Angels, Prayer, Living Life Abundantly & u2

Hey...I just wanted to write a quick blog, but I got sidetracked. (What else is new?)

Tuesday was my last bible study. I will miss getting together with everyone. It was really a great time. We spent most of Tuesday night listening to Mary tell us stories about her prayer ministry and angels. I love stories about God's power, His magnificence and how He shows up in big ways when He needs to. I was so encouraged by her stories. Let's just say that I believe God uses His angels in magnificent and powerful ways. He is an awesome God - truly!

Okay. Here's my lesson for this week. Are you ready? I can choose to live life abundantly. God has given me all I need to do so through His Holy Spirit. We have inherited His abundance through Christ's death. We are kinship with the Holy Father. We just need to tap into what He has given us! In practical terms, I can choose to live my life filled with joy, love, grace, mercy, self-discipline, etc. I just have to decide to do it. (Finally a teaching that makes sense to me!) Mary said we shouldn't ask to receive these things, because God has already given them to us by/through His Holy Spirit. Instead we should ask for help in choosing and using and living out/in our inheritance. Learning how to be joyful in all circumstances, for example. I don't know if this sounds crazy to you or not, but for me it just opened up a whole world of possibilities that I have never seen before. I am so amazed. I am filled with joy this morning. This makes so much sense to me. (Praise God!)

************************Now for something completely different!**************************

I love U2! There I said it. I am addicted to U2. Actually, I have listened to their Cds so many times that I have been on a U2 hiatus, eagerly awaiting their new album. Yesterday my sis and I went to HMV and I was so happy to see that their album will finally be out on the 22nd of November. I can hardly wait. Then we got home last night and their new video 'Vertigo' was playing on MuchOnDemand. It was good. I am so excited. I just feel so uplifted when I listen to their music. Here they are this totally rockin' band, totally cool, but many of their lyrics cause me to worship the Almighty. How many people have they touched through their music? Who would have thought that one unlikely, rough looking, and not all Christian guys might write such amazing songs? Anyway, you may disagree with me about their spirituality, but I still love them. (A good book to read is 'Walk On' (I think). It's about their journey spiritually & their roots!)

I hope you all have a good day & weekend. May you tap into God's rich blessings in a way that you have never known!!!

Love,
Manders

What once was hurt

What once was friction

What left a mark

No longer stings

Because Grace makes beauty

Out of ugly things

Grace makes beauty out of ugly things

-'Grace' by U2

Jonathan's Twelfth Blog - Weren't You Supposed to Turn There?

Two days, two blogs. (I'm on fire!)

My sister-in-law is visiting from Calgary for the next couple of days, so she and my wife and kid have probably gone to The Mall today to look at cute clothes they shouldn't buy for Aidan. We got a bunch of hand me downs from friends of ours, so presently Aidan has more outfits than I do. This of course leaves me with taking the bus again.

It looked to be a fairly uneventful ride as there wasn't even anybody sitting beside me on my first bus allowing me the opportunity to wait until the last possible moment to make sure I was getting off at the right place. My transfer bus was early and for some reason it was the rear bus in a line of 3 buses that arrived at the same time at my stop. I had to walk past two other buses in order to get to the #3 for Jasper Place. It wasn't very busy at all, and I didn't recognize the people on the bus. Fifteen minutes into the ride I was alarmed by the fact that the driver didn't turn at 124 St. Now everyone else on the bus seemed to be OK with that fact and nobody called out to the driver to let him know his mistake. As we continued down the road I realized that my driver wasn't on crack, but I had somehow ended up on the WRONG BUS. Turns out that there's a Bus #133 that goes from downtown to the Jasper Place transit centre. In my fatigue and anxiousness I had simply seen the words Jasper Place and the number 3 and by the time I got past the other two buses in line I didn't check the number on the front of the bus. So here I was, travelling along 107th avenue instead of 118th avenue. I realized quickly that I had two options.
1. Take this bus all the way to J.Place and get on the next #3 bus headed east and be extremely late or:
2. Get off the bus at 149th street and walk 11 city blocks up to my work.
I decided on option 2 and began a journey that in the summer would have been enjoyable and invigorating, but today with a temperature of -5 (-10 with the wind chill) it about as enjoyable as being a Yankee's fan. For some reason I actually got to work at exactly the same time though. Must have been the brisk pace I was keeping.
Nevertheless, I'm here at work now and I think I'm having a bit of a relapse of my previous sickness. No details though, I'll save you that.

