Saturday, November 20, 2010
Funny stuff!
So I thought I would get right into the Christmas season with the spectacular performance of the Hallelujah Chorus, and to top it off...welcome to my world, I don't think I need to add anymore about the 80's Dating Video.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
It's about time!
Hey there!
I feel that I have been delinquent in my blogging relationships to you all. Not that nothing is happening, there is lots, I just felt overwhelmed and not sure what to say, what to do and how I feel. Wow...yes...emotions and thoughts all over the board! So sit back get a good coffee, perhaps even a snack...this might go on for a while!
So I removed myself to a new environment, I am sitting in Starbucks, listening to Christmas music...enjoying my Red Cup dark roast coffee. Now this is the life of bliss.
Today I had to get out of town, so I headed to a little town in the mountains called Canmore. It was truly a great drive, and I really have too much fun spending time by myself (weird I know) but sometimes you just need the time to process those thoughts in your head, listen to God and write things down.
So my life in the past four months...oh no I didn't realize that it was that long...this could be a long update!
Summer was great, it was a time of adjusting into life...cooler temperatures (than what I was use to) as Calgary experienced its coolest Summer (in other words...Summer never really happened). Adjusted to working full time and working with a team of women (compared to the team of men in NBO).
September happened...not too sure what to say about that. Ministry started in full swing...FULL swing! How can I not exaggerate it? I apparently being out of practice of the hectic busy life of a North American, had our Children's ministry to manage, as well as starting up a bible study, to also attending a bible study and also attending weekly Financial classes. Now, that was Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday filled up, not to mention the standing date of Thursday nights! Friday ended up being my recovery night!! Don't normal people go out on Friday nights? I know...I know...you ask how I can be overwhelmed with a schedule like that? Only a North American would wonder...those in Kenya, can you handle it? My life in Kenya, was at most...hang out with the Gottfried's Thursday night, once a month hang out with the Robert's, planned one Singles activity per month, worked 9 - 4 pm Monday to Friday, Church happened once a week, and went grocery shopping. That was all...so to come back even a few months later...to do all this in one week...was a little overwhelming. I didn't do well in September...life wasn't good!
October came and went...yeah...anyone else feel that it just flew by? October was my 32nd birthday...yes it came and went, it was briefly celebrated but its ok...it was busy...busy! Oh and Summer showed up...it was beautiful for a week or two, like I could still wear flip flops until the end of October.
Thanksgiving weekend (Oct 9th -11th) my good friend Cam got married to Katie, this was more than a celebration of the two of them...we thought Cam would never get married and God proved miracles do happen.
I feel that I have been delinquent in my blogging relationships to you all. Not that nothing is happening, there is lots, I just felt overwhelmed and not sure what to say, what to do and how I feel. Wow...yes...emotions and thoughts all over the board! So sit back get a good coffee, perhaps even a snack...this might go on for a while!
So I removed myself to a new environment, I am sitting in Starbucks, listening to Christmas music...enjoying my Red Cup dark roast coffee. Now this is the life of bliss.
Today I had to get out of town, so I headed to a little town in the mountains called Canmore. It was truly a great drive, and I really have too much fun spending time by myself (weird I know) but sometimes you just need the time to process those thoughts in your head, listen to God and write things down.
So my life in the past four months...oh no I didn't realize that it was that long...this could be a long update!
Summer was great, it was a time of adjusting into life...cooler temperatures (than what I was use to) as Calgary experienced its coolest Summer (in other words...Summer never really happened). Adjusted to working full time and working with a team of women (compared to the team of men in NBO).
September happened...not too sure what to say about that. Ministry started in full swing...FULL swing! How can I not exaggerate it? I apparently being out of practice of the hectic busy life of a North American, had our Children's ministry to manage, as well as starting up a bible study, to also attending a bible study and also attending weekly Financial classes. Now, that was Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday filled up, not to mention the standing date of Thursday nights! Friday ended up being my recovery night!! Don't normal people go out on Friday nights? I know...I know...you ask how I can be overwhelmed with a schedule like that? Only a North American would wonder...those in Kenya, can you handle it? My life in Kenya, was at most...hang out with the Gottfried's Thursday night, once a month hang out with the Robert's, planned one Singles activity per month, worked 9 - 4 pm Monday to Friday, Church happened once a week, and went grocery shopping. That was all...so to come back even a few months later...to do all this in one week...was a little overwhelming. I didn't do well in September...life wasn't good!
