This past Saturday, my whole dorm went to Toronto to go shopping! Now normally I don't like shopping but I think I am gaining a new found appreciation of it. Or maybe my appreciation has been supressed all these years due to the lack of good stores in Lethbridge's mall (yes that is singular, only because no one actually goes to the other places we have claimed to be malls) and it was just waiting to awaken when I had the opportunity to choose from hundreds of stores. Who knows? It is great that I am realizing this when my bank account has the singular purpose of paying tuition. Oh well, at least I can look.
After we went shopping for a while, we took the subway downtown and started to look for a place to go for supper. Or so I thought. As I was walking down the street, admiring all the old buildings, I was viciously blindfolded and tackled to the ground by an unknown stranger who proceeded to take my purse. Ok that didn't happen, but I was blindfolded by my RA, Kira, as a surprise for my half birthday since we won't be together for my actual birthday. After walking down the street for a while and people laughing at me, they took the blindfold off and I was in the Royal Ontario Museum! Now you may think that this is the worst birthday surprise in the world and for you it probably would be. But for me, it was fantastic. I love museums. I am slighlty nerdy, but you can't call me that.
The only reason we were able to go to the museum was because it was free for the last 45 minutes. Poor Dutch college students are great at finding bargains. There wasn't very much time to look around but I still managed to look at some great exhibits on European style, Egypt and Asia.
After the museum we went to a place called the Fox and the Fiddle for supper. It wasn't very nice and the food wasn't that great, but once again it was cheap. We just decided to look past the food smears on the menu.
All in all it was an affordably great time.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Hope
I had my International Relations class today and I don't think I have ever heard that many large or convoluted terms used in such a short time before. Neo-liberal Institutionalism? Functional Integration? Transnationalism and Complex Interdependence? If you want to poke needles in your eyes just reading those words, try three hours of it.
Despite this rather discouraging class that made me feel like I was studying Greek rather than political science, I am really looking forward to learning more in this class. After we master (or probably misconstrue in my case) political theory, we are going to be looking at global issues such as AIDS, global warming, terrorism and poverty and how the international community has either effectively or in most cases, ineffectively dealt with the issues at hand.
Examining these topics is a constant reminder of the crooked and depraved nature of humanity and the world in which we live. God’s perfect intentions for creation have been so destroyed that it often seems we can only ask ourselves “Where is God?” It is easy to feel hopeless and pessimistic about the state in which the world currently lies.
It is understandable that in the midst of so many global crises, Christians may find themselves under this overarching sense of despair. However, this attitude prevents a true understanding of our God. He is a redemptive God that is not constrained by the injustice of this world. It may not always be obvious why injustice occurs, but we have to remove God from our boxes and recognize that he is beyond our limited comprehension of the world. Christianity is fundamentally hopeful and a better day is coming. The sooner we recognize this, the sooner we will see the hope that is present today in the midst of darkness, small manifestations of the glory that is to come. God does not confine his promise of hope to the future but allows us to catch glimpses of it each day.
I believe that as Christians we need to be a more hope-filled people. Too often we focus on the negativities of the world, filling us with cynicism and preventing us from recognizing tangible opportunities for change. By prescribing to this outlook, we are failing to live up to our potential in modeling Christ to the world. We cannot accurately portray the good news of Jesus if we don’t believe that there is in fact goodness in the news. Instead of only adding to the darkness with our pessimism, we must renew our sense of hope so as to bring light to the shadows.
It is for these reasons that I am glad I am taking International Relations here at Redeemer. There is a recognition that God is control of every area of life and though we may not understand his plans, he is the Lord in both joy and sorrow. Even as I learn about the troubles of our times, I am confident that I will be reminded of the hope of God that will always remain.
Despite this rather discouraging class that made me feel like I was studying Greek rather than political science, I am really looking forward to learning more in this class. After we master (or probably misconstrue in my case) political theory, we are going to be looking at global issues such as AIDS, global warming, terrorism and poverty and how the international community has either effectively or in most cases, ineffectively dealt with the issues at hand.
