My Cinnamon Bun Fiasco

The day was gorgeous as I drove home. I had had an amazing time with two really amazing girl friends, the sun was shining and I was super excited for the potluck I was going to attend in the evening. Better yet I just knew I would impress everyone with the greatest cinnamon buns in the universe. My mom's recipe could not be beat; the ooey, gooey mouth-wateringly delicious delight that they are was simply a pleasure. I eagerly wanted to observe my friends enjoy that treat. Little did I know how a simple Saturday baking time could go so terribly, terribly wrong. 

You see, I had only ever made them twice myself. Both times the masters of cinnamon bun creating were within yelling distance. Generally, I pick up on baking pretty fast, but there is an art to cinnamon buns. You have to just know how much of each ingredient to use.  The first time my spiral creations were drowning (I had added too much butter) the second they were fine, a bit too dry. I was confident that this day would be better... after all, practice makes perfect, right? 

I found out that I would be alone in the endeavor of baking. No problem, I can do this... this will be epic. Then I saw we had two bread machines to make the dough. Okaayy... um... hmm... do I use this one? But I've only ever used that old one.. This one looks newer, I'll go for this one. After a bit of time bringing the machine up the stairs, trying to find the little pieces that needed to go inside, getting the ingredients inside it then realizing that it smelled like burning when plugged in, I resorted to using the other machine. Ahh, time was running out. I rushed about getting everything in the new one (which was consequently the old one), turned on the settings in a flash and heard the machine start. A feeling of triumph and satisfaction swelled within me at how well I was doing on my own, despite my few difficulties. 

I went to my room where my younger brother was watching "The Big Bang Theory" on my computer. I joined him. We laughed. 

Then the unthinkable happened. 

I hear my older brother yell, "Hey Linds, I hope you know that you're dough is baking!"


"What?!" I Jumped off my bed and ran, "That's impossible!" I said, hoping that this was some elaborate prank.

But no. There was no prank. The machine hadn't even bothered mixing. Instead of the "dough" setting, it was on "BAKE". A dark brown line of heated mush was on the machine and I could see there was no way to salvage that batch. 

What to do??

I remembered my mom saying that making them in the kitchen Aid was faster. I rushed against the clock to try and get it in. Milk, shortening, salt, flour, yeast, sugar... It was all in there. It did not take long to realize that it looked kind of funky. I took it out. It looked like dough... but it didn't feel right. 

I rolled it out, put on the butter, the brown sugar and the cinnamon. Even when cut up and put into the container to rise, they looked like weak, sad little spiral buns. Dangnabbit. I covered them and let them sit, hoping that time would let the rise to become real cinnamon buns. 

In the end, to my surprise, my friends really liked them. They weren't nearly up to the ooey-gooey yummy standard that cinnamon buns should be, but I was satisfied of the response.


Lesson learned: only feed friends who are either really polite or don't know what good cinnamon buns taste like.

Empathy: a poem by myself.

 How lovely t'would be to go where you go
to walk where you walk
to know what you know
to see the sweet sadness or joy in your soul
see all the details that make you your whole

How precious a minute to see what you see
Amidst all life's confusions
that help you to be
the complex little speck on your own in the sea
here for a minute but hope eternally

Precious little vapour, a sinner, a man
pulled from the wreckage but the wreckage still stands
I see the weight you hold in your hands
yes I understand
do I understand?

All work and no tv makes me...

Once upon a time...

there was a girl that watched a rediculous amount of TV every week. Seriously ridiculous. The amount that if any guy found out how much tv she was watching she'd be single for the rest of her life and have to settle in some sort of bachelorette pad with her stuffed animals as company the rest of her life. She might also end up weighing as much as a whale and need a fork lift to get around, but that was a different issue. It was a slow progression. At first she'd watch just a show or two over a meal, and then a couple more and the the next thing she knew the whole day would be gone and all she was left with was the strange lethargy that comes from inactivity and a head full of plot lines that would surely go this way, or perhaps that. She'd get addicted to a series and watch copious numbers of episodes because, let's face it, those screen writers know how to hook you in good.

