Resolutions...

I don't really have any.

So why the post...

Life passes by so fast. Sometimes, it feels like there is all the time in the world, and yet, in a blink of an eye, a month, two months, a year, two years etc. has passed.

My resolution then is...

To simply enjoy each day, to breathe in as much air as I can, to enjoy the feel of raindrops on my face, and let the wind catch my hair, to laugh as much as I can, and share the tears, to lean on those around me and to let them lean on me. To love with my whole heart. To treat all those that I meet with respect and genuiness. To treat everyone with kindness and sincerity. To make the best of each situation, to not complain and to change what I can and accept what I can't. To let go of all that hurts, to let go of all the holds me back. To allow myself to cry when it hurts, to smile at the small things. To take care of myself, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

To live.

A very

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERY

CHRISTMAS

to you are yours.

<3

t.

Yesterday morning...

Me: I've thrown up 3 times already since 2 am last night.

On call doctor: You're just nervous about your exam

Me: No, I don't think so

On call doctor: So take some gravol, or I could give you a shot of it.

Me: I'll be tired for my exam though

On call doctor: It will wear off in eight hours

So, I took half the gravol, continued to throw up, and was SOOO drowsy. I spent most of the day praying and asking God to help me be strong for my exam. I couldn't stay awake.

My dad drove me to school and as I walked into Angus to talk to my instructor, I prayed. And God gave me a special Christmas gift, after explaining the situation, my instructor kindly and graciously offered to let me write my exam on Friday morning.

I went to see my regular doctor today. She wrote me a note and expressed that yes, it is more than being nervous (I'll spare ya'll the actual amount of times I umm well looked inside a porcelin bowl). So my diet over the next few days will continue to be broth and bllllllllllllllllllland food. Praise God for the extra time to get better and not have to write an exam drugged up on half a gravol. :)

A conversation...

(After 6:30 mass this past Sunday)

t.: Hi Father.

Father S.: Hi, you look good, you must be all done your exams, you don't look stressed.

(After Father L.'s reminder a few weeks back, I have tried to dress a wee bit nicer for mass, but perhaps that wasn't what Father S. was referring to)

t: Oh, no, I have an exam in a week. (thinking to myself "that I'm not ready for") I just went to mass.

Father: (pleasant response) ********************************************************************************* I
I can't remember the exact words, but that's the gist of the conversation.

Going to mass reminds me of how small I am, of how incapable, of how big God is, of how I am part of His family... I sit there and my blood pressure must drop a few points. The overwhelming sense of calm, kneeling, eyes closed in prayer, with the choir singing songs of praise, surrounded by 600 people, surrounded by a wonderful energy, yet feeling that I am the only one there.... of being able to shut everything out, and yet not. I am reminded of how small I am at other times, but there's something about sitting in His house... It's just different.... After mass, I walk out, and I'm ready for the week ahead, lighthearted, renewed and nourished. I can't explain it... that's all that there is to it.

Simply blessed, and truly thankful. I think of life a year ago when I was finding my faith again... I think of the months that have passed and how much better life is -- difficulty, heartache, happiness and all -- when lived with God.

'Tis the season...

Well... I've experienced my first big deadline at work -- two days!! I was given a file on Tuesday and had to have it ready in draft form by Thursday midday (ish)... And, I thought there was only one company, so I wrapped up another near completed file on Tuesday -- only to find out on Wednesday that there are actually TWO companies that had to be completed!! I got it done in time -- though didn't leave my desk at all on Thursday!

Two weeks to CHRISTMAS! WHOHOO!! :D I'm super excited but at the same time, exam in a week -- so everytime someone asks if I'm ready for Christmas the answer is "I have an exam in ___" But as always before an exam, I like to think of what comes after... incentive if you will... or something to remind me that's there's more to life... so here it is....almost in date order... I fully intend on living it up, and also resting the time post exam as it'll be tax season at work come January...

1. 1st Staff Christmas party (that's actually before the exam)
2. Christmas shopping -- a whopping ONE evening--- hehehehee
3. Annual (since grade 8) dinner with my high school group of friends
4. Shopping take two with Cynthia -- friend for 18 years and counting :D -- yes, since grade one!!!
5. Dinner with Ronnie
6. Christmas with the family
7. Victoria with Chelley! WHOHOO! Our second annual trip over to visit Session and Victoria -- only this year we're not staying over. I can't wait!
8. Tracey's birthday dinner
9. Dinner with my big sister (?)
10. Lunch with Ray (err, hopefully! -- I have never made plans with anyone so many times and not had them work out!)
11. Lunch with Sanyee, Rachelle, Negin and Jocelyn
12. Celebrating Dory's birthday! (And yah that I'll get to see you on your actual birthday!)


Oh, and did I mention cleaning my room? ;) And lots of sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! Ooooh... maybe baking and a haircut -- I've been debating the latter -- to keep it or to cut it... :D

And, amidst all of our excitement and celebration over the Christmas holidays, I hope we will all remember those less fortunate and take time to do something for them too. It doesn't matter how small because if everyone did that something small, it would make something pretty darn big.

Hope ya'll are getting into the spirit of the season, and hope to see ya'll over the Christmas holiday.

Smile lots, eat, laugh, and be merry!

t.

muhahaha

To express yourself Dr. Evil style, or for a lil' laugh, check out this site.


Thanks to Ron for sharing it.

Girlfriends

Girlfriends I'm only as strong as the martinis I drink, the hairspray I use, and the girlfriends I have. Here's to you! Why do we only have parties for each other when one of us gets married, pregnant, has a birthday, or retires? What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants, and shopping, lunching and traveling girlfriends? Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake! Pass this on to your girlfriends! If you get this twice or more, you are lucky to have more than one girlfriend. Be happy!

Someone will always be prettier. They will always be smarter. Their house will be bigger. They will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school. And their husband will fix more things around the house. So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it. The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart. And the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children. And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes....might be lonely. And the Word says if "I have not Love, I am nothing." So, again, love you. Love who you are. Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say "I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!" "Winners make things happen. Losers let things happen." Be Blessed ladies and pass this on to encourage another woman. "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world".

2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT

4In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5We have been beaten, been put in jail, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6We have proved ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, our sincere love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.[a] 7We have faithfully preached the truth. God's power has been working in us. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves. 8We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9We are well known, but we are treated as unknown. We live close to death, but here we are, still alive. We have been beaten within an inch of our lives. 10Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

One more hour a week

Aww boo.

