Romance

I had a romantic afternoon/evening today. Trent and I are celebrating 2 years and 4 months tomorrow... or today, I suppose, since it is now 12:37am on September 29th... but anyways, we celebrated a day early because we are both going away this weekend to separate locations. When my class finished at 2:30, I headed to my car to find a note on my seat. It was a poem and a clue... A clue to where the next clue was... which was a clue to where the next clue was... etc. There were 7 clues in total. After clue #4, I received a present that was hidden with clue#5 (War of the Worlds dvd! yay!), and after clue #7, I found Trent... who was not hidden where the clue was (under my brake pedal... hahaha). It was nice. I've never gone on a treasure hunt like that before! It's quite amazing how many hiding places there are in "Sven the Sin Vagon"*. After my treasure hunt, we went for an early supper at the Shoe Shop, to the mall to purchase a few sale items (an AE t-shirt and a Gap tank - only $6.99 for the tank!! Gap has a sweet sale going on right now...), and back to my house to spend some time together. It was quite lovely. Besides the parking ticket... that wasn't so lovely... I totally forgot that meters are still functional in Halifax. I think it's because I haven't parked downtown before 6:00pm in so long that I didn't even think. I feel silly. However, it was only $15, and it's paid, so I'm going to just cut my losses and move on.

In other news, Carlos is an eating machine! Man... he DOWNS whatever I feed him, which is typically fish food... but what I mean is that he eats it all very, very quickly! I also think he has a problem with gas because there are many small bubbles on the top of his water. Moving on... I went out with Yanna for dessert tonight, and it was great! I'm so excited to start doing the Captivating study with her. I think this is going to be very good for me.

Edge Retreat tomorrow! Woot!

Quote of the Day

"Alzheimers: You can hide your own Easter eggs!" ~Ed McHugh, Dalhousie "Not-for-Profit Marketing" professor

Why, Oh Why?

Today I ran into a "Gazette" stand. In front of a lot of people. I was waving hello to Matt Rice (the new Campus for Christ intern, for those who don't know), who was standing in line at Tim Horton's. In the process of waving and smiling, I forgot to watch in front of me, and all of a sudden, there appeared a rather large metal "Gazette" stand. I walked right into it. It hit the wall, making a loud clanging noise. I said, "OW!" because I hit my arm on it rather hard. My face turned pink as I quickly kept walking. Jessie and Rebekah and Alley all laughed from their position behind me. *sigh*

I have been known to run into things... doors... walls... screens... desks... Well, pretty much anything. You name it, I've hit it... It's just usually not in public...

Carlos

Today, after work, I went to pick up my new fishie so that I wouldn't be all alone now that Amanda is gone! His name is Carlos. He lives in my room on the bookcase by my desk in a glass bowl with purple, green, and red rocks. He himself is bright blue with a little bit of purple. He has a family of frogs living on a toadstool to keep him company, and he enjoys swimming among his grass and flowers, as well as playing with his floating lilypad. He's a very cool fish, and I love him very much.

Fun Day!!

Well, today I did many fun things... all of which occured AFTER work. haha Big surprise there... ;) Once I got home from work, Amanda and I went shopping. I needed a new pair of pantalons, which Mum offered to buy me. So, I found some of those... among other things, of course... heehee Namely, some new clothes for work. I bought a pair of Reitmans jeans that I actually like! It's crazy... I always HATE their jeans, but these ones are really good!

After shopping, I had my first belly dance class! Oh man... it is SO fun! I absolutely love it. I'm sooo excited to keep doing it. It's really, really cool. I can do Shakira-like things! We learned the basic isolations, played follow the leader, and then we learned a dance to a drum solo! It was pretty exciting.

After dance class, I got some groceries... including chocolate cupcakes, Hoofprints ice cream (my favourite kind... I had no idea it even came in tubs!!), and those McCain smiles things... (You know... "When you're smiling..." with the little cute blonde girl?). It was fun... in a grocery shopping sort of way.

