Another motivational poster...

Today was the final day of Journey's week long day camp. While I was only there for 2 days, I have to admit, I loved it. These last couple of weeks, between instructing swimming and doing things like daycamp, I've really been reminded just how much I love working with kids.

I love the energy and the innocence.

I love the way they try to please and are excited to learn new things.

I love how they live in the moment, free from grown up stress.

I love just how cute they are and all the funny things they say.

I love the way they love without judgement.

I love being able to be a positive influence on their lives.

It makes me excited for what this year, particularly working at Journey as Children's Minister.

This article was sent to me this week, right in the middle of Stampede. Seems like a "part 2" to my last post!

Stampede food gets a bad grade
Provided by: Sun Media
Written by: MICHAEL PLATT
Jun. 24, 2008

There's the Stampede's brand-spanking new casino -- and then there are the food vendors on the midway.

The connection? Both offer Stampede-goers a chance to test their luck.

In one case, gamblers may lose their money; in the other, there's the potential to lose their lunch.

A Public Health Inspection report posted online paints an unpalatable picture of food safety at last year's Stampede, suggesting those who ate at the fair in 2007 may have been gambling with a queasy gut.

It wasn't just the odd violation or two: The report, on the Calgary Health Region website, shows a whopping 97% of the food kiosks visited by local inspectors were cited for food health infractions.

The health region conducted a total of 606 inspections during the 2007 Stampede, with 589 infractions recorded.

Of those, 148 infractions were for food temperature violations and improper handling, both harbingers of harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, which can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

"Temperature is a pretty critical infraction," said Chad Beegan, the health region's co-ordinator of Environmental Health.

"If food is left out at improper temperatures, that's when pathogens can proliferate and make somebody sick."

In 119 cases, health inspectors recorded poor cleaning methods, involving dish washing and surface sanitizing.

Another 73 cases were connected to hand-washing, including lack of proper facilities, and 54 infractions were related to food storage.

The remainder of the infractions were for miscellaneous issues, with no specifics given.

The inspections, conducted by four full-time Public Health Inspectors and a team of helpers, resulted in one closure order and 16 cases of food being destroyed, after it was deemed a danger to the public.

The report sounds grim, but Stampede officials say the number of complaints from the public is actually a better reflection of how midway food is sitting with people who chose to eat there.

In 2007, only three public complaints were made to the Stampede: One for improper temperature, one for a stench near a food booth, and one for illness allegedly caused by a tainted corn dog.

Stampede spokesman Doug Fraser says three complaints out of 1.2-million visitors is an outstanding record.

"Three complaints is a better number to look at -- three complaints over 10 days is not bad," said Fraser.

But Fraser said the Stampede takes the health inspection report seriously, and is working with the Calgary Health Region to keep all food sold on the grounds safe.

"We take the safety and well-being of the public as a high priority," said Fraser.

"They could bump the number of inspections up to 1,000 and we would welcome that."

In 2006, 450 inspections were carried out and 250 infractions reportedly found.

The health region holds mandatory two-hour food safety seminars for Stampede workers each year, training nearly 1,400 people in 2007.

And this year, in a bid to reduce food-temperature infractions, the Stampede and CHR will require kiosks to fill out a temperature log, on which thermometer readings will be recorded every four hours.

"The high number of temperature infractions highlights the need for a new strategy," said Beegan.

He says the inspection report is posted as a service to Calgarians, and similar infractions can occur in restaurants throughout the city, not just at Stampede.

The important part, said Beegan, is ensuring mistakes are corrected.

"If there is any concern, our inspectors address them on site, and we work with the operators," said Beegan.

"We co-operate with them to correct the problem.

Despite his assurances of health inspectors keeping a close guard on public health, the real test is whether Beegan risks eating the midway food himself.

"Absolutely -- I can't get away from those corn dogs," he said.

So, with that in mind, which deep fried delicacy will you test your luck on?

Well, no wonder!

Earlier this month, the Calgary Sun, among others, reported that 50% of the Calgary health region are overweight, bumping Calgary to the fattest city in Canada. As I'm pondering this (about the same time that I'm seriously considering getting my certification as a fitness instructor), the rest of Calgary is gearing up for the Stampede. One of the promo pieces that came in the mail to our house listed some of the places to eat on the grounds and some of the new and unique treats for 2008. Check out this list:

• deep fried OREO
• deep fried Twinkies
• pizza on a stick
• bacon on a bun
• beignets
• deep fried coke
• taco in a bag
• hot beef sundae
• cinnamon buns
• fried dough
• Frozen chocolate bananas
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Bubble tea
• Indian taco
• calzones
• London broil
• roasted corn
• dippin' dots
• crepes
• gyros

What else can we deep fry? We've resorted to deep frying dough, for pete's sake! Dough!! And we wonder why we're getting chubbier!?

