this Joy's life

if that's what your into

2007-10-01T20:52:00.000-04:00

two dudes from new zealand, jermaine and brett, who formed the band the "flight of the conchords" .. watch the show if you get the chance.

I like a doooo a cha cha!!!

2007-09-14T14:15:00.000-04:00

I doooo!

tears in heaven

2007-04-30T14:07:00.001-04:00

A dear, and beautiful soul left this world last night. Adam Mermuys was everything a person should be. Thoughtful, spiritual, kind, intellectual, hilarious, and downright wonderful to be around. His presence always brightened your day.

Words fall flat where emotions run high. There are no words to express what he meant to us, how much the world will miss him.

times like these

2007-02-14T02:24:00.000-05:00

Well. This was me playing around with my camera during the holidays. People tell me I am obsessed with self portraits. This one, I was experimenting. Which, I guess, you could say is what I am doing out in Calgary. It has been my first true step out in to the real world on my own. Yes, I have been away from home before, but there was always a sense that I was being sheltered before. This time, I came out with Matt and am living with my sister and a friend. I have a job at a lovely Italian eatery named Buon Giorno's. Some may say I should leave all the details out, but then that would lessen my chances of having a stalker! Where is the fun in that?!
Calgary is beautiful, and surprising in many ways. But as I have stated on the ever-famous facebook, I don't believe it could be my home. I thought that with all the opportunities here that it would be easy to make a life in the city. It is not that things aren't nice here or are even terribly hard. Just different than I had been expecting. I am going to be here for a while no matter what. Matt ended up going to the oil fields, but my job isn't bad so far. I intend on making the best of my time in the west. I have good friends here and visitors coming and going, that would be hard not to enjoy!

how's it gonna be

2006-12-28T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have had quite the time keeping up with this blog for a while. I know that it began as something to keep in touch with people, let them know what's up with me. However, I've been feeling private about my feelings. It's not because there is anything wrong, moreso it may be that things are fabulous right now and I don't want to make a big deal of it or jinx anything. You could say I am mildly superstitious. Knock on wood, LOL.

If anyone out there is wondering, I am finally a university graduate. Grad pics have yet to be taken, but that is a minor detail for now. The big thing on my plate for the holidays is recovering from having my wisdom teeth out. Once I am feeling 100% again, I will be planning and packing for the big move west. I am going with the flow of the nation right now to Calgary where hopefully many opportunities await. I can't wait.

As for home, Julie and Shaun just got here today. We watched Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation - a must. And mostly the holidays have treated me well. Lots of family, friends, laughs, and fun(check facebook.com for the pics). This is my favorite time of year after all. What I would change if I could is that I am missing loved ones so much. If I haven't already, I want to wish you all the warmest wishes for the season, and lots and lots of love.

be your own girl

2006-12-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

I just got a really great compliment. I passed Ed MacDonald's office just now, and he stopped me to say that, although he hasn't yet read the letter from the Guardian the other day, a few people had asked him about it and said that it was good. Now, I love writing, but I don't often think it is that grand. However, just to hear him say that people thought it was well done is so exciting for me!

Of course, I owe it all to Ed for allowing me to take his class this semester. The artifactory was also a unique and fabulous opportunity. I knew from the start that if I got in to Applied History, it would make a great impact on me. It has, and I am thankful.

talking 'bout my generation

2006-11-14T19:40:00.000-05:00

Girl talk. I used to have a lot of guy friends. Men are great, and funny and easygoing. But nothing can beat girl talk. I was just talking to LA and Jill on msn, with the three of us in one conversation. I miss them so much, and we have so much to talk about and laugh about. And catch up on. LA is in Toronto. Busy little beaver she is, and smart too. She is going to be one hell of a nurse when she is finished. And Jill is just getting settled out in Calgary. And I am sitting in the library computer lab, not doing my school work. There is plenty to get done. The history minute for my class will be exciting to finish. We are on to the editing part already. When it's all said and done, I will be a graduate of UPEI. I can't wait.

That is my update for now. I know it's not much. There will be more to come during the holidays I am sure.

deeper than beauty

2006-09-27T13:27:00.000-04:00

If coolness can rub off on a person, then I think that must be why today I feel so cool. Not only did Jill win tickets from K-Rock to see Sloan at the Wave last night, but after the show was over, I was bold (read: tipsy) enough to head over to the lead singer when I saw him standing in the crowd. Of course we were polite and witty as Jill and I always are, and so a band member invited us back to the tour bus for a little after party.
Alright. I know what you are all thinking. Rock stars + bus = trouble. But we headed out there anyway, cause honestly, how many times are you invited on a tour bus?! And it was a great time. Not only did we get to see what goes on after the show for the band, I got to dance with the lead singer Chris Murphy (he led) who sang along to the music as we did. Then we had fun singing to Abba of all things while dancing in a circle gazing up at ourselves in the ceiling mirror.
The thing that makes this all truly surreal is that the guys were very nice and down to earth. Of course there were the jokes about having 2 sisters on the bus, but we also talked about Napoleon Dynamite, Chris' dad's hip surgery and home (if you didn't know, Chris was born on the Island but grew up in Nova Scotia). I couldn't have imagined we would have such a great time, but we definitely did.

yellow

2006-09-07T19:25:00.000-04:00

It seems that I haven't written in a very long time. That is not unusual. I cannot seem to, as my grade 7 teacher Mr. Campbell would say, wrap my head around writing here right now. I could go on about our crazy summer antics and how much fun it was. Because it was.
I would rather focus on the here and now, and on what is to come. That is not usually the case with me, but for the moment, it is my state of mind. Perhaps it is the fact that school began yesterday. My last semester at UPEI. Maybe forever. Or it could be that I talked to my friend Lara about how exciting and great living in Calgary is, and hopefully will be, for me in only a few short months. Also, it could be my denial that anything has truly changed. I did see Leigh-Ann today by webcam afterall. Two hours isn't that far really, right?! And I will see her again for real in less than a month.
Nevertheless, I know I will miss the beach, my friends who have left, and the laughs. But there will be more and I don't want to miss them by looking back. Besides, it is 2003.. I mean 2006 and I am getting with the times finally by getting a cell phone. Change is not so bad it seems.

This picture by the way, is one that I found on a cool website called explodingdog.com. I don't know too much about it, but the drawings are pretty neat and insightful.

don't you know that it's a fool who plays it cool

2006-07-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

I'm baaack. I didn't have much to say for a while. My blogging tends to go in spurts. But I was having so much fun that I just didn't have the time, folks. And that's the way I like it.

Canada Day was a ball. I was off in the evening for the first time in years and I actually got to enjoy the Festival of Lights fireworks from the park. Interesting. The show may not have been too spectacular, but the company was great. Same goes for the concerts. I had great company who, despite my pleas, put me up on their shoulders for as long as I would let them. Thanks guys. It really was a great view. I just didn't want to be knocked down by any stray crowd surfers. The show Friday night (the only one I attended) was fabulous. Sam Roberts blew me away again. No sip from his drink this time, but his set and the song he played with Matt Mays was awesome. The Hip also put on a great show, leaving Gord with sweat dripping off of him by the end of it. What a performance.

And then there were the bars. I didn't drink the whole weekend because I was on meds for my throat. Well,I did have a sip or two of Laura's purple Rev on Canada Day, but only because I had to toast Melissa having her baby!! Jacob is beautiful and perfect as expected. EEE! Despite my sobriety I, and I believe everyone else had a great time.

And ever since then, I have been feeling high. A few trips to the beach, a bad burn, some camping, even an adventure out on the random back roads of PEI have kept me in awe of the beauty in my life. I can smell the rose, and it's mighty fine.

until tomorrow the whole world is my home

2006-06-10T02:54:00.000-04:00

First thing is first. I want to send a shout-out to my bro across the water who doesn't think that either Jill or I update nearly often enough. I hate to disappoint my audience. Ha. Hope you are doing alright without the wife. No surfing.. or just be really, really careful.

