'Twas the night before Christmas...

It's been a lazy day of sorts, if you don't count the getting up at 545am part so I could get to work on time. I was sent home early due to the incredible amounts of snow that accumulated over the morning and due to the distance between my work and my home.

As much as I hate driving in the snow (you know, it's all the REST of those folks who make it so dangerous, not me) I also find that given the right circumstances I really love it. I offered to do the wine run to the liquor store once I got home and loved the almost grease-like feel of the snow beneath the tires. We've got winter tires but it's still pretty slick out there. Of course, when I'm on major routes with lots of folks I am careful and drive defensively, but I must say I do miss the good old days of living up in Smithers and flying down the back streets, fish-tailing (but in control) and testing the road beneath the snow. So, I did a little of it today on the unplowed, empty streets of Abbotsford. I felt like I was sixteen again.

And I made it home safely and in one piece.

But, the prospect of driving to work on Christmas morning, along the same highways that were slick with snow and filled with anxious drivers, doesn't appeal to me whatsoever. It's one thing to do it by choice and enjoyment and another to have to do it out of necessity and having to live with not knowing the winter-driving competence of the drivers around you.

545am comes quickly, so...

... to all a Good Night.

Merry Christmas, folks.

Thou, Darned Sun, Art Deceiving!

I went for a walk around the lake again this morning, lured by the intense sunshine streaming in through my windows... only to freeze my a$$ off before even getting to the lake (1.5 blocks away)! But, I woman'd up, and did the walk, fighting with the wind the entire time. It howled through the trees, through my touque, through my pants... the only parts of me that were warm were my toes. Usually, when the sun is out, it's a fight for a piece of the sidewalk that surrounds the lake - not today. If I could've moved them, I'd have counted the number of people (and their dogs) on four fingers. But alas, my fingers were frozen from trying to keep my jacket hood on my head. Got home to find trails of salt running down my face from the outside corners of my eyes. Squint liquid.

But, it was invigorating! Last night there was a windchill of -20'C, so it was probably close to that this morning. According to my cousin John (he lives in Calgary) I'm a wuss. I agree. BUT, I still chose to finish the walk instead of quitting. I may whine, but I'm no quitter!

After the fog...

Went for a walk today around Mill Lake once the sun had burned off the fog.

Tomorrow and a day

I'm about to start writing one of my last essays of the semester - the outline is done so it'll almost write itself at this point - and I felt the need to procrastinate for a couple minutes. And I feel the need to get into the holiday spirit. Last year I tried to postpone the holidays until after being done my final exams, but my last one was on the 20th of December and just as I left the exam I put my back out, so I felt as if I really missed out on Christmas. Plus, I was working night shifts and being grumpy during the day because of it... so this year, now that it is December, I feel it is well within my rights to celebrate the season even though I won't be done school for the semester until the 9th. So here I go:

These are (just) a few of my favourite things:

- impish grins on innocent babies
- spice cookies
- reading a good book
- teaching kids
- earl grey tea (which reminds me - it's still sitting on the counter in the kitchen)
- Advent calendars with expensive dark chocolates
- that first sip
- the glow of a single string of clear christmas lights hung around the window
- chickadees
- checking things off my To Do: lists
- when "come over for a cup of tea" turns into dinner and dessert
- giving gifts
- witty sarcasm
- making travelling plans
- organizing my desk
- procrastinating
- lists that are dynamic

To be continued...

Can you believe it?!

Another semester is almost done. Craziness. On the 20th of this month I registered for the FINAL semester of my BA -- the end is in sight! Yes, I have a full year after graduating, but the BA is *this* close to being finished.

Last night we had our final Education 300 class and things did not go as I had anticipated. Tears were flowing. And, if you know me at all, you'd know I'm a bit of an emotional sponge. It's as if when I see tears my body feels the need to create some of its own. A little ridiculous at times, but I'm feeling that at this point in my life I may as well embrace it. Laugh with those who laugh, cry with those who cry... and all that. Perhaps emotional sponge is the wrong phrase for what I'm describing. Maybe more of an emotional mirror? Whatever. It's who I am even if it's not something I can describe eloquently.

So, I was looking through some pics from last year, as I've been so focused on school these past few weeks that my camera has been neglected, and I came across a photo I took on December 1, 2007. So, almost exactly a year ago. Thank goodness things don't look this way right now. I'm a firm believer that as long as there isn't snow on the ground I can continue to wear capris. I may be wearing a down vest, boots, wool socks and a touque, but I don't have to wear full-length jeans. And I love it! What can I say? My calves like the fresh air.



So, I'm hoping days like those depicted in this photo stay away a whole lot longer!