I think I'm going to go for a run!

Current Read

Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert

Prodigal Son

This past Sunday, I took the opportunity to go to Oak Park to share in their Sunday morning service. Steve spoke on the Father's love as depicted in the parable of the Prodigal son. It was one of those messages that I wish everyone could hear because it summed up the Gospel message so well. It's why I am passionate about the Kingdom. It's the Truth, the heart of the matter without all the crap that we insist on adding to it.

God is love.

End of story...and the beginning.

Go here and listen to the June 15th message OR find it on itunes. Just subscribe.

Thanks, Steve. I appreciate your words, your passion and your faith.

Coming in July...

...more change. That's right. Life is full of it. It's what keeps it exciting. It's what's been keeping me growing and changing and trusting in a God who's got it in control as I'm forced to admit over and over that I do not have it in control.

So yes, July is bringing more change for me. I have been hired by Journey to serve as Children's minister while our current minister is on maternity leave. I'm pretty excited...even though right now it still seems a little surreal. It's part time so I will continue to work for the City as an instructor and lifeguard.

My prayer is that I will be able to serve well in both capacities. I'm seeing both roles as a privilege, hopefully each making me better at the other, keeping me aware and thoughtful in both. I'm excited, too, about what I will learn and how I will be shaped by this next year.

I wonder what God has in store for me through it all.

One thing's for sure: I won't be the same when this year is done...and I'm glad.

Current Read

Lord of the Flies, William Golding

Just a little motivation for a Saturday morning

In Print

My good friend, Jo, just is now in print. You can find her writing in the summer 08 issue of Geez magazine or online here.

It's good.

I'm proud of her!

Current Read

The Bean Trees, Barbara Kingsolver

This does not look good...

...not good at all.

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of things we possess we have lost our thirst for the waters of life; Having fallen in love with life, we have ceased to dream of eternity and in our efforts to build a new earth,we have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back the horizons of our hopes; And to push us into the future in strength, courage, hope, and love.

- Sir Francis Drake

I stole this from the Close's blog...but it's pretty relevant for me right now! I really like it so I thought I'd share it...just giving credit where credit is due!

The Finals..

vs. I don't even know what to say about this. Will youth run away with it or will experience prevail? You know, some people are likening this Pittsburg team to the Oilers of '83 when they took on the Rangers in the playoffs. If that's the case, I have to go with youth but I promise you it will be a battle.

Penguins in 6!

Current Read

Eleven Minutes, Paulo Coelho

Griffin House - The Guy That Says Goodbye To You

Just found this artist today but I think I like!

Here's another one I found today....not bad, not bad.

Current Read

Dragon Rider, Cornelia Funke

Round 3

I'm only batting .500 after last round. I never claimed to be a prophet. Oh well. Let's see what I can do with round 3!

vs. This means war! I think this series is going to be a lot of fun. Here's hoping for the kid. Penguins in 7.

vs. Seriously, I couldn't think of 2 teams in the west I'd like to see play the conference final less...except maybe Calgary. Still, I'm thinking Detroit in 6.

Round 2.

vs. All I have to say is "Go, Habs, Go!" Habs in 6.

vs. I'm really hoping for a Montreal/Pittsburg Eastern Final. That said, I don't think it will be as easy as some had hoped. This one's going to 7.

vs. As much as it pains me to say it, we're looking at Detroit, folks, but I have to give the Avalanche credit after that last run. They're going to put up a fight. Detroit in 6.

vs. This one is just a no win situation for me. As an Edmonton fan, I still harbor resentment towards the Stars. I probably always will. It's tough to even think of them going any further but they rallied hard in that last series. The Sharks, however, only made it into round 2 by the skin of their teeth...which, in case you're wondering, isn't much. I'm going to go on a limb, banking on them playing even a little bit like they did in Game 7 and say Sharks in 6.

So there you have it. I don't see any of these series being quick and painless. It's the playoffs after all.

I did fairly well with my picks for last round so I thought that this time I should go ahead and post my predictions here instead of someone else's blog! Here we go....

So just in case you were wondering, no, apparently Stone Temple Pilots did not reunite in order to make their appearance in Calgary this summer when they roll into town for the Virgin music festival. This, however, is a much more plausible explanation.

A few things that make me happy...

