Having fun on Dave's laptop

Hmmm there's something cool that I love about this laptop. I'm not sure if it's the way the keyboard sounds when I push the keys or if it's the way I can relax on the couch and type this all at the same time! I'm watching Everwood (which I hardly ever watch) it's a nice show really. Hmm yep I love that I can relax on the couch and type this!

This week has been a good one. It's been a good combination of busy and relaxed. Monday night after work, I went to Orangeville and had dinner with my Mom, Dad and Benji, then I met with Lesya for a short visit. It was good to see her, her hair is a bit longer and I just loved laughing with her. She gave me hilarious "I love the Office stickers"! Ohh if you could only see them!

Last night was a gathering for all Adventure Club helpers. It was funny, we played MadGab and I nearly wet my pants laughing, it's hard to explain, but we would say the words and not even know it! hahaha. Then tonight I'm here, helping Dave sort his hockey cards and just watching tv. Tomorrow is my last day of work, I expect it to be a very long day, but I'm totally looking forward to having some time off, and hey CHRISTMAS IS ONLY 3 DAYS AWAY!!!! It's starting to sink in. Like I'm now starting to bug Dave about what he's gotten me for Christmas!

I got a few more Christmas cards today, one was from Tracey and she got a new dog! She sent a picture of Ruby. She's so adorable. My kitties are doing good. Sunshine more and more becomes cranky, but that's just her age. Ahhhhh Lost is a re-run! Again! I'm not surprised, this is what happened last year too.

So I'm just rambling now, I think I love the sound of the keyboard! hahahaha.

Well if I don't get a chance to write again after this, I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas! 2005 is gone, and 2006 is almost here, it's exciting to know that another year is around the corner, a year that will be filled with many more opportunities and experiences, and memory making events!

Bye for now!

Day with my Dad

Today was a very nice day. My Dad had mentioned that he wanted to go to Listowel for a horse sale, and since I completed my Christmas shopping officially yesterday, I told him I wanted to go with him. We had a good time. We watched 103 horses sell, there was over 200 up for sale, but he only had so much time. He wanted to see how well #103 would do, because that's the one he would have liked. He sure can pick a winner though, it went for over $2700! I was shocked! Considering most horses were going for well under $1000, most under $500! He didn't get anything, but a part of me wishes I could have gotten him one! There was one he was really fond of , and it sold only for $450. But he didn't raise his hand, and I wasn't going to push him. I think the next time he goes, I'll tell him I'll go halves on it, but he can look after it for me. We both were a bit frozen once we left, but I'm glad that we spent the day together.

I survived the Christmas party at Dave's boss's house. It wasn't so bad, but glad for it to be over. Lots of crammed people and forced small talk, very awkward.

Tonight Dave and I just finished watching Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. It was odd, which was as I thought it would be, but I don't know, I got bored, not my favourite.

Blessed and Overwhelmed

Well I just got in from our last Adventure Club of 2005. It was a parents night, so I got to meet some of the parents of the kids at my table, and I even got spoiled with some presents. Tonight was one of the first nights that I actually feel the Christmas Spirit. It's so hard these days to find joy, when everything is so busy and things are coming at you a mile a minute!

But we've been blessed completely this year. Dave has been rewarded with a big bonus come January which will change our course of life for a bit, debts can be paid off and a trip is in our near future I think. We're thinking end of February or March sometime.

I just had a great weekend with my friends which was so nice, just to be in their company was just awesome. And Lesya returns to Ontario Friday so I'll get to see her!

We have a couch now in our basement which is so nice. I broke it in on the weekend and ended up watching movies most of the time!

This week is full of Christmas celebrations. Beginning Sunday night, our Sunday school play happened, and to my surprise was a success, my kids were very cute, the 3 girls were sheep and 2 of my boys were a cat and dog (they refused to be sheep) and a Shepard. They were so adorable. They ate fruit loops the whole time, and I think were the hit of the play because they were just so cute! Then on Monday, our department at work were taken out to the Keg for lunch, it was very nice and a good 2 hours from the office, always nice to get away! Tomorrow night our small group is having a fun night with gift exchanges and food! THen Thursday is our big work party, we get out at lunch and then have an early dinner, presents and Christmas bonuses! To finish it off, Dave's annual party at his boss's house is Friday night, I don't look forward to this one, it's very uncomfortable, but it's nice to be on the arm of Dave!