What I wouldn't give to be surfing right now. That is, if I knew how. I feel restless and impatient with my life right now. That is definitely not my usual summer attitude. I love summer. Perhaps it is the knowledge that soon I will be finished University and finally have the chance to explore the world around me. I know there are high's and low's whether you are living here at home or in a place you consider to be paradise. I know that in many ways this is my paradise, but at the same time, in many ways it is not.

I am befuddled. And entertained by that word... Okay.. I am writing this now when I am drinking. Much fun. Sitting around with friends, laughing about summers past. I was feeling down the other day, but summer is finally bringing its good cheer my way. Oh yeah, and I'm listening to stories while I write this. Matt just said him and Corinne are like siamese twins - since they are joined at the heart. Aww.

This was my most random post yet, but I hope ya'll enjoy it to the max! Here are some random pictures as well for your viewing pleasure:

bleeding hearts

jasper.. stretching in the sunlight

sunrise

tim and i .. funny faces

i don't wanna change your world, i only wanna stop pretending

2006-05-21T16:54:00.000-04:00

Summer is officially begun it seems. I went out Wednesday to say goodbye to a cute foriegn guy. I love foreigners. Maybe it is because I grew up not knowing a word my grandfather said with his flemish accent, but I love trying to piece together a conversation. It is one of the rare times I am very patient as well, since I know that I would not be capable of speaking many of their languages and they are brave enough to try mine. And succeed.

One of my favorite stories is with my friend Genevieve. We were sitting out on the veranda one day playing cards. She was the asshole (that's the name of the game!) yet again and I mentioned how everyone shuffles the deck differently. Didn't I get the strangest look! She was slightly confused as to how someone could possibly shuffle the deck of a house, not knowing of course that the word has multiple meanings and one of them was a deck of cards!

So, just the other night I am innocently dancing with this cute foriegn guy and I notice that the song lyrics sound spanish. I ponder aloud, as I usually do, what it could possibly mean. Only when I hear his response of "I just like to dance" do I realize that he mistook what I said for a questioning of something between us! I almost fell over laughing. Then I kissed him on both cheeks. Ah, the fun. How lucky we are that laughter is universal!

it's too late to say goodbye

2006-05-08T19:07:00.000-04:00

I just got home from school. I am back at UPEI for a summer session. So far the course is great. I love anything that explains or questions the oddities of life and behavior. Social Psychology does that, and I'm looking forward to a busy semester.

I don't believe I am subtle in many ways, but in case people didn't get the idea yet, I like to pick song lyrics as my titles. It tends to act like an outline for what I am thinking on writing. Well. As I said, I just got home, and I found a letter from my sister sitting on the table. Inside was the most beautiful note from the most beautiful person. Crying is a trend at the moment. Last night's Grey's Anatomy didn't help. These are not unhappy tears however, and I cried happy tears over this note too. We all have moments with people where words are not necessary. I have quite a few of those times with my roommate and sisters and friends. But as my sister did, I want to put into words how I feel at this moment.

I want to state to all I know who read this, that no matter how much we have shared, or how much time has passed since we have spoken or seen eachother, understand that I am glad and lucky to know you. You are all so beautiful and unique. So, before it could ever be too late, know that I love you all. Thank you Julie. I have needed an excuse to write for a while ;)

Hehe. I suppose I sound genuinely depressed! But truly I'm not. Jill and I went for coffee and a walk around town today, she cracks me up! Julie's note made my day and she is headed for sunny California to see her new niece. Jennifer I miss dearly, but I know she is starting to feel better over there in Biscarrose and may even come home sometime this summer! The only disappointment I have had lately is that I am not yet able to acquire beautiful artwork. The Pilar-Shepherd gallery had a painting that caught my eye. Only $2000 for it. Oh well. That gives me time to develop my taste.. since I have none according to my snobbish family (joke!), but really..

Hope you enjoyed my update. I'm going to go talk about skipping rope and soccer-baseball now. We are planning summer activities. Sweet!

tragedy

2006-04-11T01:04:00.000-04:00

"for tragedy and joy, equally annoy, they need what the other has done, neither being anything without the other one"

In a forwarded email recently it said to google your own name with the word 'needs' after it. I found a poem:

~ Joy Needs Tragedy ~

From the moment of conception
In your mothers womb
The only speed you have known
Is Earth's constant zoom

But almost anything constant
Becomes numb to the spine
And that is why there is no sensation
Of Earths speed which is incredibly high

If we could brake Earths speed
Like a braking car
Then for the first time in our lives
We could feel where we really are

And things on your kitchen table
Would slide to fall on the floor
Just as on your dashboard
Your braking car puts them on the floor

So equally well
I say unto thee
Joy occasionally requires tragedy
So that joy may be all the joy it needs to be

unwritten

2006-03-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

"Scars are little reminders for us that the past was real"

For as long as I can remember, which isn't very long (ha!) I have been a reflective person. I love looking back on what I was thinking, doing, or feeling at a certain point in my life. This means dusting off old diaries, pondering my pictures, and more recently rereading the blog I have kept for a year and a half. I guess you could say I facsinate myself.. okay that is another joke, but seriously. I have been home for a year now, and I think I am doing well (clearly it's all about me today), I am back at school, I am meeting new people, and tending to push myself in a more positive direction. So while I still reflect, I am curious whether this is a help or a hinderance. I get stuck in ruts sometimes thinking about the past, but more and more I think that to acknowlege it makes me more authentic now. This involves everything, the good, the bad, the ugly, the funny, the sad... a balance you could say. Then, as I acknowledge and remember, I may also forget. I can let it go and hope that I have learned from it in some way and enjoyed it.

This is not to say however, that I will ever let go of the past completely. The things that mean the most to me will always remain close.

Right now I am looking forward to more coffee breaks, the strike giving me time to get my work done, friends, family and laughter. Oh, and spring weather.

monkey wrench

2006-03-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

Beware the Ides of March! They may make you feel restless, and that is definitely how I am feeling it right now. I have had a lot of fun in the past week, I met Sam Roberts at an after party (his autograph says 'love always sister'!) and I had a great time at Tim's potluck on Saturday. However, all this excitement has only left me with thoughts of summer. Now I can hardly focus on writing this post and making it worth while, much less with my school work. So I shall keep this one short and sweet. Perhaps next time I will be done with my work and able to write about all of the green beer I consumed! Hep hep.

live like you were dying

2006-03-05T16:10:00.001-05:00

That is about the millionth time I have left my student ID in the copy machine. I am lucky there are usually people around me who have their head on straight and get it back to me.

On to more important things.

I was priviliged today to celebrate my step-grandfather's birthday. Mom told me that the first time she met George was when he brought Granny to the hospital after I was born. That is just about 25 years ago, and yet everyone in my family knows him as George, not Grampy or such. However, this is just an exception in name. I love him dearly and is the only grandfather I've known on that side. What makes this day interesting is not just the fact that George is 90 years old, but that he is so young at heart at his age. He talks about the war and his experiences, like almost being run over by a tank, and it is absolutely astounding that he is still here. But he is, and he is as vibrant as ever.

Since my great-grandmother lived to be 100, I once believed that I too would live to that age. Now, I just hope to live life well no matter what age I am. My inspiration is George. Okay... and Tim McGraw. I love that song and I am moved each time I hear it to try my damndest to really live every moment. That way I don't need to live to 100, a full life isn't lived in numbers.

she was looking to the sky

2006-02-23T21:06:00.000-05:00

Such an ordinary day today, yet many exciting things happened. My day started by an early phone call from mom to make sure I was up and ready, I then picked up Jill to take her to catch the shuttle to Halifax airport. She is off to France.... my thoughts go off dreamily even saying the word. So exciting and fun.

Also, Canada is doing so well in the Olympics We have a record high of 19 medals! I love anything that extends Canada's great repertoire.