So rather than complaining about the weather - 'cause it makes me angry - I've been trying to distract myself with things that make me happy. Here's a few that made the list, in no particular order:

• Carey Price and the Habs last night, 5-0 over Boston. Yup, that was nice. And I'm not even a Habs fan!
  
• Instructing swimming lessons. It doesn't even feel like work and yet they pay me for it! I hope the novelty doesn't wear off.
  
• Food! I've never been overly motivated by food, although I enjoy what I do eat. I eat because I know I need to but rarely do I crave...until now. Oh man, am I hungry!!
• Chocolate. This gets it's own category because it just works that good! My favorite right now is Truffle Pig Truffles by Hagensborg Chocolates. They're my newest find. So good...and they're made in Vancouver! Canadian goodness.
• Birds. I heard them singing this morning in spite of the weather. Spring IS coming...really.
• Smurfs are finally on DVD. I've been waiting forever but they're here. I bought season 1. I know, I know. I just solidly labeled myself a child of the 80's!

I know there's more!

What's making you happy lately?

Just in case you were wondering

The annual book sale of the Calgary Herald /Servants Anonymous is slated for June 6-8 & 13-15, 2008. I think they start accepting book donations from May 9-29.

It's official: I'm a geek.

I'm excited.

Current Read

Family Matters, Rohinton Mistry

Why's it winter again...why, oh, why?

And this, my friends, is spring in Calgary. Also the reason that my ice scraper has not been taken out of the car for its summer hibernation (see the 10th reason that we know it's spring).

I have to admit that I am ready for this to be over. In fact, last night, Heather and I decided this isn't just "I'm grumpy that it's snowing again" weather but downright "I'm ANGRY that it's snowing weather." I don't want anymore...I want sun and beaches and green grass and birds singing and sweat...yes, even sweat.

Just to show how extreme the weather changes have been, this chair is the chair I was sitting in last weekend when in what +20! Now look at it!




These two show you the view from my bedroom window. This is what I woke up to! Arg.

The only redemption to be found in the whole thing is that we know it will all be gone again in a couple of days. After all, this is Calgary! And that is why I enjoy living here! Because even when we have a day (or two) like this, we know that change is coming and the sun will shine!

Current Read

Animal Farm, George Orwell

Told you so...

Was there ever any doubt that this was the way it would end?

For the rest of my predictions, see my comments on John's blog.

Stuff Christians Like

Not only is this one of a multiple of posts for today, it's also the second one featuring something from or inspired by my friend Chris. He's going to love this.

This time it's a blog that he sent me - Stuff Christians Like.

It's sarcastic.

It's cynical.

It's frighteningly true.

I love it.

Check it out!

I'm pretty blessed to have several really cool little people around me and just so there's no confusion, I mean children, not the vertically challenged. Anyway, several of my friends have kids and I have the privilege of loving them to pieces.

I was thinking about something the other day when I was hanging out with the newest addition, little Ewan Maclennan.

It's amazing how much I can love someone who has done nothing but show up.

He can't do anything, let along anything for me. He can't carry on a conversation. He can't play games or drive or do the laundry or, well, do much other than just "be." In fact, at this stage, he needs from the grown ups around him just so that he can "be."

And yet we all love him like crazy.

And that thought process got me thinking. Isn't that a lot like how God loves us. We're certainly not at the level of equals with him in the sense of ability or knowledge. Our emotional intelligence and our IQ are lacking in comparison. We're needy and reliant on Him for the things we need to make it through our day to day. Give us this day, our daily bread, we cry, if we cry at all.

And yet He loves me!

More than I could ask, imagine or expect.

More than I could ever love the precious children around me.

And so I wonder if that's part of what the Scriptures mean when they tell us to come to Him like a little child...in awareness of that. Just a thought.

Hooked

It's true. I admit it. I'm hooked on Battlestar Galactica. I'm working on Season One right now but have 2 and 2.5 (yes, there's a 2.5) waiting for me. I'm loving it. The story, depth of character, action, drama. Yes, I'm loving it all!

Who knew I was such a geek?!

Don't answer that.

Spring is here...part 2.

So Chris added two more reasons indicators of spring to my last post via comments and inspired me to continue my list. Chris is the mind behind number 8 and 9. The rest are mine.