Examining these topics is a constant reminder of the crooked and depraved nature of humanity and the world in which we live. God’s perfect intentions for creation have been so destroyed that it often seems we can only ask ourselves “Where is God?” It is easy to feel hopeless and pessimistic about the state in which the world currently lies.
It is understandable that in the midst of so many global crises, Christians may find themselves under this overarching sense of despair. However, this attitude prevents a true understanding of our God. He is a redemptive God that is not constrained by the injustice of this world. It may not always be obvious why injustice occurs, but we have to remove God from our boxes and recognize that he is beyond our limited comprehension of the world. Christianity is fundamentally hopeful and a better day is coming. The sooner we recognize this, the sooner we will see the hope that is present today in the midst of darkness, small manifestations of the glory that is to come. God does not confine his promise of hope to the future but allows us to catch glimpses of it each day.
I believe that as Christians we need to be a more hope-filled people. Too often we focus on the negativities of the world, filling us with cynicism and preventing us from recognizing tangible opportunities for change. By prescribing to this outlook, we are failing to live up to our potential in modeling Christ to the world. We cannot accurately portray the good news of Jesus if we don’t believe that there is in fact goodness in the news. Instead of only adding to the darkness with our pessimism, we must renew our sense of hope so as to bring light to the shadows.
It is for these reasons that I am glad I am taking International Relations here at Redeemer. There is a recognition that God is control of every area of life and though we may not understand his plans, he is the Lord in both joy and sorrow. Even as I learn about the troubles of our times, I am confident that I will be reminded of the hope of God that will always remain.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Jordan
Yesterday Jordan and I celebrated three years together. Since he always complains that I never blog about him, I thought that in honour of this milestone I would dedicate a blog to him.
Most of you know Jordan as either the shy boy who never talks if you are in my family, or the goof ball who never seems to shut up if you are his friend. But Jordan also has a side that most of you never see and so today, I am going to illuminate for you all the sweet side of Jordan.
Jordan loves to buy me flowers. My mom says that Jordan has bought me more flowers in three years than she has been given in 26 years ( I think this is a hint Dad). He usually picks out beautiful roses - red, pink or white. Sometimes they are for special occasions and other times they are for no reason at all. He doesn't like to give them to me in person, but puts them in places where they will surprise me. He has left them on my gym bag during basketball practice and has even snuck into my house to leave them on my bed.
Jordan also buys me a lot of candy and food. Every time he gets gas he always comes back with a chocolate bar for me. In high school, I would often open my locker to find Starbucks or Orange Julius waiting for me. When I am feeling sad, he comes by to cheer me up with some chocolate.
Jordan can also be pretty crafty. He has written me many notes and made me some pretty nice cards. Most impressive is the bulletin board he made me for our first year together with hearts, roses, stickers and photoshopped pictures. You can tell that there was a full utilization of girly scrapbooking supplies.
Jordan knows how to plan special dates. He took me to a fancy restaurant on our first date, and even though I only ordered cheese toast, it was pretty wonderful. The day before we left Redeemer to come home, he and James cooked a fantastic dinner for me and Ree, complete with candlelight and romantic music (Rod Stewart anyone?) The best part was that it was a surprise.
The sweetest thing about Jordan is not in what he does for me, but in how he treats me. He tells me I am beautiful and never does anything to disrespect me. He treats me like a princess even when I act like a witch. He listens to me and gives me great advice. He is the best friend I could ever ask for.
Now that you are probably all gagging at this overload sentiment, I hope you feel enlightened. Beneath Jordan's oft-shaggy hair and unshaved visage lies a very loving man. I guess he doesn't show off this part of himself very much because then everyone would want to date him and we couldn't have that now could we?
Most of you know Jordan as either the shy boy who never talks if you are in my family, or the goof ball who never seems to shut up if you are his friend. But Jordan also has a side that most of you never see and so today, I am going to illuminate for you all the sweet side of Jordan.
