Something Tells Me I'm Crazy

2006-05-24T09:38:00.000-06:00

These past two days have been lovely.
Monday I went for an hour and a half walk all over Hespeler downtown, visiting Kala at work on the way and on the way back. Went to dad/brother's baseball game - FREEZING cold ha ha - definitely didn't dress warm enough for that one. Then Loran came to sleepover. Did some fun stuff, ate some Smiles, watched a movie. Then Kala, Loran and I went for an hour walk back from Jess' because Kala had to return the car, silly girl. That was fun.
Yesterday we lounged around for a bit. Ate some more Smiles...then I went for my re-interview. I think it went well, but you can never really tell...I was there for an hour though, and half of it was just chatting with Mike and Emily (director). I get along with them anyway. Mike asked me if I had thought of a camp name yet (we don't use our real names), but I said I hadn't because I didn't want to get ahead of myself and get my hopes up ha ha...
So I think it went well. I liked the question of "a freak meteor hits the Popcorn House and only the kids and counselors are saved. Out of the ashes we manage to save this one box of stuff. It is 12:00 and you have three hours to play games before the parents' come. What games do you play?" In this wonderful box I had - the bristly end of a broom, a souvenir bear, sunglasses, a deck of UNO cards, a medium size plastic ring, a huge BBQ flipper, bubbles, a tennis ball, some drawings (one nice one done by Angel which I was certain was Mike's codename ha ha)...and that is it. ha ha
We ended up playing steal the bacon first because that is an easy game and gives us time to think of more! ha ha So yeah, steal the broom handle (which was amazingly not singed...I found that amazing, we had a good laugh about that one) and then after awhile have multiple people at a time and throw the bear in too. Then we would play baseball with the huge BBQ flipper and tennis ball. Finally, we would play some very exciting Capture the Flag. The jail would be the steaming hole in the ground. Meanwhile, Emily would be running a game of UNO on the side and Mike would have his own game - bubbles.
So there you go.
Not worried about it. Just anxious - I really want the job. It will be tiring at times, frustrating at times...but SO rewarding. UGH. I really want it. Oh well, we shall see what happens. Either way, the interviews were great experiences and maybe I will just have to volunteer there during the year or something...wait...I don't have time...ha ha...president, volleyball, working, classes...that will probably fill my schedule up ha ha...
Oh, what else happened yesterday?
Loran and I hung out some more. Watched another movie and she braided the top of my head. She left. Then I was a little bored. But then, Naomi and I played frisbee for like an hour with my sweet Batman frisbee. That was fun. We are going to pick up boys at Ultimate in the fall with our mad skills. Or if that fails, our good looks. :)
Then I got back and got to talk to Krystal :) I was going to phone her but Kala was on the phone...but then she came on MSN, so that was fun. I miss that girl. Then I got to talk to Tim and Ben P. too. Turned out to be a good night after all.
And now I get to work today from 1:00-5:00 and tomorrow from 12:45-4:45 and Friday from 1:30-5:30. Then I go to Brad's farewell party for the youth group of past and present. Then Saturday I work from 8:15-12:15. Then at 12:30, Brad or Shelby picks me up to go babysit for a wedding they are going to/Brad is leading. Yay.
Then Sunday is Brad's last Sunday. Boo. I think I might cry Sunday night ha ha. He is speaking at night and the youth are helping with the service I am told. And then the classic treats in the fellowship hall after the service thing...So that is that. But they will still be around for a bit, so that is good. I am just sentimental ha ha.
That is it. Short entry turned really really long. Does this mean I am lonely?? ha ha

Can't Stop the Rock...

2006-05-20T12:30:00.000-06:00

I thought that with the bleaching of my hair awhile back, out came the gray for good...
However, with the events of the day, either Kala slipped some gray dye into my pillow without my noticing, or the gray factor is simply permanent.
You see, today was the unofficial, and unknown to myself, "Let's Get All the Old Men to Hit On Katie" day. Lovely.
It started earlier, and persisted throughout the morning...
The very first customer to my till on this very slow morning at Food Basics, came through, we made small talk, I smiled, he smiled, and then he began to sing a song, quietly, but persistently...and though I couldn't make it all out, I caught some of the words, "of all the girls I've known", and that's all I caught...but it was enough...
I went on with my day thinking nothing of this strange man and soon got my McD break. I sat down with a lovely snack, content to spend my 15 minutes alone, quiet, RESTING. The old man seated in front of me (and facing towards me) decided to strike up a conversation with me. Small talk started it of course - with reference to silly McD's changing their signs all the time and how glad he is not to work here...then it progressed to my job (I was obviously wearing my uniform), college, and some future plans...I didn't mind...he was clearly lonely and I like to be nice. Apparently he caught some Katie Charm...
As I got up to leave, he reeled me back in with more small talk...I then learned that he was in fact lonely and that his wife has died. I expressed my sympathy and again, went to leave - I like to be on time for work :) He persisted with, "It's okay...and I'm looking for a new one :)" all with smiles and laughs and a little nudge...OKAY, see you later, creeper!!
Ha ha whew - back to Food Basics - and surely the insanity would stop. No, of course not...that would be too easy.
Probably twenty minutes later, another old guy comes through my till (why do I always attract the elderly?? seriously, I got SO many geezers through my till ha ha) Again, small talk...I smiled to be nice, I rang in his groceries...he had a case of water in his buggy, so I got a sticker for it - as I handed it to him, he got all "laughy" and tried to stick it back on my hand!! It was SO weird...ha ha...I laughed...what else can you do? But I was like Creeper alert!! ha ha. Anyway, that ends this years "Let's Get All the Old Men to Hit On Katie" day...hopefully this evening will be slightly less eventful :)
PS I had the song "Stop the Rock" by Apollo 440 in my head for the whole 4 hours of work today. So strange. Like I had to come home and look the song up because I didn't even know who it was by - that's how well I know it! I can't even remember the last time I heard it...but yeah...it was real strange. OH, and CREEPY dreams last night too!! Holy cow...I am losing it...maybe it's the gray...

2006-05-07T22:58:00.000-06:00

I was dared...so here is another survey...Pepperdine made it up, blame her...

1. If you could change your name what would it be: Princess Conswayla BananaHammock (even though I always that the last word was BananaFlanna...which is WAY cooler :) ha ha and the second word is obviously wrong ha ha)
2. If you could watch one movie for the rest of your life what would it be: ummmmmmm...One Fine Day, I think...
3. If you could have any profession (other than what your doing/what your going to do) what would it be? Woohoo...dream come true...Phil's Sidekick on Amazing Race :) ha ha
4. Favourite piece of clothing you own: I have one really great pair of jeans I love...
5. Favourite time of the day: 11:00 pm ish...that is when the fun starts :) ha ha
6. Number of secret crushes you've had: Ummmmmmmmm...3? But really only one counts for real...yeah, I change it to 1...
7. Song you secretly listen to when no one's around: Believe It Or Not (Greatest American Hero theme song...never seen the show, love the theme song) :)
8. Weirdest material posession: A Pink Flamingo, An Empty Bottle from this Italian Liquer even though I have never had a drop of alcohol in my life...Chinese magic balls thing, A Picture from Vietnam made from egg shells, A Cardboard Boyfriend, A Jack-Jack Pez Dispenser...the list goes on and on my friends...
9. Favourite place on earth: My grandparents' house hands-down...second place - any place with beautiful creation (so like anywhere :) ha ha)...like Niagra Falls, the ocean...I would love to go to the Grand Canyon and have always wanted to see Mount Rushmore or the huge trees in BC...stuff like that...
10. Favourite kind of pie: Strawberry, Apple (warm), Pumpkin pie (frozen...I know, I'm a freak) or Chocolate Pecan...11. If you could talk in any accent for the rest of your life what would it be? Hmmmmmmmmmm...Spanish? I don't know...but that would be weird...a Dutch looking girl with a Spanish accent...HA
11. How did you meet your best friend: Heritage Live...not that we talked then or anything ha ha
12. Words you most overuse: Anyway, Super, Holy (usually followed by a cow...), Crap ha ha, So........, I do what I can...
13. Biggest Fear: I hate needles, I don't like heights, Being Chased....ooooh, Knives are scary...
14. Biggest pet peeve: People who spell words wrong on purpose (for instance: Kool Katie, thanx, luv...etc.), People who use acronymns incorrectly (for instance: she has the HIV virus, I am going to use the ATM machine, etc. drives me crazy!! You just said machine machine you fool! ha ha), People who treat the helpless poorly, Generally disrespect and ignorance...and when people do things they KNOW you hate on purpose just to see if you will react!
15. If you could go on vacation at this moment anywhere, where would it be? Europe - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, etc...
16. If you could get a tattoo of anything (regardless of consequences) what would it be and where? Hmmmmmm...I really would never ever get a tattoo, but for the purpose of the question...I would probably get something corny like "faith" on the back of my ankle...I don't know...never really thought about it because I'd never get one...
17. Have you ever wanted to be a tv or movie character, if so which one? Brain on Inspector Gadget!!! ha ha or probably Gretl off of Sound of Music...
18. If you could own any kind of car what would it be? Growing up, I always loved the Mercury Cougar a lot...ooohhh but mostly, I just always wanted something with bench seats ha ha...so old school...
19. If you could live anywhere where would you live? I think it would be neat to live in Africa...
20. Your favourite job that you've ever had? Youth Intern @ Forward...definitely the most amazing summer ever...
21. Biggest decision you are trying to make right now? Whether to go to bed or continue to waste my time with this pointless survey...
22. What is your favourite cup? The Tim Hortons' coffee mug my dad got me for Christmas...holds about 2.5 cups of coffee :)
23. What position do you sleep on? Usually on my back...though I often end of sleeping on my side right next to the wall...very comfortable...actually...I usually start off on my side, and then switch to my back with one arm under the pillow before falling asleep...ha ha
24. Weirdest thing you ever got asked? Hmmmmmm...this one is a toughy...ha ha...there was this time that a girl thought me and my youth pastor were married (awkward) or a time when a waitress thought me and my youth pastor's wife were lesbians (funny story...)...but they never really asked me...
25. Anything about you hurt right now? (Pepperdine, this is the weirdest survey EVER...and yet, I continue...) My stupid sausage finger consistently hurts...but I think that's it right now...I'm doing pretty good...
26. What makes you feel special? When people go out of their way for me...to spend good quality time with me or just out of their way...I don't know, like quality time is definitely my love language, but generally, I feel loved when someone uses their love language to love me? I don't know if that makes sense...but like if I know they love to give gifts...even if receiving gifts isn't high on my priority list, I feel loved because I can see the thought?? really I am just a sentimental who thinks it is the thought that counts...oohh and I love anything to do with memories...not really an answer to the question but I do :)
27. First thought waking up: I love sleep, back to bed it is...not really...but that is all I could come up with...
28. One thing you never want to be told? You hurt me. (I realize that this has already happen many times of course, but it just always sucks to hear...goodbyes suck as well...)
29. One song you want sung to you? ha ha "Banana Pancakes" :) (good old Jack), "You Can't Hide Beautiful" (Aaron Lines) is quite lovely as well, ohhhhh I absolutely LOVE "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk, "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban...umm...ha ha ha, I always have loved "A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson...oh, of course "You and Me" by Lifehouse...oh ha ha and you know that whole cd by Steven Curtis Chapman, the one he made for his wife...ha ha LOVE it :) okay, I will stop there...seeing as the question said name one...... and finally
30. If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life who would it be? probably good old Jack Johnson...so relaxing, so fun :)

There's A Red Light Blinking Outside My Window...

2006-05-07T21:15:00.000-06:00

I think I am turning into a crybaby...
Seriously.
I cry all the friggen time.
Watched Enough yesterday...cried so much.
Watched Cast Away...Cast Away of all movies...cried so much again.
I came up and Kala's like..."have you been crying?" ha ha Yeah, I get so blotchy...

P.S. The bird was there again today. Funniest thing ever - I turned as he flew towards produce...near produce we have this hanging sign (it is hanging by a white string) about our sale...the bird flies...flies...and then SMOKES the white string, spins violently in some circles, a few feathers flying about in the air and then woo-woo spins around and jets away from produce...Man it was funny!! To be totally honest, the very first time I saw that bird, I was TOTALLY waiting for the day it would smoke something...ha ha...wish granted :)

Heading to my parents' house after work (2:30-7:00) tomorrow...maybe to watch my dad/brother/uncle/and a bunch of other people's baseball game first...not sure. Aunt and Uncle back from wedding and honeymoon in Jamaica...hopefully will see pictures soon. I'll be at their house till Wednesday night. I don't work again until Thursday (8:45-1:15) so I figured I would go home for a bit and at least be around people ha ha and not be so lonely and bored. And I like my family so...may as well take some break time before I start Popcorn House and am then working two jobs and almost constantly!!

Ha ha...made some sweet family potraits today...you should too...
http://spstudio.linda.hosting-friends.de/spstudio4.html
check out my msn pictures to see them...they are quite the likeness, let me tell you!

Time to go do something...hmmm...I will figure out something to do...maybe download another game? or find another pointless yet highly amusing website?? the possibilities are endless...

P.S. We get our phone hooked up tomorrow...651-8118 in case you need to reach Katie's Sweet Party Pad :)

The Katie Times...

2006-05-06T22:23:00.000-06:00

The Katie Times

Late-breaking news in the life of Katie Flietstra…
Okay, so I lie…
But, to make life more interesting, I put the happenings of these last few days into newspaper article format…Can you say BOREDOM??!

I guess it all started with…

Dinner and a Movie…Alone

We came for our annual interview with Katie only to find her alone on a couch, in the basement of a girls’ dormitory turned apartment building, with ice cream in one hand and diet Pepsi in the other. This was not the normal fashion we were used to finding her in; to say we were shocked is a large underestimate. In years past, we have had to interrupt Katie Fan Club meetings to have a second of her time, or pull her away from large gatherings of her posse to have her spare a date with us. This, however, was a different story. Covered in a Barbie blanket, tears filling her eyelids from lack of sleep, boredom, and possible a good flick, and the permanent look in her eyes – an anticipation if you will of someone, anyone, to come. We would soon learn of the dreaded week that had befallen this young girl. Driven to live practically alone with little or no human contact and her dinner and movie as her only companions, she was set to entertain herself – permanently.
The more we talked with her, the more her condition revealed itself, “What a week this has been. I mean, I like the alone time, but a quality time girl like me can only take so much.” That says it all folks. This is one bored girl with only so many movies to last through the summer.

Angry Girlfriend Decapitates Lover

It was a Wednesday afternoon when we arrived on the crime scene. Such a happy place it appeared at first glance; flamingoes danced through the white walls, music blaring, pictures telling the stories of times of old. However, there was a different atmosphere filling this place today. It was one of utter despair.
“I was simply trying to put my hat back on his head, I swear. He is my only companion – don’t take him away from me!” This was the desperate cry of the murderer and alleged girlfriend. The doctors were able to staple the head back on and taped him up in a last effort at saving the life. His health? Seemingly okay. The relationship? Only time will tell for this sad story.

Sausage Finger is No Lean Meat

It happened in an unlikely place. In a simple attempt to purchase groceries, I walked up to the nearest grocery store, Food Basics as fate would have it, found the item I desired and walked to the nearest cashier. Katie, her name tag read, though her real name spoke Fate. I handed over my 10 L water jug and thought a simple exchange was to be had. Not today friends, not today.
In a following interview, Katie describes her thought process. “I saw the jug. They come through my line often; they are a popular purchase among the traveled. Then I looked down, to my left ring finger. Oh sausage, don’t fail me now, I thought. One more little guy, just one more.”
Without knowing the internal process of the cashier of my choice, I had thoughts of my own. “Holy – speed it up grandma. I realize your finger is tender, but I am in a rush.” Then I saw it. The reach…she grabbed the jug and then…it stuck. Not to the belt, not to the side. Her finger actually stuck inside of the jug handle. That is when I noticed the immense size of her sausage. Fate her name tag read.

Bird Flies through Food Basics Produce

“It was a normal day at work,” Katie told us in a private interview, “There were customers - some angry, some rushed, some elderly, some with kids, and a few nice ones. A normal day, I thought.” What would follow would change those thoughts forever.
A plane? Superman? No – a sparrow came flying through the doors of the infamous Food Basics and flew, faster than a lightning bolt, back and forth throughout the store, upsetting the customers and the normal life of a grocery store.
It was so fat bird either. This bird was fast, and lean. It had some mean energy; dipping low near produce and flying high, landing on boxes and signs. “I was waiting for those words, ‘Katie – go on a bird chase, hunt down that bird!’, but those words never came. I was left to simply watch from my till and gaze in wonder. What a wonderful change, how exciting.”
This bird would return, the very next day. And the day after? Who is to know. But maybe, just maybe, those words Katie is dying to hear will be spoken as they rely upon her confident bird catching skills.

Haunting Dreams Result in Lack of Sleep

“At first I thought it was great to be sleeping in my friend’s old room. The memories, the fun, and now, the connection as I sleep in her bed. In a strange sort of deja-dorm, this would be a wonderful experience.” Again, or so she thought. The former inhabitant of this room, a particular Kristine Haynes, apparently left something behind – her ghost. It now haunts Katie’s dreams and disrupts her sleep.
“I have always dreamt about peculiar things, but my dreams have progressed to a state that I can hardly even comprehend.” How is this possible one asks? “What normal person dreams of a prediction of ‘a lady in white coming to kill a paranoid girl who is standing on a hill with her brother and a father who is protective but no one will listen to him?’ My dreams not only include such predictions, but fulfills them. I was stabbed by a criminal – as my family was visiting a jail – how does one understand such a dream as this?”
Katie continued to describe the occurrences of her night thoughts. Basketball games with surprise guests and friends who go to these games in the last possible second to get cheaper concessions? All-night video game parties with Krystal, Julie and her brothers only to find that her parents never came home that night, and when they do, all that happens is people want to move furniture?
How are these dreams even possible? Let us ask the ghost of Kristine…

Cashier Katie Almost Passes Out at Work

It was a crisp, Saturday morning. Katie strolled to work; with heavy feet due to her tired brain but eager to partake of a McDonald’s breakfast before work. Coffee would be her friend again this morning. After a delicious breakfast, Katie, now happy, even eager to work and earn some money, walked to her place of employment and punched in. She took her place at till number 5 and waited for her first customer.
They came slowly that morning, it wasn’t until an hour had passed that the speed of the store picked up with Katie’s upbeat attitude. But then, the speed of the store far surpassed this attitude of Katie’s. She was still happy – she loves serving the customers and wishing them that ‘nice day’. However, by this time, she had been working for three straight hours with no break. This was not a situation heard of in the regular happenings of Food Basics.
Feeling slightly queasy and light-headed, having only been nourished by a greasy sausage-egg McMuffin and a small, sugary coffee, Katie was desperate for a moment to sit. “I can last another half hour,” Katie thought, “but if I don’t get a break by 1:00…4 hours of working, I am calling in the office.” Even the thought of demanding a break made her queasiness return. “They can’t be mad because I am requesting my rights. I will find my backbone and ask for a break.”
Sure enough, by 12:45, Katie was becoming a pool of nothing on the floor beside till number 5. She heard talk around her of people going for breaks, others relieving people for breaks, but nothing on aisle 5. At 1:00, Katie gave a shout-out to MaryAnn, her boss. “MaryAnn? I was wondering…if maybe…I could get a break sometime?” The words barely came through her weakened state. “A break? You haven’t had one?” MaryAnn inquired. “No, I really haven’t. I never got my break yet.” Katie replied…the puddle growing bigger. “I sent someone to give you a break awhile ago…”
That was when Katie would learn of the dreaded sabotage. Someone wanted her out of Food Basics. Well, that would not do! Katie fought back, grabbed Coke on her break and got right back at it. No one would bring this cashier extraordinaire down!
Second half went by much quicker. A half hour lunch and yet another fifteen minute break, accompanied by the surprise of her best friend would fill time nicer than pie and ice cream on a hot day. The best 15 minutes of the week would make up for a morning of torture.

(The End. Sorry…I was REALLY bored :) ...)

I Am a Medium Friendly Sorta Gal...

