"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.
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!
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).
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!
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.
It’s always an adventure getting to Edmonton. Friday was no exception. Since both my parents had to work Friday morning, I was on my own to get to the bus station. I checked the bus and train schedules a few times and thought I had it all figured out. I got up super early to make sure I could be ready in time to leave, and give myself some cushion time. And so, my adventure began. I got downtown, and got to the street I thought I was supposed to be on. But, I couldn’t find the right bus stop. So, I kept walking, thinking I’d eventually find it. I did find one with the right number. But then, I saw one heading down the other way. I hadn’t remembered to check which direction I was going! You’d think with how directionally challenged I am, I’d have figured that one out! So, I called Marni, thinking she could check online for me. But, she wasn’t at work yet. But she suggested another way to get there, which I had overlooked. I then called my dad just to make sure it was close enough, and he told me the way to go. So, I walked back to the train, and went a few blocks, then got off. I was praying so hard the entire time that I would be able to find the bus station, and get there on time. And, so I kept walking. Then I got to the right avenue, but couldn’t remember which way to go. I was pretty sure it was one way, so I tried that. I eventually saw the sign, and continued that way. By this time, I believe I had twenty minutes before the bus was scheduled to leave. Needless to say, I was quite a wreck. As I got closer, I couldn’t figure out how to get to the other side of the street, but I just kept walking, hoping I’d see something eventually. And, I did. I just about bawled when I got into the bus station with fifteen minutes to spare! I got in the very long line, and waited to board. When I was two places away from the front, they said the bus was full and they were just getting another one. I didn’t panic, because it’s happened before and didn’t take long. But, it did take long! A very long time! Sitting in a bus station for one hour, waiting to find out when you can leave is not fun. But, alas, I made it onto the bus! Even though the trips to Edmonton are always laden with delays and frustration, it’s always worth it. Seeing Justin’s smile and getting that “I-missed-you-hug” is the best reward - the perfect ending (or beginning.)