Jordan loves to buy me flowers. My mom says that Jordan has bought me more flowers in three years than she has been given in 26 years ( I think this is a hint Dad). He usually picks out beautiful roses - red, pink or white. Sometimes they are for special occasions and other times they are for no reason at all. He doesn't like to give them to me in person, but puts them in places where they will surprise me. He has left them on my gym bag during basketball practice and has even snuck into my house to leave them on my bed.
Jordan also buys me a lot of candy and food. Every time he gets gas he always comes back with a chocolate bar for me. In high school, I would often open my locker to find Starbucks or Orange Julius waiting for me. When I am feeling sad, he comes by to cheer me up with some chocolate.
Jordan can also be pretty crafty. He has written me many notes and made me some pretty nice cards. Most impressive is the bulletin board he made me for our first year together with hearts, roses, stickers and photoshopped pictures. You can tell that there was a full utilization of girly scrapbooking supplies.
Jordan knows how to plan special dates. He took me to a fancy restaurant on our first date, and even though I only ordered cheese toast, it was pretty wonderful. The day before we left Redeemer to come home, he and James cooked a fantastic dinner for me and Ree, complete with candlelight and romantic music (Rod Stewart anyone?) The best part was that it was a surprise.
The sweetest thing about Jordan is not in what he does for me, but in how he treats me. He tells me I am beautiful and never does anything to disrespect me. He treats me like a princess even when I act like a witch. He listens to me and gives me great advice. He is the best friend I could ever ask for.
Now that you are probably all gagging at this overload sentiment, I hope you feel enlightened. Beneath Jordan's oft-shaggy hair and unshaved visage lies a very loving man. I guess he doesn't show off this part of himself very much because then everyone would want to date him and we couldn't have that now could we?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Ontario vs. Alberta
I have been neglecting my blog as of late and I am sorry that I have disappointed those of you who have been expecting the highlight of their day to be on the other side of a mouse click, only to be greeted by the same familiar words. I know how interesting my life is and I feel bad for not letting you all share in it.
Truth be told, I actually wasn't feeling bad at all, until someone (better known as Ryan) told me that by starting a blog, I had an obligation to update it faithfully. That is easy to say, but it is hard to think of clever, profound or interesting things to say all the time. Because of my current lack of creativity, Ryan told me to blog on Ontario vs Alberta.
I don't know if living in Ontario for three and a half months really qualifies me to compare it accurately and thoroughy to the place I have lived my whole life (minus three and a half months) but I will do my best to be partial in comparing this polluted, dismal province to beautiful, glorious Alberta.
In all seriousness, there are many wonderful things about Ontario that I have never realized I was missing until now. Here are my top 5, in no specific order.
5.There is an abundance of interesting places and events - Niagara Falls, Hockey Hall of Fame, Parliament, Rideau Canal...and music groups and other touring acts don't skip over the entire province.
4. It is evident that people are proud to be Canadian.
3. The rich history - you can literally stand on the same ground as the famous explorers and Canada's founding fathers. (I know not everyone thinks this is as fascinating as me, but hey, I'm a history major)
2. The beatiful colours of fall - thousands of reds, oranges and yellows all combining to create a sense of warmth amid the cooling weather.
1. There are some pretty fantastic people here who make life pretty fun and exciting.
That being said, Alberta is still tops in my books. First of all, we actually have milk in jugs instead of bags and we don't have PST. There aren't as many people there so the whole pace of life is more relaxed. We have beautiful moutains and we have wonderful prairies....my list could go on and on, but the real reason I love Alberta the most is far more important than these superficial ones.
Alberta is my home and the home of those that I love the most. I have spent my whole life there, growing, learning and laughing. I value Alberta not because of the way we package milk, but for the thousands of memories I have made there. When I think of Alberta I don't think about it as a geographical place, but as my home filled with my family, friends and a sense of belonging. They say that home is where the heart is, but I also think that the heart is where the home is.
Ontario is still quite a wonderful place. Even though I miss home, I am enjoying myself more than I ever thought I would. When my time at Redeemer is done, whenever that may be, I know I will value Ontario for all the memories currently in the making. After all, Ontario is a home to most of the people I have met, and they are welcoming me into it with open arms.
