I know that I grew up here so I should really be tired of the snow but today was beautiful. Everything was white and the temperature was mild - it was magical. I love days like today and I take delight in a white Christmas. I love this season and I cannot wait until I get to go to my parent's house and I get to be taken care of for 5 days, be with family, eat too much and open a new pair of pajamas on Christmas eve.
We had a Christmas party for our clients this past Thursday and it was a riot. I brought the came Guesstures and it was FUNNY. It was great watching everyone play charades and to just hangout. I love my job for stuff like that. I asked everyone to share what the best Christmas gift they ever got was and it was great because everyone had an answer. They all shared about something they were given when they were a kid and then we gave away some pretty wacky handmade slippers and I almost had eggnog come out of my nose. So all and all a pretty good time.
This weekend I get to be lazy and that makes me happy. I got to sew and bake - two of my favorite things and I am about to go to bed another favorite. Happy Saturday everyone and Merry Christmas.

Life is precious

I was reminded on Saturday of life's delicate balance. I received two phone calls in the morning about 15 minutes apart. The first was informing me that one of my clients had died the night before. He had lived a hard life but still his death was sudden and unexpected. I was shocked and thought to myself "what could I have done?" but the soft voice in my head spoke to me saying "you could not have changed anything." Shortly following that call I received another from a good friend of mine informing me that she had had her baby. I was thrilled and so excited for her but my heart did not know what to feel. There I stood suspended between sorrow and celebration and somehow I felt both at the same time. It is amazing how complex we are as humans. In that moment God felt very close to me. We are breath - the bible tells us our lives are like dust. Even though I could not help but feel insignificant in that moment, knowing He was present I felt valued. He is infinite and He knows me.

The war is over

Well something must have worked because today it was just as if nothing had happened. They are ignoring each other - no more fights. Peace. I got hugs today from both of them. This is why I do what I do.

Play nice

I have a job that I love. Sometimes it drives me crazy but for the most part I am happy to be there and think I am good at what I do. Today was one of those days when I shake my head and say to myself "I can't believe this is what I do." I have two clients right now who are having trouble cohabiting. One is very paranoid and is convinced the other is stealing from him. The accused has a quick temper and is threatening to punch the accuser out. My day mainly consisted of listening to them fight, separating them, listening to each of them complain about the other, restating rules and establishing boundaries, negotiating compromise, consoling as many tears were shed, counselling sessions when one of them claimed he was triggered to start "using" again...sigh. I know all you parents out there are probably use to these shenanigans but I tell you it is hard work being the mediator - why can't they just play nice? So I am hoping when I arrive at work tomorrow morning they will both still be in one piece and I will not have to deal with any more drama. Honestly, I never thought this was were I would end up - would I change it? No.

I went to Peru a month and a half ago. It was an incredible trip yet oddly enough it seems so far away and so long ago. Peru is another world and one so different from the world I live in. Everything there seems so backwards to home. In Canada we have so many rules, we move really fast and we have everything we need and could ever want.
I had never thought about going to Peru before and it was not one of those places I knew I wanted to visit. One night I woke up after an intense dream and in my half wake and half sleep state God took the opportunity to speak to my heart and tell me "I'm inviting you to Peru." So 6 months later I was on a boat in the amazon providing medical care to people who have no access to health care. It was truly incredible. The children were beautiful and the people were strong and lived simple lives with absolutely nothing but for the most part seemed pretty happy. It was not an easy trip but I was so thankful that I was obedient. I think of all the missed opportunities that God has presented to me. I encourage you to always keep you heart and ears open. It may turn out to be a trip of a lifetime.

Hello Again

Well hi there blog I am sorry I forgot you existed. I know you think I had given up on you but I am still here. I haven't been reading blogs lately except for cake wrecks of course.
Life is good. I have lived in my new home for one year and loving it. It is so nice living near work, having a yard and friends all around. Last weekend was our 7th Annual Airband Party and it was great getting to host it in our house. We have a huge living room that makes for a great dance floor. I did air guitar yet again and honestly I don't know what comes over me when I air guitar. I am never quite sure what I am going to do but it happens, I feel a little sheepish after, the next day have a sore neck but I love it. It is fun to pretend to be someone else for a little while. I do have a performer inside of me that occasional enjoys being the center of attention. I value people thinking I am funny. I was having a conversation today with a couple of friends and was remembering how a crush I had on someone ended when I realized that he didn't think I was funny.
I am turning 30 tomorrow. I am not thrilled to be leaving my 20s but I have had time to adjust and I have decided to embrace it. I am happy with the place I am at in my life. Thrilled to be past many of my insecurities and now comfortable in my own skin. My life looks a little different then I had imagined when I was younger but I am so grateful that God knew me better than I knew myself. I wouldn't trade where I am at right now for anything. It is a good place to be.
So there it is. Not sure if anyone out there still checks my blog. Don't worry I won't be offended if you don't. Goodnight.

Full time blues

So I went on vacation recently and it was great. I haven't gone away - besides Vermilion or Sexsmith - for a couple of years and I was excited to have a break. My sister and I went to the west coast and it was awesome. I love Vancouver island - if I were to live anywhere else it would be there.
I got back on Tuesday and Wednesday morning I was back at work. I worked three days and then took Monday off. I miss working part-time so much. I really do enjoy my job and I don't regret taking full-time but I don't know why we need to work full-time. Many people do like it and it is almost seen as shameful if you don't work full-time. When I used to work part-time I would get a lot of raised eyebrows and I remember my uncle asking me once why I did that and asked if I was having a hard time finding work. No uncle I just prefer it. I was part time for a year and a half and I loved it - I eventually got over worrying about what other people thought of me and I embraced my life, my freedom, my ability to do things of my choosing. It was great and I think that if I am in the place in my life again where I have the opportunity to work less I will definatly take it.
So I respect all of you who are able to manage full-time jobs and families and everything that life might throw at you. I don't know how you do it but my hat is off to you.

Things I Love

Okay focusing on the good. Here are things that I love.

10. Fridays
9. Chocolate
8. Sunshine
7. When my clients make good choices
6. The Office
5. Living in community
4. The cute faces my niece makes and everything else about her
3. My peeps
2. My family
1. J.C.

Spring is here early

It is beautiful outside. The sun is shining and I am back wearing my spring jacket. How I wish that winter could be over already. I try not to complain too much about winter because I find the summer heat unbearable and I save up my whining for then. But this weather I love - this I can handle. I know I am blogging about the weather and that is boring but I just had to mention how awesome it is.
Come to an open house this Saturday at our new digs! Open house 2-6pm, dance party 8pm. I sure hope I can get my place organized before then.

Long time no see

Okay so it has been two months since my last post - I told you I wasn't very good at this right? I feel like I am getting my life back. For a few months I was feeling out of control. I was stressed, probably unnecessarily so, but I tell you buying a house is stressful. Moving is stressful. So now I am in my new home and really enjoying it. We have had our share of problems since move in day but I am trying not to let if phase me. I really didn't like my life for those few months ever since the day I hit that deer and I don't want to let myself become consumed like that.

So please forgive me friends if I have ignored you as of late. I have missed you all along with my sanity. Sorry God once again for not seeking you in the times when I know I need you most. I have been returning to the things I like lately - friends, God, books, sewing, watching tv with my sister - it is great because it is like when their is this food you really like, you know the dish you get at a restaurant that you loved, then you go back and order it again one day and it is even better than you remember. This sense of relief feels pretty great too. My condo still is on the market and each day seems grimmer in that department but honestly not even that is killing my buzz right now. I am full, I am satisfied, I missed my life.