I just left a message for my Krista, she turns 4 on Thursday, but only got the answering machine. I miss her lots, and can't wait until they are home again! woo hoo!

Lots of Snow!

Today Dave and I left early for Orangeville, and the drive there was nice and dandy, until we reached Orangeville, and there was a dark cloud, snowing atop of the town. It was great really. The drive slowed down a bit, but I was ok with that.

My Mom, Benji and I went and chopped down the perfect Christmas tree. We had lots of fun doing it too, the trees were covered with snow, so we had to shake them off in order to get a good look of them, but made it easy to see which ones we passed by! It was fun! Then got home and just relaxed, the boys played some hockey and stuff. Then Steve called so I talked with him for a bit. But then we had to leave.

Joe is here for the evening, he's moving to the USA, and leaves on Wednesday, so this is his last night to hang out with Dave. They of course are in the basement watching the Leaf game, that's why I'm here! Actually I missed an opportunity to see Pride and Prejudice with Jay today, so I'm going tonight with Christa and Jolene. It should be fun, but a late night for sure. I'll have to order a diet coke just to stay awake!

I had a good week really, it was my long week at work, but I had my annual performance appraisal, and it was a glowing review. I quite honestly was surprised how well I did, I was beginning to wonder if my attitude towards my job was started to reveal itself to others around me, but I guess it doesn't. My manager thinks I'm a wonderful person, who is a great encourager and is always seeking out ways to help others. I thought "oh!". So in the end it looks like a get a tiny increase in salary, which never hurts! This month at work is fun, with Christmas celebrations going on, everyone is in a happier mood. My secret Santa gave me a reindeer that poops! It's funny!

One last thought, last weekend on itravel2000.com there was an all inclusive 4* resort holiday to Jamacia for only $539 each! hmmmm, can you say hot vacation coming up soon?

It was gone just like that!

Well my weekend was so much fun. We had a blast. All of us get along so well. They are all older than I am, I’m the kid in the bunch, but that’s ok with me, they’re like older sisters really! Ikea was good, it wasn’t busy, but nothing really jumped out at me saying "buy me buy me". I got a few things, for a gift exchange and around the house. Then we made to Niagara Falls and into out hotel room which was quite nice. We went to the Rain Forest Café, which was awesome! I’ve never been there before, but it was so cool. Being there made me think about being a cool aunt to my nieces, so in order for me to be that I have to take them there for a meal one day! Then we watched the movie Just Friends. Very silly, retarded movie, good for a few laughs, but wouldn’t recommend it, definitely a rental!
Saturday we all slept in until 9am!!! Probably because we were up late girl talking! We went to Denny’s for breakfast!!! WHAT A MISTAKE!! It was a total rip off, for my orange juice and scramble egg sandwich I had, it cost $20!!!! Too much money!!! Then to the PenCentre Mall. It was big and crowded, but fun, I got new shoes and some Christmas shopping done. It was really fun. To finish it off we had Kelsey’s for dinner, and then laughed all the way home about Mennonites calling cats pussy’s and oh it was hilarious!!!
Sunday I just relaxed really. I taught Sunday school and then went home, I didn’t stay for the service, I was just so tired! But all in all, I had a great weekend. I’m really in the Christmas mood now! It’s coming!!!!
My secret Santa gave me a reindeer that poops out jelly beans!!! Hahaha, whoever it is must know me!!!

To the Falls!

I’m off for a weekend away. I’m going with the two ladies from Church who also got me my job, Cindy and Lesa. And Valerie, who also works with me. We are going to Niagara Falls for the night. First we’re going to make a stop at Ikea, then to our hotel. We’re going to go out for dinner at the Rain Forest Café and then out to see a movie. I’m so tired today, because I was up late preparing and just excited about going! Then tomorrow we’re going to head into St. Catharines to shop for the day. Should be a fun time! I’ve never spent this much time with these people, so it will be a learning experience too! Wish me luck!