8. Tulips busting through.
9. The robins are serenading Calgary...and they've brought their friends!
10. You consider taking the snow brush/scraper out of your car but decide against it because you know you might still need it. That's spring in Calgary, my friends.
11. NHL playoffs begin.
12. Windshield washer fluid seems to evaporate you're using it so fast.
13. People start pulling boats around. I'm not sure where they're going with them but the "itch" that inspires them definitely assumes spring - and then summer - is right around the corner.
14. Kids on bikes.
15. Bigger kids on motorbikes.
16. Buds on the trees. The one outside my house has all these beautiful little green buds on the branches. I love it! That definitely makes the list.
17. Color enters people's wardrobes and adorns mall mannequins. No more solid blacks and greys.
18. Restaurants and pubs begin to open their patios...just not fast enough for me!
19. The aroma of BBQ'd dinner begins to linger in the air.
20. Gas prices go up, assuming people are driving more. Or perhaps that's just a sign of the times. Geesh!

Anyone have any others to add?

Spring is here!!

How do I know? Well, let's see. Here's just a few of the things that are gearing me up for the season:

1. The smell. It just smells like spring. There's no explaining it. It just is. You know it when you step outside and go "ah, it smells like spring."
2. Taxes are due. If you weren't on the ball to do them as soon as you got your T-4, you're scrambling to do them now. Tis the season.
3. Flip flops. Need I say more?!
4. BBQ. I don't even care what you put on it. Just the fact that you're using it means that we're turning the corner.
5. Stepping outside and NOT needing to brace yourself for the cold.
6. Even a teeny tiny bit of light as we all dash off to work at the inhumane hour of anything before 8am.
7. Light on the ride home from work.

Current Read

The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls

Oh the Irony

Let's just talk about irony for a second. On Tuesday, much to my disappointment, Calgary beat Edmonton to keep them out of the playoffs. Today, Edmonton beat Vancouver to keep Calgary in.

Sometimes life just doesn't seem quite fair.

Catching Up

I know it's been a while since I've done a real post. For any of you who might have been coming here hoping for an actual update on my life, I'm sorry you've been so continually disappointed. See, someone rather animated once shared some advice their momma gave them: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" and so for a while, I've felt like I just haven't had anything to share. Probably not true, but hey, it's my blog.

By way of explanation and update, let me share something I've been pondering for a while. Last week at music practice for Journey, Malcolm shared Psalm 42 with us. He said, in discussion after reading the Psalm, that it seems like the Psalmist goes back and forth seemingly by the minute. Praising God one minute and living in despair, wondering where God is the next. But then he clarified, wondering if maybe it's not so much back and forth but more a matter of both-and. Both so intertwined that its really living both at the same time.

I felt like he was speaking my language and finally giving me words to describe the crazy roller coaster I feel like I've been riding...and I don't even like roller coasters!! After digesting the Psalm and Malcolm's comments, I feel like I have freedom to walk this journey with both praise and petition, peace and frustration, even though, in so many ways it feels so paradoxical. I feel whole, at peace and content with who I am, more so, I think, than I have in a long, long time. I feel like there's more hope and anticipation in my life than there has been in a long, long time. I feel much more excited about what's to come...and about what is. And, as much as I've talked about being on a roller coaster, I feel much more stable. A while ago, I likened it to feeling like a tree that's roots are digging deep. The wind can blow but I feel a lot more unshakeable. At the same time, however, I feel lonely, exhausted and uncertain of my future. Anticipation mingles with fear and thankfulness with worry. I can say it is well even though there are circumstanes in my day to day that I would really like to see be different...or maybe just see different.

Last night, Malcolm continued to spur on my pondering. He asked us what our greatest joy and our greatest challenge was right now in life. How would you answer that? For me, it was a quick answer. While I think he intended it to be two separate questions, for me the answer to both is the same. Transition. This part of the journey has been both painful and exilarating. I have learned so much in the last couple months, things I couldn't have learned without the vast amounts of change I've gone through - both internal and external. I have found a sense of wholeness and healing. I've seen, and continue to see, God in his faithfulness acting in my life. I've been forced to give up control, to surrender, and have found joy in that. I am not the same as I was and that is cause for joy. Transition, however, is also my greatest challenge. It's hard. It's painful. It's stretching. Sometimes I just want a bit of stability in my life. Again, joy and challenge all mixed up in one little package...me!

And here's the catch to it all: it's about perspective! Choosing to live in the joy or in the challenge...or in both.

Still not really an update, is it!?

Here's the scoop. I'm still temping for Bowen workforce solutions. They've got me all over down town. Ironicially enough, I'm currently working at an executive recruitment agency which I described to my small group as "not terrible." That's a positive thing. Really! That said, I've been thankful for work, thankful for flexibility and thankful for the opportunities to meet new people I've had through it. I'll be thankful when it's done too. I was hired last week by the city of Calgary to teach swimming lessons and have my first hours on Tuesday afternoon. I'm pretty excited about that! I did some volunteering in January/February and really enjoyed it, not to mention that the exercise did my body good! I'm praying that it won't take too long to get a descent amount of hours, enough to live off of, so that I can give up the temping gig for good and hoping it won't be long before I can also get some lifeguarding hours. So that's work.