2006-05-03T20:54:00.000-06:00

So here I am being bored again...
I actually did do some "work" today. I mean, besides making my room uber cool ha ha. Katie's Sweet Party Pad...
Oh, and we are looking at booking guests for at least one day every week in the summer so we don't get board...so get your resume in today ha ha. But seriously...if you want to stay and keep us company ha ha...
No, I also did this data entry thing for Brad - recording the results of like 20 surveys in a FEB (Fellowship Evangelical Baptist) youth group thing...got half of the them done in an hour and a half...Brad figured it had the possibility of taking 10 hours total...ha ha...maybe I was just so eager to do it I was speedy?? Anyway, I will finish that up tomorrow...and then Friday I start working again...
Work Friday 1:30-7:00 and Saturday from 9:30-2:00 and I will find out the rest of the week on Friday (they post on Thursdays...)
Anyway, I was bored, so I did this thing...I agree with most of it actually...I always have enjoyed my alone time :)

Your Extroversion Profile:

Cheerfulness: Very High

Sociability: Very High

Activity Level: Medium

Friendliness: Medium

Assertiveness: Low

Excitement Seeking: Low

How Extroverted Are You?

Experiencing Some Deja-Dorm...

2006-05-02T20:10:00.000-06:00

So, I am in dorm for the summer.
Am surprisingly unpacked - don't have that much left to unpack and organize.
Got to the school, our room got switched to 122 :) Yay. First, because it is one of my favourite rooms. Two, all my stuff was already in the apartment and I thought I was going to have to move it all again. Three...I am in the bunk bed room and experiencing some Deja-Dorm and missing my buddies and it is super weird to be in Kristine and Waggles' room, but loving being back in dorm :)
So yeah, moved in and helped Kala and Chelsey move some stuff over. Chatted for a bit. Organized for a bit. Went to Kelsey's with my roommates and Taryn (staying for the week because of the module), unpacked some more, got an internet cable :), continued unpacking and here I am...
I found this book/agenda thing I had from grade 12. In the cover I taped this thing that I thought I would share...One of my very favourite, Shelby (youth pastor's wife) penned this quote for me after some sucky things happen...I have always loved it, so maybe you will too...(feel free to personalize it for yourself)"

Shelby's thought for Katie today: Die to those who don't make you like yourself better...live for those who do. Be kind to all, but only exert personal energy in the direction of those who affect you positively. Have the secret that you are above that behaviour. RISE above it. WILL yourself to be unaffected. Know Whose you are, and that is ALL that matters."

That is all. Yay for being back on the internet. Hopefully will have a phone number in 5 business days...the internet might actually get disconnected some time apparently, but we shall see...

The Good Old Days...

2006-05-01T17:46:00.000-06:00

8th grade year in Middle School is supposed to be "the worst year of your life" or "the best year of your life." Let's see how much you remember.
1. Who were your best friends?
Kristen and Trish
2. What sports did you play?
Softball, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, did Shot Put for District ha ha...I think that's it...all the sports they offered :)
3. Did you take your lunch?
Yep
4. It's Friday night, where were you?
Um...maybe a youth group thing, or family games' night...or maybe Kristen's...
5. Were you a party animal?
ha ha, am I a party animal now??
6. Were you in the "In Crowd"?
There was like 20 kids in my class...we were all in the "in crowd"...ha ha
7. Ever skip school?
Nope
8. Ever smoke?
Nope
9. Were you a nerd?
Does being valedictorian count as a nerd?? ha ha
10. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope
11. Can you sing the alma mater?
We didn't have one...
12. Who was your favorite teacher?
Well, there was only maybe 15 teachers in the entire school...Miss Huberts was pretty good...Miss Brouwer...
13. Favorite class?
Gym :) even though our teachers weren't athletic...ha ha I liked Math a lot...
14. What was your schools full name?
Cambridge Christian School :)
15. School mascot?
ha ha we didn't even have one...
16. Did you go to the dances?
ha ha, dances are the devil, remember?! ha ha
17. If you could go back and do it over, would you?
It was fun times...really easy and you automatically made all the sports teams...
18. What do you remember most about Middle School?
Um...that it was easy?
19. Favorite memory of your 8th grade year?
Grade 8 Ottawa/Montreal trip...all three softball tourneys (grade 6, 7, 8) :)
20. Were you ever posted up on the 8th graders wall?
What the heck is that?
21. Did you have a job your 8th grade year?
ha ha newspapers and helping my parents' at the school...we were janitors there from my grade 3 year to grade 8
22. Who did you hate?
I don't think I hated anyone...well, there were some people I couldn't stand much...
23. Where did you go most often for lunch?
You had to eat your lunch in the classroom before you could go outside for recess...so class...and then outside to probably play something sporty...
24. Have you gained weight since then?
Who hasn't?!
25. What did you do after graduation?
Nothing that night...the next day I think all the girls (like 8 of us ha ha) crashed at Kristen's house for a sleepover...

The Good Old Days...

2006-05-01T17:42:00.000-06:00

8th grade year in Middle School is supposed to be "the worst year of your life" or "the best year of your life." Let's see how much you remember.

1. Who were your best friends?
Kristen and Trish
2. What sports did you play?
Softball, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, did Shot Put for District ha ha...I think that's it...all the sports they offered :)
3. Did you take your lunch?
Yep
4. It's Friday night, where were you?
Um...maybe a youth group thing, or family games' night...or maybe Kristen's...
5. Were you a party animal?
ha ha, am I a party animal now??
6. Were you in the "In Crowd"?
There was like 20 kids in my class...we were all in the "in crowd"...ha ha
7. Ever skip school?
Nope
8. Ever smoke?
Nope
9. Were you a nerd?
Does being valedictorian count as a nerd?? ha ha
10. Did you get suspended/expelled?
Nope
11. Can you sing the alma mater?
We didn't have one...
12. Who was your favorite teacher?
Well, there was only maybe 15 teachers in the entire school...Miss Huberts was pretty good...Miss Brouwer...
13. Favorite class?
Gym :) even though our teachers weren't athletic...ha ha I liked Math a lot...
14. What was your schools full name?
Cambridge Christian School :)
15. School mascot?
ha ha we didn't even have one...
16. Did you go to the dances?
ha ha, dances are the devil, remember?! ha ha
17. If you could go back and do it over, would you?
It was fun times...really easy and you automatically made all the sports teams...
18. What do you remember most about Middle School?
Um...that it was easy?
19. Favorite memory of your 8th grade year?
Grade 8 Ottawa/Montreal trip...all three softball tourneys (grade 6, 7, 8) :)
20. Were you ever posted up on the 8th graders wall?
What the heck is that?
21. Did you have a job your 8th grade year?
ha ha newspapers and helping my parents' at the school...we were janitors there from my grade 3 year to grade 8
22. Who did you hate?
I don't think I hated anyone...well, there were some people I couldn't stand much...
23. Where did you go most often for lunch?
You had to eat your lunch in the classroom before you could go outside for recess...so class...and then outside to probably play something sporty...
24. Have you gained weight since then?
Who hasn't?!
25. What did you do after graduation?
Nothing that night...the next day I think all the girls (like 8 of us ha ha) crashed at Kristen's house for a sleepover...

Icing on my Really Crappy Day Cake...

2006-04-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I hate moving...a lot.
I have always hated packing because I need everything to have a spot and be organized. It doesn't necessary need to be as absolutely neat as possible, but everything needs a place.
This week has been crazy - trying to fit in every possible thing because everyone is leaving, but also packing and getting ready that way. Plus, in the last 3 days, I have only gotten like 15 or 16 hours of sleep. Not the greatest idea leading up to an emotional, exhausting day.
So I go to grad this morning. Longish and boring-ish. Though I resort back to my plan of last year to change my name to Katie Flietstra Summa Cum Laude...that way they have to say it, even if I don't deserve highest honours :) Plus, I figure at the part where everyone in a degree stands and the President grants them the "rights, honours and privileges" acknowledging that they had done everything to complete this degree, that I should stand up behind them and therefore receive all these rights and be acknowledged as finished my degree...then, when the real people leave to go to the stage, they will leave me standing there smiling away...After grad I had to start saying goodbye to some people. Sucky...like a sucky sucky baby.
Then I had to rush home and clean like crazy and finish packing and move all my stuff from house to garage by 4:00 because that is when the carpet cleaners were coming. So packed and moved ALL my stuff once. (including a coffee table, recliner, huge desk and bookshelf). Then I had to go to dorm to figure out where I was going to put all my stuff. Chasity graciously let me put it in her living room...but I obviously had to wait until she finished cleaning.
So I came back to see how my mom and brother were doing. Poor Curt's knees were messed and he couldn't even help. So he was just sitting on the recliner with his feet up and my jacket on because it was so cold. I had just said goodbye to Krystal and even before then was practically crying involuntarily often because I was SO tired and just stressed and drained out of my skull. By the time I got back, I just sat in the car and cried...ha ha...SO tired. Had to wait till 5:30 to move stuff into dorm. So we emptied one load onto the sidewalk and mom took Curt home. I brought it all up and packed it in the living room. My mom came back, we got another load. Meanwhile, my dad had been waiting to pick my Grandma up at the airport and customs took an extra hour so he was really late coming to help us. Said goodbye to Chasity.
My dad finally came in time to help with load number three. Put the dorm big stuff in his work truck and stuff for my parents' house in the car. Brought it to the school, unloaded stuff for the third time.We didn't get home until like 8:00 pm when I realized I had yet to eat today. Wow. SO Tired. Even more tired thinking about the fact that I have to move all my stuff for the THIRD time on Tuesday to the actual apartment I am staying in for the summer. Oh man.
AND THEN...
I come up to go to bed at like 9 because I was seriously dying...and my mom is like, wait...we haven't unloaded the car yet with your bags for here. Crap. So we get all of my stuff. Then I got really confused. Wait, is the plastic dresser still in the car? You know, the one with my clothes for the next couple days, my deodorant, my hair stuff, make-up...everything??
No...there was no plastic dresser in the car...
Super.
In my tired state and whatnot I had very carefully packed it to take it home and then very carefully carried it up to dorm and very carefully packed it away with my stuff in the living room.
Woohoo.
So I have not too many options for clothes right now...like almost nothing, ha ha.What a super thing.I actually find it quite hilarious - especially since I was the one who put it in dorm.
Alright, practically dying of exhaustion over here.
Hitting the sack...if I can find something to wear for pyjamas...

I Think They Underestimated Our Sneakiness...

2006-04-28T10:46:00.000-06:00

YES! Sneakiness time over...
Oh man, it was really fun...but I was definitely running around just randomly yelling and acting real strange...ha ha oh man
And they had no idea
And the scrapbooks look surprisingly good for everyone being busy and stuff...
Yay for success.
It was mostly just fun and we had LOTS of delicious food :)
And we got to hang out with our buddies before the end...boo that...
Seriously, like one day.
Tear.
And another tear.
Maybe a few more :)
What a great year it has been - although I can't imagine it being top, so very excited for next year and living in dorm and being back in that Heritage community that I missed so much.
Time to pack up the rest of my stuff and clean.
The leftover Drain-o bomb splash on my window...
The sunscreen on the porch...
But at least the bird's nest is gone...no more birds whizzing over my head when I come out the door...because that was just nuts!
Good news...sausage finger is still going strong, especially after a reinjuring last night...from shuffling my chair...what is up with that??

2006-04-28T10:43:00.000-06:00

10 F A V O R I T E STV

show: C.S.I is quite good...but gotta love Amazing Race too...
Flower: Not too picky...anything that smells nice...
Color: Pink?
Sport: Everything
Phrase: Pretty much my favourite, anyway..., I do what I can...oh yeah, what can you do...
Mall: One with stores?
Music: Everything
animal: Manatees are pretty great...
drink: Diet Pepsi is wonderful
person: How am I supposed to pick a favourite person?

1 0 F A C T S

Height: Something like 5'7, maybe and a half...
Hair colour: Blonde
Hair length: Just past shoulders
Hair style: Straight
Eye color: Blue baby
Shoe Size: Something like 10
hometown: C-Bridge
status: Happy :) ha ha
Righty or lefty: Righty

1 0 L O V E L I F E

Have you ever been in love: Not romantically
Do you believe in love?: Of course
Why did your last relationship fail?: Because it never started?? ha ha
Have you ever had your heart broken?: Nope
Have you ever broken someones heart? If I have, it is news to me...
Have you ever fallen for your best friend?: ha ha no
Who was your first crush: Some guy...
Your current crush: God
Do they like you back: God LOVES me :D
Are you planning on getting married? ha ha...already married to him :P

1 0 T H I S O R T H A T

Pepsi or coke?: Peps
iCD or Radio?: CD
Saturday or Sunday?: Sunday
Single or taken?: Single
Color, white, or black: Colour...and lots of it...
Phone or in person: In person
McDonalds of Burger King?: McDonalds...gotta love those breakfasts :)
chicken or beef: Both...seasoned...by Iron Chef Dutch :)
diet or regular: Diet - I prefer it without the sugar actually, and only drink regular if I need to stay up night...
day or night: I'm a night girl...for instance, I was up until 5:20am last night...and then got up at 10:20am...

1 0 H A V E Y O U E V E RHave you ever been caught sneaking out?: never tried...so nope...
Have you ever fought someone?: no...
Have you ever done something you regret? of course
have you ever bungee jumped?: No, but I would love to even though I am afraid of heights...
Have you ever been on a house boat?: No, but I wish...on a river in Peru maybe? :)
Have you ever fired a gun?: No...too bad...that would be a nice rush...:P
Have you ever done drugs?: Robitussin? ha ha
Have you ever stole money from your parents: No
Have you ever stole your grandparents alcohol?: None of them drink and neither do I...so...
Have you ever made out with someone random while drunk: No

10 A R E Y O U S
Are you missing someone right now?: Yeppers
Are you in love with anyone?: Not romantically
Are you happy?: Mmhmm
Are you talking to anyone right now?: Krystal :)
Are you Irish?: No...
Are your parents still married?: Yeppers...probably because they love each other...
Are you crushing on someone?: Nope
Are you happy with work?: Yeah...it is pretty easy...and the stupid customers are fun to laugh at after work...
Are you mad at anyone?: Nope
Are you lonely?: Nope...I enjoy my own company :)

2006-04-28T10:37:00.000-06:00

50 things...
1. Where were you 1 hour ago? In my house vacuuming - because we are having a wicked fun sleepover at my house tonight :)
2. Who are you in love with? GOD yay...my friends and family...lots of people really :)
3. What is the largest amount of money you spent in one store? Ha ha...like 450 at Garage when I bought the Volleyball team sweaters (they paid me back, don't worry :) ha ha)
4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? I am wearing a bright pink tank top...there is a pink whiteboard (I know it sounds weird...) on my desk, two pink notes on my computer monitor, pink on my Barbie comforter, a pink cowboy, and a pink skirt........oh my gosh, I am such a GIRL!! gross :P
5. When is the last time you went to the mall? Um...maybe a week and a half ago or so...
6. Are you wearing socks right now? Nope...bare feet all the way...
7. Do you have a car worth over $5,000? Well, I have been told that my legs are worth a pretty penny :)
8. When was the last time you drove out of town? I drove to Kitchener on Saturday...
9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days? Nope
10. Are you cool? I define cool :)
11. What was the last thing you had to drink? Ice Cold Water
12. What are you wearing right now? Two tanks, shorts
13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it? I shower everyday...
14. last food that you ate? Onion Bagel
15. Where were you last week at this time? Chilling in dorm because I had just finished my last exam...woohoo...
16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? Yes in fact I did...
17. Who is the last person you talked to? My roommate came in a minute ago to ask a question...
18. What's the last sporting event you watched? JAYS GAME yesterday ha ha
19. What is your favorite class? Gym? ha ha...um, the last class I really liked was probably Theology...
20. Your dream vacation? anything free with my buddies
21. Last person's house you were in? dorm?
22. how old are your parents? Dad is halfway to 98 and Mom is halfway to 84...
23. Are you in love? that depends on whether you are in love with me I guess... :)
24. Do you miss anyone right now? Yeppers
25. Last play you saw? An Easter cantata? I don't do the play thing too often unfortunately...
27. What are your plans for tonight? SLEEPOVER...and eating nachos :)
28. Who is the last person you sent a message to on myspace? I believe that would be Pimp...
29. Next trip you are going to take? Hamilton sometime in the summer...that might be nice :)
30. Ever go to camp? Not really...unless it's with youth group...
31. Were you an honor roll student in school? I was a nerd, that's leave it at that...
32. What do you want to know about the future? I am intrigued as to what country I end up living in...
33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? Hawaiian maybe?
34. Are you hungry? Kind of, but I am saving my appetite for nachos :)
35. Where is your best friend(s) located? A 7 minute walk down the street...but only for like two more days...boo that...
36. Who is your best friend(s)? A girl we like to call K-Gap...
37. Do you have a tan? Yes of course...ha ha...
38. How old do you want to be when you have kids? Um...I would like to have at least one before 27 :)
39. Do you collect anything? Yeah...doesn't everyone?
40. Who is the biggest gossip you know? Your Mom
41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? Never - thank goodness, I would so cry...
42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? Yes...a retard straw that is!! :)
43. How do you like your drinks? Free
44. Do you like hot sauce? Mmmm...hot things...
45. Last time you took a shower? Approximately 10:27 this morning :)
46. Do you need to do laundry? Nope
47. What is your heritage? I am a mutt...half Dutch, and then a mix of some German, Polish, Russian I think...and other random things like that...
48. Are you someone's best friend? I do believe I am :)
49. Are you rich? Yes, extremely...ha ha
50. What do you think of the person who took this survey before? Nuts...she is absolutely crazy :)

2006-04-21T09:25:00.000-06:00

Well, here I am...done school for the year.
SO CRAZY
Everyone is saying it, but I will too...the beginning of the year seems like FOREVER ago. It is actually unreal.
Not really looking forward to having to say goodbye...I am a golden retriever if you will...I like to be loyal and sentimental and keep in contact with everyone for forever...So all you people reading this, I expect to still be receiving your Family Newsletter in 60 years :)
Oh yeah, and a Happy Birthday Kristine shout out...plus one for Krystal on Sunday...
Yep, done school.
What a WEIRD feeling!!
But I am quite happy to be finished for awhile. Take some time to catch up on my sleep...oh wait, or just work a lot and earn some money. But lots of relaxing. And...hopefully visiting people...but we will have to see about that one...possibly only visiting Naomi, because she is the only person I can walk to go see...as in, across the hall!
Working today, working tomorrow...hopefully not working tomorrow so I can pack...
And then...ZOO TRIP and JAYS GAME...woohoo!! My favourite.
And then...END OF THE YEAR SLEEPOVER BASH at Katie's Sweet Party Pad...come or Chantal's mom will sit on you! yes!! All girls who wish crashing in my practically empty house by then...
Anyway, time to...do something I'm sure...making play some online pool :) But definitely not do any homework :) yay.

2006-04-21T09:24:00.000-06:00

Your Theme Song is Beautiful Day by U2

"Sky falls, you feel likeIt's a beautiful dayDon't let it get away"
You see the beauty in life, especially in ordinary everyday moments.And if you're feeling down, even that seems a little beautiful too.

What's" Your Theme Song?

2006-04-16T20:34:00.000-06:00

Not motivated to study.
I love the sun.
I like twirly skirts.
And walks in twirly skirts.

P.S. I changed my mind about wanting this school year to be over.

But...hallelujah, we have a place to live for the summer, thanks God!!
You are the greatest!
Oh, and Christ is Risen...He is Risen indeed!!

What is up...

2006-04-12T16:58:00.000-06:00

1. My finger is all demented and sore still.
2. Last coffee house of the year tonihgt. Should be good. Easter egg hunt led by moi and Kala and a smoothie bar led by Stef, Tab, Jake and Craig.
3. I almost have a place to live for the summer.
4. We picked next year's theme verse: 2 Peter 1:5-7, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love."
5. I am drinking Diet Coke.
6. We had a roommate dinner tonight (minus Bezwick because she wasn't around and it was totally spontaneous) that I made. Delicious Southwestern fried rice.
7. Laura is packing. It is very weird to be at the end of the year. I do not like it one bit. I don't like to think about the people who are leaving. We also had our last chapel of the year tonight. Man, I get so sentimental in April.
8. I am also greatly looking forward to next year. I just want to get all crazy excited and stuff for Stuca and whatnot, but technically we don't start till July 1st. It's a very fine, weird line.
9. Going to parents' house tomorrow for supper and volleyball. Then Good Friday service, studying, family supper. Back. Work on Saturday. Studying. Church and (Easter cantata), lunch with family...and then studying for all Sunday and Monday and then exams Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
10. Aprils are sad. I get so sentimental :) or just mental...it is such a weird mix of emotions...I get SO giddy because of being tired and exams and stuff and then all sad because of people leaving.

Oh well...such is life.
Time for more homework and maybe even some packing...

Some Very Important Information...

2006-04-09T22:22:00.000-06:00

There is some very important information that you all need to know...
It is information about yours truly.
Here are 100 things that everyone should know and love.
Read these and memorize.