Once upon a Time, House, Bones, Chuck, Prime Suspect, A Gifted Man, Kitchen Nightmares,The Mentalist... *big breath*... The Big Bang Theory, The Office, 16 and Pregnant, say yes to the dress and youtube videos...

These were her usual picks. If she had completely caught up in a season she would search to find a new one. "This one already has 4 seasons! I'd better get on it". Only when the important things in life started to be pushed aside did the addiction's true nature rears it's head. Perhaps watching tv is a way to get away from the monotony of school and the everyday. Perhaps it is a way to give hope that true love is really out there...

Whatever the case, tv was a huge problem and the girl decided that she needed to give it a break.

She tried a number of times to just limit the shows she watched, but to no avail. She would find herself falling into the same traps as before.

It was not until she decided to lose tv all together that any progress could be made.


She knew that she was wasting her time and that time cannot be taken back once it is lost. She didn't want to go before God and have to say, "Well, you see, I didn't do all that I could have done in the world but I did manage to watch from start to finish all the episodes of my favorite tv shows and then some... doesn't that count for something? Research?" In the big picture, watching tv, playing computer games, spending all your time shopping or what have you... what does it accomplish? Is it a waste of your time or is it going to bring about some real, authentic, good in the world?

Day 4 or 5 of no tv... tough but hopefully just the beginning.

How men should treat girls

So, me and a guy relation of mine (who prefers not to be named but who is profoundly awesome and insightful for his age) were talking last Sunday. The discussion naturally lead to the world, the people we interact with and relationships. We both observed how broken so many girls are and how many we know who have been hurt or taken advantage of. He then started talking about how guys should treat girls and I was really impressed with his thoughts on the topic. I asked him to write them out for me and, just because he wonderful like that, he did. For the girls reading this, take note. There are guys out there that live up to these standards and they are worth waiting for. Teach these traits to your sons so that the girls of tomorrow will have a better future. For the men, take note. I cannot speak for all women but I think that the traits listed here will change the world for the better if applied. The humble guy who wrote them is a marvel and I really respect him. He's a Christian guy that all the girls gravitate towards. So, take heed and enjoy...

"don't mention me kid, I'm not out to take credit for any of this. The truth is, if people would take a moment and look at the scars in others, their desires, the things they need...these are not difficult to see. i just see.

1. Love is not selfish, if you say you love a girl, her good comes before yours. love without asking anything in return, without taking anything.

2. Dating does not mean you have some sort of claim on a girl. She is not yours! She is her husband's; if you're dating, that is not you yet. You need to treat her like you're taking care of her, protecting her, for someone else. Again, be selfless.

3. Taking advantage of a girl is weak and pathetic. it shows an absolute lack of self-control or love. A man will protect a girl from himself. He will guard her sexuality, understanding that the only person to know her in that way is her husband. A man will wait, and protect the girls around him from the boys that won't.

4. A man studies his woman. He searches after her heart. By heart, I mean who she really is. The way she thinks, what she likes, what food she enjoys, what she believes-- He will strive, in a subtle gentleman's way to find out all the things that make her who she is. I repeat, who she is! Not what she looks like. The process of this has many different strategies, many of which are learned over time, however, the main strategy, and one of the most important is this: a man listens to his woman.

5. A man understands that he needs to listen to his woman, a girl is far more emotionally invested in life than a boy. When she talks, she isn't always wanting an answer, or a solution. More often then not she is just bringing you into her world. A man, not a boy, knows when to just listen-- to be quiet and listen.

6. love languages, if a man cannot at the very least figure out his woman's love language, he is a failure and the dating process should end in the hospital bed that the young woman's real men friends put the pathetic boy in. There are several love languages (my mother's is quality time) men will figure it out. All one has to do is be a student of women. Not that hard.

