Hidden Gems

This has been quite an interesting week. When I was trying to think of what to write about, I was concerned that there really wasn't any one exciting event. It took me some time, but then it hit me in the face... a bunch of really awesome things have happened.

1. My favourite sister got the best news EVER! Let's just be honest for a minute; I am going to be the best aunt ever and Chris is going to be the coolest uncle. I mean, seriously, this kid is all kinds of lucky. Oh, and the kid's parental unit is pretty good too. But Chris and I; the best.

2. At a time where I am really struggling with God and faith, I heard the perfect testimony to help me through it. People always say that God has perfect timing, but this was BANG on.

3. I got to help a great friend celebrate her birthday. Andrea is loved by many on the ship, and so I count it as a real privilege to have her put up with all my crying, and drama, when she has better things to do. She seemed to have a great day, and that is all you can hope for when your friend is celebrating their life.

4. Even when I am struggling with work, purpose, and not feeling at home, people remind me that I am loved, cared for, and appreciated. Although I often compare myself to the popularity of others, I know that shouldn't matter. I don't know everyone, and they don't know me, but I am happy to know some fantastic people!

5. Someone discovered that the Snickers' bars in the ship shop were fresh! They weren't melted, and they didn't taste like cardboard or soap. I was trying to decide whether I needed to keep this information to myself or spread the love. After I bought 4 in two days, I realized it was both the nice thing to do, and a way to save myself from eating the whole box. Soon after I shared the news, I heard it being yelled to everyone in the cafe. News travels fast.

6. Since I really like to eat, I need to workout (that, and I just really like to workout). Come to think of it, I am really in the mood to go for a run. I started doing Combat again. It was my favourite exercise class at home, and I recently got some DVDs. IT IS SO FUN! I especially like a move called street brawl (yes, I have some pent up aggression).

That's it for now. Since rainy season seems to have come to a conclusion, there is a lot more sun to go around. Run and sun; sounds like a good afternoon.

Have a wonderful week!

Learn from an Expert

I'm giving myself a pass for not posting a blog last week because I was home, and enjoying the snow! I may have been one of the only people that was happy about having snow in April, but it was a nice gift for me.

What else happened? 

Well, I got to visit with my family, which was the most important thing. Something that I thought about quite a bit were the elders in my life; the wisdom they have, their experiences, and how their value is often disregarded. I got thinking about this because I spent a really fun day with my grandparents (my brother made an appearance) making Easter bread. 

Also, I was sitting in mass on Good Friday, and the priest made a point to say that people often don't make time for elderly family members. They are often neglected, and left in nursing homes, only to be visited a few times a year. I am sure there are a ton of different circumstances that lead to those situations, not all of them easy or straight forward, so I can't generalize, but that makes me sad. 

My grandparents know SO much! I love to hear their stories and hear about all the adventures and trials they had in Italy and since arriving to Canada. I admit that sometimes I hear the same story multiple times, and I just don't want to hear it again. I am also guilty of not going to visit because I know I will get roped into eating, or staying for something, and I am so consumed with all I have to do that I don't want to make that a priority. That leaves me feeling guilty and awful (which I should). So, this is my thought: make time. I love my grandparents so much, and I know for sure they love me, so I will love them as best as I can, and try and learn as much from them as I can. 

That goes for non-family members as well. Sure, we have lots of newfangled technology, but there are somethings that are just tried and true. 

That being said... GO LEARN SOMETHING!

Potentially a little out of left field, but I wanted to put that out there. Have a great weekend!