How Much of Who I Am Is What I've Done?

Confession: I'm a virgin and I've never been drunk before. However, I don't know if I can handle admitting to both at the same time with my friends from work. It's been quite enough in conversations gone by (such as yesterday) to reveal only one of these little truths. I'm not ashamed, exactly. I just know how different it is from most people my age and how shocking it is. It's the reaction that I don't like dealing with. Most times people respect you for it. Sometimes you feel like they think this less of you even if they say that they respect you for it (like they think that you aren't as cool as you were to them before). Then you have to remind yourself that it doesn't matter what they think of you. But, somehow you still care what they think of you. In the end, you are thankful for your friends who know exactly what you are like and how you live your life and admire your values because they try to live the same way that you do.

Favourite song of the moment: Hey there Delilah-Plain White T's.

Wedding Thoughts

Here are some thoughts I've had since Jessie and Dave's wedding (which was lovely by the way):
1. I think that I'd like to have a print on my bridesmaids dresses.
2. Four bridesmaids and groomsmen is the max that I'd like to have.
3. I need to have a dance at my wedding. I can just imagine a bunch of parents, grandparents, kids, and teenagers having fun on the dance floor together.
4. I'm going to edit the songs for the bride and groom's first dance and the dance with the parents so they aren't full length songs.
5. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching foreplay when the bride and groom kiss after people tell stories about them in the microphone or tink their glasses (I've thought this at all the weddings I've been to).
6. I'm going to do the garter thing. Maybe it can be my something blue.

Notable Quote:
"I think I'll get a wife and then I'll get a boat. It just seems like a logical progression." -Matt from Beaches

It's Okay By Me

There's been something else on my mind lately as well. I often feel like as a Christian, I am entitled to receiving all the things that I need from God. What I mean is, all the basic necessities that a human needs are in my right to have. Things like food, shelter, money to get by day to day, two parents who invest themselves in my life, good friends, and a man in my life who I will marry. So what happens when any of these certain necessities are missing? I've been feeling kind of jipped by God when it comes to some of these needs lately.

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Phil. 4:11-13)

I've been listening to this song by Nicole Nordemon lately. More like obsessively. It perfectly describes what I'd like to feel. I don't usually post whole songs like this, but I just love it. It's pretty brilliant, I think.

"Send some rain, would You send some rain? 'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again. And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade. Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud? Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down. Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid. But maybe not, not today. Maybe You'll provide in other ways. And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You. With gratitude. For lessons learned in how to thirst for You. How to bless the very sun that warms our face. If You never send us rain.

Daily bread, give us daily bread. Bless our bodies, keep our children fed. Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight. Wrap us up and warm us through. Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs. Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time. Or maybe not, not today. Maybe You'll provide in other ways. And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You. With gratitude. A lesson learned to hunger after You. That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead. And if we never taste that bread.

Oh, the differences that often are between what we want and what we really need. So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace. Move our hearts to hear a single beat. Between alibis and enemies tonight. Or maybe not, not today. Peace might be another world away. And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You. With gratitude. For lessons learned in how to trust in You. That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream. In abundance or in need. And if You never grant us peace.

But Jesus, would You please . . ."

I'm not there yet, but I'd like to be. The end is how I feel right now, pretty much "Jesus, would you please?". Dear Lord, may I be content no matter what happens- no matter what I have or don't have- because I have You and You are always good and worthy of praise.

Search and Rescue

Here's a little note of warning. This post will not be upbeat. Yesterday (and today), I looked out at the lake that I will be working at this summer and there were helicopters circling it and men in boats looking for the bodies of two teenage boys. Two boys went missing on Monday afternoon and they were going to the lake. One of them can't swim. It's Wednesday and they are still looking for them. It's shaken me up because I don't know the people, but I know the area. I've been working there for two years and I'm at the pool (right next to the lake) doing maintenance all week, so the searching is going on right next to me.

I've been thinking a few things about this. The first is I just really hope that the kids are alive. I also hope that they find the bodies either way because they have been searching for a long time. The thought that I've been thinking of most is how I'm glad that it didn't happen while I was working there. I know that if I am there, no one will drown in the swimming area. I'm not worried about that. I just don't want anything to happen in other parts of the lake that I'm not responsible for or can't even see from the beach. It's all the same lake.