1. I have never been to an airport.
2. Subsequently, I have never been on a plane.
3. I can move the vein in my left hand.
4. I love dorm.
5. I didn't wear make-up till I was 18 and a half.
6. I have never been on a date.
7. I am proud of that last one.
8. I currently have a sore but not broken but it was almost broken finger.
9. I almost broke my jaw in grade two when stupid David DeGeir pushed me off the monkey bars (in my first week at my new school...jerk...ha ha)
10. I love candles.
11. I love Pepsi.
12. Coke sucks.
13. I love family.
14. I love quality time.
15. It's my favourite.
16. My roommate is crazy.
17. She needs a straight jacket.
18. I love Jack Johnson.
19. I love all genres of music.
20. I love lots of movies.
21. Even chick flicks.
22. And scary movies...those I love.
23. I don't own a car, but I do drive a spaceship.
24. I work at Food Basics.
25. I worked at a library for three years.
26. I am a nerd.
27. I love school.
28. I used to be super quiet.
29. I love volleyball.
30. And all other sports.
31. I don't know where I am living for the summer.
32. As of May 1st, I am homeless :)
33. I enjoy being poor.
34. God is my favourite!!
35. I love writing down my thoughts.
36. I like writing poems.
37. I don't draw well.
38. Unless the pictures are really small.
39. I have lived in Cambridge my whole life.
40. I like making food for myself.
41. I like reading childrens' books.
42. Especially Junie B. Jones.
43. I don't play any instruments.
44. I used to play Tenor Recorder.
45. I played senior girls' doubles badminton in grade nine.
46. I am a heavy sleeper.
47. I like to sleep against the wall.
48. I am allergic to the cold.
49. And Christmas trees.
50. I am the president of student council for my school next year.
51. This year I was athletics for student council.
52. I like staying up late.
53. I am independent.
54. I am stubborn.
55. I try to be optimistic.
56. I am a realist.
57. I don't get too moody.
58. Well, I don't think so anyway.
59. I like green onions.
60. I worked for my youth pastor as his intern last summer.
61. I loved it.
62. I love Sun Chips.
63. Especially the cheddar ones.
64. I eat chocolate covered coffee beans even though they are bitter.
65. Coffee is great.
66. Regular pop makes me a little wacko...
67. I like weird numbers.
68. Going to bed at 12:34 is my favourite.
69. I never set my alarm for a normal number - always like 9:34 or something...
70. I also never microwave something for a normal number.
71. I am happy not having a sister.
72. Girls are really emotional.
73. I like spicy food.
74. I like ethnic food.
75. I have a pink whiteboard...
76. I have a Barbie comforter...I love that thing...
77. I also have a football comforter...
78. And a flowers one.
79. I like everything.
80. Except for mustard.
81. And pickles.
82. And horseradish.
83. I like walking in the rain.
84. And the snow.
85. Especially in the snow at night.
86. I like getting a tan.
87. I like my blonde hair.
88. I like my blue eyes.
89. I am the Aryan race...ha ha
90. I bruise easily.
91. I love taking pictures.
92. I think having 4 kids someday would be nice.
93. I think I want to go teach in Ethiopia one day.
94. I miss my Grandpa.
95. I can't sing the song "It Is Well With My Soul"...in fact, I can't even listen to it without getting choked up...
96. I love emailing.
97. I love losenges.
98. I love the word losenges.
99. I could do this forever.
100. Except for I am so tired that I almost fell asleep three times doing this...

Good night.

2006-04-09T21:57:00.000-06:00

Okay, so Pepperdine did this and I have to fulfill her prophecy that I would be the only one to do this...but secretly I love silly things like these...

Put your iTunes/Winamp/WMP/ (it was iTunes for me...there's almost 2000 songs on there, so we will see what happens) on shuffle. Say the following questions aloud, and press play. Use the song title as the answer to the question. NO CHEATING.

1. How does the world see you?

"Too Lost in You" by Sugbabes...song from Krystal made me listen to from the Love Actually soundtrack...so who am I lost in? someone want to fill me in...

2. Will I have a happy life?

"Overjoyed" by Jars of Clay...ha ha...so perfect...I guess that means I am happy?!

3. What do my friends think of me?

"Let it Go" by Supertones...hmmmmm...one line is "it's not worth the pain and the shame so just let it go..." yikes...doesn't sound so good for me :)

4. Do people secretly lust after me?

"Better is One Day" by Rebecca St. James...ha ha ha...no comment... :)

5. How can I make myself happy?

"You Are My King" by Candi Pearson...true...good song :)

6. What should I do with my life?

"Take Me Away" by Sarah Kelly...doesn't really answer my question of where I should go...ha ha...

7. Will I ever have children?

"Reborn" by Rebecca St. James...HA HA...does this mean that I will become my own child??

8. What is some good advice for me?

"Trust in You" by Jeremy Camp...ha ha...pretty darn good advice...God is usually a pretty smart guy :)

9. How will I be remembered?

"Sweet Sweet Spirit" by the Imperials...ah, good old classic Southern Gospel song :) let's hope people think I have a sweet spirit :)

10. What's my signature dancing song?

"Ride Wit Me" by T-Bone...ha ha...I don't even remember where this song came from...but cool...I relate to white rappers pretty well...

11. What's my current theme song?

"Saturday" by Hedley...hmmmmm...it's like a "I love you I hate you" song...

12. What do others think is my current theme song?

"Keep on Singin' My Song" by Christina Aguilera...I am pretty indepedent...

13. What shall they play at my funeral?

"Prodigal" by Casting Crowns...hmmmmm...

14. What type of men do I like?

"My Style" by Black Eyed Peas...Laura did say I should marry a black guy the other day...

15. How's my love life?

"No More Night" by David Phelps...ha ha...this is funny, I love it...

16. To sum it all up

"Rest in You" by Hillsong...good one...I like this survey...

The End

2006-04-07T12:27:00.000-06:00

Woohoo, thanks Krystal, I love weird things like this...
P.S. 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 :)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)
Bogey Holiday
ha ha...no, not Boogey, Bogey...

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandmother/grandfather on your father's side)
Klaasje (Kathy) Ynze
ha ha what a wacked out Movie Star Name...I don't think I will make it very far with that one...probably end up in some weird made for TV movie or something like that...

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name)
K-Fli
WOW...my names suck!!

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Pink Manatee

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Elyse Cambridge

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
Fliskymid

7. JEDI NAME: (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards
Esyle Ykswokinob
Try and pronounce that one...

8. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, the automoblie you drive)
"The Pink Echo"

Well, that was fun...Back to my homework...this weekend I really only have time for death by homework...too bad...I can't wait until Tuesday is over...and then just one more big thing and 3 exams and then I am finished :) :)
Actually, cancel those smiles, because I still don't know where I am living for the summer...uh-oh...

Well...

2006-04-03T13:10:00.000-06:00

To dorm
To dorm I go
To dorm
I will stay
Leaving the townhouse
Will be my favourite day...

So, if I get in..
I will be heading back to dorm - for the summer with Kala and Chelsey and then for the school year as well.
As silly as you may think it is, I am excited. I LOVED dorm :) I missed it a whole heck of a lot this year.
Anyway, that is the latest plan.
Soon I get to go to Food Basics for my very first shift...
Nervous?
Yep, a little. But not really. I just hate change :)
But soon I am sure I will be running the place...ha ha
19 hours of training this week...plus two MAJOR assignments due next Tuesday, I finished a book report last night due tomorrow, I have some regular homework, one old stuca meeting, two new stuca meetings, a missions' dinner...yep, that is all :)
Oh, hi Grim Reaper...welcome to unit number 7.
It's the week of death folks!!

2006-03-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

You know that point in your day when you come to realize that you are an idiot? Yeah, not fun.
So last night I was doing my journaling before bed and realized that I was an idiot :)
I had a weird day. It was a good day, but it was one of those days where I would randomly finding myself really lonely or really nervous...and then there were times in my day where I really just wanted to have someone compliment me. Does anyone else ever have those days?
Anyway, I did. And the whole day I kind of dwelt on it...not enough to make me sad or angry, but just frustrated enough that I didn't notice the great things going on in my day.
I realize, as I was writing at night, that throughout my day, every time I was feeling completely selfish and like I just needed a compliment, God totally heard me, even though it was a completely selfish thought. Throughout my day He was trying to bring me up and back to Him in small ways - a friend complimented me on a painting, one told me she likes when I visit, two guys told me I had done a good job with Athletics, someone from student council emailed to say how much she loved the year and getting to know us, someone told me I was thoughtful, and a friend I haven't gotten an email from in awhile randomly emailed to say how much I meant to her.
I write none of this to say that I deserved these compliments...I write this to say that all of those comments dealt with a specific insecurity I was having at some point in that day. What an amazing God. Seriously. To even care for us in our most selfish moments. My iodicy and selfishness had me crying last night before my great God. I don't understand how He could love us to forgive, to judge and get us back on the path to righteousness, to send people to encourage...the list goes on forever...even as we are complete and utter failures in life and the task of becoming like Him.
Wow.
That's it.
At least I got to visit Shelby today :)

P.S. Maybe I will just live on the street?

2006-03-31T19:03:00.000-07:00

I came home to find two emails stating that we might not have a place to live next year...
Yikes.
Turns out our landlord is selling and he just decided to not be courteous enough to let us know sooner. Anyway, we might the possibility of moving into another townhouse in this complex, but if not, who knows.
ha ha
What a fun problem.
Basically I have no idea what God is doing...but yeah, just trusting in Him. Maybe our group for next year wasn't right? Who knows what His plan is...
But yep, pray for myself and my other possible future roommates.
It is kind of fun not knowing what is going on...keeps you on the edge of your seat...not that I would mind knowing what is going on...
P.S. Jack Johnson always makes me happy :)...

2006-03-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Happy happy happy...
Happy happy happy...
Happy happy happy happy happy happy happy...

Wow.
That is a weird word when you look at it so many times.
English is SO messed up.

Anyway, it was practically SUMMER today, and yesterday, and the day before!!
Woohoo, my favourite!
Automatic smiles all around.
My hair is getting really long, don't know quite what to do with it...but really blonde, so that is great.
I love how white it gets in the summer.
Love love love

Boo for school - I just want to go on walks and play catch and sit outside all day long. But alas...Only one month left...like till everything is over, graduation and all...for those graduating anyway...I figured out that I have 26 or something classes until I graduate...in 2009. Boo that. But I will only be 22, almost 23 when I graduate, so I figure that is pretty good. I want to do one of my practice teaching things outside of Ontario...that would be fun - we'll see where and how it works out when that time comes. And teaching overseas sometime after that?? Addis Ababa anyone?? ha ha ha

Today I got a fake (theatrical) cut and bruise...ha ha...that was fun.

It will be SO weird when everyone goes away in the summer...man, weird weird weird...new roommates, two jobs, and hardly anyone around - plus I will have no access to a car...boo. ha ha

Anyway, time for me to do something productive with my life...
Like go play catch, or tennis?
ha ha
Or homework, rats.

Some Very Profound Thoughts...ha ha...

2006-03-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, so they aren't profound, just some things I have been thinking about recently.
This week for some reason I was getting frustrated, pretty easily actually...and not always sure why. All I knew was that I was having a great week and seeing big and small things to praise God for and Satan probably didn't like that a whole lot. But yeah, it is has been a great week really. I have been reading through Romans for the past bit and just loving looking at that book again.
Also been thinking a lot. Thinking about how I communicate and working towards a more uplifting lifestyle in that regard. Also thinking about being single - and genuinely praising God for it. I honestly thank Him SO much for allowing me this time to be single - to just learn about myself, to learn and relearn to love myself and who He made me to be, to learn to love God more, to learn how to be a better friend, a better daughter, and everything like that without having to worry about someone else and my relationship with them. I realize that I will always be learning and always be growing in these areas and everything else, but it was just really great to be able to think about it logically and realistically (as I like to do :) ha ha) and just know that there are definite and amazing reasons that I am single right now. It was just such a joy to remember that. My prayer lately is just to try to be patient in God's timing as I trust in His plan. It probably sounds cliche...but I don't care, that is what I want and am striving towards.
Here is just something I wrote last night at the end of my journaling. I don't care if it doesn't rhyme or sounds weird...it is my prayer and my heart...so take it or leave it...but this is it...

What an amazing privilege is ours to know the Father,
As Our Father.
How beautiful the intimacy that is granted to us,
To be able to talk to the One,
The One who made me,
Knows me -
Differently, more deeply and intimately
Than anyone Ever will.
This boggles my small mind.
I rest easy knowing His love -
Not too concerned with figuring it out.
It amazes me.
His presence and peace reassure me,
All thanks I can give is due Him.
Thank You Father.
You don't provide answers,
But you always give solutions.
Life isn't always joyous,
But You always show us Love.
It isn't always easy,
But always worthwhile.
When I am lonely,
I call You Father.
When I am down,
I call You Friend.
In the midst of pain,
You are my Healer.
You are the Beginning and the End.
You're my Judge when I fail You,
But You always pick me up.
Your Presence, Your Touch
Renews my life.
It won't always be easy,
It often isn't fun,
But in the end,
You're the Only One to which I'll run.

Love Love Love

2006-03-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

I did this because Pepperdine made me :)
If anyone is surprised...well, you shouldn't be, let's put it at that...

Here are your Results
You selected
Words of Affirmation: 4 times
You selected Quality Time: 12 times
You selected Giving/Receiving Gifts: 1 times
You selected Acts of Service: 8 times
You selected Physical Touch: 5 times

Your primary love language is:
Quality Time

Suprised? ha ha
Is case you don't know what this means...I guess I should post their little definition thingy...

QUALITY TIME: By quality time we mean giving someone your undivided attention. A central aspect of quality time is togetherness. Two people sitting in the same room are in close proximity, but they are not necessarily together. Togetherness has to do with focused attention. When a father is sitting on the floor, rolling a ball to his 2 year old, that brief moment, however long it last, they are together. However, if the father is talking on the phone while he rolls the ball, his attention is diluted.
Quality time does not mean that we have to spend our together moments gazing into each other's eyes. The activity in which we are both engaged is incidental. The important thing emotionally is that we are spending focused time with each other The activity is a vehicle that creates the sense of togetherness. The important thing about the father rolling the ball to the 2 year old is not the activity itself, but the emotions that are created between the father and the child.

The End
(Hope you are happy Peppy!!)

2006-03-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

So yeah, today was awesome!!
Grandma gave me 20 bucks, and I didn't really know what I was going to eat for lunch, and then Grandma gave me a case of Nestea and mom gave me yogurt, so woohoo, lunch.
Then, last night Food Basics called (I gave them my resume two months ago...literally...like on Janurary 22nd) and today I went for an interview...and she basically handed me the job on a silver platter (not really...ha ha) as soon as I came in...
So that was just super.
I got cheesecake to celebrate... :)
So it was just a great day!!
I was so hyper and smiley all day long, it was super.
We won't talk about the end of the night...because it was seriously just that stupid momma's boy Satan trying to get me down...so I am not even going to talk about it...ha ha take that momma's boy...
Nothing will take my smile...
Or else I am going to try and not let anything...and that is why I put my whiteboard with words like: love, peace, integrity and such...self-control...ha ha right by my computer...so keep me accountable...ha ha
Alright...time for something productive...like smiling...

Bored and Procrastinating...

2006-03-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

The "4" things...
I am bored.
I am procrastinating.
The following is the result of having too much sugar and too little sleep...

Four Jobs you've had in your life:
1. Bottle Opener
2. Liquid Soap Tester
3. Car Wash Organizer
4. Smelly Marker Tester

Four Movies you could watch over and over:
1. Remember the Pillow
2. Save the Last Nap
3. Coffee Bean Effect
4. That Thing You Don't

Four TV shows you loved to watch:
1. Here's a Million Dollars Katie
2. The Price is Wrong
3. Wheel of Bedtime
4. Darkwing Katie

Four Places you've lived:
1. This room
2. Your room
3. Tim Hortons
4. Mattress Plus

Four Places you've been on vacation:
1. Antarctica
2. Timbuktu
3. Mount Everest
4. Kitchener

Four Places you would rather be:
1. My Bed
2. Tim Hortons
3. My Bed
4. My Bed

Four of your favourite foods:
1. Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans
2. Mushroom Popsicles
3. Banana and Coke Pudding
4. My Pillow

Four websites you visit daily:
1. www.yourmommaissofat.com
2. www.hyperacticechildrenanonymous.com
3. www.iwrotedownthefirstthingthatcametomyhead.com
4. www.youcannotholdmeaccountableformyactionsbecausesugarismyfriend.com

2006-03-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

So, this weekend has officially started.
It is also the weekend of official crazy crazy.
I have a 10-12 page paper for Philosophy of Education due on Tuesday - I am doing it on John Dewey and Pragmatism. Woohoo.
I am also in the midst of researching for the largest and most dreaded history paper of my life - a critical analysis on three sources discussing that the holocaust was an event instigated by Hitler that caused insurmountable damage effecting European way of life. Woohoo. What a grand paper - definitely the hardest ever!!
Plus, this weekend I am helping with my youth group's March Break Madness that will kick off at my school for the Heritage Rawks Battle of the Bands concert thing and then end Saturday at 10pm. However, I will only be helping until 11am (all-nighter...woohoo!) because I then have to come back, run a soccer tourney with Emmanuel and then go to our volleyball party.
Sunday of course there is morning and evening church and my Kristine date.
Monday luckily is the day of nothing but homework...and then my Klahsen date.
And da da da...
Here comes Tuesday and the paper is due.
So there you go.
Craziness.
Well, now I am off to my meeting with Mark about next year's student cabinet.
All around good times had by me...I just wish I could quit school (but still be awarded my degree of course, and somehow pick up all the knowledge I would be gaining in that time) and just go work.
P.S. Yay for good news! I got my summer job as camp counselor at Popcorn House, we have a full house for next year and don't need to scramble for any more roommates, and OSAP randomly decided to give me 400 bucks yesterday, which upped me to 410!! ha ha.
But yes, good news all around.

Hmm...what should I call this one...

2006-03-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

Wrote it Sunday night...
Late.
That's all the intro I have for you today.

Treasure Hunting
(or a better title if I ever think of one...)

The world
Is what I wish I could offer you
I know your pain
I felt it too.
I know the distance
That tugs your heart
That burns a hole
Before you could even start
To Hope
In Something greater than
The disease, the bills, something
Greater than your plans.
I offer to you a simple plea
Come know the One
Who changed a lost girl like me.
The wandering, the broken
We all came together
Came before the Throne
The High King of Heaven
Earthly men may abuse
And women curse
There is One
He wants to soothe your hurts.
Things won’t be perfect
But in the meantime you’ll find
A Gracious, Loving Father
Who’s always by your side.
A boy can hold your hand
And make you feel alright
But the Father is One who never lets go,
He always holds you tight.
Sure it’s not easy
It’s part of the race
Pick up right where you are
We’re saving your place.
The stars will never seem so normal
The power in the sunset will find new light
Rainy days more chipper
Puddles more bright.
No models in this world,
Only One in the Books
You may use His name often,
But I beg you to take a second look.
I could go on for hours
Speaking words of change to you
But I’ll get straight to the point –
Only coming to Him will do.
Works will not save you
Though it’s great to be kind
Life can have a purpose
And it’s my hope that this you find.
This is really drawn out
Though the message isn’t new
And all I really want to say
Is Jesus Loves You.

A Song I Should Listen to More Often...

2006-03-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

You are the open door to freedom
You are the only hope I have
The reason in my reason
The only thing that lasts
How could I begin to settle
When all within me longs
To step into the shelter
Of your everlasting arms

I wanna get carried away
I wanna get tossed by your waves
I don't care where or how deep
I'm gonna jump in with both feet
I wanna get carried away
I wanna get lost in your ways
I wanna be held by your truth
I wanna behold all of you
I'm gonna be all yours today
I wanna get carried away

You are the wisdom of the ages
You are the one who stays the same
The power in the wind
The sun left by the rain
How could I begin to make it
If all I had was me
Just take me as I am Lord
And sweep me out to sea.

Some say You're far away
But I know You're here with me
I could go anywhere
And still you'd be there with me
I know You're here with me.

2006-03-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Is it time for next year yet?

2006-03-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

So...
I hear that Presidents are always extremely good looking people. Forget where I heard that, but yeah...weird eh?
On a separate note, I also nominated myself for coolest person at Heritage...
I lost by a long shot...
To Michelle Mackdaddy.
Can't wait for next year.
Woohoo.
On another separate note, does anyone think it hilariously ironic that the President and Secretary will be roommates? I did...
Oh, and the most random note of my life...
In about half an hour or so, this girl from my grade one class is coming over and we are hanging out...I haven't seen hear in 14 years. I am actually quite scared that I will get freaked out and think she is a robber or something...I am pretty sure I will recognize her, but yeah, SO RANDOM and hilarious. We were just randomly talking on MSN, for like the second time in 14 years (the first time being this past summer)...and she is down on break so we are like...may as well hang out...ha ha
We are so weird.
Hopefully we get along :) ha ha
Alright...that is it, most random entry ever.

