Summer Saturdays

I love Saturdays in Strathclair in the summer. You can hear the buzzing of a lawn mower steadily from about 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. The air smells like freshly cut grass and BBQ. The temperature is so warm, but there is a nice breeze so it is bearable to sit outside. People are watering their gardens, their grass, their flowers. Wearing fun woven sun hats. Kids are everywhere on their bikes, all over the road, on the side walk, racing down to Hal's (or J & P's) to buy popsicles or buy a coke. Main Street is busy with people taking advantage of the day and buying the week's groceries, filling the car with gas and getting their mail. Old ladies are getting their hair done. People everywhere are stopped on the side walk, catching up and seeing how everyone's week went. They start in twos, but soon end up in clusters of four or five. People are walking everywhere, just enjoying the day. And there are always two trucks parked in the middle of the road, the drivers lost in conversation about how their fields are doing, gas prices, and whether we need more rain or not. There are puddles on the road from sprinklers, and birds and squirrels sassing each other in the trees. Children haul eachother around in red wagons, and there is a general sense of relaxation and peace in the air. And whether you are heading out to the lake for a swim, or driving home on the ride on lawn mower, you will be sure to get a huge smile and a wave from all you meet, because this is summer in Strathclair.

Will I? by Ill Harmonics

Will I truly make for myself a name? Will I ever excel in this game? Will I ever really be who I be? A person, a Christian, musician, emcee? Will I ever truly be set apart from the world that controls all the sounds of my heart? Will I ever really make it without going pop? Am I truly sold out to God or hip-hop? Will I ever find the balance of the two in between? Am I whack cause I dig Rage Against the Machine? Will I make it to the point where I can be me? Will heads like me if I'm dissed by a dope emcee? Will I love, will I fly, will I rapture, will I die? Am I dumb, am I numb, cause the apple of my eye is the sound of the found, do I search for a pound? Am I down if dat ain't found when turned around? Will I grow, learning to do better in my sessions? Am I whack if I break down and take guitar lessons? If I don't use metaphors, will rhymes be silly? Will they really? Will I truly make for myself a name? Will I ever excel in this game? Will I ever really be who I be? A person, a Christian, musician, emcee? Here I am askin' all the questions of life. Do I love her enough to really make her my wife? Will I ever fall just one too many times that I lose all my skill, thus affecting my rhymes? Will my actions ever match up to my rap? Will I make one hit and then fall off the map? Am I not a good enough emcee for my God? Cause my rhymes ain't the best but I still try hard. Will I be looked on as the opposite of good? Cause a middle class white-kid don't come from the hood. And the ghetto, I ain't really that familiar with. Should I throw in my mic and towel just to quit? If I changed one decision with one human being would I still be practicing this art of emcee'n'? Am I a musician if I play the MPC? Not really. Will I truly make for myself a name? Will I ever excel in this game? Will I ever really be who I be? A person, a Christian, musician, emcee? Will I reach the full potential of my plan? If I turn around is there two prints in the sand? If I lost a battle rap would I still have fans left? To sing and play guitar, do I gotta be Clef? Am I doubtin' His word if I stop to think? Will my pen one day just stop producin' ink? Will I think of rhymes just to one day stop? Is a head a head if he likes more than hip-hop? Will I?

This song is by Ill Harmonics, this white rapper I saw at Sunshine Fest in 2001. He was awesome! Download this song, its sweet and funny.

My Feet

My feet are so nasty. Calloused, hard, blistered and gross. Dry and peeling. Tired, sore, sometimes ticklish. Deformed by a horse’s hoof. My toes are so messed up, some of them turn in, some of them turn out. They are too long, like fingers that got misplaced and ended up on my feet. And my feet are so stinkin’ huge I trip on them all the time! They are constantly cold and sometimes blue-ish as a result.

But my feet have danced. In jazz shoes, in socks, sneakers. Barefoot in the rain. Onstage. In my kitchen. They’ve walked on beaches, on gravel, on broken glass. On and off airplanes. Hiked mountains in hardcore hiking boots. My feet have saved lives. Seriously, whether they were running for help or being grabbed while the rest of me swam towards rocks at Mdumbi, they’ve assisted. They’ve supported me when I really needed them to. They’ve walked through Kliptown, being stepped on by little children. Been coated in paint. They’ve been washed by loving hands. They’ve been penetrated with sand and kissed by the ocean. They’ve run, free and swift. They were trampled during small group challenge; they’ve climbed trees. Jumped the leap of faith and rappelled down a waterfall. They’ve taken me to seven different countries in one year.

I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Disgusted

Ok, so yesterday I went to Brandon with Brynne and Henk. We saw "Over the Hedge" which was somehow funnier the second time. Man I love that movie! It was a fun day, hanging out and not being scared by Henk driving. Then we went to Wal-Mart and I got the new Billy Talent CD (totally good!). It was only $12 too, so that was sweet. And I got this killer t-shirt - this part is the part that offends me.

Definitely picked it out of the plus-size section. Now I'm not really upset that I bought something 'plus' sized, I'm mostly irritated that a shirt that size would be considered 'extra' large. Its not even large at all! What is up with society? No wonder girls feel fat and hideous most of the time, if a normal sized shirt is considered extra large!

And on ET they were counting down the favorite 'all-American' in celebrities, and number one was definitely Jennifer Aniston. I am SICK of her! Sick of reading about her, hearing about her, seeing her stupid face in magazines, just SICK of HER. What has she done, with all her money and fame? Complained, played a victim. What about helping real victims, Jen? What about all those kids dying of AIDS and starving b/c they have no parents? Those kids without shoes, living on gang-ridden streets? What about those kids in Kliptown, the ones who have nothing yet possess everything? Look around you, North America, there is more to life than what Jennifer Aniston said about Angelina Jolie or what she wore yesterday. That sickens me more than anything.

Past, Present, Future?

Past

Present

Future?

The Good Life

I have an awesome life. Why is my life so freaking awesome? Seriously? What did I do to deserve it more than other people?
Today Brynne came to visit me at lunch after a crazy and excitingly busy morning at work. We played Frisbee in the park across the street, it was hilarious and embarrassing. I haven’t played since Africa, and it was windy, and the Frisbee was super crappy and cheap…but enough excuses. We sucked. I think the most we got in a row was maybe 5? It was hilarious and cruddy, I actually could hardly breathe the whole time cause I was laughing so hard. And Brynne was leaping everywhere, and there were people walking by watching us…man. That was hilarious!
Then we went for ice cream, what a gorgeous day. We drove there in the GREMLIN! That’s right, people, the Gremlin LIVES! I almost wept, and I remembered the trick to opening the passenger door. I missed a car with such personality. Know where the Gremlin would not fit in at all? In Leamington, the land of beautiful cars. Road trip, Brynne? Ha ha!
I also had a fun and productive afternoon at work, too. Just what I needed!
Now I am off to the grad supper and then to the grad ceremonies. Can you believe I graduated a year ago today? I can’t at all. I can’t believe I looked like that a year ago today either. My, how things change! I’m pretty much happy with the past year of my life, how things went and how I turned out. I wonder where I’ll be a year from now?

Dani California

Firstly, I love this song!



All I can say is, how much fun would this video be to film? And how many different people do they imitate in it? So funny! Its pretty much the sweetest idea ever.
Oh, Chili Peppers.

Stratford!!!

So, I'm at Terrell's, which is too exciting to even explain. I arrived around 1:30 and when I got here it was POURING rain, like super hardcore and it rained all night, with thunder and lightening to boot. We went out for lunch at Jack Aster's and then drove home. His house is so nice, and pretty, and I feel very welcome here, which is sweet. Then I got the tour, then I got to meet Ben and he's totally awesome, I enjoyed him very much. We went to Walmart (they have a Walmart! And a Shoppers! Brynne we'd be so set!) and got soaked running back to the car. Then we went to Ryan's, and his house is AMAZING and huge and gorgeous and his family is so unbelieveably nice and his mom hugged me! Anyhoo, Ryan is also awesome, although I may have lost points when he found out I don't play baseball (don't worry, I think I gained them back by playing pool and got some extra ones for a joke during a Subway ad...). Then we watched So You Think You Can Dance with his sister, Kelly, and that was fun, and then came home at a late hour. The rai was INSANE! And there were frogs all over the road! Then this morning we went to Stratford, had a beautiful picnic lunch by the river(? lake?), and walked around for a bit. Terrell and I mostly went to like, toy and game stores, book stores, and chocolate stores. We bought nothing. Then we went to the theatre to see "London Assurance" which was very funny, and well acted. The costume and sets were AMAZING. I was quite blown away by them, man! That was fun, excpet I fell up the stairs and hurt my toe...but all is well. Then we walked around a bit more, had chinese and came home. Now I'm going to go tear Terrell away from whatever sports he's watching. Man is it ever good to see him again! Tomorrow is very open, I don't know what we'll do but I guarentee it will be fun! :)

Hope you're all having fun at work, suckers! Ha ha!