Fear of Failure

I'm in a drawing class at UFV and have to bring in a black and white 8 1/2 x 11 photocopy or print of a picture I've taken... and I think I may tackle this one. I'm hoping I don't mutilate the drawing, because I really like this photo as it is.

Or maybe, I'll do this one... indecision in decision-making. Grrr.

Cabin Time Again...

I don't want it to end!

This Saturday I hung out with my sister and her family for a bit - played with my adorable nieces




and nephew,




and then headed to work only to find out that one of the girls was being picked up and sleeping over at her mom's place, so I wasn't needed. Awesome - sure, I didn't get the hours I wanted (I could've stayed, but I chose to leave after 2 hours or so), but my trip to the cabin got bumped up a few hours!

When I arrived in Birch Bay, I was greeted with these beautiful sights:




The nights at the cabin are getting pretty chilly, but most of the time, and this weekend in particular, there is nowhere else I'd rather be. I'm pretty blessed to have a place that I'm able to go to that is close enough for a quick day trip and far enough to feel as if I were away from it all. Thank you, Kennedys! - for welcoming me (constantly) with open arms.

I try to bring my tent most weekends I go down - I love sleeping outside whenever possible. This past Sunday morning I woke up to sunny spots on my canvas abode and listened as the condensation that had accumulated between my tent's fly and the tent itself slowly dripped onto the tent. I was snuggled up under about four blankets and was cosy cosy. Then I had to pee. That's the only downside of camping in a tent - all the zippers one has to get through to get to a bathroom! As well, I should've gotten a photo of my bedhead that morning - my straight short hair managed to emerge from the tent in ringlets. Tricky, I know. The dampness creates havoc with my hair. Good times!

The Donald and I went out at low tide (which wasn't that low, only a 0.5) just before noon and did some digging for steamers. On the way we came across some massive jelly fish - bigger than dinner plates - probably about a foot or more in diameter, and bright red. Beautiful. But back to the steamers. The limit is 40 per trip, and in under 10mins we had dug up almost 60 keepers. Needless to say, The Donald made a trip back to the cabin and came back for more, leaving me to keep our spot 'safe'. No need, really, as we were practically the only ones out there! My only wish is that I could actually eat the clams and crabs I help catch while at the cabin. Unfortunately, they're too rich for me (learned the hard way, yes I did).

Sunday evening was spent around the fire roasting marshmellows and making s'mores. Then, around 9pm I took off for the border and headed towards home. The fog made the aromatic manure scent hang in the air and at times my wipers were needed to clear off the windshield due to the thinkness of it - the fog, not the manure :P

I always feel sad when I leave the cabin, and this time I don't know when I'll be back. My weekends are booked up for awhile with work and church obligations, and soon assignments will be needing more thorough attention as well. *sigh*

Life calls and I must answer... at some point.

Eye Contact

We have eyes for a reason. Or so I'd like to believe.

I biked home from class this afternoon. About half a block from my condo's driveway to the underground parkinglot, a woman driving a big SUV nosed up to the sidewalk infront of her driveway (which I would have to pass to get to mine). She was aiming to turn onto the street. I approached on the street from her left, with me on the righthand side of the street, as were the driveways. I made direct eye contact with the woman, and kept on pedalling. She did the exact opposite of what she should have done. I had right of way (as I was on the street, not a driveway) and was about to go by her when she floored the gas and tore out of the driveway infront of me, barely missing my front tire.

Are people really this stupid? Did she think my eye contact meant that I would stop my bike on the street so she could pull out of her driveway? Really? Delusional much?

Good job, lady.
Grr.

Trying to Organize my Life...

I biked to class this morning fully intent on dropping the class after meeting the prof. I had heard both sides of the story - some detested her, others adored her. I think I'm on the fence and as such am still registered. Crap. I don't need this course, or rather, I don't need to take this particular course during this particular semester, but I can't seem to make up my mind about dropping it or any other course.

I hate quitting. Or, perhaps, I hate making decisions based on very little to no facts. Grrr.

Steamers and Sunsets

The last weekend of summer has been and gone. I spent a couple days down at that cabin with my pseudo family - digging for clams, drinking bevies, playing Kubb, going for walks, shooting things, and watching sunsets before cosying up to the fire to roast marshmellows. It was chilly, but somehow my heart always feels full and warm when I'm down there surrounded by people I love. None of them are my real family, but somehow they are more than just 'like' family to me. And, I love that two of my closest friends are becoming friends. The circle is getting bigger.