October came and went...yeah...anyone else feel that it just flew by? October was my 32nd birthday...yes it came and went, it was briefly celebrated but its ok...it was busy...busy! Oh and Summer showed up...it was beautiful for a week or two, like I could still wear flip flops until the end of October.
Happy 32nd Birthday Joelle!!!
(yes I took a picture of me on my birthday on my way to work...but not while I was driving...)
Cam and Katie 2010
So this I am pretty excited about the new dress I got for the wedding!
Here I am with my friend Des
The rest of October was really a blur, I was still busy with work, I planned a fantastic Family event at our church the weekend of Halloween, it was splendid. For some of the larger events that I have planned in retreats, starting to plan the conference in Kenya and now to doing a family outreach event for our church and community, I think I have a new heart for event planning. The event that our department put on had over 800 people, kids and parents come to enjoy a free evening of fun! this was the largest turn out that we have ever had for something like this. I was amazed and in wonder at the response we had, it was truly God at work in our church!
So something I am pretty excited about, this is one of the things that I am unsure about telling earlier but this rightfully sums up the last three months nicely. I have been on a journey, as much as I have filled up my time with getting back in the busy of life...or life keeping me busy! My journey has been quite exciting and this would've been something great to blog about, to encourage others and to encourage myself as one day I look back. But I have been trying to take care of my body, ok I can't say trying cause I have been quite successful at it, as of the beginning of November I have lost 40 lbs since August, I am about 10-15 lbs away from my goal, I added five pounds to my goal because it is going so well. I would tell you how I am doing it...but I have learned that come with lots of harrassment and being made fun of...lets just say I am really good about shopping on one side of the grocery store in the produce and meat aisles. (yes veggies and protein)
so this is me now...in Starbucks after a long day...but to capture the moment!
I really wished I had a full body photo to show you how much of a change there has been but I don't have one. To put it in reality for some, I have lost about 1/2 my size I was in May 2010. Seriously, no joke! I am amazed myself of how much of a change there has been and how crazy of how my body is so different. I have had people unable to recognize me at times, then I also got a new hair cut that didn't help people either. Now you ask, why did I go for this drastic change? Well all of you know that I am single...ha gotcha I didn't do this to find a guy, nor I did it to be accepted. Most of you know I was quite happy and content with myself. Well I didn't do it for those reasons, I did it for my health. when I returned from Nairobi, I was hit with the news that I had high cholesterol, I was shocked and prayed about what I was going to do. the doctor ordered that I was to eat more oatmeal, eat healthier. As I was trying to figure this out, I was already changing my eating styles...when I had the test done I was doing a cleanse eating lots of fibre. So as I started working at the church, I found that there were ladies around me that were losing lots of weight. I asked around and found them following a crazy diet, but I thought...it was too drastic but God said, just do it, you need to do it. So I started to eat better in August 12 and a half weeks later I am down 40 lbs, the goal of this is that I will be able to control my eating and my body will adjust to what it eats eventually!!
November has come and it is freezing...ok, -1 degree C is freezing in my world. I think I remember saying this a few times in my last year "I don't do Winter" ...well apparently it isn't winter yet and I don't do COLD weather. I have been freezing for the past two weeks. Unable to get warm and cozy!
I guess I should do the update for those that are wondering about my single life, it is still single, I am very content and happy to be single! I haven't had too much happen on the dating side of life and to be honest I have asked God today where he wants me to be, so I am seeking guidance and direction on my life.
There is also more going on in my family that I will let on more in another blog, but the decision has been made that I am going to stay living at home with my parents for the next year. This comes as my dad isn't doing as well, and is having a hard time getting around as his MS has gotten progressively worse over the last few months. Prayer for that would be appreciated.
And that is all for now...I know this is pretty lengthy but hopefully you enjoyed a good coffee while reading this or enjoyed a good snack!
