Wow- almost a whole week without internet. How do people do it? Lots has happened since I last blogged, including my survival of the canoe trip. Lots of fun was had with good friends, and we made some new friends as well. Next year, however, I'm thinking "spa". Less potential for injury and drowning.
TONS has happened on the house front- we now have a fully framed first floor, concrete in the garage and basement, and they are working on the second floor. Was able to make a few last minute changes to the closet layout in the boys' rooms to give them a little more space. The boys are in heaven with all the trucks and tools around here every day. The cement truck driver today let them sit in his truck and use the air horn- much excitement over that. Once they're done smooting out the garage floor, they're going to come and get us so that the boys can write their names in the floor before it hardens. They think that is pretty darn cool.
Well, both boys are standing in their swimsuits looking at me and waiting for me to go to the pool with them and watch them swim. Will blog more later- and to anyone who e-mailed me in the last week- once I'm done downloading my 137 messages- on dial-up- which will probably take days, hours- several minutes even... I will respond.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Heading Home
I'm sitting in the Vancouver airport, marvelling, as I sometimes do, at what technology allows us to do. Wireless internet, for example, pretty much baffles me. If we could see all the messages and information flying around in the air everywhere, it would be insane.
The conference went great. In the end, the media went very well, and everyone seemed pleased with the work we did. We have already been invited back next year- a convenient thing, as the convention is in Charlottetown and we will make a family vacation out of it. We will get to enjoy the Charlottetown Canada Day fireworks, a lobster supper, and much to Eric's dismay, Anne of Green Gables- I think the boys would enjoy it. And I'm sure the golf clubs will need to be packed as well.
The conference also grew a desire that I've had for some time now, which is to go on a family missions trip. It won't happen for a year or two, as we want the boys to be older (found out that E has been thinking of this too), but what an experience it would be. We really connected with a missionary who just got back from 4 1/2 years in Taiwan, and we both feel that this may be where we are supposed to go for some short-term missions. Our lifestyle really allows for something like this- E working on his own could go away for a while and still have a job when he got back, and the boys would not be missing out on school. Who knows when it would happen, but the possibility is exciting. We'll see what God does with it.
Also I am really looking forward to getting back home and having a coffee with DL over the possibility of working with her on some things. It really answers the prayer of my needing a "break" from home- one day a week- it allows me to serve where I've been wanting to for some time and haven't seen the doors open, and it will free up DL to take some things where she's been wanting to take them. We've e-mailed a bit about it during my trip here, and are both looking forward to the other's ideas and perspective on it.
And now I find my thoughts turning to tomorrow. I packed for the canoe trip before we left for Vancouver, and now I have no idea what exactly I packed. I hope I remembered everything, as I am not about to take it all out again to check. It was hard enough to get in that bag- I'm not taking it out until I have to. The weekend will be fun- last year I was scared to death, until we actually dipped, and I realized that I was not going to drown and leave my children motherless. I also found that I was physically up to it, despite my fears in that regard. I have heard since the men's trip this year that the water is substantially higher than it was last year this time, so I know that we will probaby be going for a swim again. I just hope the weather's warm enough that we dry off fairly quickly after we dump.
The conference went great. In the end, the media went very well, and everyone seemed pleased with the work we did. We have already been invited back next year- a convenient thing, as the convention is in Charlottetown and we will make a family vacation out of it. We will get to enjoy the Charlottetown Canada Day fireworks, a lobster supper, and much to Eric's dismay, Anne of Green Gables- I think the boys would enjoy it. And I'm sure the golf clubs will need to be packed as well.
The conference also grew a desire that I've had for some time now, which is to go on a family missions trip. It won't happen for a year or two, as we want the boys to be older (found out that E has been thinking of this too), but what an experience it would be. We really connected with a missionary who just got back from 4 1/2 years in Taiwan, and we both feel that this may be where we are supposed to go for some short-term missions. Our lifestyle really allows for something like this- E working on his own could go away for a while and still have a job when he got back, and the boys would not be missing out on school. Who knows when it would happen, but the possibility is exciting. We'll see what God does with it.
