Notable Quote

Me: So, did you look at the midterm that I gave you last week?
Kid: No.
Me: Can you read it when you get home so you know exactly what you need to work on for the rest of the session?
Kid: Okay.
Me: Good.
Kid: Actually I can't.
Me: Why not?
Kid: We used it as kindling for our fire last nite.
Me: You put it in the fire???
Kid: Yes.
Me: And you didn't read it first???
Kid: No.

*Sigh.

Maybe I'll put your badge in my fireplace instead of giving it to you :). See, it doesn't work the other way around, now does it? Even I wouldn't do that. And I'm the swimming teacher who tells kids that I'll let the sharks out from the grates in the pool if they are bad.

When I'm Up, I Can't Get Down?

Bad thing #1 in my day
8am: My period starting means it brings its friends, Cramps and Grogginess, along for the ride.

Good things in my day
8:30am-2pm: Low attendance in swimming lessons means relaxing classes.
No attendance for a private lesson means being paid to go for a swim.
3pm: Buying lunch means a chicken sandwich that tastes like it came right off the grill and is ready in under 5 minutes. Dairy Queen, you impress me. Am I a bad person if I really want to see a Blizzard fall out of its cup when the server turns it upside down before handing it to the customer?
3:30pm-5:30pm: Staying late after my shift means getting paid to organize a storage closet. I like to organize things. I really do. Objects, people, anything.
Organizing a storage closet means peeking in the boxes marked "old staff pictures" and "employee files".
8:30pm-10:30pm: Stopping by Kelley's going away party means meeting new people, hanging out with old friends, and yummy food.

Bad thing #2 my day:
11:30pm: Going to a party right from work means coming home from the party, opening up my backpack, realizing that I left every single personal care/hair care product I own at the pool, forgetting where in the pool I left them, worrying that my stuff won't be there tomorrow, wondering what in the world I am going to use to make myself presentable tomorrow, imagining how much money all of that stuff cost. Despairing.

My day started badly and ended badly. This day has been a typical example of how my emotions go up and down in the span of a single day. I once charted how I felt over a few days with a roughly sketched graph because I thought it would be fun to see. I wish I could scan it and post it because it is all over the place.

'bout to rap y'all...

You da bomb,
You our mom,
Name's not Tom,
Trees like palm*.

We love you,
It is true,
Nice hairdo,
Like those shoes.

Happy day,
What you say?
In the Way,
Momma, eh?

*my mom enjoys palm trees

Back to School

I've been volunteering one afternoon a week at HCA for the last little while. I'll be teaching my first part of a lesson next week on the biography of Lewis Carroll. So far, I've been sitting in on some classes and writing down my observations. It's been cool to see the different teaching styles and to get to know the teachers a little more. I'm hoping to do some tutoring at lunches and help out with marking too. I drive home with my mom and the two kids that my family carpools with. One of them is Alex and he is in grade 5. He is very innocent and honest. This is Alex on his first crush.

Notable Quote:
Jessie: So, we need to find you a new girl!
Alex: No. Playing is more my style, now.
Jessie: Ah, I see. You like to play the field.
Alex: Yeah... (pause) and in the dirt.

I had to explain what it meant to "play the field" after everyone else in the car burst out laughing.

Latest Purchase: A pretty pink bathing suit that better hold up really well in the chlorine because I paid enough for it to last until the end of time.

Favourite Song of the Moment: Umbrella-Rhianna

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Rom. 5:1-2, 2 Cor. 9:8, Gal. 2:21, 1 Tim. 1:14

Expectations

I am sick of trying to live up to the expectations that people have set for me. I am tired of trying to be the person that acquaintances expect me to be and I am even more tired of being the person that people who are close to me expect me to be. In some cases, this becomes all the more frustrating when expectations that people have are based on ones I have set for myself and shared with them. I want to be real with people without feeling judged by them when I do something wrong. I'm not a perfect Christian-no one is, but a lot of the time we like to act like we are when we are with each other. I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't seek to glorify God with the way that they act or that I don't believe in accountability. I'm just saying this so I can work through it.

Summer News

I'm going to be beach captain at First Lake again this year! All my friends got beach captain too. I'm happy with how it all worked out. Especially since I got a 2$ raise :). I'm also kinda disappointed because I had so much fun last summer, I feel like this summer won't compare. Maybe it will.

My 21st Birthday!

I had a fabulous birthday party last Wednesday! Me and my girls starred in our own independent local film, ate waaaay too much at our make-shift picnic, and snuggled up for a movie. Just wait to see the video! Anyone who has seen my Canada flag purse will be happy to know that it is retired as of that night.

Thanks for everything sexy mamas!

Here's one of many photos of our C4C Bible study group (refer to Facebook)! Yummy dessert, conversation, and pretty pictures. Have a good summer ladies! Kelley, we'll miss you!!

Helloooo Summer!