7. Being a gentleman is important. By important, I mean that if a man is not a gentleman he is not fit to date, or be seen with, or talk to.....ever. some genuine traits that separate the men from the boys are simple things such as, OPENING THE DOOR! This is a big one, a man opens the door for girls, any girls, everywhere, cars, churches, barns, and bars. (if he takes you to the last one he needs to reevaluate his mental stability, pubs are good, bars are bad.) a gentleman is a good host, is aware and willing to serve the women around him. a gentleman does everything he can, in a refined way, to preserve the health, safety, and well being of the women in his life at all times, at the expense of himself. the list goes on and on, with many more subtle points and tangents, but if every guy would start with these three I would never have another girl crush on me ever again.

8. A man understands that a girl has an innate desire to be affirmed. He does this without taking advantage of her in any way. He loves her in a proper way, and in context of the relationship, affirms her within the confines of the relationship, again, putting the girls true needs first. He gives and sacrifices.

9. A girl/woman is a treasure. precious beyond the imagination of any but God. she needs to be respected as such. Protected by men.  A man considers it his responsibility to protect all the girls around him. He demands that the other males around him treat woman properly. If they don't, a real man will fight for a woman, and i mean fight. blood sweat and tears. "

This is the end of the list as he wrote it. I personally was very impressed by it (girls, comment and let me know if you thought the same!). I know there are ladies out there who don't like to be "protected" because they feel fully capable of protecting themselves, opening doors et. Guys know that women are strong and capable, but it is an honour for real men to live out the role that they have. Let them be men! In the very least, I can't think of a single woman who would want their man to be discourteous, disrespectful and to ignore her. Listen to these words. Guys, I dare you to try these things. Let's see if it doesn't bring a change to the world. Girls, this was written by a guy that I know lives by these things as far as he can... they do exist. These things are not rocket science but rather simple observations, but as such people forget these things all over the world. We live surrounded by brokeness, so let's help each other to encourage men to live well and for women not to put up with substandard treatment. Let's make a change.

Stay tuned for an edition on how girls should treat men.

I knew he loved her better: a tragic poem about Rachel and Leah

As children we played together, sweet maidens, sisters two
Laughing at our secrets, gently playing as we knew
father came and bade me work
I saw him as I went
he kissed sweet Rachel's brow
like she was heaven sent
            And I knew he loved her better, he loved her better that I knew
            I knew he loved her better, that I would never do.

As women I stayed in the house, Rachel with the sheep
how free and beautiful she looked-- I so plain, unseen
Father's nephew came, alas!
My heart gave a thrilling twirl
His eyes saw not my yearning heart
but the younger, prettier girl
            I knew he loved her better, in the depths of my heart
            I knew he loved her better, at that moment in the start


Seven years handsome Jacob laboured
His wage to be Rachel, whom he favoured
 The time had passed so fast. His love propelled him on
But father had a scheme
In the dead of night I came to Jacob in her place,
my heart could only dream
           I hoped he loved me better, one night of blissful wed
           I thought he loved me better... but in the morning, in our bed
                      he looked upon me with dread...
                            in anger he said...

It was Rachel he desired, for whom he loved so dearly
my father said I must marry first, tradition said so clearly
They agreed upon another seven years
such a short time to be his only bride
but my weak eyes could not allure him
with pain I realized
              My husband loved her better, I the wife, unloved
              My husband loved her better, I was not enough

The time came too fast, when he and Rachel united
I was not the favorite, I was simply slighted
God had mercy on me then
I bore him a son
I thought this would gain affection
but still he favoured one

Again a son, Again a son
Why could his heart not be won?
Rachel's womb was barren now
I was producing heirs
His heart was still entangled
with the likes of hers

Rachel grew in jealousy
she wanted a child, to bear like me
she offered her servant, I offered mine
it became a game
so many children
with so many names
             But I knew he loved her better, I was bitter and undone
             I knew he loved her better, my sister had won

When at last she held her own child to her breast
It was evident to me that Jacob liked him best.
As the years passed on and on
many events occured
but even though I was there
his love for Rachel never blurred.

And when she died giving birth to a second
our love for each other was hardly mended
The strain of love and hate, and pain
as children did or did not come
In the end it was all vain
had one or another really won?

            I knew he loved her better
            Always that I knew
            They always loved her better
            I bitter, through and through.

