, we are not going on dates, and we're not seeing each other for the next two years, as that is sort of frowned upon. But, I'm not giving up on him just because he's serving a mission. He's still alive, and I'm still his. Some people can be really amusing with their views at times. 
And for your viewing pleasure, here's a video that my friend Tat showed me the other day. I hope this never happens to me!

Monday, October 26, 2009

My married sister Marni and her married husband James. Nutso!

I realized that I have not yet said anything about my big sister's wedding! Shameful, I know. Well, 16 days ago, my older sister, Marni married her man, James. It was an incredibly cold, cold day for October, and there was snow! But the happiness radiated off those two like nothing else. I haven't seen either of them so happy before. I got to be her maid of honor, and I was utterly thrilled to pieces to have that responsibility -- ask anyone! I got to throw Marni two showers, which were both great successes, and I got to help in a lot of the preliminary planning -- which I loved! I've been able to plan most of my wedding while planning hers too! Ha ha. So, with the cold, cold, cold temperatures, it was a little difficult to take pictures, but we did. My older brother, David, a promising photographer, did the pictures. He did a really good job. I haven't seen the finished products yet, but I saw most of them before they were edited, and they looked great! He's already booked to do mine. I am so happy for my sister, and my new brother-in-law! It's still so weird to say that. My sister is married. Weird! But, good. She's a good example to me, and I am so happy that Marni and James started their life together by being married in the temple! I love you guys! 
My brother, sister and I. I think David and I pull of the pink well. What do you think?
The happy couple. The Scotts. Married for time and all eternity. October 10, 2009. (I believe these pictures are courtesy of my Uncle James -- not to be confused with my brother-in-law James)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Living in Your Letters

After fourteen very, very, very, very excruciatingly long days, I heard from my missionary! In fact, I received one e-mail, and two letters! I guess he likes me! Ha ha. I decided to check my e-mail this morning before class, and when I saw the name "Justin Marshall", I might have squealed! I was so excited that he e-mailed me today. I wasn't sure if he would. So, I cried for like ten minutes as I read it. Happy tears. I don't think my heart would have been able to take another day without hearing from him. Then, when I came home from class today, there were two letters waiting for me!  Heavenly Father answers prayers in a really big way.
So, here's an update of what Elder Marshall is up to:
He has been in the MTC for two weeks today. He flies to California next week to begin his mission in Riverside. His companion is Elder Cornia, and they are rooming with two other missionaries. They are all American, and they treat him like he is "super foreign". He's amused by that. In his district, there are eight other missionaries that will also be serving in Riverside. On his second day in the MTC, he was called to be the senior companion. He is learning a lot, and working really hard. He's going to be a great missionary these next two years. I can already tell how much he is growing.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Picture This

On our last day together (before he went to the MTC), Justin and I had my (very talented) brother take a few pictures. Here are a few of my favourites:

This one is my absolute favourite. I think it's just perfect.

I love holding this guy's hand. I think that's one of the things I've missed most.

It was very windy that day, as you can see! It was kind of making me crazy...

Nothing can tear me away from my guy.
I am very thankful to David for taking these pictures for us, even though we weren't very cooperative that day, as we both had other things on our minds. In a few years, I'll get him to take some more of us together. ;)

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Please Mr. Postman



Everyday, I check the mail. When I see the mailman, my heart gets a little excited, thinking that this may be the day that I get a letter. A letter that would calm my nerves and put this whole thing into perspective. No such luck. I know it's too early to except to hear, but I really want to. And right now, wish rules out logic.




{photo


Saturday, October 03, 2009

Signs of Fall

Fall is upon us. This last week, I really felt it. Here are a few of my signs of fall:
  • The heater on the train is on
  • I'm itching to wear some warm sweaters
  • I'm using more than one blanket
  • Gorgeous golds, reds, yellows of trees
  • Handel's "Messiah" rehearsals start soon
  • Midterms
  • A few fabulous pairs of boots are on my mind a lot more
  • The crispness of the air
  • I get extra shivers in class if I'm not wearing a sweater

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Goodbye Waves and Driveways


And, so phase two of our relationship begins: The mission.
Next Wednesday, Justin will be reporting to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah. And, there he will begin his two year mission. Two years! It sounds like such a long time! That's 24 months, or 104 weeks, or 730 days, or 17520 hours, or 1051200 minutes, or 63072000 seconds.
On Sunday, Justin and I had our last day together before he leaves. Since he lives in Edmonton, and I'm in Calgary, it worked better this way. It was a weekend of many emotions. We were happy to be together, but sad about the fact that we knew it would be the last time we'd see each other before he leaves. Funny thing about our last date... two years ago, on this same weekend, we had our very first date.
We decided to only e-mail this week, because talking on the phone, and not seeing each other wouldn't be very good. I am constantly checking to see if I have e-mails, and out of habit, always checking my phone for texts. It's hard not talking to him. We met just over two years ago, and since that time, we have had some sort of contact every day except for a few days when I was in the States that summer, and a week when he was at camp last year. So, we're kind of used to hearing from each other. Ask anyone. Really.
It's been two days. Two difficult days. I feel like everything is quiet. And I don't quite know what to do with myself. But, I have a wonderful family, and friends who have been a great support. I also have the knowledge and testimony that Justin is doing the right thing. I am expecting some major blessings for this. I don't know if that's wrong to say or not. But, I do know that this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do to, and I know that if Justin and I are doing what is right, we will be blessed for it. In one of my e-mails this week, Justin told me: "We can do this together. We can do tough things. We are tough people." On my Granny's fridge, she has a note that says "Tough times don't last. Tough people do. We are tough people." It has been a sort of motto for Justin and I this last month. I look forward to checking more days off my calendar and seeing the growth in both of us. It will be a good (but hard) experience.