Monday
Today was my last exam! The last one in the last possible time. I'm done! Our exam had a streaker. He yelled something and then ran across the bleachers wearing a zorro mask! His attempt to use some coverage to preserve a shred of modesty failed pretty quickly. I clapped, I'll admit it. Everyone else did too. It wasn't just me. Most of us thought it was pretty funny. If a guy does something like that, it's funny. If a girl ever did, totally slutty...or at least not funny. Mom and I decided this today. I'm not sure why things work this way. Maybe I shouldn't find it funny at all...I did though. A perfect way to celebrate: a new season of The Bachelor. He's growing on me, though he's still very Ken doll. The best guy was a few seasons ago. I'm a sucker for this show...because I really want to see if they will fall in love. And I like to decide who is best for him.

Tuesday
On the agenda:
-go for a run
-get taxes done
-buy new glasses and sunglasses
-dessert with my favourite Dal girls

Wednesday
On the agenda:
-go for a run
-day off work
-celebrate my birthday with my best buddies

I'm liking the looks of this post-exam time.

Favourite People at the Pool

1. The well-dressed mom (who cursed front crawl in front of a whole class of 7-9 year olds).

2. My adult private lesson (who is taking lessons for the first time so she can swim on her honeymoon in Cuba).

3. The cute little boy (who tried to tickle my foot by sticking his toes between the bottom of my foot and my flip flop and wiggling them).

Yo Mama

This is what happens to our "sweet" Rebekah when she is in the middle of the exam period ;):

Jess says (10:38 PM):
I think your computer needs to get with it

Jess says (10:39 PM):
with the program, if you will

*bek* says (10:39 PM):
no...yours hates me

*bek* says (10:39 PM):
it's because i tried to give you a "nudge"

*bek* says (10:39 PM):
and it said it wouldn't work

*bek* says (10:39 PM):
i think you need to get with the program

*bek* says (10:39 PM):
your face needs to get with the program

*bek* says (10:39 PM):
:P

*bek* says (10:40 PM):
your mom needs to get with the program

*bek* says (10:40 PM):
oh my, that's the first mom joke i've ever made

Toots

I was called "toots" for the first time today by a waiter. So was Deborah. It's better than "ma'am", I suppose. We weren't quite sure what to make of that.

Toots (n.) (slang)
-an affectionate or familiar term of address; honey; sweetie; baby (sometimes offensive or considered derogatory when used to strangers, casual acquaintances, subordinates, etc., especially by a male to a female).
-comes from the candy Tootsie Roll.

I'm pretty much super offended ;). I wonder what it means if you call a guy "toots"...maybe I'll try it and see what happens.

Hints

are in the comments section of "Top 40" ;).

First Nite Back at the Pool

"Jessie, welcome back! It's so nice to see you!": 4
"You're a God send!": 1
"Well, well, if it isn't my least favourite person in the world!": 1
Dead man walking: 1
Overall experience: 8

Top 40

I saw this on Amarea's and Megha's blogs and I think it's a fun idea. These are the first lines of 40 songs on my playlist or on playlists gone by. Everyone is welcome to try guessing the songs and the artists. No search engines allowed! I'll highlite ones that are right in a special colour. Enjoy!

1. Hot summer streets and the pavements are burning...(Cruel Summer - Ace of Base)
2. Nobody wanna see us together... (Don't Matter - Akon)
3. Oh, when you walk by every night...(Mariah Carey - Fantasy)
4. You're not alone, together we stand...(Keep Holding On- Avril Lavigne)
5. What started as a whisper, slowly turned to a scream...(Amen Omen- Ben Harper)
6. Under twenty thousand tons of brick and stone, she carries all the weight of her own world...(Brave Saint Saturn - Resistor)
7. You tell me you're in love with me...(Sometimes-Britney Spears)
8. She was driving last Friday...(Jesus Take the Wheel - Carrie Underwood)
9. As I rest against this cold, hard wall, will you pass me by? (Strong Enough-Stacie Orrico)
10. Your subtleties, they strangle me... (It Ends Tonight - The All-American Rejects)
11. Lying in my bed, hear the clock tick, and think of you...(Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper)
12. Oh no go get your guns, we'll all fight like cowboys and pray like nuns...(Stabilo - Don't Look In Their Eyes)
13. Separated, I cut myself clean...(Jesus Freak - DcTalk)
14. Where are we? (Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap)
15. In a field of yellow flowers, underneath the sun...(Five Iron Frenzy - Dandelions)
16. I saw you in the hallway...(FM Static - Hold Me Twice)
17. I'll sing it one last time for you, then we really have to go...(Run- Snow Patrol)
18. Story of my life, searching for the right...(Unfaithful- Rhianna)
19. You said to the world, the lost will be found...(Take It All-Hillsong United)
20. Ladies up in here tonight...(Hips Don't Lie - Shakira)
21. I walked across an empty land, I knew the pathway like the back of my hand...(Somewhere Only We Know- Keane)
22. He drowns in his dreams, an exquisite extreme...(Beautiful Disaster- Kelly Clarkson)
23. What day is it, and in what month...(You and Me- Lifehouse)
24. Is it getting better? (One - U2)
25. Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real good time...(Don't Stop Me Now - Queen)
26. Rising up, back on the street...(Eye of the Tiger-Survivor)
27. I wanted you to know, I love the way you laugh...(Broken - Seether feat. Amy Lee)
28. My yesterdays are all boxed up, and neatly put away...(Always On Your Side-Sheryl Crow and Sting)
29. Tell you where you need to go, tell you who you need to be...(On Fire - Switchfoot)
30. Seems like yesterday we used to rock the show, I laced the track, you locked the flow...(I'll Be Missing You-Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans)
31. Making my way downtown...(Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles)
32. What you want, baby I got it...(Respect - Arethra Franklin)
33. I walk to the edge again, searching for the truth...(12 Stones - Stay)
34. A slap in the face, and I can't erase the things that you say...(Billy Talent - Sympathy)
35. Seems like it was yesterday, when I saw your face...(Hurt - Christina Aguilara)
36. Tiredness fuels empty thoughts, I find myself disposed...(Eskimo-Damien Rice)
37. Hope dangles on a string...(Vindicated - Dashboard Confessional)
38. Now that you're out of my life, I'm so much better...(Survivor - Destiny's Child)
39. The strands in your eyes, that colour them wonderful...(I'll Be - Edwin McCain)
40. I've waited, and given the chance again, I'd do it all the same...(Ashes - Embrace)