He held the dead girl's hand

Wailing, mourning.
so young, so precious
a sweet little girl faded like a wisp of vapour
from life to death
tears, tears, tears
a mother torn with the fiercest of heartbreak
crushed and breathless as she sees her beloved child
so loved. so cherished.
Now no more.
Hopes left unlived.
songs left unsung.
a small, quiet voice of childhood innocence... gone

The daddy is a ruler.
He has power and control.
He fixes things
He always fixes things
but as the light fades from his child's cheeks
he knows this is not within his power.
man cannot fight his own mortality
and he could not defeat his daughter's.

He stands. Still. Forced to present the appearance of strength.
remembering his little girl, so tenderly adored.
He leaves as the others mourn
His daughter is dead

and yet he's heard...

It might not be possible...

but there is a man not far
                      A man of miracles

                                  A teacher with power.

With anguish he hurries, his men close behind.
There is a large crowd.
He knows he must find the teacher.
As he sees him, his heart is burdened with sorrow and doubt
but as his eyes meet the teacher's
a glimer of trust
of hope
of faith arises tenderly
so small, but growing stronger
 
As the teacher finishes talking
the ruler finds himself humbled upon his knees
his men are dumbfounded!
What teacher is this? So simply clad, not even a horse on which to ride?
The ruler so finely attired in the dust, on his knees, practically begging!

"My daughter has just died" the father says, the words so painful and so dreaded that his lips can barely speak. Yet, he finds that the teacher creates in him a hope beyond what is possible.
"But, come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." This sounds so impossible as the words escape his lips, and yet he finds that his heart believes what he has spoken.

His men think he is mad.
He looks like a fool.
His garments are dirty.
He is at the foot of a stranger.

Yet, the teacher rises and follows the father as the crowd eagerly whispers
On their way a woman is healed.
"Take heart, daughter, for your faith has made you well."
the teacher says to her
as she touched his robes with faith
by his power
she was healed!

Would that the father's own daughter could have touched his cloak
her breath is no more
yet, the father has hope

They reach the ruler's home
the mourning is apparent
so fresh, so strong
like a heavy cloud of bitterness and sorrow.
Flutes play a mournful tune.
The crowd sobs.

"Go away, for the girl is not dead but sleeping" the teacher says.
The crowd laughs.
the ruler looks like a fool for who he's brought
his men look at each other
they know what the dead look like
and this child is dead.
What sort of teacher cannot tell sleep from death?

Yet, the father hopes. He believes that this singular man can do the impossible.
They send the crowd outside. The mother looks at the teacher as her tear-drenched eyes beg that something be done for her loved little one.

The teacher comes into the death-soaked room.
humid from the tears and wailing.
He comes to the child.
cold and lifeless
and he takes her hand into his own

           he takes her hand into his own

  A tender, gentle, powerful hand cupped over a weak, small and lifeless one

The father and mother don't breathe or speak.
They hope.
They trust.
They dare to believe.

Their beloved child
chest unmoving
suddenly gasps for air!

                 Summoned from the chains of death back to life
                                her eyes open, she sits up
the tamer of death is victorious!

Unknown and inexpressible the joy and wonder
death to life
a girl revived
the Lord of life glorified
The only man able to fight mortality
Bringing the dead to life
before he died and defeated his own death
          defeated his own death
                    defeated his own death


His name is Jesus.
With tenderness He brings the dead to life
He holds my hand, he holds my hand
and with a mercy I can't understand
He fights death for me
and gave his life for me

I once was lost but now I see


Based on Matthew 9:18-26

My Happy Manual: Part 3- Youtube movies that guarantee a :)

OK... so this is a little lighter than my other happy tips. This is a quick fix and is great for when you're having a bad day. I mean really, tell me if you can't help but laugh when you see these clips! Be creative, Youtube things that make you laugh. It's fun! First up is babies. There are a bajillion baby movies out there and they are HILARIOUS. Check them out. There's so many good ones!

Baby animals are totally great too. Whether they make you laugh or go AWWW really loudly, they are sure to perk up your day!

