I know I am so behind in my posts. I missed last weeks Grateful Eight, and this weeks I am just trying to catch up.
We've been busy and I have been really busy trying to get work, revamp my resume and write cover letters. I am so tired of this job stuff, I am just exhausted. There have been many late nights trying to apply to jobs and write cover letters and just try and figure everything out.
I will try and catch up and get pictures posted this week.
This week I am grateful for:
1. Emails and phone calls with words of encouragement and support. Knowing that there are other people who have had to endure struggles and hardships to follow God's will.
2. More opportunities to teach. I will be teaching all next week!
3. My wonderful in-laws who have agreed to take care of Zech for the week so that I could teach. Between my mother and father-in-law and my sister-in-law, I was able to take this week long job of subing!
4. Fresh homemade buns!
5. My wonderful husband and my beautiful little boy. No matter how difficult and trying things may seem, I am so blessed that we have eachother.
6. Time to do some more digital scrapbooking (don't ask me where I found it)!
7. Fresh veggies from the markets and from my Mother-in-laws garden!
8. A chance to get away for the weekend and visit the Whittenberg's in Vancouver. It was so nice to hang out with them and meet their beautiful little girl Olivia! (I will post pictures soon).
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Friday, 8 August 2008
Joy, Peace and Hope
Sorry for the rant, I have been so FRUSTRATED lately and this blog sometimes is the only outlet I have. Plus, this may sound really strange or kind of silly, but I find that a good release for me is just to write it all down. I will be upset or angry at something and/or someone and I write a letter, it may never get sent, but I feel a huge sense of relief and release!
I am still stressed, angry, upset, blah, blah, blah, but I am trying to just take things one step at a time. We are under a lot of pressure to get everything figured out (more stuff that happened), but I am really just trying to have faith and trust the Lord. This is so Hard for me as I am a planner and I like to know exactly where we are going and when we will get there. However, over the last few years I have had to learn to sit back in the passenger's seat and let God drive. As I have said though, this is reallly hard for me and I fail at it more times than not!
With that, I opened the Bible yesterday and it's a devotional Bible. The devotion that was staring me in the face was titled "Peace, Joy and Hope". To sum up the devotion it stated that Scripture clearly points out the path toward a life of joy and that is to accept your circumstances and be thankful in them. To choose not to worry and to fix my eyes upon Jesus rather than on the situation at hand, following his example in suffering. So true, but yet so hard (it doesn't help that I am a Worrier and I have every scripture telling me not to worry pasted on the fridge for a constant reminder--and I still worry)!
Romans 5:2-4
......And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of "Joy, Peace and Hope"!
I am still stressed, angry, upset, blah, blah, blah, but I am trying to just take things one step at a time. We are under a lot of pressure to get everything figured out (more stuff that happened), but I am really just trying to have faith and trust the Lord. This is so Hard for me as I am a planner and I like to know exactly where we are going and when we will get there. However, over the last few years I have had to learn to sit back in the passenger's seat and let God drive. As I have said though, this is reallly hard for me and I fail at it more times than not!
With that, I opened the Bible yesterday and it's a devotional Bible. The devotion that was staring me in the face was titled "Peace, Joy and Hope". To sum up the devotion it stated that Scripture clearly points out the path toward a life of joy and that is to accept your circumstances and be thankful in them. To choose not to worry and to fix my eyes upon Jesus rather than on the situation at hand, following his example in suffering. So true, but yet so hard (it doesn't help that I am a Worrier and I have every scripture telling me not to worry pasted on the fridge for a constant reminder--and I still worry)!
Romans 5:2-4
......And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of "Joy, Peace and Hope"!
Thursday, 7 August 2008
The Journey Ahead......along with all the bumps, bruises and detours!!!
It is amazing how quickly your plans, dreams and hopes can change. This week I felt hopeful, felt like maybe we would finally get a little more settled and start moving towards our goals, our dreams, but God has something different in mind--maybe, perhaps, not quite sure yet!!??
Australia was a disaster (well it was beautiful and we did meet some great friends) and we were so sure about it. We did so much homework, studying, calling, emailing and most importantly praying, but just like that everything completely changed. Our decision to return to Canada was not a light decision either, we started researching John's education alternatives in December and finally made a decision in January.
Once again lots of research, emails, calling the Universities here and of course praying and we both felt that God intended for us to go to Australia, but now it was time to leave. We felt at peace with our decision to return(except for the fact that there are always going to be people that will NEVER understand) and felt it was important to be closer to family.