I Dyed Again!

So I was bored with my natural color and decided to dye my hair again. It was called "chocolate cherry" and is pretty...I think this pic captures it pretty well. Its a nice emo pic, eh? Ha ha! Well enjoy. :)

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Hear No Evil

Ok, so on the way home from Ashley's there was absolutely nothing on the radio. Nothing! All crappy weird songs, so I was flipping through different stations trying to find something worth-while to listen to. All of a sudden the dial stops.
And it stops on 101.1 THE FARM.
At first, I gasp. I hold in a scream. Since Hot 101 became "Slop 1o1", a country station, I have refused to listen to it. And there it was, playing in my car.
Thank God no song was on, but what I heard was almost worse. The DJ, taking a call from a listener. A young girl complaining that her dad still thinks of her as a baby, even though she's in grade six. The DJ responds.
With a forced southern accent.
I am not fibbing, this is complete truth. She says, "Well you have a good night there, li'l darlin'" and continues to introduce the song with one of the worst accents I've ever heard.
This is why I hate country music. See what it does to people's minds? This poor woman thought she was from a southern state, not Western Manitoba! Its sick what it does to people, really. In my opinion that is just another reason for it to be outlawed.
Goodness, now I sound like a cowgirl. Its already poisening my mind...

Beautiful

So Caryn made me this lovely CD, all with songs about being beautiful, and I really like this one. Its by Bethany Dillon, and I love the words. Its totally just the cry of her heart, and I share it. Enjoy!

I was so unique, now I feel skin deep
I count on the make-up to cover it all
Crying myself to sleep cause I cannot keep their attention
I thought I could be strong
But it's killing me

Does someone hear my cry?
I'm dying for new life

[Chorus]
I want to be beautiful
Make you stand in awe
Look inside my heart, and be amazed
I want to hear you say
Who I am is quite enough
Just want to be worthy of love
And beautiful

Sometimes I wish I was someone other than me
Fighting to make the mirror happy
Trying to find whatever is missing
Won't you help me back to glory

[Chorus]

You make me beautiful
You make me stand in awe
You step inside my heart, and I am amazed
I love to hear You say
Who I am is quite enough
You make me worthy of love and beautiful

8 days until I fly to London, ON, and then onward to Leamington!!!!

I HATE My Boobs!

Sometimes I hate being a girl.
Okay, so today I had the most irritable and frustrating experience, also known as bra shopping. Seriously, complete annoyment! I must seriously have the oddest breasts in the whole world, because not a single one will fit me properly. Its like I'm between sizes - C is too small, and cuts into me, and D is definitely too big. I mean I can't be a D, if I am there really isn't much to show from it. And the numbers...those are band sizes, correct? Well I'm not big around up there I don't think, but a 36 is most assuredly too small...I must've tried on 12 bras without any success. And I am officially retarded (for lack of a better word) when it comes to how exactly they should fit. I seriously need to go see a bra specialist fitting person. I know they exist, I saw them on What Not to Wear once. They will probably tell me that I have abnormal breasteses and need to buy a $200 bra from them.
Or maybe I'll just give up and live in sports bras for the rest of my life.

Funny Video

Turn up the volume and press play...its just not funny without the sound and believe me, you don't wanna miss it!!!

The Dixie Chicks

Okay, so I just watched the video for "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks, and I just had to comment that Natalie Maines is definitly, to me, one of the most beautiful women on this earth. She's so unique, and incredibly stunning. She really knocks me out. Man I love the DC! They are amazing and seriously, one of the best looking bands out there. I think I want their new CD...

Love, Actually.

Did you ever think about being in love? Or even just love for that matter? I mean, what it really means and what its like? I'm sure everyone has, but today after watching a video my friend Al made me, I was thinking about what love actually means to me.

1. As someone quite self-critical, especially about looks, its quite the thing to look at yourself and be like, 'I don't love this, but someone else does." And then you have to think, 'well why don't I love me if someone else does?' and it just gets quite silly and you basically have to just get over yourself.

2. I love people VERY easily. Its just my nature, to love people. So when I love someone, I'm hardcore about it. I want to be with people I love all the time, I want to tell them how much and why I love them (I think everyone deserves that, no?). I love things like their smile, or their laugh. Their forearms. Their little quirks. I love just being surrounded by people I love. Now turn all that around. What? Someone out there also feels the same way about me? All those feelings and emotions that are so real and deeply rooted within me are felt by someone else, towards me? Whatever! It blows my mind. I can hardly believe that.

3. Now this is the real kicker. Take how you feel about the one you love and times it by 10 billion. Thats how God feels about you. No matter what you do, or don't do, how you look, or how much or how little you love Him, He loves you more than you could ever imagine - and thats the real mind blowing thing about love.

Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. "
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tremble

So I've been thinking about Heaven lately. A girl I know who's my age died this week in a car accident, and I've been thinking about her alot, and death, and bad timing, and life, and basically evaluating so many things. I mean if I were to die right now, I'd almost feel satisfied because I just had an amazing year - but still jipped because I have so many amazing things to do. I know that God is going to use me in so many ways still has so many plans in store for me. I feel like my life is falling into place, and really can see God's hand in so much of it. I mean I had a scary incident with a semi the other week and His hand protected me then. Where was it when Sam was driving? I'm just trying to sort it all out. Anyhoo, back to the main topic. I was listening to the song "Tremble" by Audio A and thought about how every person, whether saved or not, will face God on their judgement day. How Sam did it, how I have yet to do it. How sad I will look, on my knees begging God to forgive everything I've ever done...Here are the words. They paint a vivid picture.

Shaking like a leaf
Afraid to life my eyes
Afraid of all your glory
Ashamed of all my pride
Then you call me in
To your holy place
I fall down
Down on my face
And I beckon you for mercy
And I beckon you to forgive everything that I've ever done
And I tremble
And I tremble
I am just a man
Showered in your grace
You're the holy god
Your glory fills this place
And I beckon you for mercy
And I beckon you to forgive everything I've ever done
And I tremble
I tremble

Church Bulletin Bloopers

These absolutely slay me - my favorite number 18, the one about B.S.!

These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:

1. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

2. The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."
3.Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

4. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.

5. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

6. Remember in prayer the many that are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.

7. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

8. Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

9. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

10. Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

11. During the absence of our Pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

12. The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing "Break Forth into Joy."

13. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

14. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

15. Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 pm - prayer and medication to follow.

16. The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

17. This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

18. Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

19. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

20. The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours."

21. Our next song is "Angels We Have Heard Get High."

Amazing Picture!

Okay, so I love this picture, its quite phenominal. Brynne took it outside of Caryn and I inside at Gullivers. I love how you can see whats outside and whats inside at the same time! Pretty dang sweet. That was a good time. The drinks over Brynne's head look like the house behind her is lit up all pretty, and the sky looks like its inside the building - amazing! Plus Brynne is almost riding a motorcycle and Caryn and I look HOT!

Panic! At the Disco

Ok, so Brynne introduced me to this band and I like them. Well I like them enough to write a post on them, I guess. I would like them more if they didn't swear. Like the one song is so good, but they swear like 3 times in it, and it made me sad. But yeah, I love like 3 of the songs on their CD (probably because they are the only ones I actually understand). They sound like Fall Out Boy, only more 'emo' or what have you. I think that "But its Better If You Do" is the best song, that and "Time to Dance." They're super random, like they say stuff like: Just for the record, the weather today is slightly sarcastic with a good chance of: A. Indifference or B. Disinterest in what the critics say. Like thats funny! My favorite lyrics though are 'When I say "Shotgun", you say "Wedding", "Shotgun!" "Wedding!" "Shotgun!" "Wedding!" So random, like what is that? It actually makes sense in the song...anyhoo. So yes, Panic! is pretty a-okay. Maybe don't listen to them when you're feeling down because they are all emo and moody, I mean look at them!

Wow that was a super honest review.

EDIT: By the way, what the heck is emo? What is the real definition of it? I'm starting to doubt that these guys are emo - but I mean they look emo...what a dumb word. EMO. Emo eMO EmO! Ha ha, I'm silly. But seriously, what defines 'emo'?