"There's a happiness that comes from healing"

- Ty Pennington (Team Leader, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition)

Z equals...

Here's the solution to the puzzle and a new one.


Have a great weekend.

t.

Find the missing letter (the same letter for all 4 words) that completes
each scrambled word
below:

-RECEN
-YCHTE
-RETMI
-PALTE


Answer
to November 23:

What two words, formed from different arrangements
of the same six letters, can be used to complete the sentence
below?

The guard at the archaeological site __________ the area
very carefully, as the Viking ___________ had never been
excavated.

The answers are minded and midden.

If x = ... and y =... then...

Time for another puzzle:

What two words, formed from different arrangements of the same six letters, can be used to complete the sentence below?

The guard at the archaeological site __________ the area very carefully, as the Viking ___________ had never been excavated.


Cheerios!! (Mm, the honey nut kind)

t.

Perhaps it's the little things, seemingly insignificant, yet significant in their own right that help us to restore our faith and heal our hearts.

Nothing of grandeur, just something small and simple, yet offers the same release as if some moumental event had occured.

This morning I went to YP's AGM and Senate meeting...

I'm a member of the board (Senator) now.... :D


Blessed to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much, blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of such an amazing organization.



t.

GO VOTE TOMORROW!



Whomever you choose, or even if you choose to spoil your ballot in protest, or vote for one guy, gal or two, a whole slate, a mayor, a trustee and a couple of councillors, whatever, it's your choice but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE exercise your right, and fufill your responsibility!


Thank you.

t.

Something to wrap your head around...

YAH! Our lil' Mensa puzzle group is back up and so, with special thanks to a dear Sushi Master who is busy enough without doing this for us, I leave you with this... Solution will be posted in the next few days.

Also, I took down Steve Job's speech until I can figure out why it's throwing the formatting off. If you want to read his speech, you can find it here.


Enjoy!

t.

The explorer found a very rare lizard. It was quite large. The head was nine inches long, the tail was three times as long, and the body was twice the length of the sum of the head and tail lengths. How many inches long was this lively lizard?

Just do it.

Nike made millions off this slogan -- well, and apparently off Air Jordans -- but I digress... There's something though about the underlying message that should not be dismissed as another corporate gimmick. Well, it may have started off this way, but it means so much more.

How often have we heard others or ourselves in moments of "I can't", "I'm not good enough"... Replace the self-doubt with "just do it"... Picture Michael Jordan's image embossed on those shoes of soaring through the air, ball poised to score the 3 point shot... And what do you get, a very expensive shoe and a very rich athletic apparel company. Yes, but the concept Nike has used to make its billions off of should be something that tell ourselves everyday.... Not to be like Mike, though appealing to some, but to "do it".

How many times have we told ourselves, "it's not something I'm good at", or "S/He's smarter than I am"... "I'm not - tall, prettier, skinny, capable, strong, intelligent, quick - enough" replaces, I can. Granted, there are those with natural skills or aptitude... Height making the basket that much closer, small stature making gymnastics easier, a natural ability for numbers, a lack of squeamishness in the face of blood... But just because a person is faced with one of these barriers, it doesn't mean they can't. So s/he doesn't become an olympic gymnast, but can still turn a fine cartwheel, or a prominent linguist but can still converse in four languages... Why, because somewhere along the line, s/he stopped to try, stopped to take a ballet lesson, run track in school, read a prominent academic publication to learn more about a topic of interest...

In the process of trying we may fall, face obstacles, setbacks and sometimes, it may seem easier to quit. A favourite quote of mine by Brock Tully, a local author and speaker, says "I'll never find out what I can do, unless I do all I can to find out". First, we owe it to ourselves to let our light shine, to discover all the we can do and all the power and potential that we posess. So that when this life is coming to an end, we are not left wondering... "What if?", "could I have?" And if we do not discover all that we can do, we may deprive the world of the cure to cancer, the next great novel, a sportshero, a coach who inspries a lifetime of "I can", inspiring mentor, loving mother or father, teacher who goes the distance, grandmother next door who comforts,... Born into a world of opportunity, whether middle class, struggling or wealthy, born into a time where limits are endless...

Think you can't? Just do it.

In the "meantime"...

just have to live life....

one day, each day...

smiles, tears, laughs...

just have to live.

Diagnosis...

Thanks for all the get well tips! It turns out it's a sinus infection...

Rather funny when the doctor looked into my ear and said "that's got to hurt"... I sat there rather perplexed thinking perhaps he thought he had poked me or something but then he explained what the instead of my head looked like and I understood!

Purple hats.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).


I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before itmelted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's."More "I'm sorry's."

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

lest we forget

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

- Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

Grr.

Last week, during a quick lunch hour walk around the block, I made a donation for a poppy outside of a local grocery store. I had so much admiration for this veteran, standing outside in the wet, cold weather balancing the little plastic box with poppies in it on little more than a cement stand used to prevent cars from running into the store. How amazingly humble and a simple yet incredibly powerful reminder of the sacrifice that was made and continues to me made by those who choose unselfishly, bravely and heroically to put themselves in harm's way for others...

I put my donation into the little box, and looked up at the man... Left side right, I wanted to make sure.... M'am he said, motioning to me and taking the poppy, when you put it on, do it like this (shows me to stick the pin back through the poppy). Thank you.... (wanting to stop and talk to him more but running late getting back from lunch)...

I pinned the poppy exactly the way he told me, and inspite of pulling my coat on and off, smushing it under my desk, or putting my seatbelt on and off, it has stayed perfectly in place.

And then this is what makes today's headline. GRR.

Women get more from jokes?

A new study shows that women enjoy humour more than men!

Your Fashion Style is Girly

You dress to look beautiful and show off what you've gotDresses, skirts, heels... whatever it takes to turn headsYou love feeling like a girl in any settingEven your workout clothes are cute and feminine!

What's" Your Fashion Style?

You Are A Lily

You are a nurturer and all around natural therapist.People see you as their rock. And they are able to depend on you.You are a soothing influence. You can make people feel better with a few words.Your caring has more of an impact than even you realize.

What Flower Are You?

Funny, that as of late, I have thought of this more and more... after finishing my designation of course and working for a while....

You Should Get a JD (Juris Doctor)

You're logical, driven, and ruthless.You'd make a mighty fine lawyer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Meatball Pizza

Unusual and uncompromising.You're usually the first to discover a new trend.You appreciate a good meal and good company.You're an interesting blend of traditional and modern.