The ECMA's started tonight. I could see the lights flashing down by the Delta hotel and there were numerous people out in the street. I am not going to the activities tonight, but I am hoping to catch at least some of the acts this weekend. Maybe I will get another sip from Julian's rum and coke, teehee.

And finally, I was linked today to a new friends blog, Nancy. It made my day, and I am happy to reciprocate. I find it ironic that I spoke to Tim just today about how disheartening it can sometimes be to blog, and here I am giddy about a new link... Thank you.

if i had a rocket launcher

2006-02-20T13:51:00.000-05:00

Because I have been feeling a bit down lately, I thought I would focus on things that I love instead, in no order:

warm weather
surprises
smiles
friendly glances
running and walking
my beautiful sisters
silly games
friends
hugs and kisses
laughing
unexpected kindness
great conversation
meeting new people
catching up
letters
partying
sarcasm
honesty
klutziness
music
poems and books
pictures
my camera
sentimental pieces
laughter
quotes
writing
trying new things
physical work
grey's anatomy
good movies
christmas
travelling
food
aha moments
my mom and dad
when technology works
learning
oprah
understanding
imagination
old loves
freedom
hope

amish paradise

2006-02-09T10:09:00.000-05:00

This week has been just aweful when it comes to me and technology. I am trying my best, but even my toaster has a mind of its own.

I am writing in anticipation of my very first Mermuys family sausage-making day! It has been a tradition in the family for many years and now is my chance, I am home and willing, to go pick at some pig guts and make them into something delicious. I am hoping with my previous experience in the slaughterhouse in Alberta, and the market in SA (with pig head and feet on display for sale...) that I won't be grossed out by the whole process. Mom's sausage's are the best in the world and I do not want to jeopardize that.

Speaking of being turned off a food. Jill and I were discussing eggs the other day at lunch and she mentioned that she only liked them occasionally. I do like them now, but in elementary school when Mr. Campbell did an experiment to teach us about chick's... it went wrong and we ended up throwing the bad eggs at a tree in the back of the school yard. I could not eat eggs for a couple of years after that. Hopefully I am not going to react to this in the same way. I think I will get over it pretty well. Besides, it's all about the family experience anyway.

everymorning

2006-01-29T01:32:00.000-05:00

I wrote this while intoxicated last night, you might be able to tell....

I have not posted while drunk until now. Laura and I just got home from Myron's. It was quite a time... My 'e' button does not work very well on this laptop.... We hung out at our new place for a while, our new neighbor came up to test the noise level of each of our stereos, which is awesome. Since he can hardly hear a thing, we can turn it up loud now, and enjoy our new home to the fullest.

I am still in the process of reading James Frey's book "A Million Little Pieces" which seems to be describing the state of his career for now. I am discouraged and may not end up reading the rest of it, espescially since I know what happens is not true, but I may try yet. I should be getting to bed, so goodnight everyone. Sleep tight.

sister golden hair

2006-01-23T15:34:00.000-05:00

Alphabet:
A is for age: 24
B is for Booze: spiced rum and coke, no ice
C is for Career: world traveller
D is for Dad's Name:? David
E is for Essential items to bring to a party: friends, music, alcohol
F is for Favorite song at the moment: talk, coldplay
H is for Hometown:? roseneath, pei.
I is for Instruments you play: none, but i was in a choir once
K is for Kids: eventually
L is for Living arrangements: moving to king street in a week with Laura
M is for Mom's name: Eliane - no it's not spelled wrong
N is for Name of your future children: don't know yet
O is for Overnight hospital stays:? when i was younger maybe
P is for phobia(s): i have no true phobias, just scared of spiders and of being alone the rest of my life. nothing serious
Q is for Quotes you like:? i have so many... "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." and "When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity." - Albert Einstein
R is for Relationship that lasted the longest: Breck. how many years??
S is for Siblings: Julie, Jennifer, & Jill
T is for Time you wake up: depends on when i have class
U is for Unique trait: i can wiggle my ears
V is for Vegetable you love: carrots right out of the garden
W is for Worst trait: i have a poor memory
X is for X-rays: chest once, to see if i had a heart...problem, ha
Y is for yummy food you make: not sure
Z is for zodiac sign: pisces

Firsts:
Job: sorting newspapers
First funeral: grandpa's, we were young and had fun with the cousins
First pet: our cat mitzi
First piercing: my ears as a baby
First tattoo: not gonna happen
First credit card: visa from scotiabank last year
First kiss: jack webster, on the cheek!

Lasts:
Last car ride: from voting at the nursing home to upei
Last kiss: on the cheek
Last movie watched: erin brockovich
Last phone call: mom
Last time showered: this morning
Last CD played:? my mix from Breck, oldies but goodies
Website visited: overheardinnewyork.com

Now:
Single or Taken: single
Birthday: march 9, 1981
Hair color: dark blonde
Shoe size:? 7
Height:? 5'4"

Right Now:
Wearing : jeans and black shirt
Drinking: water
Thinking about: getting some school work done

you can call me al

2006-01-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

Last night Crystal, Noel and I went to the Old Dublin to see Alberto and Kristen before they head off to Spain. We had so much fun sitting around, watching uncle Jean on the dance floor (he said he could not say no to a lady asking him to dance!), and talking to eachother. We even met a bunch of other great people at the bar and one guy turned out to be from Argentina. He and Alberto spent the rest of the night bantering back and forth in their native tongue, and I am so proud of Kristen already for how well she is speaking Spanish.
It was a great night and you can tell the cute couple are so in love and will enjoy themselves wherever they are. I cannot wait to go and visit them and Jennifer over in Europe! Eeeee.

One

2006-01-11T14:45:00.000-05:00

I know I should make a seperate page for this, but for now it is all I feel like posting. My favorite song ever:

Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same
Will it make it easier on you now
You got someone to blame
You say...

One love
One life
When it's one need
In the night
One love
We get to share it
Leaves you baby if you
Don't care for it

Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
Well it's...

Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We're one, but we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other
One...

Have you come here for forgiveness
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head

Did I ask too much
More than a lot
You gave me nothing
Now it's all I got
We're one
But we're not the same
Well we
Hurt each other
Then we do it again
You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can't be holding on
To what you got
When all you got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other

One...life

One

imagine

2006-01-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

It is amazing how fast the time goes. Last week at this time we were enjoying tons of food and sweets as well as the presents we had just received. Today, we are recovering from our celebrations of the New Year. Mine was spent with some good friends, laughing and being silly. I tend never to make resolutions at this time of year, I generally try to live well all the time. At this time last year I was helping to build a horse trail using small trees which we had cut down ourselves, and there was a lot of heavy lifting. It was great and I felt so fit. This year I got a Pilates video, mat and workout clothes for Christmas for which I am going to use so that I may get to be as fit as I was last year, maybe more. I guess you could call that a resolution.
Happy New Year!

joy to the world

2005-12-25T23:44:00.000-05:00

How many times can that be my title without it being conceited? Ha. Christmas really is my favorite holiday, Easter and my birthday(!) come close, but nothing really compares. I like stopping to reflect on all that I have. Even church is fun because I get to look around at all the families enjoying their time together, or watch them picking on eachother as mine does. We are quite a bunch when we get together, and it can be frustrating, but I love them and they love me too. I think its because of my humor?! lol.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and wish you all the best in the New Year!

just needed some silliness

2005-12-18T16:56:00.000-05:00

Mr. T Facts:

Every time a church bell rings, Mr. T pities a fool.

The last man who made eye contact with Mr. T was Ray Charles.

Mr. T hates playing 'Rock Paper Scissors' because he doesn't believe anything could beat rock. He always chooses rock, and when someone throws paper, he says,"I win." If someone is foolish enough to dispute this, he takes his clenched fist and punches them in the face, then says, "I thought your paper would protect you."

When Mr. T folds his arms, the U.S. Terror Alert Level is raised to gold.

Mr. T speaks only when necessary. His main form of communication is folding his arms and slowly shaking his head. And regardless of the situation, he is always understood.

Children are afraid of the dark. Dark is afraid of Mr. T.