OR, you can watch movies that are impressive and show that there is talent in humanity. Watch "Britain's Got Talent" if you want to continue on this line

OR, if you're having a bad driving day, like me every single time, watch people who drive worse! (*I am not prejudiced against women driver, I can just relate). lol.

There's also good ol' comedians who love to make people laugh.

Or if relationships have got you down (whether you're in one or not) maybe getting ready for one or listening to how to do better once you're there is the way to brighten your mood.This one is a little more serious, but in the long run it could make you a lot happier.


Let's end on a happy note:

That's all I can think of at the moment. Comment and tell me what Youtube clips make YOU happy. Be careful though, time can fly when you're watching little babies laugh their little tummies off :) lol... good times.

WHEN EXAMS ARE OVER

You've done it. It's the moment you've finished. You're a million hours behind on sleep, you haven't showered in a while, your room looks like it's been hit with Redbull- injected gremlins and you're down to your last pair of mis-matched socks. If you've come to this point, if you've past the days of eating food that makes your body cry "why?!" and finally realize that you won't need to spend another day cooped up inside when the sun is just starting to peek out in the sky, then congratulations...

                 You

                       Are
                          FREE !!

Your brain may be exploded and exhausted. Slowly but surely everything you crammed in there is seeping out back into the abyss from whence it came. Your notes may be burned, tucked away in a box in the basement where it will sit unread for all eternity (*cough DAD*) or you will manage to organize it at some point in the future... most likely not for a long time....

because now is the time for celebration...  (*please do so responsibly*)

Now is the time to sleep, to catch up on those long-forgotten hours of social life that were beginning to crust over with disuse. Now is the time to catch up on the sanitary things that have been neglected--  to start on the mountain of dishes that have accumulated because you are the only one who will do them. Now is the time to limit the hours of facebook you did while desperately trying to procrastinate diving into those notes that bored you to tears. Now is your time. 

Whether you're working or taking more courses or taking time off, there's something beautiful about surviving another batch of exams and starting something new.

So, enjoy the sun (and the rain and the hail), read books that YOU want to read and spend your time well because before you know it, it will be next term and the business will start all over again.

But for now,

Savour this moment. 

 

 ~~ <> ~~
Matthew 11: 28-30
  ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

My Happy Manual: Part 2- Lovin' others

Warning: this article may include counter-intuitive thinking and may or may not blow your mind from it's true yet completely unoriginal content.... reader participation is advised...

~~ <> ~~<>~~ <> ~~

If you live in the lower mainland of BC, you'll be used to days and days of rain. The character of Forest in the movie "Forest Gump" describes the various types of rain he encounters while in Vietnam and I can't help but think that we could one-up even him. I mean, we have our "big ol' fat rain", the rain that is part-hail part-wet, the rain that makes your hair become frizzy the moment you walk out of the door and after the bajillionth day in a row it can get a little depressing. So, here's my second tip on keeping your life a little brighter when the sun isn't wanting to shine (or it is bipolar like the weather we've had lately).

My first tip was to be thankful because it really helps to break the negative cycle when you see it start to form, my second is an additionally useful tool that will hopefully not only turn your frown upside down but might even help out the town!

Our culture is constantly emphasizing treating yourself. And it's nice to get a new outfit or to have that treat or to do whatever it is that you do for you. I have those things... you have those things... and they are probably pretty awesome... but not very long lasting. I mean, new outfits get old... and treats, well, it's a lot harder getting them off of you once they're on (Ladies, you know what I mean!)

Now, a way to save your pocket book and your thighs, is one amazing old tip straight from the Bible....are you ready for it...

drum roll (funny fact, I can't roll my tongue... like "roll up the rim", I just can't... if you can, go for the drum roll)

Here it is...

Love other people. What?

Love other people. Yo!

Love. Other. People

Not go make out with the next stranger....

That would be kind of weird...

When I say love I mean the following. This is out of the Bible but I promise you it's good stuff... Imagine people treating you like this and how different the world would be (ladies, imagine this embodied in a guy and don't tell me you aren't interested! Guys, I'm pretty sure this is just as appealing for you... just imagine the word "love" being your love)

 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

I know I've been dragging these blogs on and you are probably crazy busy right now but hear me out, it's almost over, I promise...

