| Favorite Colour and Favorite Season |
Those of you who have signed or viewed my guestbook know that there are spaces to fill in your favorite colour and season. You may have been confused by that fact that you can click on them, like you would an email address or website link. Originally these fields were for your email and website but I changed them. My guestbook provider had this option where I could translate any of the fields into my language - so I just typed in whatever I wanted, I suppose after awhile it could get a little boring to continually type in your favorite season and colour - so I'll change it to something else. Of course, please know that you are completely free to leave the fields blank.
Last night we went to a BBQ at a friends house. We had a lot of fun. On the way home Lance and I were discussing friendship. We have a couple of friends/acquaintances who say/do questionable things and people just say, "Oh you know that's just John", or, "Good thing I know John" - meaning, John can get away with doing/saying things that would normally seem rude/wrong, we don't expect anything more/better from him. Lance and I both want to become better friends to people. Friends who would feel free to challenge John on his behaviour, to let him know if something is unacceptable or offensive and to encourage him towards a richer, deeper way of life, to affirm the good we see in him and not just dismiss the bad as unchangeable. I'm afraid I'm not explaining myself very well, not giving any specific examples. I guess I want to be the kind of friend who encourages others towards richer living and isn't content just to say, "That's just the way John is" and leave it at that. I want to be an honest friend. Loving.
Moving on. Today I am making granola bars and granola (cereal). I'm not using a recipe and no sugar/honey cause I can't have that. I just tasted the granola bars and they aren't very good at all. I don't think Lance or my brother will eat them. I added some juice and raisins to my latest batch, so hopefully they will be better - sweeter.
Okay, that's all for now.
Aimee
|
|
|
|
| Thank-you Melanie |
I also want to publicly thank Melanie for adding links for me and for re-orienting my guestbook.
|
|
|
|
| Camping |
Lance and I just got back from spending two nights camping near Bellingham, Washington, with my parents. We had a lot of fun. One evening we went to a beach for supper and then went and watched the movie, "The Terminal". We thought it was very funny and would highly reccommend it. We also went to the famous Krispy Creme doughnut shop. This was a bad idea for me since I'm not supposed to eat sugar. I ordered a doughnut and ate most of it and tried a couple bites from other kinds. Yuck. Since I hardly ever eat sweets these doughnuts seemed sickeningly sweet. I also felt gross the next day - likely from my splurge the day before. Needless to say I won't be doing that again soon. Maybe I'll type more later - I've got some stuff I need to get done now.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| My First Covert Operation |
Well, here is a funny story for you. I star in this low-budget spy story. On Saturday Melanie was going to be in Abbotsford for a wedding. I really wanted to see her and tried to get in contact with her to see if we could get together between the wedding and the reception. My attempts at contact failed so I resorted to more drastic measures. First a few details about the wedding: The groom is someone that both Melanie and I had crushes on during high school. Melanie and he have kept in touch, thus, she was invited to the wedding. He and I haven’t been in contact really since high school so I was not invited – which was fine with me. Okay, now back to the story. I devised a plan. I would head to the church where the wedding was taking place and wait for Melanie and Nathan to arrive. When I saw them I’d be able to talk with them and make plans for after the wedding. I had originally planned to wear an elaborate disguise – I didn’t want anyone recognize me and think I was trying to spy on, or get into my old crush’s wedding- but decided I’d better not. Just before I left my house I added a plan B. I wrote Melanie a note and planned that if perchance they had already entered the church before I could talk with them I would place the note under the windshield wiper of their car for them to find after the wedding. Here is the approximate chronology of Saturday afternoon.
12:10 Devise Plan
12:15 Secure Spy Van from my Brother
12:17 Decide against a disguise, save the dark sunglasses (a must)
12:25 Leave Home
12:30 On the road – realize one of the wedding vehicles, perhaps carrying the groom I am attempting to avoid, is directly behind me
12:31 Instead of pulling into the church parking lot I keep driving to avoid confronting the groom, or looking suspicious
12:35 Decide to park at a nearby elementary school to watch for Melanie and Nathan’s car
12:35-12:45 Now wearing my dark glasses and my brother’s brown ball cap, which I found in his van, I sit parked facing the road, with my book slightly raised – so as not to appear like I am merely watching the road.