Mr T. and Chuck Norris decided to spar, they travelled to the only safe place in the Universe, the beginning of time. They bowed to each other and Chuck launched in with a roundhouse kick. Mr. T blocked it, and the resulting pressure wave is commonly called the Big Bang.

Mr. T doesn't breathe, air just hides in his lungs for protection.

5 out of 5 doctors recommend not pissing off Mr. T.

When creating the alphabet, Mr. T placed the letters M, R, and T in seperate areas so people could learn to read and spell without fear.

Mr T's chains are not made of gold, they are actually made of curium, one of the heaviest elements in existence. They were put there by the CIA to slow him down, and you're lucky they do, fool.

Human females have two X chromosomes. Males have an X and a Y. Mr. T has three Ys and a T. He's more man than you'll ever be.

Mr. T's Mohawk is not held up by hair gel, his hair is just scared of him and is trying to get as far away as possible.

Mr. T does not actually pity fools. He is just being sarcastic. No one has noticed because it is difficult to pick up such subtleties while being bludgeoned.

Mr. T invented fools. Realizing the magnitude of his folly, he then created Pity.

Mr. T is the reason the sky is blue. Don't ask stupid questions.

23. That's the number of people Mr. T has pitied in the time it has taken you to read this sentence.

Mr. T once ate four 72 oz. steaks in 12 minutes. He spent the first 5 minutes laughing at the fact it takes Chuck Norris fifteen minutes to eat three.

Mr. T always drives on the right side of the road, no matter where he is in the world.

Mr. T once captured Bigfoot, but released him after he shaved the beast and realized that it was just Chuck Norris walking around naked in the woods.

When Mr. T received his star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, he made his hand prints after the cement was dry.

Mr. T is not black. It's just that the sun is to afraid to shine on him.

Mr. T coined the phrase, "I see dead people," after the waiting staff at Denny's forgot his birthday.

On the A-team, Face , Haniabal, and Murdoch were all masters of disguise. Mr T didn't have to wear a disguise. The bad guys didn't recognize him out of fear.
Ever have a sharp pain in your chest that you can't explain? That was Mr. T, and it was a warning.

Gravity dosen't exist. Mr. T just pities everything to stay the fuck down. Birds and planes are exempt beacuse they are shaped like Ts.

There are only four horsemen of the apocalypse, because Mr. T is going to walk.

beat of my heart

2005-12-11T13:25:00.000-05:00

If you saw my msn name, our apartment was broken into last night. The tv, computer and my laptop were all taken along with some burnt cds, my school bag and yes, a bottle of pepsi. Having our belongings stolen is upsetting, but it is more disturbing that someone was in our home while we were sleeping. I am glad no one was hurt, and that the robbers weren't smart enough to take everything valueable in the apartment. I am still in shock about it, and I am really tired. We went to bed quite late and were up really early, so I think I will head home and off to bed. G'night.

it's not unusal

2005-12-09T11:24:00.000-05:00

...or maybe it is. I rearranged my bedroom last night. I never really noticed before but I have a side of the bed. It is not right or left, it is closest to the door. I don't share my double bed, but I keep to my side anyway, minus some outstetched limbs. Curious. Fortunately, I have never been in a house fire, nor been woken in the night to an emergency where I needed to get out quickly. Maybe I do it subconsiously just in case. That being said, I do so love my bed - that rhyme was unintentional - it is so warm and comfortable.
Okay I lied. Is it wrong to sleep with a stuffed animal? My mom was going through all our old toys and I found this cute fluffy puppy I used to have. I guess technically I do share my bed then. At least he doesn't steal the covers!

i'm a loser baby, so why don'tcha kill me

2005-12-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

Depressing title. You are forewarned. I feel like I have to admit to anyone who reads this blog that I am not the person you think I am. Sounds bad right? Well, I have issues that I try deep down to supress but they keep coming up whenever I feel bad about myself or a situation. I finally realized that it's about trust. I don't trust people. As much as I think that everyone has good in them, I find that I really trust only very few people. My trust issues, like everyone's real issues, stem from a time when I was young when my trust was betrayed. I would do anything to trust again because I think it has held me back from a lot of great friends and experiences. I still need convincing that people are trustworthy though, the last week has done nothing for me in that regard. But I have to stop putting my trust in people that I know will not be there for me, or who have betrayed me in the past. If you know me, know that I am working on it so that I can trust and be trustworthy also.

walk the line

2005-12-01T00:32:00.000-05:00

I saw the Johhny Cash movie tonight. It made me think about soulmates. I wrote about what I thought it meant to be soulmates. Then the computer died, twice. I hope that is not a sign. In the end it came down to the fact that June and Johnny spent thirty-five happy years together after a tumultuous start. I think we should all be so lucky to find someone that special to us.

life for rent

2005-11-28T22:49:00.000-05:00

Tonight was the last class for my social history course. We ended it at the Wave, which was really nice since I got to sit and chat casually with my classmates. And there was free beer. It is just one more week until I am finished my exams. I can't wait for the freedom, I have lots of Christmas shopping to do and some visiting... Hali here I come!
In other news, the plebiscite was defeated. I don't know much about politics, but it felt good to exercise my right as a citizen and give my opinion. At least I am exercising something, haha. Maybe that will be another thing I will have to do with my time off, go to the gym. I know I could use it, especially with the holiday season fast approaching and all the good food and candy I know I will consume.

all these things that i've done

2005-11-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

I have strep throat. Because of this I also have TWO cold sores on my mouth. I have not been getting proper sleep all week and have missed all of my classes at school. My window leaked all day yesterday because my landlord forgot to put caulking on the window before we moved in. I just ate and I am already hungry again. I got up from the couch and pierced my big toe on a staple. When I went to put on my pants today, a small spider was on the cuff and I freaked, when I tried to pick it up and put it in the toilet I bumped my head on the door frame. Could it get any worse? It seems like it could be Friday the 13th or something.
But it's not. It is Rememberance Day. I am one lucky girl, and I will remember that.

human touch

2005-11-09T11:40:00.000-05:00

It's 3:42 in the morning and I couldn't sleep, so I got up and turned on the tv. Man, in his day Bruce Springsteen had it going on with those tight pants but it's his smooth, dreamy voice that is really a big turn-on.

I have strep throat. I have never had it before and hope to never get it again. I heard a couple of days ago that my cousin had it and it was really bad, but I haven't seen him lately. Curious. It is such a paradox to be sick. I hate being vulnerable and yet it is the one time I can yearn for comfort and people react with such kindness without question. Thank you for that.

since when did it matter where the outside world fit in?

2005-10-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When you are in deep trouble, say nothing,
and try to look like you know what you're doing.

This was a cute email, but it made me think:
Judgement is often the main reason that everyone is so obsessed with their ego. It's all about who you hang out with and what they do and how pretty they are or aren't. I am guilty as much as everyone in judging people at first sight, but it is sickening to think that this is really the basis for what people think the person is actually like. I always do my best to give people the benefit of the doubt. They may not appeal to me at first but some shining quality may come through and they could be such a great person in the end. This is not to say everyone is a saint, but I think there is good in everyone, and it should be our job to seek out the best in people. Then we may help them figure out that their not so great qualities can be changed or improved upon. That, I suppose, is my mission statement in life.

I do however reserve the right not to apply this reasoning to one person, most everyone knows who this would be, and I have been put down too much by this person to even consider being nice back. Too bad this post had to end on a bad note, but he called and put me down for the final time.

I thought I lived on Hillsborough...

2005-10-19T19:38:00.000-04:00

Look at how she listens
She says nothing of what she thinks
Just listens to abuses
And by the kitchen sink...

She thinks, "Hey!
Why do I live to this?
I'm latest on life
How did it end like this?"
Oh, when the roads in her heart fall
And she feels the weight of life
And the colors mix together to grey
Grey Street

Begging now the difference
She prays to God most everynight
Although she swears He doesn't listen
There's hope in her that He just might

She said, "I Pray!" "I Pray!" "I Pray!"
"But they fall on deaf ears
I'm supposed to take it all on myself
To get out of this place."

