Lazy Day

Guess what I did today?! Next to NOTHING! I didn't even get outta my pajamas until 3:30. It's sick, I know. I was just so hot and yucky and tired for some reason today, so I just went on Facebook (of course), watched a couple episodes of Gilmore Girls Season 1, and vegged out. I wasn't lazy all day though, I did go out tonight to a pool party (haha I wrote 'poop' by accident first instead of 'pool') and bbq with a young adults group. These people are really great, and I feel very comfortable with them. We came at a good time of year too, since summer is just starting up and all the events are social gatherings. It's much easier to meet people that way.

Anyways, off to bed I go, I have a very important second interview in the morning (which I pray may turn into a job on Monday) and then packing to do and then a drive HOME!!! Sooooo excited!! I don't remember the last time I was this excited to go to church!

Look at me, updating again

I think I might try the daily - or close to daily updating. We'll see how that goes.

I got a call back today and I have a second interview Friday morning. Praying is awesome. Apparently it makes things happen!

It's hot here. 33 degrees to be exact. And it's not even June yet.

And best news of all: We're going to be in Pitt Meadows this weekend!!!!! I couldn't bring myself to miss Pitt Meadows Day! haha ... I had to talk J into it though because it means we'll be in town 3 weekends in June... I don't mind particularly, but it does get expensive. Lucky for me though, his dad helped in the convincing with an email invite for a lovely bike ride, which is difficult for J to say no to. So anyways, if you missed us we'll be going to the 11:00 service. And you may see us around if you're in Pitt Meadows on Saturday. I'm super excited!

Prayer Update

I've made the short list for the job I want... I'll be hearing back in a few days about possibly going in for a second interview with the owner this time. Thanks for praying for me, and please keep praying for this to work out!! I need it!

Fun and Games and Church

Well, another weekend to post about... This time I was actually quite busy!


Friday night we went and saw Pirates 3 and it was very good! Afterwards we went to this Irish pub called Kelly O'Bryan's to have 2for1 appies! I tried the famous "Pachos" ... I'm hooked! They were carbo-riffic!! Tasty ... Basically they're like .... french fries ... but not... cut woven-style or something.... with cheese.... and... oh I have absolutely no idea how to describe them, other than YUM!!!


The girls we went with invited me out the next night for a girl's games night! We played Disney Trivial Pursuit (Where I realized I need to catch up on my Disney movies...) and then this hilarious game called Identity Crisis. It was awesome! I need to find it, it was a blast! It was also great hanging out with some girls, they are really fantastic and welcoming. Made me feel like part of the group. :)


Sunday morning we went to the church across the river. Seriously folks, it felt like I had stepped into a time machine... Hello 90s. We sang "The Power of Your Love". Apparently it's not always like that. I might have to give it another chance.


I know I have to go to a church more than once to get a real feel for it, but it hit me how blessed I had been (and perhaps spoiled even) going to Burnett. It really is an amazing church, not just for the services or music, but the PEOPLE! I suppose some of it could be my familiarity and comfort there, but I don't think that's all of it. Burnett is awesome. I'm sorry I wasn't there for the happy celebrations it just had. And I really hope I can find a church half as awesome as Burnett.


This week is the week I should be hearing back about the job I want. Please pray that it all works out, as I reeeeeaally need a job. The sooner the better.

Well, off to my patio to sit and read in the warm sunshine. It's supposed to get into the 30's this week!! Time to bust out the pina colada mix!

Plans and Prayers

Hooray! I have real plans tonight! J and I were invited to go see the new Pirates movie and then out for appies at a popular Irish pub afterwards. We went to a different young adults group (we now go to two...) and the people there are really nice too. It's nice to actually have plans on a Friday night...

Also, I hope to be hearing back about a job I would like to get... It's not ECE, so it would be a step in a different direction, which is both exciting and a bit nerve racking as well. It is at a furniture store (hello, discounts!) and I would be starting as a receptionist and work into a Customer Service role. It pays really well, and has potential for moving up. Prayers for this would be much appreciated!

May Long Weekend

This weekend was a fun one. I had been looking forward to our getaway for a while, especially after feeling kinda down about being "alone" up here. We left Friday evening for Blue Lake Resort, just North of Boston Bar. (I found out during our trip that it's actually owned by a family from Maple Ridge.) We found our site and J's sister and her husband along with our other friends were already there, setting up their tents, etc. I was so excited to see everyone again. I know it's only been a few weeks but they've felt long, and the comfort of being around people you know and love is incomparable. We chilled by the fire and went to sleep.

