Hiking is Over...

Well, Rebecca and I headed out last Saturday on our last hike. No more waking up on Saturday morning stupidly early. Okay... I recognize the value of the expierence, I was forced to get outside and that was good. I must admit, somtimes the smell of the cool morning air, mixed with the fresh smell of the woods was pretty amazing. I also realized that I don't hate hiking, I just really like slow hiking. Its no fun when you are running. This all being said, I won't be hiking for a while.

So Bec and I picked right. Buntzen Lake was the easiest hike yet. If you are more into hike-walking as opposed to just hiking, choose this one. The whole thing only took us like 2.5 hours (slowly...haha). Oh yeah...

Floating bridge...reminsicent of Qwanoes sinking into the water.
Straight out of a Dickens novel. Fog on the landscape...

Welcome to the forest...

At the end of the trip, our instructor Daryl took us all for ice cream. And not just any ice cream, but DQ. He says "get anything you want". So of course, to me this doesnt mean "go crazy", it means get a blizzard. So I did - a small. But Bec and are looking around and people are getting ENTIRE meals (girl next to window). What the heck? People are so funny. We were all feeling pretty great about this free food until we realized: it was the leftover of our student fees.

These people are EATING my fees!

...hehe. No really, it was great, randomly sitting in the DQ with my hiking class. Oh TWU....

I guess what I love about school is....

that here

no one thinks you are crazy

when you say

you might want a PhD.

I sat with two girls today who both said that they thought they would pursue a PhD or graduate education. What a gift we have recieved to study. I just cannot imagine the joy of being able to do this for the rest of my life. I wonder if I am cut out for graduate work?

Something inside of me thinks teaching at high school isnt going to be the end. But a Masters...more than a Masters...how scary. I feel so unworthy and so incapabable. Is this just all dreaming? All kinds of academic "non real world" imagainings? Or is this it...is this where am I meant to be...what I am meant to do. I am just sending that question out to the void....

Let's pretend that is me...

Okay, so I did not expeirience that seminal moment at the top of Elk Mountain, but I did sit and eat my lunch in that exact spot. Isn't that a beautiful picture, and a beautiful view? Three cheers for flickr.

So I think hiking is getting better each time. There gets to be this point where you think you can't make it, and you then you realize you can. I realized something about myself though, I am not a fast coming down person. I don't run. I just don't. I tried at a few spots, but I am just too dang scared. I mean, I am clutzy, and there is a lot of stuff that I could be tripping on. I am just not willing to take that chance.

Only one more hike to go. And then an exam. What could be on a hiking exam you ask? I don't even know....

Does the Internet Suck?

Okay, today I was flipping through Macleans Magazine (ya I don't know why either). Anyway, the headliner article was on how and why the internet has devalued, corrupted and killed our society. Now, I realize how ironic it is to be posting this commentary on the internet, on a blog of all things, but I just need to know:

What are your thoughts?

This guy accused blogging as being a forum for "the cult of the amateur....which suggests mistakenly that everyone has something interesting to say". Now beyond the dripping elitism in that remark, does anyone else have any problems with this? I mean, is it idealisitic of me to say, that people writing about their life, their viewpoints and their world is a valuable thing? And sure, this might happen in an online journal. But I pose this question: without a blog, would we write this much? Would we know this much random information about our friends that are far away (or close for that matter)?

And to be fair. I will grant the man some points. Yes, the internet has allowed con artists and perverts of all kinds to run amuck. It is easier for them to find their prey. There is also a ton of garbage on the internet. But, how are these facts any different than anything else in our world? I mean you could go out and buy an important news magazine (like Macleans..haha) or you could go buy People, or the Province? Do you see what I am saying? Its so much more what we choose to read and get sucked into, then it is the actual content provided.

Now sure, there are about 1000 things wrong with the internet. And sure, I am a product of the "internet generation". But I feel like there is merit here, that we are just killing if we don't watch ourselves. There is my gigantic rant. Now what are your thoughts? And feel free to agree with Mr. Steve Maich of Macleans on how the internet is evil.

And hey - maybe if you are bored today, in the ol' checkout line, or at the hairdresser, read some Macleans. As you can see - it got me all riled up...

How a TWU lecture becomes fun...

My proffessor quoted...or at least attempted to quote...

...The Dead Poets Society....
In fact, the exact same quote that I posted on my blog last April. I almost wanted to put up my hand and give the exact quote. Don't worry I didn't.

...Buffalo Springfield....
He was talking about the 60's counterculture, and he started speaking the lyrics of "For What It's Worth". Something's Happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear. Again, I could have probably quoted ALL of the lyrics, but I held my tongue.

In any case, I was pleased. Sometimes those pop-culture references really do work for profs. Other times, not so much.