12:46 I realize that Nathan and Melanie could approach from the other side of the church and I would miss them entirely
12:47 Move to the park parking lot directly across from the church – a little risky- but nothing I couldn’t handle.
12:48-12:58 Having decided to face the road, rather than secretly watching through the tinted back window, I again sit watching cars, hat and glasses on – hat now tipped low- and book raised. I watch the arrival of more wedding cars and wedding guests. But then, there it is, the silver bullet, or should I say silver car that looks like its been hit with bullets Melanie and Nathan pull into the church parking lot. They have gauged their time exactly, park and quickly rush into the church before I can get my van over to them – yelling for their attention would’ve completely ruined my cover.
1:00 I enter the parking lot of the church, circle round the back and locate the Bullet. I leap out of the car, deposit the envelope beneath the windshield wiper on the driver’s side and hop back into the van.
1:01 On the way out of the parking lot I make eye contact with a late arriving wedding guest and politely smile.
1:02 Head home
2:14 I decide that the plan did not work
2:16 There is a knock on my door
2:16.35 Melanie!!!!!!
After Melanie and Nathan arrived we had a lovely time together. Melanie and I headed to my dad’s Christian bookstore and then to MCC thrift store where we found a Polaroid camera for Melanie. What a wonderful day.
Aimee
|
|
|
|
| Guestbook Requests |
Hello Readers,
I've been having trouble checking my guestbook but I think I have it straightened out now. There were requests about links and moving the guestbook signing place. I'm barely computer literate enough to have a blog - I too would like the guestbook thing to be in a better spot but I don't know how to move it -I'll take any help you have to offer. I would also like to add some links to my blog but don't know how to do that either. Again, any help in that area would be appreciated.
Our internet has been down for a couple days but it is now back in working order. I got to spend all day saturday and part of sunday with Melanie. We had such a good time. Laughing, talking, walking, shopping, eating, laughing more, talking more... Mostly talking and laughing. We both made some excellent purchases - she aquired an old typewriter and I got a polaroid camera. We had such fun trying out both of our new (used) purchases. We went for a long, lovely walk - which was the cause for much laughter. We didn't know that the path we were on led to the local nude beach - but we soon found out. We saw 4 nude men - and two of them we saw twice. We had a good laugh over the fact that I didn't notice that the first naked man we walked by was naked. Melanie shielded me and all I saw was his upper body. Mel commented something like, "that was too much for me" and I was confused - "you didn't notice he was completely naked?" she questioned. I totally didn't. But over the rest of the walk I had plenty of opportunities and didn't miss out on the experience - though I wouldn't have minded that. The polaroid camera I got is called "Impulse". We had it with us, but refrained from using it to capture (and verify) any of these awkward moments.
I better go because I am so hungry and don't want this to be my last blog ever.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| Photos |
So yesterday was the photography job I mentioned earlier. I woke up a couple of times last night and thought about the photos (which I got back this morning) and if they'd be good or not. Due to a camera malfunction I had to use a camera I'd never used before and was concerned about this. I got the photos back today and was disappointed. Some really important shots didn't turn out and there weren't as many awesome ones as I was hoping for. Lance didn't have time to look at them with me and rushed off to do more recording today. I gave him the camera, a quick lesson, another roll of film, and a short list of shots to redo. He could tell that I was upset. On his way to the studio he and Nelson (the friend who's project this is) looked at the photos. Lance called from the road and let me know that there were lots of good pictures and that Nelson thought so to. This was encouraging and I'm glad he called.
I'm feeling sort of off today - lack of routine, discouragement about pictures, not enough excercise... these all contribute. Hopefully I can get used to this make-your-own-schedule thing. I don't have specific hours that I work and I have a lot of goals for the summer, but the days just get away on me. Some are better than others.
Today I wrote some "copy" - the writing that accompanies product photos in advertising - for my dad for an upcoming flyer. It was challenging and called on my creativity, I liked it. The copy was for new Christian music - for interests sake here are some samples:
Brian Doerksen - Today
Recorded live, Doerksen’s new album features a variety of musical expressions including: a children’s choir, orchestra, jazz combo and a 75 voice chorus. Classic hymns and driving praise anthems declare God’s strength and grace. Today is a well rounded, beautifully crafted worship experience.