I'm loving not recruiting, I'll be honest. When all of my friends still in recruitment were getting ready to travel, I was realizing just how exciting it is for me to not have to go anywhere unless I want to! I REALLY miss the students though. I miss sharing in people's lives the way I did with them. I miss watching them learn and grow in "knowledge and in stature with the Lord and men" and miss being a part of that process. I've been thinking a lot lately about how that can and should be more a part of my life now. I suppose, with all of that said, one could say that it's the ability to be here that I'm enjoying, not really the not being "there."

So what is it about "here" that I'm loving so much?

I love being able to be in church consistently! I love Journey! I do, I do. I love being a part of the community and the ministry of Journey. Being a part of the music ministry has been an incredible blessing - the act of serving together in a way I love and having the opportunity to find a place I feel like I belong. I don't feel quite as lonely when I'm there! My small group is pretty special. I wish everyone had a church family like mine!

I'm still dancing as many times a week as possible. Salsa, fox trot, waltz, hustle, tango and balero are just a few I've been working on since Christmas. I wish I would have started sooner in life!!

I've been able to spend some time fostering some very special and unique friendships in a number of different circles. I love what God is doing in that area...and pray that he is using me in their lives as much as he's using them in mine!

As you may have noticed by previous posts, I'm reading up a storm! I can't seem to find enough time to read although I could read for hours on end every day if I didn't have other things to do! I'm thriving off the learning, though, even if it's young fiction writing. It's all got me thinking a lot more about going to school. Something else to figure out; what I'd want to take, where I'd want to go, how I'd afford it...

I'm still playing with my camera and capturing moments in ways that I'm pretty proud of. Weddings, prenatal pics, baby pics, portraits and special events all over the place. I've been thinking that it's probably time to start actually building a portfolio but have no idea how to start. Any ideas?!

So that's likely enough by way of update for now. I'll try to keep y'all posted as there's things to post about!

Current Read

Here, There Be Dragons, James Owen

Wrapped Around His Little Fingers Already

Ewan Allen Maclennan
Born March 21, 2008 @ 7:39 am
7lbs 6 oz

...and yes, he has me wrapped around his little fingers!

Mmmm...

So I keep telling y'all that chocolate is good for me. Here's at least one person that supports my belief!

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.
~ Helen Keller

Current Read

Peppermint-Filled Pinatas, Eric Michael Bryant

Just in case you were wondering what the Easter bunny looks like or if he really exists, check this out...


So there you have it. He, being the Easter bunny, of course, does exist and, just in case you were wondering, he weighs a whopping 22 pounds and is more than 3 feet long. He is of the aptly named "German Giant" rabbit family. According to the BBC, the rabbit's name is Herman (but we know the real story, don't we!!??) and lives with his owner, Hans Wagner, in Berlin, Germany. German Giants are domestic rabbits. They do not exist in the wild and can live as long as 12 years. The BBC says that Herman can eat a bale of hay per week.

Easter Trivia

Here's some Easter trivia for you as we head into the weekend's celebration:

The idea of Easter baskets can be dated back to the Christian tradition of taking baskets of food to church to be blessed at Easter.

Hot cross buns first pop up in print in England in 1733; the sweet, spicy yeast buns traditionally contain currants or raisins, and are marked on top by a cross (an X in the dough). They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday.

Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court passed a law limiting the consumption of hot cross buns to certain times of the year: Easter, Christmas and funerals.

Pagans used to throw a spring fertility festival in honour of Eostre, an ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess; we get the term Easter from her name.

The idea of decorating eggs for Easter has been around for a long time. In 1290, the household accounts of King Edward I recorded an expense of 18 pence for 450 gold-leafed and coloured eggs, to be given as Easter gifts.

In Greece, Easter eggs are traditionally dyed red, in remembrance of the blood shed by Jesus.

Most Easter lilies -- 95 per cent of the world market -- are grown in the U.S., along the western coast between California and Oregon. The area produces 11 million bulbs for commercial greenhouses around the world.

Why is ham often served for Easter dinner? Before the days of refrigeration, hogs were butchered every autumn, and their meat was prepared for curing, a process that generally takes six to seven months -- about the time when Easter takes place each year.

Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25.

Pysanka is a specific term used for the practice of Easter egg painting.

From the very early times, egg has been considered to be the most important symbol of rebirth.

The initial baskets of Easter were given the appearance of bird's nests.

The maiden chocolate eggs recipes were made in Europe in the nineteenth century.