Now after months of waiting, John just found out that they have not accepted him into University. We were told that he would have no problems getting in, that basically he was assured to get in and that all of his courses would transfer. Well due to a rather small (BUT HUGE TO US) technicality that the academic advisor FAILED to tell us about, he was denied. Of course the appeal process will not work because although we have a few emails, we did not record our phone conversations, nor the numerous times that John actually went to her office and spoke with her. Who do we trust, we have been deceived so many times this past year and deceived by people that we even knew and thought we could trust! I guess it has come to a point where we have to record and document absolutely EVERYTHING!
Of course, things tend to happen not only in three's but in massive multiples with us. Between owing the government and cell phone billing problems, it was a day that never seemed to end. And to end the day with a bang, I found out that I did not get the job! The interview was horrible, but I didn't think it was that disasterous. Based on the reasons they gave me, I feel about as dumb as anyone could possibly feel! So far I have been "overqualified", "underqualified", "not a right fit". I won't put what they said about the last position, as I am still a little perplexed. My confidence is pretty much shot, and I am really not sure who to believe. Of course I value constructive critism, as it is a learning tool (you learn from your mistakes right), but I also value honesty (a lot of times they already have someone in mind for the position, but have to go through this whole process--just tell me and don't waste my time!). I was also told that unless I "knew" someone in the government, I will never have a chance of getting in. Boy that was exactly what I needed to hear!
So back to square one! Where to next? What do we do next? Oh the joys of the journey of life! It has been an extremely emotional last couple of days. I feel angry, hurt, Stupid, frustrated, confused, sick, and did I mention stupid and John's emotions have been running high too! He just wants to finish his degree, who would have thought it would be so difficult!
To end, please keep us in your prayers. We can use every little bit of prayer we can possibly get right now and pray that God will give us provision and answers as to how to accomplish this journey we are on HIS way! It has never been about our way, and I think that is pretty clear, but somehow, somewhere we are missing the boat!
Australia was a disaster (well it was beautiful and we did meet some great friends) and we were so sure about it. We did so much homework, studying, calling, emailing and most importantly praying, but just like that everything completely changed. Our decision to return to Canada was not a light decision either, we started researching John's education alternatives in December and finally made a decision in January.
Once again lots of research, emails, calling the Universities here and of course praying and we both felt that God intended for us to go to Australia, but now it was time to leave. We felt at peace with our decision to return(except for the fact that there are always going to be people that will NEVER understand) and felt it was important to be closer to family.
Now after months of waiting, John just found out that they have not accepted him into University. We were told that he would have no problems getting in, that basically he was assured to get in and that all of his courses would transfer. Well due to a rather small (BUT HUGE TO US) technicality that the academic advisor FAILED to tell us about, he was denied. Of course the appeal process will not work because although we have a few emails, we did not record our phone conversations, nor the numerous times that John actually went to her office and spoke with her. Who do we trust, we have been deceived so many times this past year and deceived by people that we even knew and thought we could trust! I guess it has come to a point where we have to record and document absolutely EVERYTHING!
Of course, things tend to happen not only in three's but in massive multiples with us. Between owing the government and cell phone billing problems, it was a day that never seemed to end. And to end the day with a bang, I found out that I did not get the job! The interview was horrible, but I didn't think it was that disasterous. Based on the reasons they gave me, I feel about as dumb as anyone could possibly feel! So far I have been "overqualified", "underqualified", "not a right fit". I won't put what they said about the last position, as I am still a little perplexed. My confidence is pretty much shot, and I am really not sure who to believe. Of course I value constructive critism, as it is a learning tool (you learn from your mistakes right), but I also value honesty (a lot of times they already have someone in mind for the position, but have to go through this whole process--just tell me and don't waste my time!). I was also told that unless I "knew" someone in the government, I will never have a chance of getting in. Boy that was exactly what I needed to hear!
So back to square one! Where to next? What do we do next? Oh the joys of the journey of life! It has been an extremely emotional last couple of days. I feel angry, hurt, Stupid, frustrated, confused, sick, and did I mention stupid and John's emotions have been running high too! He just wants to finish his degree, who would have thought it would be so difficult!
To end, please keep us in your prayers. We can use every little bit of prayer we can possibly get right now and pray that God will give us provision and answers as to how to accomplish this journey we are on HIS way! It has never been about our way, and I think that is pretty clear, but somehow, somewhere we are missing the boat!
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Myra Canyon - Kettle Valley
Yesterday we took a trip up to Myra Canyon to do some bike riding on the Kettle Valley Railroad. It was an amazing day and a site that I recommend to everyone and anyone!
