So, What's New...?

A lot of times people ask me, "So, what's new with you?" or they ask the same things in different ways, and my usual response is "Not Much." To tell, you the truth, those questions make me uncomfortable because most of the time, I don't do a lot that is "new", "interesting" or "different". I feel it's all been done before, I'm just simply repeating it :) Yes, I am weird...got it and duly noted. The only time that I feel I have something new to report, is when it is interesting and new to me. I really don't take other people's interest in my life as a consideration, nor as a possibility...I figure it's just something they ask to pass the time during that awkward semi-conversation after having not talked for over a month or so. Yes, yes, I'll get on with this train of thought...So here is what is new with me:

1) I have been to Mexico - the Pacific Side - near Puerto Vallarta but thankfully an 1 hour north in the Riviera Nayarit. I went with my sister at Christmas Time and it was absolutely wonderful! I did everything that I wanted to and have no regrets about the trip at all. Okay...well maybe pestering the front desk or someone about one of our bathroom lights but other than that, it was a very good trip. I was able to travel on the local busses to Bucerias - they have one tall Clock tower in the middle of town; Sayulita - a lot of Canadian Ex-Patriats, I had some of the best home fries from a little cafe that served Canadian Breakfast all day, owned by an ex-pat that decided 3 yrs ago to try something new; Punta de Mita - did the best bargaining ever...yet when I did the conversion later in my head, the guy got what he wanted in Peso's. Yet, what I got for that price was a really great deal. I looooove the ocean. I loooove the beach. Humpback whales are amzing creatures and snorkelling is fun, even in scary deep water...I was kind of hoping to see a shark after a bit. Yes, this trip has truly solidified my love for Mexico.

2) I was stopped for speeding in Ferndale, WA because I was doing...guess the speed...nope...35 miles/hr in a 25 miles/hr zone. Yup...that's a true story. I was on my way to the Bellingham Stake Center for a Temple Youth Celebration Fireside and was coming from the Temple. I had taken a backwoods way from Jenn's directions and yes, down one road I was absolutely speeding by over 20 miles but then I got to the town and after the stop sign I slowed considerably, didn't see any posted signs and was following a local car for the speed while trying to find the road I needed to turn on. Then, I saw flashing lights in my rearview and thought, "Are you kidding me? I am driving slower than dirt and now is the time you pull me over?" So, I pull over and meanwhile the car ahead of me is still driving on. When the cop came to my window he said, "Hi Ma'am, do you know how fast you were driving?" and I said, "No, I was following the speed of the car ahead of me." and I pointed to the car that was now a few blocks up. "Ma'am, you were doing 35 in a 25 zone, I am not going to give you a ticket but I want you to be aware of the speed limits around here. Can I get your license and registration." I said, "Sorry, I didn't see the signs anywhere. Where are they?" "You passed about three on the way here." (After the one stop sign, I had turned right - no speed sign - then at some lights, I turned left - no speed sign - then I drove two blocks at the same speed of the car ahead - no speed signs) "Oh, I didn't see them at all, sorry." Then he walked away and did his thing and probably posted me up as a "driver to watch out for in Ferndale" and then gave me my stuff back. He told me to be careful of my speed and let me go, then followed me 95% of the way to the church. Crazy bored Ferndale police. Thank goodness it wasn't a ticket though. I am trying to go for 2010 Ticket free. A girl can dream can't she?

3) The Olympics are coming!! Feb. 12th. I wasn't chosen as a volunteer but I also could only commit myself to a week and they said on the form that priority is given to those that can commit to two weeks or the whole month...Sadly, I knew this was my downfall but I thought there would be a bit of a chance. Oh well, c'est la vie. So, instead, I am doing my part by having a childhood friend who is volunteering for two weeks, come stay at my house for that time. All the schools are on "reading break" for the 2 weeks during the Olympics and so my roommate is also letting my friend use her room. So, we are helping in our own small way :)

4) I am applying over and over again to jobs that I am qualified for within TD. I want out of the back office and into something more challenging, thought provoking, more interesting! I also want to further my career or at least my job level, for a raise in pay. I do love TD, it is a great company but I am limited to what I can do, since it has been proven that I have absolutely no head for finance. Ahh, the irony for working for a bank and having a Literature/Poli Sci degree, thus also means that I need to be challenged a little more than what has become day-to-day drivel. Ok, so not so much drivel as just too repetitive for me. I wish I had a desire to move to Ontario then I would have a lot of opportunities to be in positions that I am qualified for and love but whenever I think of moving anywhere in Canada, than where I am now...social suicide. Harsh but I know that I am not to be anywhere else but here, until that feeling goes away and I don't think that will happen until I am married or at least on my way. This is my home, my friends/family, the mountains, the ocean, the border, the easy access to US airports, the Islands, the lakes, the rivers, my ward...seriously, where else can I be? It needs to have something better than what I have now to make me even consider it. So, for now, I will keep interviewing until someone says, yes! you are hired! Other than that, I still have a job and they are very supportive in my want for advancement, so that is also a great blessing.

5) Travels: June 19th - My brother and his fiancee are getting married. They already have a house together, a camper, her 3 daughters and a dog. Now, they just need to seal the deal, so to speak. Haha. My brother is the happiest I have seen him in a very long time and it makes me absolutely ecstatic to know this. I love my brother and he deserves all this happiness. He is a very good man and is very loving and kind. Yes, I love my brother and I don't think I tell him or show him enough but we have that kind of unspoken relationship...few words...but it's there. :) So, this means that I am heading to FSJ for a long weekend...the sacrifices I make haha.
August - UK/Europe! Meeting up with the UK boys and going to see Europe by Rail using a Europass which lets you choose how many cities you want to see for one price. I don't know all the details but I am excited and a little scared to have to fly there and back by myself. Never been on a plane longer than 6 hours in one consecutive sitting. Hey, Lee is in London too, so I might be able to have a quick visit. That'd be fun hey? The plan is to do the Eurorail thing for a week and then be in the UK for a week - either before or after. So, since I am really not part of the planning I'll just have to see.

6) Temple Youth Celebration Committee - Our area is getting a Temple and it will be completed in April and then dedicated on May 2nd. So, May 1st will be a Temple Youth Celebration that will be for the youth and the Prophet. I have been asked to be on this committee as Scene Management Chair/Director...either way, head of Scene Management aka props and details of all 11 scenes/numbers that the youth will be performing. I have gathered together a great committee from all over the Lower Mainland and Blaine to ensure that the tasks being asked of us will be done with an eye for detail and some creativity. Also, enthusiasm! I haven't met some of my team yet but I know that they are willing to serve and have great ideas! We have had a meeting with Shelley to fill us in on the details of our assignment and what the TYC is all about. I do feel inadequate but I have asked some really great people to be on my committee and some good people have signed up at the firesides to help in anyway possible. When I was first asked, I thought, yes, but how? Then I called the women that I wanted and then thought, yes, but how? Then, I saw the list of what we are needed to do and thought, yes but how? Then, I saw all the people that have signed up and offered to volunteer for us and now I think, Yes, do I have enough tasks? So far, I can see how everything can get completed...now, it just needs to be done and I am thankful for Heavenly Father showing me that "how" can always be answered with "who".

Okay, so this is what's new with me so far :)