What's" Your Pizza Personality?

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Very popular, one of you is not enough.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Life is better lived when lived for God.

Life is better lived when lived with God.

May He bless and keep each one of you. May you find comfort, joy, rest and peace in Him.

Weekend update...

Well... the weekend that was supposed to be filled with church fall market, joining Ron for a birthday party, going to Storyeum with Ray (or at least lunch), studying AND cleaning my room has instead been filled with sleeping, sneezing, coughing and kleenex!

The cold got even worse, yuck... but yah for my body trying to fight it for so long!

I finished my first compilation at work this week... I thought I had completed it but when one of the more experience associates was going through it, noticed I had missed a few things that I wasn't aware I had to do for a first year file... which meant also having to re-do that T2 a few times... It felt really great when I handed it in for review though!!

I was also given a review engagement to work on!! :) EEK!

Well, that's all for now... lots to look forward to this coming week...

... getting rid of the cold
... Jesse Manibusan concert on Thursday night
... sushi/asian lunch and Jacob shopping with Chelley! YAAAAAAAH! Have a safe flight home sweetie!
... SPYAC meeting on Saturday at Francis' -- we're going to have afternoon tea complete with lil' sandwiches!
... visiting Jon and LGC on Sunday :)
... St. Paul's mass

and of course getting lots of studying done!

Take care ya'll!

t.

Middle of the week update...

Well, let's see, Monday morning, I showed up for work wearing exercise pants, sweater and running shoes with my hula girl costume in tow... only to find out that it was a lil' joke on the new staff!! But, we all dressed up. I had to take the skirt off though as similar to Hansel and Gretl leaving a bread crumb trail, I left a trail of grass! So, I spent the day in an outfit reminiscent of my community centre days -- complete with flip flops! YAH!! :)

Monday evening, my Mom and Ronnie came over to help hand out candy with my Dad and I. I had the family in Hawaiian theme with leis and my dad and Ronnie wore hawaiian shirts. I would have to say that Ronnie was the most festive in his outfit complete with board shorts on a cold night! There were some very cute little ones who came to the door. Though, there were a few that did not say "trick or treat" or "thank you", some even with parent standing behind them!!

Instead of carving a whole pumpkin. My dad carved a few small (mini) pumpkins out and I put tea lights in them and lined them up in the walkway by our doorstep... like small mini lanterns - I thought it looked pretty!

Tuesday morning, I discovered that I had driven over a screw so had to get the tire repaired before going to work. I'm just happy that I discovered it close to home rather than having a flat on the bridge!

Other than that, been a pretty low key week, school, working lots since I have been assigned a lot of work and one of the assignments has a short deadline. I was also given my own file this week to work on without a senior directly supervising me -- after only 3 weeks! It was challenging, but I am nearly done!!

Last Saturday, Ronnie took me a black tie/halloween costume dinner! It was lovely and I was impressed by the organization, ethusiasm, and really neat fundraising ideas. They sold balloons to guests and each balloon had a chance to win one of three prizes including a $1600 pearl necklace won by a gentleman at our table. His wife look thrilled! Everyone who bought a ballon got a mug for participating. There were also door prizes and a silent auction. Fundraising auctions are one of my favourite things! So, I opted for this instead of a balloon. Donating money to a good cause, getting something neat and just the bidding and anticipation to see if I have the winning bid! And, I did!! I bid on gift certificates to Richmond Centre and Ann Louise Jewellers... and had winning bids for both!

Well that's it... going to take it easy this weekend, clean up do some studying and rest up -- I have to get rid of this cold once and for all!

Stay warm.

t.

"God has a positive answer"

I received this via e-mail a few weeks ago but just got to opening it now.... Not as much time for e-mail this days so I go through it a bit more slowly. The layout is much nicer in the e-mail but the message is much more important than the presentation. I hope you will all find something that will help make your day a little lighter and the darker days a little brighter.

God has a positive answer:

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke
18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew
11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:16
& John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II
Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman
8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John
1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your
cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I
Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake
you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Happy Halloween!

Happy (belated) Halloween!

I hope that you all enjoyed the festivities and the lil' goblins and pumpkins and princesses that arrived on your doorstep.


:)

t.

p.s. I went as a hula girl, with a big sweater because our office is cold. More on that later.

From last week but I just like the way the word looks, when is the last time we used a word like this!

Word of the Day for Sunday October 16, 2005

lackadaisical \lack-uh-DAY-zih-kuhl\, adjective:
Lacking spirit or liveliness; showing lack
of interest; languid; listless.

Lackadaisical comes from the
expression lackadaisy, a variation of
lackaday, itself a shortening of "alack the (or a) day!"

"How to dump a man"

This was passed along to me, though what is posted below is edited! My apologies to my male readership, though hopefully you'll get a chuckle too!

HOW TO DUMP A MAN

Dear ________,

I regret to inform you that you have been eliminated from further contention as Mr. Right. As you are probably aware, the competition was exceedingly tough and dozens of well-qualified candidates such as yourself also failed to make the final cut. I will, however, keep your name on file should an opening become available. So that you may find better success in your future romantic endeavors, please allow me to offer the following reason(s) you were disqualified from the competition.

Check those that apply...

___Your last name is objectionable. I can't imagine taking it, hyphenating it, or subjecting my children to it.

___Your first name is objectionable. It's just not something I can picture myself yelling out in a fit of passion.

___The fact that our dining experiences to date has left MY wallet a little lighter, and YOUR pants a little tighter!

___You failed the 20 Question Rule, i.e., I asked you 20 questions about yourself before you asked me more than one about myself.

___Your constant e-mailing shows me you have TOO much time on your hands!

___Your legs are skinnier than mine.>>

___You're too short. Any son that we produced would inevitably be beaten up repeatedly at recess.

___You're too tall. I'm developing a chronic neck condition from trying to kiss you.

___I find your inability to fix my car extraordinarily unappealing.

___The fact that your apartment has been condemned reveals an inherent slovenliness that I fear is unbreakable.

___The phrase "My Mother" has popped up far to often in conversation.

___You still live with your parents.

___Although I do enjoy the X-Files, I find your wardrobe of Star Trek uniforms a little disconcerting.

___Your frequent references to your ex-girlfriend lead me to suspect that you are some sort of psychotic stalker.

___Your ability to belch the alphabet is not a trait that I am seeking in a long-term partner.

___I am out of your league, set your sights lower next time.

Sincerely,

Cruella Deville (hehehe)

Well, I spent the day home sick except for heading out to see the doctor.