These Words of Mine

Here is a pic of when Care Bear came, and Pauly Boy and Zachary James as well. Man I love those people. I love lots of things. To quote Hedly, "If loving meant living then I'd never die." Ah, Hedly. I need to put a new CD in my car.
Okay so I went to the golf course in SL today for work, and I decided that I really love the smell of freshly cut grass. It was such a gloriously summery day out, and these old people with no jobs were out golfing in cute outfits, and it smelled so lovely. Then I looked and there on the lake were two old men in a boat...so cute! It just screamed summer today - I wished I wasn't working and was out walking a dog or something through the park (well if I had a dog, and SL had a real park...). Speaking of dogs I saw the cutest one ever in a car today, he liked me and would've let me scratch his ears if he wasn't stuffed in some overheated car (HELLO! animal cruelty!). He was big and lovely - I know, me liking a large dog. There must be something in the air today if that is happening!

Anyhoo, whilst at the golf course I realised how much I dislike Nelly Fertado. I mean I really like her older stuff, but this "Promiscuous" thing - like is she a sell out or what? What ever happened to the "Cuz this life is too short to live it just for you" stuff because I mean, she's totally just contradicting that, sinning weird stuff like "I can see you with nothing on" to some over-used wanna-be Black Eyed Peas hook...I dunno, its just depressing to me, to hear her drop that unique originality that made her so....Canadian.

Nelly being generic and Janna liking dogs - what is this world coming to?

My New Mantra

Anybody know The Nylons? Old accapella group, sparkly shirts and finger snapping? Amazing harmonies and great performers? Anyways, I was listening to their CD on the way to work today and there was this song that one of the guys wrote called “Loving You”. Sounds like a cheesy love song, correct? Well it’s about loving yourself, which is a pretty foreign concept to me most of the time, and it’s not the greatest song or anything, but it’s cool to think about what the words mean – made me think, anyways. And to have a guy saying that to a girl…

First things first, let’s talk about your self esteem
You don’t need some guy to complement you to feel like a beauty queen
You’ve got to tell yourself everyday
That the way you look is better than okay
Doing everything, everything you can
To please yourself and not some man
You will find true peace of mind in

[chorus]

Loving you
First on your list of things to do
Got to feel good about yourself
Before you take on something else like
Loving me
Though I hope that will come easily
I think it’s only secondary to
Loving you

You should know that you deserve the very best
Stop comparing how you look ‘cause you shouldn’t think about the rest
You’ve got to tell yourself all the time
That the person that you see as you will do just fine
Everything you are, who you gonna be
Just always be yourself with me
You can set your spirit free by

[chorus]

You’ve got to love yourself much better
You’ve got to love yourself that will make you stronger
You’ve got to love yourself much better than before
You’ve got to love yourself so much more

On another note, I was at Hamiota School over lunch, and the grade 12 kids were going into the gym before I left. Guess what class they have after lunch? Dance. Not lying, they have a dance class. And even though they were all two-stepping to country music, I was still incredibly jealous and bitter; I mean why didn’t our school have something cool like that? Man. Not like there were too many people in my class I really wanted to dance with…

Near Death Experience

So I had an interesting experience today. I was driving to work and there was this semi in front of me. I had been following it for a while, but couldn’t pass it due to oncoming traffic. Finally there was a break and I moved out to pass. I had pulled out and signaled, and as I was passing, the semi started driving towards the yellow line, and then over it, and soon it was driving down the middle of the road and was REALLY close to me. So I ended up driving on the shoulder on the opposite side of the road to pass him. I don’t know what he was doing. There was a cement mixer thing on the shoulder in front of him, but a long ways away. I had time to pass him before we reached it. It was weird that he was passing while I was passing. Man I totally could have died! Seriously, after it happened I was like, woah, he obviously did not see me and I could’ve been killed. That was scary stuff.
On another note, BJ AND TYLER WON THE AMAZING RACE! I am so excited, mom and Caryn and I were screaming at the TV for the last 2 minutes. It was so exciting, they completely deserved to win. I love those guys! Can’t find any pictures of them online – annoying. Man they totally rock! That’s happy.
Hope your day is too!

I Love Old People

~ HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOMMY! YOU'RE THE BEST!~

Wow, its been forever! I kinda suck at keeping up to this thing, my summer must be starting to get busy. Well not too much to report on, I'm sure I'm keeping Caryn as bored as possible b/c there's not a whole lot to do in Strath, plus I'm working and all that, but yeah. We've watched a sufficient amount of TV this week, its been grand. I've introduced her to so many shows, like Amazing Race, Lost, and AI. She gets all into it, I love it. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that BJ and Tyler win the Amazing Race, they're the best!
Friday was the best day ever. It was Manitoba's 136 Birthday and I had to celebrate it for work. So I went to SLS and did a MB Music Challenge, and it was so sweet! I loved that! Then I had lunch in Strath at the school's Multicultural Day. That meant perogies, peroshky and melktert! Then I sang what I know of the SA National Anthem, and everyone stood up and all the little kids had their fists in the air, it was sweet. Caryn and Ash both refused to sing with me, those bums.
Later that day, Caryn, Brynne, Ashley, Curtis, Leanna and I went around to all the seniors in town and delivered the left over melkterts to them (my mom made like 8 dozen too many). It was so fun! I love old people, they are so entertaining and endearing. I love small towns, that we can deliver home made things to almost the entire senior population in 1 hour. Or just go into their houses and leave them on the counter...I love it! Then we gathered at my house and ate the left over tarts and watched "Chicken Little", the funniest movie ever. Then Kaitlan and Erica showed up and we watched "Bring it On" and talked passionately about how the Clovers were NOT better, I'm sorry but it rips me everytime the Toros lose b/c they are so superior, even a dummy could tell you that - if you wanna challenge me on that go ahead. By that point in the evening I felt like death I was so tired so everyone left and I went to bed.
The next day Caryn and I watched "From Justin to Kelly" which is so bad its enjoyable, I love that movie! After eating supper we went to Leanna's and watched "The Cutting Edge" which is a splendid early 90s movie about a hockey player becoming a figure skater - its so good! Man! Then we went to Leanna's room and talked for hours about girl and God stuff, it was phenominal, and her 6 wk old kitten fell asleep against me, she's so cute! We got home around 1:00.
Today was church, a mother's day potluck, and then a trip to my Baba's. Tonight we're having a funny supper (usually popcorn and deep fried things, lol) and watching a movie. Yes, another one. I realised in this post that I watch way to many movies...

The Ups and Downs of My Wkd

Good news first:
1. I finally unpacked my Outtatown bags (I know, I know) and it was cool to go through all my stuff and I found a few cute notes and things - and a lot of candy! Like a half eaten Tempo...I ate the rest.
2. I slept in - until 9:30! Whoo!
3. It was such a gloriously summery day out yesterday! It reminded me of that day that Cass and I finished exams in grade 11 and then ate popsicles on the picnic table downtown. That was the best ever!
4. Terrell called me! Thats always exciting!
5. Mom and I looked at flights and set a tentative date for me to go out to Leamington, I am super pumped. All I need to do is comfirm it w/ my boss. I am so freaking excited its ridic! 48 days...
6. I made brownies and they were really good. I love baking!
7. People came over! I did something social! :)
8. Brynne and I went on an incredibly sweet walk last night. We left at like, midnight, and got back around 3:00 am, it was so amazing. We went to the playground and scared drunk ppl and then walked out into the country for miles, then layed in the middle of the highway. The sky was incredible, and I broke in my new flip flops! We layed on top of the water plant and looked at the sky, and plus the entire time we talked about anything and everything, it was great to hear her heart and have her hear mine - man that was the sweetest thing ever!
9. I was asked to sing in church today - Fairest Lord Jesus. I sang it with my Pastor and his son Mike, who rocks my socks. Afterwards Sarah's mom told me what a great ministry that is - now I feel more at peace about taking some music courses at CMU.
10. CARYN IS COMING OUT TO SEE ME FOR TWO WEEKS! She gets here tuesday, I could almost puke I am so pumped! Oh my gosh! And Zach will hopefully come out, and bring some other Winnipeggers out w/ him, and you can camp in my yard and we can have a weiner roast - I am so pumped!
11. I played my guitar outside on my porch swing b/c it was such a nice day. I love it!
12. My skin looks so much better! I just showered and it hardly freaked out.
13. I am wearing my favorite pants.
14. I am going to bed after this. :)

Bad news:
1. Unpacking made everything seem so final, and made me miss my community and Africa like you would NOT believe!
2. Ah, I miss Cass! Holy crap!
3. My fingers are super burned from my guitar strings...it hurts.
4. Henk isn't coming home. That makes me so sad, I miss him like a crazy fool. :(
5. So last night one of my dad's friends was over, and I was in the kitchen cutting up the brownies to serve to my friends, and he says to me "Did you gain weight in Africa?" and I said, "Yes I did." And he replied, "Yeah, I could tell." I brushed it off, but it still stung. I wish I had the energy to work out. I will soon enough, thats always been in the plan...

