Odds and Ends

Isn't it interesting... I pray that God will cause my faith to grow. He always answers that prayer with a "yes" and I am always taken by surprise. :-)

Forgive the lack of detail but here is the basic structure of the past four days: I pray for faith. God answers prayer. Circumstances arise in which I am given cause to question every good thing in my life. My world, which I was growing rather comfortable in, rocked. I rock with it. Then I step back and look at myself, my world, God and the people in it. My conclusion? God loves me and has blessed me beyond anything that I could ask or think.

There are things I don't understand. I start wondering about them. But ultimately, I have seen that my Savior has guided me on my journey. I know He will be with me today as He has been with me each step that I have taken.

Moral of the tale? God takes you seriously when you pray.

Interesting things in my life lately:
1: I love Jesse more each day.
2: I worked two days this week at Dairy Queen. Awesomeness. I love my job. :-)
3: I must have slipped on the way home from work yesterday. My leg is swollen. Blah.
4: I will probably be getting way more hours at Dairy Queen which is so wonderful because getting married costs money. ;-) Plus, I love the experience.
5: I really like Ferrero Rondnoir.
6: The temperatures outside are sooo warm!! The snow is almost a little slushy.
7: Yesterday marked 3 months as a couple for Jesse and me.
8: The more Shakespeare I am indoctrinated with, the more I love him.
9: A journey with God can lead to some very surprising twists and turns.
10: My brother Jesse is living at a logging camp in the bush. I love that he is such a grown man...
11: My sister Ellie is on the waiting list for surgery on her shoulder. Please pray that she'll get it sooner than later because she can begin healing sooner if she has the surgery sooner. (Now wasn't that a statement of genius! Lol!)
12: I need to find birthday gifts for several of my sisters. I have an idea. And I think I'm going to Regina on Friday. I love shopping for gifts.
13: Valentine's Day is coming up. Now, never before have I ever seen the purpose or enjoyment of sending sappy love greetings to your True Love. But now I am the sappiest of the lot, as my beloved could tell you. Hehe. Why is it so wonderful to be told that you're loved? And to tell someone that you love them? It just is.
14: I need to get all the bedding cleaned up from last week's company. I managed to get the bathroom done yesterday... as well as some vacuuming and sweeping. That feels good. But I need to get all of that bedding folded up and into the closet or wherever it goes. :-)
15: I need to eat some good food for breakfast.
16: We picked the play for the Easter theatre production and it looks like I'm going to be having a part. Scary but such a good experience. I never thought of myself as an actor. I guess we'll see if I was right or not!

So, that is my life. Making wedding plans. Slowly. Hoping my mom can find that wedding dress soon so I can start talking patterns with people. :-) I have some really good folks around me who are knowledgeable about such lovely things as wedding planning.

Here's something for ya'll to do: find your favorite dress/pattern... favorite flowers... cake, decorations... or just one of the above listed and comment about them. I can always use ideas. :-) And I love talking about wedding plans. So much fun. :-)

Have a great week, ya'll! :-D

Good Morning!

I have a wish for today:

That each moment, regardless of how happy or sad, joyful or annoying, be lived with appreciation for the life that has been given me. Think about it!


I can breathe.
I have health.
I have energy and strength to work a job.
My job is creative and wonderful.
I have great employers.
I am getting married to my best friend.
God's love is very evident in our lives.
I can talk with God.

I could go on. My point is, we can always find areas in our lives to complain about. And we can always find things to be thankful for. I want to be thankful today. :-)

May your weekend be glorious!! Any plans, peoples? 

Life's Goodness

 "Razor-sharp, serrated teeth that inject venom for pre-digestion, prefers ambush attack, and crushing its victims..."

This morning I watched "How To Train Your Dragon" at the Carlyle Theatre. It's an old story with a lot of new twists and some very entertaining dialog. Have any of you ever seen it? I really enjoyed myself. It's a clean story with action, sweetness, humor and phenomenal animation. :-) The reason the movie was shown today was because the elementary school brought all of their kids in for a free movie (right before the holidays). It was interesting to listen to all of the kids chattering before the movie began. Then, as they got into the story, silence pervaded the Hall. Well, mostly silence. :-) Occasionally, laughter and some whispering... but for the amount of children (well over a hundred, I believe), they did pretty well. 

Sidenote: Scottish Vikings in horned helmets (ahem!) make me giggle.

The good thing about the past two weeks is that I have been sick (therefore, able to spend time working on Christmas projects) and I've been keeping very busy.... thus keeping my mind busy. This is a good thing. :-) I got all of my gifts wrapped yesterday evening and have them packed in a box, ready to go. Going to enjoy celebrating Christmas in Saskatoon with friends and loved ones! Good food. Good company. Good conversations. 