Or, we went to our tents. Sleep... not so much. I was FREEZING! I kept waking up, probably every hour, if not more often. J and I had zipped our sleeping bags together but because we were each on a twin air mattress, I kept falling into the crack between the two. I decided in the middle of the night that I was going to reclaim my sleeping bag for the next night.

The next day was cool and rainy! I hadn't seen rain like that since before I moved, and honestly, once we got everything set up (tarp, etc) I really didn't mind it. I had a good book and the warmth of a campfire. It was actually a really beautiful sight. However, getting to this point was a cold and wet experience which left me longing for the desert... haha :)

We even ran into some friends from church that were also there with their families! What a bonus! It was really great to see more familiar faces!

The next night was better, although I did wake up a few times very cold. But I think I was more tired from lack of sleep the night before and so I was able to catch a few more Z's.

The next day we went for a hike to the top of a hill that had a great lookout of the lake and surrounding mountains. I love lookouts like that where you can get a feel for the beauty that God's created that we so often overlook or take for granted.

We were going to stay the extra night and head home Monday morning, but after the first two nights and the ongoing coolness and showers, we decided to head home Sunday night. We were expecting visitors during the day Monday so it gave us a bit more time to get ready. On the way home we decided to take a small detour. There was this road we had passed on our honeymoon called "Venables Valley" and we were both very curious as to where it would lead. We decided that ONE DAY we were going to take that road. Well, we found our opportunity. We drove about 5 or 6 km into this valley that had obviously been hit by a forest fire. It's crazy how black and dead the trees can be, and how vividly green the new growth looks in contrast. Anyways, we ventured into this valley to find a crazy place... (I looked it up on the internet when I got home). Basically it's a Hare Krishna community ... or "eco-village" as they refer to it. They live in this secluded valley, away from the city and the 'high tech' culture so to speak. It is a cool idea, although the whole spirituality thing creeps me out a bit. It was a very weird drive, I do recall saying that it felt like we'd found a different world all of a sudden. Creepy! But interesting.

Today brought more familiar faces as my Mum, Lydia, and Captain Awesome (Justin D) stopped by for hamburgers on their way home from May Camp in Salmon Arm. They didn't stay nearly long enough, but it was awesome seeing them. I missed them all a lot. There were good times, lots of laughs, and we even had tasty smores that we had forgotten to eat on our camping trip! (Actually, the best smores I've ever had... we made them with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups instead of just chocolate, wrapped them in foil and put them on the bbq)
We capped off our visit with a trip to Starbucks and hugs goodbye. I must say that I did shed some tears on the way home after Starbucks. I miss them already, especially my Mum.

All of it made me realize how hard it is to make friends... But how great it is when you get to that place of comfort. When you can stop pretending to be someone you're not, or hiding your flaws, and just rest in the comfort of being yourself and knowing your friends will love you for it. How much time it takes to get there. I know I'll get there eventually here with people, and that it just takes time, but I wish it were easier. I wish we were back in grade 1 when you could simply ask, "Will you be my best friend?" and they will right then and there. But it's not that easy. Sorry, I suppose my post is long enough without my whining.

Overall it was a very good weekend. We finished it off with a fantastic 2 hour season finale of 24. Kiefer Sutherland rocks my socks off. And with that, I bid you adieu until next time. Here's hoping this week will be filled with calls for interviews!

More Adventures

Well this week had some adventures... I've had 3 interviews, but yet to get a job. I did get offered one though, but I would be taking a serious pay cut to what I was before, and I'm just not sure if it's what I want to be doing. I've gotta do some praying. And perhaps while I'm waiting, I'll get some more interviews. That would be nice. Because I'm getting very tired of sitting around here.

Church last Sunday was nice, I don't know how many of you were at Burnett when Bruce Christiansen was the pastor (I wasn't, but J was), but now he is the pastor at a church up here in Kamloops. We went there, and it was really cool to see him and J reconnect. I did get kinda sad though, because he talked a lot about Pitt Meadows during his sermon (He'd just been there the week before)

I recently got hit pretty hard with homesickness. It comes and goes, but when it comes it's awful. I've been here almost 3 weeks, and I know it takes a while to really connect with people, but I guess sometimes I just feel so lonely! I really hope I make some good friends before J goes back to do more school in September. I don't know how I'd handle this if he weren't here.

