Life up North

2007-05-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

Safe and Sound in Kamloops!...

Well the trip was LONG, but we made it here with no problems! It will probably be a week before I am hooked up to the internet at the house... I will post some pics them and share a bit more! This week, I am pounding the pavement... looking for a job! I hope that one comes quick! I am really wanting to get this one job as a support worker, but I will still need to apply other places, I can't count on getting that job! Please pray for me! :)

2007-05-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

My Last Day!...

Well I can't believe that today is actually my last day at work! The last month has gone by really fast! It still doesn't feel like I am leaving (maybe it's because I haven't started packing! ha ha!), but I am very excited to go!

Friday night I had a girls night with some of the girls from youth. We had a lot of fun eating, playing DDR, talking, watching movies and playing sardines! Although we stayed up REALLY late and had to be up by 8am to do a fundraiser! I was so exahusted by the time the day was over! But I still made it over to my friend Liz's place to help with some wedding stuff (we were making bead bouquets and they are gorgeous!). I played for the last time at church (sniff) on Sunday and it was so nice that the Pastor and some others had words of encouragement and prayers for me... The church has been a huge part of my life and leaving this time is a lot different because I know I won't be back... But I won't say 'never'! ha ha!

This week I have some dinners, one tonight with my family, and on Friday with the staff from my work. And Thurday night the youth are doing something special, but I don't really know what! That is a night that I know will be hard...

Well I should get going and START packing! Sooooo much to do!!! I will leave you with a couple of pictures of Cort and I when I visited her a couple of weekends ago! (We had fun taking these pics! ha ha!)

2007-04-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Happpy Easter!!!

I don't know if anyone actually reads this blog of mine, but for those of you that do, Happy Easter! I hope that you have a really blessed day!!

2007-03-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, It Official!...I gave my notice at work, and my last day is April 27th! It's going to come quick, but at the same time, it feels like it's months and months away! I won't be actually leaving Mackenzie until May 5th, but it'll give me a few days to pack up and say all my farewells!

So, I am officially sick of snow! Which is a little unfortunate, because usually I am pretty excited about having the white stuff around! The last three mornings that I have gone to work, I have had to brush off my car... Now, I am not just talking a little skiff of snow, but a good 1/2 foot! 'One more month... one more month!....'

<--- This was taken at the beginning of February and I am sure we have had more since then!

2007-03-20T22:03:00.001-07:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

2007-03-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

From Spring!... Back to Winter...

So my trip down to Kamloops was awesome! I had a ton of fun, enjoyed the warm weather, and had way too many late nights! It was really nice most days... I was even able to take a picture of my sister's themometer reading +20! I unfortunatly came back to Mackenzie with 20 more cm of snow!

As for my job, I am going into work today around 2:00pm and I will kinda know a bit more. I am definitely leaving though, but it's just a matter of when!... I will let you know what happens!....

Anyways, here are some pictures form my trip!

2007-02-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

3 Months Later!...

I figured it was time for an update on my life... It's actually kind of a funny story how I ended up here tonight!

I was actually supposed to be on my way to Kamloops right at this very moment! I had planned on this trip for the last couple of weeks, had taken 2 1/2 weeks off of work, and was packed and ready to go at 7:30pm. Well, after about an hour of waiting at the depot, they get a call that the bus has broken down on the Pine Pass!!!! I was sooooo upset!! I really wanted to be at church tomorrow at the KAC! So we had to pack all my bags back into the truck and come home! The next bus doesn't leave until tomorrow at 2:00pm!...

When we got home, my mom, who was super tired went to bed. My dad and I went downstairs and were on our computers and he asked me if I had my own website or blog. I showed him my myspace and then I showed him my blog... that's when I noticed how far behind I had gotten!!!

Well 2007 has been off to an alright start... I had a feeling that this year would be a year of change and transition and boy! was I right!!!! I kinda gave my notice for the end of June, but told my boss I would have a definite answer for her when I get back from Kamloops! I am really hoping that God will reveal what it is He wants to see in my life... I honestly don't know if I should be staying here, or if I should move on... and if I am to move on, where?!??! LOL

This year is a year of change for my parents too! My dad's staff job has recently been eliminated, which isn't totally unfortunate because he was planning on retiring soon! This was also the year that my mom was planning on retiring (June)! AND our house is going to be going up for sale in the spring! That is something that I am still in denial about!... I was born AND raised in this house and I dreamed that me and my future husband would raise our kids here!... AH! Who am I kidding... do I really want to raise children here?!?! LOL

In February, we had the most amazing opportunity to take in two girls from Finland on a YWAM team! They stayed with us for two weeks and they really became a part of the family! It was neat hearing about their experiences, faith and culture! And fun to share about ours... including introducing them to a true northern treat... THE SLURPEE!!!! The girls couldn't figure out why they didn't have those in Finland! LOL!

<---- Dad and Tuulikki (Yes... she is playing my dad's Gibson!!!)