On another note. I have found a new love. Not a boy love. A different love.
Poetry. And sonnets! This one here is one of my absolute favourites.
Sonnet 43, Elizabeth Barrett Browning


How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight 
For the ends of being and ideal grace. 
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. 
I love thee freely, as men strive for right. 
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. 
I love thee with the passion put to use 
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose 
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, 
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, 
I shall but love thee better after death.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

School's In For-ever!

On Tuesday, I started classes. I was so, so excited to be back in a classroom, but I was strangely nervous this time. I think it was because these lasts four months have seemed to go dreadfully slow without school. So, Tuesday was my day of Psychology. Last year, I declared Psychology as my minor (my major is English), so I get to take some great classes, and it's not a waste. This semester, I am taking Psychology of Aging, and Cognitive Psychology. Both are very interesting classes. I really look forward to the rest of the semester. Also, I am pretty thrilled that I only have tests -- no papers! I get enough of that in my English courses. Wednesday was my day of English. I started the day with Shakespeare. My professor is hilarious! I think I'm really going to enjoy this one. Our first play is Richard III. So far, I'm really enjoying it -- especially the way my professor reads it. The book probably weighs ten pounds, as I mentioned before, but it's okay -- I need the muscles. After Shakespeare, I had a break. Luckily, my good friend Shenica has a break at the same time, so we had a chance to catch up before her class. My next class was Poetry. I know this one is going to be heavy, but I think I will like it. My professor seems pretty good, so that's a bonus. I love school. I love learning. I love sitting in a lecture hall, pen ready, anticipating all of that knowledge that is about to enter my brain. I am so thankful that I listened to my brother. The truth is, I started university because of the wisdom of my brother, David. When I was nearing the end of grade eleven, or starting grade twelve, David told me that I should go to school as soon as I could. So, when the time came for me to decide what to do, and where to go, I made that decision as soon as I could. I am so glad I did. I love it. I worry Justin when I say I want to go to school forever (he's thinking of all that money!), but really, I just don't want to stop learning. I really want to be a lifelong learner (like my Granny) whether it's in or out of a classroom.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

"Let's go to the mall! Today!"

This Monday, Justin and I decided (well, I decided, and he went along with it) to go on another adventure. We decided to take a little trip out of the city and visit the new mall, Crossiron Mills, or Mallzac. I was really excited to go because, there is a Bed Bath & Beyond there! So, needless to say, it was incredibly busy. Busy, busy, busy! But, we had a good time. As always. Surprisingly, neither of us bought anything (besides a yummy burger). But, being with the one you love is far better than buying a new sweater.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Super Furry Animals

It's been a busy, busy week! So, I have a lot to write about. So, I'll break up all the happenings into different posts.
Today: Saturday at the zoo.
On Saturday morning, Justin picked me up at my grandparents' and we set out on the adventure that was to be our Saturday. We went to breakfast at Denny's, where I had some delicious granola cereal and fruit! Yum! Next, we headed to the University bookstore so I could pick up my textbooks for this semester. Very expensive. Very heavy. My textbook for Shakespeare probably weighs ten pounds! But, it's totally worth it! After spending lots of money on only a few books, we drove to the zoo to meet Dennis and Candi. It had been a few years since I'd been to the zoo, so I was really excited. We saw lots of animals, and had a lot of fun. We got to see the cute baby gorilla, which was probably my favourite. I love gorillas! We also saw koalas -- they aren't bears! "Every time someone calls them a bear, they die inside" (that was for you, Candi), tigers, bears, elephants, and more! 
Also, we saw these guys:

These are prairie dogs. We were sure that they might suffocate from all their fat. We just couldn't get over how big these things really are! Yikes.
After the zoo, we went to BP's, because we were both famished! It was definitely delicious. After dinner, we went back to my place, where we played Monopoly (the new electronic version) with Marni and James. It was a lot of fun. But, I am really terrible at Monopoly. Really. Dreadful. I think it should come with an advisor to help me make my financial decisions. 
Here are some other pictures from the day

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Patience is a virtue


... that I do not possess.
I have never, ever been a patient person. I'm sure my mother could vouch for that one. Currently, I am very impatiently waiting for:
  • school to start (7 days!)
  • Justin to come this weekend (3 days!)
  • my hair to grow out (unfortunately, no timeline for that one)
  • this cold to go away
  • etc.
 Are you patient? If so, how?!