*****Late Breaking News******
Great news for all the reality TV addicts out there. I heard a rumour that "The Amazing Race" is coming back to TV this fall for it's 6th season. I think it's going to be on Tuesday nights and take the place of CBS's The Clubhouse. Sorry Dean Cain, I think you've been cancelled. It might start as early as November 16th.

Over and out, see ya later alligator,

JG

Jonathan's Eleventh Blog: No Ring, No Sympathy

A week and a half later and still no ring. We have ordered a new one from a jewelry store but it won't be in for another two weeks. No sign of the lost one either. On the bright side of things, it sure makes going to the single's bar a lot easier!

So I was sick on Sunday and Monday past. Now I hardly ever get sick, maybe once every 12 months or so, so when I do I figure I've earned the right to whine and complain just a bit. Well things change when you have a kid. It turns out that there can be only one baby in the house at a time and Aidan had the trump card. Although it might not have been appropriate for Amanda to ask if I could throw-up a little quieter so she didn't have to wake up every time. I did get to experience day time TV, which is great. That is, great to know that I'm not missing anything by being at work everyday. Maybe things were different for Beah and her 500 channels, but our basic cable provides a lot of rubbish between the hours of 8-5. If only we got the old school channels that show reruns of Danger Bay or Night Court or Dawson's Creek or X-files. Anything but silly soap operas. I only have one life to live ok?...You're wasting the days of my life!

Interesting notes from today's bus ride:

Girl with purse was actually girl with purse and plastic Walmart bag today. Maybe her backpack was in the shop for repairs.

A kid got on the bus with what looked like a glass jar (Miracle Whip) filled with fruit juice. Kinda weird. I guess you have to make do with what you've got. Or maybe it was a science project component.

There was nobody on the bus when I got on this morning. I was expecting the driver to annouce: "Next stop.....the Twilight Zone....Baaahahaha!!" Maybe I'm not over my stomach flu yet.

Well, another day another dollar, time to get back to work.

JG

Sickness Abounds

Well, we're back, and what a crazy time it has been....for me!

On Saturday we went shopping for Jonathan's ring. (It is very nice, but I will let Jonathan tell you all about it.) I thought I was over the 'Oh my goodness! Jonathan lost his ring....It is so important to me/us...'-stage, but apparently I wasn't. We got home on Saturday from our shopping excursion and I am in such a foul mood because it just seems weird. Jonathan is getting a new wedding band, which has no sentimental value - meaning: it wasn't a part of our wedding. Are we even married now? (Of course we are, but I was a little freaked out!) Jonathan did go back to Rogers video before we hit the mall to see if someone had turned in a wedding ring. No such luck. (Although everyone in line and all the workers were so shocked and horrified.) Perhaps it is just a girl thing, but I felt so bad about him losing his ring....I cried a good cry when it happened...Pathetic?

Sunday afternoon, Jonathan started feeling sick. He never gets sick. By Sunday night, he was I think puking out his left lung. So yesterday, (Are you sitting down? This is big!) he actually stayed home from work. He felt better by last night, except for his huge headache. By last night, I was so incredibly tired. It's like taking care of two babies at once. I used to want twins....what was I thinking.

At this point, I would like to point out that guys, when sick, whine a lot. I feel as though I have earned the right to say this because I have been through labor. Once you have done that, it seems like such a waste of moaning and groaning over the flu, a sore throat, a cold, etc. Jonathan was really sick...but I am now really tired! He's at work today!

Well, my son's up. It's time to start another day. May God show you how much you are loved today!

Love,
Manders

P.S. My sister is coming to visit tomorrow until Saturday. She hasn't seen Aidan in awhile. I am so thankful that she is coming! (I know, Jennifer, you are getting 'aunt'-envy!)