But when the roads in her heart fall
And then she rode the light in
Oh, the pain now seems it's over
And again she sees the pain
And then the colors mix together to grey
On Grey Street

It's all colored in again
Take what you can from your dreams
Make it real as anything
Takes the work out of the courage

She said, "Please!" "Please!" "Please!"
"There's someone sleeping outside my door
I live on the corner of Grey Street
And the end of the world."

And the wrong in her whole plan
Is as hopeless as the day she came
And the man she calls her father
Ignores her and ignores her pain

Oh, when I walk out in the morning
In all this sunlight
And all the colors mix together to grey
On Grey Street
On Grey Street
It's Grey Street, you go

So, don't lose your heaven
Don't convince yourself you're done
Just 'cause the things around you seem heavy
Doesn't mean you can't get off this ground

When you hold me down in the heartland
Move out and, oh, the wait is over
Oh, might notice of your worry
One another daylight
And the colors mix together to grey
On Grey Street
On Grey Street
To grey...

people are strange

2005-10-07T23:34:00.001-04:00

I had a table tonight that was strange, a bit fun but moreso strange. It was twenty men from Montreal who are here to play in a soccer tournament. They were an interesting bunch. They were just there to have fun but did say and do some absrurd things. It would probably seem nasty here, but honestly there are people who have creeped me out far more than these men. They did end up apologizing to me for their behavior. But at the end of the night they each kissed me on the cheek goodbye - strange but sweet. It is their custom after all. Maybe I should have been more offended by it all, but I had been having one of those days when you feel like dirt under someone's shoe, so I was relieved for a little distraction.

moon shadow

2005-10-06T23:37:00.000-04:00

I always at least try to look for the positive in life, this song is just sweet and optimistic. Not exactly how I am feeling right now, but David Weale always gives the best quotes: "Feelings are always real but never true." Interpret that as you like. Maybe even let me know me what you think.

I was in my religious history class tonight, which is where I got this quote. I love it. I think it is the first university class I have taken that I truly look forward to. And it is funny how in class he speaks about religion and Jesus (I told Prof. Weale a story and he laughed! It was a good thing as I was trying to be funny, yet unoriginal) and it reminds me of church, but its the kind of church that I would actually like to attend. I was raised Catholic but I have since become disillusioned by it all, organised religion specifically. I don't want to get into a whole argument about religion here, so I will just say that I believe in spirituality. And the point of this all is... spirituality is what Prof. Weale is truly teaching and he is good at it.

you wouldn't like me

2005-09-26T23:10:00.000-04:00

We hosted Chris' going away party saturday night. Many people showed up and I think everyone had a good time. There were speeches, Chris fell down the stairs, Howard caught a bird and brought him in the apartment, only to have it taken away by Glenn! Matt Clarey did some weird trick, making him seem like a clown car for beer, and I realised we actually look a lot alike... I was snap happy and so the pics online, good and bad. Most bad, but it's fun anyway.

People will need the password for the link, it is "pictures" to make it easy. And in case you don't know, my sign in name is my email: joymisener@hotmail.com.

feels good do it

2005-09-22T11:16:00.000-04:00

I am back at school now with all history courses this semester. It am actually quite enjoying it, but for the work that is ;)
Tonight is one of my favorite classes. It is taught by Professor Weale who I enjoy just sitting and listening to whatever stories he has to tell. They always make you think. And he has this kind of theory, he talks of "thin moments" which I find hard to explain but essentially they are moments where you feel everything is right or pure. It may feel like a spiritual moment, or as Weale likes to describe it, like when you have knocked back a few. Nonetheless, I know what he means, drunk and no. It is not a scholarly theory, but a theory on life. The more of these moments you can expeience, the better you can live your life.

If you get nothing from this post, I am sorry. I am no storyteller myself, but it makes sense to me. I have enjoyed these thin moments myself on occasion, most of all at Arniston beach near the end of the world where I was alone, but felt everything would be okay from that moment. The feeling comes and goes.

And right now I am watching the tape of "Lost " we recorded. I have no idea where in the world it could be taking us, but it is one hell of a ride.

Okay, so this is a while later, I am home from seeing Sloan. It was unreal. They are quite the entertainers and I love their music. However, our time was nearly ruined due to the moronic actions of a few people. They threw their beer cups, empty and full at the lead singer. It was really embarassing and disappointing since this is the way they will remember their time back on PEI. I appreciate that they looked past that one persons actions and didn't take it out on the rest of us. I love Sloan dude. Rock on.

start me up

2005-09-06T16:23:00.000-04:00

The Rolling Stones seem ageless. Mick can still shake it at 62 years old and doesn't seem to be slowing down. They put on quite a show. It was also fantastic to see Our Lady Peace, and The Hip rule! No, no they did not play "New Orleans is Sinking" they were respectful and played a lot of their other great songs. Being security was not really pleasant but it gave us a great spot to watch the show. And a chance to see Mick's kids up close was pretty cool too. Enjoy the pictures from my link below. I snuck in the camera and took some pictures which I obviously wasn't supposed to do, but hey I'm a badass ;)

paint it black

2005-08-16T20:31:00.000-04:00

I will be going to the Rolling Stones concert in Moncton on the 3rd of September. If you can imagine I am going as a security officer with a hundred others from the Island, including my sister. Frickin' unreal! Chance of a lifetime. Now all I need is a camera to document all the fun I will be having, lol.
I went to Tracadie today and swam across, which is something I have wanted to do for a while and now I did it. It was beautiful over there and I hope to go back again before summer is over. That is mostly all I want to say at this time, my summer is improving by the minute. See you at the Stones!

if you call, i will answer...if you fall, i'll pick you up

2005-07-28T15:44:00.001-04:00

How do you decide when something is over? I mean, just give up trying? Is it a moment or many of them strung together.... I don't like giving up but when I feel no effort is put forward by the other person then is there any point in giving it my own? Maybe that is a problem of mine, if I don't think the other person is interested then I don't even bother. What I do know is that I would love to see those people again, as I have before lost touch and gained back some great friends. But I have also seen old friends move on and ignore or possibly forget what the other one meant to them. It's not something I am ready to do with a lot of people. So don't forget to call sometimes and answer too.

easy lover

2005-07-16T14:05:00.000-04:00

This was going to be an annoying post about how love works and all its intricacies; instead I just wanted to say that I love just being alive, love and whatever is to happen in life will happen in due time.

down with O.P.P.

2005-07-12T13:34:00.000-04:00

I met a cool couple last night. He came in and automatically started asking me questions about how the lobsters are caught and how we cook them (he was concerned about them being boiled alive!) and he was so sweet and funny. Then I found out he is an Ontario police officer and it was so interesting to hear him talk about his job, which he "loved more than anything" and has done for more than 30 years.
I love gaining knowledge about things I would normally know nothing about from people who do it every day. And he even offered for me to call him some time so I could go on a ride-along and really see for myself what it is like. I know, you are all like "would she do that?" but I have thought of that career before and it's not off my list yet, especially since last night. For now, I get to serve people food instead of tickets.

fix you

2005-06-30T14:16:00.000-04:00

I owe Julie a lot. She is a wonderful sister who is always encouraging me. Actually they are all that wonderful. But she is the one who gave me the new Coldplay cd that is so divine, beautiful.
'Fix you' is what I have always seem to be doing, with me, others and the world around me. I sort of see it as my responsibility to do that and it is a lot of weight to carry. I am just now seeing that I am the only one that I can do good for and it is in this that I can inspire others to do the same for themselves. I don't really want to fix anyone anyway because in their own way they are great (I don't believe in perfect).

