Ok. You've heard me talk about it.
Africa.
Orphanages.
Mission work.
Filling this void in my soul.
Listening to God.
Serving.
Africa.
The reason I moved out to AB in the first place was to work, makes rock trucks of money, go to Africa for a month - help build a school, church, whatever, and settle back into life in Halifax.
Well. We all know how that turned out. Not as I'd planned - but my plans don't matter. I'm glad and greatful and humbled that MY ideas were wrong. Its been through my involvement with First Alliance, Maria, and the people who haved lived in this house, that I've really kept persuing mission work. I am surrounded by Africa. Anyone who I've given a skype tour of my house to can attest to that! My place is completely decorated in African masks, animals, animal prints, cool African chairs. I am surrounded by love for missions on all sides. I've met so many people, random and not - that've gone on trips and are so excited for my plans.
I will try and keep this short.
In several conversations with Maria over the past 10 months about my desire to go overseas, she's placed me in contact with a good friend of hers who works for Watoto ministry. I've emailed her with a million questions and received a response yesterday. It makes me almost weep with both anticipation and fear and realization that this dream of mine has started to move. Truly, honestly started to move. I was getting so discouraged with setbacks, both financially and personally that I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to realize this possibility. So with renewed hope and resiliant faith, I'm sharing with you and will continue to update on the process.
I will need prayer. If you want to know where I need the most guidance, I will tell you: If you feel so inclined to shoot some prayer rockets up - I'm really looking to have my heart opened and prepared for the "right" orphanage. There are several with very different types of living conditions. Some are in a city, which are busy and westernized, some are really far from emenities. (true African culture). I need to be shown where I will be utilized the most and where I will benefit both spiritually and personally. I realize there will be alot of personal growth and I need to stop 'romantizing' it and thinking, as usual, that its going to be all sunshine and lollipops. I know my heart is in the right place, my prayer is that it remains that way, as its easy to get caught up in the cool factor of going over there.
I also need to be given the wisdom (?), discipline (!!) to save money. I'm a shopoholic and spontaneous flight booker, and need to keep a rein on that kind of thing. I hope to have enough money to fly over, live for three months, come back and be able to unwind for a month, and not worry about cash flow. Impossible on the onset, but I've seen crazier miracles unfold! I am considering sponsorship, sending out prayer letters to church members, having a fundraiser of sorts - more for the awareness, (as well as the money, of course). But would like to able to set this goal and make it happen myself.
There. I said it. I dreamed a dream out loud.
If you want to check out Watoto ministry go to: www.watato.com .
(The anticipated time frame for this is Aug/Sept 2010)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
ANDDDD, WE'RE BACK ON THE AIR
I will point form my month for you, as I’ve been blazy (blog lazy)
In chronological order this has been my January. You ready? Its not that exciting. Its been good, but not edge of your seat, nail biting, heart-racing drama. Here goes:
· Spent NYE with Ray, who went to bed at 9, Dee and Britters. Dee set me up on a Christian online dating site. Completely against my will. She is a freight train that when determined, its in your best interest to stay clear and far out of the way. B and I laughed so hard that night. Completely mocking the system and Dee telling us to be serious about it, because its my year to get a husband. Apparently. Like the Chinese Zodiac , but this doesn’t involve rats or rabbits, just husbands. But good luck finding one on there. Obviously, I've deactivated it. Obviously.
· Spent an extremely valuable day with Britt and Bree. Makes me realize how much God loves me, seeing the amazing women He’s put in my life. Honestly don’t know what I’d do without them.
· Totally threw my back out. Completely. I walked like an old lady for three weeks.
HERES MY BRIT ON OUR BREE AMBUSH WITH SOME CLASSY ED HARDY WINE. (please don't waste your time, money, tastebuds - but the bottle - so cool)
· Spent 6 hrs at a mall with a 20 year old woman. Got a winter coat at Old Navy for $20. 6 hours! 6! Even for me, thats too much.
· Got a one day gig at an oil and gas co, which led to another gig at a non oil and gas co. This gig is more permanent, however, I am waiting on said industry to get back on its feet so I can some stability in my life with a real job.