I'm back in school again - one course shy of my last semester. The end is in sight, despite this only being the first week back at school. I'm stepping out of my English major box a bit and taking an art course. I have a feeling I'll both love it and dread it and have a morbid fascination with it - the prof seems fantastic, my classmates are an eclectic group, and my skills are less than lacking - they're non-existant! There's always that sensitive side, not wanting to hear criticism, but also wanting to get better. I can already feel the nervousness, but I know this classroom is a very safe place to be. We're all vulnerable, so all have insecurities that will be worked through. I'm looking forward to it. In a 'deer in the headlights' type way.

Turns out that I'll also be learning a new language this semester. Chaucer. Middle English. All the English I currently know how to pronounce and understand will be tossed out the window and I'll be required to chant and recite words that look vaguely like something found in today's books, but sound exceedingly different. The vowel sounds are shorter, all consonents in a word are pronounced, and it all needs to be done in the lilting rhythm of iambic pentameter. Good times! I'm sure there will be more than enough laughter in the room to make up for some horrible accents.

I'm also taking Homer and Victorian Lit classes, as well as Methods and Theories of Education (which involves a weekly trip to the Chilliwack campus), a pre-req for the Teacher Education Program at UFV. Our first class was last night and although it was LONG (4 hours), it was pretty fantastic. I think the trip to and from CHW will be worth it. This course will probably either make or break my teaching career choice - right now teaching seems to be the logical route for me after my BA is finished, but there has always been a trace of doubt in the back of my mind - so hopefully all the different elements of this very diverse course will help me come to some concrete decisions before it's time to apply for the TEP in January.

Time to do some of the already piling up homework I've been assigned!

Forever and a day...

I was hanging out with a good friend of mine last night and she's busy with wedding preperations and the like. Her task (which I failed at helping her with) that day was to pick out a song to walk down the aisle to... and I couldn't come up with anything.

I've been to my fair share of weddings - you'd think I'd have some inkling of an idea as to what to suggest - but nothing. zilch. nadda. nix.
Failed that assignment.

But it got me thinking about all the weddings I've been too. Surprisingly enough, of the many I've been to, not ONE has ended in divorce. Screw the statistics, it's all about choosing the right person. Perhaps my friends and family actually take the time to think things through before jumping in with both feet. Perhaps they're the type of folks who actually think marriage is forever. Perhaps they're not celebrities...

(Okay, this almost sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? I do have friends who are divorced/seperated - I just didn't happen to be at their weddings... so my theory that is about to follow will still hold true.)

Perhaps... the reason these marriages are staying together is because *I* am the common link. Yep, you read right. Every wedding I've been at seems to be blessed with the ability to stay together. I take full credit.

Have a lovely day and remember me, your good luck charm.
Now, if only it would work for me. ;)

(PS. Happy belated 41st Anniversary, Mom and Dad!)

A bunch of nonsense

I'm listening to a song and I can't determine what the lyrics are.

I have a strange curl that pops up any time I don't blowdry my hair.

44% seems like a strange amount of 'bonus' deoderant to add to a stick.

I leave for Ontario in 12 days.

I hope to float down a channel in less than two weeks.

My new camera confuses me.

I bought some hand weights on a whim.

Love that is forced is no love at all.

There is no Plan B. This is it.

I biked over 100km last week.

I haven't touched my bike this week.

What's the difference between clipping and snipping?

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18

My new toy and I like it.

(I'm still figuring things out but that's half the fun!)

:)

Camera, Camera, in the mall, whose the fairest of you all?

Yep, it's time to upgrade.

I have been craving a camera that I can do just a 'little bit more' with and put away my Sony DSC-S60 for a bit. I always want those crisp, beautiful shots and the ability to play around with colours and hues and the like, but am limited by my camera. And lately the thing hasn't been all that reliable for me - often not taking shots when I want to or randomly delaying the shot for no apparent reason. I had it looked at and thought it could be a simple problem with my rechargeable batteries dying on me, but due to the unreliableness and random nature of the camera it has been determined that its probably an internal issue. I'll definitely hold on to the camera for now and use it when a compact camera is more desireable, but I think I need to move on if I'm to fulfill my photographic dreams.

So, now I've been looking a bit more seriously at some digital cameras with manual capabilities and removeable/replaceable lenses (once I'm rich, that is). So far I've done some online comparisons and talked to a couple folks at London Drugs and Future Shop. I think I should start off with something rather basic and then work up from there - keeping features I'll never use to a minimum.

So far two cameras have tickled my fancy - a Nikon D40 and a Sony DSLR-A200. But, being new to this I'm up for any advice anyone feels like giving me. My price range is rather limited, being a student and only working part-time, but I do have a birthday coming up so may be getting some help in the financial department of things. I'm thinking a $500-$600 range for the camera with the extras (lens protector, case, h.s. memory card, fun software) on top.