Also I am really looking forward to getting back home and having a coffee with DL over the possibility of working with her on some things. It really answers the prayer of my needing a "break" from home- one day a week- it allows me to serve where I've been wanting to for some time and haven't seen the doors open, and it will free up DL to take some things where she's been wanting to take them. We've e-mailed a bit about it during my trip here, and are both looking forward to the other's ideas and perspective on it.
And now I find my thoughts turning to tomorrow. I packed for the canoe trip before we left for Vancouver, and now I have no idea what exactly I packed. I hope I remembered everything, as I am not about to take it all out again to check. It was hard enough to get in that bag- I'm not taking it out until I have to. The weekend will be fun- last year I was scared to death, until we actually dipped, and I realized that I was not going to drown and leave my children motherless. I also found that I was physically up to it, despite my fears in that regard. I have heard since the men's trip this year that the water is substantially higher than it was last year this time, so I know that we will probaby be going for a swim again. I just hope the weather's warm enough that we dry off fairly quickly after we dump.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
In celebration of my 100th blog
I have been inspired by my sister to write a second blog today. I won't write (not today anyway) how much I think of my parents, as it would be redundant to her blog, as my sentiments are the same. It has gotten me thinking, though, of the little snippets of childhood memories that are interwoven with my parents.
Things I remember of my childhood...
- catching fireflies on the golf course in PEI with dad.
- learning the gift of hospitality every time mom got me to serve punch at the dinner parties.
- sharing brownies and ice cream with two spoons, usually called "chocolate explosion" or something like that, with dad
- digging holes in the sand and seeing how long it would take to hit water.
- being taught to sew, knit, crossed-stitch, you name it, by mom.
- being allowed to navigate in downtown Boston traffic with no questions asked.
- being allowed to lead the way through airports even when they knew I was going the wrong way.
- listening to mom and dad play bridge with the nickersons while I was pretending to sleep in Brudenell.
- being allowed to watch TV when I was home from school and really sick and being made to stay in bed when I was faking it.
- dad sitting in his chair at Christmas, making sure the star on the tree was facing him just right.
- being made to go places and, as mom promised, having fun once I got there.
- dad driving around Orlando after dark trying to find a hotel with a pool for us after he had already driven for 12 hours.
- mom sticking up for me when my big brother thought I was just in the way. (and I probably was)
- dad letting me drive his Lincoln to the prom
- mom and I making strawberry jam- my job was skimming the scum off the top
- dad letting me stay up late to watch 1/2 of the dukes of hazard, and telling me I could stay up until the end of the 1/2 of my choice.
- doing jigsaw puzzles with dad while listening to the gatlin brothers (all the gold in california....)
- doing the middle of the puzzle with mom behind dad's back, knowing we'd get caught later.
Things I remember of my childhood...
- catching fireflies on the golf course in PEI with dad.
- learning the gift of hospitality every time mom got me to serve punch at the dinner parties.
- sharing brownies and ice cream with two spoons, usually called "chocolate explosion" or something like that, with dad
- digging holes in the sand and seeing how long it would take to hit water.
- being taught to sew, knit, crossed-stitch, you name it, by mom.
- being allowed to navigate in downtown Boston traffic with no questions asked.
- being allowed to lead the way through airports even when they knew I was going the wrong way.
- listening to mom and dad play bridge with the nickersons while I was pretending to sleep in Brudenell.
- being allowed to watch TV when I was home from school and really sick and being made to stay in bed when I was faking it.
- dad sitting in his chair at Christmas, making sure the star on the tree was facing him just right.
- being made to go places and, as mom promised, having fun once I got there.
- dad driving around Orlando after dark trying to find a hotel with a pool for us after he had already driven for 12 hours.
- mom sticking up for me when my big brother thought I was just in the way. (and I probably was)
- dad letting me drive his Lincoln to the prom
- mom and I making strawberry jam- my job was skimming the scum off the top
- dad letting me stay up late to watch 1/2 of the dukes of hazard, and telling me I could stay up until the end of the 1/2 of my choice.
- doing jigsaw puzzles with dad while listening to the gatlin brothers (all the gold in california....)
- doing the middle of the puzzle with mom behind dad's back, knowing we'd get caught later.