· Worked at the bar again. Such fun. I love drunk people. They are so lovey and sweet.They hug me and tip me and compliment me and thank me. And the ones who aren’t – have to face the burly bouncers whose main focus of the night is to protect me.
· Went shopping again with a geologist who wants to be more feminine, as she works up North with only men. She likes my style so I was ‘dragged’ out (jk) and was fashion consultant to someone who listened. Its like I could mould her .... But not for 6 hrs. She's not THAT fem yet.
· Got on the scale and it read 19.8 lbs more it did in July. So, I lost 10 of those that crept up on me somewhere in the past 6 months.
· Calgary experienced a Chinook. Heaven on Earth. You have no idea.
· Spent a few hours each day of one weekend with Britters and her adorable nephews, ages 5 and 1 and her gorgeous amazing niece Ruby age 3. So much work. So much fun. Kids are smart. Smarter than me I bet.
· Got back into the gym, sort of - but not really.
· I know where all the pretty people in Calgary go after work. World Health Club 7th Ave. I will go back.
ME N' STACE ROCKIN' COAT CHECK. MAKING MAD MONEY.
Learned to love Skype. Got to see my sis, bro in law and their kiddos for the first time in a year.
PHOTO - MO AND MAURA
VID - WATCH MAURA TELL A STORY
LANDY PANTS. AND THATS ABOUT IT. PANTS.
ADZ. SO GROWN UP - JUST BACK FROM BASKETBALL PRACTICE.
· Mom and Dad came to visit. Long overdue and just what I needed to get me out of my funk.
MY BIRTHDAY JEANS. PARDON MY BUM, BUT AREN'T THE JEANS GREAT?? I COULDN'T DECIDE BETWEEN 4 PAIRS, SO WE TOOK PHOTOS TO MAKE OUR DECISION. MOM'S HONEST. BRUTALLY. I LOVE IT.
MOM'S 'NEWLY PURCHASED SUNDAY GO TO MEETIN' OUTFIT. TOTALLY GORGEOUS.
TOOK DAD AND MOM TO FARM. THATS OUR MEAT AND CHEESE APPY WITH DIJON MUSTARD, SOMETHING CHUTNEY AND DRIED CHERRIES. AMMMMAZEBALLS.
· I was set up on a blind date. And by set up, I mean forced by his parents and Ray/Dee. Well it was half blind – I knew what he looked like as many photos of him were mysteriously forwarded to my inbox. Poor guy - had no idea what he was walking into. Went to a Flames game. His season tickets. Great seats. Great company. (in case you were wondering). First NHL game, first blind date (besides the time Liana tricked me into a dinner for 7, when strangely, 3 of them bailed at the last minute and, strangely, we were seated at a romantic table for 4 - but we don't talk about that :-)
* BIG DREAMY SIGH - I HEART JEROME.
ANNNNND.... A FIGHT. ITS A GOODER - AS THEY SAY OUT HERE. WHO AM I KIDDING? I SAY IT ALL THE TIME!
In chronological order this has been my January. You ready? Its not that exciting. Its been good, but not edge of your seat, nail biting, heart-racing drama. Here goes:
· Spent NYE with Ray, who went to bed at 9, Dee and Britters. Dee set me up on a Christian online dating site. Completely against my will. She is a freight train that when determined, its in your best interest to stay clear and far out of the way. B and I laughed so hard that night. Completely mocking the system and Dee telling us to be serious about it, because its my year to get a husband. Apparently. Like the Chinese Zodiac , but this doesn’t involve rats or rabbits, just husbands. But good luck finding one on there. Obviously, I've deactivated it. Obviously.
· Spent an extremely valuable day with Britt and Bree. Makes me realize how much God loves me, seeing the amazing women He’s put in my life. Honestly don’t know what I’d do without them.
· Totally threw my back out. Completely. I walked like an old lady for three weeks.
