I love thuglums

As pointed out by a few people, I like to make up new words, and this is my newest: Thuglums. It's derived from the English words thug and hoodlum. Fill in the rest. ;) Anyway, my inspiration for this word came from the kids I met today tutoring. Aaaaattittttuuuuude! Ahaahha, but I think they're great already, even though they won't do homework and just talk to each other. I'm praying this'll be a safe place for them to learn to work hard, and to experience God's love. I think it'll be super-hard. But I love it, even though some of these kids aren't much more mature than my grade fives. They were all giggling at a diagram of ovaries today. Oooooooooh boy. But yeah, it's interesting to be back in the same kind of environment I grew up in. It's a lower income area, and I know all those kids really come to play ball, just like in my area. I think I'm going to go pay a visit to my middle school teachers for some teaching tips.

Today made me feel old though. These guys are so young! Plus I was dead tired from working out (not even crazily, I'm just super-unfit!). Thanks for putting up with the whining, Cosma. I swear one day I'll be a lean, mean, running machine, and maybe I'll be fast enough to run away from geese.

"Come out, your teacher's at the door..."

Imagine with me if you will...you're at home, relaxing after causing a ruckus at school, when suddenly, there's a knock at the door, and it's your teacher (make that TWO teachers) standing at the front door.

This was the scene Friday night. First, I had a rough week. My kids were hyper, but one in particular was just testing me. None of the kids did their homework, and it was just crazy. Anyway, we sat down and had a class discussion on it all on Friday, and then I dismissed them, except for one kid who was supposed to have a detention with me. Anyway, he's there for maybe 10 minutes, when he decides he doesn't want to be there. He looks at me and inches towards the door, smiling his creepy smile. I ask him to sit down and he does. But then he gets up later again, and this time he SHOOTS out the door and runs down the hall, picking up his bag on the way. Laughing the whole way. GAHHHHH I was so upset. All my kids left and I had a cry about how I totally felt like I can't be a teacher. It was rough. Anyway, he's at risk of being kicked out of the school, so I didn't know what to do exactly. My teacher came back and came up with the suggestion that we go visit him and either make him serve his detention right outside his house, or make sure he understands that he can't just run off, etc.

Which brings me to the scene where my teacher and I stood outside his door and let him know he'd be making up the time big-time. I can't even believe I visited a student's house as a student teacher. CRAZY. So that was my Friday. I was really upset all that night. I was tired, and all I wanted to do half the time was cry. Being tired can really make a girl emotional! So that was Friday, and he's still driving me nuts. It's May, and it's not like he had a lot of motivation to work in the first place, but he's just really distracted and lazy right now. I wish he would try. He's a smart kid. WHat's the problem?!?!?

Being Politically Active!

I just wrote an e-mail to my M.P. Roy Cullen concerning a Bill, which I'm quite upset at the guy about. I thought he voted Nay, but apparently he voted Yea, big boogerhead. Anyway, since I know all about government now that I've taught it, and because I'm talking to my kids about rights and responsibilities, I thought I'd exercise my freedom of speech and write to him to give him a piece of my mind. It was fun! I'm sure he won't write back personally or anything, but I think this beats e-mailing celebrities (wink, wink), because I'm doing my part to change the future of Canada! My little, itty, bitty part. Yes. I love voting!!!

Great quotes of the week!

"Do NOT fight with your children. But if you do fight, make sure you DON'T LOSE." - Dr. Phil

"Understand, I do not lose." - Ms. Dyson, my host teacher at the school I'm teaching at! And all the students know it, too.

"You can't ride two horses with one a**, sugarbee." - Melanie's dad in Sweet Home Alabama

"So I can kiss ya anytime I want." (make sure to say this one with a southern accent, otherwise it's not nearly as amusing) - Melanie in Sweet Home Alabama

"Nippy never-do-er." - Tats, referring to the fact that we both "always never do things".

"What's your nickname? MICHion Impossible?" - Tats (again, all in one conversation!)

Alright, so I'm probably the only one who thinks most of these are funny. But if you REALLY want to appreciate them, you have to say them out LOUD. Yep.

GAH!

The HORROR!!!!!




Which "Saved By The Bell" Character Are You?

I mean, the test is dumb, but to actually come out of it as SAMUEL SCREECH POWERS...I think I need to go shopping. Hahahahaha.

In better news, I'm cute but psycho bunny.

you are the cute but psycho happy bunny. You
adorable, but a little out there. It's alright,
you might not have it all, but there are worse

which happy bunny are you?

For Good

Boo, I missed seeing the musical Wicked, but my grade 5 students are singing one of the songs at their graduation. I listened to it today and it made me almost cry! Imagine my very own students singing it as they graduate...

For Good

GLINDA
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew youI have been changed for good

ELPHABA
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of meIs made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:

GLINDA
Because I knew you:

BOTH
I have been changed for good

ELPHABA
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for

GLINDA
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share

BOTH
And none of it seems to matter anymore

GLINDA (ELPHABA )
Like a comet pulled (Like a ship blown)
From orbit as it (Off it's mooring)
Passes a sun, like (By a wind off the)
A stream that meets (Sea, like a seed)
A boulder, half-way (Dropped by a)
Through the wood (Bird in the wood)

BOTH
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better?

GLINDA
And because I knew you:

ELPHABA
Because I knew you:

BOTH
Because I knew you:
I have been changed for good.

Breaking down the pride and the prejudice...

An excerpt of a conversation I had with one of my students:

Me: Mindy*, your assigned partner will be Bob.
Immediately, Mindy puts on grumpy-face.
Me: Mindy, is there a problem?
Silence. Arms cross.
Me: I notice you didn't want to work with Bob last time. Is there a reason for this?
Silence. Shifty-eyes.
(Do I talk to myself??)
Me: Well, Mindy, I'm not impressed with your attitude. It does not require a lot to simply share a book with Bob (who by the way is death boy, ahahahaha). I think you are being stubborn, and you have a very negative attitude. I haven't seen you trying to make any type of improvement in your attitude, so I'd really like to see an attempt (at this point, I really just wanted to say, Listen, it's not like you two have to be boyfriend and girlfriend, AHAHAHAHAHA, she would have DIED!).
Silence.
Still talking to myself.
Me: Well, Mindy, I'm going to ask for an answer before you leave today. Can you make an attempt to work better as a group?
Silence.

A LONG time later, she runs up to me and says, "My answer is yes."

Gah, took long enough. She was all pouty mc-pouty pants.

AHahahaha, and I realized some things. First of all, whining is stinking annoying. My kids were ALL complaining today about muscle pain after my gym classes. I was so annoyed. And then I realized, that's what I do. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

Second, I hate running on treadmills to nowhere. I'd like a better goal than a time I have to reach. As I was running though, I started thinking about perseverance. I am ALWAYS talking to my students about perseverance. How am I supposed to teach them about it if I can't even persevere? I'm so lazy. I know, I know. But mental perseverance is a lot easier when your body isn't dying from running, ahahahha. Don't know how you do 10K, ppl, but I'm stinking impressed.

*names have been changed to protect the reputations of my funny students.

Just give me new ones...

I need new legs. They are totally kaput right now. Too much running. Too much basketball. There's a burning sensation around my knees. That's not usually there. I think it's bad. And my toesies hurt. And I still have lots of fat, ahahahaha. You know, it's a good thing I really don't care all that much about body fat or weight or whatever, because getting your fat pinched could really get you upset. Ahahahaha. But really, what can you do, body fat is essential for insulation. Even with all this body fat, I'm cold. So there, body fat is good and useful. THerefore justifying my midnight eating bouts. Yes.

I also watched Spanglish today (yeah, let's not talk about what a slacker I am). I totally loved it, except for the marital unfaithfulness bit. Tea Leoni played awesomely insane, and Adam Sandler played such a sweet nice guy. Fave line from the movie? "You are the nicest white woman I have ever met!" AHAHahahahahaha. And the star woman was totally great. I wish I had an older sister like that.

Gah, my nose is stuffed, and it makes my brain turn to mush, on top of the fact that my legs are complete and utter jello right now, on TOP of which I am totally utterly exhasted from teaching. I'm loving my kids more and more tho! Yaaaaay my grade 5 class. Will I cry when they graduate? Surely!

I'm excited!!!

Last night was our annual Campus Crusade for Christ fellowship dinner. It was amazing!! It's basically a celebration of everything God did on all the Ontario campuses throughout the year, and it was an amaaaaazing year. :) We saw more ppl come to Christ, more students go on summer missions trips, and more and more ppl are making the decision to go into full-time ministry. It was just amazing at York to see so many new, excited people. It makes me SO excited to go overseas to see what God will do over there next year. :) I'm uber-excited for the short-term trips that'll be going over this summer, too. Honestly, there's nothing I'd rather be doing than serving Him full-time!!!! :)

Today's message at church was interesting, too. Pastor Ray compared humans to porcupines. The closer we get to each other, the more prone we are to hurting others with our quills...and it's true. Being close to someone requires vulnerability and letting your walls come down. It's baring your soul, and trusting that they'll be careful with your heart. As that happens, we get closer, but more prone to hurting each other. Being hurt so many times makes the walls come up, and it separates us from others, when we were really made to be in fellowship with one another. But being able to feel that emotional pain is what makes us human, and being able to grow from those past hurts and allowing God to heal our hearts is a transforming thing. I can't wait until the day I am presented holy in his sight.

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation– if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." - Colossians 1:21-23

Speed dating, HAHAHA!

Yesterday after school, my host teacher explained that she would have to leave immediately after school due to a...and she held up an e-mail, told me not to read out loud, and allowed me to scan...speed date. WHAT in the world is a speed date?! I didn't say anything and just laughed. She said, "I'll tell you all about it tmw," and jetted off.