So I may have missed out on a fun evening at our chef's place with amazing food (flambe rasberry shortcake, ahem) but I had a nice time all the same. Then last night was another girl's night, wow, we can be pretty bad for encouraging bad behavior though I did take the flag on my own accord. Then again they always save us too, in more ways then I can count.

hurt so good

2005-06-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

OMG! I just came from my very first professional massage. It was absolutely amazing and I still feel like I am in some other world. K, enough praise. I am currently at the library having just dropped off my late book and it cost me all of 15 cents for one day. It is amazing to hear one of the ladies tell me that certain people were in paying their $25 late fee! That is a lot of frickin' days. Are they just slow readers or don't they remember that they are just "borrowing" the book? Another social blunder - I answered my cell phone here. It was on vibrate but I couldn't miss the call because this was already a call back and they would think I was really rude or something. I don't want that.
Tonight is supposed to be a BBQ (what they call a Braai in S.A.) at our chef's place for his own birthday. He is so funny and fun, so it should be a great time. Not to mention he is the most amazing cook around so it is gonna be gooood. Other than that I am heading out again to enjoy the sun that has finally come around for the summer. Tomorrow - the beach!

sometimes you can't make it on your own

2005-06-07T15:38:00.000-04:00

Not a lot of people really read this page. I have been told I do it mostly for my own benifit anyway so what is it that people are supposed to think when they come across it? It began as a way to keep people posted about my goings-on while I was away and now, well, I guess it really is like a public diary - though I don't ever hand out all my secrets ;) I write with the intention of putting my thoughts into words, getting people to ponder things in a way they never might have, and saving memories that I otherwise have no place for in this forgetful head of mine.

This past week was so nice out, a friend ditched work and we hung out and went to the beach. There needs to be more of that! Then I was talking to my sisters, one is making plans for the future it's so exciting! And the other is in Singapore as we speak. The one I live with is fun to hang out with and there is a bachelorette coming soon! In all, my summer is going well, but more fun is to be had. I can tell.

are you happy now

2005-05-26T10:29:00.000-04:00

I just came from student services. I cannot graduate at UPEI with an Arts degree without a major. It's not really surprising, but I had hoped I could leave this place with something. I don't know if I want to come back or not. It's not technically wasted time if I don't do anything with the courses that I have because I have learned a lot over the years. Then again, I only have a few courses left to take for a major and then I get to take a lot of electives. It could be fun. Nothing is ever final, so why do I feel like the decision looms over me so heavily?

I am mine

2005-05-24T12:58:00.000-04:00

I just met my adopted grandmother on the street on my walk over. She is just the sweetest thing you could ever meet, generous and funny and amazing. I am here at the library to get myself out of the house and since I finished up People of Heaven I am going to see if they have another page turner. Jill is off on her interview for a non-existing job, but I am sure she will do excellent and will make such an impression that they will be looking for work for her to do. And then there is me. I have been getting very little work which not great, but as always I am sure it will pick up soon, along with the weather maybe?!

more than words

2005-05-18T23:27:00.000-04:00

It seems lately I can't find the inspiration to actually write something worth while on this page. Usually all it takes is a moment, but my ideas aren't forthcoming or at least aren't interesting enough to put down. And of course this is just the time I am asked to do a speech for my local Rotary Club. I did one before I left so I know how grateful and nice these people are but it is still frightening; moreso than death according to some statistics.

Hehe, here is a good one:

A panda walks into a cafe. The panda orders a sandwich, eats it and then fires a gun into the air. On his way out, he tosses a badly punctuated wildlife manual at the confused bartender and directs him to the entry marked "Panda."
Whereupon the bartender reads: "Panda. Large black-and-white bearlike mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves."

Okay, so it's really cheezy but there is a book that is actually based on the poor grammar of that joke [eats{,}shoots and leaves] and it is really pretty good. I love reading again thanks to Lara and her portable library, and thank you Jenn too for my current read "People of Heaven".

didn't I see you cryin'

2005-04-29T20:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know how to play any instruments but music has always been something that I have loved. It can make me so happy when I am down, it can offer me condolences or even just commiserate with me when I need it. I can sing my heart out when I am all alone, replay my favorite song over and over in my own head. I have even made a fool out of myself a couple of times and tried kareoke. Ok, maybe not a complete fool seeing that I got some compliments. It is a part of my life that I truly enjoy. That and animals. Don't get me started on how much puppies and kittens make me swoon. Some people (lovingly) call me Elmira, lol.

amazing grace

2005-04-25T10:06:00.000-04:00

Mom came in to wake me up this morning. My aunt Jenny died last night. As hard as it is on everyone I think it is for the best, she was sick for some time. She was an angel in life so I am sure she will do well where she is now.

As for me, I am far from being an angel. Over the years I have had people say that I am perfect. Can you believe it? I have not only proved most of them wrong, but I realized how easy it is for people to delude themselves. You are only setting yourself up for disappointment when you believe that anyone has it any easier in life than you. Or believing that they are better than you is a big mistake as well. This weekend was probably the hardest weekend of my life so far and yet I believe I will come out of my heartache eventually. Others are not always so lucky. With Jill and I moving into town this coming weekend it is a step in the right direction. I can't wait.

at the car wash, yeah!

2005-04-19T13:03:00.000-04:00

I finally got to the task of cleaning my car today, it was still pretty dirty from my back road incident. It's nice when a chore can actually be enjoyable. The beautiful weather helps too.

There is a new Pope: Cardinal Ratzinger has been elected and his new title will be Pope Benedict XVI. It is a monumental moment, and since I read not long ago about a prophecy that there are only supposed to be two more Pope's _ever_ it's a little frightening that he is already 78. Not to mention German. Sorry that last one is a joke. None of this truly effects me personally but I still hope that he does well for the church. As for Armageddon - I hope he has a long reign.

I remember you

2005-04-12T22:27:00.000-04:00

I heard that song tonight, I think it is by Skid Row. It and many other things this week have made me wonder, what makes something memorable?

I saw a guy in the library today someone who I took a class with a whole year ago and he came up to me, remembered my name and said he should apologize because he thought he may have made me uncomfortable that last day when he asked me to go for coffee. I do remember him, but to me it was not so memorable because despite his worries, I just had somewhere else I had to be. Another incident at a gas station, someone I thought would likely remember me didn't really seem to. Ouch. Then there are other times, for all of us it seems, that you pretend like you don't remember someone when you actually do. I don't think we are bad people for doing it, it's human nature. It's funny and amazing how we work. I am satisfied with what little memory I have now to make the best from the good and the bad. And for those of you who remember me and will acknowledge that you do know me (hehe), thank you.

Speaking of what is memorable, it is the 25th anniversary of the first Marathon of Hope. Now who could forget Terry Fox?

she will be loved

2005-04-06T13:25:00.000-04:00

I don't mind spending every day... doing this. I was up a little late - yes I am back into my old bad habit, but I got up knowing I had the day to myself and I was gonna enjoy it. Not that I did anything oh so exciting, I was at the bank, went to fill out my EI, I might as well get something while waiting to go back to work, dropped off a cheque for my dad and then got groceries.

You may ask what was so great... but then as I came home I remembered that they are trying to make De Roma a tourist attraction. And since my car was just inspected and legal I thought I would take a detour. It is a lovely day out and I knew I would be going on dirt road, but I didn't care... until I was almost stuck up to my bumper in mud. I am a good driver though and luckily was able to save myself a lot of walking (not to mention embarrassment) by skillfully backing up and whipping a shitty as my sister likes to call it , in lay mans terms - a donut, hehe. It can only get better right? Well, of course I got a lot of mud on my car and on arriving home I went to see if I could hose the car down a little. Well, the hose isn't hooked up yet and so I will be heading into town later with a pretty dirty car. Ah, the messes I get myself into....

always look on the bright side of life

2005-03-31T22:14:00.000-05:00

Even when the post you are working on is deleted because of a strange computer glitch....