HERES MY BRIT ON OUR BREE AMBUSH WITH SOME CLASSY ED HARDY WINE. (please don't waste your time, money, tastebuds - but the bottle - so cool)
· Spent 6 hrs at a mall with a 20 year old woman. Got a winter coat at Old Navy for $20. 6 hours! 6! Even for me, thats too much.
· Got a one day gig at an oil and gas co, which led to another gig at a non oil and gas co. This gig is more permanent, however, I am waiting on said industry to get back on its feet so I can some stability in my life with a real job.
· Worked at the bar again. Such fun. I love drunk people. They are so lovey and sweet.They hug me and tip me and compliment me and thank me. And the ones who aren’t – have to face the burly bouncers whose main focus of the night is to protect me.
· Went shopping again with a geologist who wants to be more feminine, as she works up North with only men. She likes my style so I was ‘dragged’ out (jk) and was fashion consultant to someone who listened. Its like I could mould her .... But not for 6 hrs. She's not THAT fem yet.
· Got on the scale and it read 19.8 lbs more it did in July. So, I lost 10 of those that crept up on me somewhere in the past 6 months.
· Calgary experienced a Chinook. Heaven on Earth. You have no idea.
· Spent a few hours each day of one weekend with Britters and her adorable nephews, ages 5 and 1 and her gorgeous amazing niece Ruby age 3. So much work. So much fun. Kids are smart. Smarter than me I bet.
· Got back into the gym, sort of - but not really.
· I know where all the pretty people in Calgary go after work. World Health Club 7th Ave. I will go back.
ME N' STACE ROCKIN' COAT CHECK. MAKING MAD MONEY.
Learned to love Skype. Got to see my sis, bro in law and their kiddos for the first time in a year.
PHOTO - MO AND MAURA
VID - WATCH MAURA TELL A STORY
LANDY PANTS. AND THATS ABOUT IT. PANTS.
ADZ. SO GROWN UP - JUST BACK FROM BASKETBALL PRACTICE.
· Mom and Dad came to visit. Long overdue and just what I needed to get me out of my funk.
MY BIRTHDAY JEANS. PARDON MY BUM, BUT AREN'T THE JEANS GREAT?? I COULDN'T DECIDE BETWEEN 4 PAIRS, SO WE TOOK PHOTOS TO MAKE OUR DECISION. MOM'S HONEST. BRUTALLY. I LOVE IT.
MOM'S 'NEWLY PURCHASED SUNDAY GO TO MEETIN' OUTFIT. TOTALLY GORGEOUS.
TOOK DAD AND MOM TO FARM. THATS OUR MEAT AND CHEESE APPY WITH DIJON MUSTARD, SOMETHING CHUTNEY AND DRIED CHERRIES. AMMMMAZEBALLS.
· I was set up on a blind date. And by set up, I mean forced by his parents and Ray/Dee. Well it was half blind – I knew what he looked like as many photos of him were mysteriously forwarded to my inbox. Poor guy - had no idea what he was walking into. Went to a Flames game. His season tickets. Great seats. Great company. (in case you were wondering). First NHL game, first blind date (besides the time Liana tricked me into a dinner for 7, when strangely, 3 of them bailed at the last minute and, strangely, we were seated at a romantic table for 4 - but we don't talk about that :-)
* BIG DREAMY SIGH - I HEART JEROME.
ANNNNND.... A FIGHT. ITS A GOODER - AS THEY SAY OUT HERE. WHO AM I KIDDING? I SAY IT ALL THE TIME!
And thats January until now. Which is almost over. Which means my birthday is next. Which means I’m 35.
Later !
Lea
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A tear (pronounced tier, not tare) escaped
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg-3ZJcbfJY
Theres a tv show called Glee. I don't know what its about other than singing, as I am pop-culturely challenged this past year or so. But I was checking out YouTube vids tonight and its actually really good singing.
So as YouTube has it, it gives you all kinds of other 'related' vids to watch. I happened to click on this one and was crying laughing by the end. Not even the end. The middle. It reminded me so much of us in the summer the first year we had that big honkin' video camera and we made movies and recorded whatever we could.