Steven Curtis Chapman – All Things New
In his fourteenth recording in seventeen years Chapman explores new musical territory while retaining his signature well-loved sound. You’ll enjoy the fresh infectious melodies and thoughtful lyrics of All things New.
Michael W. Smith- Worship Again
Yet another quality recording from Smith. A rich collection of sure to become classic worship songs. Includes the songs, “Ancient Words”, “Lord have Mercy” and “There is None Like You”.
Hopefully you'll all be running out to get these albums due after having read these ads.
Okay, that's all for now.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| Sick |
Today I wasn't really feeling well. Mostly a bad, nagging headache. So I felt like acting sick. I laid on the couch sorta pouting and got Lance to make me lunch. Then I decided to watch a movie - in the middle of the afternoon- that seemed like the kind of thing a sick person should/could do. So I went down to my brother's room and browsed his DVD library. I thought I should take advantage of my opportunity to pick a movie that Lance would never agree to watching since he wasn't going to watch anyways. This was perhaps my mistake -- the reason Lance would never watch some movies has to do with their lack of plot/cheesyness and overall poor quality. The movie I picked was Legally Blond 2. Well, it was definetely not the movie for me - but since I felt like watching a movie so bad, I didn't turn it off and waded through it instead. I now understand why Lance wouldn't watch it. I am not saying that it is a hideous movie that no one would like - I just didn't enjoy it, hardly at all.
I'm feeling better now and think I should get some work done, since I had such a leisurely afternoon.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| News Flash |
My readership has now grown from two (mom and lance) to a known 6 (thanks to Melanie who posted a link from her blog to mine). Hooray. It's funner (and I use that word knowing that it is not a word) to write when you think people are reading - so don't let me know if you plan to quit reading it, let me go on in ignorant bliss.
Worked for my dad today. Sticking labels on flyers. There is a huge sale at my dad's Christian book store Father's Day weekend. If you're in the Fraser Valley it's a good time to take a trip to House of James. Anyways work was fine.
I just got a small photography job. I'm taking photos for a CD that Lance is playing some on. I get to go to the studio and take photos of the musicians during the recording. I'm excited to have an opportunity like this. Photography is something I want to grow in. I recently bought an enlarger - the main piece of equipment you need to set up your own darkroom. I want to really work at this area of my life (I had written "I really want to develop this area of my life" and thought it was too corny, even though the pun was unintentional) Earlier this spring I got to take wedding photos for some friends of friends. That was an excellent experience to have too. I learned tons and the photos turned out well.
Last night me and mom were the only ones home at suppertime - so we went out to Milestones. It was fun to hang out and enjoy some great food. Me and mom have a good relationship, I enjoy her company.
I told my brother the other day that I have a blog - thought he might be interested - and he said, "I hate blogs". I bet he can't see why you'd want to read the details of someone's life. Oh well.
Okay, that's all for now.
Aimee
|
|
|
|
| A friend |
| I just talked to my dear friend Melanie. She is one of my truest friends - she is (in no particular order) honest, hilarious, quirky, very intelligent, beautiful, real, encouraging, fun to be with, and the list goes on. I enjoy her very much. This is a mini tribute to her. |
|
|
|
| Blogging |
When you have a blog are you supposed to blog everday? Or just when you think you have something interesting to write? But then again, maybe what I think isn't interesting might be interesting to you.
Today Lance and I went to church and upon arriving realized that it was at a different time this morning - meaning we were 45min late. We debated turning around and leaving but decided to stay and I'm glad we did. Another time when the start time of church had changed we came in time for the closing song, sang it, and turned around and went home. Today we caught more than just the closing song. Today's service was a worship service/annual meeting. We heard reports - via video clips - about what the different ministries in our church have been up to. It was so good to see how God is working in different ways - it made me want to be more connected at church and to praise God for what he is doing.
Now we're home - which is my parents home, we're living with them for the summer - and we've got a delissio pizza in the oven - I love pizza.