Each year witnesses the making of nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies.

Next to Halloween, Easter holiday paves way for confectionary business to boom.

When it comes to eating of chocolate bunnies, it is the ears that are preferred to be eaten first by as many as 76% of people.

In the catalogue of kids' favorite Easter foodstuff, Red jellybeans occupy top most position.

The custom of giving eggs at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Gauls, Greeks and Romans, to whom the egg was a symbol of life.

In medieval times a festival of egg-throwing was held in church, during which the priest would throw a hard-boiled egg to one of the choir boys. It was then tossed from one choir boy to the next and whoever held the egg when the clock struck 12 was the winner and retained the egg.

Easter is now celebrated (in the words of the Book of Common Prayer) on the first Sunday after the full moon which happens on or after March 21, the Spring Equinox.

Easter Bonnets are a throw back to the days when the people denied themselves the pleasure of wearing fine angels for the duration of Lent.

Some Churches still keep up the old tradition of using evergreens - symbolic of eternal life - embroidered in red on white, or woven in straw, but most now prefer displays of flowers in the spring colours of green, yellow and white.

Americans celebrate Easter with a large Easter egg hunt on the White House Lawn.
The date of Passover is variable as it is dependent on the phases of the moon, and thus Easter is also a movable feast.

Each Easter season, Americans buy more than 700 million Marshmallow Peeps, shaped like chicks, as well as Marshmallow Bunnies and Marshmallow Eggs, making them the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.

Jellybeans did not become an Easter tradition until the 1930s. They were probably first made in America by Boston candy maker William Schrafft, who ran advertisements urging people to send jellybeans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War.Americans consume 16 billion jellybeans at Easter, many of them hidden in baskets. If all the Easter jellybeans were lined end to end, they would circle the globe nearly three times.

Pretzels were originally associated with Easter. The twists of a pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossed in prayer.

And most importantly...

Easter is a Christian Festival that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On the third day after Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion, now called Easter Sunday, He rose from the dead. Mourners went to His tomb to collect His body. However, He was not there and they were greeted by an angel who said:

"He is Risen".

8-4

It makes what once seemed impossible seem possible.

Roli's back.

After not seeing ice time since Feb. 1, 2008, Roli the Goalie was back this weekend...and what a return it was! Over 90 shots (total) faced in consecutive games. Talk about shell-shocked! Yikes. That's the Roli I remember. And Edmonton walks away with two wins. Beautiful.

Current Read

The Amber Spyglass, Philip Pullman

Coming Soon...

My friend, Jenn, has her own tea company, Verde Tea, and will soon have her own storefront at the new Sweetgrass Market. I'm so excited...for Jenn and for the community (since they'll have ready access to some of the best tea money can buy!!). Definitely on my highly recommended list! If you want a more specific recommendation on flavor let me know. I've got a few favorites!

Go Oil!?

No, I'm not talking about the ridiculously high price of oil although I probably could. $110/barrel!!?? What the? No, wait. Hold it. Reign it in. I choose to keep my opinions and ranting on that one to myself.

I do however need to lament about last night's game. Which game, you ask? The only game: Edmonton vs. Colorado. Yes, I know they lost. That's the point. I feel inclined to bemoan this emotional roller coaster they've got their fans on. One game we look like a winning team with a chance (weak chance but chance none the less) of playoff contention. Next game...well...let's just say we lose and leave it at that.

My friend, John, put it this way on his blog and I loved it so much I had to steal it (thanks John!):

The Oilers just won't let me grieve in peace. They keep keeping hope alive by going 6-1 in their last 7. Part of me wishes they would just throw in the towel because for them to keep this up and then finally lose and miss the playoffs by 2 pts, I just don't think I could handle it.

Seriously folks, that's the heart of an Oiler fan. Win or lose, we're there. We're mostly realistic, sometimes optimistic, always fans.

I was thinking about that last night after a discussion at my small group about hockey last night. As per usual, I was the only Oiler fan in a sea of misguided Flames fans. It may have started with me mentioning Calgary's disappointing blow of a..ahem...multi (that means 3) goal lead to lose 6-4 to the Thrashers...the Thrashers. The things is they were all surprised. Not disappointed. I would TOTALLY understand that. But surprised. Oh, dear Flames fans...yes, Calgary's got a pretty descent record. Unless they blow something big they're going to make the playoffs. Yes, I know. But they're not the team they were a couple years ago. They're not, unless something changes, going to be a cup contender because they are not consistent. They're going to lose a game or two and it's going to be to teams like Atlanta. Don't be surprised. Here's the thing: As an Edmonton fan, I know where my team stands. Just back of the playoffs. Why? Because they haven't played well consistently this season. That's why I'm not surprised when they lose because I know there are teams that are playing better. I'm disappointed, especially when they play with less then the expected energy of their youth, when passes are exceptionally lazy and penalty minutes total higher than game minutes. I hope for a win. I ALWAYS hope for a win. I hope that my team will do something miraculous and defy everything that's already happened this season. I wish for my team to make the playoffs...I really do. I know the odds aren't good but I still hope. I sympathize with John.