Tuulikki and Petra's first slurpees EVER! ------->

<------ Me in the new Finland hat from Petra!!! :)

Anyways, I think that's all that I have for updates right now!... I will TRY to keep you more up to date with the going-ons of my life!!

2006-12-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

Back from the south!...

So last Friday night I took a bus down to Kamloops and spent a week there! I didn't tell my "best" friend (lol!), Amber, that I was coming, so when I got there (she was still in bed!), I ran down into her room, jumped on her, and woke her up! It was pretty fun! I then reminded her that she had said if I was going to the Santa Claus parade, that she would go too! (I guess that was kinda mean on my part, because when she said that to me, she had no idea I was going to be there!!! Oh Amber... I love you!) So off to the parade we went! It was fun... and I know that deep down Amber enjoyed it too! It was a little cold though...

This trip brought along some sad moments as on Sunday we had to say goodbye to one of the Pastors from the church. The Phinnemores are moving to Ontario and have served faithfully in the church for many years, touching many lives, mine included. It was hard to say bye, but exciting at the same time because it will be really neat to see the plans that God has for them and the ways he will use them in another community! The church had a really awesome potluck dinner and people were able to share. It was good to also see some old friends!

After the dinner, we headed back to Amber's and played some good old Kamloops Scum! Of course, hanging out and playing games wasn't the same without you, Chantal!!!! This picture is dedicated to you!... It's Amber, Andrew and I mourning your lack of presence!I had a pretty good week! It was so good to be back, but it's always so hard to leave again! I got a ton of Christmas shopping done, which was truly grand! And of course I got in a couple of visit to Starbucks! lol!

My last day there I was able to visit a good friend and catch up! So much can happen in just a year! Our visit, I am sure, could have been a lot longer! Well Sara, we will have to make sure that we can have a day again the next time I come down!!!

Anyways, I would love to post more pictures, but I was on the bus all night and had a horrible sleep! I mean, how well can a person sleep on a bumpy, noisy, bus?!?!.....

2006-11-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to dislike the color PINK!...

Well this morning I woke up yet again to pink eye!!! Ya, not so much fun! It's been exactly 3 weeks since I had it last... This time it is a lot worse though! For those of you who have never had pink eye, count your blessings and click here to find out more about it! It's really not all that bad, except that in my profession, we are not allowed to work with this!! So I am off for at least two days, two days that would have paid for a bus ticket to Kamloops!!! I am really upset about this... I was planning on going down for the Phinnemore's farewell and make a much needed visit to Abottsford! Oh well...

On a happier note... I went to Prince George yesterday and was able to do some more Christmas shopping! I am that much closer to being done!... And we have continued to get more and more snow! I really don't think that we will have a green Christmas this year!!

2006-11-14T15:54:00.000-08:00

I Actually Don't Like...

...these things, but I am bored and I thought I should please the friend who went this to me! lol...

1. NAME? Well if you are reading this, I am hoping that you should know my name! lol

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes!! My dad (Raymond) and his sister (Marlene)

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Sunday

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Its ok

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Peppered salami

6. KIDS? Just the 8 look after everyday! lol

7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Like, totally!

8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Ya... actually a lot!

9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? A bit, not a lot

10. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? ummm, ya... NOPE

11. YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cheerios!

12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Does anybody?

13. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? No

14. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Chocolate Chip Mint!!! YUM!

15. FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their face, hair, and clothes. I guess I'm shallow. LOL

16. RED OR PINK? Pink

17. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? There's not really anything, but right now, I seem to be breaking out A LOT! I HATE that!

18. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Amber!!!!

19. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? This doesn't really apply!

20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? Black sweat pants... no shoes, not even socks!

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? YELLOW!

22. FAVORITE SMELL? Campfires!!!

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Lizzie

24 DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Of course!!!

25. FAVORITE DRINK? My homemade fruit smoothies!

26. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Hockey

27. HAIR COLOR? Chocolate Brown

28. EYE COLOR? Blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Rice and Salmon!

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Depends on my mood!

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Omen

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? An earthy green hoodie

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? WINTER!

35. HUGS OR KISSES? The chocolate?!

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake!

39. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? My finger?!? (its a Laptop)

40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST ON TV LAST NIGHT? I didn't watch TV

41. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Music!!!

42. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? L.A.

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? No...

44. WHEN WERE YOU BORN? June 6 1983

45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Mackenzie District Hospital!

46. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? The Prophet

47. FAVORITE ANIMAL? I don't think I have one... but I like dogs!

48. FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK? Saturday!

2006-11-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Officially Winter!!!...

Well, I don't have much to share for the past little while, but I do want to share some pictures!!!

This was my car last night around 6pm...

AND this was my car this morning around 8am...
So ya, we have a lot of snow!!! But I am, of course, loving it!!!

2006-10-28T23:19:00.000-07:00

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!...

Today is a good day! It started snowing EARLY Friday morning and didn't stop until this afternoon!! I was quiet excited, but my parents aren't as thrilled as me!... My dad says that if it keeps snowing, it will be my fault and I will get 2 shovels for Christmas! I just love seeing the snow...! It really is beautiful, and it is a definite reminder that Christmas is on it's way!!! Winter is truly my favorite time of year... I just hope that this time it's here to stay!