P.S.

2006-03-05T16:33:00.000-07:00

We got Bronze.
So did the guys.
I had fun, I dove a lot, I maybe sprained my finger, got this bruise thing by my eye, am SORE EVERYWHERE and tired but I miss volleyball already.

Weird...

2006-03-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

So it looks like I will be president of student council for next year....
That feels weird.
Not officially till Wednesday I guess when it is announced with the speeches but yeah...
And the new STUCA doesn't start doing things right away or anything, but yeah...
Weird.
It's going to be a fun year and an awesome leadership training week...pretty pumped, but it definitely feels strange :)
I am silly.

A Lesson in Humility...

2006-03-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

So tonight was the first half of our volleyball finals....
We were in third set to play the second place team to determine what happens tomorrow - if we lost, we would play Masters for 3rd/4th at 9 AM, if we won, we would play Redeemer for 1st/2nd at 1 PM...the latter was the obvious preference...
Anyway, I was SO pumped. After lunch I just smacked the ball around in the gym for about half an hour, the whole time praying for self-control (I tend to be pretty competitive), a good attitude and just to have fun. And, for my pride...if I need a lesson in humility or whatever and it's in His will for us to lose, well then, let us lose.
So...we lost.
We played Tyndale, a team that we have beaten 3 times, lost to twice throughout this year...we thought we could pull it out, and realistically, we should have. But oh well. We actually all played well, we just let ourselves get into slumps. Anyway, it was definitely very frustrating. ha ha, I actually almost cried........oh man.
Let's just hope tomorrow isn't a repeat of last year - we lost on Friday and then went to play Masters (a team we should have beaten) Saturday morning at 9 am and lost...to be 4th. It sucked. I was so close to crying...ha ha...it didn't help that they gave out awards after our game and not only did we not get a medal because we were fourth, but the same person got MVP and all-star on our team...and somehow that just made it worse. ha ha I am silly.
Anyway, so tomorrow hopefully will go well. And if not, there will be many lessons in humility and self-control learned (hopefully) this weekend. :)

New York

2006-03-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

I only have a second, but I figured I would at least do a quick update from New York. No matter how much time I spent on this, I could never sum up the trip adequately - SOO many stories and amazing times.
WOW.
Amazing trip - Lots of new and stretching evangelism times in the Bronx, Harlem, Manhattan...everywhere! Handing out bag lunches, giving away free Bibles and tracts on the streets in Bronx, Harlem and Manhattan, helping with a kids program, prayer walks through Central Park...it was great. We actually got to do some sight-seeing in the afternoon of our last day, which I didn't think we would get to do, so that was awesome. Chinatown, Ground Zero, Staten Island Ferry, Times Square at night and various other spots - so that was cool. Oh, and Brooklyn Tabernacle and this other really small "black" church, so that was amazing of course. It was great to see the passion of Christians in New York and the receptiveness in Bronx vs. Manhattan. That was a difference I hadn't really expected. Bronx was A LOT friendlier than Manhattan (we have money, we don't care). It sucked remembering that that was the kind of attitude, in a degree, that we would be coming back to.
I loved handing out free Bibles and tracts. It wasn't something that I would do everyday and my preference is of course relational stuff...but I did enjoy the experience...and boy, I had some interesting conversations...ha ha. We had a guy and his dad on our team that were used to that (they do it a lot in Toronto and had been to New York before) plus the people from the camp we stayed at in New York that have been doing this for a bit, so it was cool to see the conversations they got started.
I don't know why I never really realized it before, but coming back, I was just like...there is NO ONE on the streets - like walking around. We got back and drove to Subway, then drove back, then later I walked to Shoppers and back and then walked to the school...and I only saw 4 people on the sidewalks. It was SO weird - just realized the great need here to go to the people - they aren't going to come to us!! ha ha. Oh yeah, and on the way back we went to Niagra Falls - my first time!! I was freaking...but not as much as when we went on the Ferry or to Times Square...best night of my life!! ha ha
Yeah, I definitely took just over 600 pictures on the trip...let's just say I love everything :)

Out of all the Days I Have Had, That Was One of Them...

2006-02-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

So wow...what a weekend.
Saturday was our second last volleyball tourney which makes me sad...all that is left is finals...My throat felt pretty terrible, but whatever, it could have been worse. I still yelled all day anyway :) By the end, oh man, you should have heard me...definitely perfect for some wacked out obscene phone calls...oh man.
We beat Masters and Tyndale...we played those games one after another - it got me all confused. I totally didn't remember losing twice to Tyndale so I had no idea why we were going to a 5th game...that was funny. Anyway, won that one. I got 8 serves in a row so that was fun too...
Um, Sunday. ha ha
So I have this cold/cough thing so I am already kind of emotionally "off", plus I was super tired from working a lot on my stupid history paper, and then, let's just say I was emotionally "off" for another reason as well...
So anyway, considering all those factors, I go to church with Kristine, Ben, Stef and Naomi. I get there...ta da da...normal service. Oh wait, no it isn't...all of a sudden, Brad, my youth pastor resigns...Oh great. Ha ha
I actually knew it was coming, they told me like 10 months ago...I just didn't know it would be today...so yeah, it was an emotional little experience for me. They are like my family, so it is just hard to hear. I am super excited and just stoked for their opportunity - going to inner city Halifax for a church plant, and it won't be for another year and a bit, so that is a nice amount of time to get used to it! :)
Anyway, I was doing okay, and then I saw Brad tearing up and had to wipe his eyes, so of course that made me cry...and then I was doing fine again, and then my grandma gave me a hug and that got me going again. So yeah...and all my friends just had no idea what to do ha ha because I never cry in public. Ha ha
Then...I was going to leave without talking to Brad and Shelby because I felt bad for my friends being stuck at the church for so long (obviously a million people wanted to talk to Brad and Shelby because he's the youth pastor)...
And then Brad's like, "Katie, don't you think you are getting away!" So I went over, and cried again...and then waited to talk to Shelby...and cried again...ha ha. Oh man. Shelby was like, "You will just have to come with us! And do our children's ministry or something..." ha ha
Anyway, that was fun.
So of course I was kind of emotional all afternoon and would just randomly and for no reason tear up...that was weird. So I do some homework, go to 316, go on my lovely date with Kristine, talk to Krystal...and am totally fine and not emotional anymore...I come home, and Pepperdine is watching friggen SWING KIDS...great!
So yeah. It was just lovely. Then I stayed up until 4 working on history, up at 10 and worked on it till 3, went to volleyball...now I am back and have to finish it up.
So there you go.
I am so tired.
Maybe I should nap...just kidding! I don't have time for a nap...
But I do have a nice little philosophy -
History = Death
Death = Nonexistent Katie
Nonexistent Katie = I don't have to write my history paper
I wonder if Wilson would fall for it...

2006-02-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Wow...what a crazy weekend.
A very much needed time of relaxing and socializing, but it was sure unexpected.
Ok, here is what was supposed to happen:

1. Leave at 1:00
2. Go to Petra's with Kristine, Ben, Fiji, Waggles, Devin and myself
3. Have a tour of the house
4. Relaxed for the evening
5. Do some swimming, eyes do not explode
6. Wake up Sunday morning
7. Go to Petra's church
8. Come back
9. Have lunch
10. Leave around 2:00 pm or so
11. Some go to 316, the rest go elsewhere (I would be going to a Superbowl party to see the Steelers win)
12. Reminisce on good times had by all on this short but fun adventure.

Well...let's say that we were thrown a rather LARGE curveball! It was sure a test in patience and trust for me - lots of assignments to do before New York, but ultimately I am extremely glad for the rest and just the great and very fun bonding that was had by all.

Here is what really happened:

1. We left at 12:00 instead of 1:00 because of bad weather possibilities.
2. Went to Petra's with Kristine, Ben, Fiji, Waggles, Devin and myself
3. Had a tour of the house
4. Relaxed in the goat barn and got to help feed the babies
5. Got to change into dirty farm clothes and go hold some piggies
6. Guys went swimming (Fiji's eyes exploded), Girls went to Sobey's
7. Made pizza and ate with family
8. Watched the Maple Leafs' game
9. Everyone went swimming - Fiji, Ben, Kristine and my eyes all exploded
10. Went to bed at 2:00
11. Woke up and got ready for church...it was cancelled...there was a TON of snow and wind
12. Ate breakfast with the family
13. Chilled (chillin' always included some pool, darts and movies...sometimes all at once, and usually someone was napping too)
14. Didn't go home at 2:00 pm
15. Started calling people to cancel on meetings and such
16. Stayed the night and just chilled
17. Woke up Monday morning to ice cubes...we got to sleep-in because there was no way we could go home...
18. Had lunch with the fam
19. Chilled all afternoon - there was no way we were going home
20. Supper with family - made sure to tell many embarassing stories...somehow, the diving story got told AGAIN...who HASN'T heard that story?!
21. Went swimming - Fiji, Petra and my eyes all exploded...too bad I have to be an emotional cripple
22. Watched another movie
23. Went to bed around 2:00 am again
24. Woke up on Tuesday, DAY FOUR, thinking we would go home...nope, not yet, roads still closed...
25. Breakfast with the fam
26. More chilling and another movie
27. FINALLY, though regretfully we made our way back to reality...and got home in hour 75 of our adventure at 3:00 pm...

Wow.That was crazy.
So many unforgettable things: simon says, the "cat" aka wiener, private conversations, the voices in her head, "I'm a fool", "What kind of idiot would wake us up?", "Holy crap! What happened to your eyes?", Checking the palm for an explanation to her craziness, all the snow, learning a new thing about dogs...weird man, chasing pigs...

Anyway, sorry for all the inside jokes.
That's it.
And you should really try being snowed in with Dutch people for 75 hours...it's good times!! (just bring eye drops)

Missions Conference...wow...

2006-02-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week was my school's (Heritage) missions conference.
All I can say...is wow.
I have always thought about missions - if you have a relationship with God, it is automatically part of your life. Whether you like it or not, you are being a missionary to everyone you come in contact with, wherever you are...this influence can be good or for bad...the question is...am I the real deal?
This week though, I have just been challenged and encouraged in some amazing ways. Going into it, I really just wanted God to reveal my heart to myself (if that makes sense). Basically, just to align my heart and my passions and my will with His. I think He did...I mean, I know for sure that He is doing some amazing things in my heart. I have learned that 1. I have SO much to learn, I need to grow like crazy, and I just need to pursue Him more...but 2. I think I have some direction.
All along in my program (Christian School Education), I have thought to myself...should I be in youth ministry, should I be doing this or that or just dropping out? Deep down I knew my heart was bent to teaching (for goodness sake, I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was five!), but I just let my program discourage me, and that was silly.
So maybe this week was just God shaking my head around a bit. My attitude coming in was probably what you could call "indifferent". Last year's missions conference was amazing, and I honestly didn't think it would be topped...but it was...in amazing ways, in heart attitudes and growth...not just meaningless stuff like decorations or whatever (although these were great too).
The first session was on the cross - being a cross-gazer, a cross-bearer and a cross-proclaimer. Jim O'Neill just gripped my heart. He really did - I realized it was totally through God that this happened, which is cool, but yeah. And the worship just spoke to me in incredible ways. The one song we sang repeatedly, "You Said", simply captured my attention...When Jim was talking, when I was singing praises to my God, I just felt so heavy and burdened for the lost - it was an amazing feeling, and I hope to maintain that and develop it into a lifelong passion.
Tuesday, after first session, I went home and came back around 12:40 to chill for a bit before second session. I sat down with some buddies, and then Doraine Ross came to sit with us. This lady is just incredible. I love her - her passion for God and serving people is just amazing. Anyway, she got talking to me about my program and overseas possibilities. She told me to pick up this booklet with overseas MK/boarding schools supported by SIM. I did and proceeded to the computer lab to look some of them up. The next moments I believe to be amazing "kairos" moments - moments that God breaks into our lives, a unique moment in our chronology, a "God moment". The second I saw the first website for one of these schools...I just felt happy, passionate even.
I don't know...maybe it was the sugar in my lunch or my tired state, but I am feeling led towards teaching overseas in one of these schools. Luckily, I still have like 3 years to seek after opportunities (overseas and here), to learn, to grow and to pray.
The rest of the missions conference went wonderfully. Soccer tourney was a great success I believe - a ton of people and even missionaries and staff played, so that was great. It was fun.
Wednesday morning some of us met for a prayer meeting with the main speaker - that was great, to get together with students, staff and missionaries and pray for "the voiceless". I realized (again) my need for a stronger, more faithful and more desperate prayer life. Maybe I can't go overseas right now, maybe I can't travel Canada right now, but I can pray for anyone, anywhere, RIGHT NOW and always. Prayer is the one weapon that can go away, hit any target, travel directly and immediately...and the best part...it can't be stopped by Satan (what a momma's boy...) So yeah, that is one thing I learned.
Wednesday sessions went wonderfully as well. Talking about living with the end in mind - wouldn't it be amazing to get to Heaven and have a huge party with all kinds of people you have had a hand in leading to our Saviour? What a blessing that would be.
Then, in the last sessions, as things were getting wrapped up, Jim gave us a fact...He said that Coke (yep, the drink) wanted to have their product in every country (and every hand) by 2000. He also mentioned that there are communities he has been to that have Coke, but don't have the Gospel. That just made me sink to the lowest possible spot on my chair. I felt like such a hypocrite - sitting in my fancy school with my fancy clothes (shut up) living my suburban, middle-class Christian life when MILLIONS are dying and lost and without hope. Whether it be North America, whether it be wherever...I just sank.
So yeah...
This is probably the longest thing in history - I always knew I could ramble...
Anyway, let's just say I am learning a lot and will continue to for my whole life, so look forward to many more things just like this! ha ha, suckers.
If you see this, don't pray for me...at least not first. Pray for those without a voice...I have one, and definitely use it ALL the time. I am saved by God's grace, I have the tools to learn, to grow and I have the fellowship of other Christians to help me along the way.
PLEASE, pray instead for the lost, those without hope, those without a voice...pray for North America, pray for spiritual revival, for spiritual awakening, and that God would work in more lives to become passionate for Him and His will for their life.
I guess that is it.
I bet no one made it all the way through this.
So I can basically say whatever I want.
If only I wasn't so tired...
Goodbye.

Oh the Good Old Days...

2006-01-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

So a group of us oldies had quite the time reminiscing about the good old days this afternoon...
News Bulletin: You may only be my friend if you know 85% of these words (well, or phrases)...
1. TaleSpin
2. Kit Cloudkicker
3. The Raccoons
4. Cyril Sneer
5. Scrooge McDuck
6. Launchpad McQuack
7. Beserko
8. Longarm O'Malley
9. Muffy the Mouse
10. Sam the night watchman
11. Jeff the mannequin
12. Captain Planet
13. Monterey Jack
14. Zipper
15. Maximilliam Goof
There are others...but I am tired...I hope I still have some friends in the morning...

The Return of the Nerd

2006-01-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today in Physical Science we learned how to measure a box.
It wasn't very exciting.

What was exciting was hearing the fabulous, epic tale of the soupy muffins...all because this guy thought there were 32 ounces in a quart. Good thing Marylou had buns...saved the day. If only he had known that there are only 20 ounces in a quart. Oh man. Who would have thought that it was so important? Not me. (ps. I still don't.)

As my title indicates, this semester is dedicated as the return of the nerd (being me) Even though I have super cool new purple glasses, I am going back to my beloved nerd roots, throwing on the nerd glasses and hopefully getting better grades than last semester. Last semester was adequate...this semester will be great...hopefully.

So far, so good. I already completed the next two weeks' homework in History and Theology. Woohoo. But I have a lots of papers this semester...hopefully getting a job...missions trip to New York during reading week...so we shall see...but so far I am loving the return to my nerd days. Don't worry...I do get out of the house...I may be a nerd, but I'm no loner :)

Now it is time to fill my belly with some delicious supper.
Have a lovely evening one and all.

The Wonderful World of Money

2006-01-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

So money...
Pretty great stuff...if you have some. If you don't, you are screwed. Like honestly, what can you do without it? You can't live in a house, eat food or have clothes...great eh?
Monday was the grand old registration and "hand over all your money" day at school. Great. Except for I forgot that I was registering early because of my module...so I hadn't transferred money over yet, so I was going to have to split the bill between OSAP, debit and Visa...I know, I am a lucky girl...
So I come home and tried to go on online banking so see how much I had in there to figure out exactly how I was going to split it. Except for my online banking wouldn't work. Lovely. So I called the 24 hour number, a little panicky because I had to pay the next day and really had no idea how I was going to do that...I finally got to talk to someone and they started asking really obscure questions.
Now, I am the type of girl to get nervous...I get REAL nervous about banking stuff...I am always afraid that I will get someone with a really strong accent and I won't understand the question and so I will answer incorrectly and then they will think I stole the debit or Visa card...or that I will blank out and answer incorrectly (they have practically your whole life sitting there on the screen in front of them) and they will think I am a fraud. Oh man.
I am in the midst of answering questions with Rob, the bank guy, and he's like, okay, last question - when did you use your debit card last and what was the EXACT amount...Oh great. Like I even remember that. So I guessed...um, the 31st? Yeah, it was the 31st...Oh man, I have no idea how much it was for...um...like 7 bucks? Um...I am sorry - our numbers are quite exact over here and that isn't the amount our screen is showing. Sorry. Goodbye.
Thanks Rob. Thanks a lot.
So I get to registration day and I finished the OSAP line...woohoo...debt.
Went to pay...paid a bunch using debit. Visa for the rest. Super. Declined. Really Super. So I went over to the "you have no money so you have to make payment plans promising to pay for your schooling eventually" line. Woohoo again.
It wasn't really a huge problem, and I was actually grateful not to have this huge Visa bill - I had the money to pay off the rest of my tuition, it just hadn't been transferred yet, so I explained my situation and have until the 13th to pay that. Yes! See you later money...nice knowing you.
I come home and sit down and took a good, long look at my finances and my debt. New York money due soon...Rent money needs to be in my account for the end of the month...I haven't bought any textbooks yet...we just got three bills at the house...Super de-duper. Awesome. Great.
I am applying for jobs currently. I would love to work at Blessings but they aren't hiring...who is these days...no one. Yippee.
So I had to ask my parents for money. I hating asking for help. That sucked. Luckily they are nice and are already in debt and don't mind pushing that even further.
Then, I decided to go for one more trip in the financial world and call to figure out why my visa was declined. Hello...Visa people? Enlighten me. Melissa comes on the phone...when did you try to use your card? The other day. Oh, well that m'am is the problem - the Visa card we gave you only lasted 60 days...um what? My expiration date said 08/08...seems like that is more than 60 days from now...okay. Super. So they are sending me another one - a permanent one...Seems like that information could have been useful to me...a long time ago! Funny how they didn't think to tell me that my Visa card would just randomly expire when I tried to use it...Here is your Visa card, you have two seconds to use it, oh wait, too late...so sorry.
So yeah, that was another little fun financial battle of my week.
So currently I am finding great hilarity in my poor-ness...what else can you do right? It wouldn't even be that bad, if everything didn't happen in the span of like...three days. Ha ha. Yay.
So yeah, these sorts of things make it hard to live, and trust and have faith that you will be able to eat and live and function in society. Ha ha.
But it's all good...it's all under control and He knows what is going on and will take care of me...I would just love knowing when this will all settle down.
Oh well...here's to being poor for the rest of my life! So far it looks like my wedding dowry will be a grand old debt of at least 15,000...YES...won't he just love that...

New Years'

2006-01-01T09:37:00.001-07:00

Holy cow...another year come and gone...It never ceases to surprise me how fast time goes and how little I accomplish in a year :)
I will now dedicate some time to reflection...

Best Things of 2005 (in no particular order)
1. GOD - always amazes me how often I stray away and how often He pulls me back
2. Joining Student Cabinet - corny as it sounds, I have made some AMAZING friends and really find a niche...also found the outgoing Katie I always knew was in there...ha ha...too bad suckers - I am here to stay! :D
3. My summer youth internship at my church - learned SO much, worked with amazing people, grew a whole heck of a lot
4. Moved into the townhouse - Another step of independence, deepening friendships, and just another pleasant experience :)
5. Friends - until this year, I never knew what true friendship was...this year has brought some friggen amazing people into my life (you know who you are)...thanks guys for being there for me and laughing with me!
6. Family - we have grown a lot together and some additions or partial additions, whatever you want to call them, have been made...and that has been wonderful.