Cut to today, where I ask about the speed date. Judging by the laughter and the look she gave me, I don't think it went well. I expected it to be like, some online dating service or something (she just started on eBay, so I figured she was all about this online stuff). No, it's 20 gals meeting 20 guys. Old guys who all lie about their age. AHahahaha. SO anyway, apparently it's at this trendy downtown lounge, so my teacher and her 2 friends show up, and it's ALL women. They beeline to the washroom, and are discussing their options, and are debating leaving because it's not worth the $30. They walk out again, and are approached by the organizer lady. By this time, more men have shown up, but my teacher likes black guys, and (her words) "speed dating has not exactly caught on in the Black community. The attitude is, why speed date if you can go to a club?" Ahahaha. Anyway, so this lady asks, "Are you here for the speed dating?" My teacher's split-second reaction is a very loud, "NO!" as they head towards the exit. Now, she's still curious as to how this all works, so as she heads out the exit, she keeps looking in her purse and glancing over her shoulder. Just as they get out the door, organizer lady runs after them and says, "We're 3 ppl short (guess which three! AHAHAHAHA). Would you ladies like to try speed dating for free?" And my teacher answers, "Sure!" AHahahaha, they then give 3 fake (but not really fake, because when you're trying to make up a name on the spot, you know you always just pick a friend's real name, ahahaha) names and proceed to speed date.

How it works with this place is that everyone wears a name tag with their name and a number underneath. Gals are stationary, guys circulate and talk. Literally, what happens is you talk, look at their name tag/number, and check beside their number on a list you're carrying, "Yes" or "No"! At the end of the night, they collect your sheets and if 2 ppl both answered YES to one another, they send you the other's e-mail addy. Needless to say, my teacher walked out with her checklist. AHahahahaha. How hilarious is speed dating?! It's crazy! The funniest is that a) my teacher was willing to try it; b) that she went, tried to leave and then got to try for free; c) that there is even such a thing as speed dating. This world is crazy. I could've told her speed dating would be stupid. Not getting to know ppl enough before dating is baaaaaaaaad news.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde??

I have a boy in my class who just makes me laugh. He's just SO WEIRD! He started off the year drawing pictures of swords, skulls and crossbones all over his work (yes, creepy). Then he moved onto taking notes about Innuyasha in his little notebook. He even wrote down URLs of sites with pictures and all that stuff. THEN he pulled out his binder FULL of his anime research. If he researched class stuff like he researches anime, he'd be super! But instead, he is obsessed with all Japanese cartoons.

The other day, however, I was looking through his cubby because I needed one of his books, when I noticed a pile of paper. Not just one piece. Many pieces of paper. And lo and behold, what should be on these pieces of paper (remember, this is death child), but LOVE SONGS. AHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAH. This little grade 5 boy totally has all these lyrics to different love songs IN HIS SCHOOL CUBBY! This is DEATH BOY!!! The funniest part was the same day I found all those, he was answering questions in class about how weather affects humans and animals, and he kept coming up with, "Snowstorms can snow you in and you can freeze to death" or "When tsunamis come, people die" or "In lightning storms, you can get hit by lightning and DIE." It's so funny how he's so morbid and creepy most of the time, and yet apparently uber-romantic on the inside??? AHahahahaa. Do grade 5 boys even LIKE girls??? AHahahaha.

In further student news, I have a grade 1 student who totally has corn rows, but the other day, 2 of the ends were coming off and were pointing up on either side of his head, so he looked like he had antennae! Ahahaha, SO CUTE! And I have a boy in my class who has a perpetual butt crack showing. Does it NOT get BREEEEEZY????

Kay, teaching is way too tiring. Zzzzzzzzzz....

Basement sleep no good...

Every Sunday night, I fall asleep downstairs on my comfy couches. It's fine, except that it's SO cold down here. Booo. So then I crawl under the umm...kotatsu (it's this heated table thing, where the heater is underneath the table and there's a blanket thrown overtop of the whole thing to keep the heat in) and sleep (oh, is it ever comfy and warm!!). SO BAD. I think I'm getting a cold. Gah, and today I held hands in a circle with my grade one class and may have touched my face after...all those germy germs....ahhhhh!

Must not get sick! Will not get sick! Nooooo sick!

Haha, my grade ones are so funny, there's one girl in that class who has asked me EVERY week whether I am a university student or not. She has some cousin who is, and apparently she thinks it's very cool. Ahahahaha, SO cute!!

Kay, back to planning. Kick me off MSN if you see me anytime.

Lynn's baptism! :)

Dedicated to Lynn:


Dedicated to Dan:
;)

Because you requested it and I'm procrastinating...

Dan, these are for you! :)

Easter pics, as requested.

I broke down yes I did

FINE. I signed up for xanga. No, but ONLY for commenting purposes, because dumb xanga won't let you comment unless you're a member. I just had to comment on Dan's AHAHAhaha model looks on his xanga page.

Okay, which brings me to Sisters appreciation night at Southland. Ahem, I know, I know, they're a huge church. But hellooooooooo mah brothers, I am so stinking IMPRESSED with what you guys pulled off! My T.O. brothers, take note...Sister's appreciation night at Southland (you can also check out Dan Irkel's before and afters).

Biggest tear jerkers of all time

The 5 movies I've cried the most at (that I remember):

1) Bambi (I'm HORRIBLE with parent offspring separation)
2) Message in a Bottle
3) (and #2 for Nicholas Sparks) The Notebook (I will not even talk about how MUCH I cried when I watched it today...gah!)
4) Legends of the Fall (Spoiler coming up.................everyone DIES! Cue waterworks)
5) hmmm...jury's still out for #5...any suggestions?


And GUESS who is finished ALL the exams she will ever have to write for her degree, EVER? Moi! Woo hoo! Now to survive 4 weeks with my grade 5s without contracting strep throat again!

AND guess who can bench press the ...ahem...yeah, just the bar, but ALL by my lonesome!? Moi again! I saw another girl who kicked my butt today tho...she had actual weights on her bar, and didn't even have a spot! Ahahahaha. Bring on the squash, my friend, bring it on.

AND, I'm graduating June 14 at 10:30am. No tickets needed, so come if you want! I'd love to celebrate with you all!!!!

Warm Springy days and klutzy moments

I LOVE LOVE LOVE warm springy days! Today was BEAUTIFUL! Too bad I had to spend it studying. Can't wait for retreat so I can take a long nap on the big grass field in the sun...I LOVE the sun.

In klutzy news, I have 2 stories that I haven't shared. One's from the One of a Kind Craft Show. Story #526:

Michelle walks along, is talking to Jess...suddenly, she spots pretty stationery and hand-bound books covered in handmade paper! Her dream come true! Jess and Michelle hop over to the booth, where Jess finishes perusing. Michelle makes her way to the back table where she asks some questions in an attempt to look somewhat interested in the handmade goods. The booth woman then turns to fix something at the first table, and Michelle picks up a book. Then she puts the book down. Then the book falls, domino style, onto the 6 books standing nicely behind it. Cue falling of books. Cue falling of last book behind table into the black hole area. Cue Michelle hastily trying to put books back up before booth lady sees. Cue Jess laughing a LOT in the background after having witnessed klutzy moment #526 from Michelle.

And today, story #527...Michelle is looking at CDs at HMV. Michelle leans on bottom shelf. Bottom shelf pops up, CDs fall to the floor. Michelle hastily tries to put the shelf back into place but it doesn't go back into place because there are CDs stuck underneath it. Kevin silently laughs. HMV salesguy rushes over to aid the klutzy damsel in CD distress. Offers some reassuring words about how it always happens. Michelle doubts it, but feels better that salesguy tried at least.

Oh oh, I'm blogging in 3rd person. Gah.

Back to studying. AND crocheting! Oh, Chika, I learned the treble stitch! SO FUN! I'll show you on Sunday! (oh, and bad news, I discovered that they have Alias, the novel series...it was a distraction at the library today)

What's <3???

That's it. What the heck does <3 mean? And where did it come from? I'm so out of the loop!

And random thought...remember Bone Thugs n' harmony? Ahahahahaha.

And, I think someone keeps trying to hack into my (now UNLIMITED) google account. How do I protect it from hackification??

Oh tell me why I'm so good at not doing work!

Update: THanks Matt, for explaining the <3 thing! Ahahahaha, it's a HEART! I feel like that was a computer blonde moment. I thought it was something to do with less than 3 letters. It's the mathematician in me, ahahahahah.

Endobanah big pee adventure!

I was talking to an old friend and she reminded me of our fun canoeing adventures. That was the year I overdid it canoeing and had internal bleeding kinda pain in my arms after. I couldn't even open the toothpaste cap. The next day, because I couldn't canoe from all the pain, we decided to paddleboat. The day after that, my legs killed along with my arms.

Aha! But that's not the story! I know, you're confused, "But i thought the story was a big PEE adventure," you say? It IS! I can't remember if this was the same trip or not, but during the day, two girls decided to canoe out on the lake. Brilliantly, they brought some alphabet pretzels but forgot to bring water (and later you'll find out why that was a good thing). Anyhoo, they're canoeing, and pea-sized bladder girl realizes she has to go to the bathroom. Cantaloupe-sized bladder girl also realizes she has to go. But what a dilemma! They're out on the middle of the lake in their bathing suits, with no potty in sight. Suddenly, they spot an island! They canoe over to the island to scope out a good bush, but soon realize that the island is a raunch island with no good bushes. What to do...what to do?! I'll tell you what they did. They waded into the water and peed in the lake. THAT'S right. Peed in the lake. Then they waded around a bit, and continued paddling. Pee problem solved. No more drinking before long canoe rides.

Scary stats...

In Japan, 1 couple marries every 41 seconds; another couple is divorced every 2 minutes, 22 seconds (statistics by "Operation Japan 2000"). :(

Japan is a nation that needs a soul.