A Vision in Sweatpants

So today I caught myself in a mirror while cleaning my grandma's windows for her and I realised something.

I am a vision in a hoodie and sweatpants.

Complete with a gross ponytail! No lie, I'm actually being semi-serious. When I feel comfortable, I look my best. I thought that was pretty sweet.
Well, night all!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

hmmm...i love hymns. i love truth. i love prayer. basically i love this song. enjoy.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

National Anthem

Here is a lovely video of us singing at grad. I tried to e-mail to the Outtatowners, but I don't think they got it. So here it is, it was originally recorded by my father, and later off the television with my digital camera by yours truely, so I hope you enjoy it!



Just click to watch. I hope this works!

I LOVE CHOCOLATE!

Look at this! How could you not love it? And want it? Two of my favorite things combined - cheesecake and chocolate! :) Thats happiness!

props to moxie's for the exciting cocoa 'm'!

Outtatown Withdrawl Syndrom

**If any of the following apply to you, you may be suffering with OTWS or in severe cases, EJ (emotional jannaitis). Please consult your Divine Physician for help or post prayer requests below. Seek help now!! When caught early OTWS and EJ are significantly less fatal.**

Do you ever just doubt yourself?
Do you ever question everything thats ever happened to you?
Do you ever wonder why people love you?
Do you ever wish you could transend space and time?
Do you cry in the shower?
Do you ever miss something or someone so much you could practically die?
Do you ever cry for no reason?
Do you ever feel scared you'll forget whats happened?
Do you eat your feelings?
Do you fight a war against your mirror everyday?
Do you feel frustrated that you're never satisfied?
Do you ever wish you could be transported somewhere else?
Do you ever think about those kids in Kliptown?
Do you ever want to go back?
Do you see their faces at night?
Do you get frustrated because you can't help?
Do you cry one minute and laugh the next?
Do you miss spooning?
Do you miss the stars in Mdumbi?
Do you feel like you should feel incredibly blessed and greatful?
Do you feel bad because you don't?
Do you feel like you're on a roller coaster?
Do you feel like me?
Do you post all your mixed up feelings online?


Okay, so I'm silly. And really must stop posting so late at night when my brain hardly works and my emotions are on over drive. I think I've lost my mind! :S

i.miss.africa.

That Was...

So today was my very first day at home alone. I woke up, and nobody was here. Nobody, not a single person. So that was exciting and what I've wanted basically since I came home. It was also incredibly boring.
I snuggled with Mel who was oddly enough very affectionate today. That was funny.
I worked really hard on something I wanted to send Caryn, and it wouldn't attach or send. That was annoying.
I looked up flights online to see how much it will hurt me financially to fly to Windsor. I was pleasantly surprised and am now super excited to take a few days off work and fly out, maybe mid/late June. That was exciting.
I watched American Idol, and it was pretty okay. Except two of the girls, Kellie and Katherine, man. That was excruciating.
I haven't showered since Saturday. I have nowhere to be. No one to smell good for. So I opted to not shower until tomorrow morning. My mom and dad are probably pretty pumped for that! lol. I promised Ash I'd shower before our date. That was a promise I intend to keep.
This post is silly. I'm going to watch House now. The end.

20 Thoughts in 3 Seconds

**warning! these are actual thoughts that managed to evolve in a three second period in janna's head. believe it or not there is method to this madness. the contents and rapid pace at which which they evolve may be hard to follow, so viewer discretion is advised**

scene: laying on jordan's couch, late afternoon

1. wow, this is a comfortable couch
2. i could fall asleep on it
3. look! there's even a blanket and pillow
4. maybe i'll crash here some night
5. but i'll need to wear my retainers
6. last time i slept without my retainers was mozambique
7. i was sick
8. terrell brought me a bun
9. man he was so sweet
10. i miss terrell
11. now i might cry
12. seriously, i could
13. i am an emotional headcase!
14. i should e-mail caryn
15. i'm a terrible friend
16. i wonder if she's mad at me for not e-mailing her
17. i hope not
18. man am i tired
19. i hope we go home soon
20. wow, this is a comfortable couch

Isaiah 53:5-6, 12

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace
was upon him,
and by his wounds
we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned his own way;
and the Lord had laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Hallelujah! what a Savior!

"Man of Sorrows," what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood;
Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless - we,
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full redemption - can it be?
Hallelujah! what a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die,
"It is finished!" was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high;
Hallelujah! what a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
To His kingdom us to bring,
Then anew this song we'll sing
Hallelujah! what a Savior!

-- i hope you all remember Christ and the amazing sacrifice He made for you out of love on this day --

The ABCs of...Me

A- Age: 19
B- Band you're listening to: Bonnie Tyler
C- Crush: Terrell Wiebe!
D- Dad's name: Owen
E- Easiest person to talk to: Terrell - goodness we could about anything!
F- Favourite ice cream: soft chocolate
G- Gummy worms or gummy bears: bears!
H- Hometown: you all know where it is
I- Instruments: Trumpet, Piano, Guitar
J- Junior High (high school): SCS
K- Kids: what does that even mean? I like them.
L- Longest car ride ever: from Pretoria to Glencairn - 18 hours!
M- Mom's name: Jody
N- Nicknames: Banane, Diane, Janna Faye, Nelson
O- One wish: I wish Terrell was still here.
P- Phobia[s]: Holy crap moths, clowns, and bats!
Q- Quote: "Everything sucks when it happens." Oh Zachary.
R- Reason to smile: I am loved! and sweatpants.
S- Song you sang last: "Naked" by Avril...I was playing my guitar.
T- Time you woke up today: 10 am
U- Unknown fact about me: I've never been to Boston in the fall...
V- Vegetable[s]: are good and rare to find raw in South Africa
W-Worst Habit: picking at my face probably
X- ermm. yeah.
Y - Years since you've been to church: I was in church 4 days ago
Z- Zodiac sign: Aquarius, not like it matters.

The Adventure Continues

Oh my word, it has been SO LONG since I've talked to you guys! It makes me sad! Its just that we've been so busy, and not really near a phone in so long...

My last e-mail was in JBay? Yes? While we were there we went to this place where they have an after-school program for kids and we got to play with them for 2 hours. It was incredible. Mom, thats why I came to Africa, for those kids. They just latched on to us, wow, it was unbelieveable how needed I felt. And then all these girls surrounded me and did my hair! They were braiding it, twisting it, gave me pigtails and finally settled on a rather nice half pony. It was SO cool, and they were so gentle...this one girl who was doing ym hair was just gorgeous, wow! After JBay we went to this "adventure" camp, aka a really spider infested place in the middle of nowhere! There were these huge spiders all over our beds, it was hard to sleep, plus we got up at 4:00 to drive to Mdumbi.

The drive there...indescribeable! Sincerely, it was beyond gorgeous! And green...hills and little grass huts on the hills...cows ALL over the roads...then pigs...then goats...sheep...yeah there was lots of stopping for livestock. It was the most hilarious drive of my life, George could hardly go two feet without stopping for a farm animal. And boy was it dusty! All the city folk could hardly handle the gravel roads. But once we got there it was amazing! If you go to the outtatown website, click on South Africa, and the picture you see of the beach is the view we had at Mdumbi. We were a 2 minute walk from the beach...apparently one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and I agree! Man I loved it!

So we spent the week doing the second module of Knowing Yourself, which was SO GOOD. We did personality type quizes, learned what our spiritual gifts are and encouraged each other in our small groups. The encouragements were so amazing, everyone said such lovely things to me, I have it on paper show you when I get home. It totally confirmed that I achieved my goals I've had since day one - to make good relationships with everyone that I could, and to completely grow and change. So many people commented on how much I've changed this semester, how my self esteem is up and how I've grown into a strong and beautiful woman of God. I cried! It was so amazing to have them just encourage me for no reason at all!

PLEASE TELL BABA THAT I RECIEVED ALL MY MAIL!!! All 13 items! :) She's been worried sick, I'm sure. I prayed for her on her surgery day, I'm so glad it went well!

Yesterday was a very scary day. We went swimming in the ocean, but the undertow was INTENSE. Like super super strong, pulling you out farther and farther into the ocean. Caryn and I got completely sucked out, it was scary! We were out SO far, and we were swimming as hard as we could and getting no where. Eventually we managed to get over to these rocks, barely getting a grip on them. Caryn had to grab my leg! We climbed up and out of the water. Later, Ash got swept out, and I went and retrieved her. Then Mae, and she can't swim all that well, and all these boys were around but no one made a move, so I went out, and it was scary because I wasn't strong enough to carry her and swim. She was screaming bloody murder practically, and I was yelling "help us! help us!" but everyone was kinda stunned and just stood there. Finally I yelled ay Mae to grab my foot and hold on and I swam us to the rocks. It was so scary, we got onto the rocks (after severely cutting up my feet, hands, and butt) and hugged for like 10 minutes. Man that was scary! Thats when I decided that that was 3 rescues too many and I was done for the day! More life threatening bonding moments!