After three hours on the phone with Dell, they are FINALLY pulling my computer back to their service depot. Hopefully, it will finally be fixed!

And when I came out of class tonight, it was POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOURING rain, complete with thunder and lightning.

Somehow, walking in puddles while getting soaked and trying to keep my school books from become soggy is not as fun as jumping in them with glee. I did walk in some big ones though -- I was already wet so why not!

On another important note, my super simple, compact (fits in my purse), lightweight umbrella can really hold its own. :)

Challenge...

As most of you know, each new school term or season if you will, I set the goal of learning/trying something new. Occasionally, I throw in a fitness challenge as well...

Something new ~ to execute the breast stroke without sinking in one spot in the pool by the end of December. I know how to do it, but I cannot get the rhythm right so I end up stalled in one spot, slowly siiiiiinkiiing. It's been a long time since I have gone swimming but something I much enjoyed as a child and teen... even having the honour of being the last person in the pool (yes, I know) during a high school swim meet. In order to help me become more proficient, I have enlisted the help of a special friend who used to coach swimming. Perhaps I will end up being his toughest challenge yet?


Fitness challenge ~ To be able to do two sets of twenty regular push-ups (no knees touching ground, no stability ball, no bosu ball) comfortably by the beginning of December. I can do ten right now so I figure if I add one or two each work out, I should be able to do it by then! I can do about forty or so with the stability ball and fifteen to twenty with the Bosu Ball which I just started using so will see how it goes!

Hmm, as I type this I think perhaps instead of the breast stroke challenge, I have the something new of going to work full time but also, I would have wanted to try the Thai-Bo Boot Camp class (90 minutes of aerobics!) for a while, so perhaps that will be my something new! In addition to the Cardio Salsa class I have been taking off and on the past few weeks!

"Test your wit"

For something you don't see everyday, check out the photo posted here. And if you're so inclined, enter the contest!

One year ago today...

I visited my previous, previous blog --- not the blogger one but LJ, yes LJ... and here is what I wrote one year ago today -- October 22, 2004 at 8:54pm. I think it's rather fitting for current circumstances...

a reminder to myself...
[Oct. 22nd, 200408:54 pm]
[Current Mood
hopeful]

For all the moments when I am discouraged,
For all the moments when I am scared,
For all the "can I do this"?
For all the "am I smart enough"?

Here is the answer:Yes, I can. All I have to do is do it. I am only cheating myself by not trying, by not giving 100%. Boys will come and go. Opportunties to volunteer,
work will as well. What matters, is giving 100% to what I want to find out.
Focusing is often difficult amidst everything else, but ask myself, what is more
important... Remember -- even if I find out that this is not what I want to do,
at least I did all I can TO find out.At the same time, remember to enjoy life,
relax and savour the experience

"I'll never find out all I can do, unless I do all I can to find out" - Brock Tully

And my newest occupation...

Hehee, with special thanks to Ronnie for the ubersweet (literally and figuratively) gift and to Poster Boy for altering my occupation...

t the bean counter is now t the m&m counter. :)

Week 2

Hey ya'll!

Thanks for all comments and for stopping by! :) I'm curious as to who has been leaving the witty anonymous comments! Please leave a name or alias -- at least then I'll know if you're the same person or not! It's always nice to know who is reading my random ramblings!

Anyways... so far work is off to a good and overwhelming start (I take lots of notes!) -- I read in the Minister of Finance's Report (BCYP of course) that there was a steep learning curve associated with the ministry. I wrote the same to the incoming Minister when I left parliament. On top of the bulletin board in my cubicle, I put my Minister of Finance nametag up to remind me. The job, much like being Min of Fin, has a very steep learning curve as one of the other associates told me recently. I've spent the past two years in school learning about accounting, accounting theories, tax etc but putting it into practice is much different! The journal entries are the same, though, I got very confused yesterday when trying to enter them into the computer (because it doesn't show debit or credit but rather positive or negative so have to remember the normal balance of the account etc.) But, the difference, in the controlled environment of school, we're given perfect information. Perhaps too much info to determine whether or not we know what's necessary to complete the problem, but all the info we need is there. At work, that isn't always the case, not only that but I'm having to use my own judgement in certain cases...hehee, our profs started us on developing "professional judgement" and now is only the beginning of lifelong development!... I suppose all the complexities are what makes it, and keeps it interesting!

I found out this week that we are allowed to wear Halloween costumes to work on the 31st. I am in need of suggestions -- the only two conditions -- it must be work appropriate and I need to be able to sit for the better part of 8 + hours. Suggestions welcome! I think I would like to be a fairy. Hehee...

Take care ya'll and enjoy the sunny start to the weekend.

t.

Sweet dreams. :) October 20, 2005

And in the end...

life is what you make of it.

Word of the Day: pelf

Word of the Day for Wednesday October 19, 2005 from Dictionary.com

pelf \PELF\, noun: Money; riches; gain;
-- generally conveying the idea of something
ill-gotten.

Pelf comes from Old French pelfre, "booty, stolen goods."
It is related to pilfer.

thoughts...

"Our greatest strength is not in never failing, but in rising everytime we fall."

During a conversation the other day, the topic came to exams and the nervousness that these cause. I shared with this person the insight a former instructor shared with our class about perspective and how he wanted us to not only prepare for our exam but to do something that there is more to life than the outcome of one exam.

Life is not about not knowing how to fail. I do not think that we honestly and truthfully set out to intentionally fail. In those instances, perhaps we choose to fail out of fear or lack of desire. But, do we really want to be a failure? Of course not. At others, failure comes from circumstance -- illness, deaths... We cannot always choose our outcomes, and failure unfortunately, is sometimes one of them.

Thinking that success is only determined by lack of failure in one's life is immature and misguided. True success comes from triumph inspite of obstacles, inspite of failure not because the path lacked any. There is greater strength, lesson and maturity in getting back on the horse so to speak than going through life, perhaps an honours student, or average, getting all the promotions or simply seemingly sailing through and never facing adversity, real adversity.

Until we hit that wall, or perhaps "rock bottom", and learn to stand again, we cannot know the strength, courage and spirit that lies within us.