It was a busy weekend

Well I can't believe how fast the time is going. This past weekend we kept ourselves busy. We finished projects around the house and started some new ones. Dave started painting the upstairs bathroom. We're both not sure whether we like the colour or not, but it will have to do. It just needs one more coat, but it won't take too long to do. We also sanded and primed the one wall in the living room on the main floor. I still want to do that room in a red colour, but we haven't fully decided that. Then Dave's dad was over and we now have a bar sink and bathroom sink flowing with water in the basement which is exciting!

Still anxiously waiting the phone call about our furniture for the basement!

My parents were over Sunday afternoon. I had won a free nights stay at the Best Western in St. Jacob's which I gave to them, so they used that last night. We went out to the Crossroads for dinner and then looked in their shop which has tonnes of really neat Christmas stuff! Then we just hung out at home and watched tv, it was great to just do that with Mom and Dad, it's been awhile!

Today at work I was humiliated by some JERK on the phone. I think he must have said my name in our conversation more then Dave has ever said to me in our time together! I would read to him exactly what it would say on a form and he would interupt me with "Charlene, Charlene, I know what you're reading but it's not what I'm after....." Grrr I was so upset, and furious, I was red in the face and ahhhh I just didn't know what to do with this man, I mean I actually had to tell myself to remain kind and nice, because that's who I am. I've never had to tell myself that. So what did I do?, I took it to another lady to deal with! I mean I did what I had to do, and could do, I mean he had questions that I couldn't answer because they weren't in my job description and I wasn't qualified to tell him. BUT STILL he belittled me and that's not a good feeling at all.

So now that that is off my chest! hahaha I get home these days and get so excited about Christmas, this week sometime I'm going to get the tree out! ohhh it's exciting! Plus we're supposed to get snow for the next 4 days! woo hoo!

It's a winter wonderland out there!

Ok I'm getting really excited, I have definately got the Christmas excitment now. It snowed all day here, to the point where the roads are bad and we had to cancel our volleyball game tonight. Dave normally has a 15 minute drive to work, but tonight it took him 45 minutes to get home. Winter has come that's for sure. I got a new winter coat just in time!

This week has been and gone fast enough. I was home Tuesday because I had a terrible headache when I woke up and it was right behind my eyes, it was not good. I still have some bit of an ache behind my head, but I'm ok.

The candle party was fun. Val has such a nice house. All those candles are so expensive, I bought just one.

Right now I'm listening to some worship music and I'm about to start on my Christmas cards again. I'm almost finished making them which is exciting. Next week I'll probably start decorating the house. I'm not so talented at decorating, but I love Christmas decorating! Everyone at work is in a CHristmas mode too, we were talking about our Christmas lunch today, and it seems like it's going to be at the Keg, which is cool, especially since the company foots the bill! Plus we have secret Santa's and I got something from mine already. It was a banana dressed up as Santa, a creative idea that's for sure. Because I don't know many people at work I have no idea who it could possibly be!

The other good thing that happened at work this week is I got the results from the hockey pool and I'm not winning, but I'm beating my rival Susan, who has no idea about anything hockey wise, and last time we were tied! But now I've got a huge jump on her! I would have been so mad if she was beating me! hahaha, YIKES look at me, I'm never that competitive, what has happened to me!?!?!?

Hope you're enjoying the snow....or the beach :) Right Sally?!---Miss you! (my mind is still wishing that circumstances would be different, cause if they were, I'd be there in January!)

Oh Knots!

I am so tired today I had knots in my stomach. I didn't sleep very good last night, probably because I had caffine before bed. But I'm now home from one day at work, and it wasn't so bad today, I made it through. I had some laughs early on in the day, so that was good, I know I'm not having a good day when I don't have at least one laugh!

I'm going to a Party Lite party tonight at my co-worker Val's place. Should be nice. I'll have to write more later. I'm getting even more tired just looking at this screen more!

later.....
Happy Birthday MOM!