My aunt and uncle from Ontario are on the Island right now because my mom's family is celebrating their immigration to Canada 50 years ago this April. I think that my aunt is so special because she has just the best attitude of anyone I have ever known and laughs so freely. And we had a little chat the other day about when she came to Canada. Obviously it wasn't the easiest thing to come to a new country and leave everything you have ever known behind, but she came through it knowing that life is what you make it, and it was her choice to make it good.

I was asked to update by a friend who I hope I didn't bore or disappoint by this post - but suck it up, or read something else...
you always have a choice ;)

you gotta be stronger

2005-03-25T22:59:00.000-05:00

The program was a challenge, but life offers such a different challenge itself and who is to say which is harder. I for one knew there was a day when I would get off the program and would get to start anew.

Life on the otherhand doesn't seem to offer such a time. I guess it all depends what you do yourself to change things. Look at Charlie Sheen, he did well for a few years, changed his life and even got himself a beautiful wife and some kids then by his own hand, screwed it all up again. I wouldn't have screwed up an opportunity like that, but I didn't get the chance anyway. Maybe it is all for the best, I just hope it gets easier sooner rather than later.

there's your trouble

2005-03-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

I have been home such a short time and it seems like I have done so much - shopping that is. I feel like I need these things, but I know that in what I bought there is very little that is truly essential.
I am already feeling the pressure to decide right now what my future will be. A lot of it is questions about what comes once I am done of work. I don't know, honestly no clue. There are ideas as to what I should be doing....
I also got all my braids taken out. Yay! It is such a light, lovely feeling, like a burden being lifted. It helps that I also got a haircut - my first professional one in at least six months. I got to talk to most of the other Canadian girls from CWY and it sounds as they are doing well and are enjoying the freedom of "real life" ;) Me too.

feels like home

2005-03-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

Here I am, home at last. It felt so good to get home, I had a lot of people waiting for me when I got in. They all look so good and pale, lol. My hair is in these braids but I am so ready to take them out, but Jenn and the rest really want to see it. I'll see about that. Mom is downstairs finishing up on the feast she will serve tonight when Jenn and Darcy get in, it smells divine. And dad is sitting and reading up on Australia, where Jenn and Darcy are headed next. Life is sorta just the same old thing, but it has a new excitement and I plan on keeping that feeling for as long as I can.

girls, girls, girls

2005-03-17T05:07:00.000-05:00

I only have 3 minutes left on this computer, but I wanted to pot and say that everything is going well. I will be home this weekend and am excited that I will be home. It was kinda tough saying goodbye to thes girls, they were great friends and I hope a few will remain so for a long time. Gotta go....

time of your life

2005-02-22T07:49:00.000-05:00

The time of my life right now is gearing up for CapeTown, discussions are already underway. But before that is Elim and Sandberg where this guy who looks like the evil twin of Willem Defoe wants us to help him out on his own little nature reserve. I am sure this will include, like De Hoop, more alien tree cutting which will hopefully whip me more into shape. The meat here is a little overwhelming, especially considering how they keep all the fat (eww) on it!

So I would ponder a guess that this will be my last Bredasdorp posting since we are only here for 4 more full days. It blows my mind to think of it. Our goodbye party for the community is on Tuesday night with a less formal tea for the group in the afternoon at Auntie Joey's house (Lara and Fredre's host). It's all so exciting and slightly nerve racking....

...but everything means nothing, if i ain't got you...

2005-02-14T09:14:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! I got a nice flower from someone special today... the lady handing them out infront of Superspar, that is our local superstore. And I basically skipped work today to veg and watch a movie with Kristin and Thandie. Not the best Valentine's I guess but it was nice enough, I bought myself a present or two to make up for it - a shirt and some underwear. We only have 19 days left here in Bredasdorp and then 10 in Cape Town. I am doing my best to get everyone presents and some for me too.
So what else is happening you say? I heard yesterday that a good friend has testicular cancer and I am concerned for him, though I hear he is in good spirits. I'm praying for you buddie, get better soon! And here, life goes on, I got some letters and enjoyed them. People are also starting to get mine back home so that is a good sign. Besides that, I miss you all and will see you sooner rather than later! All my love, Joy

happy people

2005-02-03T05:55:00.000-05:00

Get this! We are going to Cape Town earlier than originally planned so I will be there for my birthday! Yay! And I will be staying with Deidre in her house for that time which should be really fun and interesting. This month is really going to fly by, I am going to Taebo and walking a lot and hanging out with all the girls is great, and I think we all realize that this time here is precious and some people I may never see again! That is still a while away, but anyone who knows me knows that I like to let my mind wander sometimes ;) I haven't talked to my family in a while due to the fact that hardly anyone's phone is working properly here and so I will have to find another payphone soon and get another calling card so to let them all know the good news. I'm gonna leave this well ventilated place now and head back out into the 30 degree weather, hehe. Apparently it's fainting season.

mad world

2005-01-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

Work at the clinic is finally picking up, got to work at a kindergarten yesterday and had Lara take my blood sugar levels today (they are fine mom). I have plans on Saturday to finally go to the Shipwreck museum with Genevieve and we are starting with a nice breakfast at Mozart's. Deidre's birthday is on Friday so we should be doing something fun and I hear we may be going to a sheep farm Friday as well. Neat eh?
I heard I missed a snow storm, that's too bad :P It's been raining here for a while, but I am sure the sun will come out again soon. The host family is working on getting us to Capetown soon, we were supposed to go at the end of the month but we have mid-project in Arniston at that time. I'll get there somehow...

change the world

2005-01-05T04:33:00.000-05:00

I had a nice Christmas and New Year's, thank you everyone for all your warm wishes. I am back from De Hoop Nature Reserve where we were working and staying for the holidays. It was beautiful there and fun to do some physical work, cutting down trees and building a horse trail.

I started work yesterday, we stapled folders together. It's not gonna save the world or anything but when the clinic gets busier I think we will be put to work, and may go out with the mobile clinic (it travels all over the Overberg area). It should be a great work placement. Life in Bredasforp has begun. The time is already flying, so I am making the most of it, but I so miss you all, thank you for all your awesome messeges and I want to hear all about your winter (hehe) when I get back too, don't forget. I love you all, miss you.

Ps. The cutest little girl came up to me as I walked in the internet cafe, said something in Africaans and then grabbed my hand. Adorable.

Africa

2004-12-17T05:14:00.000-05:00

I made it. It was a long and unique journey here, but I ended up enjoying it. We arrived in Capetown and got to stay for three days, the first of which I slept through since we only got in in the evening. Then we got to go look around the city. It is amazing that there is so much poverty right in the middle of this beautiful place. And some of our girls are from these areas themselves which is even more amazing to me. There is so much to tell and I wish I could write here for hours, but that would cost a zillion Rand, so I can't. I can tell you that today while walking around Bredasdorp a tiny preying mantis got stuck in my hair, it was cute. I am enjoying my time here, it already seems like it will go very fast. I have a sunburn already and we are heading to the beach in a bit, but they are so beautiful I don't mind. I got to jump the waves in the Indian Ocean yesterday, it was awesome. I love you all. I hope you are all safe and happy too.

By the way, this is Deidre's cell phone number just in case: 011-27-726-953830. I will get the address here asap so you can all write to me too :)

baby it ain't over 'til its over

2004-11-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it is almost over. Free internet, the cold weather, and the Canadian phase of this program. I still can't believe that I am leaving this beautiful country in a week. It is almost too bad, because I had a really nice time this weekend. We finally got to get out and meet the neighbors on Saturday by attending a block party which involved going to 4 different houses. Everyone was so nice, the houses were amazing and huge, and the food was delicious. Then last night was likely my last game of peggity at Lara and Fredre's. That is until sometime down the road when I get to make my own. So much fun, almost as much as Mafia, but we will deal with that when I get home, hehe. But I am really looking forward to Africa, lonliness and excitement and all of it. It's the reason I joined this program, to challenge myself, to become who I want to be and to live in the present at all times. Here and now. And right now is dinner.

...all i gotta do is live and die, but i'm in a hurry and don't know why...