"Fall down seven times, stand up eight" - Japanese Proverb

I like jumping in puddles.


Jumping in puddles is fun! =)

My Mom and I. October 10, 2005

First day of the new job...

I am thankful for moments like this and especially
for special friends -- friends who will sneak out of your
birthday party to buy lollipops and sparkly candles
(incidentally, my favourite) for an extra special surprise
when the cake came out. 

This is another from the visit to Muir Woods
and a favourite of mine. 

Lucky Charms. Hehee, seeing clovers always
reminds me of the cereal -- and the leprechaun.
This photo was taken in Muir Woods, California,
August 2005. I show all of my trip pictures to my
parents and Ronnie tonight and this one was well
received so I thought I would share it. 

Thought of the Day...

Here's my thought of the day...

Maturity cannot be learned nor taught, it must be (is) developed through experience.

To which, I should also add, emotional intelligence and academic intelligence -- two completely different things.


t.

I am thankful for...

This list could go on and on and on... I have much to be thankful for -- but some of the bigger ones and lil' ones too since last year. Feel free to add some of your own in the comments section too!

I am thankful for...

~ everything God has blessed me with

~ my mommy and daddy

~ dear friends, and especially when they phone or e-mail just to see how you're doing - the for no reason other than to remind you they are thinking of you calls and e-mails

~ finding my way back home (figuratively speaking)

~ being healthy again

~ that people notice I'm happier, healthier and more relaxed

~ that I know it too (and other things that come with that)

~ a simpler life -- and all the perspective, experience and strength that comes from previous challenge

~ getting to visit my family in California and seeing all the little ones

~ the job opportunities -- funny how I thought "what if I don't find one?" and all of a sudden it turned to "which one do I choose?"

~ having the opportunity to serve on Core, even for just a brief time -- 6 years in the making :)

~ our new SPYAC team!

~ making new friends!!!

~ hopefully getting to sit on Senate

~ volunteering on the downtown eastside -- to keep things in perspective and to remind me how blessed I am to have a loving family, food on the table and so much more

~ cleaning out my closet and realizing how much stuff I have that I do not need -- similar to the first time I helped at Camp Phoenix, it reminded me to think about what I really need before shopping etc.

~ seeing people donate their time and through that, part of their heart and self to truly serve others -- it inspires me to do more and humbles me to see people whose hearts are in the right place who want to make the lives of others better [I don't mean those who do it for self serving reasons (grad school apps etc) and then complain about it!] "We give little when we give of our posessions, it is when we give of our heart that we truly give."

~ meeting someone in passing who helped me see something special in me -- who helped me see me differently

~ all of the many, many people who helped me get from can I do this to bean counter in training -- and there have been many who have encouraged me and provided opportunities to learn more and gain experience

~ "adventure"

~ how wonderful my new co-workers at the detachment are and how supportive they were when I told them I was leaving after a month

~ the opportunities to give back to organizations that have given me so much

... Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families...

America's Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! =)

Oh, and in other news, I finally got a new cell phone! Number is the same, but this one stays on :)

Enjoy the turkey, mashed potatoes and most importantly, the time to reflect on what we each have to be thankful for.

t.

Word of the day: (it's a short one!) onus

Well, today's word of the day is a short one!

Word of the Day for Friday October 7, 2005 from dictionary.com

onus \OH-nuhs\, noun: 1. A burden; an obligation; a
disagreeable necessity. 2. a: A stigma. b: Blame. 3. The
burden of proof.

My computer consumer report

Caveat Emptor.

Well, just under 3 months ago (June 21) I purchased the Dell Inspirion 600m. I have had nothing but problems ever since including a very condescending technical support person who suggested that I simply not use a feature of the computer that was not working. I bought from Dell because I heard good things about their products and service, apparently I got the lemon of the bunch.

The computer was defective out of the box, a tech support person and a friend who is a compsci grad fixed it over the phone. Apparently, the band-aid fell off and again, it's not working properly! Further, I set the power saving features to turn off the monitor after x-minutes of no use -- it does not work properly, while the hard disk is still running, the monitor won't turn back on! This is the feature that the service tech told me "well then just don't use it".... yeah, thanks. The on/off switch sticks (or something else is wrong with it) so it's difficult from this point to get it to turn back on. The past few days when trying to open applications on the desktop, the programs open slower than the Pentium 1 computer that I have had for 4 years -- and that computer has problems! Forget about trying multiple applications at once either -- the computer froze yesterday just with using MSN and internet explorer (I usually use firefox). Not to mention trying to re-start the computer! Further, the area just below the keyboard, where I suppose the processor is, heats up to the point that unless I'm wearing a long sleeves and a few layers at that, it is impossible to use because it's burning hot! I've had it on now for less than an hour and it's already hot through a long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt.

I called Dell Customer Care today and explained the situation. Having worked in a Call Centre before, and in customer service, I also apologized to her for being frustrated etc. She told me not to worry because she would be frustrated too! I was informed that outside of 30 days from the date of invoice, I cannot request a replacement or return -- well, the computer worked after the tech guy told my friend how to repair it over the phone, so why would I replace it. And the second tech guy, even if perhaps not so wise advice, I am relying on their expertise. I reminded her that it was THEIR technical support people that I dealt with. Along the way, none have advised me that I could send it in for repair -- perhaps that's just asking for too much quality service! Further, does that mean that they only expect their product to last 30 days? It's been less than 3 months and already defective so what faith do they have in their own product if they won't replace it.

I asked what my recourse is if the level two tech guy who will phone in a few days is unable to fix it. She said that I could then call customer care again and try to request a replacement but that they will look at the fact that I did not send it in to replace hardware. I informed her that I am an accountant, not a computer science graduate and how am I supposed know that it needs hardware replacement if their technical support people (they have it logged that I phoned) give me a band aid fix over the phone.

I'm sure that there are happy Dell customers out there but I would advise against purchasing this particular model or from Dell. A computer is a big investment and something that many of us, once purchased rely upon and perhaps buying something that you can try out in a store and take back to a person when there are problems is a much better way to go.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to my dear friend Laureen (aka elle-tee) who had her convocation ceremony today at Simon Fraser! YAAAH =D Hehee, can't wait to see what you do next and all the bestest to you!

Quotes

"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."
~Helen Keller~

Sometimes, it can be easier to dwell in the what could have been, in the what ifs, than to take the step to explore what can be. Funny how we can be in the best of places (figuratively) and yet the loveliness is marred by distant memories. I suppose there will always be moments such as this but the happy moments well... this, one of my all time favourite quotes and something I always think about sums it up...