Dancing is fun

Dancing is fun with Oompa Loompa's! Benji is over for the night, so we decided to rent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I just love this movie! At the end the special feature is the dance moves of some of the Oompa Loompa songs. It was hilarious, but Benji or Dave didn't want to indulge me and participate, that was no surprise, they just laughed at me and then got bored of me knowing that they are missing a hockey game on tv.

Today was my half day, Benji came out and we checked out some stores and did some Christmas shopping, well Benji was more successful then me, I only got a new Christmas cd for myself, isn't that terrible! But tomorrow I'm going home with Benji and then my Mom and I are going to shop in Newmarket for Christmas, that will be fun. Plus is a week full of Birthdays, my Mom's is on Monday, so we're celebrating with her on Sunday.

Hope everyone had good birthdays!

Connecting

Just got back from a nice walk. Dave and I walked to the IGA to do our shopping, we had such a small list this week, plus I didn't feel like getting wet by going out swimming tonight, so a walk was nice. Plus I got to talk to Dave. It's seems funny to say that, but in our crazy schedules, sometimes we don't get an opportunity to just talk. It was so great.

Our dinner last night was a success. Then afterwards we played the penny card game, and I kicked everyone's butt! It was so great, poor Dave, he can't take it when I beat him, he had every excuse for me! hahaha.

I think it's time to watch Corner Gas. That's a fun show.

More Than a Friend

Ok, I now have something very important to share. You are Wonderfully Made! You are wonderful! I know that you probably don't ever think this about yourself, I don't think this about myself hardly ever. We had a guest speaker today at church, and he focused on this fact. It doesn't matter how we look, what we wear, God loves us the way we are, he made us this way. And at this moment it's hit me. I'm told this quite regularly, but it's at this moment where I feel it, and it's so beautiful. Everyday we go through tough times, stress filled days, trying our hardest to be our best, and at the end of our days, we're worn out, we're tired and sometimes we feel used and neglected, but this is all nonsense when we get this concept that whatever and whoever we are, Jesus loves us, more than we now. I searched for this song this afternoon, because I knew that it was pretty and I was in the mood to listen to quiet music, but I never listened to the words until now, and I'm going to share them with you. If only you could hear it, because it's even more amazing with the music. I hope the words can touch you in the slightest way.

More than a Friend

In the quiet of my Soul
In the stillness I hear your voice call
And I'm overwhelmed, and I'm lost for words
To describe you

Jesus you're more than a friend
Jesus you're more than my heart could ever express
Your love and your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

My heart longs to worship you my King
And I long to bring you a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed, and I am lost for words
To describe you

That's it. If we're just quiet and hear Him, we would understand and see the joy he gives us, just by putting our "stuff" away for a bit, we would hear and feel Him. Just remember, you are a wonderful creation.

Nap Anyone?

Ahhh it's a windy dark day here, and I fell pretty tired. I was up early this morning making a potato dish to put in the slow cooker, then out to church to teach sunday school and then church. Tonight we've invited Kris and Shannon with Mason over for dinner, and since Steve is wifeless for dinner, we're feeding him too. I'm still really new at the whole company over for dinner thing, so Valerie at work gave me two recipes to do that are easy and by the smell of it tasty too. I also whipped up a cheesecake for dessert, I'm all over it! It's been fun, but I don't think I could do this much prep everyday!

Yesterday I scrapbooked all day, it was a blast. I got started on my Christmas cards and did a page in my book. There's a new store in Waterloo that is so awesome and has tonnes of cool paper, I wish I had the time and creativity to do it more often, but once a month is good for me!

We got trees on our street this week!

Ok I guess I don't have much to say, or I'm just to tired to talk about anything interesting, so I think I'll find my man and see if he wants to nap with me, it's always nice to fall asleep being cuddled.

In my Element

I'm really excited about tomorrow. It's Halloween, and I am going to wear my pajama's to work. I even went out and bought a new funky pair to wear, however, I love too many of my jamies so I've laid out 3 different ones, so that when Christa comes over to put rags in my hair I'll model the 3 for her and have her tell me which of the three are the most wackiest! Dave has thrown in his two cents and voted for my mushroom ones. I'm swaying to my cows ones, but then my news ones are well...NEW!!