Fifteen Days Late...

Well 15 days after my birthday, I decide to post the "what I got for my birthday" post. The thing is, I could just avoid it all together, but heck, I downloaded the pictures and everything, so you are just going to have to read it/look at it. So just deal. haha.

Pride and Prejudice Limited Edition Box Set from my parents. My mom is so good at gifts. Images of Darcy jumping into the lake in that white shirt. Just timeless. Who wants to join me? Because my sister is awesome. Lindsay said I could go choose a Matt & Nat bag. Three cheers for girly frivolous gifts. I am pretty dang excited about this one.

I sure have a wonderful boyfriend. One time I told him, I think its romantic when boy plans a date and then buys a dress for the girl. He bought me a dress, and planned a date. The dress didn't fit (uh oh) but he took me to Griffin & Sabine on Granville Island, which was just perfect.

See wasn't that fun?

Still Hiking...

Well this past Saturday, I headed out again with TWU for Hiking class. I also had to hand in a hiking project. What could possibly be done for a hiking project you ask? Busywork - lots and lots of busywork. But to be honest, it was good in a way, I researched some hikes and walks that perhaps one day, I might do in the future (wow I dont sound too sure of myself). Anyway, this time we went to Greendrop/Lindeman Lake.

The first stretch was straight up, and I had the sense that I really was not too good at hiking. Then we reached the first lake, and it was so beautiful. I must admit, I was pretty much scared I would die the whole last hike, so I didn't really look around. This time I took it in...just beautiful.

This is the actual color of the lake...it was pretty surreal.

I was so shocked and amazed by the beautiful colors everywhere. I am such a lover of fall. Thnakfully, I was with Rebecca who is also a fall lover, and listened to my ramblings about how much I enjoyed it.



Now we come to the part I did not enjoy. There were huge portions of rocks like this, that you had to sort of make your way over.

I realized on this trip, that I don't have a very good directional sense when it comes to hiking. I am fine with maps and all, but on my own, in the woods, I would be a goner. One time, I got to a rocky section by myself, and instead of working my way across (to the trail on the other edge) I just went up. About 15 minutes in, I realized I had to work my way back down, which was quite precarious and very tiring. I always did better when there was someone in front of me determining where the orange markers where. This is where my good friend Bec Shulba came in handy. She got us out of some sticky binds.

It was so good to be with a friend this hike. The good new is, this hike was better than the last. There was a lot of wandering through the forest, which brought back all kinds of wonderful memories of camp and being outside. The next however is called "Chilliwack's version of the Chief" so its straight up, the whole time. So you know, something to look foward to...

Do I look good?

So, I switched to blogger beta.
I think it was a bad move, because my template got all messed up
So, if you are thinking of switching, be careful.
It advertises switching fonts, and then it makes them look awful.
So I just switched all together.
I want to hear some thoughts.
And I also want to know, how are people making their blogs look so good. (Spiro, Kathryn)
Are you creating your own template?
I sure dont know how that is done.
I need some tips. Send them my way.

************************************************

Okay, this is getting sooo geeky, but now I realized you can go and get templates from other places.
Are people doing this?
How?
So. So. So. Geeky.
Sorry

True Story....

I know what you're thinking: a courier logo? this has got to be a lame post. Just you wait.

Today something happened, that I only think happens to pastors and my mom. You know how pastors are giving a sermon, and they say "one day I was at Starbucks and I started talking to the person about ethics, morals and Christianity". And you are thinking, "no you didn't, you just got your coffee, smiled at the barista and got out of there". Okay, well this actually happened to me today....

I phoned "Quick as a Wink Couriers" which by the way, are often not at all quick as a wink. Anyway, I have phone to this courier at work (Novacom) just about everyday. Its like a two minute conversation: give the pickup and drop off details, get the confirmation number and you're off the phone. But today was a whole different story...I tell them that my envelope is going to Trinity Western to the office. And then it started.

The woman said "Oh I love Trinity, there are good people there, this world needs more good people". And she goes on to explain that her father picked up a wallet in a gas station that belonged to a TWU student, so she went out there, gave this student their wallet, and they became friends. Then she told me that this week she broke up with her long time boyfriend (yes this did actually happen). She said that he didnt have any respect, and the world needed more people like the ones at TWU who were "good people". She said "you sound like a good person". And I was like, umm...ya I hope so. Anyway, she said she had all this anger, and just today, she has decided to give it all up, because we cannot hold onto anger, and we need to find love and grace. Seriously.

So the lady explains this whole thing to me for about 15 minutes and then says "I dont know why I am telling you this...we can get back to your order". I was so shocked, so I just told her I was so happy she had found TWU, and that I hoped she came back to meet more people there. Moments in life like this, are just so unexpected. But I guess the point is, it really is possible, to be a kind of community that gets noticed, that makes a difference to people. I mean it all seems like a lot of rhetoric sometimes, but its true. People need what we have, and we have to be reminded of that some days.