"children are being born out of wedlock in huge numbers; more and more Japanese students are dropping out of college and showing less interest in long-term professional careers; crime rates among Japanese young people are skyrocketing. Currently the federal government is considering legislation that will lower the age at which young people can be tried in court as adults. Juvenile detention centers are packed and over-flowing." - Asian Access Japan

"Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" - Isaiah 6:8

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” - Matthew 9:38

Send us with fire to go love the world.


In more positive news, the retreat speaker hunt is looking good right now! Keep praying! :)

Good quality conversation!

I love catching up with ppl you haven't talked to in a while! And I really miss good-quality phone conversations! MSN has wiped out all phone conversations this past little while. I whined about not getting calls, and then my sister gave me a pity call from the next room. Ahahaha. We actually talked for a bit, trying to ignore the echo from hearing the person speak into the phone, and then hearing the voice in the phone seconds later. And then I proceeded to text msg random ppl. And then I baked. But then I had a good conversation with an old friend. You need to stop "what-if"ing tho. ;)

Why am I so good at procrastinating??? Back to work.

Hm, and I have all these random old posts I didn't post, but have now, which is why they might not make sense.

Bizarre-o dreams

I think this past weekend I've been really internally stressed. I think it's been tough, emotionally, and I keep taking really long naps during the day. Apparently, I have more dreams when I nap during the day because I've had some bizarre-o dreams. Take for example, my dream today. It was filled with church and CCC ppl.

Ahahaha, first, Kenji was driving me to some water park ahahaha, wearing a preppy outfit (I'm talking striped shirt and green-y khakis! I know! Crazy!) with my sister. I got dropped off, and then met up with Kev and my sister and my friend Nicoleta (I know, how can my sister drop me off and then appear at the waterpark after, no idea). They decided to go on this water slide thing, only Kev got to go down on a ski-doo thing (which really was a motorcycle in my dream, I know, confusing).

Anyway, I didn't have a pass, so I climbed the steps of the slide with them and waited at the top while they slid down. Then, this thing turned into a ride, where the platform started bouncing up and down and I was flying around, clinging for dear life to this weird red platform. Then for some reason Kev was showing me some slide show he was working on. AHahahaha. I'm sure there were some other bizarre-o incidents after, but it's all a big mush. I think my brain is trying to relieve my internal stress. Yikes!

AHahaha, but I can still see Kenji in his preppy ("Chika-dressed-up-style") outfit! Hehehe.

Musically unmusical

So I've been thinking, it seems that everyone around has amazing musical talent. Virtually everyone I know plays an instrument, and plays it well. I heard an amazing violinist, multiple pianists, a guitarist and a great vocalist today. EVERYONE seems to be super-talented! I think I MUST have some hidden, VERY hidden, latent talent for SOMETHING. The only thing is, I have not been super-good at any instrument that I've played ever...except maybe the Ukelele, but really, does that count if it was in grade 4 and we played, oh, probably Hot Cross Buns? Thus begins my quest for my instrument. AHahahaha. This little girl I hung out with today plays the flute, and she says it's easy to make it sound good, so it sounds like my kind of instrument. Plus, you don't have to have super-short fingernails for it. Excellent. AHahahaha. Someone I drove home (WHO WAS IT?!!?!) told me I could rent a flute from L&M for $30 for the month, or something like that.

Ready world? Here comes Michelle and her flute! AHAHAHAHahaahah. (Any bets as to whether or not this will actually happen??) And if all else fails, I'm going back to my comb kazoo.

Creepy phone bully man!

The other day, some window and door replacement company called our house. I picked up because I'm the phone hog, and proceeded to speak to what I thought would be someone nice. WRONG! Coo-coo (okay, when you read that, you need to read it in my high "Coo-Coo!" voice...you konw, like, Coo-coo for crazy. If you didn't read it like that, go back now and do it again. It'll add to this entry's creepy feel)! He offered me a free estimate because they were in my area. The following is a rough transcript of our call.

Me: Oh, actually, we just got new windows installed last year, so we don't need anything new.
CCM (Creepy Coo-coo Man): Are you sure? It's free, why don't we just estimate it for you?
Me: No, that's really okay, thanks.
CCM: Okay man, please Miss, I don't have any money for food or clothes. Can you just buy a window? (very whiney)
Me: Well, I'm really sorry you have no money, but I really don't need new windows.
CCM: But miss, how am I supposed to get money if you don't buy stuff from me? Just help me out. (more whininess, cry me a river)
Me: Well, I really don't need windows!
CCM: Fine, then do you want to just give me $50,000? (CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE THIS?!)
blah blah blah, some more of the obnoxious same...
Me: No, BYE.

HOW crazy is this guy??? He calls and practically forces me to buy windows. WHY would I buy windows from him if I already have nice new ones?? It was so creepy! He was a total phone bully, and those are no fun.

Note: I mean, if this guy really needed money for food and clothes, it's a valid complaint, but I complain about his whininess because I think he's a BIG FAT LIAR!

Jazz it up! and some other cute fuzzy entry

My new fave is jazz! It's so mellow and great! Jack Johnson is soooooooooooooooo great, and Michael Buble's album is fan-diddly-astic! Thanks for sharing the wisdom of your age with me, Ray! Ahahahaha. But honestly, Banana pancakes is such a great song! It makes me laugh. Sort of like Love Song for No One by JM! And I quote, "I'm so tired of being alone, so hurry up and get here." AHAHAHahahaha. Ooooh JM, so funny!

And now, for some cute fuzzy animals! (warning: Squealy girliness ahead, I know, I'm ashamed...)

Probably my two fave animals in the world right now. Look at my cutie cat, Totoro! He thinks he's a dog. And then wombats, the softest, most cuddliest animal in Australia. Apparently. I've never actually felt one. I really really wish for the zookeeper to let me pet the animals, but I don't think they do that at the Toronto one. BOO-urn-a-licious.

And now for fun animal facts (because they are SO much fun!)
1. When elephants walk to a water hole, they walk in single file, AND they're back feet step into EXACTLY the same spots as their front feet! I know, it's amazing!
2. Wombats are soft and cute.
3. Naked mole rats have a set of inner lips, inside of their teeth, so that as they dig with their teeth, the lips close and no soil gets into their mouth! I know, it's amazing!
4. Canada geese mate for life. They also attack people a lot. And their poo has a lot of nitrogen. And it's illegal to touch their nest once they've laid eggs. As if you could get close to the nest, anyway, with vicious guard geese around. Watch out, mating season soon. First comes mating, then come eggs, then come crazy geese attacking ppl in parking lots during the days.
5. Did I tell you about my most favourite soft and cute animal? It has no tail, and SUCH a cute bum! No, not me! You guessed it, it's the WOMBAT! And I will mention the wombat a billion more times during this post!
6. Turkey vultures barf on any cuts they have because their throw-up is anti-bacterial.
7. Snapping turtles often lay their eggs in the sandy shoulders of country highways and cottage roads. How do you pick up a snapping turtle to move it off the road if it's sitting there? Grab the tail gently and scoop your hand under it like a pizza. Then immediately wash your hands because turtles are salmonella-city.
8. Flying squirrel in japanese is momonga. I wonder if they do anything cool besides fly?
9. Wombats are aaaaadorable.

Call me Bill Nye, the animal guy. :)

And finally, here's the batik I rushed through. I hate rushing artwork. Why am I so slow at everything?

Cry in my heart...

There's a cry in my heart
For Your glory to fall
For Your presence to fill up my senses
There's a yearning again
A thirst for discipline
A hunger for things that are deeper

Could You take me beyond?
Could You carry me through?
If I open my heart?
Could I go there with You?
(For I've been here before
But I know there's still more
Oh, Lord, I need to know You)

For what do I have
If I don't have You, Jesus?
What in this life
Could mean any more?
You are my rock
You are my glory
You are the lifter
Of my head
Lifter of this head

- Starfield


You are the lover of my soul. You are my glory, You are my comfort, You are my strength.

To Mr. Grumpy

We love you and we're praying for you and your family.

Take my hand and walk with me a while
Cause it seems your smile has left you
And don't give in, when you fall apart
And your broken heart has failed you
I'll set a light up
On a hillltop
To show you my love
For this world to see

You can borrow mine
When your hope is gone
Borrow mine
When you can't go on
Cause the world will not defeat you
When we're side by side
When your faith is hard to find
You can borrow mine

- Borrow Mine, Bebo Norman

Chasing away the dark...

I was up this morning and saw the sun come up. I love watching the sunrise, although it never seems to happen at retreat! ;)

I'm also never up for the sunrise unless I'm finishing an assignment last-minute. Sigh. Alright, I'm going back to work.

P.S. Where can I get a cheap laptop?

LOVE this feeling!!!

I think the weather change is making me super-happy. I was waiting outside for my sister to pick me up, and it was just the best feeling...this in-between winter and spring when things are starting to warm up, but it's still kinda chilly! Ahahaha, Ange, I totally agree with you...I love the weather right now.

On the flipside, York is absolutely the most funny place when it comes to getting warm. I mean, it's not like some gals have an abundance of clothes on in the first place, even in the winter, but there were SO many people walking around today in sandals! There are STILL piles of SNOW on the ground, people! (ahahah, okay, I'm secretly jealous because I LOVE sandals and all I want to do right now is wear sandals!)

Okay, I'm SO NOT supposed to be blogging right now. Must get back to the billion-page paper.

But before I forget, other random things I need to blog about...
Lynn, congrats on getting baptised! :)
Wombats being the cutest animals on earth. I may have already blogged about this one. Ahahaha.
Weird and creepy window/door man
Singleness and complaining (stop it YOU!)
How I love the YP!!!! LOVE YOU GUYS! Muwah! AHahahaha.
Not being allowed on MSN till April 7th unless it's an emergency like right now when I have to talk to Nancy because we're both procrastinating at procrastination station.
My sister and her bf joining softball!
Me, my mom and the AGOJC (silly thing). But there's good news!
More fun animal facts.