Then, Amanda and I went to Wal Mart cos she had some stuff to return, and I got my fishie's bowl and plants and stuff! I'm going to get him tomorrow at Ruffin's, I think. His name shall be Carlos. Amanda is also getting one when she gets back home (she's moving back to Yarmouth tomorrow... she got a government job.. I'd move back too...), and she's naming hers Pedro, so we're going to have little Spanish fishies! Then, we came home and made pizza and watched Ellen DeGeneres' "Here and Now" comedy show. It was HILARIOUS! If you have not seen it yet, you really should!! I died laughing! I think I lost like 10lbs just from laughing so much! Here are a few memorable quotes:

1. "You know what the source of all our problems are? Microwaves. Anything that can get that hot that quick must be from the devil! Don't belive me? Put a hot pocket in for 3 minutes and stick it in your mouth. If that's not hell, I don't know what is!"

2. "I wanted toilet paper, not a streamer! This is no time to celebrate!"

3. "Have you seen my eyeball? hahahaha No really! I can't find my eyeball!"

You'd probably have to see it... but it's hilarious!!

Two Things!

1. Tonight, I feel honoured. Tonight, someone referenced my writing for the very first time! Someone responded to my web post (see previous blog), cited it, and put me in his bibliography! He said that he liked my post because it brought the other side and made him realize that the writer of the article did not present Christianity objectively. He didn't say that he agreed with me, and I'm quite certain he didn't, but he said that he liked my post a lot. He also said that what I said about how I see a tree should become the corporate world's mantra. lol I thought that was kind of funny. Anyways, at least one was reached! Praise the Lord for that!

2. Tonight, for the first time in about 2 years, I went to Trent's house. It was fun!! Awkward for about the first 10 minutes, and then after that, I was totally fine. I had a great time, and I can't wait to go back! Praise God for that, too!!

Comments Please!

The following is my WebCT posting I wrote about the readings for my Environmental Ethics class this week. The readings were very anti-Christianity, and basically blamed Christians for environmental problems and exploitations. Here is my response. I would appreciate any feedback on it!

Thoughts From a Christian...

White's essay essentially places the blame for environmental exploitation on Christianity. Whilte it may be the case that Westerners did begin to use nature for their own needs and wants, this is not what the God of Christianity intended to happen. White (2002, p. 11) claims that "it is God's will that man exploit nature for his proper ends". This is simply not true. It is true that God gave humans dominion over His creation; however, His intent was that we would be caretakers of the creation - not exploiters of it. In fact, God tells us His intent in Genesis 1:29-32. It says:

Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole
earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for
food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all
the creatures that move on the ground - everything that has the breath of life
in it - I give every green plant for food.' And it was so. (The Holy Bible, New
International Version, 1984, p. 1).

God's intent was not for man to kill animals and use them for food. His intent was for man, as well as all the creatures of the earth, to use seed-bearing plants for food - plants that could multiply and feed creatures sustainably. God's plan was not for humans to exploit nature but to live in harmony with it and use it in a way that it would not be destroyed or degraded, much like Sir Francis of Assisi suggests (White, 2002). In fact, the first death of an animal did not occur until after what the Bible refers to asthe fall of man, or when man first understood the difference between good and evil and chose to do evil.

Therefore, I would argue that it is not Christianity that is the root of the environmental problems facing our planet. I would argue that it is mankind in general that is the root. Nowhere in the Bible, which contains the basis of Christianity, does it suggest that we should exploit nature for our use. Yes, it does contain narrative of people using nature for their benefit, but it does not suggest that nature should be used for our benefit so much that there is scarecely a nature left. White's (2002, p. 13) suggestion that "[t]o a Christian a tree can be no more than a physical fact" is simply not true. I am a Christian, and a tree is certainly more than a fact to me. When I see a tree, I see the amazing creativity of an awesome God. I see splendour and majesty. I see beauty. I see much more than a physical fact.

References:
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Genesis. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

White, L. (2002). The historical roots of our ecological crisis. In D. Schmidtz & E. Willott (ed.), Environmental ethics: What really matters, what really works (pp. 7-14). New York: Oxford University Press.