I miss all those in Kenya, I hope life is treating you well! I love keeping up with your blogs and praying for you as I think of you (on really cold days).
be blessed!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Flip Flops and Pranks
Well, as I end this week...the last week of work has been completely insane! Between planning a Volunteer Event, to making sure our weekend preparations were done...I honestly don't know where this week went, it just flew by.
With that said, I love my job! Really, coming up to my three month point I realized this week why I do what I do. All it took was an email from a family, as I included them in our church family...that they have appreciated being able to have a church family with us while their Husband was going through Chemo. Now, that stopped me in my tracks...to not wonder why things are not more organized...and why people do what they do...nothing can frustrate me as God has me here to fulfill and build relationships with our Church family!
I can say as September hits, Winter has settled in...ok not really winter but when it is 3 degrees when you wake up...I can say Summer is officially gone (we never really had it)! My feet...are still in flip flops...till the day it snows, but I have pulled out the sweaters, and the down jacket! One night my mom looked at my feet and got mad that I didn't have socks on...then she pointed out that my feet were purple from being so cold. The other day it was raining...and sure enough...those flip flops were on my feet!
The Family has finally settled, Cassidy and Titus officially started back to school, a public school that is. They have had some interesting first weeks of school, but overall enjoying being back in Canada. Cassidy has started in ballet, and Titus starts up in Skating lessons in October. Ella has started in preschool, and she talks about her teacher like I should know her, but she really enjoys it. Her extra activity is Itsy Bitsy Yoga...which is fun yoga for kids...they do the stretches like a tree blowing in the wind, and cats stretching their backs! Kylie and Todd are doing well, Kylie is getting involved in a ladies bible study, while Todd has been busy building a fence, painting a shed, and getting things moved in the house. He has gone on the sub list with the schools in town, so there is a little more freedom!
I guess I should share how the word Floppy got to be the new funny word with the kids! Well from previous posts, Seaweed is one, and Handy. Well, last weekend when I went for a visit, Cassidy and Titus got a little hyper, so us kids were left in the Van while mom and dad ran into the store. They were playing who can stay quieter the longest in the back seat...then they were like...lets play this and see who can make the other person laugh. Well I thought that perhaps we would do one round of quiet...and then another with making funnies. While we were sitting there Ella isn't quite on the ball of knowing to be quiet so we were chatting and having a lovely conversation, until she was telling me something about her flip flop. Flop came out with a gob of spit into my eye! The kids in the back seat didn't see this but I replied to Ella and said...wow that was quite the Flop of spit in my eye... the kids in the back seat...could barely hold on to stay quiet and the silent giggles started up. So taking my cue...I started in...making comments like, ...that reminds me...I think I use to have a bunny named Floppy, hey you guys...no flopping around back there!! And I went on and on until I had them both laughing so hard we had to stop the silent game.
As for my prank...the best prank ever! This was a good one, at work a couple weeks ago we had an off site meeting at Heritage Park, for those that don't know it is a park that has all of Alberta's heritage, old houses, ferris wheel, old steam ferry, antiques and shops set up from the early 1900's. Well, I was organizing our team together to see who was coming. Well one of our Summer Interns had told me that she loves Heritage Park so much, almost as much as Disneyland. So, me just joking around, says to her, well I heard that they are giving out prizes for those that come dressed in the best costume of dress in the early 1900's. She was like, they are giving prizes, I would totally dress up. So...I commenced operations! I recruited, two people that she trusts and would totally go along with. We got so far that she was serious about dressing up and going out and buying things to go with her costume. Everything was going as planned. One small detail, that I need to mention, is that her sister was also working with us this summer. She heard me talking about it and thought it was funny too! It was all going according to plan...until I showed up to our meeting and she was dressed in jeans. I asked what happened...and we found out that her sister told her mom, her mom made her tell her sister that it was a joke... and our joke was ruined! It would've been priceless! I also had the perfect presentation to do in front of the whole staff about our team values, in striving for teamwork, in accountability between staff, and excellence in what we do and cohesiveness with other departments. It was just hilarious! but it was ruined! I did confess to my boss of my proud moment and she had a good laugh about it!!
