Famous Last Words
Remember how I used to say I hated this little town? You know, that I felt like I failed when I moved back here?
Well aren’t you guys lucky?! You get to witness me, first hand, eating my own words.
Moving back to G-town was one of the best decisions I’ve made over the last few months.
(ummm…did I just type that?)
It’s allowed me to focus on who I am, what I want, and where I want to be. I’ve been able to get rid of over half my debt in 3 MONTHS! I’m working at a job I really do enjoy and getting the experience I need for when I move. I get to hang out with my family and friends, even though they can drive me crazy at times. I have a lot of time to think, so I know that the HUGE changes I have coming up soon are so so so right, and will be well worth the killing me slowly annoyingly long wait.
Turns out tomorrow is my co-worker’s last day (yay for a double workload), so my boss is taking us all out for lunch (yay for free food)!
Also? The highlight of my weekend was getting another tattoo!!
This Time Last Year *video added
I was in a city I cannot mention due to security reasons, let’s just say it’s the biggest J-city in Indonesia. It was probably one of the best times in my life.
I was one privledged enough to be part of the DreamTeam.
We spent our non-ministry days doing some of this:
Hung out with our host churches in real ASIAN KARAOKE bars (singing JT):
Definitely one of the many ‘how did I get here’ moments.
And tried to keep composure while sitting on a panel, being asked question we were not qualified to answer:
I could NOT stop laughing! My Indo friends found it funny and took a whole lot of pictures.
We found places like this:
And ate food that looked scary beyond all reason:
The views from the beautiful houses we stayed at were breath-taking, in both a good and bad way:
And we relieved ourselves like this:
It should be noted that the same water and buckets were used for showers
We were there to help people who lived here:
They needed someone to love them, and play with them…even if it was just for a few hours:
They had the purest souls and were grateful for every minute:
After being in J-city for a month, we left for Bali…
but I’ll save that for later.
Randomness
Seems like I took an impromptu break from blogging…I guess that’s what happens when life gets in the way.
So, in order to catch up, this is going to be one of those random posts.
My boss is wanting to move his family and the business up to the Okanagan, which is pretty much the reason I re-joined the firm. Hopefully, we’ll be up there in June so we get to enjoy the hot summers they USUALLY get. But with it still snowing and feeling like winter, I’m beginning to doubt if summer actually exists.
Anyway, the other admin wasn’t planning on joining us there and has instead decided to move to Germany to be closer to his kids. Which means double the workload for me, and hopefully a pay raise!
I’ve been trying to finish up the course I started a while back. I booked my exam for May 10th, and now I’m mildly freaking out.
This weekend I went to the city to visit Danielle and my dad. My dad just redid his kitchen and it looks SWEET! I also got some shopping in, which I haven’t done for a while…mostly cause I feel guilty whenever I buy anything now – that money could go on debt.
I was able to find a very cute outfit for Jon’s wedding, so it was worth it.
While my culinary skills have never been the talk of the town (except my fudge), I reached new lows last weekend.
How hard can it be to make a smoothie? Apparently, VERY.
I tried a couple times but resorted to eating frozen yogurt instead.
Note to self: never attempt that again.
Probably the most time consuming thing I’ve done this week was filling out my application. Having to gather emails, photos, and letters, plus fill out a 16-page form is enough to turn even the most sane person, crazy. But I only have a couple more things to do and should have it sent off this week 
I hate to admit it, but I watched August Rush last night…and cried like a little girl. Seriously, watch it.
Courtney and I have been going to the new gym across the street. I don’t really like going with her, not because I’m ashamed to hang out with my little sister, oh no.
It’s because the 14-year old PUTS ME TO SHAME. She’s an elliptical MACHINE!
At least it makes for some healthy competition…there’s no way I’ll let her beat me 
Lessons in
…being a best friend.
Two cats were abandoned at Danielle’s work the other day, and her mom (Karina) agreed to take them.
Danielle called me yesterday, freaking out, because one of the cats is pretty sick and she couldn’t get up to the coast to take care of it.
I, naturally, offered to help in any way I could and sure enough, I got a call from Karina asking if I could come over.
So I brought my Mom and little sister, Courtney, as the peanut gallery and went over to clean up the cat before it was taken to a haven.
I was not prepared for what I saw:
Karina with a bucket full of water, multiple pairs of big yellow gloves, 4 glasses of wine, and a cat, whose back end was covered in crap.
The things I do for you, Danielle, the things I do.
…being an embarrassing older sister.
I’ve been on this huge grapefruit kick lately. I may do an individual post for how I go about eating them, but based on just my family’s reaction, I’m not sure the world is ready for that kind of craziness.
Anyway, I realized there weren’t any left in the fridge, so after the ‘Cat Emerg of April 9,2008′, Courtney and I dropped mom off at home and went to the grocery store.
I love how grocery stores always have old-school songs playing, and sure enough ‘If I had a Million Dollars’ by the Barenaked Ladies was the song of choice when we arrived.
I really only know the title line, so I sang it, loudly and a bit (ok, REALLY) off-key. Not only was Courtney hiding in the other aisles, but my littlest bro, Chad, just started working there and everyone knows I’m his older sister.
…being a good daughter.
Mom is going for a little Vaca this week, so I get to look after Chad and Courtney. They’re old enough now to look after themselves really, so I’m just there play referree in case their fighting gets out of hand.
They both have things to keep them busy so I’ll probably be chillin’ in an empty house – unless they want a ride somewhere…or food.
Mom deserves this break, so I’m happy to help.
…how to make me happy
This morning, my boss bought us all coffee. My friend,Kimberly, works at the coffee shop and made my day by drawing a little heart and writing “Hi Dayna” on the lid.
Also, I got to have a quick lunch with a girl who lives on the coast, but I met in Australia. We were on the same team to Indonesia and I’ve only seen her a couple times since we’ve been back.
Shlee-Shlee – you are a gong show.
Word to Your Mother
I’ve been attempting to write a new post for a few days now, but for some reason have been unable to form a single coherent thought, let alone, sentence.
This isn’t a rare occurrence, it’s just a little unsettling when it happens more often than usual.
I have theories (and a list, yay!):
1. Early On-set ‘Mom Brain’
I have no children, known or hidden away in some random country (sooo NOT the reason I went to travelling for roughly 9 months). So really, I have no first hand experience. But from what I’ve heard, I seem to have similar symptoms; frazzled, spacey and preoccupied with domestic affairs.
2. Sympathy Pregnancy (similar to sympathy pains)
Let me clarify before the rumours start flying (more so than they already are – Thanks Marissa, for routinely asking if I’m pregnant, LOUDLY and in public)
I AM NOT WITH CHILD!
Being so, would be physically impossible…
However, I know a number of people who are, so, this could explain my current nightly routine.
Imaginary fetus kicking bladder + going to the washroom 25 times a night = not sleeping enough to allow my brain to refresh.
3. PMS Brain
The most likely out of the three.
My chocolate stash is looking a little bigger these days (LD has Easter Chocolate on sale…mmmmm, mini eggs), and my boobs feel like they’re about to explode from my chest.
I have not yet invested in a sports bra, and these monstros(t)ities *hehe* need more than regular support during exercise. For all those I passed on my jog yesterday, I apologize (or you’re welcome ;P).
My Cure?
Inviting my children friends over for a game of Ultimate Frisbee at the park. Then we’ll bbq whilst watching the Canucks lame attempt at making the playoffs final game of the season WIN AND MAKE THE PLAYOFFS! GO ‘NUCKS!
This should curb my need to play host/mom for at least a little while.
*Check out Angella’s new contest….so I have a bigger chance of winning her candy