Hard Work to Teach

I am trying to get things in order so that I can teach either in the new year or next September. My EI Benefit runs out in February, so getting a job in January would be alright. I don't really want to sub, but they are really short on substitute teachers everywhere in Alberta because they hired so many to do real jobs this year. That means finding a babysitter/dayhome for Aidan when I am working - unless I start working everyday. In which case, Jonathan gets to quit his job (don't tell Marv) and become a stay-at-home-dad for a while. (I will be making more money than he would!) That would free him up to do other things like more drumming gigs and stuff. (Since we all know that that is what Jonathan wants to do....Nothing else has come up!) But, to get there requires a lot of paperwork, mailing applications, computer work, portfolio things....I feel like I am in school again!

With all of this, it is hard to remember why I went into teaching in the first place. It is hard to remember why when I look at my son, too. I love being mom....but I feel my teaching skills getting rusty....I feel so much pressure to find a job. So much is depending on me. YIKES!

Well, it is in God's hands in the end. That is a comforting thought. I can only do so much, then I have to hand it over to God, who is way more powerful than I could ever imagine! So I guess I better go do my part. First things first, I need to work on my portfolio....(sigh!)

Have a good weekend. May you remember that God only wants to love you and care for you. He is our Father and He is in control. (Praise God for that!)

Love,
Manders

P.S. I will keep you posted about jobs.

P.P.S. Will let you know how 'sugar daddy' my hubby is after our shopping spree tomorrow!!!

Jonathan's Tenth Blog: Why Does the Bus Smell Like Potatoes?

That was the question presented by one of the kids that got on the bus with me this morning. A perfectly good question, resulting in me checking my pits to make sure I wasn't the culprit. "Girl with Purse" is on a streak of many days with the red purse. I got the trolley bus again today, but this time there were no incidents.
One thing I noticed today was how uptight I get when the bus is getting close to my stop. I'm worried that I might miss my stop or pull the cord at the wrong time or whatever. My heart actually starts to beat faster and I get a little adrenalin rush, as if I'm about to bungee jump or skydive. Whoa nelly, too much excitement for me! I think my nervousness might be a result of an experience I had on one of my first ever town transit bus rides in Newmarket. I was 13 or 14 years old and I had to travel from my house in the Northwest of town, to my job (cleaning the church) which was on the West/Central part of town. I was so nervous when we were nearing the church that I pulled the cord too early and the bus stopped at the stop before the one I wanted. I was so embarressed that I didn't get off and didn't say anything while the driver was confused why someone would pull the cord and not want to get off the bus. Finally I blurted out "I wanted the next stop" to the amusement of the driver and the other passengers. Boy, was my face ever red! Ever since then I have been a little on edge riding the bus.

Suprisingly, we haven't been flooded with donations towards getting me a new wedding band. That's OK. We're going shopping on Saturday to replace it. I'm thinking of getting a big-ole-pimped-out-bling-bling ring. Something that says: Sugar daddy! But in an understated kind of way.

JG

Mount of Affection

Alright, all of you who have been waiting in anticipation for my Wednesday bible study blog. You have to wait no longer. Here it is....

This week we learned about love. Loving God & how to keep growing in love for Him and not letting our love grow cold. How by loving God, we will be able to love others. We must obey God, humbly depend on Him and then we will be able to show mercy and love to our neighbors (i.e. anyone other than ourselves). Note: This week at Daybreak, we are learning about...you guessed it, Love!

Here is my big lesson for the week (there are always several littler ones, but this is the main one): I really suck at loving other people. I mean, we should be able to love people like God loves people, if we love Him and follow Him. Yet, the truth is, I don't. I whine, I complain, I moan, I groan, I get haughty, I judge, I slander, I destroy, I hurt, I envy, I struggle, I fight, I cry....I could go on. The point is, I need to be better at loving other people. Openly, honestly, without judgement, pride or complaint. Just love others without thinking about what I will get in return. No matter who they are or what they've done.

I am always astounded by Jesus as he hung on the cross. Everyone was mocking him, insulting him, spliting up his possessions before he was even dead...And yet, what does Jesus do? He loves them and asks God to forgive them: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' (Luke 23:34) Hanging there in pain, He forgives those who have just hung him....I want to love like that.

Mostly, I want to be able to love even a little bit like that, especially my husband and my son. It is so easy to think that we know how to love those that are close to us. Yet, I fail at loving Jonathan so many times. I get angry & judge without thinking. I show judgement instead of mercy. I am quick to become angry, when I should be the one to show him love and understanding. I hurt him intentionally and unintentionally when I shouldn't. (Sorry, honey!) I want to do better at this because he deserves better. (I am a work in progress!)