New Years' Resolutions for 2006 (no particular order)
1. Continue to grow closer to my amazing God
2. Pass Grammar II :)
3. Beat Redeemer in at least ONE volleyball game...holy cow...
4. Work out more
5. Continue to grow as a person and as a friend
6. Don't drop out of CSE...this is harder than it sounds...ha ha :)

Camera to Sell (again...still...whatever)

2005-12-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hopefully a lot of people still (or ever did I guess) read this because I need it for some personal advertising again! Yes, that is right, I am exploiting my readers and the Internet to my own personal advertising...ha ha ha.

I have a camera to sell. I was trying to sell it before and then forgot about it and then...hello camera...

Anyway, it is anPentax IQZOOM 105 G 35mm Point & Shoot Camera. It's got red eye, flash, landscape, timer and a good zoom. It is extremely easy to use and I have never had any problems with it whatsoever. It's about 5 years old, but again, there's never been a problem. Also, when I bought it, it was an excellent camera, about $325. Included in the price is a set of four films that I bought and haven't used. They are ISO 200 35mm, 24 exposure and they INCLUDE PROCESSING. It is a special kind of film you can buy that when you pay for it, the price includes the multiple day/single copy processing. I also put in a new camera battery right before I stopped using it, so that shouldn't have to be replaced for awhile.

I'm asking $150 for the whole deal. If you are interested or know someone that is, please talk to me about it.

Amazing Song

2005-12-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this song...it's amazing...
They say it better than I can...so here you go...LISTEN TO THE SONG :)

Mountain of God (by Third Day)

Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

And I didn’t even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me

‘Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn’t ever make it
Without You

Even though the journey’s long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who’s gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I’ve been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God

As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again

Sometimes I think of where it is I’ve come from
And the things I’ve left behind
But of all I’ve had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what’s in front of me
With what’s in front of me

Words and music by Mac Powell & Brown Bannister / ©2001 Vandura 2500 Songs (ASCAP) / New Spring, a division of Zomba Enterprises, Inc. (ASCAP). All rights for the US on behalf of Vandura 2500 Songs (ASCAP) administered by Zomba Enterprises, Inc. / Banistuci Music (ASCAP) (adm. by The Loving Company).

Story Behind the Song: 'We've all had those mountaintop experiences. You feel so close to God. You can see for miles. Vision galore. Then life happens, the valley, the struggles. We often think that the valley is a consequence for the sin of our life. But, maybe it's just our life. We're all promised struggle. We all experience suffering. The hope that we have is wonderfully expressed in this song. 'You were there with me.' We don't have to go through the inevitable trials of life on our own. Mac had penned this song a few years ago. This was the time to get it out with a little 3D juice. Much thanks to Ashley Cleveland for taking the song up a notch.' – Tai Anderson (Third Day)

2005-12-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm real bored again...and you know...what to do right? So here I am with my conformo ways...stole this from Pepperdine...you know the whole go to Google and type in "your name needs" well, you can do "your name loves" too...
It's pretty pointless...pretty boring...but hey...it's something...
Here is what I love...apparently...
Katie loves Jason - wow, how did they know? My uncle Jason is pretty cool...
Katie loves her spider - sssshhh...my pet spider was supposed to be a secret! I am never going to be cool ever again!
Katie loves pictures - ha ha...that's pretty funny that that one came up...probably the farthest thing from the truth :P
Katie loves Chrissy - well, I haven't seen my little cousin in awhile, but she was always fun...
Katie loves life - Why yes, yes I do...
Katie loves cake - woah...low blow...what are you trying to say...ha ha...the Christmas tank is coming to town! :D
Katie loves the folks at Katie Holmes pictures - you know, I thought that was a little known secret of mine...but there it is...those folks? I love em...
Katie loves everything Christopher loves - hey, I am no conformo and besides...who is Christopher??
Katie loves wearing her clogs - shoot, I didn't know they could see into the future when someone gives me clogs and I love them...
Katie loves the Muppets and everything having to do with them - wow...I sure do! I just watched the Muppet Family Christmas the other day...
Katie loves the plain-boxed Kraft - KD...oh sure...I could love that forever!
Katie loves sharing her knowledge of the local history - no, they are completely wrong...but while we are on the subject of old buildings, visit downtown Galt to see lovely old architecture...
Katie loves shoulder perches - say what?!

Alright...I have had enough of that...and I am sure I haven't had you since "hello" so...

Funny Christmas Presents

2005-12-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

So, A Walk in the Clouds - you have probably never seen it - it is an old, probably low budget movie with Keanu Reeves. I watched it a bunch of times, always at my friend Kristen's house, probably in about grade 7.
But, after watching it, I never saw it again. I never heard ANYTHING about it, never saw it for sale, NOTHING. For like 6 or 7 years now I guess. I have been asking for it for birthdays and christmases for a couple years now - I remember loving it but could never find it. I didn't remember the whole gist of the movie and was SERIOUSLY starting to wonder if I had made the movie up...dreamt it.
I mean, you know me, I am crazy, and my dreams...man, they are always so complex and weird! So yeah, I was actually, seriously starting to doubt myself if I had actually ever seen the movie and that it was real. You honestly don't even know how much I believed that I had made it up...I mean, I know I am weird and stuff and crazy! I had done stuff like that before...
Anyway, I got it for Christmas...so that is that...it is real...and good...you should watch it...
Oh, other funny story...so we spent a lot of time with my uncle Jay and his fiance Jackie over the last few days (who, by the way, fits into the family SO well and I love her...ha ha) Anyway, so that was good.
Yesterday was our gift exchange with them. Now, I got my present and it was heavy as anything and I heard it move...like water...I thought it was maybe a goldfish :)...
Anyway, I opened it, and it the first thing I saw was, "world famous Italian liqueur"...now, you know me...I can't hide what I am thinking...my face tells all...and apparently it definitely looked like I was trying to look excited. Now, I thought, "Oh, we never use original boxes...let's open it..."
So I did...and I found inside a glass bottle...with liquid inside...oh man. So I pulled it out, turned it over, and there was a shoppers gift card on the other side...it was hilarious!
They know I don't drink and so they wanted to disguise my present and see what I would do...it was hilarious...my face...priceless ha ha...anyway, it was just water of course and man, it was funny.
There you go.
I am tired.
So I wrote down some things I find funny.
You probably don't.
The End

2005-12-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oops...forgot one...
So my Grandma gave my Nana underwear for Christmas (grannies of course...ha ha)...
She opened the box, not ashamed at all, and exclaimed,
"Now I can be clean for Christmas!!"
Needless to say we died laughing.
What a crazy lady.
No wonder I am the way I am!

My Hilarious Nana

2005-12-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

So I got to spend some time with my Nana at my Grandma's house today. I love her. She is the greatest. SO funny!! Maybe you have to meet her, or maybe it's our family's weird sense of humour, but I think she is the greatest and funniest old lady ever...
She is 91 years old. She has been living by herself in a big house in Guelph for about 15 and a half years. She has been widowed for the same amount of time. She has had breast cancer once, maybe twice, and has outlived one of her children. She still goes to parties, gets her hair done and plays cards with her friends once a week. She only lost her license a couple of years ago. My grandma goes over once a week with food from us and other stuff to help her and drive her around (she uses the mobile other days). She doesn't want to be put in a home because she doesn't want to waste her money. When she dies, (which she tells us all the time will be any day now...has been saying that for years) she wants to leave us as much as possible.
Approaching the holidays and hearing people complain she said, "You can either be happy or sad at Christmas. You may as well try and be happy."She is such a trooper. And HILARIOUS.
The other day my Grandma phoned her and the first thing my Nana said (as in, before hello) was, "2 more sleeps till Christmas!"
This afternoon we opened her gifts in front of her as is tradition. Or rather, the gifts my mom bought with the money she gave (she wouldn't know what to buy us so she just gives my mom money). Curtis opened a present from her and she shouts, "Enjoy!" or after one to me from her she said, "I searched long and hard for that gift!"
Before opening one from my mom and dad to her she said, "Thank you. I haven't opened it yet, but thank you." Or after she had finished opening all her gifts she exclaimed, "Well, I'm glad that I came today!" and "I hope I live long enough to enjoy all of this!"
Maybe you think she sounds silly or just plain old or whatever, but take her attitude to heart. She has lived through the Depression, cancer, seeing one of her two children die, her husband die, she lives alone, lost her license, and is often in pain, but can still exclaim, "I really have a great peace. You may as well be happy."
Or better yet...think of our Saviour - who was in HEAVEN - the only perfect place that will ever be...but left it to be ridiculed, mocked, tortured and to die for people who suck (to be quite honest)...and p.s. I am talking about you and me...
So maybe you don't really understand what I have to say...maybe you think it's all a load of crap...but if nothing else...this world can sure do with one happier, one more positive, one more joyful person, can't it?
That's my bit.

Bored Bored Bore

2005-12-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting at my parents' house...bored...again! Ha ha...it's not that there isn't anything to do, or even that I am not having fun - I like hanging out with my family, I am just used to having a campus full of people to do stuff with...so I am bored.
Yesterday, I woke up at 12:00, today it was only 11:00...both days I indulged a lot of time in some Xbox...wrapped some presents...ran some errands...that's about it...oh, and I made some delicious nachos.
So here is this thing...not sure exactly what to call it...I stole the idea from Pepperdine...so blame her if you hate it...

Seven things to do before I die
1. Leave North America
2. Get married or be content with singleness...though I lean towards the first :D
3. Read the whole Bible - front to back...(and not because I have to...OT, NT...ha ha)
4. Take a road trip - picking my destination as I go...
5. Have kids/Adopt kids
6. Find a job I really, really love
7. Finish CSE? We'll see...let's just work at passing Grammar...

Seven things I cannot do
1. Grow wings
2. Build a house
3. Drive stick
4. Live through a week without taking any pictures...
5. Give up napping
6. Eat Big feet holding the heel (you gotta hold the toe!)
7. Confront people without being deathly afraid :)

Seven things that will attract me to my husband-to-be (ha ha...this is silly!)
1. Faith in God and growing relationship with Him
2. Sense of humour
3. Athleticism (well...he's got to at least enjoy watching me play!)
4. Ability to hold up a good convo
5. Build - not to be picky...but I don't see myself with a tiny little stick boy :)
6. Easy-going-ness (I realize that isn't a word)
7. His willingness to be called LaKeisha... ha ha :D

Seven things I say most often (I couldn't think of much...you tell me...)
1. Oh man
2. What the heck?
3. Oh crap
4. Hate hate hate
5. Anyway...
6. Obviously...
7. Sucky...

Seven books (or series) I love
1. Bible
2. Anything by Max Lucado
3. Blue Like Jazz
4. Stuff by Brennan Manning
5. God in the Alley
6. Waking the Dead
7. Mary Higgins Clark's books...

Seven movies I would watch over and over again
1. King Kong
2. That Thing You Do
3. Coach Carter
4. Finding Nemo
5. What About Bob
6. One Fine Day
7. Italian Job

Seven random things that I like
1. My Pink and Black shoes
2. Singing really badly on purpose
3. Walking around when it's snowing
4. Going to Timmy's
5. A Cold Bed (but not too cold...)
6. Swimming
7. Beaker

Weirdest Dream Ever

2005-12-17T01:59:00.000-07:00

So yeah...wednesday night I think...I had the weirdest dream ever...weird enough that you should read it, enjoy it, laugh a bit, cry a bit, and then read it again...
I shall call it...

KATIE'S TRIP TO BIZARRO-WORLD

So I am in a foreign country, or at least it seems like a foreign country, and possibly on a mission’s trip, but I am not sure. I am supposed to take my team to have supper with my youth pastor and wife and another couple (who I never make out clearly). I decided however, to leave my team to find their own way to supper, and go early. I would rather visit with my youth pastor and wife. (I know, I'm a pretty nice person...)
So I make it to supper and they are surprised to see me without my team. But I distract them by showing them this huge mother engagement ring I have on. Pretty sure it was green and gold...but colour aside, it was HUGE...though I'm quite certain it was gaudy. Shelby, my youth pastor's wife, yells out that I am engaged, we talk for awhile about my fiancé, and then my team arrives and we eat.
Then, all of a sudden, I am at the school (Heritage). Upon coming to the school, I can sense that maybe I am not actually engaged, but I am not really sure, so I move the ring to another finger just in case.
I then decide to go for a hot tub. The hot tub (which doesn't really exist) is in the weight room. I go in there for awhile...and I might be naked, I'm not sure...it was weird. I head out and have to quick get changed because I am supposed to be in a wedding.
I proceed to my locker in hopes to find a change of clothes because I realize I didn't bring any with me. As I head to my locker, I pass a door to the gym, and out walk a bride and groom who just got married. I can sense that this guy was the one I thought I was supposed to be marrying. Rats...that was pretty disappointing.
Through the door I can see that the next wedding is starting shortly - Naomi is about to get married. (Go Naomi!) Naomi isn't wearing a wedding dress though, but a black and red skirt and a black and red top.
I am supposed to be in the wedding party. I get to my locker and luckily there is a change of clothes and not just my smelly volleyball clothes. I have a nice pair of beige pants and, oh no, a black and red top. I am suddenly quite worried about upstaging the bride, Naomi.
That scene ends abruptly, and all of a sudden I am in a kitchen somewhere. I walk over to a sliding drawer and open it. Oh hello, it's toilet. So I go to the bathroom on this toilet in a sliding drawer in a kitchen somewhere. So WEIRD. But I am okay with it. In fact, I have a grand time - I decide to slide back and forth as I go to the bathroom on this toilet in a sliding drawer in a kitchen somewhere. I am smiling. I might be waving my arms. I pee for a long, long time.
Then, I woke up. It took me a minute to process what the heck the dream was all about. Then, I realized I needed to go to the bathroom. So, I did, and I peed for a long, long time. Then, since it was only 10:30 am, I went back to bed and slept for another two hours.
And that my friends, was the weirdest dream ever.
The end.

The Senior Citizen Experience

2005-11-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

How about a funny story?
It is called: My Hair...
So, this weekend was our fabulous student cabinet retreat. We headed off to Petra's house in Kincardine and had the loveliest of times. Swimming, games, movies and more - it was nice and relaxing, but most of all...super fun.
Megan, Petra and I decided to continue the retreat at their house. So, upon returning on Saturday, the three of us headed over to their house in Kitchener for a mini retreat of our own. Oh, the fun we had. TV, chocolate, hockey game, sleeping in...it was just glorious. And then, a brilliant idea...
"Katie, you should dye your hair."
"Funny you should say that, I was actually considering that the other day!"
"Well, you should...you should dye it brown."
"Hmm...... okay!"
And there is was, the decision of a lifetime, or at least of the weekend; I would dye my hair.
We bought the dye and proceeded with this exciting procedure.
With a before picture taken, we went on and my hair would never be the same. We waited and waited and it was time...
Oh, the hair dyeing was complete, and boy, what a nice brown it was on my head! I sat there quite pleased with my brown little head of hair and we all agreed - this was a worthwhile experience. With wet hair not the optimal state of being, I went on to blow-dry...ah yes, still a very lovely brown colour; I sure did love the colour of my hair.
After a gripping television show, Megan drove me to the school for 3:16, a College and Career thing that just started up. Upon arriving at the school, it was my impression that I had a lovely head of brown hair.
After a great time of worship at 3:16, I proceeded to walk around and show off my new colouring. Noelle was one of the first to approach me,
"Katie...did you dye your hair?"
"Yes", quite pleased with myself...
"Do you like it?"
"Yeah, yeah I do."
"Oh...good...well...what colour is it supposed to be?"
"What do you mean what colour? Brown...obviously!"
"Hmm...yeah...brown."
Walking away quite confused, I thought to myself, "That Noelle, she is a weird kid."
I couldn't put my finger on why she would not love my beautiful shade of brown.
And then, Erin Baxter come over with a big smile,
"Did you dye your hair?"
"Yes."
"Do you like it?"
"Yeah, I do!"
"Is it permanent?"
"Yeah, what are you talking about, of course it's permanent!"
Again, I walked away quite confused thinking to myself - that Erin, she is a weird kid too.
All of a sudden I was really confused - if my hair was so lovely and brown, why would it be that people were confused at the permanent factor of this? I decided to go check it out, so I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror, expecting to see a nice little girl with a lovely head of brown hair. However, when I sneaked a peek at myself, I saw a gray head of hair!
How could this be? When I left Megan and Petra's, my hair was definitely brown! I have A PICTURE of lovely little me with BROWN hair!
To this day, I don't know exactly what went on in that little noggin of mine...all I know is this...I now get a very nice Senior Citizens discount!

Chicken Little

2005-11-05T01:12:00.000-07:00

So, I went with a bunch to see Chicken Little tonight...
SOOOO good...hilarious!
Yeah, you heard me right - I enjoy embracing my child-like side...OFTEN!
But seriously, it was great...

And here is my favourite part - it was so cute...

Chicken Little and this girl duck, Abby, are talking at the beginning and it slips that she thinks that Chicken Little is cute. Then, nearing the end, Chicken Little says to Abby in a very quick, nervous voice, "By the way......I have always found you very attractive...", kisses her, and then runs away...

It was so cute...I definitely think that that is how it should happen in real life!

Well, maybe not quite like that...never mind, yep, that is exactly how it should happen!
Ha, oh man, I crack myself up...
Oh emotions, they are so silly.
The End.
P.S. Watch Chicken Little...so fun...and if you need someone to go with...I'll go again!

2005-10-16T02:24:00.000-06:00

So I am sitting at my desk realizing that I haven't written in my blog in quite some time...

I know you probably missed me...and so even though I should be doing something else, I said, "No Katie...your fans, they need you. They wake up each morning just to check your blog."
"No way," I said back to myself, but I responded,
"Oh yes, they sure do. Just the other day I ran into Noelle and you know what she said?" "What?" I asked myself, "What did Noelle say?"
"Well, she said that she woke up like usual, ate a delicious breakfast but skipped her morning coffee so she could get straight to reading a great blog entry. Then, as she checked the site, she let out a yelp (and a loud one at that!). Could the site be wrong? Am I blind? Did Katie really forget to update her blog again? Oh, the poor news hit her hard and knocked her right off her recliner computer chair and hard onto the floor. Poor Noelle suffered a concussion that morning. Then, after waking from the concussion (in slight amnesia), she checked the blog...Oh Noelle, poor, poor Noelle...she suffered many a concussion that day..."
"That is terrible," I said to myself, "Who knew that I was so needed...so loved...a person that could inflict multiple concussions in one blow?"

That was my epiphany one fine October day...now, with my update complete (and a great lesson learned)...I do believe somewhere out there, leaves are calling my name...calling me to crush them under my feet...and who can deny the leaves?

Worst Poem Ever

2005-09-29T20:31:00.000-06:00

So I wrote this one about a week ago...and didn't really like it as a poem...it says exactly what I want it to...I just don't think it says it well...

Oh well...here it is anyway...I have said before and I will say again...I write for myself or for God (sometimes for people but rarely)...so if you don't like...I don't really care all that much...it says what I want it to...

Letting the Cookie Crumble
By: Katie Flietstra

A new thought breaks into my day…

Yours Lord,
I give it all to You –
My thoughts and dreams,
The worries of this day.

Consume my thoughts,
Permeate my being,
Fill my life,
And let me live with JOY.

Yours Lord,
Take it from me –
My fears and worries,
The stresses that arise.

Consume my thoughts,
Permeate my being,
Fill my life,
And let me live with JOY.

Yours Lord,
Put me in my place –
Let humbleness of self reign,
As you take the glory.

Consume my thoughts,
Permeate my being,
Fill my life,
And let me live with JOY.

Yours Lord,
I am content to be –
Trusting and waiting,
In the challenges you bring.

Break me.

Katie Gets Sentimental...

2005-09-29T19:11:00.000-06:00

So today in Theology I was bored once again...which is a shame because I love the class and the content...I just get so restless...Anyway, Kristine beside me goes..."Hey, write me a poem" (like I can just come up with poetic genius on the spot!) and so I said, "Sure."...and sure enough, I actually had some thoughts...so here is a little poem about a very special girl who you should all get to know. You already know her first name...and I won't tell you her last name, but it is something like...Fruit of the Loom...but that's all I will say!

(For those of you who are first time readers...this is not my usual style...I am usually must more witty and sarcastic...I don't know...something about Kristine just gets me all sentimental...ha ha...but yeah, I like to at least try being sweet every once in awhile...so here is my latest attempt at kindness...PS...for those of you who are jealous...very few people get this privilege of me writing for them...pretty much I just don't think I am that great so I get embarassed with my writing...she happens to be in my secret club so she's an exception to my rule...)