Teary Eyes

I don't really like Avril, but I have to say, nothing I've watched has ever made me cry as much as this.

This video completely redeems "Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend!".

(True) Tales from the Crypt

Dramatis Personae

Jessie- that would be me.
Brad-an attractive male lifeguard, not his real name.
13 year old boy- in a semi-private lesson with his younger sister. Asked Jessie to be his girlfriend 2 weeks ago. Will remain nameless. See old entry.

Last week

Boy (randomly): "Jessie! I'm so glad you're my girlfriend"
Jessie: "I'm not your girlfriend."
Boy: "Oh snookums! Don't be silly. You better talk sweet to me or I won't buy you a gift for our anniversary!"

Boy:"Jessie, stop blowing kisses at me!"
Jessie:"I'm NOT blowing kisses at you!"
Boy: "You're not being a very good girlfriend."
Jessie: "I'm NOT your girlfriend!!!"

Boy (to Brad, the lifeguard): "See that swimming teacher? Jessie. She's my girlfriend!"
Jessie: "I'm NOT your girlfriend!!
Boy: "Tell me you love me!"
Jessie: "Back crawl, go!"

This week

Brad (unexpectedly, to boy): "Hey! You better leave my girlfriend alone!!"

Boy: "Jessie!! Is this true? You're cheating on me!"
Jessie (doesn't usually lie, but she is at her wits end): "Yes. It's true."
Boy: "I don't believe this!"
Other lifeguard: "Hey, Brad! Why don't you kiss your girlfriend?"

Brad pretends to kiss Jessie. Jessie giggles because she thinks Brad is cute and strong.

Boy: "Jessie, what do you see in him?"
Jessie: "We're not talking about this."
Boy: "Jessie, I just don't want you to get hurt. I'd never break your heart."
Jessie: "Front crawl, go!"

Brad: "Jessie, is this guy bothering you, again?"
Jessie (rubs Brad's back): "No, but thanks for checking, Brad!"

Boy: "He just fingered me! The lifeguard! Your boyfriend! He fingered me!!"
Jessie: "I don't think he fingered you..."
Boy: "Yes he did! You didn't see it!"

Jessie is ready to pull her hair out. She teaches the entire class-all 120 minutes of it (as it is a double lesson to make up for a missed class) out of the water.

Jessie wonders if she could actually date Brad. She doesn't think so.

The End

Mid-Week Reporto

1. Work
Saturday is my last day of swimming lessons! I won't be done at the pool, though. The next two weeks are shut-down. Which means that the pool is drained and I've signed up to help clean every single surface open to the air in and around the pool. I'm also working one nite a week in the summer. This session has been positive. I haven't wanted to cry once. Sometimes I even enjoy it. I had beach captain training last weekend. Chocolate lake was surprisingly bearable. Unfortunately, it tastes like something unnatural. Someone said it was iron, but I don't know. This year's training was especially good. It wasn't just because they fed us. My boss was very nice. She really believes in us. That makes me feel special. I love feeling special. I've got general training before June ends. It's a 4 day affair.

2. Tunes
I'm changing! Or going through a phase. I used to be a C100 and Z103.5 addict when it came to choosing a radio station. Now I find myself listening to Q104 and enjoying a punk mix on my mp3 player. What is happening to me? I blame it on my environment. All we listen to at the pool is Q104. I still enjoy my pop beats though. Put something peppy on and my hips won't lie.

3. Plants
My veggies are young adults! I'm so pleased with my garden in the front of the house. You never know when you plant the seeds. I've had extra cause to worry, besides my usual irrational doubt that none of my seeds will grow, because of our bird problem. Make that, the problem I have with the birds in my yard pecking around my garden. I was convinced that they were eating all my seeds. So every time I'd see those winged monsters in the garden, I'd run out of the house and chase them away. Thought of making a scare-bird (like a scare-crow but for all species of bird), but didn't. My potted seeds in the back of the house, on the other hand, are having a hard time. Half of the seeds didn't grow. That's okay. Some things take time. Better a late bloomer than a no bloomer. Good things happen to those who wait. Maybe they are angry because I put them in the backyard instead of the front. Maybe the birds got to them.