If you have time, my favorite passage in the Bible, and the one that we used at our wedding is so valuable in understanding love. It is 1 John 7-21. I have pretty much underlined the whole entire passage. I will (hopefully) one day memorize this passage, as it always speaks to my heart. I hope that it speaks to yours as well.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day. May you feel God's unending love around you in all you do.

Love,
Manders

'We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God', yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.' (1 Jn. 4:19-21)

Jonathan's Ninth Blog: It's Not the Cold, It's the Wind Chill

Cold enough for ya?! Ya, it's pretty cold here. And the snow is not melting either. Lovely.

Ok, bus ride. There were even more people on the bus than usual. Driving is a bit of a joke here. More like gliding from parking lot to parking lot. For the first time, my transfer bus was an old school trolley bus. With the arms on top that touch the wires that supply the bus with power. With the arms on top that have a habit of falling off the wires that supply the bus with power. Leaving us in complete darkness until Mr Bus Driver rectified the situation. The environment thanks me for my sacrifice.

Last night was eventful. We had to vote and return DVD's to Rogers video. Somewhere along the way I lost my wedding ring. Ya, sucks eh? Now most people have to use a ton of butter and yoga techniques to get their rings off, but I'm the opposite. My ring constantly falls off when I'm wearing gloves and I take them off. Usually I can feel that the ring has exited my finger and I can fish it out of my glove. This time I didn't notice until after we had gone to the video place and to the school to vote. Of course there's a foot of snow on the ground so finding 'my precious' would have to wait until the next thawing. Anybody own a metal detector? Anyone want to make a donation to the jewelry fund? I'm not sure what we are going to do. Obviously there's some sentimental value to that ring, but how long do you wait before it becomes obvious that it's either lost forever or someone found it and decided to keep it? If only I was fatter, this never would have happened. Could someone pass the bonbon's please?
JG

Shower Song Competition

Okay, Dan. This is my song entry for the shower song contest. I wrote it yesterday in the shower. It is to the tune of 'Do a deer' from 'The Sound of Music'. I will write the original words above my words so you know how the rhythm should be. I chose to write on the fact that I no longer can enjoy my showers, since I have them when I am by myself with my son. This is such a tragedy as I, like you, enjoy a nice long warm shower.

A Shower Lament

(Do... a deer, a female deer)
I used to shower very slow

(Re.... a drop of golden sun)
Enjoying the water as it flowed

(Me... a name I call myself)
Turning down cold to make it hot

(Fa... a long, long way to run)
Steaming the bathroom mirror, but

(So.... a needle pulling thread)
Now I have a baby son

(La.... a note to follow so)
My show'r is o'er before I'm done

(Ti.... a drink with jam and bread)
My son in his own crib doth lie

(That will bring us back to do, o, o, o, o)
So I shampoo, rinse and dry, dry, dress and dry



I hope this makes sense. If it doesn't let me know.

Love,
Manders

Snow! Movies! Politics! Snow! And More Snow!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. We hope you have enjoyed your week of autumn...Presently we will jump directly into winter. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Reading Aimee's blog about snow knee deep was fun, but a reminded me about pushing a stroller in snow! So much for going outside on a walk with my son.

Some movie reviews:

Since it was horrible on Saturday night, we decided to veg out with some movies instead of travelling all the way to Sherwood Park. We rented 2: 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' (my pick) and 'The Ladykillers'(Jonathan's pick). Without furthur ado, I will comment.

1.) 'Girl...' (Colin Firth &...that other chick) Very slow; very artsy...No bad language, but it is like watching paint dry, not a guy painting. It has all of the makings of a good movie...yet, it never quite makes that mark. I'd give it a 6 out of 10 since it does have Colin Firth ('Brigette Jones Diary', 'Shakespeare in Love'; 'Pride & Prejudice'; 'Love Actually') in it & he is good. (NOTE: It is definetly not for younger viewers, as there are some inuendos.)
2.) 'The Ladykillers' (Tom Hanks) All I can really say about this one is LANGUAGE, LANGUAGE, LANGUAGE. Neither Jonathan or I looked at the warnings. Ooopps. It too has all the makings of a good movie, but it never quite gets there. Tom Hanks in this role seems to do alright. It has the feel of 'O Brother, Where Art Thou', but it never quite reaches the same plateau as that movie does. Instead, I wondered why I bothered wasting my time. I would give it 4 out of 10. (NOTE: Definitely not for anyone that you don't want to hear all of those swears.)

