Saint Theresa Prayer

May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

I Believe

I believe-
That we don't have to change
friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
That no matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt you every once in a
while and, you must forgive them for that.

I believe-
That true friendship continues
to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I believe-
That you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I believe-
That it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
That you should always leave loved ones with
loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe-
That you can keep going long after you can't.

I believe-
That we are responsible for
what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe-
That either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I believe-
That regardless of how hot and steamy a
relationship is at first, the passion fades and there
had better be something else to take its place.

I believe-
That heroes are the people who do what
has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe-
That my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time!

I believe-
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when
you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to
be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe-
That just because someone doesn't love you the way
you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you
with all they have.

I believe-
That maturity has more to do with what types of
experiences you've had and what you've learned
from them and less to do with how many birthdays
you've celebrated.

I believe-
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
That no matter how bad your heart is
broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
That our background and circumstances may have
influenced who we are, but we are responsible for
who we become.

I believe-
That just because two people argue, it
doesn't mean they don't love each other, And just
because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe-
That you shouldn't be so eager to find
out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe-
That two people can look at the exact
same thing and see something totally different.

I believe-
That your life can be changed in a matter
of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe-
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a
friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe-
That credentials on the wall do not make
you a decent human being.

I believe-
That the people you care about most in
life are taken from you too soon.

- Author Unknown

An Ass Slap

So... dad's watching football the other night and starts to freak out over a touch down. He's so impressed by the play that he calls me into the room to watch the play-back. Yes, he actually wanted me to see it he was so excited. So, down I sat and prepared myself to be bored by what I was about to see... however, the touch down did end up being very entertaining. After the touchdown the guys all ran to each other and the one who scored the touchdown jumps into another guy's arms. The guy hoists him up in to the air and as he's holding him, he slaps the guy on the ass repeatedly. I turned to my dad at this point in the play-back and said, "What is it with guys and ass-slapping? For the most part, you're all homophobic, but when it comes to sports, you're all walking around slapping each other on the ass!" My dad found this pretty funny. His come-back was, "well, at least we don't go around hugging and kissing each other!"....what's the difference?? LOL.

Resolutions for a Happy New Year

New Year's Resolutions:

1. Resolution: To get back to my desired weight and strength that I was at three to four years ago.

How Can I Obtain This?: Stop eating absently. Everything I put into my mouth must come with a thought process of, "Will this hinder my goals or add health?". I also need to make a conscious effort to make an appearance at the gym at least four times a week. The hardest part about working out is just showing up. With that being said, I've managed to hook up with a few friends who meet me there - accountablility really does work. I really need to get into yoga as well and I think I've found a great yoga instructor (Carrie, check out www.delasolyoga.com. I think I'd like to check out Sunday morning's class).

2. Resolution: To buy a house and make it a home.

How Can I Obtain This?: Well... so far I think I've done everything according to schedule. I was put in contact with a Mortgage broker and Real Estate Agent (thanks Vic) and have been pre-approved and am currently house shopping. In total, I have seen 26 houses in the Hamilton area. Let me tell you, there sure is a lot of crap out there! I can't believe people live the way they do!!! GROSS!!! Some interesting information has come my way however... Remember Simon? My room-mate I had last year in that really cute house? Well, he called me up the other day and wanted to let me know that he's selling his house and wanted to give me the opportunity at it if I want it. We have talked extensively, he's had the house appraised, and if we go privately, he'll get what he's asking for anyway... something to consider anyway. When I think about owning that house, however, I get very, very excited. Although the location is not the greatest (it's one of four houses surrounded by appartment buildings and townhomes), it has been fully renovated, everything is new (EVERYTHING), the back-yard has a ton of potential, it's the perfect size, the neighbours are great, and it's in close proximity to work. So... we'll see. As Tracey at work said, "It gets you into the pool - a great place to start". She has a point. AND, according to the news, the market has turned into a seller's market right now... which means I really do need to jump on the wagon.

Anyway, I've got to run... I think I'm going to head over to the gym :)

Nappy Yew Hear

Well... so long 2006.
I can't say that I'm sad to see it go.
Much like my thirteith birthday in August, I was glad to pass my 20's and now I'm even gladder to see the year go.
New beginnings in 2007.... leaves me with a feeling of ....refreshement. If that makes sense.
Anyway, the evening went without flaw, and went by much more quickly that I wanted it to, which I guess was a good thing, indicating that it went by well.
I'm actually having a hard time typing... backspacing way too many times for my liking (another cocktail, anyone?).
However, all in all, it was a good evening. I spent it with my dad, his girlfriend Irene and her sister, Elaine. Elaine is a riot... so it made the evening that much better. There was constant laughter, joking, fun, games, food (fresh Alaskan King Crab, BBQed Lamb, mashed potatoes and beans in a bernaise sause (I know I spelt that wrong)... wine, wine, more wine... some of the nicest wine I've tasted, a very expensive champainge (I think I spelt that wrong too), cocktails, more food, more laughter. When all was said and done I came down stairs to where my bedroom is and stepped into a small puddle of dog piss, soaking my new socks. Nice.
I went outside to have a smoke, and as I was lighting my Benson and Hedges Menthols I heard the most peculiar thing... At first I thought it was a dog heaving and ho'in..... and then realized, even though I couldn't see it for the darkness, was the sounds of a whale blowing. The infrequent caws of birds in the background and the hum of the generator for the boat house seemed so distant, as I listened to the moanings of the whale (or whales) as I stood there staring into the darkness, hoping only to see something, knowing I never would. Such a shame that I couldn't actually see the water spray... but I could hear it... it was amazing.
Anyway, even though I've had a hard time out here in BC, and even though every day brought on it's own emotional internal termoil, I have to say that it's gone by quicky and I'm glad for it. I'm looking forward to crawling into my own bed tomorrow night and to returning to work, even though it will bring piles of work. I'm glad for the oportunity to have visited such a beautiful province, and to have met some very wonderful people.
If my dad ever decides to move out here, bless him, I know he'll be in heaven. I know I will deal with a personal hell of not having him in Ontario, but, it is what it is. I have my health. I have my friends. I have my love of life. I have another year to make the most out of what has been given to me. Bless that... and all that's given to me.
Cheers to you... and to yours.
Happy New Year everyone....

Jenn