Welcome 2009!

Greetings and Happy New Year!

I am quite relieved and happy to welcome in a new year. No one can erase the past. We can only learn from our mistakes, cherish the memories, and move on with life. That being said it seems like this past year has had it's fair share of ups and downs. So here's a quick run down. (If you have been keeping up with my blog then you'll know this all already, but it's kind of interesting to rehash the past year)

January - my last spring semester starting off with a tough month due to the break up of Joe and I
February - Leia came out to Victown for my birthday, fun times with Jess, and a great reading break visit from my Grandma and Rissy
March - don't remember much, maybe somebody came and visited me??
April - school ended, hernia surgery, and transition home
May - working for Dad, Brianne's grad
June and July - amazingly fun times in Bamfield!
August - working at home again, dating Andy. Seems like this month went really fast
September to December - one big nightmare of a semester that I wish to never repeat nor really think about for a very long time.

I started this year off with a bang surprising my grandma and relatives with a visit to Saskatoon. It was great to get away and spend the weekend celebrating my two cousin's birthdays and just relaxing without thinking about job applications. But much to my chagrin, I am back at it in full swing. Today I spent the entire day on the internet and phone, editing my resume, emailing people for information, and researching more possible jobs in the States. It's such a set back that I am from Canada. The ability to get a job internationally in my field is not really as easy as I always thought it would be especially with my lack of experience.

Hence, while I wait for responses and continue my job hunt in the evenings I will be getting a job in Stettler. It's hard to admit this because it makes it seem that I will be here for a long period of time. I really hope it is just temporary. But the one thing that I have already learned this year and practiced more is just being appreciative of the place that I am right now. I need to stop worrying about the future, what I can't control, and my lack of confidence and instead just be thankful for free rent, great food, and a Father who loves me.

Being a cheerful giver and helper is another thing that has really come alive to me lately. There are times I just don't want to help get parts for my dad or don't want to contribute to a conversation, but the Lord loves a cheerful giver and I have joy because of Him. I want to love talking to people, encouraging them, and lending a hand all so that I can glorify God by my actions.

Lastly, I must comment on the NFL playoff situation. The Dallas Cowboys were an abomination in their last couple games and I was honestly ashamed to wear my jersey. The attitudes from a number of players on that team poisoned their hope to make the playoffs (along with the lack of confidence and skill from Tony Romo). On a more happier note, however, the San Diego Chargers have done amazing. Beating Indianapolis was a great start to the playoffs and I just hope that they can continue to win. Miami has lost out which is too bad, particularly because of who they lost to: the hated Baltimore Ravens. There aren't a whole lot of good teams I like in the playoffs so the SuperBowl may not be as celebratory as I thought. Here's my hopes this week: (not who I think will win, but who I want to win)
Tennessee over Baltimore (lay a whippin' on those boys)
San Diego over Pittsburg
Philadelphia over New York (although I don't like either team)
Arizona over Carolina

Well there you have it folks. I shouldn't wait that long to blog again . . . waaaaay too long. Later days! (Oh and I miss my hair-dressing sister!!!!)