A brief history lesson:
The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is an abandoned railway bed that winds through south central British Columbia between Midway and Hope. It is a typical railway bed with grades that never exceed 2.2 %. "With countless trestles and tunnels, and environs ranging from cool mountain forests to Canada's only pocket desert the 600 km route offers an endless diversity of experiences."
The Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway was built between 1912-1914. It was primarily used for freight trains and in 1973 the last scheduled train went through. In 1990 the Province purchased it from the CPR and in 1992 the Myra Canyon Restoration Society was established. In January 2003 this section of the Kettle Valley Railroad was designated a National Historic Site. However, in August 2003 the wildfire that destroyed 200 homes here in Kelowna, ravaged and destroyed 12 wooden tressels and damaged 2 steel tressels.
Due to the huge amount of tourists the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railroad draws in (over 50,000+ a year) plans were quickly underway to restore the tressels. Just this year the official re-opening of the trails was launched.
A brief history lesson:
The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is an abandoned railway bed that winds through south central British Columbia between Midway and Hope. It is a typical railway bed with grades that never exceed 2.2 %. "With countless trestles and tunnels, and environs ranging from cool mountain forests to Canada's only pocket desert the 600 km route offers an endless diversity of experiences."
The Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway was built between 1912-1914. It was primarily used for freight trains and in 1973 the last scheduled train went through. In 1990 the Province purchased it from the CPR and in 1992 the Myra Canyon Restoration Society was established. In January 2003 this section of the Kettle Valley Railroad was designated a National Historic Site. However, in August 2003 the wildfire that destroyed 200 homes here in Kelowna, ravaged and destroyed 12 wooden tressels and damaged 2 steel tressels.
Due to the huge amount of tourists the Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railroad draws in (over 50,000+ a year) plans were quickly underway to restore the tressels. Just this year the official re-opening of the trails was launched.
Sunday, 3 August 2008
Grateful Eight
IT's AUGUST!!! Is it just me, or does the summer just seem to be flying by.......
This week I am grateful for:
1. John's new job. He is working for a brand new London Drugs selling Camera's and Electronics. I get to hear about all of the latest and greatest technology in the Photography world. We are both drooling (thank goodness he gets a pretty decent employee discount)!
2. Possible job opportunities. I got a call for the Federal government position here in Kelowna. I had an hour interview over the phone and go this Wednesday for more Assessing and Interviews. I pray that I get this job. I don't care what job I get at this point, I just need to get in and pay back my Maternity Leave!
3. My first call to Substitute teach. I go on Tuesday!
4. Nature walks. I usually drive to a park in the afternoons so that Zech can have some playtime. It never fails, he goes straight to the creek, the trees, the trails. He could care less about the swings, the slides, the fun appartuses' to climb on. So we found a nice little nature trail right out our back door and we have had lots of fun exploring. He LOVES nature and LOVES being outside. I have to get a video, because he just talks and squeals and screams non-stop!
5. Shopping time with the girls! On Friday I went shopping with my Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law and niece. I was on a mission to find a new outfit for this job interview and they were such an awesome help!! I had so much fun hanging out and shopping with the girls! My Sister-in-law is the fashion, clothing expert! She knows all the latest styles, she knows what colours suit you, and all about your body shape and what style suits you best. It was nice to have my own personal fashion consultant with me!
6. The Beach! We spent all day Saturday at the beach with our family. It was nice to just lounge on the beach, enjoy lunch, play some UNO and go in the water! (I didn't bring the camera, so no pictures this time).
7. Emails from good friends! Although I don't get a chance to see some of my friends very often, it is so nice to know that we will always stay in touch via email. It is just nice to open your inbox and see an email from good friends! Their words of encouragment, prayers, and just their snippets of what is going on in their lives is such a blessing to me!
8. Phone conversations with my Sis! I miss her and her family a lot!
This week I am grateful for:
1. John's new job. He is working for a brand new London Drugs selling Camera's and Electronics. I get to hear about all of the latest and greatest technology in the Photography world. We are both drooling (thank goodness he gets a pretty decent employee discount)!
2. Possible job opportunities. I got a call for the Federal government position here in Kelowna. I had an hour interview over the phone and go this Wednesday for more Assessing and Interviews. I pray that I get this job. I don't care what job I get at this point, I just need to get in and pay back my Maternity Leave!
3. My first call to Substitute teach. I go on Tuesday!
4. Nature walks. I usually drive to a park in the afternoons so that Zech can have some playtime. It never fails, he goes straight to the creek, the trees, the trails. He could care less about the swings, the slides, the fun appartuses' to climb on. So we found a nice little nature trail right out our back door and we have had lots of fun exploring. He LOVES nature and LOVES being outside. I have to get a video, because he just talks and squeals and screams non-stop!