And these boys definitely reminded me of Mark, Stephen, and Timothy. Except I wondered periodically if these boys were high and I wondered frequently how embarassed they're going to be in 10 years.
Enjoy. This made my day!
Peace, Love and Happiness y'all!
LeeLeeMac
Theres a tv show called Glee. I don't know what its about other than singing, as I am pop-culturely challenged this past year or so. But I was checking out YouTube vids tonight and its actually really good singing.
So as YouTube has it, it gives you all kinds of other 'related' vids to watch. I happened to click on this one and was crying laughing by the end. Not even the end. The middle. It reminded me so much of us in the summer the first year we had that big honkin' video camera and we made movies and recorded whatever we could.
And these boys definitely reminded me of Mark, Stephen, and Timothy. Except I wondered periodically if these boys were high and I wondered frequently how embarassed they're going to be in 10 years.
Enjoy. This made my day!
Peace, Love and Happiness y'all!
LeeLeeMac
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Good Riddance 2009
AN OPEN LETTER TO 2009
Dear 2009:
Don't take it personally, but you weren't really that kind to me and I'm prettt-y happy you're leaving tonight. You brought me greatness in all kinds of ways; wonderful experiences, lots of laughs and great new adventures. But you also brought me a whole lotta crap.
You tended to be tempermental and brought unpredicable winds of uncertainty and fear. You surprised me sometimes with little sunbursts of greatness and unimaginable wonder. Your good and bad, on paper, equal each other, but in reality, the good far outweighed the terrible. I've learned how to live on faith, how to lean into my family for support, and how to be vulnerable without being judged. Because of you, I've had to dig deep, be honest to myself and be real and be okay with my brokenness.
I guess I should thank you for showing the lows, of which I'd never thought I'd come out of, so I could know the real highs when they arrived and realize I deserved them.
I should also thank you for the absolute crap you threw my way, the days my world was crashing down around me, so I could fully appreciate that I was truly and fully loved while my family and new friends rallied around me.
I will also, with a full heart, thank you for the Seed. It has changed my world and has introduced me to the most sincere, authentic people I have ever met. It has shown me a side of life I hope to never know personally and that I had no idea existed to this extent. And that somewhere, somehow I can make a difference, be hope for someone besides wallowing in my own imperfect life.
Can you do me a favor, and pass the message along to Twenty -Ten that I'd prefer a quieter ride this time? I'd like more good this year, less of the drama, chaos and theatrics ?? While I appreciate your efforts to keep things interesting, can we just turn down the volume a notch this year? My request is less talk, more action. You know, show me the goods, don't just dangle them in front of me? Can you let me prove to myself that I'm not a complete flake who can't keep a job or man? I don't necessarily care what others think, but I'd like the chance for me, myself, Leanne to feel like I'm not a failure. I'm doing my part, can you please do yours?? I think you owe it to me.
I'm just sayin' !
A Couple of Forgotten Posts
A few odds n' sods here:
Tara Jo Deagle and I were cruising around getting lost one day when we came upon Center Street Church. "Ohhhhhh .... I've heard so much about it, lets go take a look" was her response.So we did. And got a personalized tour (pronounced "two-er" here in Alberta, not "toor" (like four, like its spelled, like its said if you're a Maritimer)
So here she is in front of the water fountain which is also the humidifer for the entire building.
And this is it from its driveway. Its pretty massive. Its bigger than FAC, but we have way more charactor and personality ..... to our building that is. :-) Greg Granau is a pastor there. You'll see him in the photos below.
This Gerry and his daughter Marilee. So cool to meet her. She's itty bitty, totally personable and has such a kind heart. Which encapsulates both parents quite neatly.
If you click on the picture, it will enlarge it (just remember though when you come back to the blog, to hit the 'back arrow' and not the X) and you'll see the labels on everyone.
Sorry for the crap pictures ... my abilities as well as my camera make a really shoddy combination for enjoyable photos.
So there you have it. I'm missing a couple of ppl there, but it gives you a snapshot of the names you hear from me.
Hows that for random?? Centre Street and the Mathesons !
Cheers!