Okay, I'm wasting time. This paper is NOT going to write itself. I wish oh I wish, but it won't.

Lion King it up!

So after a lot of firsthand research, I have decided that all animals should be named after their Disney counterparts. For example, all lions would be Simbas, those monkeys would be Rafikis, all clown fish would be Nemos, all warthogs Pumbas, all scary octopi would be Ursulas, and so on... You KNOW that would make things a lot less complicated, come on!

And note to self: Stop acting so weird and stop saying things like, "I'm a cheetah!" out loud.

Note to self: Stop making notes to self.

SO sleepy, more of an update to come.

New Necklace + 2 blog entries EATEN!

My new necklace from the One of a Kind Craft Show!!!! So exciting. I love it love it love it!!! Check out our antics Part I and Part II. Naoms, you are the funnest and the funniest!

Stay tuned for a re-write of the eaten blog entries. Get ready for the Where to Pee story from a Boy Scout camp and the Michelle is a klutz story #526 from the Craft show.

Good Friday

Today was my productive day at work, making cityscapes with kids!

There's Only One (Holy One)

Left his seamless robe behind
Woke up in a stable crying
Lived and died and rose again
Saviour for a guilty land

It's a story like a children's tune
And it's grown familiar as the moon
So now I ride my camel high
And I'm aiming for the needle's eye

I chased the wind, but I chased in vain
I chased the earth, but it would not sustain

There's only one who never fails
To beckon the morning light
There's only one who sets loose the gale
And ties the trees down tight
When all around my soul gives way
He is all my hope and stay
There's only one, only one Holy One

Lord, You are my Prince of Peace
But this war brings me to my knees
See there's a table You've prepared
And all my enemies are there
But where my Shepherd leads
Where else can I go?
Who else fills my cup till it overflows?

There's only one who never fails
To beckon the morning light
There's only one who sets loose the gales
And ties the trees down tight
To the Solid Rock I fly
Though He bids come and die
There's only one, only one Holy One

-Caedmon's Call

Pictures galore

Finally. Pictures. I hate img src-ing.

Anyway, this is what I'm excited about for Saturday:


And then this is my handiwork so far (and I'm on my 4th...so addictive!):


And we won't talk about the billionth teenybopper flick I checked out today, or how it stars some pop boys, or how I secretly really like the soundtrack, or how it was semi-ridiculous but semi-cute. In a very very semi way.

pssst...

Haha, so I've been in this computer lab for maybe 10 minutes, but the entire time, the girl sitting in the row in front of me has been asleep. Or at least my Sherlock Holmes detective skills tell me she is. (what is so hilarious is that as I'm thinking of what to type, I'm whispering to myself in my head, you know, because this girl is sleeeeeeeping...shhhh)

Clue #1: She's sitting, and her screen is on screensaver.
Clue #2: She hasn't moved in the past 10 minutes or typed or ANYTHING.
Clue #3: She moved for a bit to move her mouse and is now surfing the net, but has not scrolled down for a further couple of minutes. There is NO way she reads that slow.
Clue #4 (update): Her face is now plastered onto the desk in front of her. I should tell her the library is more comfy.

Call me Detective Michelle. But really, WHO sleeps in a computer lab? Is it relaxing? Wait, I slept at Pac Mall the other day. And I'm planning on maybe trying to catch a couple winks at the Craft Show. So talk about pot calling the kettle black.

3rd post - Bittersweet symphony

I cried at school today! I was a sniffling, watery-eyed, runny-nosed mess! One of the gals I meet with at school weekly is leaving next Thursday and we were de-briefing about our time at York, and over the past year. I thought graduating would be a big relief, and in some ways it is, but I'm going to miss people way too much.

I can't even imagine what it'll be like at the airport in August. Bring a whole box of tissues for me.




I really need to stop posting so stinking frequently.

P.S. Ohhh, Naom's I'm SOOOOOOOO excited for the craft show Saturday! I'm looking for funky jewellery!
P.P.S. I think the team name should be the Onigiris. AHAHAHahahaha.
P.P.P.S. Welcome to the world of blogging, Emiks!!!!!!! :)

Peeling is almost as fun as knitting...

Gah! My manicure is growing out already and I "accidentally" on purpose peeled some of it off. Oh, so addictive. I wonder if it's as fun as biting your nails? It's almost as fun as knitting, that's for sure. Oh dear. Any bets for how long I can stand my nails not being able to breathe through layers of nail polish?

Must....not....peel......

Oh, and Howard Day's Collide is my new replacement for Buble's Home. Is it pronounced Bubble? Or Bublay? Or Bobble? Or Booble? Or Boobliay?

(this is what happens when I post from school during a moment of sheer rebellion against doing work)

Do you know Alan?

Does anyone know a Chinese Alan who goes to York (3rd year) and does club promos? I met him today and I remember him from somewhere but it's driving me nuts as to where I know him from. One of you must know him, because he's not my friend, so I must've met him through someone! WHOOOO is he??? Or maybe I met him in one of my classes, which I doubt because I don't like making friends in classes. Ahahahaha.

Do you know Alan?

Weak forearms

I was wondering why my forearms hurt today...and then I looked down at my knitting needles... Apparently, I have weak forearms, because moving knitting needles is a workout for them! Gah.

I had a mortifyingly embarassing moment at school today. I hate those moments that you end up dwelling on them over and over and over and you slap your head and talk out loud about it randomly...

I think softball could end up being a continuous embarassing moment.

I think my biggest fear besides having a papercut or some kind of cut on my eyeball, is getting my fingers stuck in a bowling ball.

Addicted to knitting

I've found my new favourite thing to do. Knitting. Me + yarn + knitting needles = hours of endless fun. I totally walked around York, knitting all the while. I got some looks, I think, but I was too busy knitting to notice. Ahahahaha.

So my weirdness has multiplied by a factor of a billion lately. I think maybe it's because I hang out with the youth so much. Yeah, that's it. But it's okay. I have been reassured:
"It's okee michelle. being weird is all part of who you are and if ppl can't appreciate you for who you are then they're the ones who are really weird." Yeah, so there. Ahahahahaha. Raaaaaaaight.

Apparently, my brand of weirdness is "too potent" to be measured on a regular scale. Ahahahaha. Call me "La Potente". AHAHAHAHAHaha. Okay, I know that's not funny, but really, imagine me coming up to you and saying, "Hey, call me La Potente." Right? Funny!

Alright, back to knitting. I'm almost done my very first square! We won't talk about the stitches I've dropped or how the sides are slightly squiggly, or how I didn't follow a pattern so it looks like yellow, turquoise and purple mush, or how my friend that I worked with did some of it today, or how it's not EXACTLY 8". Let's go back to how I love knitting and it's my new favourite hobby and how I'm 82 years old.

Not-so-secret-competitions

Last night I got home and my sister was on the phone with her bf. I strode confidently into her room and proceeded to do the running man to her Lifehouse CD. I'm SOOO attractive. Anyway, she tells her bf that I am now doing the world's MOST attractive dance, and I proceed to challenge him to a dancing competition. Apparently he agrees. I tell him to bring it. My sister asks if he's going to go practice. Apparently he says he doesn't neeeeeed practice. Oooooh. Mr. Big-I-Don't-Need-Practice-because-I'm-a-fantastic-dancer man. AHahahah. Cue fundy dance. Cue complaining about bad dancing. And fade to black. Welcome to my world of cheesy not-so-secret competitions. All judging is subjective.


Oh, my 40 days of Purpose youth totally made the leaders the cutest little scrapbook ever, and they all signed it. It was so great! Almost made me cry.

I watched What a Girl Wants today. Prototypical teeny-bopper flick, but AWESOME soundtrack. Plus that guy can sing. Goood music times.
Memorable moments:
"I love you a million Swedish berries" and "I love you a million red M&M's"
something about "poo spread on toast" (am I obsessed with poo and farting??)
"That is the cutest Gucci tartan!" (insert rolling of eyes here)
Colin Firth dancing around in leather pants. Leather pants should be illegal. YES, that's right. Wear leather pants over my dead body chained to the doors of Danier Leather. Ahahahaha.

And I'm on my way with square number one for the blanketeers blanket. Do you knit or crochet? make an 8"x8" square and you can join, too! So much fun. So distracting. Join!

A day at the spa?

I had my very first manicure yesterday. Let me just tell you that I'm the most awkward person at a spa. I just am SO not made for high-maintenance girliness. Plus, maintaining nice nails is WAY too difficult. I messed up one of the nails WHILE she was doing the manicure. And then I nicked another one right after. Oh well. Ahahahaha. In an attempt to keep them in good condition, I refused to take out credit cards from my wallet, put on my watch...and I'm sure some other dumb things. Plus, I've noticed it is very difficult to zip and unzip zippers with nice nails. Ahahahaha. They're surviving okay, but I don't know if I like them. I can feel the polish, plus they look really fakey fakey fake.

In random news, today, I remembered that I showered with poo once. Not mine. Mystery poo. EW.

I'm so attractive, I know.

AHahahahahah.

Don't settle...

"It is better to be alone and single, than to be alone and married."

- wise words from the relationships talk today...don't settle.





And no more Mary! Lynn!

Flower the skunk!

Last Saturday, I met Flower the skunk again. She's SUCH a cutie! This skunk is pretty puny, and she had epilepsy. She used to go unconscious during her seizures and spray uncontrollably. Awwww. Anyway, they ended up de-scenting her, but she eventually got better from her epilepsy. She was SO cute, and I'll post pics later. I also met a cutie patootie porcupine, who makes the cutest noises as it eats. Aww, cute wild animals.