Feel free to pass on any advice you may have! Good/Bad reviews on either camera are also acceptable, as are suggestions (and reasons for) of other cameras.

Let the madness begin! ;)

Spoiled

I think that back in Vancouver I was a bit spoiled. I'm trying to get back into cycling - both for pleasure and for my commute - but am very disappointed with the cycling routes in Abbotsford. For such a sprawled-out city, you'd think they'd make more of an effort for cyclists. Sure, they've put in some lanes, but rarely do they connect up to each other and in total, it takes about 45mins to do a ride that involves all of them.

I'm not asking that designated lanes instantly pop up everywhere, but it would be nice if wider curb lanes or shoulders would be built when new roads go in.

That's all I'm asking.

And it continues...

(nothing like a Corona and lime while camping in the middle of nowhere....)

In typical Stephanie fashion, I completely forgot about my blog. I'm back in the middle of a new semester, having finished my second at the end of April. This semester, however, I'm taking it easy - only three courses - one early semester (May-June), and two full semester (May-Aug). So far I'm doing just fine, though, I've been craving more and more time off. As the weather gets nicer (finally!) the more I want to be out in it - camping, biking, or simply hanging out in it. School is getting a bit of a backburner position at times, but I'll get through it all, I'm sure. It's going by pretty fast, so that's a bonus.

Right now I'm really looking forward to August. Girls' Weekend, a family reunion out east, a wedding for Kristen and Wren, and camping every chance I get. And no classes. Pretty sweet and much deserved, in my opinion!

So, the other day I watched the new Indy movie - and almost fell asleep. Was it just me or was it not that great? Sure, it was pure cheese as per usual, which I enjoyed, but I felt it lacking somehow... I can't really put my finger on it. And that makes me sad.

Really, is that necessary?

Since January, I've been going to one of the local pools here in town and swimming laps and doing the 45min aquaspinning class (deep water aerobics).

(aside)
**I love the water. Have since a child. If I could I'd stay in the water all day. I'm a fish, or rather, a Crab. Now you don't need to ask my sign. Not that I really go for that stuff, but hey, sometimes it fits perfectly**
(end aside)

The people I've met are hysterical - most are in their late 50's to 70's (I live in Abby, that should explain the gray heads), but I really enjoy my little chats prior to the class and afterwards while relaxing in the hot tub. Lots of grandparent-y advice coming at me from all directions. Pretty cute.

A few weeks ago we had a 'new kid' join in. He's probably in his sixties. Nice guy. Friendly. Smiley (not in a creepy-old-man-type-way).

BUT

(yes, it's a BIG BUT)
(no, he doesn't have a big butt)

He stinks. Like cologne. BIG TIME. I can practically see the stuff hovering in the air just above the water line. Waiting to be sucked in by hungry lungs.

Come on! You're in the water - do you need to put on the cologne beforehand? We all smell like chlorine, are huffing and puffing through our workout, and you're worried about somehow smelling bad?

LEAVE IT AT HOME.

Now, if you knew me you'd realize that I was somehow blessed with an overactive sense of smell. Lucky me. Thing is, even when I only breathe through my mouth all I can taste (when not splashing myself in the face) is his cologne. I sticks to my tongue. It clogs my throat. I start gagging. It's overpowering.

I may have to go to the authorities on this one.

*splashes off*

... eEk ...

I've been slacking off blog-wise. What's gotten into me?!

Well, why don't I tell you?

Sure! Fine, I will!

Back to school with another full semester of courses:
1. Modern Canadian Prose (love it!)
2. Milton (not sure I'm regenative enough for this class)
3. Survey of American Lit 1914-1945 (hours of tedium)
4. American Lit of WWII & later (has potential but am yet to find it)
5. Educational Psychology (a necessary evil)

Of my five courses I'd have to say the Canadian Prose class is my favourite. My profs for both my American Lit classes are doing NOTHING for me - it is incredibly difficult to make it through a class and oh so tempting not to go. But, if you knew me and my stubborn nature you'd realise that not going is NOT an option. I paid for this mess so I'm going to slog through it, even if I hate every moment of it.

After this semester I'll have nine more upper level courses to take and I'll finally be a BA holder. The end is in sight. Getting into the Teacher Education Program at UCFV is my next step, but for now the BA is my main and only concern.

So, for now, it's back to doing a heck of a lot of reading. The first of many essays this semester is due Wednesday... better get at it.

Ciao!

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!

Just a quick note to wish you all a wonderful year ahead.

Stephanie