When you start to love other people, in my experience, it is crazy energizing. Whether it's telling a friend how much you love them on facebook or serving people who need help or letting something go that you always rub in another person's face because you want to hurt them... just let it go.
Encourage, forgive and love... try it. I dare you. See if giving a homeless person something to eat or giving someone a hug ... just see if it doesn't make any difference. I heard that 10 hugs a day makes you a more fulfilled person. I don't know how they would have tested that, but the times in my life where I've felt loved and supported and cared for have been the happiest times in my life. Love without bitterness and don't over exhaust yourself with worrying or work... treat yourself if you want, but loving is going to make a much bigger impact and it will never get old, cost you money or make you fat... pretty neat deal eh?

So, when the rain is pouring, your hair is crazy frizzy and you have no idea what to wear because the weather just can't make up its mind, try givin' a little love and see if it doesn't bring some joy to your day :)

My Happy Manual: part 1- Thankfulness

I smile a lot. It's kind of my natural state. Today I was about to write an exam and my instructor stopped, the exam mid-air between her hand and mine, and looked at me with a sort of perplexed, surprised look and said, "My, don't you look chipper!" All the while I was just trying to remember all the facts that I would soon need to spill over those pages. The funny thing was, my exam directly before that one was a crash-and-burn sort of experience. You know the ones. The ones where in the multiple choice words show up that you swear you've never seen or others that you recognize and all you can do is pound your brain to try and remember what the page looked like that it was written on. And then came the essay questions...

Suffice to say, I didn't necessarily have any reason to be particularly happy, and yet I was smiling without realizing it.

I wasn't on auto-drive, although I've been there many a time. Besides, the auto-drive face of a student is generally less smiley and more distant, that of confuzzlement or sleep deprivation or the "I'm ignoring you" face that the ear-phone wearers always have. Neither was it the fake-it-until-you-make-it smiles that people put on to hide how they are really doing. I've been there too, but today that was not the case.

I've been trying a little experiment.

Even though I am generally a pretty optimistic person, I have crash days... even the occasional crash week where it has been raining for the bajillionth day in a row and nothing seems to be going right and I have a cold or my friends are all busy or I haven't taken time to have some heart-to-heart talks with God (or any quiet time for that matter)... but on those days I've started thinking...

In order to be sad, there's a cycle that generally happens. Let's call it the ME ME ME cycle. Like a record that goes around and around in your head about all the things you have going wrong or what so-and-so did or what you have to do... and it can become a pity-fest pretty fast. And our friends, well friends are programmed to enable that very cycle. They'll say something to make you feel better but really they don't want to hear you complain so they will either agree that your situation sucks or they'll just switch the topic to how bad things are for THEM... then you just help each other's record keep going as you try to out complain the other person...

but that doesn't really help, and as a happy person that hasn't always been this way, that cycle can just leave you feeling kind of miserable... although getting off your chest what's bugging you can sometimes help.

But, to nip that in the bud, to help you feel better before you let all that bad stuff get to you, here's what I've found to be helpful.

Here's my Lindsay-guarantee. If you are feeling like the world is mean and no one can possibly get what you're going through, start listing out what you are thankful for. Say what? That sounds too simple! Naw, naw just hear me out. Be thankful and don't just stop after one or two or three things. Take a while. See if it doesn't lift your mood.

I have to bus to my university so I challenge myself to list out stuff until I get there. They don't have to be deep or clever. They can be simple. I pray when I make my list because I believe in God and I believe that the only reason we have Good things is because God chose to give them to us. It says in the Bible in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." That doesn't sound half bad eh? And if he has good plans for us, it helps to notice them. There's always something good to be found, even if it's "thanks that I got to eat mac and cheese today" or "thanks that I don't live in a war-torn country" or "thanks that the Canucks won"... try it... I DARE you.

Because, when you start to think of all the ways that you are blessed, it really does help. It brakes that negative cycle and takes the pressure off. I love to pray it because that's some precious time talking to someone I know is listening, who appreciates me, knows EXACTLY what's going on in my life and loves me. Also, it helps to trust that God can help make things better, because there's a lot of junk out there that we can't change ourselves.