That being said, we have been connecting with people... We went to the Sunday night young adults group, and then a young marrieds bible study (They want to do iMarriage in the fall, I'd love to finish that!) and today I even ventured out all by myself. I went to a Young Adults group at an Alliance church. J was at a seminar for work, so I just decided I'd go check it out. I'm glad I did, the people there seem really nice! I'll be going again.

I've been running lately... almost every day actually. Haven't seen any physical results, but boy do I feel good! I drink lots of water now too (partly because it's so bloody hot and dry up here, partly because I know it's good for me! Oh and partly because my Brita water filter makes it taste much better) I am working on my endurance... J and I have talked a bit about adventure racing. It's kinda like a triathalon, only more 'adventurous'... Basically they give you a map with checkpoints on it and it's up to you to figure out how you're going to get to them. The race involves hiking, mountain biking, and paddling. There's one here in Kamloops in September and Valhalla Pure is hosting clinics to train for it. I'll keep you posted if we decide to enter.

Anyways, I guess I should head off to bed, as I have lots to do tomorrow. We're going camping tomorrow in Lytton with J's sister and her husband, along with a bunch of friends. It's gonna be awesome to see them! And then on Monday my mom, Lydia, and Justin are going to stop in for lunch on their way home from May Camp! A weekend of visits! So exciting!

Adventures in Cooking, Churching (again), and Hiking

Adventures in Cooking:

So last Thursday we went out for coffee with some people from the church we went to last week. One of the girls recommended a cookbook called "The Girl Can't Cook" (And she wants to be a chef, will be going into culinary arts in January, this book was just given to her because it has great recipes in it)

Anyways, so I got adventurous. I bought some salmon to make "Grilled Salmon Skewers on Mixed Greens with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette" (p. 107)

Oh boy, were these ever TASTY! It was really quite simple (except the skinning of the salmon part... that was hard. The recipe calls for skinless salmon but the store didn't sell it without the skin) Here's my finished product:

Adventures in Churching (again):

We decided to head up the street a few blocks to another local church. This one actually kinda reminded me of Burnett, and all the songs we sang I actually knew. "Beautiful One", and "Did you feel the mountains tremble" among others. The sermon was interesting as well. As we were leaving, one girl said to us "I don't think we've met before" ... and we started to chat. Well, I think we keep going to these churches on just the right days. Last week the other church was serving cake. This church, once a month, hosts a lunch for everyone! So she invited us upstairs to have soup with her and some friends. It turns out that her parents actually live in Maple Ridge and go to Burnett!! They are also really good friends with Jason's uncle... Talk about a small world! All in all it was a good time, and they insisted that we take home a package of leftover buns and some soup too. Good times!

Adventures in Hiking:

Since we moved here I've been trying to get into better shape. Every other day I've gone out either walking, jogging, or biking. Sunday afternoon the College and Career group we went to last week had planned a hike. We met up with them at the church and headed out. We went to a mountain called "Sugarloaf Mountain" Well, no one told me how steep some of it was going to be, and boy did I feel outta shape. I was in the back of the pack the whole time (of course I just said I was making sure the boys in front of me kept the pace haha) ... It wasn't too bad, but it was a really hot day, had to be in the 20s ... About halfway up, (when there was no turning back) the leader said to us "Oh and I'll remind you that right now is PEAK TICK SEASON so make sure you check yourself thoroughly when you get home." .... Peak tick season?!?! Uuuugggghhhh so gross!!! I wanted to turn and run at that point ... but I didn't of course, because who wants to be known as 'The Girl Who Runs Away Halfway Through A Hike"? Lucky for me, I got home tick-free and with only a scratch on my leg... A mighty scratch actually from when a large boulder decided to give way when I was standing on it. And some girls on the hike have decided to go on weekly hikes, which I have said I'd take part in. Only next time I'm going to be more prepared, with Deet in hand and a hat and anti-tick vibes. Should be great. I'm also gonna step up the training regime and try to get myself in shape faster. :)

Adventures In Kamloops!

Adventure #1: Save on Foods

Ok so Save on doesn't seem like a very adventurous kind of place. And I guess it's not really, we were just amazed at the quality of grocery-carrying devices! They have the traditional basket, as well as a slightly larger basket on wheels with a larger handle to pull behind you! (Like those backpacks and luggage...) Then, when we realized that this crazy basket wasn't going to be big enough for our shopping trip this time, J came back with what he called a "Fancy-Pants grocery cart". This thing had a cup holder!!! At one point I did hear Jason say "this thing drives like a dream!"