We left Mdumbi at 3:00 am this morning and drove through pouring rain (it has been FREEZING all day) to a place outside of Pietermeritzberg where I went white water rafting! It was so fun, we sang and amused ourselves the whole way, and the rapids were sweet! It was super cold though, I think I'll take some vitamin C tonight so I don't get sick. It was sweet....Pappy managed to fall out and smoke his knee on a rock. It was split open so bad you could see the bone. Poor guy never gets a brake!

So here we are staying at a jail in Pmbg. It is so sweet! I love it here...too bad its still raining, especially because the overnight hike is this week. I leave for it on Wednesday. Man do I want to call you before then, its been a ridiculous amount of time since my last call, and I hate that - I cried the day we got to Mdumbi when I realised there was no phone! So I will call this week, I promise! I should go though, this has taken me a while to write. I love and miss you guys SO much!! Keep e-mailing me about whats going on with you, I love to hear it.

Love,
Janna

Too Much to Summarize

So...its been a while. Haven't had too much time to write. I don't even remember when I last wrote, but I'll go from my birthday on. :)
Okay so the next day we started work projects. I was in a group at a church in a township near Stellenbosch. Seriously, it was Extreme Makeover Church Edition. We scraped, sanded, and completely painted the outside of this church. It looked gorgeous once we were finished. It was rewarding work, but I was sick all morning the first day (almost vomiting) so I fell asleep on the floor. Yeah I was such a huge help. It was alright, the guys on site were mean and somewhat obnoxious - saying stuff like 'what, you going to cry? Go on girly, cry. Too bad your mom isn't here' and the like to Jenn when she was frustrated...yeah they were very picky as well. One of the old men called himself "The General"...yeah, it was a challenge but I liked it all the same.
On Valentines Day (Mae's birthday!) we were treated to a theatre in Cape Town to see a performance of Umoja, a South African history musical. It was AMAZING! Look it up, it was SO good! The music was incredible, I almost cried...yeah it was so good, I bought the DVD so we can watch it together. Yeah it was great. Terrell, Ash, Mae and I went out for cake to celebrate Mae and my birthdays. It was fun as well. Hey, I got presents from people! Ash gave me a necklace, Larissa gave me underwear, and Terrell gave me a towel. Its sweet!
We went on the wine tour on Friday. It was so gross! All it taught me really is that I hate wine. It was funny though, because most people hated it and the looks on their faces after a sip was priceless. It was fun, I spent most of my time taking pictures of people. It was so hot that day (+45!) and was hard to enjoy. That afternoon we travelled to Bonnievale, to a wilderness camp where we slept outside under the stars. On the way there we stopped, were told to put on clothes we could get wet and walked 5 minutes to this cave. We had to walk through it, which was a huge challenge for me - small, dark space; spiders; water up to my neck and BATS. Oh my word, millions of bats! I hate them! I was so scared, they were flying at my head and yeah I was so freaked out that I cried the whole first half of the cave. One hit me in the ear! It was SO gross! But so cool...I hated it and loved it at the same time. If there weren't bats it would've been so much better.
The weekend was fun, really hot and humid, but fun. We woke up to rain only once. I did this killer high ropes course with a zip line, which was cool and we swam to this deep part of the river where we swung off a rrope into the water. So fun! And painful - biggest swimsuit wedgie of my life. Yeah it was good, we had a church service there ourselves on Sunday morning. And on Monday at 4:30 am we left for BUNGY JUMPING! No I didn't do it, but I did like cry watching Ash do it - I was so proud of her! Only 8 of us didn't do it, but we watched them all go and cheered our heads off. So good, everyone as so pumped after it, including me!
Now we are in Jeffery's Bay, its so nice here by the ocean and not too much wind. I like it! There are all these Quicksilver and Billabong outlet stores, so everyone went shopping like crazy (except me, pretty much!). Sizes here are so whacked. Like a large and small is practically the same size..yeah its weird. Anyhoo...yesterday I went on a horse trip (I know!) and we got to gallop by the ocean. It was INCREDIBLE! I loved it, it was so beautiful and liberating! Whee! It was a little scary but mostly cool. The best part was riding on sand dunes...I felt like I was in Hidalgo. No Viggo, though....lol!
Well, I should go, we leave for an Adventure Camp tomorrow. It should be okay, I'm slightly adventured out though. Oh well. I'll write when I can, sorry its been so long! I love and miss you guys so much!
Love,
Janna

After Table Mountain

I do think I'm spending too much money on these internet cafés...but at R10 an hour you can't really go wrong! Here I am at yet another. We are doing homestays this week, I'm staying with a beautiful 64-year-old widow named Judy with CARYN!! Yay I was so excited! Judy is hilarious, she is a chocolate loving emotional headcase just like us. She's really nice, and her oldest grandson turns 20 on my birthday! Cool or what? Her house is really small, but really girly and cozy - lace and stuffed animals EVERYWHERE. Hilarious! I'm having so much fun, this homestay has turned out better than I thought it would.
So where was I last e-mail? Table Mountain. This longest, hardest and steepest hike of my life! Ridic! It took us from 2:00 until 4:30 to get up, and from 5:15 to 7:00 to get down. It was really windy, and really scary, I wanted to quit SO many times! Especially because the trail we were on was burnt to a crisp from the fires last week. But the view made it almost worth it. Too bad I can't walk now.
Now we're in our host family's homes, doing service work. Yesterday we painted 4 houses in a township. Other people were putting in windows, doors and ceilings. It was really hot, and their were some gross local guys around making us uncomfortable, making obscene gestures etc. It was gross and made me want to leave. The leaders and the guys were so mad, and really did their best to protect us and make sure we were never alone, so that was good. Last night Caryn and I watched TV (SA Fear Factor is SO weird!) and that was about it. Tonight I hope to read and perhaps watch The Amazing Race - its the one where they go to SA. All we're doing is work projects for the rest of the week. Today we got done early and here I am in Muizenbug, eating ice cream and going online. I should go soon, though. I really missed not being able to call home on Saturday, I'm excited to call soon!
Well I should go. Please e-mail me whats been going on with you! I miss you guys!
Love,
Janna

Table Mountain

Hello there once again! How are you guys? I'm at another internet café, killing time before I hike Table Mountain. The fires seem to have stopped and I hear its one of the most breathtaking views in the world, so I thought I should probably take this opportunity and run with it! I'm not really looking forward to the actual climb, but thats alright. Its only a group of girls going, so that should be fun. Hopefully I'll find someone to go my pace.
This week, what have I done this week? Well, on Sunday we went to this incredible church, I want to go there always, it was so good! I loved worship and their pastor(?) had a really powerful message. They gave us donuts afterwards, and random people came up and hugged us. Then we went to Robbin Island that afternoon, which was alright. I mean cool to see but it was a long day, and the tour guide was hard to hear, but it was still interesting. Everyone got sick on the boat ride back to Cape Town, Zach even puked. SO many people on out site have been sick (vomiting, explosive diarria ) and it seems like that boat ride didn't help. But yeah, I've been feeling alright, really tired though.
On Monday we went to the District 6 museum, which was cool. Then we went to Muisenburg, and visited a church run by reformed gangsters, and we learned all about the gang wars in the areas. We actually weren't allowed to get off the bus in some areas b/c a shoot out could occur at any time. It was intense, kids followed us everywhere and were all commenting on my shoes (the Nikes), which was sort of scary b/c I mean people get shot for their shoes! But it was alright. On Tuesday we began Conflict/Resolution classes, which were really interesting. I liked them alot actually. And the lady who did them, Micheline, is a councellor and I just loved her, she was so good at reading where we were at and what to do next. She led the exercises really well. So we had class until yesterday. We had the afternoon off, so we went to the beach and had a picnic. I slept on the beach and almost got taken out by the tide.
Today is table mountain, tomorrow is church and market shopping. Then we get divided up into host families again. I'm not totally looking forward to it - I mean I liked it last time, but this time I just don't feel like being seperated from the group again. I dunno, I'm sure it will be fine but I'd rather stay here with everyone. I appreciate all your prayers - your continued prayers for our site would be incredible! So if you could pray for them that'd be sweet.
Its my brithday in 8 days! Crazy, I feel excited but kinda not b/c its on a travelling day :( Yeah that kinda sucks. Oh well, its the day we reunite after homestay and it'll be exciting. Plus people have told me they will make it special for me, so thats nice. I'm really good though, healthy and pumped to build houses next week!! Thats what we're doing it will be sweet. Well time is of the essence so I should toodle. I think all the girls are going skinny dipping tonight! It should be fun. Well I really should go, I'll call today when I can.
Love,
Janna

Baboons, Sharks, and Penguins, OH MY!