Oh man, that was such a girly entry just now. "Aw, cute animals, aw!"

Sleepy McSleepypants = random entry

I am Sleepy McSleepypants. Why? Well, I never get sleep on Sunday nights because I'm always planning for teaching on Monday. On Saturday tho, my sister got home close to 4am, so I was up till that time. At least she'll never keep her cell on silent again after that. My mom ended up waking up halfway thru the night and decided she would stay downstairs with me. Anyhoo, the whole point is that I have a headache and am very disoriented at the moment.

Guess who learned the 1,2 step? AHAHAHAHahahaah. I like to think I did. People who have seen me do it seem to disagree...what is up with that??

You know the scary thing is that I used to just PRETEND to dance weirdly...but I think now I really just dance that way normally. Hmmm...

I asked my sister today if I acted like Natalie Portman's character in Garden State, and she didn't answer. She laughed. I think that means yes. Except I'm not a liar. But I'm totally equally as weird and awkward. I'm pre-in-love Natalie Portman's character. She gets cooler once she's all in love. Ahahaha, I'm definitely not that suave.

You know what I really like? Thoughtful, clean, people. You know what annoys me? Unthoughtful, messy people who don't clean up after themselves. It's really NOT that hard. Why make life harder for the poor cleaning ppl??

Yay, 40 Days of Purpose campaign is over! It was fun times, but I'm glad that workload is finito. I can't believe people work so hard at our church. We still have those darn-tootin' bags of candy left!! We forgot to give them out.

Hey, relationship talk at CCC this THursday! It's really good! Wanna come?? Come! Apparently we can never talk about it enough!

I also learned to batik today, which is uber-fun. I forgot about how slow I am at art. I was dubbed "perfectionist" for taking too long. Excuuuuse me if I like my artwork to look good. Ahahahahaha. Oh man.

There's some bakery named Chocolat or something like that that sells the most DECADENT and DELISH chocolate cake. It was my host teacher's b-day yesterday, so she brought some in. Yay for sugar!

My sister gave me her free manicure so I'm going Friday...my first ever manicure ever! Doesn't it figure tho that the week I have a manicure, I keep snagging my nails, left, right and centre?! Man, having nice nails is WAY too high-maintenance.

That's it. Did I talk about enough topics randomly?

P.S. My car smelled like pizza yesterday. Eleven pizzas is a LOT of pizzas.
P.P.S. I think my weirdness level is correlated to lack of sleep...it's at an all-time high right now. Do you want to know me? Hahaha, I'm entertaining at least!
P.P.P.S. I am totally losing my voice, and this getting-better-from-a-cold-competition. Booo.

Snow jobbing fun

I got thrown in the snow twice again today. I put up a good fight. Or so I'd like to believe.

AHahahah, snow fights are the funnest! Commando in the snow is a close 2nd. I love my kids, they're so fun fun fun! Oh, and I'd like to report that my aim is getting better. Plan Snow Job Kevin 1.0 worked really well. He was covered! ;) I am also proud to say I smushed snow in Ken's hair as he dumped me in the snow.

Note to self: bulk up more to a) be heavier and harder to lift; b) be stronger to get other ppl in the snow.

On a more serious note, WHERE IS MY SISTER??? I feel like such a nag, calling her repeatedly on her cell. I would simply like to know where she is. This is what it's like to be a parent. I don't like not knowing where ppl are. She went down to see Mysteriously Yours (okay, PLEASE, SOMEONE, we HAVE to do this this summer before I leave!) dinner theatre, and came back on the FINCH BUS. They were supposed to get off at his stop and then he was going to drive her home...and that was a billion hours ago when I talked to her around 11pm. So where oh where has my sistaaaaaaaaaair gone, oh where oh where can she beeeeeeeee? I'm sure they're at some coffee shop talking or something, while I freak out at home. I'm SO tempted to wait up...shall I? I think I shall. Perhaps I'll pop in Garden State and wait.

Well, anyhoo, tune in tmw to see what happened!

A list of funny things that no one else will think is funny

Or the list I make when I'm procrastinating.

1. The phrase, "fire under its bum". Ex. Can't think of an example, but it made me laugh.
2. Wearing bunny ears in the car today. I really did. My sister's bf thinks I'm crazy. And I am.
3. Ryan Cabrera looks like a troll.
4. The word of the day is fart (because I really am in grade 5).
5. A funny joke I heard today:
A pastor is kneeling at the altar, praying. His son comes up to him and asks what he's doing every week when he kneels. The Pastor says, "I'm praying for my sermon today, that God will make it a good one." Then the child asks, "Then why doesn't He?" AHAHAHAHAHahaha. Oh man.
6. Joanne's blog entry with that little kid doing the Calvin impressions! (Kenj, you have to see it, you'll love it!)
7. Me saying "EWWWWWWWWWWW" in the library really loud when my friend said my sister touched her bf's arm. Ahahaha. Way to be mature, Michelle.

See, none of those things is REALLY funny. WHY do I laugh at EVERYTHING??

Finally found it!

I'm not really sure where I remember this poem from, although I have a sneaking suspicion it may have been in a Sweet Valley High book I read once, and I only ever remembered it said, "my sudden angel" in it. Anyway, I searched for it years ago, pre-google, but now it's found! Wasn't as great as I remember it, but still nice. I can't believe I remembered it all these years. Ahahaha, the things that stay with you from those Sweet Valley high books, hey?

Cold Mountain

Oh, sad chick flicks...aie. I didn't cry as much as I thought I would. Actually, come to think of it, I'm not exactly sure I enjoyed the plot line. I liked the cinematography and LOVED the soundtrack, and Renee Zellweger's character. But eh, not crazy about the plot. I think maybe because it was a darker movie.

Best part? Ruby complaining about hearing the two lovebirds go on about all their moments together being like a sack of diamonds. Ahahahaha.

In competition news, the snow is melting, so no more snowjob competitions, I think. Now it's "Who can get better from their cold the fastest" time. Ahahahaha. I'm going to bed early. I hope I win.

Reassuring words...

I Am, by Jill Phillips

Oh gently lay your head

Upon my chest

And I will comfort you

Like a mother while you rest

The tide can change so fast,

But I will stay

The same through the past,

The same in future, same today

I am constant;

I am near

I am peace that shatters all your secret fears

I am holy;

I am wise

I'm the only one who knows your heart's desires

Your heart's desires

Oh weary, tired and worn,

Let out your sighs

And drop that heavy load you hold

Cause Mine is light
I know you through and through;

There's no need to hide

I want to show you love

That is deep and high and wide

Oh gently lay your head

Upon my chest

And I will comfort you

Like a mother while you rest

a food-filled day

Yummy food. What I consumed today: some wraps, a sandwich, a slice or tiramisu, cheese, fruit, crackers, caramel apple cider from Starbucks (Yum, Carol!), Spicy Doritos, garlic shrimp, fried beef something or other, mango chicken. Yum, food!

I wore heels this entire day but am so much more tired than usual. I think walking around a mall will do it for ya. Yay for mom's foot massages!

I think today I really proved my klutziness. The proof:
1) at the funeral home, I was holding a cup of water and some books in one hand. I turned my hand to get a paper or something, and proceeded to tip my hand so the water fully spilled all over the carpet.
2) almost tripping over a girl in a stroller at the mall. I think I have tunnel vision.
3) almost knocking over a stack of shoeboxes in Sport Chek.
4) tripping slightly over a carpet in Harry Rosen.

I think I need to go to finishing school to learn to be a lady, all prim and proper, because I'm totally failing at the moment.

I also had dinner with my sister and her NEW BOYFRIEND. Yes, that's right. THis morning, she was taking so long to get ready, so I walked into her room and said, "What's going on, are you worried about impressing this boy? Is that why you're primping for so long?" to which she replies, "Yes," and I laugh. At the moment, she was wearing a t-shirt, sweatshirt and pants. And I said, "Yeah, it's probably good to look good cuz he's so preppy," and she freaked out and was like, "Is this outfit okay??" I told her it wasn't very preppy, so she panicked and went to change. She was like, "I never worried about how I looked till you brought it up!" AHahaha. Anyway, so later on, we went to dinner. He's a nice guy. Actually, he's quite funny, but I can't remember some of the funny things he said. But funniness is uber-important, so CHECK! And he held the door open for us, which is super-uber good. I enjoy when guys are chivalrous. So what's that, like 10 more points? Sure. Ahahhaah, as if it matters now.

Man, there's so much other stuff that happened today, but I will amuse you with the fact that Chika is the nose-blowing EXPERT. I'm not kidding. Need nose-blowing tips? Go to him. AHahaha.

Also, funny older ladies from church who live through younger ppl, I'm convinced ahahaha.

And, me talking to my nose (in my head) telling it to unclog. Hmm...but honestly, I feel like my nose is directly connected to my brain, and when it's plugged, my brain doesn't really function. Does that explain klutziness today?

And me liking dance music beats! I know, who would've thought...but David Crowder Band (Sunsets and Sushi album) is awesome! Mike, you should check it out, my dance-loving friend. I was totally head-bopping in the car today!

White Christian rapper, ahahahahaha.

Rach, I like Big Bibles and I cannot lie! Ahahahaha. This is dedicated to you and Laura.

So tired. Teaching's hard work.

Contemplation...

As I was driving home today, there was a big situation on the 401 by the DVP and it was just described as a "serious situation" on the radio. I really had no idea how serious. I'm so shocked at it all right now, I guess. Thank God the girl survived. It must have just happened when we passed...it's numbing hearing the news. I wonder what it must be like to have absolutely no hope, not to cherish life or have no reason for living...

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD , even as we put our hope in
you. -

Psalm 33:22
I'm not sure what else to say...

FINISHED!