Learning to be flexible
Well, yesterday went pretty well, I think. No one has told me that I'm not allowed to work the computer today, anyway, so I guess that's a good sign. I managed to handle the powerpoint presentations that were handed to me AFTER the session had already started. That's always a scary thing, as there was no time to test it out, so I had to pray that it would work. And downloading stuff onto the computer while trying to keep up with the other video clips and song lyrics at the same time is always interesting. But it came off without a hitch in the afternoon session.
My only challenge was the song lyrics- I have realized just how very spoiled I am with the worship team that we have. For one thing, we actually know the songs that we are singing. Ugh. No I know that every band will not always do a song in the same order that they had planned, but it makes it really interesting when they skip around, and I can't understand what they're singing to skip to that same slide because they're so unsure of themselves. Add to that my computer software's peculiar tendency to switch the slide orders from time to time, and it kept me on my toes finding the right ones. Oh, and then there was the time that the leader verbally cued one line, saying "from age to age", and then immediately singing a completely different verse ("Name above all names")- go figure. And then there was the song they stuck in at the last minute and didn't bother to tell me about. Fortunately I found it in the list about half way through the first slide and was able to throw it up there. But in the end, I don't think many people noticed my quandry, which is exactly what I want. My job is to go totally unnoticed up there. It's only when things go wrong, that I am paid any attention to.
So today it's another morning session (with a different worship team, I believe- could be interesting), and then we have the afternoon off. Not sure what we'll do- but R, E, and I have plans to do a little sightseeing. The last session is tonight (which the sound guy warns me could be full of fun and interesting things for me) and then we fly out mid-morning tomorrow.
Oh, and before I forget- happy 4th of July, goaliemom :)
My only challenge was the song lyrics- I have realized just how very spoiled I am with the worship team that we have. For one thing, we actually know the songs that we are singing. Ugh. No I know that every band will not always do a song in the same order that they had planned, but it makes it really interesting when they skip around, and I can't understand what they're singing to skip to that same slide because they're so unsure of themselves. Add to that my computer software's peculiar tendency to switch the slide orders from time to time, and it kept me on my toes finding the right ones. Oh, and then there was the time that the leader verbally cued one line, saying "from age to age", and then immediately singing a completely different verse ("Name above all names")- go figure. And then there was the song they stuck in at the last minute and didn't bother to tell me about. Fortunately I found it in the list about half way through the first slide and was able to throw it up there. But in the end, I don't think many people noticed my quandry, which is exactly what I want. My job is to go totally unnoticed up there. It's only when things go wrong, that I am paid any attention to.
So today it's another morning session (with a different worship team, I believe- could be interesting), and then we have the afternoon off. Not sure what we'll do- but R, E, and I have plans to do a little sightseeing. The last session is tonight (which the sound guy warns me could be full of fun and interesting things for me) and then we fly out mid-morning tomorrow.
Oh, and before I forget- happy 4th of July, goaliemom :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Bee, the media chick
So I'm in the media booth at the conference burning some DVDs. With the new computer, which I am learning to hate a little less, there is a huge learning curve this weekend, but I think D will be happy at the little tricks I have learned this weekend. Yes, D, I can finally play videos on a Sunday morning- and yes, even WINDOWS videos. There will be much rejoicing.
Went to see the ocean last night- E had to stay at the conference and do some filming, so he gave permission to R to take me out on a date. We went to White Rock, a beach not too far from here, and I got my first smell of salt air in way too long. Walked along the boardwalk and then out on the pier, and had supper at a little beachside restaurant. Got to look at both the ocean and the mountains while eating the best clam chowder I think I've ever had, and had my first Corona. This has been quite a journey- E has been trying for a long time to find a beer I like. I have always thought it pretty disgusting stuff and didn't know that I would ever enjoy one. E said I needed to try a Corona- that I would like it. So I thought- what better time to try a Corona than on a balcony at a seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean. I have to say I was VERY surprised to find it really quite good! E was happy to hear that at long last there is a beer that we will be able to enjoy together. I, for one, don't see what the big deal was, but at least I found something to enjoy.