Hey all! Here I am in Fish Hoek. Its about 5 minutes down the coast from Glencairn, where I'm staying. Its really nice here, man!
So this has been a pretty eventful week. On Wednesday we had two speakers talking about apartheid and on Thursday we had a guy/girl day and we girls visited some markets. I bought a Jesus fish necklace and a bracelet that looks like the SA flag. It was cheap and super cool. We had lunch on top of a mountain, observing the coast. We had just finished eating when everyone starting screaming. I looked up to see the biggest baboon of my life! It bared its teeth like 3 inches from Carmyn's face, grabbed our lunches, knocked Mae off the bench she was standing on with me, and ran off! I looked around and everyone had run away but me and Mae. I was like, "Mae are you okay?" And she was half laughing, half crying when she said, "No. I think it touched me!" Then we hugged for like 10 minutes. It was terrifying, but hilarious afterwards! Now we are all really afraid of the baboons, especially because they are so vicious and b/c we have so many at camp.
After the baboon scare we went to another beach and swam with penguines!!!!! It was so cool! Or should I say cold - the water was FREEZING! But it was so much fun, and they'd swim by you as you stood in the water. Then we dried off on the beach. The boys were climbing Table Mountain and on the way down they had to re-route due to a forest fire! You should look up pictures of it online, it was insane! They easily could've died, the wind was so strong that day. They didn't get back until like 10:30 that night!
The next day I woke up dark and early at the unGodly hour of 4:30 am to go SHARK DIVING! Yup, me and 17 other drove 2 hours and sailed 45 minutes to see some Great Whites. It was so sweet, I went in a cage with Terrell, Mae and Josh R and we saw the shark! It was fighting with their bait, so cool! It was a really long day and I took 2 Gravol and almost puked but it was SO worth it! I loved it, man to get the chance to do that was incredible! Plus my wet suit was unbelieveably hot! I'll tell you more when I can!
Today has been an assignment day, with 3 due by supper. I'm done them all. Tonight my worship team is leading worship and then I have prayer committee. Tomorrow we go to the jail in Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was kept. Cool or what?
Well I don't have much time left (stupid internet cafes!) and I should probably go. I love you all! Happy almost birthday daddy! 51!
Much love,
Janna xoxo

Life in Cape Town

Hey guys!!
So after a gruelling 18 hour drive, I find myself in Cape Town. Its SO nice here! Right by the ocean (Indian, I think) and its so breezy that I actually find it cold most days. Crazy! Wearing a skirt here is pretty risky too, with the wind blowing it up every 5 seconds. I feel like Marylin Monroe! But it really is beautiful. We got here at 8:00 am yesterday morning and had time to settle in before breakfast at 9:00. Then I got my suit on, slapped on the SPF 45 and headed to the ocean (about a 10 minute walk). It was really nice out, it felt like the afternoon. I wasn't sure if I'd swim, I was really tired, but Caryn and I walked down the beach and thought it would be funny to skinny dip some time...but we thought, there's really no time like the present! So we ran in, removed the suits and...yeah. It was so funny! But mostly scary, I was so worried that someone from our site would run by. But after frantically fighting with my suit to get it back on, we stumbled on to the beach laughing our heads off. I still can't believe we did that! Then we ran down the beach and frollicked in the water with Charisse, Janice and Dave (fully suited of course!). WE were catching all these sweet waves...it was so much fun. I started feeling nauseous from all the swallowed salt water, though. I've never spit so much in my life. It was so much fun, man I LOVE the ocean! We didn't go out too far because they told us to be careful - they've seen at least 9 great white sharks this year in the bay. Crazy, I know! I didn't even think about it really. But yeah it was an amazing morning.
I was exhausted by that and from my 3 hours only of sleep on the bus so I had a nice nap after lunch on my bunk. We're staying at a camp here, I forget what its called, its kind of run down and dirty but it serves its purpose. The food is really good too. Last night we had curry...yum! But yeah everyone but me walked to town (about an hourlong walk!) and used the internet etc. They all came back super burned! Its very misleading here, the weather. Its so windy it feels cool and you forget how hot the sun is. But yeah, it was funny, waking up alone and looking out my window to see a huge baboon ripping into a garbage can! It was about the size of an 8 year old boy, it was actually kind of scary! And they told me that they were really fierce too and we should avoid them. So randon though to wake up to baboons!
We had super last night and then our weekly community meeting. It was good, I love being back with everyone! I shared about how happy I am this semester with my self (body image wise). Guys I feel so beautiful here its ridic! And everyone was so cool about it, people told me they had been praying for me and stuff, and said that I was inspiring and that they were happy to see me happy. It was incredible. Marcus was proud of me. :) But yeah, then pretty much talked to the girls in my room and went to bed. Today we had quiet time all morning and now I'm at the mall in Fishook for another 20 minutes until we head back. I should probably go, I'm running out of time!
I love you guys!
Love,
Janna xoxo
P.S. Everything here is so BIG...sometimes I really just miss the smallness of Strathclair.

So this is Goodbye...

Hey everyone!!
Sorry for the last minute post, I realize how rushed and crappy this will be, but yeah, I have very limited time. I just wanted to say that I'm leaving for south africa tomorrow morning, we fly to Toronto, then Frankfurt, then to Johannesburg (I hope I'm spelling all these places right). Its probably a 30 hour flight all together, I'm excited and nervous. But yeah, I just wanted to say that I'm leaving, and that I'll miss you, and that I love you all and was very excited and happy to see you while I was back. And if I didn't see you, thats super unfortunate because I really would've liked to. Well, please pray for me and my team, I'm sure this will be a crazy life altering experince for us all, and I just pray that we're ready for it. Also pray for safety, I've never been on a big plane and I'm a little scared of keeping my luggage together and bad weather - its a long time to be in the air! Contact will be limited too, but if you want to write me send me an e-mail or mail me at:

c/o the Goulds
1 Cambridge Rd, Prestbury
Pietermaritzburg
Kwazulu - Natal 3201
South Africa

So yeah, I hope you all have an amazing three months, you are amazing and I think you're the best ever! I'll miss you ridiculously. Love you!
Much love,
Janna
P.S. Enjoy the cold winter. :)

The List

ten things i want to do in my lifetime:
1. see Relient K in concert
2. fall in love and get married
3. become a youth pastor
4. have a family of my own
5. master the guitar
6. travel around Europe
7. start a band
8. write and publish a book
9. have blue hair
10. help lots of people find Jesus

nine things on my mind:
1. only 5 days until Africa!
2. I'm excited to have painted nails
3. Narnia...I'm always thinking about Narnia...
4. I miss Terrell
5. my nose is itchy
6. I wish I owned "Bewitched"
7. I eat too much chocolate
8. my hands are brown and sparkly - oops
9. how will I make everything fit in my bag?

eight songs i love:
1. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap
2. Always - Hillsongs United
3. My Real Life - Amanda Stott
4. Standing in the Rain - Billy Talent
5. Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
6. All These Things I've Done - The Killers
7. Red Letters- DC Talk
8. Getting Scared - Imogen Heap

seven things i do almost every day:
1. complain
2. brush my hair
3. work out
4. miss people
5. eat a lot
6. laugh
7. say "Holy Crap"

six things (not people) i love:
1. rainbows
2. snuggling with my cats
3. getting e-mails
4. track jackets
5. dancing
6. playing the piano

five people i enjoy the company of: (not in any particular order)
1. Ashley
2. Terrell
3. Brynne
4. Caryn
5. Everyone who's reading this now...I LOVE YOU! I love too many people.

four most recent movies i’ve seen:
1. The Chronicles of Narnia
2. Fun with Dick and Jane
3. Batman Begins
4. Bewitched

three skills i have:
1. writing stuff
2. singing
3. being sympathetic - I cry when you do

two things i’d change about myself:
1. I would be happier with how I look
2. i would be less of an emotional headcase!

one bit of advice:
1. there's nothing better than a hug for no reason at all!

Cutest Snowman EVER!

Okay so I don't have too much energy to post...but here's a picture of the cutest thing I've ever seen!

P.S. I'm done both my assignments! HA HA HA!!

I Celebrate the Day

by Relient K

I realise I posted this last year, but its worth posting again. I hope you all have a safe and blessed Christmas, I love all you guys, and really remember why we celebrate today.