So all in all...I have been staying out of trouble...and trouble has found me, once again!
With that said, I love my job! Really, coming up to my three month point I realized this week why I do what I do. All it took was an email from a family, as I included them in our church family...that they have appreciated being able to have a church family with us while their Husband was going through Chemo. Now, that stopped me in my tracks...to not wonder why things are not more organized...and why people do what they do...nothing can frustrate me as God has me here to fulfill and build relationships with our Church family!
I can say as September hits, Winter has settled in...ok not really winter but when it is 3 degrees when you wake up...I can say Summer is officially gone (we never really had it)! My feet...are still in flip flops...till the day it snows, but I have pulled out the sweaters, and the down jacket! One night my mom looked at my feet and got mad that I didn't have socks on...then she pointed out that my feet were purple from being so cold. The other day it was raining...and sure enough...those flip flops were on my feet!
The Family has finally settled, Cassidy and Titus officially started back to school, a public school that is. They have had some interesting first weeks of school, but overall enjoying being back in Canada. Cassidy has started in ballet, and Titus starts up in Skating lessons in October. Ella has started in preschool, and she talks about her teacher like I should know her, but she really enjoys it. Her extra activity is Itsy Bitsy Yoga...which is fun yoga for kids...they do the stretches like a tree blowing in the wind, and cats stretching their backs! Kylie and Todd are doing well, Kylie is getting involved in a ladies bible study, while Todd has been busy building a fence, painting a shed, and getting things moved in the house. He has gone on the sub list with the schools in town, so there is a little more freedom!
I guess I should share how the word Floppy got to be the new funny word with the kids! Well from previous posts, Seaweed is one, and Handy. Well, last weekend when I went for a visit, Cassidy and Titus got a little hyper, so us kids were left in the Van while mom and dad ran into the store. They were playing who can stay quieter the longest in the back seat...then they were like...lets play this and see who can make the other person laugh. Well I thought that perhaps we would do one round of quiet...and then another with making funnies. While we were sitting there Ella isn't quite on the ball of knowing to be quiet so we were chatting and having a lovely conversation, until she was telling me something about her flip flop. Flop came out with a gob of spit into my eye! The kids in the back seat didn't see this but I replied to Ella and said...wow that was quite the Flop of spit in my eye... the kids in the back seat...could barely hold on to stay quiet and the silent giggles started up. So taking my cue...I started in...making comments like, ...that reminds me...I think I use to have a bunny named Floppy, hey you guys...no flopping around back there!! And I went on and on until I had them both laughing so hard we had to stop the silent game.
As for my prank...the best prank ever! This was a good one, at work a couple weeks ago we had an off site meeting at Heritage Park, for those that don't know it is a park that has all of Alberta's heritage, old houses, ferris wheel, old steam ferry, antiques and shops set up from the early 1900's. Well, I was organizing our team together to see who was coming. Well one of our Summer Interns had told me that she loves Heritage Park so much, almost as much as Disneyland. So, me just joking around, says to her, well I heard that they are giving out prizes for those that come dressed in the best costume of dress in the early 1900's. She was like, they are giving prizes, I would totally dress up. So...I commenced operations! I recruited, two people that she trusts and would totally go along with. We got so far that she was serious about dressing up and going out and buying things to go with her costume. Everything was going as planned. One small detail, that I need to mention, is that her sister was also working with us this summer. She heard me talking about it and thought it was funny too! It was all going according to plan...until I showed up to our meeting and she was dressed in jeans. I asked what happened...and we found out that her sister told her mom, her mom made her tell her sister that it was a joke... and our joke was ruined! It would've been priceless! I also had the perfect presentation to do in front of the whole staff about our team values, in striving for teamwork, in accountability between staff, and excellence in what we do and cohesiveness with other departments. It was just hilarious! but it was ruined! I did confess to my boss of my proud moment and she had a good laugh about it!!
So all in all...I have been staying out of trouble...and trouble has found me, once again!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Completely Random!
You know when you really need to go to bed...is when you decide randomly at midnight...to change the design of your blog...because it is something fun to do!
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