R and I had some great chats during our dinner- about E and I, about church, and about some exciting possibilities for ministry for me. Don't know if anything will come of it yet, but if it does it will be an answer to prayer for E and I, and for R and D as well. Can't say more right now, but I am excited about the possibilities.
Well, the DVDs I was burning are done, so I need to go and do some more actual work and earn my keep. Am very nervous, and hope I don't screw things up and can earn my keep. We want them to invite us out to next year's conference, which happens to be in PEI. Would be very fun to make a vacation out of it, take the boys and visit the family. We had planned to do that this year, but our summer got a wee bit derailed back in Feb.
Speaking of which, I am excited to go home at the end of the week and see how the place looks different- they are supposed to be backfilling it today and starting on framing tomorrow. So exciting.
And now back to my role as Bee, the media chick.
Went to see the ocean last night- E had to stay at the conference and do some filming, so he gave permission to R to take me out on a date. We went to White Rock, a beach not too far from here, and I got my first smell of salt air in way too long. Walked along the boardwalk and then out on the pier, and had supper at a little beachside restaurant. Got to look at both the ocean and the mountains while eating the best clam chowder I think I've ever had, and had my first Corona. This has been quite a journey- E has been trying for a long time to find a beer I like. I have always thought it pretty disgusting stuff and didn't know that I would ever enjoy one. E said I needed to try a Corona- that I would like it. So I thought- what better time to try a Corona than on a balcony at a seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean. I have to say I was VERY surprised to find it really quite good! E was happy to hear that at long last there is a beer that we will be able to enjoy together. I, for one, don't see what the big deal was, but at least I found something to enjoy.
R and I had some great chats during our dinner- about E and I, about church, and about some exciting possibilities for ministry for me. Don't know if anything will come of it yet, but if it does it will be an answer to prayer for E and I, and for R and D as well. Can't say more right now, but I am excited about the possibilities.
Well, the DVDs I was burning are done, so I need to go and do some more actual work and earn my keep. Am very nervous, and hope I don't screw things up and can earn my keep. We want them to invite us out to next year's conference, which happens to be in PEI. Would be very fun to make a vacation out of it, take the boys and visit the family. We had planned to do that this year, but our summer got a wee bit derailed back in Feb.
Speaking of which, I am excited to go home at the end of the week and see how the place looks different- they are supposed to be backfilling it today and starting on framing tomorrow. So exciting.
And now back to my role as Bee, the media chick.
Monday, July 2, 2007
the unknown
I have no idea what today will hold. We are at the disposal of convention staff, helping out wherever we can. The conference doesn't actually start until tonight, so there'll be lots of setup and last minute computer work today to get everything ready. Our flight and hotel have been paid, so we want to make sure we "earn our keep" and do the fantastic job everyone is expecting us to do.
Vancouver is a pretty city. I think it just about has it all. The beauty of the mountains, and you still get to enjoy the ocean (the one thing I miss in Ontario). If it weren't for the rain 360 days of the year, I'd be tempted to live here.
Well, it's off to reintroduce ourselves to the CCSB folks who are having breakfast and don't seem to remember us. Gotta push that shy hubby of mine into taking the lead and introducing us. That's always a little bit fun for me as I don't have to say a word- I just give him that grin and I know he knows exactly what I'm thinking. "OK honey- time to do the head of the family thing that you are learning to do so well" tee hee.
Vancouver is a pretty city. I think it just about has it all. The beauty of the mountains, and you still get to enjoy the ocean (the one thing I miss in Ontario). If it weren't for the rain 360 days of the year, I'd be tempted to live here.
Well, it's off to reintroduce ourselves to the CCSB folks who are having breakfast and don't seem to remember us. Gotta push that shy hubby of mine into taking the lead and introducing us. That's always a little bit fun for me as I don't have to say a word- I just give him that grin and I know he knows exactly what I'm thinking. "OK honey- time to do the head of the family thing that you are learning to do so well" tee hee.
Jet Lag
We're in Vancouver now. And I'm tired- I've been up for over 20 hours. Woke up at 5 this morning, and now it's 1:10 am on Monday, Ontario time. Need to get to bed pronto so I won't be useless tomorrow. I went without caffeine all last week and did fine- think I'll be making up for that this week.
Nighty night.
Nighty night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