"We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what's wrong in your life, or you can focus on what's right. But whatever you focus on, you're going to get more of. Creation is an extension of thought. Think lack, get lack. Think abundance and you get more."
~Marianne Williamson~

And so, I leave with this...

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 enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you. 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. 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 ~

May ya'll let your light shine and love the person you see reflected back at you.

t.

Gala dinner inside of the Museum
of Civilization. Gatineau, Quebec,
May 2005. 

Amy and I at Niagara Falls.
April 2005. 

A street in Byward Market,
Ottawa. May 2005 

Word of the Day: sempiternal

Doctor Dictionary's Word of the Day for Thursday October 6, 2005

sempiternal \sem-pih-TUR-nuhl\, adjective: Of never
ending duration; having beginning but no
end; everlasting; endless.

Sempiternal comes from Medieval Latin
sempiternalis, from Latin sempiternus, a
contraction of semperaeternus, from semper,
"always" + aeternus, "eternal." Synonyms: enduring,
eternal, everlasting, perpetual.

A couple of photos from my trip to Eastern Canada.
May 2005















View of a Government Building.

Supreme Court of Canada ~ I went on the
school group tour! :)

Janice and I at Tapenade ~ Charli's farewell.

Spring 2005.

With two dear friends. Jay, Kat, Pat at Jason's
birthday dinner. August 2005.

Word of the Day: Beneficence

Word of the Day for Wednesday October 5, 2005 from
Dictionary.com

beneficence \buh-NEFF-i-suhns\, noun: 1. The
practice of doing good; active goodness, kindness, or
charity. 2. A charitable gift or act.


Beneficence is from Latin beneficentia, from beneficus, "kind,
generous, obliging," from bene, "well" (from bonus, "good") +
facere, "to do." The adjective form is beneficent.

Jer. 29:11

So incredibly blessed to have been given new opportunities, a new outlook, new friendships, renewed ones, and a simple life.

So incredibly humbled by God's grace.

So incredibly amazed and thankful for it all.

There will be times in our lives where things get tough, very tough perhaps, and it will seem that God is far away and that we are alone. The difficulties just seem to roll into one another and the happy moments present, yet so much harder to see. And then one day, or perhaps just slowly, unnoticeable at first and growing quietly, renewal.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Word of the Day: Effulgence

I subscribe to Doctor Dictionary which sends me a word a day via e-mail.

Word of the Day for Monday October 3, 2005

effulgence \i-FUL-juhn(t)s\, noun: The state of being bright
and radiant; splendor; brilliance.

From Latin ex- "out of, from" +
fulgere, "to shine." The adjective form of the word is
effulgent.

Awww.

This is me with my mismatched earrings, make up
and the lovely flower arrangement from my friend. :)

(Oh, and my darker dyed hair!)

October 1, 2005

ballerina

The ballet was LOVELY.... absolutely magnificant, marvelous and of course filled with grace (even the male ballerinas -- is that what they are called?)

I bought earrings ($6 at Garage) to wear tonight... dangly ones. And, when I got home a little while ago and took them off, I realized that they are not the same! One is slightly longer than the other... that's what I get for rush trip and $6. I will take them back tomorrow. I had my make up done for free today at Clinique. =)

Unfortunately, I am sick. I caught the bug going around our office. Anyhoo, sleepy time. Hope ya'll are enjoying the lovely fall colours!

t.

Tutus.

When I was little, I enjoyed twirling around at ballet class and my favourite times were when we had performances because we got to wear little pink tutus.

Watching Karen Kain perform live was such a treat as a child and tonight, I am going to watch Swan Lake. :)

And while I no longer am a little ballerina, I still enjoy twirling like one :)

=(

Last day with my first full time job today! ) = I'm going to miss it.

And in a week, a brand new beginning!! = ) I'm looking forward to it.

Say Cheese!

Char and I at Taste of the City.

Update...

Well, the computer problems continue!! But hopefully will stay connected long enough for this post...

It's been a busy few weeks.

Work: 2 more days!! I can hardly believe it. The decision to leave was tough, and leaving will be even tougher. I have only been at the detachment for 3.5 weeks but it already feels like much longer (in a good way). The people are wonderful. I finally know my way around! I went into a jail cell today and, two weeks ago, I went to my first work related party. The food was amazing complete with chocolate fondue FOUNTAIN!! (Wow!) I even got a bluetooth headset as a present for attending! It doesn't work with my phone though. What means even more though is that the people that I work with now were understanding and supportive of my move to the firm. What more, I will revert back to "auxiliary" so that I can go back to the community centre and sub once in a while -- and keep my free gym membership!!

And in other news -- I have accepted a position with an accounting firm!! I start October 11. I am excited, nervous, happy, optimistic (cautiously).... one way or another, soon enough, I will know if I have what it takes to be a bean counter!

Outings: Two weekends ago Char, Janice, Jan and I went to Taste of the City at the Plaza of Nations -- good food but personal opinion -- Nibbles and Bites is better!

This past Friday, my (new) friend Ronnie and I went out for dinner and prior to late night sushi I decided to have an ice cream bar from Purdy's. As I tried to gracefully eat it, the bar started to break and SPLAT I dropped the bottom portion all over the floor in the middle of the mall! :) Late night sushi was good!

And this Saturday, I am going to Swan Lake! :)

Other stuff: I stepped down from CORE :( The decision was incredibly tough but I know in my heart that it was the right thing to do. With starting a new job and studying, I was not sure I could put the 110% into it that I wanted to so better to help when I can than only showing up half of the time. SPYAC is gearing up and it's shaping up to be a great fall! =)

I have also put my name forward to run for Youth Parliament's Senate (Board of Directors). I am going to start work as an Accountant in large part because three years ago, I was Minister of Finance of BCYP. Parliament inspired me in so many ways and continues to. I want another young person to one day be able to say the same. Elections are in November so will see how it goes!

Fitness: I started a new aerobics class -- Cardio Salsa. It's a fun and challenging workout! The instructor shows both high impact and low impact options so suitable for beginners and advanced. If anyone wants to join me, let me know! I am also hoping to try Thai-Bo Boot Camp (90 minute aerobics class!) sometime soon!

That's all for now!

Smile lots.

t.

Heroes

In honour, tribute and memory of those who dedicate their lives and those who give their lives...