Wow, that was really long, thanks for sticking it out. Has anything happened to you guys like this? It seems to happen to my mom a lot. I guess its being passed along...

Has it really been three years?

Now, I know that I just posted about Capernwray, but I'm sorry, I just have to say this:

Last weekend, here in Canada, it was time to be thankful. You know what I'm thankful for - the fact that I had a year at Capernwray. And you know, I am thankful for my life now too: for learning, for relationships, for home. Yet Capernwray will always hold this place in my heart, and I cannot even begin to examine the depths of that. Its just little moments in the day where I realize: that place changed me. I guess not the place so much, but the expierence, the people, the culture, the joy, the peace, the laughter, the growth, the safety. When I think of the moments, I smile and feel at peace. When I think of the faces, I almost want to cry, I just feel that blessed.

And tonight I realized, that I learned to love beauty at Capernwray. I mean sure I had always had an apprecation. But for the first time, I was with people who encouraged me to look around and really see beauty. Sometimes this was in art, music and literature. Yet other times, it was in something totally unexpected, like the light shining behind a tree (that ones for you Janzen). So tonight, as I sit here, I just want to say that I am thankful that I have these things to cherish in my heart. And I am thankful that sometimes, like tonight, I remember the beauty I found and it filters into my heart.

A Magical Evening....

Who says that you can't picnic after labor day? Well we sure don't. Trust Angela Haugo to pull out the stops and create one of the most magical evenings I have had in a long time. I arrive at Stanley Park and watch the sun dip over the mountain at Ferguson Point. Then the girls arrive with bags of food: specialty cheeses, crackers, crossiants, fruit, salad, tzatziki and pitas. Ang also pulled a Martha: vases light with tall white candles. See what I mean: magical.

So what did I bring? I brought the wine. I know, we are so classy. Don't ask me if I knew which wine to pick, I definitely had to phone Matt three times from the store, but thats beside the point. I did bring the wine.

The evening was wonderful. Women, enjoying one another's company, laughing, talking and taking ridiculous pictures. Could you ask for anything more than that? In the darkness, it felt like we were camping, outside in the (relative) cold. As we left, the moon shone so bright down on us, that it looked like a streetlight. Then, straight from our adventure we drove into the city to be warmed by a coffee at one of the most pretentious and wonderful places in town: Cafe Artigiano. They may have kicked us out, but at that point, I don't think it mattered anymore. Nights like this don't happen very often, but when they do, we must cherish them. And I did.

(Ang said "I'm not going to tell you what to do, just do something...this is what i did...go figure)

Photos Courtesy of Angela Haugo: because I think it's clear, I could never have taken these. You are amazing Ang.

Just when you thought the joke was dead...

Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter.

looking through the old Europe photos tonight, and I found this.
my little Euro shoe and Chuck suspended in time.
Priceless.

....today i miss....

Single Serving Friend...

On Sunday, I had a wonderful day with Matthew and we headed downtown. In an effort to use all the entertainment coupons before they expire, we decided to go for the gold. So we chose Kobe. It's the one where the chefs cook right in front of you. Our chef was named "Kevin", and he was an entertainer. He made some big fires, stacked some onions, flipped his...umm flipper? I don't know what they call those things. He also had a lot of jokes. Gotta say I wasn't expecting jokes.

Anyway, they seat you around this sort of semi-circle table that surrounds the grill. So if you on are a date for two, you suddenly are not. Its you and 5 random other strangers. At first, I thought this might be a little odd, but then we met Brian. Matt aptly named him a wonderful "single serving friend". This guy was just great, biting wit and understated jokes. We had a fairly thorough discussion about the difference between cynicism and pessimism (yup, cracking open that can of worms). I explained how my education profs are very anti sacrasm. It went like this:

Sharelle:
"My education proffessor said that sarcasm was just anger in a clown suit".

Our new friend Brian:
"Whatever - happiness is just depression in a clown suit".

Oh man, that just killed me.

Required Reading....

In many ways, my semester this fall is seriously lacking: history filler courses, seven hour midday breaks, all the "core requirements" that I put off until now. But there is one thing, which pretty much redeems the rest - I am studying the 19th Cenury Novel. So, for "homework", I get to come home and read Jane Austen.

There is just something about Austen's sardonic wit, and rich cariactures that makes me happier than I can describe. The amazing thing is, her characters are all around you. While I read the book, I just kept on writing names next to the descriptions (Was your name in there....now you're wondering...haha) Yet we don't speak like they do, with biting wit and clever come backs. I just wish I could for one day.

So for the Austen readership (or "watchership") I pose this question: do you see yourself more as an Elinor or a Marianne? And which male character truly stole your heart? There was some debate in class, and I'd like to know some other opinions. Thanks for humoring me and my literature posts. I just can't help myself.

Welcome Back John...

Friends, you are going to want to listen to this album.

I think Mayer sort of lost it on "Heavier Things". Then, something happened and he came back. I got the "first listen" with him discussing his new songs, and I had to listen to it straight through. I liked it so much, that I actually bought the album. This is a rare occurrence. The man has a way of describing the quarter life crisis, that just fits.

Get in car, let the rain overwhelm you, then put this on.
I am telling you, it’s just perfect.

Beware of Cliches....

So, as a student of good old Trinity Western University, I am required to take 3 "Human Kinetics" courses, which is essentially gym class. The whole concept is quite strange I realize. Holistic education or something like that. Anyway, I decided to take hiking. In many ways, it was a good idea, only 4 Saturdays, you know just get it over with.

Then I found myself on Mt. Seymour, on the side of a mountain. So on Saturday, I did a full hike. Now if you are a hiking keener you are thinking "ahh thats a moderate hike". But if you know me at all, you realize, I am seriously not in shape. Needless to say, it was quite a trek

Picture me, staring up at this, realizing I have to climb it....

Yet, I must admit, its true what they say, the view from the top is pretty amazing. That and the immense feeling of self satisfaction.

So I realized then, why the "mountain" and "hiking" analogies have been so grossly overused in speeches, sermons, lectures and so on. When you are up there, it feels like the greatest physical expression of "journey" possible.

I must say, it was much better when I was climbing with someone else, even if I didnt know them at all, then it was to be scaling those rock faces on my own. I promise I won't beat the analogy to death anymore, just saying I noticed something I would use, if I liked cliches. The other thing to remember is, most people you are talking to cannot actually relate to this whole hiking idea, as they are far from actually going on one themselves.

As for me, I unexpectly understood all these well worn analogies on a fine Saturday morning.

My legs however, are not thanking me.

It's true: another post about school.

"What year are you in now?"

"Fourth year"

"Wow, that must feel good..just about done"

My response to this conversation I have had about 30 times in the last week is no, no it does not "feel good".

It feels overwhelming. It feels like all the classes I avoided doing for 3 years are now coming to haunt me. I have no idea how they will be completed by Spring. It feels like I actually need to "pull up my socks" and think seriously about how I plan on teaching 18 year olds when I am only 25. It means that I have to leave a place, where everyday I walk out of at least one class thinking "I was made for this".

So, contrary to the popular opnion that all fourth years are itching to get on with the rest of their lives, I am not. Maybe I will be in 9 months. Yet honestly, there is so much more work to be done, from prepping for PDP, to actually doing PDP, to hopefully one day doing even further studies. So theres my rant. Its probably good I wrote this all down, because come April, I bet just like everyone else around me I will be saying...

"Wow...it sure feels good to be done...."

Ha.
We will only have just begun.

Can I just say...

....that I love learning.


I love that studying medieval monks can you teach you about modern Christianity. I love that most early English Literature was written to reflect the glory of our creator.

I love that scholarship can be worship.

The day I realized this was just monumental. It meant, that this desire to learn, to know, to understand is not created by me, but by God. People will say many things about Trinity Western, but one thing I will say, is that the school taught me to see academia in a whole new way.

Have I mentioned that I love school? I love the atmosphere that is ripe for discussion at any given moment. I love the intellectual insight that comes not only from proffessors, but from the person sitting next to you at the BBQ. Its amazing to find a place, where you don't feel like the English keener, but you just feel right, like this is an important thing to care about. It's safe to say, I will miss it when its over. So for now, I plan on really enjoying it.

(I think I will probably have to re-read this post during midterms and paper weeks...just for a little well...perspective)

WANTED:

Study Buddies

You probably think I am kidding.

I am not.

If you need to study,

but sort of like to study with someone else...

then I'm your girl

I might be the geekiest person in the world for having posted this.

I'm alright with that.

I think it is particularly hard for me to realize that summer is over this time around. Mostly because I never really had a summer. I was busy studying Thomas Merton, World War II, and then of course the Dead Sea Scrolls. Now don't get me wrong, I am not whining here. I realize that students are among the extremely priveleged human beings who get summers "off". And off from what you ask? Well yes, not working. So, it seems studying in the summer is not really a hardship at all. But I do sort of feel like summer came and went without me realizing. Doesn't that happen every year though?

So, we go back to the books, for the final year of TWU. I feel a tiny pang of sadness realizing this. Then I remember: I still have PDP and potentially another two years after that. Then I realize, as you all already realized if you are still reading this post, I am a very big geek. hehe.