Welcome back, my summer love!

Notable Quote:
Josh: I want the football player to win! He moves like a swan!!

Oh Baby, It's Raining!

Halifax, May 30, 2007 - The American Basketball Association (ABA) is headed to Halifax! The Halifax Rainmen's inaugural 2007 / 2008 season will be played at the Metro Centre. The Rainmen are one of the newest additions to the ABA league, which has sixty teams playing in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Halifax Rainmen will provide high-energy excitement and will bring together an unmatched collection of basketball talent on one court. The freewheeling, fast-pace style of the game will showcase the players' athleticism in an atmosphere that is charged by the latest entertainment experience.

"I'm looking to build a winning team that will bring fun and excitement to the Halifax fans," said Andre Levingston, President of the Rainmen. "I believe Halifax will passionately welcome the fast-paced, gripping brand of basketball that is exciting and affordable entertainment. One of the reasons we want to bring the team to Halifax is they have the most passionate fans in Canada and they love the sport of basketball."

Jessie here. I am so excited that we'll have a professional basketball team! I grew up on basketball. When I was in elementary and junior high I played on a community team and all through high school I was the captain of the girls team at school. Love it. Gotta go to some of these games! In case you were wondering, the try outs to become a weather girl (one of their cheerleaders) have passed already.

That's ok, because I want to be a rain man!

http://www.rainmenbasketball.com/news.shtml

Adventures of Jessie and Bek!

This is how "high maintenance girls" do ice cream at the Chicken Burger:
1. Ask the server what ingredients are in each of the new flavours.
2. Read over the new flavour descriptions for a really long time.
3. Discuss what a grape nut is.
4. Order larges.
5. Realize that a large means half a pound of ice cream. Giggle.
6. Discuss which server you want to be your man.
7. Continue to giggle while the server keeps scooping scoop after scoop.
8. Take the ice cream cones and giggle some more.
9. Try to work the jukebox and determine it is broken.
10. Get the jukebox repair man to fix the jukebox.
11. Go back to the server and ask for bowls and spoons to eat your humongous ice creams with.
12. Talk about how you are going to exercise to work off all the food you just ate.

Notable Quote:
Josh (in a very concerned voice): Ok, mom. It's really important that we aren't late for my exam tomorrow.

Beauty Is More Than Skin Deep

For the women out there:
Would you rather be told that you look "beautiful" or "gorgeous" by a man? Does it make a difference?

Megha's Teepee's Secret Identity

I don't know why I find this funny, but I do :).

Work It Out

You know it's time to exercise more when your legs are sore because you were standing and crouching in your garden the day before.

Megha in Tatamagouche

Welcome Home!

Sarah's home! And I was one of the first to know. Actually, that was mostly because Megha found out by mistake (without Sarah's knowledge) and just HAD to tell someone. I can understand the feeling. I love being the person that delivers the news hot off the press. I can keep a secret when I have to, though :).

Our ideas for surprising everyone else were things like this:
1. Have Sarah be the lone stranger sitting by a campfire at Kearney Lake.
2. Have Sarah be the scary life form that emerges from Kearney Lake.
3. Have Sarah randomly come out of a bathroom stall at Megha's going away party.
4. Have Sarah start to sing karaoke at Megha's going away party.
5. Have Sarah bring our food and drinks over at Megha's going away party.
6. Have Sarah just sitting at the bar and spin around.

Sarah ended up just walking up to the table and sitting down like she hadn't been gone for a bazillion days (a year). Desired effect achieved. Good times at the Lower Deck! Oh, Ryan Gosling and friends...

Now, our dearest Megha is gone to camp. In the middle of nowhere with the flies and the wild animals. Have an awesome summer, girl! We'll come up to visit. You'll be a great counsellor :). There has to be someone at camp that the non-sporty kids can relate to, right ;)? We still need your address!

Hello Lake!

Jessie: Josh, I'll give you a dollar to go under the water for 3 seconds!
Josh: Okay!!

So, I got asked out tonite. By a thirteen year old boy. He opened by telling me that I am the only pretty girl at the pool. Very smooth.

I said no.

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