No more popcorn, no more fairs,
No more packaging prize wares.

No more tables, no more signs,
No more setting up, no more lines.

WE ARE DONE! I'm tired. Thanks for being so awesome, Naomi!!!!! The Tyndale lady said she LOVED our missions fair, and I was like, "You DID?" So apparently it went okay. I'm just glad it's over. No more painting signs, wooooo hooo! And no more extreme setting up. I tend to go a little (yeah, just a LITTLE) loopy when cooped up at the JCCC for hours with too much sugar.

And to relieve all the built-up tension, there was a good shopping trip today to the mall. Crowded malls make me cranky and tired, though.

Yay for today's service! Nice job, metro-man, with the slideshow and worship. I know a couple people said they were really touched by the worship! :)

Sigh, funeral on Tuesday. The thing about death is that it makes you appreciate life.

I talk to myself a lot.

Me: Go straight, pretty turquoise bowling ball.
Bowling ball: NO!
Me: Come on, I got a spare last frame, I need a good one this time.
Bowling ball: NO!
etc....

And you know of course that bowling balls don't talk, so the above conversation was really just with myself. I did bowl over/near 100 3/4 of the time today. Be proud, I know! I was actually bowling STRAIGHT! It seems to be very key to be able to aim at the pins. Hmm.

Then later I talked to myself while filling up gas. "Why is it not accepting my CAA card? Do I have to prepay?" Except I talk out LOUD. I knocked in the window to ask Kenji his opinion on whether or not I should fill-up, and talked really loud through the window. Apparently lots of people turned to look at me. Note to self: Must stop being weird.

I had too much sugar today. There were some funny antics - Peter in a "hair net", trying to make up the missions cheer for tmw...along with the actions. And, me on too much sugar, which basically ends up being me laughing at everything. And finally, the creation of Metro-Man. He's metrosexual, fashionista, cook and smells good, too! His special power? He can stop fashion disasters from occurring in a single bound! What does he wear? A sheer shirt with sequin M. Guess who it is!!!

Songs I like right now, all based on recommendations: Michael Buble - Home, Jason Wade - You Belong to me (are you ready for a serenade, Naomi!?), Charlie Hall - Salvation, David Crowder Band - Open Skies

Oh, and I didn't tell you about my FANTASTIC shopping deals at Speelman's. Five CDs for $10 baby! I know, eat my money-saving dust! Plus, $3 Relient K CD, and $4 and $5 hardcover books!

MINUS 10 POINTS!!!!!!!!

He's down another 10 points. And it's not even wholly his fault. It's just the whole situation.

Let me explain. Guys, if you ever go out with a girl and her older sister has requested the car for a certain time, you'd better bust your butt to make her get home in time or you'll be hated by said older sister. And by older sister, I mean me. And by "Guys" I mean my sister's new man. She was 40 minutes late today, getting home. The best part was that she called me as she was driving and apologized and said, "Okay, I'm coming, I'm there." Now WHAT does "there" mean to you? "There" to me means, "I'm on the corner, and I'll be there in 2 seconds (i.e. less than a minute)." NOoooooooooo, "there" according to my sister's timing means 5 minutes away. That's SO NOT "THERE"!!! Anyway, so he loses points, but it's really my sister's fault.

Now, the unfortunate thing is that this whole situation would probably have been worth -5, had I not found out right before my sister was expected home that my Bible has probably been RECYCLED. This is a point of frustration in my life. Well, actually, a couple things are. 1) My dad's way of cleaning is to shove everything into a bag and stash it in my room or my sister's room; 2) My dad NEVER remembers where he put ANYTHING 3) My dad doesn't CARE where he put anything 4) He put my Bible in a paper bag by the newspaper recycling 5) Recycling went out Wed.

GAAaaaaaaah, it's not even being put to good use. It's just going out to be torn to shreds.

R.I.P. my Bible. :(

This is why I love teaching...

I marked some bridge tests today, and I wanted to post a classic comments:

"I would use a drawbridge (we're doing a bridge unit) because if a sail boat came through it the bridge would collapse the bridge killing millions of people."

Ahahaha, such exaggeration!!!

Also, one test I got was COVERED in eraser bits. Ahahahahaha.

In more food news, sausages and honey sounds weird, but tastes good.
And in more news, I'm so sneaky and I win.
And in further news, apparently, Quang should get extra super points for even risking to be near a girl who is sick. Apparently we get really whiney when we're sick, and it's TRUE, my sister is the BIGGEST suck. Ahahahahah. Okay, so I'll give him maybe 2 more points. But that's it. No more. Ahahahahah.

And what's this about being a beta tester for Subway sandwiches?? WHERE do I get jobs like this???

He's like a cyst!

You know how cysts grow on you?

This "Quang" character is growing on me. My sister's at home sick today and GUESS who comes by. Yep, him. He brought hot chocolate and soup and bagels for my poor sick sister. AW. I know. It's so funny how I'm always like, Nami, don't just be won over by that stuff. But really, ahahaha, I'M won over by it. Not completely, mind you. But at least he's a nice guy.

I'm going to start a point system. Food gets a lot of points. So let's say, 5 points for Quang. I wonder at which pointage I'll let him be my sister's boyfriend.

Gaaaaah, must stop being so overprotective!!!!

That's it for this up-to-the minute, live update from chez Michelle and Nami.

Oh, wait, 2 more points for having a good, firm handshake, and actually shaking my hand. Minus 2 points for not introducing himself to my mom. Plus one for being a good dresser and having a nice scarf and shoes.

And I think I'll make the quota a billion points. Once he hits a billion, then he can date my sister. AHahahahaha. I'm so silly.

Michelle's new favourite thing to do!

Call me the Proshow Pro. Go ahead. Doesn't it sound great? Ahahaahha. That's right, I made my very first slideshow-y thing today. I LOVED it. So many great transitions...you can zoom, rotate, pan! I'm annoyed because I couldn't change the speed of my video, but I LOVED EVERYTHING ELSE! It is my new favourite hobby. I'm a big fan of the fading between slides though. I used it for EVERY one. I tried different ones, but nope, it kept calling. "Michelle, Michelle, use me!" Oh, and in the making of it, I heard 2 new songs that I love. Yay Charlie Hall!

So here's my equation of the day: Michelle + Proshow = best friends forever=masterpiece slideshows. Ahahahahaha.

Celebrate everything!

My friend asked me today why we have Black History month, Gay Pride parades, etc. She wondered why we couldn't have heterosexual male and female day celebrations. Ahahahaha. She said her friend has decided to make next week hot guy week or something like that. Oh man.

My cardio instructor today was the most hyper little ball of energy ever, and she makes me very tired just looking at her. Anyway, she walked in today and told us this story. She said there was this cute boy at the gym that she works at, and one day he was showing her his vacation pictures. Fully knowing that it was him in the picture, she said, "Hey, who's that guy in this picture? He's cute!" to which he replies that it's him, and she gives him a wink. Ahahahaha, he's also not talking to her anymore. Ahahahaha. So funny how she shares all these experiences with us. She also described him to us in great detail and told us where we could find him if we were looking for "a brunette with blue eyes who was built like a hockey player." Crazy cardio woman.

Snow job Kevin 1.0

Okay, it was MY idea first to invent my evil plan to Snow Job Kevin 1.0. COPIER! So just for the record, it was MY idea first. MINE. THerefore, any recruiting to any kind of team should happen to MY team. I call dibs on Laura.

Second, Chika is my tax guru. WHAT would I do without my tax guru? Freak out more than I usually would. HOW do I buy RRSPs? Will I have to pay taxes this year? Does scholarship money count as income? Yadda yadda...

Third, Chika is also actually my encyclopaedia. Example: Chika, what's it mean when the umps do that signal? Chika, what's that thing on the car called? Chika, Chika, Chikaaaaaaa! Hahah.

Okay, you know, I think I need to cut down on blog entries, because frankly, I think they're starting to be boring. I'll try harder to be amusing.

One last amusing story though...or, well, I thought it was amusing, which does not necessarily mean other ppl will find it amusing.

So my sister and her gentleman friend talk on the phone a LOT, and he happened to call on her cell while we were in the car. So you know, I like to try to be annoying and proceed to say, "HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" very loudly in the background. She gives me the evil eye, hisses at me to be quiet and tries to put her hand over my mouth. At this point, I decide to start shouting, "ABUSE! ABUSE!" (very mature, I know), and he apparently asks if he can call back (not because of me), at which my sister is VERY relieved and says, "YES, PLEASE call me back LATER." Ahahahahah. After she hung up, she asked why I felt I had to embarass her. I told her that if he couldn't take some funny older sister business, that he was too boring and uptight for her, anyway. So there.

And finally, I took the What Gender is your brain test and I am proud to say that I am 86.67% Female and 13.3% Male. Ahaha, because these quizzes are SOOOOOOOOOOO accurate. But anyway, it said,

You have the brain of a girly girl
Which isn't a bad thing at all
You're empathetic, caring, and in tune with emotions.
You're a good friend and give
great advice.

That's right, I'm empathetic and I give GREAT advice. That's right. ie. you should ALWAYS listen to me. My advice is that you should buy me a slushie. ;)

P.S. I'm the running man expert. Come to me and Laura for lessons. 100% satisfaction guaranteed, unless you're totally inept at the running man (YOU know who you are!).

I think this thing is broken...

This thing says I act like I'm 24. I'm 23. I actually act older than my age??? Hm. Did I tell you I've snow fought (ahaha, is that even a word??) a lot these past 2 days? And I like to think I won. But maybe not. I think the quiz is broken.

In other news, I have concluded that xanga is the new AA. COME ON, it's TOTALLY AA!!!!

Guess what?

This coming Saturday...guess what? MORE SIGNS. :O I think I'll pass out now. (how many, you ask? Eight. Just eight. That's so many.)