2004-11-17T16:09:00.000-05:00

I got off of work early today, it was nice for a change. Some people are so enthusiastic about finding something for us to do that they forget that this whole program takes a lot of energy and it might be nice for a break once in a while. I am in the library now, my home away from home it seems. I stopped for a hotdog for lunch before I came in here, it was for a fundraiser and I know what that is like now, but I was also pretty hungry.

We leave for SA soon. In a few weeks I will be heading out from Edmonton airport on my way to Montreal, then to Paris for a 15 hour stay in the airport! A 10 hour ride later we will be in Johannesburg to make our way to Capetown! It's a lot to write about, just imagine how tiring that will be. As long as I get there alive I think I will do well, hehe.

We will stay in Capetown for a few days at an old school that is now a hostel. That will likely be an amazing time - well beyond words really. And then comes the kicker. Our agenda then is to go to Bredasdorp, meet the host families there, but then we have to go to this camp for two weeks to spend Christmas and New Years. I doubt that. I have a feeling that a lot of girls may take that opportunity to use up one of three warnings that we have in order to get out and have fun in SA. I might be one of them. Two weeks is a little long to be at camp staring at plants and eachother the whole time. I will make the most of it whatever happens.

losing grip

2004-11-09T19:26:00.000-05:00

My EAD (Educational Activity Day) is this Friday. We are planning to go on a tour of the research station that I work at, and then to a Agricultural Fair in Red Deer. It should be interesting if all goes according to plan.

I was in Banff on Saturday. It was nice, I had been there before and I took a picture at the same spot I was at 5 years ago. Its amazing how long ago that was and how things have changed since then. We got to hear Pastor Adams give a sermon when we were in Canmore. Boy was that strange. He believes in biblical men who were a thousand times stronger than humans today who may have built ancient temples in Peru, and yet thinks UFO's are a ridiculous concept. Also, he told us that the Rockies were formed during Noah's flood. Yeah. And we are going to see the Tyrell museum Sunday, which is all about dinosaurs and evolution. I can't wait to hear what he has to say then.

Can you tell I am counting down the time until we go to South Africa? It is only 4 weeks away. It is kind of sad, but I won't really miss the Adams'. They are nice and all, but they are not like the family I had hoped for. I did learn something from this experience though: you don't always have to be paranoid and lock the door because the oddballs may be the ones with the keys! I am so mean I know, but let me tell you Deidre agrees with me. lol.

happy halloween

2004-10-30T15:54:00.000-04:00

I had a plan to dress up as an african for halloween this year. As you may or may not know by now the host family I am with does not celebrate halloween. But I plan on taking Deidre out anyway because they don't have halloween in South Africa ;) I am gonna be the bad white girl in the family by the end of this phase!

On our way into the library there was a crowd on the street, a man looks like he may have fallen off his bike for whatever reason and hit his head on the pavement. He is pretty old and the ambulance seemed to take forever. I hope he is okay.

Time is going pretty slowly here and I can't wait for the African phase. I love my friends though and every chance I get I am msnning them and writing emails, so if I am without a computer in Africa I don't know what I will do! I am going to try and do some more letter writing soon, just so that I can send it off before I leave here and in time for Christmas and birthdays.

Miss you all! Post a comment once in a while so I can know what you all are up to too!

breaking the habit

2004-10-26T13:36:00.001-04:00

I got to drive yesterday. On the farm we were out in their fields and I got to drive the work truck, a huge dodge ram. I may get to drive again today seeing that we are going to be outside again, this time weighing cows. Fun huh? Not really but it is a lot better compared to being inside weighing soil :P
I had my first bout of real homesickness on Sunday. I was not great all day and then in the evening my host father was a real jerk to me after I had been using the phone to call home (my mom's birthday of course I want to talk to her!) and when I was done he only used it for a few minutes. Grr. It's not like home where I could just tell them what I think either, I am too nice.
I just miss home too, the familiar and the friends. I have never cried in public so much as the last few weeks. I have no where else to email and I keep crying in the public library and at work, people must think I am nuts, hehe. I love you all, you know who you are - basically everyone who reads this, lol!
By the way, my messenger name does not mean Lacombe is perfect so much as it means they are in a bubble here, like Pleasantville had no color and we are the ones who were sucked into the television....

behind blue eyes

2004-10-13T17:16:00.001-04:00

Today I crossed my very first picket line. It was not really a big deal, we still got in and got to work and everyone was really nice about it. Today we cleaned beans and separated them too. It was very tedious work and we did it all day. I knew before I came that I didn't want to work on a farm, this just reaffirms that notion.
Yesterday here was more interesting, we got a tour of the crops building and weighed and measured dirt... I mean soil. And then we got to experience entomology first hand by pinning beetles. I was laughing as he explained how to do it. I normally never touch any bugs and avoid them at all cost, those who know me know I hate insects of any kind, eww. But it was worth the experience. I hope we don't have to do it again :P
It is supposed to snow sometime later on this week, though at the moment I hear (can't see, no windows, I am still at work!) it is nice out. I had a good weekend, and I hope that everyone at home had a great Thanksgiving as well :)

time after time

2004-10-07T18:45:00.000-04:00

We are done of the part of our work placement dealing with lab work and I missed my last day because I was sick, but I am feeling much better now. Sipho and I, along with our counterparts, were invited to go to Edmonton with our "boss" from the lab, as well we were invited to go to Red Deer with another family. We are not sure we will be allowed to go with either of them since they are not our host family, but we are hopful :)

One of our participants is leaving the program. She is from South Africa and has had a hard time adjusting here and is homesick. She will be leaving fairly soon and we will have no replacement for her because of the cost to bring someone else over. It is too bad to be losing someone. Her counterpart, Genevieve, is moving in with two other girls and they live closer to me and Deidre, so that should be nice.

So I hope to be in Edmonton this weekend, but if not then it is off to Uglies Pub - this time I will remember to bring my ID!

down on the farm

2004-09-27T16:17:00.000-04:00

Crap. I just erased the whole post that I had. What it detailed was that I biked down to work on my huge pedal bike for my first day at Agri-Foods, an experimental farm. Sipho and I got to do some lab work and got a tour of where the pigs and cows are slaughtered (eww) but thankfully they weren't doing any of that today.
Some of the girls are meeting tonight at the coffee shop in town, Kavaccino's (it's so quaint!) and discussing what we have to do for our "debriefing committee". And by that time I hope to be a redhead, but don't worry - it's a wash out dye, so I will be blonde again in time so everyone can resume picking on me ;)

we're there!

2004-09-21T19:40:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am in Lacombe. I arrived safely and am now settled into my host family's house along with my counterpart Deidre who is from Capetown, South Africa. We get along swimmingly. The town seems nice and there are so many trucks and work vehicles here I love it. There is a lot going on right now, discussions with the group and a bike tour we did to see where all the girls live so we can visit, so I hope everyone is doing well that I haven't gotten to email yet. I miss everyone, write me when you can, just no forwards :)

the world I know

2004-09-08T00:40:00.000-04:00

It is one week from today that I leave for Lacombe Alberta to meet this team of girls and start my adventure. The excitement part hasn't hit me yet, I think that will only come once I have stepped safely off my plane in Edmonton. For now I am concentrating on getting the last few errands run and packing up what I need while not forgetting anything! A hard thing to ask someone as forgetful as I am :)
Also,I just finished writing the speech I have to give in front of the Montague Rotary tomorrow. I had some awesome help which made it a ton better and now I am not quite so nervous. Just wish me luck.
Update: It went great, even better than I had hoped.

acceptance

2004-08-30T23:25:00.001-04:00

This is something I never thought I would be doing, but I got to thinking that having a blog is a neat way of keeping in touch with those that you may not otherwise see. But this is a test run.
I have left the old apartment. It is strange especially since it has been in my life for more years than I have actually lived there. My friend and I were reminiscing that we walked there from the Old Dublin and stayed there the night of my 19th birthday. I will miss the freedom it gave, albeit it was suffocating at times.