Ontario vs. Alberta? The winner is really up to you.
Truth be told, I actually wasn't feeling bad at all, until someone (better known as Ryan) told me that by starting a blog, I had an obligation to update it faithfully. That is easy to say, but it is hard to think of clever, profound or interesting things to say all the time. Because of my current lack of creativity, Ryan told me to blog on Ontario vs Alberta.
I don't know if living in Ontario for three and a half months really qualifies me to compare it accurately and thoroughy to the place I have lived my whole life (minus three and a half months) but I will do my best to be partial in comparing this polluted, dismal province to beautiful, glorious Alberta.
In all seriousness, there are many wonderful things about Ontario that I have never realized I was missing until now. Here are my top 5, in no specific order.
5.There is an abundance of interesting places and events - Niagara Falls, Hockey Hall of Fame, Parliament, Rideau Canal...and music groups and other touring acts don't skip over the entire province.
4. It is evident that people are proud to be Canadian.
3. The rich history - you can literally stand on the same ground as the famous explorers and Canada's founding fathers. (I know not everyone thinks this is as fascinating as me, but hey, I'm a history major)
2. The beatiful colours of fall - thousands of reds, oranges and yellows all combining to create a sense of warmth amid the cooling weather.
1. There are some pretty fantastic people here who make life pretty fun and exciting.
That being said, Alberta is still tops in my books. First of all, we actually have milk in jugs instead of bags and we don't have PST. There aren't as many people there so the whole pace of life is more relaxed. We have beautiful moutains and we have wonderful prairies....my list could go on and on, but the real reason I love Alberta the most is far more important than these superficial ones.
Alberta is my home and the home of those that I love the most. I have spent my whole life there, growing, learning and laughing. I value Alberta not because of the way we package milk, but for the thousands of memories I have made there. When I think of Alberta I don't think about it as a geographical place, but as my home filled with my family, friends and a sense of belonging. They say that home is where the heart is, but I also think that the heart is where the home is.
Ontario is still quite a wonderful place. Even though I miss home, I am enjoying myself more than I ever thought I would. When my time at Redeemer is done, whenever that may be, I know I will value Ontario for all the memories currently in the making. After all, Ontario is a home to most of the people I have met, and they are welcoming me into it with open arms.
Ontario vs. Alberta? The winner is really up to you.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Words of Wisdom
Accomplishment is a cold companion
- Hugh Cook
A quote from the mainstage production at school. Simple but powerful.
- Hugh Cook
A quote from the mainstage production at school. Simple but powerful.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
My Turn
A while back, there was this little game on blogs where people would have to write 7 random things about themselves and then tag their blogging buddies to do the same. This was all before I got in on the blog action so I am thus tagging myself so I don't feel left out and because frankly, I don't have anything better to write about. Here are the seven facisnating facts that you may or may not know about me
1. Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I love the decorations, the Christmas carols and the coziness of the indoors while watching it snow. I love how everything smells like a mixture of apple pie, gingerbread and pine trees. I also enjoy a great cup of apple cider, but it has to be the Alpine apple cider from Costco that my mom only buys at Christmas. (Mom, could you buy some for your favourite daughter?)
2. I have never bought a CD for myself. I am not against music per se, but most of time music just seems to get in the way of conversation. Background music is ok, like while your cooking supper or driving in the car, but listening to music just for the sake of listening to music doesn't interest me. In fact it mostly frustrates me. I am aware that I am probably the only person on earth who feels this way, but that is ok.
3. I like to think of myself as patriotic. I think that everyone should celebrate Canada Day with enthusiasm, vote at every opportunity, and wear poppies for Remembrance Day. Canada is a great country. Be proud.
4. Dragonflies scare me. They always fly straight at you. And they are always mating.
5. When I was younger, my aspirations for the future were cleary set out in my mind. I wanted to be a barbie maker, a cowgirl and a mom. I guess I could keep these options open seeing as I currently don't have any better ideas.