With all that said, I guess our time would have been better spent at church, but the roads were horrible. The movie I really wanted to see was 'Farenheit 9/11'. (We saw 'Bowling for Colombine' a while back and loved it. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. BUt, children under 18 should watch it with parents, I think. Followed by a discussion.) Unfortunately, everyone wants to see that movie, so the 20 copies of it were all out at Rogers. Maybe next time.

Keeping in tune with politics, today is our civil election here in Edmonton. I am still undecided about what councillor candidates to vote for. (Our area elects 2.) Hopefully, we will have a new mayor, so that we can create some new and innovative ideas for our city. Will keep you posted.

Since it is almost election time in the US, and that seems to affect all of us more than our own government does, at times. I have decided to change our poll to an unofficial poll of the presidential candidates - Bush or Kerry. I think it is important for us to know about them and what they think and believe and stand for. Whoever is elected is going to be the leader of the free world. So, before you make your vote - try and inform yourself, if you are not already, about these two candidates. We will leave it up for a week or so to give you enough time. (Okay. I am my father's daughter! I love politics!)

I think that is all. I hope you all (Alberta people) enjoy the snow! God bless.

Love,
Manders
P.S. Okay, Aimee and I are trying to win the shower song writing contest. She has entered a pretty good song, but I am up for the challenge. Jonathan and I could really use a new shower head. So today, I am going to write the most amazing shower song that ever was. (I have lots of practice writing songs out of thin air with a 6 1/2 month old son....So BEWARE!)

Drivers Against Bad Drivers

Okay, I just have to get this off my chest. I am a reasonable driver, I think. Jonathan would say that I drive too caustiously sometimes and this might get me into trouble. But, I just like to drive with care & concern. I also want to avoid speeding tickets at all costs, so I generally go the speed limit.

So, the other day I was driving somewhere & I was going my usual 60km in a 60 zone. I checked my rearview mirror & there was a lady behind me who was right on my tail. I am used to this because no one goes the speed limit anymore. I just figured she would pass me & we could all go our seperate ways...no hard feelings. Well, she finally passed me after what seemed like forever. When she drove past me, she gave me the look, threw up her hands and shook her head, as if to say, "I can't believe you didn't speed up when I needed you too!" Well, it bothered me & I actually talked back to her car as she pulled in front of me. I was driving in Calgary at the time with my mom, Jonathan & Aidan. We figured that she must have been late or something. (She was an older woman driving a mercedes on Sunday morning! She was probably late for church!) Anyway, I vented and got over it. End of story...or so I thought!

Yesterday I was driving to pick up Jonathan from work. Again I was going my 60km in a 60 zone. There was this guy behind me who tail-gaited me for at least 10 mins. I again figured he would pass me and that would be it. He finally passed me on the exit ramp & again threw his hands up in the air, and shook his head. (I think he mouthed some profanities in my direction, as well!) Now, I am normally a level headed individual when it comes to driving. I worry about the other people who are road ragers and in attack mode. (When Jonathan said that he hit the fender of the car (See Tuesday'.s blog), I was shocked - horrified! What if the guy had come out and attacked Jonathan with a baseball bat or something?!??!!!!) Anyway, I usually let these things go. But at that moment, I couldn't believe it. Twice in one week! The nerve....

I am a law abiding citizen. I have never gotten a speeding ticket or been in an accident...yet. I hope to keep it that way for a while, at least. So, when someone who is late or impatient, makes gestures at me because I am abiding the law....Well, if I was a bird my feathers would be standing on end right now. It just makes me so mad. I can't believe what is happening with drivers and society....When did it become a nuisance to follow the speed limit and the law? URRRGGGG!!!!!

I have decided to start a group for disgruntled drivers who are tired of paying for other people's impatience, poor driving habits, and lack of driving discipline. Let's take back the streets for all of us good drivers who shouldn't have to pay (literally - insurance) for all of the bad drivers bad habits. We'll call ourselves Drivers Against Bad Drivers....Anyone want to join?