Adventure #2: Church

We decided right away that we didn't want to just sit around the day after we moved in, and that we'd start our church-hunt that Sunday with a baptist church just up the road from us. It was strange, and a little overwhelming, walking into a room full of people you don't know. We sat in the back. I must say, at that moment, I really missed Burnett. But I didn't want to cry in front of a bunch of strangers so I bit my tongue. Anyways, so apparently that day was "Congregation Appreciation Day" ... they had cake and everything! (We so picked the right day to go!) The service was ok... I missed the fantastic music of Burnett... and afterwards we picked up a 'welcome' package (free pen!!) and hung around. When no one talked to us we decided to take matters into our own hands and introduced ourselves to the new worship pastor and his wife, who then introduced us to the couple that heads up their College and Careers group. We ended up going to their group that night and actually met a bunch of nice people! All in all, a good experience, and we got cake.

Oh, and that worship pastor called us up last night and invited us out for coffee tonight with him and his wife! I'm excited to have real plans and not just a date with Keifer Sutherland or a trip to Stars Hollow. Real, live people plans!!!

Adventure #3: Our Neighbourhood

We live on a giant hill. But up this hill we noticed an entrance to a park. So we decided to go for a walk (The pictures I'm posting show us on bikes, but that's because I forgot my camera the first time so we went again a couple days later)

This park is flippin' amazing!!! It's called Peterson Creek Park. First you're riding up a road with houses all around you and then when you turn into this park you're in a place that's so quiet and so peaceful that it's hard to believe you're still in suburbia.

Yep, we live in a desert. Those are cactii.

Adventures In Moving!

Well, we're here! Finally! Lots to blog about now! Let me start at the beginning:

Thursday morning:

Got up really early to finish the packing we still needed to do. Went and picked up the truck at 8am. We were aiming to be on the road by noon at this point.

Packing the truck took way longer than anticipated. Garret overslept and didn't join us until 10:30 or so, but he was a HUGE help since my muscles just aren't cut out for our heavy furniture.

So 1:00pm rolls around and we're finally ready to go. We couldn't fit everything without risking breaking things but we figure we'd be ok with the number of cars that were going up Saturday. Anyways, of course we weren't able to leave right then. Take a look at the second picture. See the mattress? Well, behind that mattress is our china cabinet. Do you see that black strap holding the mattress against the china cabinet? It was in the worst possible spot. I looked back through the little doorway/hole thing in the cab of the truck while going through downtown Maple Ridge, and to my dismay the top half of our china cabinet had fallen over. Thank goodness for the mattress though, nothing was harmed! But due to this crazy fiasco, along with a tire with low air on the truck, and an accident on Lougheed, we weren't on our way until 2pm.

After about 4 hours and lots of hills, we got there! Finally! We even saw a bear on the way! (I tried taking a picture but it just looks like a black speck) Unloading at J's cousin's house was exciting, as the two crazy cousins decided it would be fun to ride our office chairs down the metal ramp and into the garage.

We unloaded everything and headed home. Dinner in Merritt, and we were home at almost 1am. I was exhausted. The next day I had lunch with Dad and we packed up the vehicles for our next big move, the Official move.

Saturday morning: A much earlier start... We were on the road by 8am. I was nervous, as I'd never driven this far. Luckily for me I had my sister as a passenger/DJ. Our convoy was made up of myself and my sister in the Vibe (I took the nicest car), J in the Suzuki, my mom, and J's parents. The deal was to meet up at the first rest stop after the toll booth.

I must drive like a superstar, because we were so the first ones to arrive! (Hence, the picture) J was second and my mom was right behind him as a close third. J's parents arrived about a half hour later. (In their defence they had to drop off Gizmo at the grandparent's house and so they took the long way to Hope).

So we ended up at our new place at just after 12:00 noon. Unfortunately, the previous tenant had not moved out yet. We asked her how long she might be and she said "at least another couple hours"... We went to Boston Pizza for lunch in hopes that she might've disappeared by the time we got back. This was not the case. She said it was ok if we moved in as she moved out. Kinda frustrating, but the poor girl was moving all by herself... She'd had a final exam both Thursday and Friday and I guess her roommates had moved out before, so they weren't helping her either. We offered to help her but she said no... Anyways, she wasn't even out by the time everyone who came to help us left. I think she ended up finishing after 7pm that day. Craziness!!

Our place is really starting to come together. That first night as we were unpacking, people downstairs were out on their patio jamming... Lindsey - you would've loved it - there was even a didge!!!!!!!!! Along with an acoustic guitar and a djembe drum. It was a sweet way to unpack!

So those were our moving adventures... Stay tuned for Adventures In Kamloops!!