So here I am, an Edmonton fan, sticking with my team through good and bad, sickness and health, richer or poorer.

And proud of it.

Current Read

First, Break All the Rules, Marcus Buckingham and Curtis Coffman

My Overtime Hero

After tonight's game, it's hard to say who actually holds the place of hero in my heart; Garon or Cogliano. Perhaps even bumping Gagner who has been my hockey hero of late.

Edmonton wins in overtime again. Yes, again. That makes 3 in a row, not to mention the NHL record they're setting for most overtime wins. What's better is that it's 3 in a row that Cogliano has scored the winner. That's a record the NHL doesn't even have a category for. I love it. When you're that good, they call you Mr. Mr Overtime, in fact. Plus, he has scored the game winner in 4 of the last 5 games that Edmonton has won. Then there's Garon. The guy is unbeatable in overtime.

Now, I know it would be better not to go to overtime but when your overtime record is as surprising as Edmonton's this season and you need the wins like Edmonton does, let's just say that I'll take 'em and savor every one!

Mac Book Air, Where Art Thou?

Tee hee.

New Music?

Does anyone know of a good website that lists what music is releasing when? ITunes is good for finding out what has come out but I'm wondering if anyone has any other good resources for finding out about both mainstream and indie upcoming albums. Anyone?

Coming on May 22...

I can't wait!!!

Jim Breuer - Alcohol

Once

"Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Market Iglova

After recommendations from friends like Shelly and Steve, I rented Once, an Irish independent film which apparently took only 17 days to film. It's a beautiful film with a fantastic soundtrack. I loved that it wasn't flashy Hollywood production or made up actors and actresses. It was simple, earthy, real people sharing a seemingly effortless story of friendship, music and chasing dreams. It was engaging and heartfelt and refreshing. Consider this my stamp of approval!

Current Read

The Chrysalids, John Wyndham

So I was on the train on my way home yesterday when something a little bit odd happened. We got to the second last stop on the line and stopped. I know, odd. Oh, of only sarcasm carried through blog posts. Anyway, we sat for a minute or two longer than normal and then the driver got off, looking slightly flustered, and ran across the tracks to the other side of the platform. All of us on the train were left feeling slightly unsure of how we were getting home. As I watched, a train came from the other direction and our driver proceeded to get on that train. It took several long minutes of waiting before a driver came off that train to ours to take his place. Here's the best part of it. We got to my stop, the last stop on the line, and the new driver announced that the train was now out of service and got off the train.

I just found it all a little bit weird.

And that, my friends, is the beauty of public transit.

Good news!

After years of hard work and prayers on the part of many, many people, it's good to get the news that this process is complete and ABC has been granted accredited status with the Association of Biblical Higher Education. I know that my years of work at the College helped in this process and feel a shared sense of relief and accomplishment at the news. My prayer is that this will only prove to further the Kingdom impact of the College and that the staff will be able to find a much deserved reprieve from the "extra" that has been expected of them to make this possible.

Current Read

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

Mac or PC?

I never thought that I'd be one of "those" mac users. You know the ones. Whatever a PC can do, Mac can do better and then some. It never fails, is easier to use and is frighteningly easy to use and seems so intuitive that one might be tempted to call it smart. Yes, I'm becoming one of those.

Then I read this article in the Calgary Herald this morning. Hmmmm...

Current Read

The Subtle Knife, Philip Pullman

So much for the home team.

It doesn't seem to matter how bad a day was or how good a day was, a 5-0 Edmonton victory, especially when it's against the Flames, can only make it better! Yes, this was definitely a bright spot for me! Doesn't matter whether or not I'm starting to finally call Calgary home, they will never truly be my home team.

I think the only thing dampening the moment was the announcement that Horcoff is out for the rest of the season. I'm thinking that any dreams of the playoffs are only nightmares now. Is it wrong to pray for miracles regarding the NHL? I know it's not on the same level as world peace and an end to poverty. Ah well, today I revel in the smell of victory!

What if...

what if Jesus of Nazareth was right - more right, and in different ways, than we have ever realized? What if Jesus had a message that truly could change the world, but we're prone to miss the point of it?