Love,
Manders

P.S. Thanks for letting me vent. I hope you have a good weekend! (If you want to join, please sign up in our guestbook!!!) :)

Jonathan's Eighth Blog: Same Stuff, Different Day

Ok, so first of all it doesn't help that I blog only on the days that I take the bus to work. This leads to blogs that seem to repeat themselves repeat themselves repeat themselves endlessly, making me think that I could just cut and paste an old blog and change the title and no one would notice. Today's commute can be Coles-noted into: She had the red purse again, and I got the back seat.
Hmm....can I talk about work. Presently I'm spending half of my days not even doing my work. We just expanded a couple of months ago, and we spent a bunch of time redoing our fabrication department and receiving area. With the additional 50% of space we added, we wanted to make it more showroom-ish and less warehouse-ish. So we got our racking painted a beautiful fire engine red and set a small smattering of everything we sell over in the new area. Well, the boss man decided that we hadn't used the space wisely enough, so now we have redesigned everything and of course that requires us to move racking/shelves and about 65% of our stock around. Again. For the second time. Good times. What else? Well, I decided that I'm not taking the promotion that was offered to me. While it would get me out of the warehouse and into the front office, it would mean more stress, work, extra hours. The money was tempting, as was the less physical work, but having Aidan now changes a lot of things. And seeing how this is still supposed to be a temporary job (going on five and a half years) until Amanda gets a teaching job, I'm still holding out hope that this isn't going to end up being my life's work. And while I'm grateful for my job that pays the bills and puts food on the table, it would be nice if I could do something that I love for a living. Now if I only knew what that was....
JG

Mount of Affliction

First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We drove down to Calgary and had a wonderful time. I am sure that the grandparents had an even better time spoiling their only grandson, but it was a nice break in childcare for us, too! On Saturday Jonathan and I ventured out on our own to Banff for the afternoon. It rained the whole time, but it was nice to have a 'date' with my hubby since our alone times are few and far between these days. (And I got to see the mountains, which I love so much!)

Yesterday was my bible study. This past week was on hanging on to God in times of trial and sufferings - the mount of affliction. It has been a hard week and a reminder of some things that I have gone through in my own life. Very hard, but very good. I am reminded that God loves me and is with me throughout all of my own struggles and trials. Some things in my life have been very hard, but I have grown so much by facing them and dealing with them - especially in my relationship to God. I still have a long way to go, but I know that God will help me through.

That being said, many times we all ask the question, "Why?" Why me; why now; why this; etc. All of these why questions. Our study told us to stop asking the why questions and ask more answerable questions. Questions like: "What now?" ; Where should I go from here?; What do You want me to learn from this God?; etc. Questions that God can answer. It really changed my thinking about things. I don't know if this changes anything for you, but it certainly did for me.

The biggest thing for me is letting go of control and letting things happen. I don't want bad things to happen (who does?) so I keep a tight reign on everything in my life. (Right, Jonathan?) I have to learn to let go. This is hard, but I am going to continually work at this.

The other important thing for me to remember is that God only wants what is best for me and wants me to grow in hope. I can only do this through suffering: "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perserverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us." (Rom. 5:3-5) It may be hard at the time, but sufferings and trials build up who we are and help us to become who God wants us to be. May I always remember this!

I hope that you all have a wonderful day. May God continue to show you His love and help you to grow in His hope.

Love,
Manders

P.S. Happy Birthday Katelyn!

Jonathan's Seventh Blog: What's One More Bus Ride Between Friends?

Yes, I know it's only Tuesday, but today is a transit day for me. Due to our long-weekend escapades, there was a lot that we didn't get done this weekend that'll have to be done today. Grocery shopping is the biggest one, which Amanda will be doing some time today. Going grocery shopping after work is about as much fun as going to the dentist. Well, it's about the same distance away at least. Ok, bus ride....um....lets see. Well, 'Girl with backpack and purse' was there again. This time she had a nice red purse to go along with her huge backpack. I'm still dying to ask her about the need for both. On my transfer bus was someone who smelled like they had bathed in alcohol. It's amazing how quickly the entire bus was filled with the stench. Oh, and the most exciting part was after the bus ride during the five minute walk to work. Some idiot didn't check for pedestrians before turning left off 149th street and just about killed me. He was so close to me that in my suprise and anger, I punched his fender twice. Turns out he works at the business right beside my work. I was this close to going over and getting his licence plate number and reporting it to the police. Maybe next time. (or I'll just go over and let all the air out of his tires in my passive/aggressive way!)