Yesterday, I went to work. I had missed some days due to my thought processes of, "don't want to go work with a cold"... still learning stuff about commitments and what ways I can be the most helpful, etc. :-) Anyways, they had all the spaces for gel icing cakes filled up, so Donna put me to work making Blizzard Cakes. I think I made 14 or 16. I can't remember if I filled all the pans twice or not. I love working with the flavors. Somehow, when I am off sugar, my sweet tooth gets satisfied with simply smelling the ice-cream and chocolate and caramel... I made Strawberry CheeseQuake, Oreo, Reeses Pieces, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Cookie Dough and Pecan Cluster.... and let me see. :thinks: Maybe that's all. Hm. 2 each, excepting the Oreo and Pecan Cluster.. so that means I made 16. Most of them ended up in the back freezer, awaiting their turn in the display freezer. My favorite cake to make is the Pecan Cluster. I have absolutely no idea how it tastes but it looks so pretty when I'm finished making it. ;-) I make swirly cones of icing on the top, sprinkle pecans over, then drizzle caramel and chocolate. Lol... sometimes customers can say the funniest things. I was just getting ready to drizzle on the caramel and I heard a voice behind me: "You're gonna make a mistake." I looked up and this old man was grinning at me from over by the coffee machine. ;-) ????

A storm blew in yesterday afternoon... rather like a blizzard and really nasty for awhile there. I am glad I didn't have to walk in it. People are so kind. Donna picked me up and Dianne drove me home. Actually, three people offered me rides home! :-) I am so thankful for the love people bestow upon me. :-) :-) It makes my heart glow. 

This afternoon? What did I do this afternoon... oh yes. After I watched the movie in the morning with Dianne (Jesse's mom), she drove me home and we sat in Michele's kitchen with Michele and had a long conversation about all things. After Dianne left, I sent Michele a song (Silver Spear) so she could jam with Gillian when we're in Saskatoon. Then, I cleaned the bathroom, cleaned up/tidied the kitchen and vacuumed. It feels soo good to get caught up on the cleaning. :-) 

So, that's an update on my little, sweet-filled life. :-) This is a happy post. :-) I am feeling rather that way these days. ;-) God bless you all. 

Here's to Life!

According to blogger, this is Treasuries' 273rd post. It seems like forever ago that I created this blog and tentatively began writing about my life. There have been a few people who have been very faithful about commenting and participating throughout the months since then. Thank you. As someone wrote to me, comments are a blogger's dessert. :-)

Here is a brief synopsis of my life recently:
Friday: My friends Nathan and Jenn (along with their three children: Gideon, 5; Isaiah, 3; Emmé, 1) picked me up in the afternoon and took me to their home in Deloraine, MB. Once there, we warmed up our very cold fingers and toes with some hot tea and Kettle Chips (I've developed a new addiction/craving thanks to you guys!!) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 


Saturday:  Lots of wonderful conversations, food (Jenn and Nathan are both excellent chefs as well as hosts) (we even made chocolate ice-cream which I'm still dreaming about....)


Sunday: ....and music (had a wonderful time "teaching" Jenn how to chord/accompany. She picked it up so quickly I don't think I can honestly term it teaching. Amazing. :-))


Being around their kids made me miss my siblings!! Children give such perspective to life. It's so interesting to hear their point of view and see their trust. I love watching them be creative and expanding their horizons. It can be art or even learning a new word... or their character develops suddenly as they realize something about life. 


All in all, it was a beautiful weekend and something I wouldn't mind repeating. :-) If you're reading this, thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality. I came away so blessed. :-)


Sunday evening, Nathan took me back to Carlyle because I needed to participate in the theatre practice. The time of the Christmas play is almost upon us and I have part. So, it's rather necessary to keep on top of matters. :-) The play is about a nasty old spinster named Esmeralda Scrooge who must learn about love. I am her niece. I have a solo and lines... and I also play a piece on the piano (which has me most worried...). It has been a very enjoyable and stretching experience being part of this. Just like "We'll Meet Again", except it's better this time since I kind of know the people I'm working with. :-) 


Monday: I worked at Dairy Queen and made... cakes. Surprise, surprise. ;-) :-P I made logs, Blizzards and designed gels. Plus, I washed all of my gel frosting bags and the container so they're all fresh and lovely for the next person who dares mess with them. ;-) One of the biggest benefits of working at DQ is that you get to make your own combinations of blizzards. They have a new size of Blizzard: mini. It's just right for me. I love Oreos, strawberries and cheesecake.. mixing them all together, then topping it off with strawberries. It's delightful. I kid you not. And yes, I have been eating a little more sugar lately. :-) 