Oh, and more setting up. Soooooooooo who can I entice to come and help out?

Please just let the fairs be over already!

P.S. Bruises are forming on both my knees, and my bum/hips from falling. I'm a peach!

Crazy daisies

My life, summarized by Kenji:

you eat alot
you laugh alot
and you get laughed at alot

It's true, it's all true.

Today was a crazy daisy day. I didn't get to bed till late last night (yes, actually being productive), and today was an early morning. Fun worship, some funny out-of-tune-ness, Angie zippering her fly onstage, cotton candy craziness, getting thrown in the snow 3 times, throwing other ppl in the snow, tripping and falling while attempting to throw ppl in the snow, leaning on Laura, "We are not responsible for lost or stolen items" printed on the menu at a Chinese restaurant, Arabian love songs, AMAZING marshmallow and toothpick church building models, reminiscing about high school dances...hey, where did we leave the take-out? Hm...we didn't forget it in the restaurant this time...but where....?

Also, my sister went on a date yesterday. It's funny, my parents don't care as much, so I make up for it. I was all, "HOW am I supposed to SCREEN this guy if I'm not going to be home??" Now she's talking to him on the phone...she likes him. I told her to take it slow, and that ppl are always trying to impress each other on the first date. She insisted that they weren't going to, so then I said, "Oh yeah, are you going to tell him you play stuffed animals?" She shut up after that.

Oh, and would someone post an Oscar update? I missed the whole thing...was Chris Rock good/bad/blah, what, what?? Best dressed, worst dressed, no dressed, too dressed?

Song of the day: Take my life

Take my life and let it be consecrated
Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee

Here am I, All of me
Take my life, it's all for Thee

Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee

Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Ev'ry power as You choose

Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne

Take my love my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for Thee

Also, on a side note (that isn't that side note-y in my life), communication is important.

Good food (4 meals) + marker fumes + too much painting = long day o' fun

I think I do eat a lot. BUT, I think it's because I've started to work out. Back in first year when I used to work out everyday, I ate a LOT. Nancy and I were constantly scrounging for change to buy food after our workouts, it was pretty funny. We'd work out and then go eat a "healthy" hot dog. Once we tried the vegetarian dog in an effort to be more healthy, but who were we kidding, it tasted awful and veggie dogs aren't super-healthy or anything.

RIght, anyway, I'm so easily distracted, but I ate a LOT today. I woke up, had 2 slices of french toast, and then went out for yummy brunch for Carol's b-day (HAPPY B-DAY CAROL!!!) and had my meal, plus another slice of french toast from Jo's brekkie. Now, in my defense, after that, I didn't eat anything for 7 hours, but then I had pizza. And then I had a sub at midnight, for my second dinner. AHahaha. Can you say Oink oink?

Seeing high school friends was fun today, and we told some stories about great memories from high school. Hahaha, you guys are so smart and nerdy! ;) All those com-tech stories of writing a program that moves chess pieces, lasers that morse code, and ahahaha, a gun, was it, Cary? Congrats to the engineers on getting ring-ed this week, too! Ahahaha, I'm sure I'll be seeing those iron rings for the next billion years or so.

I also spent almost 9 hours at church today setting up for our ministry fair tomorrow. The most time-consuming part of it (Thanks SO MUCH, Kenji, my favourite used-to-work-out artist) was the signage. No more blue or orange paint for me, thanks. We used permanent marker to outline the words, and apparently the fumes were pretty strong, because there were some amusing moments tonight. Some highlights:

• Laura and I doing the running man (and this was before marker fumes...hmm...)
• Kevin attempting to do the running man
• cheap dollar store balloons not blowing up properly
• Thanks for letting me pay for pizza
• drawing faces on dollar store balloons that don't blow up properly
• riding a trolley cart thing
• watching Kenj and Adam play one-eyed balloon volleyball (no depth perception!!)
• finding out Kenji used to WORK OUT! ......I know, that's what I said!
• being meaner (I WIN!!!)

And my biggest biggest HUGEST thanks goes to Naomi who worked her butt off to plan the ministry fair! Thanks so much for all your hard work and organization! I told everyone how brilliant you were at last week's 40 DOP meeting, don't worry. :) If you need parties planned and you need someone, Naomi's great! She takes cheque, credit cards and cash. ;)

And Matt, it's okay, you're not the only one who writes long entries!

ANd thanks Kev and Angie for posting about random songs, because I'm SO out of the music loop. I'm totally listening to oldies (but goodies - Francis Lai's theme from love song!) right now because I just know no new songs!

Ah, memories...

"I'm a big, big, big girl, in a big, big world..." - Emilia (but she sings it slow)

I have such amusing memories of a talent show put on by students in East Asia when I was over there, and there was someone who sang Big Big world, only the version she lip-synched was faster and more fobby, of course. Picture cute asian gal in pig tails bouncing around singing Big Big World. Ahahahaha. That night was classic, including the look on John Hau's face as Cliff planted a fake kiss on his lips. Ahahahaha. Claaaaassic.

Allow us to be Frank

Westlife's newest CD is a whole bunch of old Frank Sinatra songs. Soooo great! I left my heart in San Francisco, The Way you Look Tonight, When I Fall in Love (quick trivia question...what chick flick is this song in?), etc. etc. etc. Soooo classic. I love old blue eyes! Or his songs, anyway.

My first post from in class

I'm in a computer lab listening to a technology in the classroom seminar. I would post my fantastic paint file that I made in Appleworks, but umm...I don't want you to feel bad about your art skills, yeah. That's it. Ahahaha. Quote of the seminar from the slightly balding speaker: "Get out of my hair. Oh, I guess it's, get out of my lack of hair."

I'm dead tired this morning. Learning lessons is good, but tough. Thank goodness for good friends!

The thing that keeps making me laugh right now: The Babysitter's Club. The movie. I loved those books. Ahahahaha.

I've been told twice this week that I eat a lot. I've had many awkward moments where I've thought people were walking up to me to talk to me and I've sorta like, paused, and then felt like a big geek when they were like, "What?" Yeah. I did weights for 2 hours and I died but complained a lot less.

I'm hoping to retain the dutch blitz crown tonight. I'm the defending champion. When you're at the top, the only way to go is down.

Trident citrus gum loses it's flavour and get's really tough. Have you ever chewed gum to the point where it disintegrated? It's disgusting.

Church on the Rock on Sunday...I had a good idea for a devo and now I forget it. Boooo. Oh, wait, I remember again. Ahahahaha.

And the above is a perfect example of why I shouldn't write blogs before 10am.

Michelle Idol and why I almost cried today

i·dol n.
1. An image used as an object of worship.
2. A false god.
3. One that is adored, often blindly or excessively.

Who/what's your idol? Some questions that might tell you what your idol is...
Time - what or who are you spending the most time with?
Talk - what's the thing you talk about the most?
Thoughts - what do you spend the most time thinking about, or what do you rever to thinking about in your spare time?
Treasure - what do you spend the most money on?

We need to hold things with an open hand, and not cling to our idols with tight fists. I evaluated today, and there are so many things that are idols in my life...people, relationships. So many things that I prioritize over God. So many things that I need to loosen my grip on...

Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
- Jonah 2:8

As to why I almost cried today...you can ask me for more details, but I guess it was seeing my blessings in a new, fresh light.

Further randomness during procrastination station

First: Presbyterians is an anagram for Britney Spears. What does that mean?

Second: I had 2 very weird dreams during which I woke up. In the first one, I was a spy and I was at Woodbine Mall. All the bad guys wore suits and were walking around. I was trying to stake them out, for no reason, apparently, because I realized in my dream that once I got close to them, I didn't know what to do. Apparently my dream-spy self did not know how to take ppl down or plant tracking devices or anything. I'm such a boring dream-spy! Anyway, I ended up waking up because I had walked into a store in my dream and sat down on the couch. I then picked up some magazine (it was in Russian, I think) to try to look inconspicuous. Unfortunately, the bad guy spotted me and came over and was like, "YOU! You're one of them! You're one of those SPIES!" and proceeded to attack me. I then woke up. (I think this spy thing comes from Alias withdrawal. I quit the show. I know, the shock, the horror.)

My second dream, I was at school and walked into the science library chewing on my sandwich. Now, eating is NOT NOT NOT allowed in the library, and in my dream, there was some crazy food monitor person who went around staring at people's mouths to see if they were chewing or not. Unfortunately, he saw me and proceeded to SHOUT at me that I was NOT allowed to eat in the library. I stumbled a few words about how I was just chewing and that I had finished eating outside the library. He mocked me and got mad that I was talking back, so he put both his hands on my arms and picked me up, sorta squishy-like, and tried to make me leave. Then I woke up.

So some thoughts. First, why is there so much physical violence in my dreams? Second, why am I obsessed with spy things? Third. THere is no third. I'm going back to work.

In the interest of wasting time...

Okay, I just wanted to share that I have this orange shirt that I always wear at home and I swear I have put this thing on backwards at least 5 times this week. And it's a V-neck, too.
The wonderful world of Michelle.

3 stents and a couple days nearer to H-Day!

So after an angiogram and 3 stent insertions yesterday, my dad is now T-minus 2 days from coming HOME! :) The angiogram went really smoothly yesterday, and the stent insertions did, too. Thanks so much to everyone for all your prayers! I know God's hand was upon everything. It seems so easy to talk about now, but I am so so so so so so so so thankful that everything worked out the way it did. My dad even survived the criminal guy in the next bed (he was discharged this morning, so back to the jail for him)!

In other news...

I'm totally mooching this idea from Kenj. Thanks Kenj! Ahahahaha.

(cue French movie music...)

Michelle is a missionary.
Michelle likes playing Mission Impossible, eating Smartfood and running her fingers through clothing racks at retail stores to feel fabrics.
Michelle dislikes slow drivers, eye krispies and racoons that overturn her green bin every garbage day.