Peace officers honour their dead

Taste of the City
Plaza of Nations
September 17, 2005
Char and I


We're hungry.
Yummy tuna! Rare tuna served with avocado and parsley.... MMM!

Janice, Char and I at Nibbles and Bites.
September 10, 2005.

Survey says...

Hello all! Well, after the cable connection was fixed, the wireless card (is that what it's called?) started acting up too! And then the cable connection went again, ah well! Anyhoo, I found this survey so I updated it a little and have posted it here.


Fill it out and send it to your friends, as well as the person who sent it to you. You'll be surprised how much you can learn about a person!

NAME: t (:
GENDER: Female
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Taurus
HEIGHT: 4ft 9 1/2' (yes, I'm small, but I can still drive a bus! And, I like being small!! :D)
EYE COLOR: Dark brown
HAIR COLOR: Black (at the moment with caramel coloured highlights) RIGHTY OR LEFTY: Righty
INNIE OR OUTIE: Innie

FAVORITES.....

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO: spend time with loved ones (family and friends), go to the gym/aerobics, read, go for walks... in the rain too, read, try new things, bike, have quiet moments, go camping, learn, sit by the fire, be outside, volunteer, bake, do crafts, entertain, take pictures, visit new places, little adventures, swim, work with little ones, intelligent and thought provoking discussion or non-sensical and sarcastic conversation, be silly, smile at strangers on the street, roadtrips, meet new people... so many things!

FAVORITE SPORT: To play or watch? I'm not athletically inclined when it comes to playing sports except when I was a cheerleader! But I like to try...just not vball (so scary, and ouch!)... I've been to hockey, football and basketball games and I'm trying to learn how to golf. I want to learn to scuba dive.

FAVORITE FOOD: broccoli, potatoes, blueberries, sushi, salmon, dark chocolate, plain m&m, cheese, mint chocolate chip ice cream (mmmm!), butter chicken, dumplings, I like food! :D

FAVORITE CLASS: Favorite classes ~ Political Science 1160 at Langara, Political Science 220 at UBC b/c of the awesome prof!, History of the Holocaust - I don't think I've learned more in one class than I did there...I like school and absolutely thrive on learning new stuff, just do not like exams!

FAVORITE MOVIES: Pretty Woman (for the Cinderella story -- I'm a sappy romantic, what can I say!) , Clear and Present Danger (and the other Jack Ryan movies based on Tom Clancy novels starring Harrison Ford) though I haven't watched them for a while, The Little Mermaid, Top Gun, 50 First Dates, 13 Going on 30, I liked Ever After as well -- for the Cinderella story FAVORITE ACTORS: Harrison Ford, Robert Redford, George Clooney

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Julia Roberts

FAVORITE TV SHOW: THE WEST WING!!!! Alias, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (watching it inspires me that if people truly care, they can do great things to help others), Star Trek: TNG, Dharma and Greg... Also like Oprah and The Today Show

FAVORITE PHRASE: That I say? or a quote? I have A LOT of favourite quotes here is one of them... "We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what's wrong in your life, or you can focus on what's right. But whatever you focus on, you're going to get more of. Creation is an extension of thought. Think lack, get lack. Think abudance and you get more." - Marianne Williamson

FAVORITE SONG: Hmm.. quite a few but here are some- Christina Aguilera - Beautiful, Soar, Reflection, and Can't Hold us Down, Whitney Houston - Try It On My Own, Mariah Carey - Hero, Pachbel's Canon, Jim Brickman and Martina McBride - The Gift and My Valentine, Jim Brickman and Tara Mclean - You, Jim Brickman - Destiny (oh the sappy romantic songs!) Twila Paris - How Beautiful, Green Day - Time of your Life, Matt Maher - Love Has Come, Tom Booth - I Will Choose Christ

FAVORITE AUTHOR: Umm... Caroyln Keene!! I'm 24 and still read Nancy Drew! I collect the antique ones.

FAVORITE BOOK: The Purpose Driven Life, The 21 Indispensible Qualities of a Leader, Straight A's Never Made Anybody Rich: Lessons in Personal Achievement, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress (I got to meet the author too!), God is in the Small Stuff And It All Matters, Smart Women Finish Rich, WWJD: The Question That Will Change Your Life. Current Reading: John (Bible)

FAVORITE MAGAZINE: I don't really have one but like to read Food/decorating etc magazines for the ideas, and the newspaper... I like reading them online though.. less to store.. Also have a subscription to Fortune (at the advice of a prof who got us a good deal!)

FAVORITE HOLIDAY: Christmas! Easter! Birthdays? Do I have to choose just one? Hmm, all holidays! :D But birthdays are special and should be celebrated....life is a gift, it should be celebrated each day!

FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR: Mint chocolate chip (mmmmmm!) Creamy goodness! MMMM!

FAVORITE PERFUME/COLOGNE: On myself, Cool Water Woman

FUTURE NAME OF SON(s): Still waiting for it to come to me

NAME OF DAUGHTER(s): Elizabeth Grace ~ It came to me one day... Elizabeth after my patron saint, Grace because of God's grace

IF YOU COULD MEET ONE DEAD CELEBRITY, IT WOULD BE: Could I meet a dead politician? In which case, Abraham Lincoln

IF YOU COULD DYE YOUR HAIR ANY COLOR IT WOULD BE: PURPLE!!! :)

IF YOU COULD BE ANY SUPERHERO IT WOULD BE: Seriously?? I would want to be...hmm, perhaps a combo of Superman (to fly and for his strength), hmmm... :) As of late, apparently, I am "Wonder Woman". I don't know what her powers are, will have to find out.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB IT WOULD BE: A job where I can work with people and have the opportunity to make a difference.

Dream job(s) Senior City Administrator (maybe like Director of Finance etc), Senior position at big accounting firm, or work either for Federal Government, UN or some sort of NGO... and one day to run a not for profit (and I know exactly what I want to do with it!). Hmm, I suppose job that would marry the CGA, MBA, MPA and maybe CPA that I hope to complete!

A JOB YOU WOULD HATE TO HAVE: A job where I have no contact with people

HAVE YOU EVER... RAN AWAY FROM HOME: When I was about 6 years old or so I can't remember why but I was sooo upset so I told my parents that I was going to live in our storage room. I even packed a bag!

BROKEN A BONE: No, but I cut my chin open though when I was in grade 2(?) falling off the monkey bars and landing in glass! I still have the scar.