6. I am very fond of reality TV. The critics out there will say that none of it is actually real and so forth, but I refuse to believe that those Survivors aren't actually surviving. I know that they always pick the crazy hippie people who do not accuratley represent society as a whole (watch Wife Swap) but I am entertained. We all need mindless entertainment sometimes.
7. I have been dating Jordan Van Dyk for
1046 days, 23 hours and 50 minutes as of 11:50 pm on November 11, 2007...
...and I still love him. I love him a lot. He means the world to me.
I hope you feel enlightened. I tag no one.
1. Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I love the decorations, the Christmas carols and the coziness of the indoors while watching it snow. I love how everything smells like a mixture of apple pie, gingerbread and pine trees. I also enjoy a great cup of apple cider, but it has to be the Alpine apple cider from Costco that my mom only buys at Christmas. (Mom, could you buy some for your favourite daughter?)
2. I have never bought a CD for myself. I am not against music per se, but most of time music just seems to get in the way of conversation. Background music is ok, like while your cooking supper or driving in the car, but listening to music just for the sake of listening to music doesn't interest me. In fact it mostly frustrates me. I am aware that I am probably the only person on earth who feels this way, but that is ok.
3. I like to think of myself as patriotic. I think that everyone should celebrate Canada Day with enthusiasm, vote at every opportunity, and wear poppies for Remembrance Day. Canada is a great country. Be proud.
4. Dragonflies scare me. They always fly straight at you. And they are always mating.
5. When I was younger, my aspirations for the future were cleary set out in my mind. I wanted to be a barbie maker, a cowgirl and a mom. I guess I could keep these options open seeing as I currently don't have any better ideas.
6. I am very fond of reality TV. The critics out there will say that none of it is actually real and so forth, but I refuse to believe that those Survivors aren't actually surviving. I know that they always pick the crazy hippie people who do not accuratley represent society as a whole (watch Wife Swap) but I am entertained. We all need mindless entertainment sometimes.
7. I have been dating Jordan Van Dyk for
1046 days, 23 hours and 50 minutes as of 11:50 pm on November 11, 2007...
...and I still love him. I love him a lot. He means the world to me.
I hope you feel enlightened. I tag no one.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Farmer's Market
On Saturday, my dormmate Erica and I decided to go to downtown Hamilton instead of study for our religion test and wander around.
We took the bus because we have to pay for it in our tuition and we wanted to get our money's worth...and we don't have cars
This store was advertising $5.00 shoes and this is what that $5.00 would get you.
Belly dancing outfits!
After asking three people for directions and failing to understand them each time, we finally found the farmer's market. There was an incredible amount of good food there from sausage to pastries and so many different ethnicities. An old Turkish man and an old Portugese man tried very hard to sell us their stuff.
Potatos...because I love them.
Lots and lots of fish...and many interesting smells.
We went downtown without having any idea of what bus to take back. We asked a busdriver and someone waiting but one told us the wrong bus and the other person didn't know. It may sound easy to figure out the bus schedule, but not when there are 50 different routes and 20 different bus stops on one street. After 20 minutes we saw the bus that took us downtown and figured that it must be going back the way we came and so we ran to catch it and thankfully, we got home safe and sound.
Downtown Hamilton
We took the bus because we have to pay for it in our tuition and we wanted to get our money's worth...and we don't have cars
This store was advertising $5.00 shoes and this is what that $5.00 would get you.
Belly dancing outfits!
After asking three people for directions and failing to understand them each time, we finally found the farmer's market. There was an incredible amount of good food there from sausage to pastries and so many different ethnicities. An old Turkish man and an old Portugese man tried very hard to sell us their stuff.
Potatos...because I love them.
Lots and lots of fish...and many interesting smells.
We went downtown without having any idea of what bus to take back. We asked a busdriver and someone waiting but one told us the wrong bus and the other person didn't know. It may sound easy to figure out the bus schedule, but not when there are 50 different routes and 20 different bus stops on one street. After 20 minutes we saw the bus that took us downtown and figured that it must be going back the way we came and so we ran to catch it and thankfully, we got home safe and sound.
Downtown Hamilton
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