L.
Monday, December 28, 2009
It Was Christmas ...
Howdy Folks!
MyCalgary Christmas came and went. Thank goodness. Theres not much to report thats for sure, Cmas was a quiet one, unconventional to say the least. I'm not a huge fan of the holiday anyway, so I'm pretty happy to be moving forward into a new year, new adventures and all the good that comes from that.
Heres how it went down:
Christmas Eve:
Hurried, scurried and scrambled to get ready in time for the Christmas Eve service at church. I looked so cute in my cool black dress, it has a bit of a turtle neck, long sleeved, thin material, empire waist and a bit of a bubble skirt to it. Its lined with some slippery material, not nylon, but similar. Super dark black tights and the second coolest shoes I own. Suede, 4 inch heel, ankle boot with a bit of a bow on the side, and open toe. Lovely to look at, very trendy and very in a the moment. Key word is moment here. But not so lovely to walk in. I wore HUUUGE pearls, and looked very festive and ready for a church Christmas-y outing.
Of course I was late. My 'always-on-time'-ness has taken a hit here in Calgary. Did I mention theres 18 traffic lights between my house and church? Anyway, I rush in, take my coat off and proceed to walk towards the auditorium and the glances coincided with the very real feeling of my dress (did I mention it was on the short side?) inching up, well more accurately, 1/8 of an inch-ing up my leg with each step. I was mortified. Standing in the dressing room a couple of months ago hadn't yeilded these results. I knew it was shorter than normal but PERFECTLY respectable for a Christmas service. Honestly, it was. I am too old to wear scandalous things anymore and this dress passed the test. The dressing room test. Not the walking in front of 1.5 thousand people at a local conservative church. (and while I think sometimes some added spice is necessary, they didn't need the whole spice rack) So, I detoured to the ladies room, more glances received (probably now my imagination), quietly composed myself, reassured said self that this wasn't intentional and people would soon forget this ever happened.
I made my way to the service now, didn't even look around for my group, just asked an usher where "Ray's parents" were sitting. Thankfully, they sit at the back and my trek to my seat was a short one. Dee, laughing at me, threw her scarf over my lap and Auntie didn't even notice nor would she have cared. And THATs another reason I love them. I can show up half dressed and they're just happy to see me!
Afterwards we went to Ray and Dees for lots of amazing food. I substituted my 4 inch amazeballs shoes for green fuzzy socks.(the floor was cold) There was a mishmash of people there. I met David, the youngest of the Matheson siblings, who is so nice and quiet and sweet. He's a musician and lyricist, he writes songs, plays guitar and sings.
I came home and Maria and I exchanged presents, and we, along with Sarah and April watched The Pursuit of Happyness.
Christmas morning was so weird. I slept in, got up and made coffee, quickly realizing that I didn't have any breakfast food. So Maltesers it was. Did laundry, watched tv, called a smattering of siblings. Then to Ray and Dees' again for dinner. And again ate too much food. She makes this crazy Pistashio/Banana/Pecan salad that I just devour. I have such a sweet tooth.
Then I went to the Seed, had to take Dee's car. I was rocking the Ford Taurus pretty good since mine was e-m-p-t-y ... and didn't have time or fuel enough to drive around looking for an open station. The Seed was interesting. Lots of people were chatty and sharing. One guy who doesn't ever talk. Period. came up to me and we talked about Christmas' he had as a kid etc. I got to talk to 'favorites' and strangely, I got really, really sad and had to leave. I didn't cry or anything, I just felt deflated, got really lethargic (may have been the copious amounts of food consumed prior to) and said my goodbyes and drove the Taurus home again. It was nice to be there to hang out with the Seed guests though.
Back to Dee's for pumpkin pie. Totally worth the drive back. Totally.
Boxing Day I lounged ... I'm sensing a trend here ... went to the gym .... I'm not sensing a trend here ... :-) .... went to church ... went to work at the bar I take some shifts at at 9 til 3 and made some good coin whilst belly laughing almost the entire time. I literally enjoyed myself.