Plus...
I've discovered I'm a big whiner. I mean, Chika always used to tell me to stop complaining, but I never realized just HOW whiney I was till I started working out and having immense muscle pain after workouts.

Sample whininess:
"It's TOO heaaaaaaaaavy..."
"Do I haaaaaaave to do this much weight?"
"Owwwwwwww, my leg muscles hurt."
"Owwwwwwww, my arm muscles hurt."
"Owwwwwwww, muscles I didn't even know I had hurt."
"I can't DOOOOO that many sit-ups."
"I'm hungrrrrryyyyyy."
"How many moooooooore do I have to dooooooooooo?"
"I don't waaaaanna use the bench."
"I hate you."

Ahahahaha. Be thankful you're not my personal trainer. And if you're my personal trainer, thanks for putting up with the whining.

2 guards + handcuffs = ???!!!

My father's doing so so so much better!

But that means he got moved to another room in the hospital. Yes, so my sister, mother and I are tagging along while the guy wheels my dad up, and as we approach this room, I'm wondering why there are two uniformed guards sitting outside, reading their magazines. Now, I've seen enough ER episodes to know that they put guards outside the hospital rooms of CRIMINALS, so I'm a little weary. Sure enough, my sister reports that my dad's roommate has handcuffs on his ankles. AHahaha, I mean, it's half funny, but I'm slightly worried at the same time.

WHO would've thought. My dad, roommates with a criminal.

On the upswing :)

Thanks for all your prayers and support! :)

I visited my dad today, and he was much much better. Apparently in the couple days after a heart attack, you're more at risk for having another one, but apparently he's clear. They'll be sending him to another hospital for an angiogram in the next couple of days. Anyway, it's funny because my mom half sees all this as a good thing, because my dad never listened to us when we told him to take breaks. I guess it took a big intervention to get him to rest, so it's good. Yesterday he won the card game my sister and I were playing with him (yeah, Crib!) and I told him he won a vacation stay in a hospital. ;) Anyway, it sounds kinda morbid, but we had a good laugh. So yep, he's got lots more energy, so he's definitely on the upswing. We'll have to keep waiting for the surgery news though.

And in all things....

It has been such a crazy year. Not just in my life, either, but in the lives of my friends and family. As I reflect on everything, I'm glad I and everyone else made it through okay.

This past week, I was reflecting on worship, especially in terms of what that means in everyday life. Worshipping God in all your actions sounds like a straightforward thing at first, but I guess I didn't really stop to think about what it really meant. I think after last night, I have a much better understanding of what it means to have hope, and to have a deeper inner joy that comes from that hope. And in some way, last night was an answer to prayer...I did ask to learn how to worship Him more deeply. Sigh. But alac and alas, we always learn more in situations of pain and suffering than we do in okay times.

So to summarize...last night was harrowing, I cried, I was confused, dazed, shocked...I was helpless, and all I could do was trust God with everything, which I wasn't doing very well. I asked, "Why?" a lot, and I know there are so many answers...which don't really matter at the moment. I just need to stop worrying about things I can't control.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

House of Flying Daggers

Oh man, so my last Chinese class, we watched House of Flying Daggers. You know, I thought it was going okay until the end. Then it just became ridiculous. Warning, movie spoiler coming up:

So anyway, I'll recap my version of the ending.

Three characters in a field, in the fall. The chick, Mei, who's a part of the Flying Daggers, another guy who's part of the Flying Daggers who loves the chick, and then the government soldier captain man who also loves the chick. Anyway, at this point, Mei and the govt soldier guy are in love, but they've decided to go back to their respective sides. Then of course, they change their minds, so Mei gets on the horse (these horses seem to miraculously appear out of nowhere) and goes after him. Anyway, the Flying Daggers guy who loves her is in this field, and knocks her off her horse, and then blah blah, proceeds to say some stuff about, "How could you do this...blah blah, now I'm forced to kill you." It was the whole, if I can't have you, no one can, thing (insert eye roll here). Anyway, so he stabs her with a dagger, she dies. Enter soldier guy, cue bloody battle. And THEN, this is the best part right here...surprise! Mei isn't dead! The two men are in a stand-off, and Mei miraculously gets up (insert one eye roll after another here)! The soldier guy doesn't have weapon but the Flying Dagger guy does. He's about to kill the soldier guy, but Mei stands up and says that she'll kill Flying Dagger guy before he kills soldier guy. Soldier guy speaks up and says, "No! You'll bleed to death if you pull out the dagger!" Blah blah blah, you can see how this standoff could continue for a while. Anyway, finally, Flying Dagger guy decides to pretend to throw his dagger at soldier guy, after which Mei pulls the dagger out of her shoulder to throw and intercept the first dagger...so she dies. Flying Dagger guy limps off. Soldier guy goes to get Mei, holds her in his arms and cue waterworks. Oh, and I'm sorry, did I mention it miraculously becomes winter in the middle of all this? We're talking blizzard with LOTS of snow. Everything turns white. Oh man.

It was going so well. WHAT was with this ending?? Oh man.

I still haven't seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Hope it's got a better ending than this!

I lift my eyes up

All I have to say is thank goodness I have hope in eternal things.

I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Secret competitions

Alright, so I'm coming out of the broom closet. I have secret competitions with people. For example, when I worked my gift wrapping job, I would have secret competitions with the other gift wrappers to see who could wrap faster. Another example: last week, we were addressing envelopes for a fellowship dinner, and I was racing the other people who were addressing. I went super-fast. Ahahaha. The best part about secret competitions, of course, is that you generally win because you're really the only one competing. Ahahaha. I WIN!

Where's James?

Youth leaders, minus James. Where is James? At school. He's always doing robotics. Nerd! Hehehe.

This is actually a pic from Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum that we went to in Niagara. So much fun! Another road trip next week to Hamilton! :)

"This isn't a Girl Scout camp..."

Stanley Yelnats has a no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather. The Yelnats family is cursed because of his pig-stealing ways. Stanley is always in the wrong place at the wrong time, and one day, when running shoes drop out of the sky, he thinks things are looking up. A couple minutes later, while running home with the shoes, he gets stopped by a police officer. "Where'd you get the shoes," he's asked. "They fell from the sky," he replies. Then he gets arrested. Poor Stanley Yelnats. Then he has to go dig holes at Camp Green Lake. Later, he eats tons of onions. He also almost dies in the desert and almost gets bitten by a yellow lizard (with black teeth and a white tongue). Stanley Yelnats is a neat name because it is the same backwards and forwards.

I LOVE CHILDREN'S LITERATURE! Ahahahaha. I was at the Steacie Library at York today, the science library, where everyone around me was studying a textbook of some sort. In the middle of it all, I pulled out my battered copy of the children's novel, Holes, and proceeded to read it. It is HILARIOUS! I think you have to read it though. I laughed out loud at a line today (the title of this blog entry) and shared it with my friend, but she didn't really think it was that funny. I think you have to read the whole thing to truly appreciate the subtleties of Holes. But yep, by Louis Sachar, go pick it up and re-capture your childhood! It's tons of fun, especially at university. AHahaha. I hope no one noticed how big the writing in my novel was. ;)

P.S. On a more serious note, the only way that someone who has hurt you in the past can keep hurting you is if you dwell on the situation and resent them for it. If you keep resenting them, the hurt just keeps going. We need to forgive and move on.

Working out craziness!

I thought I'd share with you faithful blog readers about my annual workout. That's right, annual. It seems after being a gym fiend first year, I've now become one of those ppl who is extremely unhealthy and sits at home watching TV. Well, that all changed when my sister ganged up on me. She keeps telling me to do cardio. "What if you're getting chased by a dog?" she says. She doesn't think I can run. I think if I had that much incentive to run, I could. But that's besides the point. Enter Cosma, my new personal trainer. They've both ganged up on me to make me healthy. So today, I went to the gym.

Anyway, the first mistake I made was thinking that I (the slowest eater and now also probably the slowest digester, too) could eat my lunch 30 minutes before intensive cardio and not get sick. Well, halfway through the class, just as it's getting more intense, I suddenly start feeling veeeeery queasy. I am also sweating up a storm at this point. Exit Michelle from cardio class. I proceed to go downstairs (practically lost with all the new renovations) and go into the gym. Immediately, I am frozen in complete shock, because they've expanded it, and I have information overload from trying to look at too many machines and ppl in the gym at one time. Anyway, being totally lost and out of it at this point, I stumble over to my faithful inner/outer abducter machines and proceed to work the thighs. Finally, my personal trainer walks in at our appointed time and shoos me away from MY favourite machines, and I proceed to do the most painful and intense workout of my entire life. Ahahahaha.

And actually, as I laugh, that pretty much summarizes a lot of it. It was a lot of laughing, pain, and me saying, "I hate you" a lot. Poor Cosma had to put up with it, and I do apologize. Actually, at one point, I think I was laughing too much, which seemed to make him think I wasn't doing enough weights, so he kept putting more on, and I proceeded to die from pain (actually, this happened a lot...this adding weight and me dying thing). My problem is that I lack concentration, and I also like to look as if I am not exerting myself to the point of dying. Also, I have very bad form. Some from being weirdly flexible. Mostly just from being weak. AHahahah.

To summarize my workout: Michelle is weak, Michelle works out, Michelle is now in pain. Cosma is my new personal trainer, and my mother is my new masseuse. I will start doing cardio and stop eating so close to class.

In other news, quiet Kevin is giving me attitude lately. Apparently he thinks he can school MOI in bowling. RIGHT. Keep dreaming, buddy. ;)

Also in further news, this is the FUNNIEST blog I have EVER read! http://booyahlicious.blogspot.com/ I feel like I think like this girl sometimes. Ahahaha.