Ode to Kristine
By: Katie Flietstra

Curly hair,
Or straight,
So sweet -
A little girl we call Kristine.

Breezed into my life
One fine September day,
I thought, "Hey, I'd like to know
The girl who just walked away."

But alas she was a model,
And way too good for me,
So our friendship was brief,
As in, non-existing.

Ha, that was a joke,
And good thing to -
I've started to get to know her,
And hopefully, you'll get to too.

You see, our friendship
Has a nice little ring -
"Life, love and happiness,"
It's quite the beautiful thing.

She's quite the special gal,
My curly-haired little friend -
How lucky I'd be,
If she was my friend to the very end.

Humour we have,
Sentiment too -
This is one of those things
That's just too good to be true.

A friend I have,
So great is she -
A girl we call
Curly-haired Kristine.

Mmm...Moldy Cheese Anyone??!

2005-09-26T22:51:00.000-06:00

I wrote a poem in English Grammar Ridiculous...
It's fun...it's great...so read it...
There might be hidden implications and metaphors, but there might not...it's up to you to decide...

“W” is for Wheel

By: Katie “Veteran Wheel” Flietstra

The cheese stands Alone
To face another day,
She holds her head up high,
As she heads on her way.

The cheese stands Alone,
But sometimes with friends,
Though they don’t understand
How she feels in the end.

The cheese stands Alone,
And though joy covers her face,
In large groups,
She often feels out of place.

The cheese stands Alone,
And questions her life,
The decisions she has made –
How it has caused her strife.

The cheese stands Alone,
Her beauty she does see,
Though only in Him
Will see ever feel free.

The cheese stands Alone,
Being pure feels so right –
She links with others
To help fight the good fight.

The cheese stands Alone,
And as she notices the mold –
She learns from the mistakes of others,
And to her virtues she does hold.

The cheese stands Alone,
Thanking God for His plan
Of life, love and happiness,
While others settle for just any man.

Circus Day for Bad Poets Anonymous

2005-09-23T12:46:00.000-06:00

So, I have renamed Thursday, "Circus Day for Bad Poets Anonymous"...and so hereby and therefore and hereafter, etc...everyone shall know Thursday as "Circus Day for Bad Poets Anonymous".

You see, my Thursday classes just make me want to write poems non-stop...maybe because they are boring or maybe because they are so creatively stimulating I just can't stop myself...you be the judge...All I will say is this...I was VERY VERY close to jamming my pen in my eye this afternoon...but that's all I will say...

Anyway, today and this past weekend has been an emotional one...a mother, only in her early 40's got some severe cancer, I have just been missing my grandpa like crazy and have been tired and stressed so my emotions have just been retarded...then we had the final memorial service for Frederick Sharp, the guy from school who passed away in June...anyway, having "It Is Well With My Soul" (for those of you who know my whole thing with that song) stuck in my head and all this going on...just not cool!

Anyway, so here is my poem...it's not funny so be prepared not to laugh...

Days of Fog

The rain comes crashing down
Through the night,
And through the day,
Fog.

Life stands still,
But you
Jump and laugh,
Rejoice.

Hearts are breaking,
The world is turning,
Spinning backwards,
Forever.

I see your face
In the distance,
Hear your voice,
Softly.

I remember your touch,
But feel it rarely;
Crying out, just to
See.

Your existence
Was so precious;
I hope you know your
Legacy.

I know it’s right
I just wonder
Why he had to leave, us on
Earth.

Thank You Jesus
For life so precious
Give me understanding, grant me
Peace.

One day I’ll know,
Someday I’ll see you,
Till then I miss you,
Bobby B.

The Coolest Girl I Know (aka Ode to Megan Hicks)

2005-09-16T12:21:00.000-06:00

Megan Hicks
came by horse and buggy
one day
to meet the new kids at school.

She was friendly
She was funny
And we all thought
She was super cool.

She tried to talk
to one shy girl
(who, with superior hotness
reigned).

But this shy girl
hid behind her ponytail
And temporarily,
This friendship went down the drain.

Then this shy girl
lost her shyness
and said, "That Megan Hicks,
she seems fun."

So she joined Megan
on precious student cabinet,
and now cheers her on
When she goes on long runs.

Ah yes, a beautiful friendship
This may be
But it only started Megan Hicks,
befriended a new girl named Katie.

Quench

2005-09-16T12:16:00.000-06:00

Here's another poem I wrote...I had some breakthroughs in Intro to Theology 1 Class today...got this one going and then Megan Hicks begged me to write a poem for her...so I did...that one is next.
I love putting thoughts to words and then down on paper. I love when thoughts just come together. I love how God works - even when it doesn't seem like it. I love living for Him...sure is hard though! :)
Alright, here it is...

Quench
By: Katie Flietstra

Driven by feelings
Of the happenings of yesterday,
Hearts are hurting
From the decisions that have been made.

A loving God
Seems too good to be true,
Worry takes me over
Turning my focus from You.

Complications, confrontations
This place that I’m in –
My mind is torn, and I
Don’t know where to begin.

Gracious Father, quench the flame
Of stress and of fear –
Bring me back to that place
Where I hold You so dear.

A change in tide,
A new place I am to be?
All these questions, left unanswered,
I just want to see.

Precious Jesus, bring back passion
Of days long ago,
And in trusting and in waiting
May it be Your presence that I know.

2005-09-08T19:00:00.000-06:00

Beauty in the Sky

I found you, just the other day
On a walk, I was, until…
There you were.
Had You been there long?
I wasn’t to know,
It just, changed me.

Beautiful the sight –
Gives me joy to see
The colours You bring to my day.
Walking with You,
Hand in hand?
All I know is that I’m not the same.

Now I see life,
Differently –
Each day is now so new.
The only question I ask myself
Is where would I be
Without You?
---
So I wrote another poem...whooppee...it's not that great...I was just bored in my first day of Intro to Theology 1...it's going to be a good class - we just had introductory stuff today, so I wrote something.
Believe it or not, the poem is actually about my love-obsession with the sky...I love the sky...I think it is SO cool and such an amazing, yet simply way for God to show us His glory. The sky makes me happy.
That's about...I am super tired...been socializing and drinking Diet Coke WAY too much this week (oh Crabby Joe's...fun fun times...with my retard straw....)...so I think I shall take a nap and then maybe go hang out at the school...play a little bball or something...

Cheers.

Here We Go Again...

2005-09-05T13:20:00.000-06:00

So, I have been a busy busy lady this past week...

We finished up training week with some very unexpected changes............but overall it was just awesome! We took a lot of time to talk together about our summers and what we are learning. We also took a lot of time to pray together and go on prayer walks and really just get focused on God and the year.

And of course, besides the awesome spiritual bonding time, we had a TON of fun...ah deer crossing, my favourite...I've got to say that getting to know new people was my favourite of the week...our team (stuca and ra's combined) is so fun...we have a lot of funny people on there...megan and petra...you made me laugh...forever!

We started "O" week yesterday...all the REZ students moving in...we got to help with that - so fun...I loved it - meeting all these new people, who already love me! :D
Then, I got to be the greeter...so mostly just fighting with Stef, having hula hoop tossing contests and the like...

Yeah, yesterday was SO good...I already know the year is going to be super fantastic! The new students are a lot of fun - very eager to help, to participate, etc. Fun times...

Back to work is me...

(that last sentence was sucky grammar...probably because I failed my grammar test today...well, I am assuming I did...oh boy)

Peace, homies.

Quotes

2005-08-31T12:20:00.000-06:00

Mmmmmmm....last day of work!

Sadness reigns but so does joy...

Training week this week for STUCA and RA's...some wicked fun had this week...all 17 or so of us have been getting along really well I've found and just had a blast! Making breakfast for Student Services staff, the Newspaper Bridge (clearly I'm not an architect...), Mini Golf and stupid sand traps, the "Dipped Cone Fiasco" and much much more...but at least I've always had a comfortable "chair" to sit on...

Before I head off, some very random but very awesome quotes:

“We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.”
-- Douglas M. Lawson

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity”

-- 1 Timothy 4:12

“If you want to grow up, go up. Associate with people whose achievements exceed your own and model the growth you desire.”

--John Maxwell

“The greatest leaders in the world are the ones that readily admit that they don’t know it all.”

“Attitudes are contagious! Is yours worth catching?”

“I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it.”

-- Charles Swindoll

Love Gives with NO Strings Attached
Love has a HUMBLE Heart and Attitude
Love is RESPECTFUL and Courteous of Others
Love is quick to FORGIVE

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.”

- Erma Bombeck

“May you live every day of your life.”

- Jonathan Swift

So there is that...I don't have time to explain my thoughts on all of them...so just read them and imagine me (with hand on chin in a pondering fashion) giving you some very wise advice...

2005-08-21T17:22:00.000-06:00

Me and the high school students that work for me! We had a blast all summer, but especially this week...we meshed quite nicely which always helps when you are ministering together!! (check out other pictures from my trip on my msnspace: http://spaces.msn.com/members/bestmissuniverseever/PersonalSpace.aspx?owner=1)

2005-08-21T17:18:00.001-06:00

Me, Roslyn and some of the CRAZY girls...ask me about Natasha (girl in blue)...some wicked funny stories!!

2005-08-21T17:18:00.000-06:00

There is my gash...yet another embarassing moment in my life...probably should've had stitches...oh well!

2005-08-21T17:17:00.000-06:00

We saw the COOLEST graffiti in Hamilton...This missions trip really changed me...I now LOVE graffiti!! :D

Exciting Breaking News

2005-08-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

Ha ha...

Gotcha.

There is no exciting breaking news...well, except for that I'm gorgeous...but that's not really new...

I just like tricking you into reading my blog...Muahahahahaaaaa...(my evil laugh)

This is actually worthwhile though - Last night around 12:20am I had just finished writing in my journal and tried to fall asleep when all of a sudden...Ka-boom...and Ta-da...the perfect poem shot into my head. So, what did I do? Well of course...I turned my light back on, grabbed my eyes and put them on and began to write...

Here are the results: (if you don't like it, I don't care! :D ... It was written by me, for me - as a reflection upon my trip to Hamilton...and, I was tired...)

CROSS - FIRE

Have you ever considered the log?
Looked at life from its point of view?
Some think they are burning,
Others think they are getting burnt,
Some are completely unsure of their purpose.
"Hello?! I am being smothered,
Completely covered in flames...
I'm dying here!
Why am I on fire?
For Your enjoyment,
Pleasure,
Is there something bigger going on?"

I'm quite sure that some enjoy the challenge of continual burning.
There's a constant chant,
"We can do it, we can do it, we can do it..."
They are surrounded by wet logs,
Logs who refuse to burn,
Refuse to discover their Destiny.
"What's the point of trying?" the other logs ask.
But these logs persevere,
They enjoy being on FIRE.

The others.
They always think they are getting burnt,
Chewed up
Destroyed.
When really, they are doing what they were meant to do -
Just in the wrong mindset.
They cling to wet logs,
Even Dirt,
Trying to extinguish the pain
Rather than clinging to the others,
Taking advantage of the
CROSS - FIRE
Those other logs have.
"What's up with them?" they asked,
"How about they tone it down a bit -
Making us look bad!"

Or maybe, we all just need to step it up a notch,
Feed the FIRE,
Take one for the team,
Feel the burn,
Find the Passion...
And Live
Life
To the fullest.

In a world of wet logs and dirt,
I love a good challenge;
Maybe that is why I am a Christian.

Missions Trip to Hamilton

2005-08-20T21:49:00.000-06:00

Wow.

I just spent probably the best week of my entire life. Brad (my youth pastor), myself and the five high school students that work for me headed to Hamilton last Saturday for a one week missions trip. We were there primarily to help Hughson Street Baptist Church run week 5 out of 6 of their day camps. It is an inner city church that has a HUGE heart for the heart, for the people, and for making God famous. They run an incredible amount of programs - and go on faith for God to provide resources. It was awesome to see the testify of God's faithfulness to a church that is very passionate about Him.

This was my first (hopefully of many) mission trip. I came with some anxiety, but with the attitude of a learner - hoping to learn to enter into God's ministry wherever I was and whoever I talked to. As I grew throughout the week, I just got more and more frustrated to how comfortable my life is - don't worry, to me - being frustrated is a good thing, it pushes me to be greater!

Anyway, I was in my element the whole week. Working with kids, being my crazy self, talking to people and just listening to stories...I loved every minute of it! In fact, by Friday, I was pumped to stay another week...but we had to go... :(

I was convicted of being ignorant almost right away. We went on a prayer walk on Sunday...I think I was almost crying the whole time. By Sunday I was broken for the city and for the people and continued in that state for the week...may I never not be broken...

The staff at Hughson was awesome! God really prepared their hearts and ours to work together! We got along SO well - they often went to dinner or lunch or whatever with us - we had a sad goodbye on Friday!! However, I did meet one of their staff, one of the interns, Erin, who is coming to Heritage in two weeks or so, and she is just like me in many ways...so yeah, we had a lot of fun with her and all the rest of the staff as well!

We had between like 20-30 kids everyday - many of whom acted out, yelled out, and just needed to be listened to and loved. However, even just in this week we saw some cool improvements in the attitudes of many of the kids - they warmed up to us (the people from Forward - they already knew the Hamilton crew...many of the kids go to more than one day camp week) very quickly, and that really helped - we had SO much fun!

We also did many "mission plunges". The girls picked up garbage while the guys played basketball with neighbour people. We went to Living Rock, a ministry to street youth, and the kids served breakfast and greeted the teenagers while Brad and I just grabbed breakfast and sat down to talk with the youth. That was awesome. We also went to help at Mission Services - a rehabilitation program for adult males struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, and they also help homeless people. So we served them supper and then grabbed a plate and ate with them. Spencer (one of our high school kids) and I sat down with this one guy, Tony, who shared his whole life story with us. I was able to give him some Timmy's certificates and some for one of his friends which felt AWESOME - I couldn't stop smiling!! We went there again and prepared lunch and also did some major cleaning in the apartments they are renovating for the men to live in.

One night we also went on a walk down King St. - that was cool. It is the weirdest thing though, to see distinguished buildings on one side of the street, and then on the other side - bars, adult entertainment and run-down houses. It's crazy and very sad. We also had some ethnic restaurant experiences - "My Thai" and the "Gate of India" - very delicious!

Anyway - yeah, best week ever! Our team got along super well, we had some fun chill times at Chapters and Booster Juice (wicked place). Great memories, a changed life, and passion for the future!

Oh yeah, and an open wound on my leg...but that's another story...

Later days! Cheers everybody...

Craziness

2005-08-11T22:07:00.000-06:00

So…I am in the midst of two ridiculously crazy weeks…

This week is another day camp – 65 kids grades 1-6…yes, you are right, it is fun…Okay, so I am having a blast…that is until today (more later)…

Anyway, so I spend from 7 am – 5 pm at the church and our various locations, and my nights at the townhouse because Jarett’s friends from New Brunswick are down and this is my only week to see them. This week has been awesome, so friggen’ fun – but I am beat, so incredibly tired…it’s not funny – not even in my incredible giddy state…

A lot is happening – roommate shifting in the townhouses and trying to figure that all out. Finishing up the day camp Friday and then leaving Saturday for a week in inner city Hamilton on a missions trip with my youth pastor and my kiddos…Trying to get ready for school and STUCA and figuring out finances and how I am going to do everything I need to do…I haven’t even had time to think about moving and packing and all that…not really looking forward to even thoughts of it.

So Wednesday – ah yes, the most hilarious afternoon of my life. Most embarrassing, but most hilarious nonetheless. We went bowling (where I kicked butt of course) and then swimming at the Waterloo Rec Centre.

A few disclaimers and sidenotes:
a. We had NO injuries in our EXTREME Sports Day Camp two weeks ago
b. I am VERY VERY tired
c. I am BLIND without my glasses
d. I was very GIDDY and subsequently out of it today

Alright, so we get to the place and go to the locker room…Ah yes, a lovely place to start the embarrassment. Well...basically, I stuffed a bunch of stuff (mine and other peoples) into a locker, paid the quarter and then learned it was out of order (there was a big sign on the front...I Am Very Tired)...then I put it in another one, but locked it wrong and wasted a quarter, so I had to put it in another one...not the best story of the day...it just started me out on the wrong foot.

So I went to the kiddy pool, and in my state of tiredness, proceeded to fall a couple times from the couple inch high drop-offs that are apparently obvious.
So I went to the water slide. Now, I was wearing a tee-shirt over my suit to promote maximum modesty at day camp. Apparently, that wasn’t as good as an idea as I thought. I went down; on my back of course because I am cool, and about 15 feet to the bottom of the slide, I stopped (the resistance from my shirt being too much). There I was. I good see the lifeguards, they could see me. I could see people from my group, they could see me. So I did what any dignified person would do…I pushed myself down the rest of the way and graceful glided into the water.
After conquering the water slide, I went on to the hot tub. Now again, I am blind. I see a five-inch wall, a gap for the run-off and then another five-inch wall. I play out the logics and decide that you must have to jump into the hot tub…so I did. I made quite the splash – a near cannonball – and apologize to the people around (it was quite crowded everywhere there that day) and then the lifeguard comes over. Great. She points me to the path where you can, quite nicely, walk gradually into the hot tub. Oops. So I sit there, and then a few seconds later, another lifeguard comes over and says something – I couldn’t hear her though because it was so loud, so I just figured she wanted us out, so myself and the two kids that were with me, got out. (Turns out people from day camps weren’t allowed in…but I think they just hate me for doing a cannonball in the hot tub! :) )
So I move on to the high diving board. Now again, I am blind. Plus, I don’t really prefer heights so that is not really fun. However, I love a good adrenaline rush and new challenges, so I figure I will just tackle the high dive and move on (I guess I forgot what kind of day I was having!). I did a successful dive, a cannonball and then went up for round number three; another dive. Woohoo. I am pumped for this one. I wait for my turn patiently, yet anxiously. My fear of heights makes me want to get off quickly, so I figure I shall run (or at least shuffle) and dive. Now again, I am blind and the greenish board blended in far too well with the water providing a very bad situation for me, the very blind girl. So I take off, shuffle shuffle shuffle and …… JUMP…… except when you are diving, you stay closer to the board then when you are jumping…plus…in my anxiousness, I believe I dove about a foot too soon because on my way down, thwack, thwack, the very springy board smashed into my legs (at least twice), providing quite the crippling effect. Now, when you are in the diving position, it is quite difficult to get out of that position. So, in the impact on the water and from some reenactments, I believe I flew in the air and hit the water like an upside-down cannonball. (Yes, you may laugh, I haven’t stopped laughing since it happened). Considering the gracefulness that so normally surrounds me, this dive was quite…nice.
So, I proceeded to sit in the kiddy pool, 19 years old, with my legs up, ice packs on, quite embarrassed. I then had to go fill out an accident report and confess my age to which I said…"I’m 19…I’m 19!!!" thoroughly ashamed at my complete lack of skill…and how the injury occurred…"I went off the high dive. I dove. That’s all."
There you have it. Five humbling experiences in one afternoon. A very nice reminder to myself that I am definitely no better than anyone else.

2005-08-06T20:06:00.000-06:00

Today we had a garage sale. I made some money...to cover the back to school shopping I did last night...crap. I wish I could tell you that I didn't thoroughly enjoy it...

Let's just face the facts: I am an organized person. I love being organized. Making schedules relaxes me. I am a visual learner; making and following a "to do" list is the only way I operate. I also like browsing. Walking around, figuring out the best deals and how to coordinate different items...within a budget of course...fun fun...

I also babysitting today. And two days ago. For the same people. They love me; I love me...I mean, I love them...it is a nice bond...quite harmonious.

I love kids. I love when they say funny things. I love their innocence. I love how everything is special to them and "stupid" is a very rude word. Today, the two year old girl, Addison (one of the five I was babysitting), kissed me on the arm quite sweetly and then on the watch. She is quite the snuggler.

I love watching kids movie. Every movie has a good strong theme and lesson behind it and everyone but the bad guy has great morals. Friends stick together. You don't make fun of people. You put on a happy face and sing a song. And most of all, you don't give up. Plus, every time they want to stress a point, they play a very subtle tune...okay, so they play a tune that is only ever played when stressing a point (mainly used on family matters and full house).

Don't you wish life was like that? Most people had good morals (and it was clear who doesn't and why that's bad), and every time you are supposed to pay attention and learn something, some soft music is played. That would be nice...but not challenging...I like being challenged!!

Well, I think I am off to watch Tarzan. Yes, the kids are in bed. And yes, I still want to watch Tarzan.

May your morals be clear. May you never be satisfied with an un-challenging life. And May you never forget to embrace your childlike side!

Nifty Survey: Get to know your Blogmaster

2005-07-31T21:01:00.000-06:00

Yes - a survey...don't you love it! and me for letting you get to know me better!