The dentist: So you might have heard that I lost a chunk off of one of my molars Thursday afternoon. This required me to go to the dentist for the first time in 10 or so years. (Without health benefits, it's just not possible to budget for that stuff) Other than the reaction I had to the freezing, it was no problem. It was about the same amount of fun as going grocery shopping after work. (and the office is right beside Safeway) It's amazing how a trip to the dentist can get you fired up about oral hygene! I've been brushing and flossing like a maniac ever since.

JG

P.S. I'm interested to find out what show "Other" is in our Weekly Poll. Could whoever it was that voted for that put what show they were voting for in the Guestbook? Thanks.

Jonathan's Sixth Blog: Deja vu all over again like the first time

Another Thursday, another boring bus ride. Nothing unusual, except I got off at the wrong stop adding considerable distance to get to my transfer. One thing that was interesting was that at the front of the bus there are two rows of seats perpendicular to the rest of the rows in the bus. And each of these rows has three seats. So as the bus continued to fill with people nobody was sitting in the middle of the row, most likely do to the amount of bumping and grinding required to fit three grown adults there. But then two children got on the bus and took those seats immediately. It was cool to see how innocent they were, not caring who they sat beside or how squished they might be. It's like the older you become, the larger your personal space requirements are.
Also facinating to me was the young woman (maybe 20 years old) who had a fairly large backpack and a 'Louis Vitton' like purse. The purse could have easily fit into the backpack, but I wondered if she just wanted to let everyone know that she had purchased such an expensive and 'haute-culture' hand bag. It was definately at odds with her $20 Walmart backpack. (Also exciting was the guy with the hacking cough and running nose sitting behind me. I realize sick people have to take the bus too, but for goodness sake, cover your mouth!)

I thought it interesting the comment Ron made over at the Abarbablog today. He noticed that he always talked about what had happened to him and his family, but hardly ever talked about himself. I'm also really good at the running commentary/rants, but that doesn't help you all to get to know me better. Here's some tidbits:

I love pop-culture. TV, movies, sports, celebraties....my mind, like my father's, is somewhat of a steel-trap. I can see someone gueststarring on a TV show and can usually place what show/movie they have been in before. Like last week's episode of CSI:NY. The gueststars were from 'Joan of Arcadia', 'Due South', and 'Boy Meets World'. (actually Amanda got the last one, but I was still 2/3)

I have a really high IQ, but no discipline. My mind is able to process things really quickly, I have a good memory and am a quick reader, but I dislike school immensely. One day I can be totally lazy and the next I'll be totally driven and into the smallest detail.

Ok, that's enough tidbits for now, I wouldn't want anyone to get a stomach ache.

JG

A Thanksgiving Tribute

Since it is Thanksgiving this weekend, and this is my last blog until Monday/Wednesday next week, I thought I would devote this blog to that holiday.

First, a holiday memory:

Jonathan and I were in a band called Morning Star (96-97). It toured around Canada for 10 months. There were 8 of us on it (4 girls and 4 guys). We went to churches, prisons, camps, etc. doing music and dramas, puppets, etc. It is how Jonathan and I met. (He was the drummer/husband/financial person/prodigal son and I was one of the singers/keyboard players/tamborine player/jew's harp player/wife/financial assitant/pig/wild woman/Matilda.)

Very early on in training we had decided that we were in love. (No love at first sight) Both of us will tell you that at some point during the 2 months of training, we both knew that we were going to be married. (For me, it was even before we talked about liking each other. I found out about his ring - his commitment to save himself for marriage - and I just knew!) No relationships on team - that was the rule....Oh how God loves to break human rules!

Anyway, that was the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. We were in Cornwall, Ontario at a pastor's house. All eight of us were there, sharing the meal together. Before we ate, we all went around the table and said one thing that we were thankful for. When it got to be Jonathan's turn, he said, "I am thankful for my 7 new friends and my one new best friend!" (That's me!) It was so special because he publicly said that I was his best friend (NOTE: everyone knew about us anyway, so it was no secret). But the fact that he would say it..just made my thanksgiving so much more special. (Jonathan - you know there was some other things too!)