For the record, I love Dairy Queen ice-cream. A lot. It's among the best. :-) :-) 


Tuesday: I got up early and went to write my test. Before I go on, I must say it: I am so glad to have that over with. How did I do? Well, I missed 2 on my signs test and 4 on the regular. Just passed. My errors were always on the side of caution. For instance, on an uncontrolled railroad, did you know that you are not required by law to stop before proceeding over the tracks? That is, you are not required to stop if there are no trains in sight... in the happenstance of a train, one might consider halting their progress in favor of life, law abiding citizen or no. :-P

The only other thing worth mentioning about yesterday was Michele almost scaring me to death in the evening. Will was asleep so it was all done very silently. :-P I was impressed with myself because usually I am very vocal about fear and being startled. I managed to scream without sound. Yep. ;-) I remember when my sister Ellie used to take great delight in leaping at me out of the dark like Michele did. (I foresee future episodes because she was so pleased with the reaction I gave. They just can't help themselves.)


Wednesday: Hasn't been lived yet. Or at least not much. :-) I woke up early even though I could have slept in. :sigh: Bad habits are hard to break. I made cheese bread yesterday evening along with a vegetable soup... it was lovely. Had a student arrive in the middle of the baking progress and had to have Will take over. He said it was stressful but he managed to survive. Thankfully the bread survived as well. :-) So I think I'll have cheese bread for my breakfast. 


Talked to my Mom, my sister Ellie and my sister Lydia yesterday. I might be going home around the end of the year. We shall see. 


Ok. I need to get off of my computer and prepare myself for life. Cleaning, teaching, music, theatre practice. Full day. I hope yours is lovely and joyous. I think mine will be. Cheers!!


Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate. -- J. R. R. Tolkien

Odds and Ends

The past few days have been so busy and full that I feel woefully inadequate to even begin telling you about them! :-) It's a good feeling when life takes on purpose and a reason to move on. The move here made me feel that way. Each new day has been an adventure full of people and new experiences. God has always shown himself to be  loving, gracious towards me. He is full of compassion in my most awkward moments... I never cease to feel amazed at His understanding. I love how He gives me far beyond anything I had ever dreamed of or hoped for. I love how He heals my heart and soul and makes me into something that is so much better than before I was broken. I love that He loves me.

Friday, I went to work at nine, as usual. Thirty-five minutes later, they had us evacuating the building due to a gas leak. It was an interesting experience to be hustled out of somewhere like that. The funniest thing was trying to get the old ladies to leave. They loved the scent (!!!) of danger and wanted to be in on all of the excitement. Lol. It was rather adorable and a little irritating. ;-) I guess they got the leak fixed because within an hour, we were back at work. Funny thing though.... I couldn't seem to get caught up all day. I had a list of cakes I needed to make and I know I got a fair portion done but it never seemed like it was enough. At any rate, I appreciate the work and experience as always. :-)

Friday night, I went to the theatre in Carlyle... they were showing Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole. I had never watched a movie in a theatre before and what an awesome film to begin with. I loved the story. I have always liked owls because of Owl in "Winnie The Pooh" but this was a completely different look at them. It was a sad story but a triumphant one. I also love how well done the animation is of this film. It's completely amazing to me. :-)

Well, it's getting later in the morning so I should close this up and skedaddle. I'll try to write more later. :-)

On Astute Employers And The Benefits Thereof

P.S. Just in case you think I'm some kind of hard worker or something, I actually didn't do any of the things I listed at the bottom of this post. :-P I made pizza and watched a movie instead. ;-)

Another fascinating day at DQ! I decorated 4 10" and 8 8" cakes, plus three logs (one of which ended up taking the role of catastrophe). I worked from 9 until 3:30 with only a short break in between.

I work with some interesting, beautiful people:

Donna (my employer): This woman reminds me so much of my mom in many ways and... in other ways, she's very much unlike my mother. She's gentle, sweet and kind. She's very firm about the way things should be done. She loves color. And the best and scariest thing about her is how astute she is.

I had just finished putting the different colors of icing gels on a cake when she popped into my little nook. She looked at the cake. Looked at me. Smiled. Looked back at the cake. Then she said, "When I met you, I could just tell you were a vibrant person. Rich and vivid colors make up your personality. But this... [indicates my creation] well, it's so dark. Looking at this, I am seeing some of your internal insecurity issues. Try to be a little brighter on the next one." Then she smiled at me again and walked away... leaving me slightly speechless. She was so right.