Ha ha...I've always loved surveys...no one else does...

But this is my blog so I can do whatever I want and force you to read whatever I choose...

So there.

I stole this right from Clifford's blog - I hate doing the dirty work of actually finding a good survey :) Disclaimer: if you read Cliff's, this one will disappoint you. Cliff is funny, I am not. Sorry. (I blame the library and George Bush...I'm not sure why...)

So read it and love me!

A is for age: 19
B is for booze: Never. EVER.
C is for career: Hopefully a teacher, somewhere, someday...but I think I'd be okay with being an active housewife...so we'll see...
D is for dad's name: Johnny Boy...or A.D. for Angry Dutchman... :)
E is for essential items to bring to a party: ME...because I am funny...contrary to popular belief...
F is for favorite song at the moment: Brave or Real to Me by Nichole Nordeman, I Have No Opinion by John Reuben or a bunch of songs from the newest MaryMary cd...(I know...not very decisive)...
G is for goals: Finish school (with honours...or just change my name to Katie Suma Cum Laute...then they have to say it!!), Get a Job I love, Marry/Find Contentness with Singleness, and just live a happy life in pursuit of God!
H is for hometown: Cambridge...now you KNOW I'm boring!
I is for instruments you play: Tenor Recorder...boo-yah!
J is for jam or jelly you like: Jelly...Grape Jelly...
K is for kids: I LOVE kids...hope to work with them for the rest of my life and have a few somewhere down the road...
M is for mom's name: Sandra Lee...though most called her Sandy...unless you are Laura that is...
N is for name of your best friends: Too many to name...they know who they are...
O is for overnight hospital stays: Went in at 11pm one night after a freakish allergy incident (at this point I had been without sleep for 40 hours)...fell asleep at 1am, woke up to an old man's butt right in front of my face...didn't get seen until 3:30am...yes, good times...good good times...
P is for phobia[s]: Needles, Scaring myself silly...ah, just kidding, I do that all the time...Becoming so crazed that I laugh at my own jokes...whoops, do that too...So I guess just needles...
Q is for quote you like: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." (Erma Bombeck)
R is for relationship that lasted the longest: 19 years...and for everyone of those 19 years, I have loved myself a great deal!
S is for siblings: Tim and Curt
T is for travel: Pennsylvania with the youth group a couple times to this amazing week-long camping thing with 60 bands and a bunch of speakers...90,000 people in a huge valley...a Christian Woodstock sort of deal...SO WICKED
U is for unique trait: HELLO, everything! We are all unique...though I do seem to have an abundant amount of quirks...
V is for vegetable you love: Corn
W is for worst trait: That I'm a sinner...no getting around that...
X is for x-rays you've had: My ankle...it was swollen to capacity...they took an Xray and then the doctor told me, "Well clearly you can see it's not broken" told me to walk on it for 6 weeks and dismissed me. For the record...I could not see that it wasn't broken and if I wanted advice like that, I could've asked my family instead of waiting in an office for 3 hours!!
Y is for yummy food you make: Everything...just kidding...I make a mean omlet (or so I think) and many other various food items...
Z is for zodiac sign: Gemini? I don't really know...June 1st...you all can figure it out for yourself!

Firsts
First job: Does a paper route count? First real job was at our public library...for 3 years...now you REALLY know how boring I am!
First funeral: My Oma? Think so...there have been far too many...
First piercing: Zero...hooray! I hate needles!
First credit card: VISA
First enemy: Satan
First favorite musician/band: Petra all the way! Just kidding...probably good ole Newsboys/DC Talk...

Lasts
Last movie watched: Italian Job
Last beverage drank: Diet Pop
Last phone call: Not sure...it was an obscene call...
Last Shower: NEVER...ha ha...this morning to look my loveliest for church :)
Last CD played: Brave by Nichole Nordeman
Single or Taken: Single, woohoo!
Comments on Sex: Female...um, saving it all for marriage...yep, I think that's all I need to say!
Birthday: June 1st
Hair color: Blonde...and getting more so by the day!
Eye color: Blue
Right now what are you wearing: Something that looks hot
How hot is Clifford Thunderbolt [I kept this one in just for kicks :)] : Not quite as hot as Katie...but getting there!

My Life is Full of Bans

2005-07-29T19:00:00.000-06:00

Okay, not really FULL of bans...but lately I've become a lot more determined about living a more disciplined life.

I've been reading "Every Young Woman's Battle" lately for this mentoring thing I am doing and am actually really enjoying it. It is challenging me. Yesterday I had an "I hate the world" day...not like I hate living or hate people or even hate life...rather, I hate the pressures the world puts on people, I hate the world's views on beauty, love...many many things actually! This book has made me realize again just how crazy life is and how much we have to steer ourselves away from in a day.

Anyway, I went from these "I hate the world" thoughts to "I hate the church" thoughts. Clarifying - I would never leave my faith, EVER. I hate the state of the church. I'm not perfect, in fact, I am far from it - but where and when did Christians ever get off thinking they could be normal, thay they could fit in with the world, that they could stop pursuing God fervently and passionately with their whole life and just live complacently. Yes, I was quite angry!

Don't get me wrong and I really hope I offend no one - that is not my intention AT ALL...I am just being really challenged right now and it's hard for me to watch the world continue to be corrupted.

I guess this all started because a bunch of youth group kids went to see "Wedding Crashers". Again - these are personal decisions, I am just telling you that I would never see that movie - not condemning those who saw it. The 26 "f" words and countless sexual references, scenes and the like just don't make for a movie I want to see...

So I went from having an "I hate the world" day and being frustrated with myself for not challenging myself enough, for not pursuing God enough and read this in "Every Young Woman's Battle"...

"I once recorded two hours of prime-time television shows, and then edited the tape down to a twelve-minute clip of nothing but sexual innuendoes surrounded by enough of the story line to make them entertaining to watch. When I show the clip to teens, I challenge them to count all the sexual messages they see or hear during that twelve-minute clip.

Guess what happens every time? The audience catches the first three or four innuendoes, but then becomes so engrossed in the funny scenes that they stop counting. Most people in the audience count ten or eleven sexual innuendoes. The actual number? Forty-one. Even the adults in the room do not usually recognize more than 50 percent of these sexual messages."

I read that and stopped...and then immediately accepted the challenge she gives in the book to give up TV for 30 days - to become "sensitized" again.

So that is where I am at. I will watch movies because I always censor those pretty carefully - but for the next 30 days...NO TV...not for any reason. If you are with me, please help me in my quest for a better life (in my opinion). Thank you - because I know it will be hard!

Po-em

2005-07-28T23:33:00.000-06:00

So I was attempting to take a nap after work today when all of a sudden this po-em started to crowd my brain and I desperately shot out of bed to put it on paper so I would not lose it...(I don't get creative thoughts often, and didn't feel I should waste the opportunity)...

It is a reflection (no pun intended) of my readings from Every Young Woman's Battle...It is a good book but further frustrates me to the state of today's world and all the crap girls and guys alike have to go through...anyway, here's the po-em of the day...

Reflection
By: Katie Flietstra

Look at that!
A beautiful portrait,
Magnificent piece of artwork, really.
Those shapes, lines and curves -
Perfectly sequenced and placed
To form a masterpiece.

I've heard some talk negatively about this piece -
"Those lines are too dark,
These lines too light,
And this bulge?
All wrong."

I talked to the Creator about it -
And you know what I said?
I said to the Creator of this piece -
"Listen,
We've had a lot of mixed comments about Your handiwork."

The Creator shushed me and said,
"Do I care what they think?
Heck no.
And why do you?
This piece was created Perfectly."

Continuing, I was enlightened when I learned
Of the secrets behind this masterpiece.
I was told that it has Feelings,
A Soul, and even
Quirks, Talents and Skills that the regular eye does not see.

"Why?"
I asked in a state of confusion.
"Why create something so misunderstood?"

In a quick reply I was motioned
To look at the masterpiece once more.

"Why?
Because I love you."
"That's all?"
"That's all.
I love you and only hope you will love Me in return."

I looked back at the masterpiece.
I don't think I had ever smiled so brightly
When looking at a mirror before.

"All I ask," my Creator said,
"Is that you love me always,
And love who I made you to be.
For you - are my Child."

2005-07-27T22:37:00.000-06:00

If being tired is a skill...

Katie is friggen' skilled.

And gorgeous.

The End.

2005-07-26T18:43:00.000-06:00

So I'm kinda bored right now...thought maybe you would love to hear what is happening in my life...okay, so I know you don't but I'm bored so ha...

Laura and Jarett leave soon (like 2 days or something) for New Brunswick and when they come back, they are bringing Jarett's best friend Andy. That is going to be SO much fun - I always like meeting people's friends...it sorta helps you get to know them better...Anyway, I'm excited for that.

Brad (my boss) and his familyis also going to New Brunswick tomorrow, but for totally seperate reasons (weird eh?) so I will be on my own at work - having total and utter control over our teenage staff so that will be fun!

I think I get to see Krystal again on Monday which rocks because I miss her like crazy! We've only gotten to see each other twice this summer, but really only once (funeral...), and that is certainly not enough! 40 DAYS TILL SCHOOL! I am actually really excited! I seriously can't wait...being back in school, with all my friends, living at the townhouse, crashing in Rez ALL the time (they are going to be SO sick of me...heh heh heh), and working with STUCA...woohoo!

Alright, time for a nap...I'm pooched!

Now wasn't that worth a few precious minutes of your life? (...don't answer...I cry easily...)

Random

2005-07-24T21:11:00.000-06:00

Water is blue.
Water is cold.
Blue is cold.
Cold-hearted people suck.
People who wear blue, bright blue that is, suck.
This is ALL true.

The Island

2005-07-24T15:13:00.000-06:00

So I went to a movie last night - by myself - yep, you read it right, by myself...it was actually rather delightful! I could leave when I chose, make whatever pit stops I desired, sit wherever I pleased, have both arm rests, the company was always delightful and when the movie was over, I could have as much time of personal reflection as needed without worrying about the differing opinions of others.

I saw "The Island" - it was good I thought. Hardly any swearing, sex and those sorts of unnecessary things. It was a good movie in that it made you think...my mind was racing throughout the movie and for at least an hour after I got home (which unfortunately put me to bed rather late considering I saw the late show).

I had a "karios" moment in the theatre. ('Karios' being a Greek, or some other language, word for time - but not chronological time - it is a time where God breaks into your life and is trying to tell you something to put it simply...) I came home as fast as the speed limit would allow and immediately went to write in my journal. Here are some of my personal reflections upon seeing "The Island":

------
Okay - the movie - my mind has been racing since I left the theatre. Two things mainly:

1. I hate how cheap life is to the world.

This movie really made me appreciate life and how it is lived. It shows isolated clones embarking upon the world. Within hours they already have witnessed sex, violence and drugs (in the form of alcohol), things they were not familiar with before. Sure, this movie is futuristic and the plot is fake but the message is real - life is cheap. How did we ever get to that state of mind? I would dare to say that life is the only GIFT that we treat so poorly. Generally, we give gifts the highest regard. I have a stuffed animal that was given to me at birth that I cherish - not for its numerical value or beauty (though it is quite cute :) ) but because it was a gift, given to me in love. Even gifts from our great aunt Mildred (or whoever) are treated with respect. We at least put them in a special place so we will know where to get them when she comes for a visit. Not life. It is taken, destroyed and determined meaningless without a thought. That brings me to point #2.

2. I know my purpose: It is so save lives.

Save lives. A funny term really. It instinctively implies that I will become a doctor or missionary or at least a cop or something. But my occupation has nothing to do with it. It is, and will forever be, my essence and being - who I am will be a "Saver of Lives". This past year had been unreal. I have learned more than ever before in my spiritual journey. One of the most important things has been this: life is not mine. There is something about this world that makes us think we are incredible beings, gods. We aren't. This year I have, within myself and before God, taken the challenge of living every day. That's it just living. (try it, it's harder than you think :) ) Helping others, challenging myself and others, finding my purpose in every situation and relationship, but mostly - living every moment in light of eternity. It's hard - but it has become my daily challenge for as long as I live. Being stressed by nothing other than that I am not learning enough, not growing enough and not living for righteousness to the best of my God given capabilities. That is why I worked an 80 hour week when I only get paid for 37.5. That is why I spend money I don't have to give to others. That is why my heart hurts for those who are hurting. That is why I push myself and others to their limits. That is why I live, why I breathe, and why I love God so friggen much! Because He has saved my life and all I want is for everyone else to know how great this feels!

I bought a couple books last night. I love how God just lets you "find things". I had never heard of them before, but for no reason except for divine providence I'm sure, stumbled upon them and felt the need to buy them. The one is "The Rabbi's Heartbeat" and after seeing that movie and having such a wonderful reflection on my life this is what I read in the opening of the book:
John 10:10, "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
and a quote by the author, Brennan Manning, "Living out of the false self creates a compulsive desire to present a perfect image to the public so that everybody will admire us and nobody will know us." This is exactly what I am fighting against. My application to my call to be a "Saver of Lives"...my whole plan is this: I will save lives my being real. That's it. To be genuine and let God use me.
My proverb for myself and a challenge to all 2 of you who read this:
"May the outflow of your life be genuine.
May the purpose of your life be God's."

Extreme Day Camp

2005-07-23T11:38:00.000-06:00

Well, we are finally at the end of a very Extreme week...

Our Extreme Sports Day Camp ended yesterday around 6 pm and I was TIRED! I didn't want to be tired - the whole thing actually invigorated me and made me want to run day camps for the rest of my life! It was such a great week...yep, an incredibly great week but I definitely couldn't have done it a day longer...didn't get much sleep this past week!

Monday we were at Sportsworld. I worked 7 am to 9pm.
Tuesday we were Skateboarding and Snorkeling. I worked 7am to 6pm.
Wednesday we were mountain biking. I worked 7:30am to 10:30pm.
Thursday/Friday was an overnight camping trip. I worked 6:45am (thurs) to 6:00pm (friday).

Yeah, so like 80 work hours...all very fun but very tiring!

We do have some good news from the week though - no major injuries (a record) and...da da dum...

17 kids accepted Christ!

It was awesome. We brought our old Children's Ministries pastor (Ken Ingram) up for Thursday night to deliver the Gospel message and 17 kids accepted Christ into their life. It was phenonmenal - I couldn't stop smiling for probably three hours! We talked to them all individually and in small groups answering questions and stuff...we think that all 17 were genuine decisions, so that is VERY cool! We felt a LOT of spiritual warfare throughout the week, a LOT...but clearly, God's got the upperhand, woohoo and a big Hallelujah!!!

Ha ha - alright, time for a nap. Slept 8pm-9:30am, but still pretty burnt!

There's Always Time to be Random...

2005-07-19T20:48:00.000-06:00

Okay...so lately I've been enjoying writing random emails to people...and I mean COMPLETELY random emails...here are some examples of emails you may just be lucky enough to receive...if you have an answer to any of my random questions, leave a comment, that would be cool! (Disclaimer: some are just statements...do not be confused...for those who don't understand - questions have a question mark -?- and statements have a period -.- or exclamation mark -!-)

1. If a red brick house were to marry a yellow brick house and the red brick house's father was white and mother was blue and the yellow brick house's father was green and mother was orange, what colour would the red brick and yellow brick house's children be???

2. Blogging is cool. Cool people blog. Cool people have cool thoughts. Confucious say: People with cool thoughts have many cool thoughts.

3. The telephone is ringing is my ear. What are the mathematical chances that it could be my uncle's sister's boyfriend's mother's cousin?

4. Pickles are my enemy. Challenges are my friend.

5. Pizza flavoured squid is surprisingly terrible.

6. My real name is not Katie Flietstra. It is in fact: Julio Butterbean Hugo Smith.

7. If a rose by any other name were just as sweet...should we call the "rose" an ashtray-smelling-sewage eater?

8. My neighbour has a racetrack in his driveway.

9. Nine is a funny number. I believe nine should represent the number of donuts we should eat in a day - but more importantly, the number of times we should encourage someone in an hour.

10. Crap. My alarm clock is going off. It is making this -beep beep- sound that is so annoying. I should go turn it off and wake up. I think I have an appointment. Maybe I'll wear my beige jacket...well, I guess it's more white than beige...yeah, definitely beige. Hmm...maybe I will even get to see my friends in that big bouncy room - it feels so nice when you fall...they have lovely material in the walls and floors...what do they call that again? Padding? Hmm...yep, padding, that's it. Ah yes, let's wake up and go to that appointment.

Well, that is all. You have just read a blog by the one and only Katie Flietstra. Your day has just been made. Aren't you lucky. Yes, of course you are. Now you can go to bed happy.

Let me tell you about my week...

2005-07-19T20:19:00.000-06:00

So I work. A lot. Practically non-stop these days. I am tired.

Last week we were getting ready for this week...Extreme Day Camp - doing extreme-type sports everyday for kids grades 4-8. It is SO fun and I love the kids and I love my job - I am just tired.

Last week I worked everday (including Saturday and Sunday) - probably about 52 hours - not too bad. This week I have already worked 25 hours - 14 on Monday, 11 today. I will be working about 15 tomorrow, 17 Thursday (we are going on an overnight camping trip) and 18 on Friday...yep, that is lots, you are right.

Luckily, and don't you worry, I still love my job lots and lots, still love the kids lots and lots...I am just falling asleep...as...I...type...

Ha, okay, not really - but almost!

Basically, I am the coordinator for this event - everything you can think of that may have had to been done for this week, I did it...registration packages a month and a half before it started, set-up, clean-up, choosing a theme and what passages we'll look at each day, the logo, the promo item (decided on Nalgene bottles with the logo on it...turned out really well, so that's good!), organizing the schedule, volunteers, the flow, bookings, getting cheques, getting decorations, finding volunteers who are "pros" to help out with each activity, writing thank you cards...EVERYTHING...so yeah, tiring, but very fun!

That's all I have in me to write about Extreme right now.

10 4

Random Question Vent

2005-07-18T18:20:00.000-06:00

So I decided to take a smal break and update my profile (which is very lovely I might add!). Anyway, I got to the random question part and thought, heck - why not be creative for once?! ...maybe it's because I was just talking to Clifford Thunderbolt... That's besides the point - I got to the question:

Random Question: "Well, maybe they don't need them, but don't you think that some fish might like a bicycle?"

I thought to myself...do I dare write a hilarious random question answer? Well, I dared. I looked to the side where the character limitations are for all the other ones. Nothing. Beautiful I thought to myself. This is perfect. Let the creative juices flow! And boy, did they ever flow! They flowed and flowed right past any considerable character limitation.

I sat there quite pleased with myself. I even pat myself on the back...twice! I did a fine job answering that silly question. I think I even deserve a reward!...okay, I'll just get back to work. So I pressed that coveted "Save Profile" button...oh yes, this is due to get many a laugh...how excited am I?!

But it didn't save......I looked to the bottom.......good, the precious story was still there...but wait! A 150 character limitation!? I could have thrown up in digust at their clear lack of proper forewarning. I let out a dismayed sigh. Ugh. Then I did what any normal and very creatively proud individual would do...I created a post about it...so here is my story that I wanted you all to see and enjoy and share with everyone you know:

(since it is now a part of a post and not just my profile, I shall give it a witty title...be aware, and read with cautious - it is not in true story form, it was written as an answer to a question. You have not come into the story halfway through, this is it...deal with it!)

The Glass Chamber of Wisdom
By: Katie Flietstra

That's so weird...I just asked my fish that the other day. I said, Ernest Tyrone Carter Lee Flietstra, "Wouldn't you just love to own a bicycle to ride around?" Then, amidst the laughter, his intestines jump out of his body (it was one of those "lol" moments) and combusted. Out came a poodle from inside my fish's intestines. I said, "How in the world did a poodle get inside of you Ernest Tyrone Carter Lee Flietstra?" (full name - he was in trouble, he can't just go around eating poodles!) He replied, quite snarkily I might add, "Well, he wandered into my tank and well...you can see where this is heading..." I did see and was in complete shock.
But what is of most importance...is that Ernest feels that fish are quite self-sufficient and do not need a medicore substitute for beloved transportation.

The end - now wasn't that worth wasting a few precious minutes of our day!
Your applause and gratitude to be able to read such a piece of work can be directed straight to the comments box!

I'm Still Alive...

2005-07-11T16:05:00.000-06:00

So I started thinking about two weeks ago about how I hadn't blogged in awhile...turns out it was about a two month drought...my bad.

Let's see, what's happened in two months? How about everything?! Let's see if I can sum up in the half hour I have before my stomach caves and I begrudgingly leave the precious computer to fulfill my natural need to consume food...

May.