With this Christmas wish is missed

The point I could convey

If only I could find the words to say to let you know

How much you've touched my life because

Here is where you're finding me

In the exact same place as New Years Eve

And from the lack of my persistency

We're less than half as close as I wanna be

And the first time that you opened your eyes

Did you realize that you would be my Savior

And the first breath that left your lips

Did you know that it would change this world forever

And the first time that you opened your eyes

Did you realize that you would be my Savior

And the first breath that left your lips

Did you know that it would change this world forever

And so this Christmas I'll compare

The things I've felt in prior years

To what this midnight made so clear

That you have come to meet me here

To look back and think that

This baby would one day save me

And the hope that, that you give

That you were born so I might really live

To look back and think that

This baby would one day save me…

And the first time that you opened your eyes

Did you realize that you would be my Savior

And the first breath that left your lips

Did you know that it would change this world forever

And the first time that you opened your eyes

Did you realize that you would be my Savior

And the first breath that left your lips

Did you know that it would change this world forever

And I celebrate the day

That you were born to die

So I could one day

Pray for you to save my life

Pray for you to save my life

Pray for you to save my life.

Best Day EVER!

Ok, so yesterday was like the best day ever. I had so much fun, but now am so tired. It was sweet. I invited people over for a movie night, and they all ended up spending the night because of the crappy road conditions. Scott came over for a bit which was exciting because I haven't seen him in a long time!
Well the best part of the entire day was when TERRELL CALLED ME! Seriously, made like my week, I was so happy! Plus we talked for like 74 minutes...yeah it was amazing to hear from him! :)
Ok so Ashley and Curtis arrived, and then Kaitlan and Brynne. So we snuck into the school and scared the little kids by throwing a ball in the gym...ha ha that was fun. Then we went and found Brad, and Kaitlan gave him his Christmas gift. We invited him over after cadets was finished. Then we watched Codie get his truck hopelessly stuck in the ditch. Then we headed back to my house, where Henk was waiting - in his yellow shirt! That truely made my joy complete!
So we watched Weekend at Bernies, which is pretty much the funniest movie ever. Brad showed up. Then we watched The Odd Couple 2, which we mostly talked through. I checked my e-mail and Caryn sent me the best e-mail ever! It made like my entire day! Yeah, it was amazing, I really love that girl.
So after the movie Curtis and I started throwing orange peels at each other. He was behind the loveseat and I was in front of the Christmas tree, and we pelted each other with peels for like half an hour! It was hilarious! My aim was good, but my consistancy was terrible! It was funny, I hit him square in the face so many times. I was like crying I was laughing so hard! That was like the funniest 30 minutes of my life.
Then we decided to go for a walk. So Brynne, Henk, Curtis and I head out to walk the streets at like 2:00 am. We walked everywhere, the streets were completely dead. We even stood in the middle of the highway for like 10 minutes, and it was dead. So we walked around and told freaky stories and decided to walk to the graveyard, which is across the highway by the school. So we went out there and it was really dark. We were walking through really deep snow, and then we hit this super deep snow drift. Curtis teetered, and then fell on me, who fell on Brynne, and we were stuck in this huge snow bank! I couldn't stop laughing, and I also couldn't get up. Henk had to pull us up. So we trudged on, and got back by the school. Then we saw this huge drift, and we all ran and jumped in it. We did that for so long, and took all these dumb pictures. We just layed in the snow for a crazy long time. I was freezing by the time we stood up and walked back to my house.
We got back to my house around 4:30, and Ashley was sleeping. They had watched Liar Liar when we were gone. Then we all put on dry pants and watched a TV Evangalist on mute, with me doing narration. He had a huge head! Goodness. Then Curtis and Kaitlan tickled me until I thought I would die. I also ate a sick amount of chips. But yeah, around 7:00 we decided to get some sleep. I woke up at 10:00 today. Crap I'm tired, so off I go to have a nap. We were gonna go to see Narnia today, but the roads are too icey.
So yeah, that was a ridiculously good time, I am so content with how that went. Here's a pic of some snowy craziness for your enjoyment. :)

Joy to the World!

So today has been cool...church in the am, and guess who was there?? HENK! Whoo! Made my whole day, seeing that kid! And he seemed pretty pumped to see me as well, which made it even better. He looks great! And yeah, it was amazing to see him, and he's coming over this week, I am so excited! Man I missed that guy!
Then I went to Baba's and decorated cookies with the sibs. Thats sweet, I mean thats a tradition that we've done since I was like, two years old. I love that we still do that. It was fun, and very messy (I dropped an iced cookie on myself, it was all over me!). And we had supper there as well.
Then we had the carol service at church...lets not talk about it...and the fellowship after it was thoroughly enjoyable! I talked with Matthew, and sang in Ukranian with Kristin, oh what a time! Plus Kaitlan gave me her vest ("I saw Elizabeth..." lol) which is brilliant! I am so happy and wearing it as we speak. After chatting with them (and Henk again!) I went home, we put on some carols and finished decorating the Christmas tree! That was fun, I love that part about Christmas because each ornament has a memory and we have a few good laughs every year.
Then - now this is the important part - I talked to my uncle on the phone, and guess what? HE'S GETTING ME A GUITAR! That's right, ladies and gents, by December 25 I should have my very own acoustic guitar! Yay! I am so beyond pumped right now! I'm going to pay him back, but STILL! And he said that his friend as the music store likes to swing him some pretty sweet deals...
So yup, thats pretty much that, sorry this is so poorly written. My journalism skills have completely dissappeared. How sad. Like my cheesey Christmas title? Love it! Laters.

You Are So Good to Me

Okay, I just wanted to post to say GOD IS SO GOOD. Like, amazing! Okay, firstly, I bought this amazing Worship CD (WOW Worship) and it has all these songs that we sing on Outtatown but not at my church, so I was extremely happy about that and have listened to it non-stop.
Also, I've been Christmas shopping the past two days, and managed to finish, hardly spending any money at all. It was amazing. I usually debate and deliberate over what to get people, and it was all there for me. It made it so unstressful and fun.
Then today, I dunno, I've been working out and eating well and stuff, trying to slim down a bit before Africa (for myself) and then today we ate out for lunch, I bought a chocolate bar and ate cake and cookies after supper! I just feel like the past week has been wasted! So I was sitting at the computer, moping because my arm hurts too much to work out (stupid Twinrix) and I came online to see 4, count 'em FOUR e-mails from my Outtatown friends for me. And they made my entire day and put me in a very thankful and happy mood. Happy to be alive, thankful for having people like them in my life. Wow, I love you guys, you don't even know how much. I just praise God for you.

You are so good to me, You heal my broken heart, You are my Father in Heaven...

P.S. I saw Aaron in the mall last night!! I haven't seen him since like, April, and he gave me the longest hug ever and it was SO GOOD to talk to him! Man I forgot how much that kid rocks!

Yay Pictures!

So I thought I should post some pictures from the past three months...
Firstly, here is what I look like now. Thats right, ladies and gents, black hair!




And here is a picture of me, Mae and Terrell after climbing Mount Hope. I love those two, we are like the three amigos. We're loud enough ourselves but together? Oh yes. Loudness at its best.

Overwhelmed!

Man I love going on MSN now - I am like overwhelmed by 8 conversations right from the get go! Immediately like all these people are like "JANNA!!!!" and I feel so loved! Man I love it, I've become an MSN addict lately. I used to go on like never and now, all the time. Wow I've said like so many times its ridic!
Its weird, I always dread working out until I actually do it. Then it feels great! Why was I not doing this earlier? I think its good that I keep adjusting it to fit me, ex: its easier for me to do 4 reps of 15 than 3 of 20. Plus it makes me tired so I have to go to bed earlier and sleep alot sounder. And thats hard to do because I'm used to falling asleep listening to 11 other girls breathing/talking/snoring in their sleep. Man I loved that - our cabin was SWEET!
So I love getting e-mails so keep e-mailing me, people! Allison Enns e-mailed me and I was so excited! It made me very happy. I need to reply back tho. Don't worry Als, I love you even though I procrastinate! And talking to Alysha last night was very exciting...and Jenn and Kirsten tonight! Yay! I love it!
Crap I really gotta read Kaffir Boy; I just don't like reading it before bed because its so upsetting and disturbing! But I need to get on that. If only I had the questions for it so I could do it *cough MARCUS! cough*.
Today was a good day because I watched Oprah. She is my hero. :)
Sorry all my posts suck but I am so tired right now! I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow!

First Evening Alone!