 

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Roses and Frisbees

"Stop and smell the roses!".
I'm sure you've heard that one before! Maybe a little too much. But, have you ever witnessed someone actually stop to smell the roses? The real roses? I did. Today on my walk home from work, I saw a woman stop her walk to smell a rose. It was kind of sweet. She seemed to feel the need to stop and smell the beautiful fragrance of that rose. Now, thinking back, I'm almost ashamed to confess I didn't smell that rose after seeing her do it. Nevertheless, it made me think. I love inspirational moments like that. Oh, and here is a picture of what my lip looked like on Monday night. For FHE, we played Ultimate Frisbee. I love playing Ultimate. It was getting late, so we were wrapping up the game, and it was down to the last point to win the game. So, naturally, I was playing with a little more fight. I was guarding someone, trying to stop them from moving up to score, and all of the sudden, I was hit with the Frisbee! Right in the mouth! My lip then proceeded to bleed as everyone hovered around me to see what happened. I got cleaned up, and headed home for some ice. The next day, it was much better, and today, it's pretty much 100% healed. I'm lucky I got hit in the mouth and not the eye or cheek or head. Plastic can do a lot of damage. And, even though it's hard to tell, there is definitely some swelling happening there.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Counting Down the Hours


I get to go back to school in twenty-six days! Six-hundred and twelve hours. I am so excited to sit in a lecture, take notes, hear big words. Really. I love school! If I could go to university for the rest of my life and just get degree after degree, I would!
Also, last night I registered for the Jeopardy! College Tournament Test. Ha ha. I'm not smart enough to be on Jeopardy yet, but I decided it would be fun to do, so let's see how I do! Someday I'll be on that show. Just you wait! I might be the oldest contestant at 101, but that's okay! So, yay for learning!
 

Sunday, August 09, 2009

The Rock Show


I just realized that I have not yet devoted a post to the concert. I got to see blink-182. Yes. No joke. That may not seem like a big deal to you, but it is to me. It was amazing! Well, the beginning and the end. The middle, not so much. All-American Rejects opened the show. I was really excited to see them because I have loved them since I was about thirteen. They were one of those bands that got me through my hard beginning to middle teen years, so I owe a lot to them. Even with Tyson's body glitter and strange ways (which Justin kept talking about), they were really good. Unfortunately, the venue was pretty empty during their set, so I don't think it was as good as it could have been. As we were watching them, I turned to Justin and said, "I feel like I'm thirteen again!". I really did. I was pretty stoked. After their set, we had to endure Fall Out Boy and their less-than-intelligent fans (proud of me for not saying idiotic or stupid, mom?). I was so happy not to be on the floor for that because there were so many inconsiderate people down there. But, we had our share around us too. So, after I suffered through Fall Out Boy, we were rewarded with Mark, Tom, and Travis. Amazing. Really. I never expected to see them live -- ever. Especially after the day I found out they broke up. It was grade ten (or eleven?). In the hall way where I had my locker. Andrew told me and I didn't believe him. Anyway... yay for bands getting back together! Mark and Tom even hugged, which was beautiful, but maybe still awkward because I think they might still hate each other. Oh, and the encore! Travis Barker, you have my heart! I cannot adequately describe what this extremely talented man did, so here's a video.              
After they were done playing, Mark began to sing about being in Edmonton, and then about not knowing how to speak French. It was hilariously. Those guys are definitely great performers.
They make my top 5 (tied for first with Brand New).

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Golden Years

Flashback: August 6. 2007.
I was eighteen. Fairly unsure of myself and feeling completely out of place. I had graduated from high school that summer, and was getting ready to start university in the fall. It was like the summer of limbo. I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere. But, that lovely afternoon on the beautiful green university campus, my life was changed and I didn't even know it.
Two years ago today, I met my best friend, Justin. He was the first person I talked to at EFY that summer. And, even though he doesn't remember, there was an instant connection. Our friendship started strong, and blossomed into something that cannot be adequately described.
Whenever I remember to count my many blessings, Justin is at the top. I really didn't have any clue how much my Heavenly Father loved me until I met Justin. I mean it when I say that I have the best boyfriend. I do.
Our years together have been nothing short of fantastic. Truly, these are the start of some golden years. HAPPY TWO YEARS, JUSTIN!
Then.

Now.

Have we changed?

Monday, August 03, 2009

Oh, Ain't He Sweet!


I came home last night from Edmonton since I had to work this morning. I had a really amazing weekend! I got to see blink-182 (more about that later, it deserves it's own post), spend time with my wonderful boyfriend, and hang out with my big brother. After the very long weekend I'd had, and lack of sleep (thanks to the 2AM crazy-hurricane-like-storm), I wasn't so thrilled to go to work this morning. Added to that was the fact that Justin was in Calgary and I wasn't going to see him. He had come down with his mom to take his sister to EFY, so since he'd only be here for a bit I understood why I wouldn't be able to see him. But, as I mentioned above, I have a wonderful boyfriend, so I shouldn't be surprised about this next bit. When I was at work, I looked out to the front, and I saw a familiar face. The face of my wonderful boyfriend! Justin decided he wanted to see me before he went back home. I only talked to him for a minute, but it was worth it. It definitely made my day, that's for sure.