LIED: No or yes, either way, I may not be telling the truth.

CRIED IN SCHOOL: Yes

FELL ASLEEP IN A MOVIE THEATRE: Not that I recall

MET A CELEBRITY: Saw dustin hoffman's head in london

DO YOU BELIEVE IN...

LOVE AT 1ST SIGHT: .. umm.. yah.. maybe infatuation at first sight! The thought though is a nice one... love at first sight.
HOROSCOPES: No, but can be humourous to read anyhow
ALIENS: It is nice to think that perhaps we are not the only ones out there or here??
ANGELS: Yes
HEAVEN: Yes
HELL: Yes
GOD: Yes, of course!!!
REINCARNATION: umm.. well..

IF YOU WERE TO COME BACK AS ANY ANIMAL, IT WOULD BE: I really like dolphins, so I'd like to come back as a dolphin.

THE FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT OF WHEN YOU WOKE UP TODAY: Mmm, what time is it

IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL: Half full! :)

THE WUSSIEST SPORT: There are no "wussy" sports, to each his/her own!

THE WORST FEELING: Being alone.. I don't mean physically alone but ALONE

YOUR GREATEST FEAR: "There's nothing to fear but fear itself" said a very wise man... We all have fears. I try to always remember that God will see me through. "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it". But, I worry about not being able to say goodbye to loved ones before they leave. From experience,it's so much harder to do when they are gone. There is a saying that goes "Much unhappiness comes into this world because of things left unsaid." We may never get to chance to tell someone we love, appreciate and are thankful for them, or mend a rift, if we don't do it while they are with us. Also, sometimes that I won't be enough.

YOUR BEST MEMORY: high school grad night, and many other happy memories too

FUNNIEST MEMORY: teehee (not telling!)

YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Up until now.... Getting my class 4...my lil' bus driver licence... no.. let's see learning to tie my shoelaces - it took me forever! But really, learning to stand up and find my way again (figuratively speaking). One of the most special gifts that has come from this process is that the people who love me have noticed the change, that I'm happier, healthier, more relaxed, taking it all on again... They see the difference, and the icing on the cake, I do too. I don't know that I've ever loved the person who I see in the mirror as much as I do now.

YOUR BEST LESSON IN LIFE: (Thus far) That no matter what you think may happen, be open to stuff happening, not necessarily in the way that you want it to. Life is a gift, and we only have one life to live... There will always be people better and worse off than us, so live the best life possible. Challenging and difficult stuff will happen to good people... even when it gets really tough and it seems that nothing good seems to be happening, see the good, no matter how small, have faith and keep on going, just put one foot in front of the other... That's all you can do and eventually, it gets better... To that, I add something my best friend and i always agreed on... never leave a conversation/situation with someone in anger, you never know if it'll be the last time you speak with them. (and you never want to live with knowing that the last words you spoke to a love on in were of anger)

DO YOU THINK YOU'VE LIVED LIFE: I try to! Carpe Diem right? In terms of experiences... so far... Helping at camp taught be a lot about being grateful for what I have, and a young camper taught me a lesson in serving others and selflessness, a lesson in humility; Being in parliament taught me about potential and what one is capable of if you truly believe and are willing to work at it; The very many opportunities to travel to a lot of places opened my perspective; The friendship and loss of my best friend taught me to cherish the time that you have with someone, it might end too quickly... (and of what it means to be loved unconditionally and have someone who always has your best interests in mind and will do anything and everything to see you happy); Getting sick made me value my health -- the illness together with the loss taught me about accepting weakness and seeing strength in the acceptance.... All this along with the other challenges and experiences have made me stronger, constantly reminded me to trust God and to simply be happy in the moment. :) I'm hopeful and excited about now, and what lies ahead!

ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX...

HONESTLY, WHAT DO YOU NOTICE FIRST: Wait, have I not been honest the whole way through?

MUST-HAVE PERSONALITY TRAIT: There are lots of "traits" I think that we all look for.. for me, honesty, genuine, appreciation, maturity but more than that... someone who appreciates and respects me for me... appreciates the me that I love about myself (if that makes sense) and treats me with respect and consideration... oh and gentlemanly-ness....

DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON SOMEONE: Hahaa, that's for me to know!!!

WHAT KIND OF THINGS DO YOU FIND ROMANTIC: The little surprises that someone does for no reason at all! Also, probably if someone planned out some really sweet romantic day/afternoon/evening teehee.. I can be such a sap! (long walks on the beach at sunset, a picnic at the beach, candle lit dinners, fireplaces )

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU...

CRIED: Probably a few days ago
PUNCHED SOMEONE: I don't know
JUMPED ON YOUR BED: not recently... teehee, maybe when I finish this!! :D

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF...

ABORTION: A very tough issue... being Catholic, I believe that creation is not an accident and that each life is part of God's plan. It isn't up to us to choose whether a baby should live or die. My question is always what about the baby's right to have a life? What if your parent had chosen to abort you? At church, we challenged our teens recently to pray for the unborn child everyday for the next nine months.. and some of the leaders (including myself) took up this challenge too... It makes me think of the women faced with the decision. We pray for them too.

YOUR FUTURE: I heard a priest who met Mother Teresa tell us a joke that she had told him "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your future." Have faith and life life in such a way that at the end of the day, there are no regrets.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR... AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Went to university :)

AFTER UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE: One part of university is done, finish accounting diploma, get accounting designation (maybe 2?), work in public practice, hopefully meet the man I am supposed to marry and have little ones (I want to be a great wife and mommy. It would be such an amazing gift to raise a family.), pursue an MBA then perhaps MPA and work for government or NGO... Hopefully have the opportunity to live and work in another place as well. If I've learned anything in what's happened over the past two years, it's wonderful to have plans and goals and stuff that you want to do to give you direction, but it's equally important to be open to change and suggestion and the fact that things may or may not work the way you want it to... let life unfold

MARRIAGE: One day, if that's my calling... I hope so! I pray for my future husband (if I am meant to be married) and that if so, God will lead us to one another in His perfect time.

LITTLE KNOW FACT ABOUT YOU: Hmmm... if after all this, there is still something someone wants to know? I'd be surprised! And, I'm not sure there is anything else? Ha! I know.. I am very afraid of snakes.. but that's a well known fact. And, sometimes, I worry too much... I know it isn't good so I'm working on it.