Today was a very special day at church. It was a bastism service, where 3 people had planned to be baptised. I always enjoy these services, but the pastor opened it up for anyone who needed to be baptised (needed I used because anyone who has accepted Jesus as their saviour would in tern take the step of Baptism, because it's the least we can do to honour him, and an amazing thing we can do to witness to others our commitment) or felt lead to be baptised to come forward. Well I lost it, a young teenager girl appeared into the tank with the pastor and her parents were sitting right in front of me, and I lost it, there's just something about when a grown man cries, it totally gets me going! Her Dad was just weeping with joy, and there I am crying for him too! It was awesome, and I could totally feel the spirit of God there, with every word that these people shared as they were baptised, it was just amazing.

Yesterday I went to my parents for the morning, then to my aunts for a baby shower, my cousin and her newly born baby weren't there, because she was still in the hospital with him, but it was fun.

After church today, Dave took me to this new Thai resturant in Waterloo, it was nice, then we went to the mall and started our Christmas shopping. Worked on Benji this week. We hope to a little here and there from now one instead of all at once. Easier on the pocket book this way I think.

Well I should go and see what's for dinner....

A pea from my plate

Hi, I'm just memorizing my lines for tomorrow night, I get to flick a pea at my uncle Ed, the kids are going to love it! I'm very happy though, there isn't that many lines this week, which releaves pressure!

I just got back from swimming. I came home from work tonight feeling really tired, I told myself that I wasn't going to go swimming, it's windy, raining and cold out! I even fell asleep on the couch, but I made myself go, and now I feel good that I did. Another 20 laps, hooray!

So girls in my department are getting excited about Halloween. One lady suggested that we all dress up with a 50's theme, with poodle skirts and so on. It was an alright idea, but I had nothing that would suit, so I made another idea and threw in the air to see if anyone liked my idea. They all did. We are all going to wear our pajama's and pretend we're all at a slumber party, bringing our pillows and teddy bears. I'm going to get Christa to put my hair up in rags, and I came up with the idea of putting a green face mask on too! It's going to be a blast! My favourite part is I get to be comfy all day!

Well off to read more woes of Josephine B.

Overwhlemed

The Tupperware party was a sucess, although all week leading up I was very doubtful, about who was coming and if people would buy anything. By Thursday, I was pretty confident in my numbers considering I was getting last minute cancellations. My mom came with my Aunt Cathy, and my cousin Jody with her little girl Emily. Then my Aunty Heather came too. Jay and Yvonne came, which was nice to have that comfort of my close to my heart friends there. Then my supporters were there, Joy, Christa, and Suzanne, when I need people to fill the place, I can always count on them, Amamda came too, I'm still getting to know her. Dave's cousin Sharlene was there, that was good. Then Dave's mom Fern, came and I got her to recruit a couple of her co-workers which she did. My house was full.

A few of the girls that were invited but couldn't mke it, sent in pre-orders that totalled over $200, so I knew that I would earn some credit to get a couple of things. But Dve and I sat down before hand to look at the catalogue and we only chose 3 things we thought was enough.

Wel Gloria, the rep at the end of the night sid to me that she hoped I had a big wish list, I told her no, and that I thought the party was going to be a bust. Now Gloria has been doing this for 12 years, so I'm not sure whether she fed me this line, but she told me that this was her second biggest party she's ever done.! Dave and I have to go through this catalogue again, because we have big time money to spend. Gloria caculated all the bonuses and free product and tupperware money we get, and my party earned me $818 worth of free tupperware product. THIS IS INSANE!!!!! Never would I have imagined that I would get this chance. I mean Dave and I picked out 3 things for pete sakes! I don't know how we'll figure this one out, definately gifts in the future.

Christa, Suanne, Joy and Amnada all stayed afterwards and we watched Mona Lisa Smile. I didn't get to bed until 1:30am, but I was up at 6:30am, with things running through my head, one being homesick, my Mom was there last night, and I ddn't get much time with her, so I'm waiting to call her this morning, plus I"m going to see her today too, but still.