May was fun. I took a module. I started work. I got a nice tan. I worked some more. I hung out with friends. I did some homework, but not too much. I went to Wonderland...kids ran away from me and I never even did anything to deserve it...then we found them...I was mad.

June.

June was fun. I thought about my module. I worked some more. I increased the darkness of my skin tone and the lightness of my hair. I worked some more. I hung out with friends, but not as much because of the module deadline and their increased busyness. I handed in my module homework. And then, Frederick died. That was rough. I went to the visitation and funeral. I got to see my buddies but under not nice at all circumstances. Many of us were spurred on by Fred's testimony and the challenge the funeral left us with...I wrote a Fathers' Day Poem in June. I think I lost it from my computer. Sorry, it was nice though. You would've liked it. I went to Wonderland again...we went to the School of Rock show because it was air conditioned...it was horrible - glorified sin is the only way I know how to explain it - I couldn't believe it was supposed to be for kids...I was angry...I stormed out...the rest of the day was fun...I went on the Italian Job ride...I only had to wait for about an hour...it was great...I love Wonderland...but not the School of Rock show...but I still like the movie.

July

Oh boy. July has been fun. I laughed at people doing distance ed because I am done school. I worked A LOT. I increased the darkness of my skin and the lightness of my hair even more. I worked some more. I hung out with friends only a little bit due to the increased work on my part and on theirs. We had VBS. About 530 kids everyday. And 1200 at this big carnvial/bbq we held. I worked 15 hours one day. I stained my hands from running the sno cone machine. But it was fun. And worth it because 64 kids came to know Jesus! It was excited...now I am tired.

Coming up in July...

After this week, I have to run an Extreme Sports Day Camp for 50 kids...we don't have many volunteers yet and I haven't had time to prepare my devotions and I am nervous about that! But, my water bottles I ordered (we give something to each kid and volunteer...this year I decided on Nalgene water bottles with our logo that I made) came in...they are awesome...I am very pleased.

That's about it for July.

Generally, I'm just super busy. Oh, I took up tennis since I last wrote - that's fun. I'm okay, but I can't serve yet. My brother and I just rally for about two hours when we play.

Alright, time to give in to my stomach's cravings! Maybe I'll post again before the summer ends...that's a good idea I think...(because so many people read this...)

Over and out - have a great week everybody!

Update

2005-05-15T11:16:00.000-06:00

Well hello my numerous and gorgeous readers!

I guess I haven't posted in awhile, my bad.

I should let you all know, if you don't already, that I got the internship at the church working with good ole Bradley Bob Somers (the youth pastor for those of you who are unaware). Yeah, so that is pretty darn great. I start this week coming and am pumped!

What else? I just finished a summer module, Johannine Epistles, looking at 1, 2, and 3 John and their relation to John etc. That was great. Laura was in my class and we had a blast! We discovered this week that we are basically sisters...but with different parents, personalities and upbringings...We had to do a group project (Laura, Hee Sook and I) and so we made this video, it was hilarious and so much fun - everyone in the class was dying!

I also had some spare time (in class...it was a little repetitive at times, come on, give me a break!) and so I wrote some poetry...here it is...it's nothing great, but I don't write for anyone but myself, so if you hate it, well, it wasn't written for you, with you in mind so yeah...I just like writing my thoughts down so I do...and I know a few of you like my poems for some strange reason...so here they are, and that's all for know. Have a great week everybody! 10 4

Officer Down
By: Katie Flietstra

Do you swim everyday,
and eat peanuts from a shell?
These are things I cherish –
I remember these things quite well.

Do You still wear Your Tilly hat,
As You ride a bike with a bell?
These are things I cherish –
I remember these things quite well.

We eat Chinese and think of how,
You gave Your meal for bread.
You changed us all significantly –
Our family, in every way, You led.

Through Faith You suffered graciously;
It was never in spite that You tread.
You changed us all significantly –
Our family, in every way, You led.

You left quite a Legacy,
and caused many a tear.
It’s still hard to see just why,
You must be so far from here.

The grass is greener on Your side,
The One You love is there.
It’s still hard to see just why,
You must be so far from here.

Heaven bound I am is true –
But my heart is there now, with You.

Stumble
By: Katie Flietstra

There’s darkness -
It crept in slowly,
but suddenly.
I feel alone,
but I’m not sure why.
There are people here,
They are all around me
but I can’t see them.
My vision is blurred.
I grope around in the darkness;
There’s a solution,
Somewhere –
Upward.
I pray for strength
To find my way.
I leave them behind;
The people –
They have no solutions.
I brush past obstacles,
Falling occasionally.
I trip up,
Almost turn back,
But I proceed –
To the wall
And flick on the Light.

Everyday
By: Katie Flietstra

I’m smiling today
and I don’t know why –
Maybe it’s because
The Lord is by my side.

The wind is blowing hard
The sun’s not out
I’m skipping.
Report card isn’t great
In school all day
I’m laughing.
Freezing with no sweater
Hungry with little food
I’m dancing.
Parents are stressful
So is the house
I’m singing.
Missing my grandpa
And my Commi friends
I’m jumping.
Super tired
Lots of work to do
I’m loving.

I’m smiling today
and I don’t know why –
Maybe it’s because
The Lord is by my side.

Done First Year of College!

2005-04-26T17:54:00.000-06:00

Hey everybody (yes, I am assuming that more than one person reads this):

Well, yesterday at 1:25pm marked the end of my first year at college. (For those who are unaware --which obviously means you don't care a whole lot about me, thank...ha--I am in the Christian School Education program at Heritage Bible College)
It has been a great year - met a lot of amazing people in dorm and otherwise, did well in school (not always as well as I would have liked, but good overall), grew a whole lot and just had a lot of fun!
Let me tell you, I think maybe even once a day about this...it really excites me, how nothing is a coincidence -- and specifically this year, how all the people I have met were for some purpose...This person impacted me in this way and I have helped this person grow in this way...it really does exite me to think about it...
Anyway, moving on...I moved my microwave stand to the dorm to be taken to the townhouse today and totally broke off a door and two legs...that was fun...
Got to see Matt this week as he is down for just a week or so from school and then up to camp so that was fun...
I'm really actually quite bored now that I am done school...some packing and cleaning to do but that's about it...
Had my interview for the internship with my youth pastor, Brad Somers, today...That was strange...he knows me so well he hardly even had to ask me anything so we just chatted about what I'd be doing. He said that he'll know I think by the end of this week so that will be good to finally have a plan and summer job. If not, well, clearly there are better things in store for me then the church and I can be a greater witness elsewhere, so I'm not worried at all.
Yeah........................pretty bored...sitting at the VanMiddelkoop residence chillin'...Jarett is at a drum lesson and Tim and Laura are talking camp so I'm just sitting and talking to myself on the computer...
Alright, I've got to find something interesting to do...
Later days
Kate

Well..tanning is my new favourite activity...

2005-04-19T21:51:00.000-06:00

Okay, not really...studying outside is though!
Basically I'm just a big, fat, liar...I don't want skin cancer anymore than Joe down the road. I do enjoy relieving my albino skin of its whiteness come summer though...
I have been studying outside for the past week or so for my four exams, and been browning up nicely I might add. I have some funny tan lines, but what are tan lines in the realm of eternity? I guess for that matter, what's a tan in the realm of eternity...nothing...but it is temporarily enjoyable, so I will hold onto it as a favourite summer past-time...

That's basically all I've been up to...I'm a pretty bored person as a general rule...

Oh, except I saw the most delicious film last night. SAHARA is a must see...it's got Matthew Mccona...don't know how to spell his name - he's got nice eyes though! There we go...Matthew is credited minus -1 for a hard last name, + 10 for nice eyes...turns out he's a winner...too bad he, like many in Hollywood I'm sure, are not very nice people...
Oh well, continuing, Steve Zahn, who is stinkin' hysterical is also in the film...turns out that he too has good eyes...(so far, the film's a winner!)
Anyway, the movie is about treasure hunters who wind up in a plague and worn-torn part of Mali, Africa...and as I said, a must-see.
Not much swearing...I can't remember much at all which was a pleasant surprise, no nudity or anything, it wasn't corny, it was really funny, action-packed and generally, just wonderful.

There, a plug for a good film, and now I will plug my two courses I have to study for right now...okay, I won't...that would be silly, but I am going to go study...

Later days,
Kate

2005-04-19T20:59:00.002-06:00

...we are sorta different...

2005-04-19T20:59:00.001-06:00

...as I said...

2005-04-19T20:59:00.000-06:00

My brother Curtis and I are silly...very silly...

2005-04-19T20:58:00.000-06:00

Hey, take a look at this shot...athletic banquet get-up...

Celebrating the End of the School Year...

2005-04-11T18:25:00.000-06:00

Here it is: comic relief, stress relief and a top ten list all in one.
In celebration of the end of the school year and not dropping out, I have a little top ten list from a hysterical book entitled, "Dave Letterman's Book of Top Ten Lists: and Zesty Lo-Cal Chicken Recipes" (Oh, and this is not an advertisement for the book, I had to go through and scratch out swear words and other such foul language...but there was the odd funny one...)
Anyway, here it is, hopefully none of these are true of any of my readers...oh, and if they are...don't sue me, I'm a poor college student, sue Dave Letterman, he's got lots of money...actually, just don't sue anyone...okay, with no further adieu, the top ten...

Top Ten Signs Your Kid Isn't College Material
10. His guidance counselor's file consists of two words : Yard work
9. In yearbook was voted "Most Likely to Injure Himself Opening a Door"
8. During algebra class, interrupts teacher and asks, "When do we get to whittle?"
7. Has trouble following those convoluted Three Stooges plotlines
6. At school pep rallies, when the cheerleaders shout, "What's that speel?!" he's always stumped
5. During his appearance on Jeopardy, keeps buzzing in and asking, "Alex, can I have some candy?"
4. Consistently beat in chess by a mealworm
3. You know that little packet of powder that comes with the package material of a new stereo that says, "Do Not Eat"? He eats it.
2. Ony high school activities: Dumb Freshman Club; Dumb Sophomores Club; Dumb Juniors Club; Dumb Seniors Club
1. SAT score? 9

2005-03-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

This is the new hat again...yeah for pink...pink pink pink...and new hats...

2005-03-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

YEAH, THIS IS MY NEW HAT. I AM TALKING IN CAPS BECAUSE I THINK IT'S JUST GREAT AND I AM EXCITED TO WEAR IT LINE DANCING! Okay, enough caps...but these are pictures of my new spiffy hat...who woulda thunk that I would EVER be wearing a pink cowboy hat for real?! Well...guess that's what college life does for ya! That's it...I'm off for some more homework and some sweet sweet sleeping...and sleeping-in I might add! Woohoo...I love Wednesdays! Okay, 10 4...keep it real and keep it PINK!

Sorry about that whole mix-up...

2005-03-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Man, this site is really being strange...as in...it told me it didn't post my thing a bunch of times but it really did...so yeah, sorry about that...and I hope you didn't read all three before figuring out they were the same (because then we'd have HUGE problems on our hands)...

(hope this one doesn't post a million times too...)

Wow...I've been a really inconsistent poster...

2005-03-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

Wow...so I haven't posted forever and guess what? I went to post this one it erased it...yep, frustrating. (Yep, just did it again...luckily I got smart and copied it before posting...stinkin' site! Oh goody...but this time it copied and pasted the poem all together in one paragraph instead of separate...oh technology bites Katie right in the rear...ouch, that one hurt...big time!)
And now I forget my whole intro...and it was even funny. crap. Oh well...here goes nothing, I'm sure I can repeat my funniness...or not.Basically, I just gave this huge long definition about why I never post anymore. I set it up by saying that maybe it's because I'm boring or because I have too much of a life but it came down to a lot of homework and such. Then, I gave this very long mathematical equation to explain it for those who like that sorta thing and then I said, "Ha ha suckers, I can't believe you just read that whole thing." (it was very long and most of it was just homework...but ending in + RUNNING AROUND IN MY PINK COWBOY HAT AND PINK AND BLACK SNEAKERS (!!!) ... there ... now here is my latest poem. Don't be confused...some of the things in it are true of me, some I figure could just be true of some Joe or Jolina and some are true of the world or general population...so read it, and have fun doing it! There...and then I ended with...and maybe I will talk to you later. So there. later. and here's my poem. :) Anticipation
By: Katie Flietstra
This poem stemmed after a very interesting discussion in impact group considering God’s grace and mercy in our lives. I have always felt strongly about this issue and I guess the lesson and the thoughts that were verbalized renewed my passion for recognizing God’s mercy. One of the most significant issues that we had a chance to toss about and look at deeply was God’s “fairness”. We truly do not deserve anything “good” that happens to us and we also deserve a lot worse than all the “bad” stuff that comes our way. This poem looks at the daily blessings God gives us and challenges (myself first) to look beyond the circumstances of today to eternity and to focus on God’s will for our (my) lives (life).

Free lunches,
Health, and
Encouragement when feeling low –
Daily mercies.

Tsunamis:
A call for revival?
And bringing people Home –
Daily mercies.

A job that really pays too much,
Friends that love and never stop,
A patched roof that keeps the raindrops out –
Daily mercies.

Cancer in your testimony,
Broken arm for the volleyball tourney,
Somebody broke your precious blender –
Daily mercies.

One great sale at your favourite store,
Bad hair dye turns you orange,
A drunk driver swerves into your brother’s car –
Daily mercies.

The love from God and forgiveness,
A relationship with Him as He pursues us,
The promise of Heaven is our assurance –
Daily mercies.

In anticipation of His coming, we reflect upon His daily mercies...

Wow...I've been a really inconsistent poster...

2005-03-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Wow...I've been a really inconsistent poster...

2005-03-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

Wow...so I haven't posted forever and guess what? I went to post this one it erased it...yep, frustrating. (Yep, just did it again...luckily I got smart and copied it before posting...stinkin' site! Oh goody...but this time it copied and pasted the poem all together in one paragraph instead of separate...oh technology bites Katie right in the rear...ouch, that one hurt...big time!)
And now I forget my whole intro...and it was even funny. crap.
Oh well...here goes nothing, I'm sure I can repeat my funniness...or not.
Basically, I just gave this huge long definition about why I never post anymore. I set it up by saying that maybe it's because I'm boring or because I have too much of a life but it came down to a lot of homework and such.
Then, I gave this very long mathematical equation to explain it for those who like that sorta thing and then I said, "Ha ha suckers, I can't believe you just read that whole thing." (it was very long and most of it was just homework...but ending in + RUNNING AROUND IN MY PINK COWBOY HAT AND PINK AND BLACK SNEAKERS (!!!) ... there ... now here is my latest poem. Don't be confused...some of the things in it are true of me, some I figure could just be true of some Joe or Jolina and some are true of the world or general population...so read it, and have fun doing it! There...and then I ended with...and maybe I will talk to you later. So there. later. and here's my poem. :)

Anticipation
By: Katie Flietstra
This poem stemmed after a very interesting discussion in impact group considering God’s grace and mercy in our lives. I have always felt strongly about this issue and I guess the lesson and the thoughts that were verbalized renewed my passion for recognizing God’s mercy. One of the most significant issues that we had a chance to toss about and look at deeply was God’s “fairness”. We truly do not deserve anything “good” that happens to us and we also deserve a lot worse than all the “bad” stuff that comes our way. This poem looks at the daily blessings God gives us and challenges (myself first) to look beyond the circumstances of today to eternity and to focus on God’s will for our (my) lives (life).

Free lunches,
Health, and
Encouragement when feeling low –
Daily mercies.

Tsunamis:
A call for revival?
And bringing people Home –
Daily mercies.

A job that really pays too much,
Friends that love and never stop,
A patched roof that keeps the raindrops out –
Daily mercies.

Cancer in your testimony,
Broken arm for the volleyball tourney,
Somebody broke your precious blender –
Daily mercies.

One great sale at your favourite store,
Bad hair dye turns you orange,
A drunk driver swerves into your brother’s car –
Daily mercies.

The love from God and forgiveness,
A relationship with Him as He pursues us,
The promise of Heaven is our assurance –
Daily mercies.

In anticipation of His coming, we reflect upon His daily mercies

Camera to Sell

2005-03-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Hopefully a lot of people still (or ever did I guess) read this because I now need it for some personal advertising! Yes, that is right, I am exploiting my readers and the Internet to my own personal advertising...ha ha ha.

My parents and grandma totally shocked me with an early birthday present...a very sweet digital camera! Yeah, I was pumped...they've got a pic of me kissing it...I was so happy! I was so shocked and everything that the first words out of my mouth weren't "Thank You" but "Holy Cow!!!"

Anyway, that means that I can sell my camera I'm using right now! It is an
Pentax IQZOOM 105 G 35mm Point & Shoot Camera. It's got red eye, flash, landscape, timer and a good zoom. It is extremely easy to use and I have never had any problems with it whatsoever. It's about 4-5 years old, but again, there's never been a problem. Also, when I bought it, it was an excellent camera, about $325. Included in the price is a set of four films that I bought (just three days before my parents gave me the digital!). They are ISO 200 35mm, 24 exposure and they include processing. It is a special kind of film you can buy that when you pay for it, the price includes the multiple day/single copy processing. I also just put in a new camera battery today so that won't have to be replaced for awhile.

I'm asking $150 for the whole deal. If you are interested or know someone that is, please talk to me about it.

Overnight Security and sweet sweet Heritage Live

2005-03-19T12:31:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was Heritage Live...a little promo weekend for the school which always includes a program and games of sorts, a concert and kids can stay over in residence. Mmmmmm...so much fun! I saw the sign on our door Friday morning with who would be staying in our room and got really excited...Then I went to get my free security t-shirt and name tag (which someone took and wrote Miss Universe on...the nerve of some people!) and got even more excited.
Then I was almost peeing my pants all day because I was going to see Sense of Waiting in concert...yeah, for real.Okay, so I wasn't peeing my pants because they are my friends and I see them play all the time...but everyone else was! It was great...they played as an opener to Starfield in the Heritage Live program for a crowd of about 650 or so! They are practically celebrities! We sold almost 50 EP's and they gave tons of John Hancock's and got a lot of email addresses for their email list (courtesy of moi...I went around to the huge line of people waiting for Starfied signatures and was like..."While you are waiting, would you like to join the Sense of Waiting email list?" and other funny things like that...must have been my charm, good looks and incredible wit because I got two pages of signatures for them!).
Then I found out that I would be doing security from 2 until 6 am...which was basically just sitting in the fish bowl being cold...I had a two hour shift with Jess Novo and one with Hee Sook and was up all night...it was fun though; I love all-nighters, security t-shirts, drinking coffee and being goofy...oh, and I love walky-talkies!
The guys in the guys' fish bowl and the guys in the academic building and us girls just talked on the walk-talkies all night, it was great. And, I had seven cups of coffee or so and ate delicious chocolate chip cookies, it was fantastic. I ended up going to bed at 6-10 am because I wasn't going to have anyone to talk to to keep me awake. It was a good thing because we had already planned to go have a lovely dinner with the Wilson clan at Kelsey's so at least was a little bit awake for that. Mmmmmmm...the Wilson clan is so nice and fun and humourous! It was a lovely meal and then Mare payed for it all...12 of us! I know...so generous of her, we were all shocked and extremely grateful!
Anyway, at about 4 or 4:30 am I wrote this poem capturing many memories of my post as security girl...here it is...you probably won't understand most of it (lots of inside jokes) but feel free to ask me about the night, it was fun!
Here's the po-em...hope you enjoy it and have a most wonderful day!

The Memoirs of a Very Tired Overnight Security Girl
By: Katie “Hercules” Flietstra

Plaid sweaters,
And leathery snow,
Pumpernickel…
Mysteries of the world unknown.

Napoleon Dynamite,
Changing the world’s flow.
4 am delirium
In a tiny Fish Bowl.

Chocolate chip cookie dough
And coffee in our bellies;
B and E in the HCC,
It’s time for some yelling.

Shouting in Korean and French
Over the “microphone” we behold;
Ordering coffee from the girls,
Or a tall glass of shut the heck up to go.

Talking with the Prez,
Or a Salisbury steak.
Maybe even Ben Price,
Or an Asian on your break.

It was pretty much just freezing cold,
Even layered in fleece.
But we played “Would You Rather”
With swollen hands and feet.

Feeling a little tired,
Laughing and crying away the day.
But dreaming of the perfect rock show,
Where Sense of Waiting blows me away!

“Clearly the author was on her game when she wrote this.” – Globe and Mail
“Does it really get any better than this poem of glory and splendor?” – Super Girl
“Pardon the cliché, but this author blows me away” – Sense of Waiting
“All I’ve really got to say is, ‘You’re so in!’” – Magazine for the Extremely Talented and Good Looking