Quote of the Day

"Some guys are hairy – so hairy that if it weren't for the nipples you'd confuse their front with their back." ~From the article "The Lowdown on Chest Hair"

The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come

Today, Trent purchased me a new very important pink tank top to replace the one that vanished from my laundry hamper. I was very thankful because I had no money to buy myself one, but I wear it all the time and under a lot of my stuff, so it was actually a very important article of clothing. Thanks, Trent. :)

Class today was very interesting. It was my Environmental Ethics class. She was talking about the history of the word "nature" and "natural". It was interesting. I enjoyed it... even if there was a bit of creation bashing... However, she did say to us that before we argued with a creationist, we'd better know our stuff because creationists know their stuff - it is their life. I thought that was cool of her to say. The readings for this week, which I haven't done yet, are very Christianity-bashing, though. All about how Christians are the cause of environmental degradation because the Bible teaches that God gave man dominance over the earth and all its creatures. We have to do a WebCT posting on the readings each week, so I plan to say that I do believe that God gave humans dominion over creation, but we were supposed to use that dominion for good (to care for creation, not harm it); however, because of the fall, humans have started exploiting nature to satisfy their own greed. There are a few others who have tried to lift the blame off Christianity, as well, and that is encouraging. I'll never get any comments back on my posting because it's graded on being there and having a proper reference instead of its content, but at least people will hear truth.

Anyhow, I must get back to my Finance reading... and then get on with Oceanography. Why does university have to have so much reading that goes with it??

Workin' at the Car Wash!

I would just like to report that my car is officially clean, inside and out, after oh... about a year?? hahahaha! No longer need you be afraid to enter it! It's lovely! :) I even washed off my Winnie the Pooh mats! I'm feeling rather accomplished. And now, it is time to get caught up on reading... *sigh*

P.S.

Has anyone seen my baby pink beater? I seem to have misplaced it, and I am very distressed... It was in my laundry hamper, or so I thought... Evidently, it is not...

John Mayer + Jane Austen = Very Successful Shopping Trip!

My dear friend Morgan and I went on a rather successful (and fun and giggly!) shopping trip yesterday. As you can probably guess from my title, I bought too rather important things. The first was John Mayer's new cd (Continuum) and the second was The Complete Novels of Jane Austen. Yes, it's true, ALL the novels of Jane Austen in one compact volume. *sigh* It's heavenly. It truly is! I also purchased a basket for my scrapbooking materials, as well as some new scrapbooking materials. Now all that's left before I can begin is putting in an order to Super Store for a few more photos! I'm stoaked!

I saw Take the Lead today. I loved it. I don't think I've ever seen a dancing movie that I didn't like, but still... it was good!! Speaking of dancing, my first belly dance class is next Friday!!! hahaha Oh... hmm... If classes are on Friday, I wonder if I'll be able to go to the one on Sept. 29 before leaving for Traber. It's over at 7:00pm. Deb/Kelley, do we know what time we're leaving yet?

"Cool"

Today in marketing class, we watched the second half of a movie called "The Search for Cool" or something to that effect. It made me sad. It was talking about the teen segment that marketers go after. There was a girl on there who said, and I quote, "I have to look good for people. I NEED to look good for people." It made me sad. And then I thought about myself... I like to make myself look good. Do I do it because I know people are going to see me? Because I certainly don't try to look nearly as good here at home when I'm by myself. I know that looking good does make me feel better about myself... but... I don't know... Am I programmed to feel better because I'm wearing a certain outfit or have my make-up on just right because that's how marketers are telling me how to look? Or do I feel better because I actually look how I want myself to look? I don't know...

And then there were parts of the video on MTV's spring break specials with all the sex and nudity and drinking, which also made me sad... as well as on "rage rock" with features on Limp Bizkit and the Insane Clown Pose, which just scared me. It was eye-opening. I'm not even really sure what all I think. I do know, however, that I am saddened by it... saddened and disgusted. I'm glad that the course is in non-profit marketing... I think that is hugely more worthwhile than the private sector marketing that was in the video. I wonder what spin the prof is going to take on it next week... I wonder if he's going to talk about how teens are being exploited by huge corporations or if he's going to talk about how good a job these marketers have done and how their campaign ideas should be used in the non-profit sector. Hmm... well, there will be an update next week on how this turns out for sure.

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by Your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when Your face is before me. I can only imagine, I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing "Hallelujah"? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine, I can only imagine.

I can only imagine when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son. I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship you. I can only imagine, I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing "Hallelujah"? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine, I can only imagine.