In light of this memory, I have decided to list off 12 things that I am thankful for about Jonathan. (I know! Pathetic!) My hubby is worth the sap and he really needs some encouragement today....So drum roll please....

12 Things I am Thankful For about Jonathan:

1. Sense of humor - he is always making me laugh & smile when I am feeling blue.
2. Taking care of the car (as I know nothing about cars!) - oil, etc. Especially when I am taking the car for the day.
3. Listening
4. Money wise
5. Learned how to make formula so I could have a break sometimes.
6. For being human & not trying to be perfect.
7. Good father & he gives me breaks when I need them.
8. So supportive
9. Even though he might not enjoy his work, he is good at what he does and keeps at it to support us.
10. His strength.
11. All the little things that he does for me that go unnoticed, but would be missed if he didn't do them. (i.e. garbage, recycling, basement, other that I don't know about!)
12. Most Importantly - His love & devotion to God, me and Aidan. He is the leader, provider, protector of our family...all through God's grace and strength. It is so evident to me. I loved him first for this.

I am so thankful for so many things Jonathan does. He is an excellent person and I am so blessed to have him in my life.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Take some time to thank God for what you have and let others know you are thankful for them. I am thankful that you all are such good people and that we can share in each other's lives even though we hardly know each other.

God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love,

Manders

P.S. Sandra and Jim and Jennifers, we will miss you, but we hope that you have a great Thanksgiving. We will call you!

A Punching Bag

I don't feel like blogging today, so I will just write a few things. First of all, Jonathan and I have decided to change our weekly poll to something other than survivor. I think that people are starting to give up on Survivor this season and I think that this is what Mark Burnett wants. He has other shows now, so he doesn't need Survivor to succeed. I think it is the beginning of the end.

Secondly, it has really been a hard week for me and it continues to be so. Prayer would be appreciated as I feel as though I am being a punching bag for the enemy. I have been having migranes and nothing has been helping. I have been grumpy as a cause of this and living with me has not been easy. I am also feeling the effects of a cold that I have been staving off for the last 2 weeks. It's hard to get rest when you are a mom. (I now know why my mom was always sick with us!)

I know that in all things, God will prevail. I had a really good Saturday with a friend. I also ran into Billie. She was having lunch at East Side Marios with Adele. Anyway, she is always a blessing to me. She is so wise and so innocent at the same time. I know that probably doesn't make sense, but I think Mel will understand what I mean. Hopefully we (Del, Billie & I) will join up for coffee/breakfast soon....(sigh!) Wish you could join us too, Mel!

Anyway, that's all for now. My son is awake and he should be still sleeping because he will not have another nap until supper time....Sigh!

Love,
Manders

Who am I???

Sometimes you just feel so unworthy, so not perfect, so defective, so tired! I am a bad mother, I say to myself. A bad wife. An imperfect person. Dejected. Rejected. (Especially after my son was up every hour or so on Wednesday night!)

I know what you are thinking...'Wow! This does not sound like Amanda at all!') Well, I have just decided to be honest about how I am feeling. Why pretend like I am feeling fine, when I am not feeling fine! (This will pass, I am sure!)

Anyway, when I get this way, I often wonder why God would want to know me. Why would He choose to love me? Why would He die for me? I feel so unworthy of His love, His compassion, His sacrifice for my sins. Ya know?

We sing this song at church (Jonathan is tired of it!) which has the best words...I thought I would share it with you all, since I feel like we all go through this at least for a moment or two during the day!

Just know this, that God loves us all, even when we are feeling down. He says to us in Matthew 11:28-30: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.'

Take heart friends! God is our strength in these times. I am so thankful for that!

Love,
Manders

Who Am I

by Casting Crowns

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth

Would care to know my name

Would care to feel my hurt

Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star

Would choose to light the way

For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am

But because of what you've done

Not because of what I've done

But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading

Here today and gone tomorrow

A wave tossed in the ocean

A vapor in the wind

Still you hear me when I'm calling

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling

And you've told me who I am

I am yours, I am yours

Who am I, that the eyese that see my sin

Would look on me with love and watch me rise again

Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea

Would call out through the rain

And calm the storms in me