Too Much Information

Here are some tidbits about me. Why? We had a partner appreciation week last week at work where each of us listed something about ourselves that other partners may not know. I thought it would be fun to throw a few up here starting with what I posted from work.

• I lived in Bermuda for three years. In fact, both my sons were born there (my daughter was born in Mississauga, ON Canada).
• I was born with a club foot. As a result, my left foot is 1 cm shorter than my right foot, my left leg is an inch shorter than my right leg & my left leg is smaller than my right leg (most noticeable when I wear shorts & my calves are exposed).
• I sunburn easily & badly. I've had blisters on several occasions & once spent time in the hospital being treated for second degree burns from the sun.
• I don't wear deodorant. I'm not sure what it is about my body but when I sweat it doesn't smell. I can play hockey, workout & run for 5 kms yet I don't get BO. However, I will occasionally wear deodorant for the scent. Put it this way, I haven't opened the deodorant stick Leslie put in my stocking this past Christmas because I'm still working on the one she put in my stocking the Christmas before last Christmas.
• I love the smell of skunk spray. Leslie doesn't even know this about me. The scent reminds me of the best summer of my life. Reason is because that first summer I started going out with Leslie (June 3, 1989) there was a skunk problem at the camp we were working at. The camp director was a hunter & so he set traps for the skunks. I'd help him check the traps and dispose of the skunks. Funny thing about the mind and associations!
• I was security for Rod Stewart. This leads into another, I was a member of 723 Comm Squadron in Halifax, NS as part of the Canadian Forces Reserves. During that time, Rod Stewart was visiting town to do a concert on Citadel Hill. We were called in to be security.

I could go on...maybe another time, another post!

HEAD

The Dream

Making omelettes for breakfast with Jake
Sitting in a cold rink on a hot day watching (with the other parents) as Joel & the kids play 3 on 3
Listening to God, as pointed out by Julia, in a Hannah Montana song (who knew?)
Walking a young couple through marriage prep over dinner
Spending the evening playing Trivial Pursuit with our friends while the kids play Disney Scene It

Does church get any better than this?

Press Play

A 3 minute sample of Head's first track Flush off the upcoming debut is available on his myspace page. The full length song will be available on itunes 07/08/08 with the album coming out 09/09/08. I've been chomping at the bit for this one - can't wait!

Lately my ipod play consists of:

• Aerosmith - Big Ones & Permanent Vacation
• System of a Down - Mezmerize
• Ozzy - No More Tears
• The Black Crowes - Warpaint & Greatest Hits
• Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA
• KISS - Alive

I've finally gotten past the 4000 song mark on my ipod. The thing is crazy - I haven't even filled it 1/4 & I have tons of other stuff on it. I've thrown a bunch of audio books on there for the kids for our trek camping in Montana this summer - Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl and of course, Dr. Seuss. We're all looking forward to the end of school next week & the beginning of the camping season - woo!

Does Organized Church do More Harm Than Good?

Jim recently made a post by the above title. If you have a few moments it's worth checking out here (don't forget to scan the comments). In this first post he answers that yes, organized church does do more harm than good.

He follows up the first post with a second post here. In the second post he responds with the comments of people who feel organized church has had a positive impact on their lives (again, don't neglect the comments).

Happy reading!

Full of life

I know I've said it before yet I'll say it again, life is full, good & full.

- Joel was selected to take part in a hockey school in July at no cost to us! It's a Calgary Flames camp & he'll be spending a couple of hours at the Saddledome on tour of the Flames dressing room, etc. He's pretty stoked as are we for him!

- Julia lost her two front baby teeth. I'm watching her grow up before my very eyes and it both excites me and scares the heck out of me. In some ways I want her to continue to be my little girl forever.

- Jake & I have had some great talks as of late. These are cherished moments. One night he was asking me about drugs because a kid on his soccer team (while they were both on the sidelines together) asked him if he knew what getting high meant. Another time, during a drive we were taking together, he was telling me how left out he sometimes feels because kids have seen movies that he hasn't. Austin Powers was the movie in question and he wanted to know why he hasn't seen it yet.

Parenting is such a huge responsibility. I love it and don't love it (hate is too strong a word to use coz I wouldn't take it that far). It's not about my kids - I love them, there is no question. I'm more concerned with messing up and messing them up. I'm concerned with them rebelling against me and not wanting to speak to me when they get older. I'm concerned with them leaving our family to begin their own and not needing me anymore.

God has given them to us in trust for a time. That's hard. I know it and I will deal with letting go when that time comes. For now, every moment is precious as I get to be a part of their growing up.

My Girl

Julia lost her two front teeth this week - one on Wednesday & one yesterday (Friday).

My little beauty is growing up!

Wi-fied into the Kingdom of God

I'm rereading Jim Palmer's book after having read it for the first time over a year ago.

Excellent book. Pick it up and also check out his blog - he's a great storyteller, relatable and a great mind.

Check this excellent quote from the book:

"For most of my adult life, I have been seeking after God in church. Now I'm starting to understand that I'm already wi-fied into the kingdom of God through the Spirit of Christ living in me."

I love that, "wi-fied into the kingdom of God through the Spirit of Christ living in me."

Hope of a Better Past

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why they call it 'the present.'"

Great "fortune cookie" type line from Kung Fu Panda. The kids got out early from school yesterday so we took them to see it (we're all big fans of Jack Black - he's the man!)!

Loved the movie!

That line stood out for me because it holds a lot of truth for me in this period of my life.

My spiritual director told me some months ago that his impression of me (as he was listening to me speak) was that I seem to be stewing over past regrets, consumed with future fears and missing out on the present moment.

Six weeks ago I went to a weekend 'personal growth' workshop in the city of champions. That weekend another similar statement hit home "I finally gave up hope of having a better past."

The present moment truly is a gift. I'm not saying don't learn from the past and don't prepare for the future but when they both consume (like they sometimes do with me) the moment passes and I've missed out.

I'm still learning...

19

..and counting!