Anway , I'm really overwhelmed. It was a wonderful night, with a shocking ending with how much I earned, IT"S CRAZY!!!!

Ok maybe I should go back to bed and try to sleep some more!

I was talking to the girls at work today and we were discussing age, and how none of us wanted to experience living in an old age home. I just plainly stated that I didn't want to experience death at all. I want to be the generation when God comes again. I really don't like death, even though my loved ones go to Heaven, they are still taken from me. I don't ever want to be with out Dave or have to think about him being alone, that would be just terrible. But it's not upto me.

Last night I got an opportunity to just watch people and listen to them, I find it very interesting how people are and how they've changed, or sadly never change. I was tired, and we walked over to Steve and Christa's for dinner, Christa used her good dishes, which I'm very proud of her to do that, but she invited over another couple, and they did most of the talking while I just sat and listened. It's amazing what listening and observing showed me. It was irretating, and funny, sad and amusing all at once. I think what irretated me, was the change factor. I don't understand how someone can't change even though life changes every second. It's almost ignorance or stubborness. But for me very frustrating. Ahhhh, I just thought about how lucky am I that I've had life altering changes that have changed me, through everything things have changed me, I'm proud of that.

Looking forward to Dave coming home....

The Thanksgiving time spent

Well it's Monday night, it's over, although it didn't go too fast, which is always a nice thing, but I'm in that "oh no tomorrow I have to go to work" mood. It was a really enjoyable weekend. Friday night we started it off by playing badminton, again, it was lots of fun, and quite the workout. Saturday Dave was in the Octoberfest Ball tournament. My mom and Benji came over and we hung out, watched one of Dave's games and then they took me home with them. It was so nice, going out for walks, checking out the leaves, the pets, the wildlife. Sunday Dave joined us. Him and I and Benji went out 4-wheeling. It was so much fun, were gone for atleast an hour maybe more, up and down sideroads, and "not through roads" I was the passenger so I got to do all the looking around, there are some outrageously huge houses in places I never knew there would be. It was definately exploring!

This weekend was also my brother Steve's and my Dad's birthdays, so we celebrated my Dad's Sunday night and Steve called then too, it was so great hearing his voice, and so exciting hearing him talk about coming back!

Monday we got up to the cows kicking up a fuss because the calves were getting vacinated. We really didn't do much what so ever today. It was kind of wet out, and we all seemed tired. Dave's parents were over in the afternoon to share with my family the nice huge thanksgiving meal my mom made for us. It was awesome.

But now that I'm stuffed with turkey, I'm really feeling the tired effect. Plus I have to memorize my lines for Adventure Club. So I better go....

when you take it to heart

You love listening to music and even sing along, but do you really hear the words and understand their meaning? One song that has hit my heart today is the following:

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

I wish I could put these beautiful into practice right now.

Waiting is not fun!

So our phone wasn't working since yesterday afternoon. Dave called Bell last night before going out and they told us that someone would be out to fix it between 8am to 6pm! Can you believe that time frame! Well I was up pretty early, Dave and I decided to clean out the garage, and I dug up the flower bed. It was a pretty eventful morning. But then the afternoon rolled around and I got bored. But I haven't been bored in quite some time, so it was actually nice for a change.

Last night we played our first night of badminton. It was lots of fun, I just can't get over how much of a workout it was. I was sweating good! There was lots of jumping and running and hitting, hahaha, it was great. But I'm slowing starting to feel the after effects of it. But we really enjoyed ourselves so we aim to be there next week too.

So much time has past since the last time I wrote. But nothing really new happened. Our small group started up again on Wednesday nights, and I really am glad for that. I love the group I'm in, we're all newly married couples and we're all good friends. One thing I love about the small group is Dave leading it. He is so gifted in doing it, I love just listening to him, to his sincerity and honesty and wisdom. It's so easy for everyone to realize Dave's heart when he talks about each subject, that's one thing that I totally love about him.

Well enough of that! hahaha