Yesterday was Seed day with , are you ready for this ...? two volunteers! Needless to say, not much got done.
Today was wonderful. I was invited to a family brunch at the Mathesons - and got to meet so many new cousins. What an absolutely wonderful family. I finally met Danny, (Ray and Dees' son) and we totally clicked. He's a pastor at a small church in Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver. His gf was with him, she's a sweet girl from South Africa (lovin' her accent). Ummm ... I won't detail everyone I met, but they are all super sweet and funny. It was neat to see Ray and Dee around one of their own kids, it was such a great day with them. And the 'great-grand-kids are super cute too. 5, 7, 9 and 12. The girl is 12 and I was talking to her trying to remember what I liked to do when I was that age and the reality set in that that was way to long ago for me to be relatable, so we just talked about school. But the boys were hil-ar-i-ous !!!!!!! DID NOT know that is what conversations kids that age had. The 9 year old was really intelligent and explaining the ratings of the Star Wars movies he had and the other two were punching him and interrupting with their little lisps. The 7 year old said "fart", got the standard pat on the head from close by, not even glancing down, parent and the standard "watch the language, please". They showed me tricks with their mittens and we talked about "Iggy" (Jerome Iginla) and how his penalty minutes were high, but so was his scoring and when he got in a fight, he made sure it was a good one. etc.
Safe to say, I was highly amused, entertained and was a little bit smarter leaving that conversation. Oh. And a little bit happy I don't have children. You have to tell them not to say 'fart'? I forgot about the whole keeping kids properly mannered and all that jazz, I thought they were just cute and said funny things and everyone laughed. I also forgot that the parents had to do so much more than dress them and brush their hair and teeth and go to Aunt Dee's for brunch. Theres stuff involved - like rearing them to be respectable citizens of society and guiding them to be mature and well-adjusted adults. I don't think I'm ready for that responsiblity anyway, so maybe its best I'm not pro-creating at this particular time.
And thats all. I met Julie in Kensington for coffee and shopping. Her shopping of course , not me. And now I'm home safe and quiet for the evening making plans for 2010. I have lots of them and only 12 months to accomplish them so I better get crackin' !!
Peace Yo. Peace on Earth. You know, smoke the Peace Pipe - whatever your peace is. Peace Out.
xo
LL
MyCalgary Christmas came and went. Thank goodness. Theres not much to report thats for sure, Cmas was a quiet one, unconventional to say the least. I'm not a huge fan of the holiday anyway, so I'm pretty happy to be moving forward into a new year, new adventures and all the good that comes from that.
Heres how it went down:
Christmas Eve:
Hurried, scurried and scrambled to get ready in time for the Christmas Eve service at church. I looked so cute in my cool black dress, it has a bit of a turtle neck, long sleeved, thin material, empire waist and a bit of a bubble skirt to it. Its lined with some slippery material, not nylon, but similar. Super dark black tights and the second coolest shoes I own. Suede, 4 inch heel, ankle boot with a bit of a bow on the side, and open toe. Lovely to look at, very trendy and very in a the moment. Key word is moment here. But not so lovely to walk in. I wore HUUUGE pearls, and looked very festive and ready for a church Christmas-y outing.
Of course I was late. My 'always-on-time'-ness has taken a hit here in Calgary. Did I mention theres 18 traffic lights between my house and church? Anyway, I rush in, take my coat off and proceed to walk towards the auditorium and the glances coincided with the very real feeling of my dress (did I mention it was on the short side?) inching up, well more accurately, 1/8 of an inch-ing up my leg with each step. I was mortified. Standing in the dressing room a couple of months ago hadn't yeilded these results. I knew it was shorter than normal but PERFECTLY respectable for a Christmas service. Honestly, it was. I am too old to wear scandalous things anymore and this dress passed the test. The dressing room test. Not the walking in front of 1.5 thousand people at a local conservative church. (and while I think sometimes some added spice is necessary, they didn't need the whole spice rack) So, I detoured to the ladies room, more glances received (probably now my imagination), quietly composed myself, reassured said self that this wasn't intentional and people would soon forget this ever happened.