So, try it. Right now. Ya, you heard me. Stop your craziness and make your list. Listen to nice music or write it down. It's up to you. But it's only when you're thankful that you'll ever be able to be happy. I mean, you never hear happy people going around saying how much they hate their life and how terrible everything is. But you can find people going through the worst things ever but are positive and as happy as they can be.

Let me know how it goes :)

Stay tuned for part 2- serving and loving other people.

The Process of Progress (with an ocean theme too!)

Life's in a great big hurry isn't it? There's some pretty strong currents out there that just sort of sweep you up. Like the "busy" current. There's hardly a person I talk to that doesn't respond to an inquiry of how they are with "busy," 

unless, that is, they give the generic "good" which is rarely the truth of the matter... 
          (there are so many more interesting words than "good" out there in our modern vernacular when it comes to how one is doing. If you ever catch me saying "good" to a question of how I am SOMETHING is up and I give you permission to interrogate me further  (but really, I'm pretty an open book and I do take delight in talking so, if you're patient, you'll get a good story and a bajillion tangents). Like this one right now. I was talking about how busy life is and here I am analyzing the responses of people to "How are you?" Don't be surprised if I do this... I write like I talk and I talk in every direction!


But isn't that like life? All over the place. There are things to see, do, contemplate and experience. It's a gongshow... at least sometimes


When I graduated from high school, I was convinced that life was A great, BIG ocean. When you're a kid, if you have a nice childhood, it's like you're a little fish in a happy little fishbowl with food that comes seemingly from nowhere and everything is reasonably safe... there's colourful pebbles... you might even have a castle... 

but then again your experience might be like that of any fish that meets "Darla"... the young, crazy kid in "Finding Nemo" who shakes the fishbowl to the detriment of the fish. Pretty much the Godzilla of the tamed-fish world. Maybe your parents split up or you were bullied in school or things were just plain bad... make whatever fish analogy fits your story... We all have a "Darla" that makes things difficult or dangerous...

Well, when I was in high school I was the safe happy fish in the fishbowl, with a middle class fish castle and food in ma bellay... but then came adulthood... and I was expecting it to be as if my family took my little safe little bowl, brought it to the big ol' ocean and dumped me in. Like SURPRISE! HERE'S Life! DON'T LET THE SHARKS EAT YA! 

It wasn't quite like that ...

but life is sort of like an ocean...


Whether the great big blue is all the things you want to do or all the things you don't know or all the pressure on you to get things just right... we're thrown into this world and we have to figure out an awful lot on our own. If you have friends, family and faith, those things all help-- but the pressures out there won't go away...  telling you (or yelling at you), saying how you need to be successful, what you need to own, what you need to experience, how you need to look, and who you ought to be...


We're swept up in the current. We're busy. We're trying to make things work and get through life with as much good as it has to offer. 


But it can be hard.


There's scary stuff out there.


Funny fact: I can't swim alone in the ocean without the "Jaws" music going though my head...

                        ...True story... not fun...

 BUT, there are awesome things that we grow to love, experience, explore and treasure. Lately I have been so blessed by the friends that I have and how much joy it is to feel loved and supported... like having a net that makes the sharks seem so far away... and even when things get crazy busy and we're trying to figure out our way in this world, there's some things we need to remember not to miss in the process...

So, this blog that I'm attempting to write in my crazy, study-burdened mid-exam mind is my attempt at giving an insight into my side of the ocean. I've got some pretty fun goals lined up, some things worth saying and some random tid bits in-between.  Life's in a great big hurry. It's a process of learning and growing and cutting out things and putting in things. It's a beautiful time and a hard time. But it's limited. What time I have I want to make count.


So, welcome to my blog. One of a million bajillion out there. If you read it, I will be pretty stoked, not going to lie. Life is huge. There's so many questions out there, so many things to hope for. My greatest joy in life is my faith, which I can't help but talk about because when you experience something AWESOME you can't help but share it. 


But, ya, this is my process of progress. my blog. Prepare for a wild ride...