Yesterday Lance and I were out a Camp Luther where he played a concert with our friend Matt. Camp Luther has a special place in our hearts. It is where Lance and I met and where we got engaged. I worked 5 summers there and Lance worked two. I was talking to the president of the camp board and during our conversation realized more clearly one of my passions. There's been some tension in relationships at camp and the president explained how her role is quite difficult. While she's telling me of some of the tension and difficulty I was thinking - I'd love to have her role! I think one of my passions is helping people relate well. Helping them work through miscommunications, set boundaries as needed, and work toward building healthy relationships. Kind of a mini-revelation - since I already knew it - but my feelings were stronger than I thought and surprised me.
Well the pizza's almost ready so I'll be on my way.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| Guestbook hunt |
Well, I have a guestbook now. Look at the very top of this page and you'll see how you can sign it. It doesn't have link to get back to my blog, so until I figure that out I think you'll just have to press "back". Hope it works.
More later. Aimee |
|
|
|
| Francais |
To add some cultural flair, I'm trying to get my date headings to be in French.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| Rest & the Flames |
Well, the masterpiece is done. Atleast for now. Revisions may need to be done later. But I won't touch it until Monday for sure - except to maybe show Lance. I think I need to take more breaks.
Outside I can hear the neighbors pumping up some sort of air filled plastic thing - this is my guess - I haven't peered off the deck to find out for sure. A blow up pool would be the funnest I think.
As they have been incorporated into our lives in the past months I must mention the Calgary Flames. Lance and I have both converted to be Calgary fans. Lance cheers for Oilers first, then Vancouver, and now Calgary. I'm for Vancouver first, then for whoever is the underdog and Canadian. Calgary fit that bill. They won last night and are one win away from the winning the Stanley Cup.
I can't write about the flames without mentioning our dear friends who live in Camrose.
Pete & Jenna: Their home has become a flames shrine - over 100 flames posters (found inside scavenged Calgary Herald newspapers from Pete's Mom's, and the recycling depot), Pete is the stats man of the group- and he should be after reading all those "flames extras"(section in the Herald) and Jenna is gifted with coming up with Flames knock knock jokes - she and Pete made one for each player, and coach Sutter, according to Pete, Jenna's were by far the funniest.
Brent & Jena: Have pitched in with Pete and Jenna to purchase cable for the month - so they can all watch the Flames play. Brent converted to the Flames after Vancouver was elimniated, Jena (like Pete) cheered for Calgary all along - with occasional cheers for Vancouver, both Brent and Jena are very passionate when it comes to goals scored and games won - they are arguably the loudest of the group.
The Kaack's: Steve and Bonnie (and three kids) frequent the hockey parties too. There is a office/playroom set up at Pete and Jenna's for the kids - so they don't get bored and grumpy and so the grown-ups can watch without missing important goals/hits/penalties because one of the kids was sommersaulting by. Both Steve and Bonnie are die-hard Flames fans and are training their kids to be the same.
While we were still in Alberta we watched many a game with this crew. Now that we're in BC it's pretty lonely watching hockey. Lance faithfully watches all of every game and I pop in and out periodically (especially when the Flames are losing), making sure I catch the replays.
There you have it, a peak into my life.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| Guestbook |
I'm kind of working on getting a guestbook for my blog. "Kind of", because I'm not really computer savvy so it might take a little work, or some help from my brother. Who I've been bothering a lot lately with questions about the graphic design stuff I've been doing. Yesterday I said, "Steve, I've been working on", "NOOO" he said emphatically. I went on to tell that I didn't need help, I just thought he might like to see what I was working on.
Well, the masterpiece I've been working on needs to get done, so I better get back to it.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| graphic design |
Hi. Only my mom, Lance, and maybe Melanie know about my blog so my readership is still small. Maybe I should do some advertising.
Today I've been trying to work on a brochure for my dad's store. I'm struggling to learn a program and create a magnificent brochure - I think I need to be realistic about the fact that I'm just learning and that I likely won't be creating a masterpiece right away - though perhaps in the future eh?
That's all for now. I'll keep working on that masterpiece.
Aimee |
|
|
|
| Here we go |
| So now I have a blog. Here I am, my first entry. My dear friend Melanie has a blog and I just love reading it (I am not assuming that you will love reading mine, but I do hope it will be interesting and help us keep in touch). Lance says "Aimee you should have a blog" and now I do. |
|
|
|
|
|
posted by Aimee at