2006-10-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

SICK!!!!

I am betting that this is just the start!... The start of a winter season of tonsillitis, lung infections, and all that other fun stuff! Last year, I had tonsillitis soooo many times! It was horrible! Not ENOUGH times to have them removed though...Not that I would, I am terrified of hospitals! I never seemed to get it in Kamloops though... Maybe I need to move back there! That's a pretty good reason for me... So tonight, I am going to be in bed really early and see if I can get thru this thing!!!

On a happier note... This morning I woke up to the most beautiful whispered words... "Raylene... Can you drive me to work, it's snowing..." SNOWING?!?!? I couldn't get out of bed fast enough!!! Unfortunately, most of it has melted, but it was still the best sight I have seen in a long time!!!! So there I was, at 4:45AM, taking pictures! LOL! Here are a couple... (They didn't turn out so well... it was dark and my mom was rushing me!!)

2006-10-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

Just Some Questions and Answers!...

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:30! I actually slept in!!!!
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds on my fingers and ears, But I like pearls around my neck!
3. What was the last film you saw? Die Hard with a Vegeance!
4. What is your favorite TV show? Friends!
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? Toast - plain
6. Favorite cuisine? Chinese?
7. What is your middle name? Lynn
8. What food do you dislike? Meatloaf!!
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams
10. What kind of car do you drive? Ford Escort! - for more than 6 years! lol
12. Biggest pet peeve?
13. Favorite item(s) of clothing? Sweatpants and a hoodie! Ohhh comfort!
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation where would it be? Russia!
15. What color is your bathroom? it my parents' - lavender... so not my color choice!
16. Favorite brand of clothing? Not too big on brands... but I love Old Navy... just wish that there was a closer one!
17. Where would you retire to? I would love to be on the shore of a lake.
18. What was your most memorable birthday? probably in grade 12 at Kelly O's with all my friends... I can't remember too many when I was younger... although I know my dad always did a great job putting on parties for us!
19. Favorite sport to watch? Hockey! But I'm not allowed to watch it while I'm "living under this roof!!!"
20. Favorite saying? "Dance like no one is watching, love like you've never been hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it's heaven on earth!"
21. When is your birthday? June 6 1983
22. Are you a morning person or a night person? I think it's being forced to change because of my job... Starting to be a bit more of a morning person!
23. What is your shoe size? 9 or 10... ya... I have huge feet!
24. Favorite Cookie? OREOs! - the mint kind!
25. Buttered, Plain, or salted popcorn? Just buttered!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? We have it on video!! I always wanted to be a teacher.
27. What is your favorite candy? PB M&Ms
28. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? Dec 22 and Christmas!
29. What is your favorite movie? Top Gun! & How to Lose a Guy int 10 Days
30. If you had a second home, where would it be? a Summer house, on the Shuswap
31. What would be your dream job? Photographer... I need the schooling!
32. What is your favorite color? Red and Brown... but not really together!
33. Favorite present you have ever gotten? My camera! and my grad gift to Disneyland!
34. Dream car? VW Jetta
35. How many pets do you have? 2 dogs, and 3 fish!
36. Favorite Dessert? Cheesecake!

2006-10-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

OK...GO!

I just love this video! So I thought that I would share it with you!!! ENJOY!...

2006-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Yay! Well it is the weekend! A LONG weekend!! AND it's THANKSGIVING!!! In my opinion, this is one of the best long weekends out there! It's such a beautiful time of year and God's creations really seem to shine! Our family really isn't doing a lot... my dad has to work all weekend but we are still going to have a turkey dinner! I just hope that I am going to feel better this weekend... I have a head cold and I have felt like my head has been in a vice grip for the last two days! We have also gotten a new furnace, which is much louder than our old one, and has not helped much in the sleep department!!

Anyways... I hope that everyone has a great weekend can find something to be thankful for!!

I... I am thankful for the fact that God sent His son to earth so that I can spend eternity with Him! AND I am so thankful for the loving people that God has surrounded me with... my friends and family!!!

2006-10-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Ok...Here Goes!

I am entering the blogging world!!! Its kinda scary AND quite complicated!... Thanks to my beautiful friend, Amber, she has made this quest possible for me! Even though she has sooooo much homework these days, she still found the time to help me!l So Amber, this is for you!

I have been reading various friends' blogs and I really enjoy it! I like getting an update on what they are doing in their lives especially because I live so far away!... So my life right now??? Well, it mostly consists of work, then more work, then even MORE work... not much excitement, that's for sure! But I love my job and I love the children that I am working with!

I'm still involved with the youth group and it's really off to a great start this year! We have some really amazing young people and I really love being a part of their lives... to build into them, to share some of my experiences, pray with/for them, and just 'be' with them!

So I think that's all I really have to share tonight... I will try to keep this thing updated as new things come along!!...