I made my way to the service now, didn't even look around for my group, just asked an usher where "Ray's parents" were sitting. Thankfully, they sit at the back and my trek to my seat was a short one. Dee, laughing at me, threw her scarf over my lap and Auntie didn't even notice nor would she have cared. And THATs another reason I love them. I can show up half dressed and they're just happy to see me!
Afterwards we went to Ray and Dees for lots of amazing food. I substituted my 4 inch amazeballs shoes for green fuzzy socks.(the floor was cold) There was a mishmash of people there. I met David, the youngest of the Matheson siblings, who is so nice and quiet and sweet. He's a musician and lyricist, he writes songs, plays guitar and sings.
I came home and Maria and I exchanged presents, and we, along with Sarah and April watched The Pursuit of Happyness.
Christmas morning was so weird. I slept in, got up and made coffee, quickly realizing that I didn't have any breakfast food. So Maltesers it was. Did laundry, watched tv, called a smattering of siblings. Then to Ray and Dees' again for dinner. And again ate too much food. She makes this crazy Pistashio/Banana/Pecan salad that I just devour. I have such a sweet tooth.
Then I went to the Seed, had to take Dee's car. I was rocking the Ford Taurus pretty good since mine was e-m-p-t-y ... and didn't have time or fuel enough to drive around looking for an open station. The Seed was interesting. Lots of people were chatty and sharing. One guy who doesn't ever talk. Period. came up to me and we talked about Christmas' he had as a kid etc. I got to talk to 'favorites' and strangely, I got really, really sad and had to leave. I didn't cry or anything, I just felt deflated, got really lethargic (may have been the copious amounts of food consumed prior to) and said my goodbyes and drove the Taurus home again. It was nice to be there to hang out with the Seed guests though.
Back to Dee's for pumpkin pie. Totally worth the drive back. Totally.
Boxing Day I lounged ... I'm sensing a trend here ... went to the gym .... I'm not sensing a trend here ... :-) .... went to church ... went to work at the bar I take some shifts at at 9 til 3 and made some good coin whilst belly laughing almost the entire time. I literally enjoyed myself.
Yesterday was Seed day with , are you ready for this ...? two volunteers! Needless to say, not much got done.
Today was wonderful. I was invited to a family brunch at the Mathesons - and got to meet so many new cousins. What an absolutely wonderful family. I finally met Danny, (Ray and Dees' son) and we totally clicked. He's a pastor at a small church in Kitsilano Beach in Vancouver. His gf was with him, she's a sweet girl from South Africa (lovin' her accent). Ummm ... I won't detail everyone I met, but they are all super sweet and funny. It was neat to see Ray and Dee around one of their own kids, it was such a great day with them. And the 'great-grand-kids are super cute too. 5, 7, 9 and 12. The girl is 12 and I was talking to her trying to remember what I liked to do when I was that age and the reality set in that that was way to long ago for me to be relatable, so we just talked about school. But the boys were hil-ar-i-ous !!!!!!! DID NOT know that is what conversations kids that age had. The 9 year old was really intelligent and explaining the ratings of the Star Wars movies he had and the other two were punching him and interrupting with their little lisps. The 7 year old said "fart", got the standard pat on the head from close by, not even glancing down, parent and the standard "watch the language, please". They showed me tricks with their mittens and we talked about "Iggy" (Jerome Iginla) and how his penalty minutes were high, but so was his scoring and when he got in a fight, he made sure it was a good one. etc.
Safe to say, I was highly amused, entertained and was a little bit smarter leaving that conversation. Oh. And a little bit happy I don't have children. You have to tell them not to say 'fart'? I forgot about the whole keeping kids properly mannered and all that jazz, I thought they were just cute and said funny things and everyone laughed. I also forgot that the parents had to do so much more than dress them and brush their hair and teeth and go to Aunt Dee's for brunch. Theres stuff involved - like rearing them to be respectable citizens of society and guiding them to be mature and well-adjusted adults. I don't think I'm ready for that responsiblity anyway, so maybe its best I'm not pro-creating at this particular time.