© 1999, MercyMe

A Weekend Adventure!

Amanda and I went on an adventure yesterday! :) We decided to go down on the waterfront for an ice cream in the late afternoon, and we spontaneously decided to take the Metro Transit ferry across to Dartmouth. Once we got there, we saw a very unhappy looking bride, and we discovered that nothing was open because it was after 5! So, we sat outside by the water until the ferry came back, and then we headed back to Halifax. lol After that little adventure, we grabbed a hotdog instead of an ice cream, and headed into Bayer's Lake to do some errands.

I've decided to start scrapbooking! Amanda does it, so she's gonna teach me. I picked up some cool stickers and stuff, but I still need to get a book and paper and all that other stuff. I'll have to wait till I have a bit of money, but I'm excited to start. My first scrapbook is going to be one of all the girls! I'm excited to do it. I think I might get everyone to go all sentimental and write a little note about what all of our friendships mean to you or something. lol And I might do a profile page of each of us too... Once I figure that out, I'll let you all know. ;)

Back to school tomorrow... Ugh... I have four chapters of readings to do for Tuesday. It's disgusting... My law one is 46!!! pages long - on legal sized paper!! It's crazy. I am not excited.

A Day of Firsts

Well, today was full of firsts! I had 4 first classes, a first Management Society meeting, a first Campus for Christ meeting, a first lunch with Tyson, and a first Sunday School teachers' meeting of the year! All in all, it was a good, though very long, day. I would give it a 9 out of 10. Point off for length.

I had Oceanography this morning, which seems like a very interesting class, and also a very easy class, which is always nice. ;) The prof is really... excitable. lol He seems really cool, though, which is also nice. Then, I had Environmental Law, which I think will be a bit challenging, but also good. The prof seemed all right in that one too. I also had my two required management courses: Finance and Non-Profit Marketing. Both seemed good. Both profs seemed good. MY MARKETING PROF IS THE CHRISTMAS TREE GUY!!! The one who has the little tree with the Christmas lights on the cliff along the highway right before the Bedford and Sackville exits!!! I was so excited. I like flipped out in class. It was really funny.

All in all, it was a good day. I'm totally wiped! I'm really excited for the year, though. Management Society seems like it may improve... though who knows on that one! It may just be a lost cause... lol And Campus for Christ also sounds like it's going to be sweet. :) I'm excited.

Job Update

So, here's my update on the job front. I went to my interview at Old Navy today only to discover that she thought I had applied for the "university posting". Not really knowing what that was, but thinking it sounded pretty good, I went along with her. And then she started talking about what it entailed. First, it sounded, you know, not great, but okay. Things like 132 unites per hour and lifting boxes and putting stock up in high places. And then came the question: "So, how do you feel about the early mornings?" I said that it was okay.. thinking she meant being there when the store opened at 9:00am. That's not what she meant. She was interviewing me for a stock position with 6:00-11:00am shifts on MWF!!! Now, if anyone knows me even a little bit, they will know that I am so not a 6:00am person. In fact, the only time I do 6:00am shifts is when I do fruit baskets at Pete's for like 2 weeks over Christmas break. Yeah... so... when she calls on Friday to let me know, I'm going to tell her that I don't want the job. In fact, I've already been hired back on at Reitmans, and I start there on Monday! lol Good ol' Reitmans... I think I'm destined to be there forever. :P Well, hopefully not forever, but at least for awhile more.

Today, I've been really missing my friends from camp. I love them so much, and it's hard to be away from them for so long! It's also hard knowing that a lot of my favourite camp people won't be back next year. Well... here's a few camp pictures, since I'm thinking about these people and all...

LDIN-Fest '06

I am now home from a very girly weekend. :) We did a lot of fun things:

1. Tanning on the beach
2. Exploring caves
3. Shooting videos
4. Blueberry picking
5. Eating dessert at a restaurant with a rather nice looking waiter
6. Watching a lot of movies
7. Setting off FIREWORKS!
8. Eating waaaaaay too much
9. Dancing to old-school BSB
10. Getting a surprise phone call from CHINA!

And now, here's a few pictures to remember the weekend by! I was a little camera happy... so I'll be a little photo happy on here too. :)