Summer Options

1. Working at the pool for the Spring Session part time.
I wanted full time hours, but I can't justify starting somewhere and then quitting at the beginning of July. This one is decided.
Question: Have my subtle demands to only teach in the big pool worked?

2. Volunteering at HCA for May and June to get some teaching experience.
This is also pretty much decided.
Question: Does the principal love me as much as I like to think she does?

3. Volunteering as a reading tutor at the public library in the North End.
This is very much in the idea stage.
Question: Can I hold my own on Gottigen?

4. Volunteering at a local public school for May and June.
I may approach them for next school year. I know someone who teaches there. I haven't actually talked to her in 3 years.
Question: Can I implement the uniform system there so I feel more at home?

5. Working at the beach for July and August.
It's in the bag.
Question: Will this year be as awesome as last year???

6. Fall in love.
It's always on my list of things to do. Above get perfect skin and below solve the problems in the Middle East.
Question: Is he man enough to be my man?

Tide to Go!

I tested out my brand new Tide to Go pen today. I had heard amazing things about this little contraption, but I had a hard time believing that it would make tough food stains magically disappear. So I never really believed people when they told stories about how great it was.

I went out to Cora's with some girls from my small group and I secretly hoped that someone would spill something on their shirts so we could test out the Tide to go. Some raspberry juice splattered on Keitra's crisp white shirt and I waited patiently for a pause in the conversation so I could whip out my Tide to go. Actually, the second I noticed the bright, ruby red stains, I got the pen out. Then I had to vulturishly wait for a minute or two to point the stains out.

Keitra used the pen and the stains didn't go away. My doubts were confirmed and I knew it was too good to be true. We kept talking, Keitra crossed her arms in front of her shirt, and we all forgot about the stains. As it was time to leave, Keitra moved her arms to put on her coat and the stains were gone!! Disappeared! As if they were never there. Amazing! We were all mystified.

Now I'm suspicious about what is inside these pens. What does the term "biodegradable cleaning agents" really mean?

Tunes

There's nothing like Jessica Simpson in the morning.
I'm stepping out for my last day of classes (a public affair).

Timing

Our pastor made an announcement in church today about a missions trip that a university student in our congregation is going on. Michael goes to school in Ontario and he is going to Tanzania with Campus for Christ this spring. I've never actually met him, but I've heard lots about him. His mom told me about his acceptance to the project a week or two ago, so I already knew that he was going. However, when I heard it announced to everyone, it made me realize the extent of what I have been consciously and maybe subconsciously feeling for the last few months.

I've wanted to go to Tanzania, Africa ever since I heard about the annual missions trip a couple years ago. Out of all the projects that Campus for Christ does, this one just stands out. I feel drawn to it for some reason. I want to go and share Christ with the people there. I feel like I will go, it's just a matter of when. I was seriously considering going this year, because it would have worked out perfectly with my work schedule. This was the first year that I really thought I may go. Some family things came up, and I know that this isn't the right time for me to go. I thought I was okay with that. When the pastor talked about the details of the trip and asked the congregation to come together, stand behind Michael to send him out, and support him financially and in prayer, I suddenly felt really jealous. He's going on my trip. This year, a bunch of people from Campus for Christ at my school have gone on spring break projects or are going on summer ones. It seems like this is the year that everyone is going somewhere. He's going on my trip, this year.

I know that timing matters for something like this and I really want to trust God's timing in my life. It's not my right to go when I think I should go. God hasn't committed an injustice against me because I'm not going this year. I have a mission field around me right now, so I can serve God where I'm at. I don't want to go ahead of God's calling and do something on my own. Maybe I will never go, and that's okay. I confessed my bad attitude to God and I even prayed for Michael and his trip this afternoon. I trust that God knows what he is doing, even though it doesn't seem fair to me at the moment.

I don't feel completely better yet, but I think I will soon.

"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." Jer. 29:11