And thats all. I met Julie in Kensington for coffee and shopping. Her shopping of course , not me. And now I'm home safe and quiet for the evening making plans for 2010. I have lots of them and only 12 months to accomplish them so I better get crackin' !!
Peace Yo. Peace on Earth. You know, smoke the Peace Pipe - whatever your peace is. Peace Out.
xo
LL
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
One Last Loud Talker Post
I find this so interesting ....I wish with all my heart that I wasn't aware that this world exists at 10 am ... I'd rather be working. But this guy is so intriguing.
I got here earlier today to avoid him for a minute, but he was here, exhibiting all aforementioned characteristics. Slow walking, deliberate glances around the room as he makes his way toward the magazine section, stands with hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels while he scans the rack for the most suitable reading for his intellect level and class ranking. He bends at the waist to peer closer to his desired selection to ensure he's making the right decision, all the while keeping a close eye on the door inspecting all patrons as they enter. He narrows his search down to 3 and brings the titles that met his criteria back to his highly visible table.
Today I am unaware of any conversation he's having as I've actually remembered to bring my earbuds and am rocking out to Matt Maher, BUT he's sitting, (I forgot to mention yesterday, he takes up all the space he can, crossing his legs so his feet are in the way when people walk by so he has to make a big effort to move out of their way and gets annoyed when they have to come back the same way from the bathroom and he has to make the same movement to allow them access again) and got up and rearranged the chairs around his table to accomodate what one would assume to be more guests. Sure enough, two beautiful women show up, seemingly willing to join him with fancy, foamy drinks in hand and proceed to talk. Amongst THEMSELVES.
HE IS IGNORING THEM, STILL READING HIS NON-PURCHASED MAGAZINE!!
With his head so casually cocked to the side, he'll occassionally grin and nod, and every once in a while a pronounced yawn will escape, while exercising his right to indifference and showing these women whose controlling this situation ....
Now he's animatedly involved in the dialogue and said used periodicals are placed on the table to show these lucky, lucky women that they are now worthy of his attention.
Its like watching a Charlie Chaplin movie. But in vibrant color and without the jerky movements. Just the jerk. (just joking - I'm sure he's a great guy? - is that what I'm supposed to say?)
So I have to go now and stop people watching and start job-watching.
xo
L.
I got here earlier today to avoid him for a minute, but he was here, exhibiting all aforementioned characteristics. Slow walking, deliberate glances around the room as he makes his way toward the magazine section, stands with hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels while he scans the rack for the most suitable reading for his intellect level and class ranking. He bends at the waist to peer closer to his desired selection to ensure he's making the right decision, all the while keeping a close eye on the door inspecting all patrons as they enter. He narrows his search down to 3 and brings the titles that met his criteria back to his highly visible table.
Today I am unaware of any conversation he's having as I've actually remembered to bring my earbuds and am rocking out to Matt Maher, BUT he's sitting, (I forgot to mention yesterday, he takes up all the space he can, crossing his legs so his feet are in the way when people walk by so he has to make a big effort to move out of their way and gets annoyed when they have to come back the same way from the bathroom and he has to make the same movement to allow them access again) and got up and rearranged the chairs around his table to accomodate what one would assume to be more guests. Sure enough, two beautiful women show up, seemingly willing to join him with fancy, foamy drinks in hand and proceed to talk. Amongst THEMSELVES.
HE IS IGNORING THEM, STILL READING HIS NON-PURCHASED MAGAZINE!!
With his head so casually cocked to the side, he'll occassionally grin and nod, and every once in a while a pronounced yawn will escape, while exercising his right to indifference and showing these women whose controlling this situation ....
Now he's animatedly involved in the dialogue and said used periodicals are placed on the table to show these lucky, lucky women that they are now worthy of his attention.
Its like watching a Charlie Chaplin movie. But in vibrant color and without the jerky movements. Just the jerk. (just joking - I'm sure he's a great guy? - is that what I'm supposed to say?)
So I have to go now and stop people watching and start job-watching.
xo
L.
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