Well hello again. Last night was the Christmas Banquet thing. It was pretty fun, I got to talk with Kaitlan, Leanna and Ashley about their boy situations. That was sweet! But yeah, I found it tiring and was ready to go home about an hour before I did. But Curtis took me for a ride in his Mustang! It was sweet! I missed hanging out with that kid, he never stops making me laugh! Like writing Codie Smells in shaving cream on his truck - so funny! I laughed.
Saturday...what have I done today? Gone on MSN (yay people were on!) and watched curling with Dad (I wanted Scott to win) and yeah, thats pretty much it. I should really be reading Kaffir Boy. I think I'll do that later, I want to get all my assignments done this week so I don't have to worry about it. Yeah Ash and I have got to get together and do the church assignment so I can be done with that.
Mom and Dad went to another banquet tonight which was sweet because then I got to be alone for the first time in 3 months! I didn't even do anything interesting. I went online for a bit, worked out, took a super long shower while singing along loudly to Clay Aiken's Christmas CD and just had eaten a piece of cake when they came back in with Art and Tammy. So we visited, I ate a Christmas orange, watched a bit of the Grinch and they left. Then I called Brynne, which was sweet! We talked for like an hour and a half. And here I am.
So this is the exciting of life of Janna Bryce, really a life worth posting about.

Life...what is that anyways?

So here I am, back at home...I was just looking at the title of my blog and thinking, what the heck? I mean, life as I know it really doesn't mean anything to anyone at all. Because the life I've lived for the past three months has been so surreal and unordinary that I can't image it applying to anyone but myself. Who has a life like mine? Well, 37 other people, but thats out of how many in the world? Goodness.
Well that was by far one of the dumbest things I've written. But I'm tired and sad and disoriented. Being at home is weird - it feels normal but not because no one else from Outtatown is here. I really miss everyone, and its only been one day! How stupid is that? Plus none of my clothes from home fit me...well I've only worn sweatpants since I got home in fear of that. How depressing. But it was sad to leave everyone yesterday, I bawled when Caryn left, and hugging Dave was sad too. And then like 45 min into the ride home I'm like "I miss Terrell" and Ashley says to me "You are SCREWED." And I was like, pretty much! I've decided that everytime I miss someone I'm going to pray for them. So I have prayed for many people in the last 24 hours. Some people more than once.
What have I done since I got home...well I slept (amazing!) and today I showed mom and dad all my pictures and explained who everyone was and what were doing at the time. They must have been crazy bored, it took like 2 hours. Then I showered (so nice!) and grandma came over, so I entertained her for an hour, then went upstairs to lay down because of a super huge headache that had taken over my brain. So I ended up falling asleep around 8:30 and woke up at like 2:30. So I put in my retainers and headed back to bed. Mel and Mo slept with me! It was sweet! But yeah I should go to Ashley's now, we gotta write our speech for the Youth Group Christmas Banquet tonight.
Any Outtatown people reading this: I MISS YOU LIKE A TOOL!!

I'm going to AFRICA!

Hey guys! Whats happening? Today we got back from Victoria, it was sweet. Most of the week was focased on our upcoming trip to South Africa! This guy from Zimbabway talked to us about its history and what to expect and stuff like that. It was neat. Then we had a meeting tonight, and we watched the video of last year's site's trip to SA. Ashley says hi. It was AMAZING! It became so much more real to me, that I'm going there to see giraffs and hold little black babies. It was phenominal, I almost cried through the whole video. The black people singing, the harmony! Oh it was FANTASTIC! I am so beyond pumped (and completely frightened) to go. I know already though, that I am completely going to fall in love with Africa, and every single child and person there, and that totally scares me. The thing that frightens me the most is coming home after Africa. I know I am going to be in the biggest funk of my life and that freaks me out. I just hope that I can take this whole thing one step at a time and enjoy every individual day. I'm also concerned about packing...Marcus said last year he didn't take hiking boots! I was like, why spend $160 on boots that I'll hardly wear? So dumb. That was frustrating. And hey, we get to learn to Gumboot dance, and it looks like so much fun! I'm super pumped. There is so much that we'll learn and get to do! I can hardly even wrap my mind around it. I am just so completely excited that I had to e-mail you as soon as the meeting was over. WOW! I'm going to Africa!! I can't believe it! This is intense!
In other news, all the boys here are shaving their heads. They feel so soft, everyone keeps rubbing their heads. Zach just shaved his, and its the softest thing I've ever felt. My black is fading but my hair still looks black. I'll send a pic home of it when I can. I really like it! Anyhoo, on Saturday night we went to a U of Vic basketball game and guess who they played? Brandon Bobcats!! It was insane! And they played really well too! I was like, small freaking world, eh? So that was cool, and at half time, they had Gumboot dancers! It was so cool! I was like, we were meant to be at this game! It was just crazy! Anyways, that was neat. We also went to a Rememberance Day Service at Royal Roads University (where they are filming X-Men 3!!) and it was beautiful, outdoors, and pouring rain. We got pretty wet (well my upper half was dry due to my rain coat) but it was nice and the trumpet player was amazing.
Well Mike wants on the computer so I should go. We have a free morning tomorrow which is sweet because I slept horribly at the hotel. So that will be nice, and we have class in the afternoon. Well I'd better go, I love you guys!

P.S. Henk e-mailed me! He's doing good and loving school!
P.P.S. Hey Jordan, I just bought a Jackson 5 Christmas CD and that its AMAZING!
P.P.P.S. Alysha (this totally fun girl who reminds me of KB) and Larissa (I love her) read mom's letters for me and they're both like, "I love your mom! I feel like I know her already!" It was cute! And I shared my Craisins, they were a big hit. Plus I invited all the Winnipeg to come out for a weekend some time after Outtatown is all said and done. They are super pumped to go to Hal's! :)

Wow...its been awhile

Hey everyone! Sorry its taken so long to post! I've been swamped and crazy busy! But here I am at the Blue Moose in Hope, BC with Allison and Alysha. I finally feel like I have enough time to talk about stuff going on here. We have a free weekend coming up, tomorrow we're all going into Chilliwack to buy Halloween costumes at Value Village. It should be fun, I have no idea what to be though. Anyhoo, I also have a book report due on "Can You Hear Me". Its all about hearing God, which I finally feel like I can do. This week has been amazing. We got into our small groups and laid hands on each other and prayed for one another. It was such a blessing! I was moved, and bawling, and I almost fell down once. Everything they said was an answer to the prayers I've been praying for the last 2 weeks. And I felt so loved, just by them having their hands on me and praying for me, it was a huge bonding moment. And last night, WOW! We hiked in the tunnels, and when we got back the boys had decorated the dining hall and planned this beautiful banquet supper for us. They served us and had cards and flowers for each of us. There were candles and some of the boys played guitar. Man it was beautiful and amazing. Joshua had also made a slideshow and it had all these pictures of us, and at the end of the night we had a hugging line! The best part was that the boys were all dressed up in ties and with gelled hair. Man that was awesome, they looked so beautiful and I was wearing like a hoodie. Man. Now I'm here and this is incredible. Sorry I can't write much more, I'm going to try my hardest to post more often. This is an amazing experience, I am SO BLESSED to be here!! I love and miss you all, you are in my prayers!!
P.S. The time is BC time.

First Day at Outtatown!

Oh my gosh, what a whirlwind of a day! Got to Winnipeg by 11:30, ate at Mickey D's and got to campus by 12:20. Ash and I were first to register and got our student loans figured out. Then we waited outside for the group photo, which was fun. I had an individual photo, worshiped with every other site (1 & 2) and then headed out to the lawn. Ash and I met Carmyn and said goodbye to our families before jumping in the van. The van ride here was so much fun, Ash and I were in a van full of fun people. There's this guy named Zack who's really funny and great at breaking ice. We sang Black Eyed Peas and Blink 182 on the way here. Then there's this funny girl named Sarah who totally has no fear of talking to new people. I sat with her and Zack, Ash, Carmyn and Leanne at supper and we talked about scars and times we've wounded ourselves. It was totally hilarious and totally fun! After supper we played games outside, just silly fun stuff (most people got winded really easily and we decided to call it "Outtashape" instead of Outtatown). It was fun, but the bugs got bad so we went inside and sat in circle and introduced ourselves to eachother, it was cool. I'm sharing a room with a girl named Alison, and sharing a bathroom with Mae, Nashley, and Janice. They're nice, Nashley is cool and she worked at Madge Lake Bible camp where Cass used to go! I'm having so much fun, the people here are awesome! I'll write a better post later, but its snack time (by the way supper was totally good). Tomorrow breakfast is at 8:30 and classes at 9:00. We have our first speaker tomorrow! I'm excited! We also have "alone time" which will be cool, its just time to spend alone with God. I'm totally pumped. The site leaders rock, I love Charlene (who's like 4'9") and just meeting all these new people! Anyhoo, I'd better go, I love you all!!!!
Love,
Janna :)