What if we have developed a religion that makes reverent and honoring statements about Jesus but doesn't teach what Jesus taught in the manner he taught it?

what if many have carried on a religion that faithfully celebrates Jesus in ritual and art, teaches about Jesus in sermons and books, sings about Jesus in songs and hymns, and theorizes about Jesus in seminaries and classrooms...but somewhere along the way missed the rich and radical treasures hidden in the essential meaning of Jesus?

What if Jesus' secret message reveals a secret plan? What if he didn't come to start a new religion - but rather came to start a political, social, religious, artistic, economic, intellectual and spiritual revolution that would give birth to a new world?

What if his secret message had practical implications for such issues as how you live your daily life, how you earn and spend money, how you treat people of other races and religions, and how the nations of the world conduct their foreign policy? What if his message directly or indirectly addressed issues like advertising, environmentalism, terrorism, economics, sexuality, marriage, parenting, the quest for happiness and peace, and racial reconciliation?

What if the message of Jesus was good news - not just for Christians but also for Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, New Agers, agnostics and atheists? And what if the message of Jesus contained warnings - for Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, New Agers, agnostics, atheist - and for Christians too?

What difference could it make in the lives of individuals, in their families and neighbourhoods and circles of friends, and in the world at large?

These are just a few of the questions that Brian McLaren ponders in the beginning of "The Secret Message of Jesus," questions that I've been pondering for months now, wondering how to truly live a life that reflects the message of Jesus, unencumbered by the "stuff" of religion that is neither required or recommended by the man who was Jesus, the Son of God.

Current Read

The Secret Message of Jesus, Brian McLaren

Current Read

Deception Point, Dan Brown

Has anyone noticed the change in reading pattern? I have. I've slipped from my fiction/non-fiction alternation. It's weird. Kindof like all my mind can handle is fluff. I never considered myself an escapist until now. That's what I'm doing. Not learning. Not aspiring to greatness. Just escaping into the realms of fiction and enjoying the stories of someone else's imagination. It's fun, really. It's not like I'm not living in the learning curve anyway, stretched in all kinds of directions. And I'll be back. I've got some really exciting non-fiction waiting. I'll get there.

This is an actual roadsign from South Carolina. Seems appropriate after last week's primary results.

"What I believe is so magnificent, so glorious, that it is beyond finite comprehension. To believe that the universe was created by a purposeful, benign Creator is one thing. To believe that this Creator took on human vesture, accepted death and mortality, was tempted, betrayed, broken, and all for love of us, defies reason. It is so wild that it terrifies some Christians who try to dogmatize their fear by lashing out at other Christians, because tidy Christianity with all answers given is easier than one which reaches out to the wild wonder of God's love, a love we don't even have to earn."

Madeline L'Engle

This story just keeps getting better and better...love it!

Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he's been robbed. The fact is that most putts don't drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old time journey...delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.

Gordon B. Hinckley

It's Cold Outside

I'll be the first to admit that I hate the cold. I'm convinced that when God made me, He intended me to be living in a warmer climate. Seriously, I just don't have the body "stuff" for this weather. It doesn't seem to matter how many layers, I'm still cold. I'm not even embarassed, as someone who grew up without the blessing of Southern Alberta's chinooks, to admit it. It's just cold.

Today I woke up to -35 degrees or something silly like that. Windchill has it somewhere below -45. I was up early so that I could be downtown for work at 7:30. At the train station by 6:30 only to find that, because of the cold (apparently), the whole city was slowed down. Three trains sitting at my station going nowhere. Lots of cold people all wondering what's going on. The platform is filling fast. Finally, after 25 minutes of just plain cold, a train arrives and we all pile in...we literally pile in. I've seen cattle cars. This was worse. And it was a slow go downtown. A really slow go.

Now, I wanted to complain. Really, I did...I still do. But with each station we passed on the way to downtown and each time the doors opened and a bunch of cold people were left behind on that platform, I had to be thankful that I was inside the train and on my way. I watched the people outside as we approached the downtown core, some already at their spot panhandling, and couldn't help but wonder how, on such a cold day, they could still be out there, sitting on the cold concrete. I thought about how many people in Calgary spent the night last night outside while I was warm. I thought of how few of them had the luxury of a nice warm shower to start their day like I did. I thought of how they were going to spend their day compared to mine. The office is warm and I have a coffee in front of me to warm me from the inside out.

My greeting as I answer the phone at the office I'm temping at this week goes something like this: "It's a great day at Bowen, this is Stacey speaking." Today I mean it.

Current Read

The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman