I had a terrible night! I went to bed around 1am and tossed and turned, pulling my hair out with frustration (not really) until at least around 4am. I don't remember seeing the alarm clock in the 4s so perhaps I dozed for the hour, but was up again in the 5s. I was so frustrated! I just wouldn't sleep! I never have this problem! I can't imagine the frustration that insomniacs face! I guess I had a lot on my mind.
A lady called me today from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and I have an interview for tomorrow. I don't know if it will work out for me to take the job, because I already have two casual positions and the summer is speeding by, but we'll see what is available. The security of a part-time job would be nice. It is homecare as well, so it would be a little different than personal care homes which is all I'm doing right now. I don't think I could take on a third! Way too much! So this could be a nice change! We'll see what happens.
I'm going to go and pray my little heart out, searching for direction to the change of plans. My words to the Lord are that I will do anything. I will, with His strength, put aside my plans and agendas, and do whatever His Will is. The catch is that He has to make Himself extremely clear so that I know the direction is from Him. Keep me in your prayers!

God just let me know that my plans are changed and won't look like what I had thought. Sometimes it is strange when he does this. I am going to need to spend some serious time in prayer about what he wants instead. When a door closes, I can trust that He knew that it was going to be a closed door, and therefore He opens a different one. He has a plan for me and therefore I am disappointed, but I am at peace and excited for what the new plan will look like. Pray if you read this, for I need to hear clearly from God to know the direction to take.
On another note, I spent the day and evening with a bunch of my wonderful friends! My friends are out from Florida, who just recently got married! I got to live with Heather for about 2 months before she moved back to Florida, after a living in Winnipeg for 10 months. I've known her for years and known her now husband for even more years. He was actually my grad date in 2000! I'm SO excited to have them close by again! He was in town and was in the same wedding party that Shane was in Ontario. Heather on the other hand, surprised Christina and I and called when she arrived in Winnipeg! It was a great surprise! We went to the park, played volleyball, videotaped each other, made a great supper here at the appartment, hooked up with two other couples and went for drinks on Corydon! It was a great evening! Nite!

I got to spend almost the whole day with Shane today! 11 hours or so! It was wonderful! I really enjoyed a great day with him and got caught up on the details of the trip. He looked great too, my stud muffin! He dyed his hair with some blonde dye, got a hair cut just before he left and got a bit of a tan during the trip. Lookin' great! I get to see him again tomorrow, which makes me very happy! I just got back home and spent the end of the evening watching Shane play hockey. He in on a team that just recently started and I went to watch him. Even though I was the only girlfriend there, I wanted to be with him, instead of going home alone. You know the suckiest thing about dating? Always having to say good-bye at the end of every evening! And not having anybody to sleep beside, except other pillows and blankets. I've never ever been a stuffed animal girl, but I might sucker in to hugging one through the night sometime soon. Anyways, in junior high, us girls would always go and watch the boys hockey games at our arena in town. The only establishments in our little town were a school, church, a little general store, one restaurant, a community centre for seniors and the arena. We were faithful supporters, and even though we waited around until they were out of the change room after the game, they only uttered a sentence before leaving the arena with their parents. Typical for junior high. Nonetheless, we loved every game! Watching Shane's game tonight brought me back to memory land for a moment and I still remember the numbers of the guys jerseys from grade 8 and 9! I always wanted to be a girlfriend of a hockey player, because we would remark about how sexy the guys looked in uniform! (chuckle, chuckle) I had a fabulous day with my Shane! I got called in to work, but wasn't home and didn't want the shift! Power to me!

Well, I got to sleep in this morning! I must have been so tired, because I slept until noon! It felt SO good! I've done the dishes and watched an old movie so far. I'm going to work this evening, because I got a call this afternoon! The nice thing is that I just get to work 7-11 which isn't a regular shift! It should be nice! Only 4 hours!
My baby gets back tomorrow! Shaner is getting home tomorrow morning, and is on the road right now. I'm excited to see him again! I'm going to go see him tomorrow!
Later! Enjoy the nice weather!

I'm absolutely dead on my feet! I work again this evening and now I'm exhausted. If they call tomorrow, of course I'll say yes, but I kinda hope that I get to rest for the day!
I got to go to church this morning. It was really nice to be there and David and Anita Ruis (previous pastors) came to celebrate the dedication of our new building! It was really nice to see them! It was also great to walk into church to the sound of David's voice. It was like coming home after being away a long time and hearing a comforting, familiar voice. Just like old times.
I'm going to watch the end of a movie I started yesterday and massage my own feet. Nite Nite.

Today my friends Paul and Rebekah are getting married! Shane is in their wedding, which is taking place perhaps as I write, in Ontario. That's why I'm not there! I was rudely awakened with a call in to work at 6am. I worked until 12:35pm and am now at home before going off to work the evening shift 3-11:15pm. I'm a psycho! Thank-you Jesus for the hours, though! I have been having not so fun times with the bus. Yesterday's bus to bring me home from work, just didn't come! Then, because of the saturday bus schedule, a 10 minute car ride to work, took me 1 hour this morning! Oh joy. I love transit.
I'm going to veg for an hour before I leave again! Have a nice, rainy, saturday afternoon!

So, today I wonder if I'm entering into the wrong profession...... Perhaps politics would have been more suitable for what I've been feeling and expressing these last few days regarding the health care profession. I am seeing more and more crap in this field, which has the potential to dry me out. I am really looking forward to what my trip to Africa will do for me. By that I mean, I think seeing health care as helping people that really need it and it not being all about budgets and cut-backs and such, will perhaps refresh me again. I don't want to be a cranky, negative or pessimistic part of society, but it really is hard to say genuine and fresh in this field. I am hoping that what I experience in Africa will remind me full force about why I love what I do, why I chose this profession and that God has given me this job for a purpose. Maybe I'll have to do a little trip every once in a while to keep my focus during my career (when I'm graduated). That would be fun and hopefully keep me fresh and full of passion and drive.
I was on a mission today. I had an issue with one of my workplaces so I wanted to get some answers. Sometimes I feel like superwoman and could stand up to anything, other times I feel shy and weak in the knees. Today was an assertive kind of day. I brought one of my concerns to the attention of the assistant director of care, which made me feel quite proud of my guts! She didn't see things the way I saw them, but instead of making it look like I suddenly agreed with her (when I didn't), I stated my case and then was quiet about the issue. I'm proud that I didn't cave in to be a peace maker and was honest, but respectful. Anyways, another issue came up that really bothered me. So, when I got home, I made some phone calls to the big guys! I called the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, then the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Manitoba and then the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba! I can hardly believe it myself! I was on a mission! I got some leads, but I have to call a lady back from the College on monday to talk verbally, as opposed to on voice mail.
Pray if you think of it. I'm feeling a little stressed about the financial aspect of things. I think I'm trying to take care of things on my own. I am wanting to work lots to provide for my trip and school independently. These casual positions are sucking right now and not giving me the hours that I want and think that I need! So, maybe God is trying to teach me something about faith and dependence on Him or maybe He has a plan that looks a little different than mine! Pray that I have patience and pray that things work out! I'm going for the third job! I'm crazy! I want hours and good money!

My computer is driving me nuts today! Nothing is connecting properly and it is taking FOREVER to do anything! Grrrr....I just had to vent! Work never called this morning so I slept in until 11:30am! It felt very nice! I've been staying up too late lately reading books! Christina and I were craving cinnamon buns late last night so we spontaneously went to Perkins an hour before they closed to have one! I love going on a whim! It is fun! I was looking ready for bed, but it was fun!
This is my last week of dance lessons, just a practice class tonight and thursday night! I'm a little nervous that I'm not as prepared for the recital as I should be! Oh, well, I'll do my best!
I got to talk to Shaner yesterday! He called from Ontario to chat with me! He had been trying to get a hold of me throughout the weekend, but I was always gone! It was nice to chat with him! He sounds really tired! Poor guy!
Well, I'm going to shower, eat and get ready to go grocery shopping with Chris! Later!

Well, I did get to go home to Mitchell after all! I just got back about an hour ago. It was nice and work never did call me to pick up any shifts so I'm glad I didn't spend the last two days sitting around waiting for their calls! I got to spend the night at my dad's. My grandma moved from her house in which she has lived for 35 years, today. So, yesterday I got to go over one last time and say good-bye to the old homestead. It is kind of sad because we have had family gatherings there since before I was born! I'm going to miss that place and it is going to be weird having gatherings elsewhere. It was due time for Grandma to move though. She had a partial stroke last summer and until now has been living alone in the country. Now, she's moving into an appartment in Steinbach, which should be good for her. I hope she enjoys it and adjusts well. I hope she's not too sad about it!
I can't remember if I blogged about my mom's place yet, but it sold. My mom gets to stay which free rent until the end of September though, so I don't have to say good-bye to my old home yet! I told my sister that now my parents have to get back together and live at my dad's so that we will still have one of our two homes.
I need to learn how to rest and relax. I have a hard time not occupying myself or my mind with doing something. I always have to be doing something. I wish I could just relax. I hope to learn a little about contentment soon. My life would be richer!

I just got back from work. I walked home in the nice weather and picked up a slurpee on the way home. One of the usually cranky male residents said something sweet to me today! I went to answer his call light because he kept ringing it. I think the residents like my approach with them. I don't write that at all to sound proud of how I do things, because 3/4 of the time I feel I hardly know anything, but I'm fresh enough, that I really try to be kind and give them respect. I walked in and ask this gentleman what he wanted and why he was ringing. I asked in a nice way and we had ourselves a little chat. I brushed his dentures (just to make sure they had been done) and asked if he wanted the light turned off. He replied that he wanted them on, and said, "so I can look at your lovely face"! I laughed because this guy is usually so grumpy and orders everyone around, and here he was paying me a nice compliment! I can't remember if I wrote what a resident told me yesterday at work or not. I was told, "Wow, are you a female and a half!". That was such a funny comment and the way she looked at me was hilarious! I'm not sure what that was supposed to mean! I think my height is something that a lot of the residents like to comment on!
Well, I'm going to read a little before bed and I'm going home with my mom tomorrow (as long as work doesn't call me in before I leave at 9:30am!). I hope to fly the koop before they get me! nite, nite!

My baby sister called me this morning! Well, she's actually not a baby, she's 18 and incredibly mature! If I don't get a call today or early tomorrow morning to work, I think I'm going to go home to Mitchell for the night sunday to monday. I would love to spend time out there again! Though, my sister is going camping with other soon-to-be grads, so I probably won't get to spend time with her. Oh, well, I will get to spend time with the rest of the fam! I really am in the mood to hang out with my dad. I want to run around in the backyard, go for bike rides, play catch, have a barbeque! I kinda hope that they don't call me in for work, because I'll will say yes if they call, and I would really like to go home!
I'm totally honored! My sister is allowed to bring 5 people to her grad ceremony and 3 to the reception/banquet. She told me this morning that she wants to invite me to both! I didn't expect that at all! I am so honored and excited about this! I'm so proud of that girl! And, she got nominated for valadictorian (i can't spell!)! Go Stephy!
Well, I'm off to work again this evening! Yeah, evening and weekend bonuses tonight!

Today my boy is leaving for just over two weeks....boo...hooo...... I haven't been able to see him very much in the last two months it seems. Actually I looked back at the day planner and only 4 evenings since April 1 have been just for us! I think we need to work on that! It just that life gets busy! Before it was school and exams, now it is work and life. Does anyone have a car that they need to dispose of and want to give it to us?! That is another factor why don't get to see each other as much as I would like to...no wheels. Well, he's coming back on May 27 or so I hear. I hope to spend the afternoon with him on the 28! That's kinda far away! This makes me a little sappy, but I'll also be fine! I will hopefully get lots of calls into work and fill my extra time with friends, family and the ending of dance/recital preparation.
Shane came by last night after work for a bit to say good-bye. It was so nice to see him! You know how you love to see your special one anytime, but other times, it is just so good for your heart? More than normal? It was like that for me yesterday! My heart was so full and happy to be able to see Shane! I know this is far too sappy, but usually you will get the logical side out of me, so when there is sap available, I'll just go with it! I suppose absense can make the heart grow fonder. I felt that yesterday. It totally works the opposite for me sometimes, by making me increasingly frustrated. But yesterday I experienced the opposite! Shane, it was SO GREAT to see you again! I LOVE YOU! HAVE SO MUCH FUN ON YOUR TRIP AND BE SAFE!
Today and tomorrow I work. I hope it is good and I enjoy myself. I'm not overly excited at this point, but I'm happy for the hours. I hope they don't call for sunday (at least morning), because it would nice to be able to go to church.
Well, time to eat and get ready, spend some time with Jesus and relax before work!
See you all!

I got the job! They didn't even really ask or offer it to me, but instead it sounded like they had decided on giving it to me before I even got there! Well, my first orientation shift is on thursday! Hopefully between two jobs I can work a good amount and get a satisfactory amount of hours without over-working myself! The facility is a lot nicer than the other one I am working at, but the pay is unfortunately a little less. It disappoints me, but it is better than not making any money because of a lack of available shifts! Thank-you Lord for your provision!
I also got my passport in the mail, which I totally wasn't expecting! I'm excited because it is another step that is completed! I am so thankful that they accepted the picture after all and that everything processed so well and quickly!
I had a nice time with my mom and sister! We went to Branigan's and shared two desserts! MMMMmmmmmmm! Yum! I also finished another book (a totally amazing one!) on my list of books to read this summer! I'm turning into the bookworm I was when I was a kid!

Morning! I'm up early enough, but not at a crazy hour like the past few days, because this morning is my interview! I am interested to hear what they offer and if I feel like I want to work there. I don't know what will work out, especially with the factor of leaving in August for a few weeks. I hope it goes well though! Then I'm taking my mom out for a belated mother's day coffee. I got to remember to write up the card! Mom called just this morning to ask if my sister could come along. Absolutely! Then tonight I have dance in which we will work on our recital hardcore and then coffee at Earl's with some friends later on around 10pm. This will be the last time that we hang out with one of the couples before they get hitched. That's why they wanted to do something tonight. It should be fun!
I got a call this morning from World Vision whose website I had visited a while back. I had filled out an online application and a lady was calling if I had any questions and about processing the application. They had three spots left in their trip to Romania, but I told her that I already had an opportunity that I was doing for August. I'm feeling excited though about the doors that have been opened for the future. I could have gone to Romania with World Vision, or Spain with Mercy Ships, but I'm going to Kenya, Africa with Global Health Outreach. That is pretty amazing that some opportunities were actually being worked out! I just can't do all of them at once! Both Mercy Ships and World Vision are keeping my file and said just to contact them if I want to work with them in the future! Open doors!
Well, I gotta go get ready! Hope the day is great!

I worked the past 4 days, and got called in early in the morning for 3 of the 4. Surprisingly, I automatically said yes each time. I am very thankful for the hours. Tomorrow, I have my interview for another job, though, so they shouldn't be calling early in the morning, because I'm marked "unavailable".
Well, I really don't have anything to say today. Maybe later. Sleep. Want to rest and read my interesting book. Veg on the couch. Wonder what I'll do tonight? Guess I'm not working or having to wait for a call because I just came home from there. Hmmmm......We'll see.

Again early this morning at 5:54am I got a call to go in to work for 7am. I said yes in my groggy voice. It was a pretty good day, can't complain, though it felt a little on the long side and I have burning, sore feet. One of the residents passed away early this morning. I wasn't the one that found her, but I did have a chance to go in an see her. It was kind of weird walking in to her room and looking at a body that was in fact, dead. On my other shifts, when I had to go into her room I entered saying (pretend her name is Lucy), "Lucy, Lucy, Lucy!" and chatting to her. Now she was just a body without a spirit. Strange experience for me. I haven't had much experience with dead people, no one close to me has ever died. I think I've only gone to three funerals in my entire 20+ years of life. Strange, but kind of developing and maturing experience.
I'm going to the ballet tonight with Shane and two other couples. I'm really excited to see my two girlfriends, who are both bringing their fiances. Shane is not excited at all. Actually he's in a bit of a bad mood about it, but he agreed willingly when we discussed it weeks ago and in the end, we'll all have fun. I do understand though, because he has a hockey game and he's missing it to go to the ballet. That is a bummer! I would be disappointed too if I had something that I loved up, but I was going somewhere that Shane wanted to go instead. I understand. Oh well, we'll all have fun I'm sure.
I work again tomorrow morning but this time I know about it ahead of time. I think I'll have a nap for a bit and then get myself all prettied up for tonight!

Hello there! I worked the day shift today when I was awoken at 6am with a call in to work! Oh, well, I need the shifts! And without beating around the bush, I'll get to the exciting news of the day! I AM OFFICIALLY GOING TO AFRICA IN AUGUST!!!! It is a dream come true! I am so excited! I got an email from the doctor that is leading the trip, full of awesome encouragement and welcome about the Kenya trip! I am so excited! It is finally official! The human resources lady is sending me a package for the fund-raising thing. I wouldn't be surprised and I'm totally prepared to pay for the entire trip on my own, but I've had a few people tell me that they want to help me out! Even one lady at my old workplace told me today that I should come in to work and a bunch would probably help me out in small amounts! That totally touches me! I guess I can get a little independent on occasion and decide things and do them all by myself. Sometimes I think to myself that in order to do things, I just have to make things happen without the help of other people. Maybe that sounds bad and I have a lot of really supportive friends and family, I just sometimes feel so independent and self-sufficient that when I think about it, it can be lonely. Sometimes I would just rather be taken care of, pampered and totally living the life of stress-free existance. Sounds good to me. I guess it is not that way when independence, to a point, has become your way of life. I've been out on my own, completely financially independent since I was 17, just before my graduation. Thinking back, I have no idea how I did it, but God was right beside me. I am proud to say that I have been self-sufficient, living on my own for three years next month, working my way through school, etc., but sometimes I do wish to have the life that the parents buy you a car, pay for your education, and all is fine on that front. But I wouldn't give up what I have learned and how I have matured for anything. I totally will teach my children about earning and working for things. I think it's an invaluable life lesson.