For the rest of the day, I analyzed myself by which color I pulled out of the box. Lol! ;-) I would catch myself using lots of purples. Purple is a beautiful color... and it is my battle/struggle color. When I found myself with the purple gel bag in my hand, I would put it back and pick up green. Green is my victory/peace color. Didn't catch myself all the time, though. Donna would still call to me, "Bright colors!!"

Ok. You probably didn't want to read all that, but it's fascinating to me, so ya'll have to put up with it. Hehe.

Another interesting person: Roberto. He's an amazing worker. Very short. Has the most contagious laugh I've ever heard. Donna's daughter informed me that when we're in the same vicinity of the kitchen, I need to speak English to him because he needs to learn it better. I tried. :-P He just laughed. Shortly afterwards, the funniest thing happened. He dropped some newly cleaned trays on the floor and abruptly, there was a blue haze over the sink. Strange how they learn some English so quickly... :-P ;-)

And then, there's Garth.. Donna's hubby. The guy is hysterical. I wasn't in the most cheerful of moods today (you may have gathered that) but he walked in and in five seconds, had me giggling. He's sarcastic. And he makes fun of Fr. Banga, whom he adores. He caught a glance of a cake I had gelled a clown on (I was quite pleased with it, actually... if that says anything about the quality of artwork ;-)) and excitedly exclaimed, "Ohhh, a squirrel!" :-P

I'm still learning the names of the girls... I know there's Robin... Grace... Jane... Richele... not sure of the others. I would like to get to know them better. I am sure they would be so much fun to be around and learn from. Grace especially makes sure to give me a hug on her way past. I appreciate this. :-)

Other than work, I've been doing a lot of studying... praying... making decisions... teaching... lesson prep... Thinking about walls. Walls around our hearts. Not just walls to keep us safe from others but walls to keep us safe from ourselves. Walls that are positive. Walls that are negative. More on that later, I hope.

Off to clean a bathroom and practice the piano... and study the driver's ed. I also want to watch Ponyo this evening so I can give Jesse back his movies.. so much to do! Pray for me. :-) I need it.

Joys of Now

Yesterday morning somewhere between 5:00 and 7:30 (at which time my alarm clock rang) I had this interesting discovery:

I have been so caught up in trying to change people's lives for the better that I have forgotten about simply enjoying people for who they are. They all have their special qualities; all give me thoughts to think; humorous moments to laugh about; memories to treasure...

So around 9 am yesterday morning, I went into DQ, not knowing what the day was going to hold. I was nervous  but I realized that God had been in those thoughts I had been thinking earlier. I decided to do my best, yes! however, I was going to make very sure I enjoyed myself thoroughly in the process. Regardless of what happened.

My job at DQ is creating ice-cream cakes. I would like to reassure you that my first cakes are nothing to be excited over. ;-) (I did one that I was really pleased with, which made me happy, but I know all creations after yesterday will be much more to my liking... experience :-)) But it was a good day, none-the-less. One of the most beautiful things was that DQ has hired natives of the Philippines. They are amazing people. They appreciate the work. Their joy is expressed in their diligence. Or maybe it was in the fact that they smiled most of the time.

When they were working within speaking distance, we chatted up a storm. They come from such different backgrounds than I do. And their minds work so differently than the typical western culture young people. All of them have left loved ones behind and you can see how lonely they are sometimes. But they all love Canada... except for the winters. This is amusing because when I asked Jane why she came to Canada, she said it was because she wanted to see the snow. I guess she didn't realize the pretty white stuff comes with cold. She said if she was to move back to the Philippines, that would be the reason.

So I spent the entire day just concentrating on my job, enjoying the people around me and talking to God. My job is in this little nook in which I was left to myself over 50% of the time so I had lots of time to think and pray. (Cake decorating only takes one part of my brain. ;-)) I was so uplifted and encouraged... resting in the love of my Savior.

It's interesting that after spending a day in much prayer, negativity fights hard for a place in my mind. I was almost asleep last night and suddenly, I was panicking over some things I did/said in the past two or three days. Things that may have come across wrong. Things that I had no clue about. Things that were not of my intention to say/do... and just as suddenly, "Don't worry about it." The past is the past. Now is what exists. All I can do is pray that God will bring the sunshine of Truth into the lives that are connected with mine.

Because my focus is Him. My focus is others. Right now.

(At camp, there was this adorable little gal ... her name is Hannah.)