5. Shopping time with the girls! On Friday I went shopping with my Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law and niece. I was on a mission to find a new outfit for this job interview and they were such an awesome help!! I had so much fun hanging out and shopping with the girls! My Sister-in-law is the fashion, clothing expert! She knows all the latest styles, she knows what colours suit you, and all about your body shape and what style suits you best. It was nice to have my own personal fashion consultant with me!
6. The Beach! We spent all day Saturday at the beach with our family. It was nice to just lounge on the beach, enjoy lunch, play some UNO and go in the water! (I didn't bring the camera, so no pictures this time).
7. Emails from good friends! Although I don't get a chance to see some of my friends very often, it is so nice to know that we will always stay in touch via email. It is just nice to open your inbox and see an email from good friends! Their words of encouragment, prayers, and just their snippets of what is going on in their lives is such a blessing to me!
8. Phone conversations with my Sis! I miss her and her family a lot!
Thursday, 31 July 2008
A Quick one....
Just a quick post......
I got a job interview with the Federal Government on Wednesday!!!! It sounds like a pretty intense interview, with an hour and a half writing section followed by another hour oral interview. Please pray that I get this position and don't botch the interview! AHHHH, I 'm stressing already!
Just wanted to post another quick Digital layout I did. I did this one 10x10 and will paste it to some 12x12 cardstock and add a few embellishments to try the Hybrid Scrapping! Hopefully it will turn out alright!
I got a job interview with the Federal Government on Wednesday!!!! It sounds like a pretty intense interview, with an hour and a half writing section followed by another hour oral interview. Please pray that I get this position and don't botch the interview! AHHHH, I 'm stressing already!
Just wanted to post another quick Digital layout I did. I did this one 10x10 and will paste it to some 12x12 cardstock and add a few embellishments to try the Hybrid Scrapping! Hopefully it will turn out alright!
Sources:
Embrace your life kit by Sandra Krieger
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Digital Goodies....
I received an email from my good friend Sharon today. She is a crafty genius! Her cards are amazing and she also does a lot of scrapping. She told me that she has started doing some Digital Scrapping through Memory Makers. SO I thought I would check them out.
I learned a new term and that is Hybrid Scrapping, where you combine Digital scrapbooking and Traditional scrapbooking. This really intruiged me. I love the idea of doing most of the layout digitally and then adding some traditional embellishments! Some people have even printed out a 10x10 Digital layout and attached it to 12x12 card stock and added some embellishments. AWESOME!! I have been really struggling lately as to "what to do"! Should I make the switch to Digital only, or should I do a bit of both, but now I can combine the two. I still have so much product and goodies to use and I would hate to just let them sit there because I went digital. So I will have to experiment with this new Hybrid method.
Also, I wanted to share a few Digital freebies with everyone.
1. Check out these new free fonts from scrapNfonts.
2. Check out the free Bohemian Summer kit by Michelle Coleman on the Memory Makers site.
3. Check out the free Wild Sorbet Digital kit by Michelle Coleman as well.
4. Ok, there are a few, but I think they are gorgeous......so check out the free Embrace Life kit by Sande Kriegers.
5. And this is the last one (well there are more, but these were my favourites) and it is a Christmas one---the free Frosted Digital kit by Michelle Coleman. I think that the Magenta Snowflake peel-offs would make a great embellishment for a hybrid layout using this kit.
Hope everyone is having a Great Day!
I learned a new term and that is Hybrid Scrapping, where you combine Digital scrapbooking and Traditional scrapbooking. This really intruiged me. I love the idea of doing most of the layout digitally and then adding some traditional embellishments! Some people have even printed out a 10x10 Digital layout and attached it to 12x12 card stock and added some embellishments. AWESOME!! I have been really struggling lately as to "what to do"! Should I make the switch to Digital only, or should I do a bit of both, but now I can combine the two. I still have so much product and goodies to use and I would hate to just let them sit there because I went digital. So I will have to experiment with this new Hybrid method.
Also, I wanted to share a few Digital freebies with everyone.
1. Check out these new free fonts from scrapNfonts.
2. Check out the free Bohemian Summer kit by Michelle Coleman on the Memory Makers site.
3. Check out the free Wild Sorbet Digital kit by Michelle Coleman as well.
4. Ok, there are a few, but I think they are gorgeous......so check out the free Embrace Life kit by Sande Kriegers.
5. And this is the last one (well there are more, but these were my favourites) and it is a Christmas one---the free Frosted Digital kit by Michelle Coleman. I think that the Magenta Snowflake peel-offs would make a great embellishment for a hybrid layout using this kit.
Hope everyone is having a Great Day!
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