Thank-you to my Shaner! He fixed my problem with the date on this thing! I just got home from Mitchell which was SO NICE! It is weird to come back to the City and back to my appartment, because I fit right back in to rural Manitoba life! I have a bad case of the "I just want to buy a car, a house, get married and live in the coutry!". I think it has to do with seeing all my friends that are getting married this summer! I have three specific close girlfriends that are getting married this summer and becoming home owners at the age of 20 or 21! Oh my goodness! We had our hair trials last night and I had crazy awesome hair! It made my friend's upcoming wedding seem way more realistic and it got me excited! I got to see my family, my dad made me a great supper, and I relaxed all day, reading a book at my mom's. It was so great because my mom had to drive for Child and Family Services, my dad was at work and my siblings were at school, so I had a quiet house all to myself for part of the day. I read a book on the loveseat by the window, with the patio door open, hearing only the sounds of the bird, crickets, wind and the occasional neighbor child. I love it!
I got another job interview on tuesday! I'm so thankful! And, they actually have part-time positions available, which are far more secure than casual work! I'm praying everything works out! That would make me feels much less nervous about the whole money-making aspect of the summer. Well, God is in control and I must remind myself that he has a plan for me that is wonderful! I shouldn't stress about this job stuff, but instead just pray that he could perhaps secure some work instead and provide the funds necessary for life, the potential trip, school in September and future plans (wink! wink!)! Say a little prayer if you think of me! It's been a little tough getting into the summer mode, from such a hardcore school year. I thrive on having something to do at all times and if I don't have something to do I get pretty bored and somewhat discontent. I'm trying to learn to live out the verse in the Bible about knowing the secret to being content in any and every circumstance! Oh Lord, help me! That's why I'm filling a lot of my spare and relaxing time with reading books for fun! Sound lame? Well, it's only the beginning of May and on the list of summer reading, I am on book number 5 already!
Ta ta for now! I'm off to watch Friends and Survivor and perhaps go to a dance class tonight!

Good morning! It is now wednesday and I haven't recently checked if the date problem is fixed yet. I guess I'll find out after this blog is posted. I got to have some generic orientation at work that I never got before starting, yesterday, which was good. I picked up two extra shifts too! The disappointing thing is that I have to skip my rehearsal at Masterworks for the finale (opps!). I asked the director of the studio though, and so I feel o.k. about it! I really wanted to work the shift! I also have to miss the Teddy Bears Picnic which I was planning on volunteering at! I really wanted to go! Oh well, I really need to work and make money!
I checked my marks from my finals yesterday at the University! They went better than I thought, especially the way I felt after my last one! I'm impressed!
Today, I get to go back to Mitchell for night again! It sure has been a treat to beable to go often in the last few weeks! It's more than I've gotten to in the last few years combined! Well, maybe that's an exaggeration......Anyways, I'm in my friend's wedding this summer, so we are having the hair and makeup trial tonight. That's why I have to get to Mitchell. I think it should be fun! I just hope they don't make me look funny, especially with the makeup part. I never wear it! I'm excited to see my family and I'm having lunch with a friend from high school, so my next two days should be fun, but relaxing!
I got an email from the Kenya people today! The doctor who says the final word is not in town at the present moment, but the woman in human resources that I've been in contact with doesn't think there should be any problem and I'll probably be able to go! She just thinks that he wants to here from the people in Kenya to make sure of the amount of people able to come! I hope to here the final yes or no very soon! I'm not a very patient waiter! I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed!
Have a great day! I hear it is supposed to 25 out there today! Lovely!

It is monday afternoon and I'm at the library! I have never been one to go to the library, and I've never had my own library card before! Well, today is a new day! I have my first library card and plan on reading a ton of books, just for fun, over the summer! I get to use some free internet time here too! Bonus!
I brought my pictures to the passport place, but the lady that I was working with was on her lunch break. The gentleman I talked to said that they would call me if there was a problem again with the pictures! I really hope not!
Well, off I go! TTYL!