Peter James

PETER'S PICKS

2007-06-21T08:22:00.000-06:00

Here are some of my favorite movies, all having to do with Africa and the struggles around the world. I would recommend all of them, and then listen to Bob Dylan's song "What Good Am I?" I don't know exactly what he is talking about in the song (can you ever with Bob) but it seems to fit pretty well to me.
THE KILLING FIELDS
CATCH A FIRE
THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
BEYOND BOARDERS
BLOOD DIAMOND
THE POWER OF ONE
HOTEL RWANDA
Mix in a Bond movie too, just cause they are good.

taking money from street people

2007-06-06T00:13:00.000-06:00

Yes it is true, I did this! I went to Safeway tonight because it is 10% off Tuesday, and there was a street person at the door asking for some change. I had none and was in need of a quarter myself to get a cart. So he offered me one. I took it. It was really was something, I felt very strange. I said I would get him on my way out, but still I thought it very good of him to do that.
I got a pretty big load of food (we were pretty bare back at the apartment, as usual) and I knew I would feel strange again when I passed him on the way out with such a load. So I did give him a good tip and made sure he even got his quarter back, but it was all quite a different experience for me. I liked it though. Think I might do it more often. I got a "God bless" you out of it too. Hope He does. (more)
As for my previous post. I had asked my assistant coach that, and he said there was no way he could do that and that there was no way my dad could either. I begged to differ with him, so we put 20$ on it. And when we asked my dad, there was no hesitation. "You are gone". But he did add that it was only because he knew where I was going. I love cashing in on my fathers convictions! I think that if I was given time to sit down and think it through, I would do the same. But if I came upon my son and someone else drowning, my reaction would be to go for my son for sure. Now, some other guy who was in on the conversation said that God would never ask you to do something like that, and if He did that he wouldn't want to serve a God like that. I mention Abraham, but he said that was the old testament and that it wouldn't happen under the new covenant. Is that true? I didn't think it was, but am much to unlearned to say why I didn't think so. Both these guys are believers just to let you know.
There is no way I think I could ever blame them, and maybe I couldn't actually do it either, but that is my thinking at the moment. I think it would be the right thing to do. I mean, we are not meant for this world, we are just strangers in a strange land. (Bob) And Amy, it is just saving their lives, but in order to give them a chance to have there spirits saved. Clearer?

question

2007-06-05T08:24:00.000-06:00

Say if you had a son who you knew to ba a believer. Would you sacrifice him in order to save your neighbours 3 sons who you knew to be unbelievers?
This qustion won me twenty dollars once, well my fathers answer to it did.

NEVER KNEW

2007-05-21T08:51:00.000-06:00

So as I had said before, I have been trying to work out a lot more, and running is probably the biggest factor for me. I was talking to my buddy Allen and he convinced me that running outside was 10 times better for me then running on a tread. I usually only ran inside, but since I am really trying to get in top shape, I gave in and started to run outside. I have done a few runs on the back streets around my apartment and I found two amazingliy beautiful parks. They both are right along the elbow river and were such a nice surprise. I have gone back on non work out related ventures a few times and really enjoyed myself. I bet there are so many more beautiful places all around Calgary that I have no idea about. Anyhow the parks are Elbow park and Stanley park if you wish to check them out. Also on Sunday Jon took me to a garden park that has a nice little breakfast cafe as well. It too was very beautiful and had some nice trees to climb. It does back right up against a cemetary, but thats okay, we all die right.

GOOD PERSON?

2007-05-18T09:07:00.000-06:00

At what point does a person become a bad person? How many bad things do they have to do to cross that line. It seems that people are always saying that, deep down they have a good heart or that they are really a good person. But I know not everyone is a good person, there are bad ones out there. So at what point do you have to look at what a person is doing and just say, yep, they are a bad person? Now I don't want to hear that we are all bad people and without Jesus...... that is not what I am talking about. I just mean from a human or social/cultural perspective. Any ideas?

HELLO AGAIN

2007-05-06T19:48:00.000-06:00

Hello there,
It has been a while now I know. I had given it up for a bit there, and then when I wanted to make a come back I was unable to. But I think I have it figured out now. So here we go again, I will not allow anything to get out of hand this time I promise.
School is all done now, I ended up with another 3.4 average, which is pretty good for me and I am happy with that. Basketball is also over, we won Alberta and came 4th at Nationals in Halifax. I was the leading three point shooter for the whole league this season, which again, I think is pretty good and am happy with. I am hoping it will springboard me into some more minutes next season.
I have a lot of time on my hands now that both school and ball are over. I have done a few odd jobs here and there but I am really enjoying the time off. I have been working out a lot, because I think that will be the biggest thing for me to do to have the best season possible next year. And yes I have to start now.
I am also really looking forward to our trip to the ocean this june. I really have that itch to travel that I often get. But I am committed to school for one more year so I am going to hold off on any big trips till then. But this one will be awesome I am sure, I told Father that I will be taking him to a Yankees game as well. I gave him plenty of notice so he can get his head around it by then.
I am going to try and get some pictures up here because I have a few new ones, but you will have to wait till I figure that out.
So there is a little update, hope its okay for ya Mary.

Almost there

2006-12-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesNo nothing deep behind the tittle. Just saying it is almost the new year, and I guess I am looking forward to that. It has been a year unlike any other in my life. Well there was one other that was pretty crazy but this is a doozy too. Not all bad by any stretch, but very heavy I would say.
It is almost time to go to Mexico as well. I found out that Phil and I will be going to the El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel in Mazatlan. Never been there, so I like it already. It looks like a pretty sweet place, all inclusive and you get to stay at one play at three. Not too bad at all! I love my job.
Also I wanted to let you know that my exams went really well. I have a 4.0 in one class a 3.7 in another and then a 2.5 in the last. I had a rough start in that one and was behind the whole time, there was something weighing on my mind back at the begining, what was that again? Oh well, it is done and dusted now.
Christmas was nice for me this year. We had mother come and cook us breakfast (see below post) and then after some cleaning Jon and I set of for a jaunt around Princess Island Park. Funny enough we sat right in front of an old crime scene I know all too well. Some sort of engagement happened there last year, I try to block it out. Anyhow, as we were sitting there in the warm sun smoking our pipes, I noticed that we might appear to be quite gay. There were about ten benches there on either side of us and we were sitting shoulder to shoulder both of us with our legs crossed smoking our pipes.Jon suggested that I not cross my legs at the same time as him but that we take turns. No bother, it was a good time of reflection and Philosophy. Then it was off to Laura's for an amazing feast with the rest of the family. I am still full at this moment, thanks Laura and Chalotte (Lauras mamma)
So here is to a good Christmas and looking forward to getting out of this year alive and actually doing very well. Thanks to all friends and family for support and gifts, I love elephants!

Success?

2006-12-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesWhat really is success? Is it the big house, money, career? Forget that noise. I say it is knowing what you want to do, doing what you want to do, and being good at what you do. So in that case my mother is one of the most successful people I know. All she ever wanted to do was to get married and be a mother. She did that. And as far as being good at what she does, she is the best mother I know. For a little example here is what she did. She spent several days befor Christmas cooking an amazing amount of food, which I could never get her to tell me what it was for. It turns out that it was for all of us to have precooked meals for a while. Which for me could be the best thing ever. Then on Christmas morning she got up at five thirty and cooked breakfast for Sara's family. Then headed over to Amanda's house and cooked breakfast for her family. Then drove into town and cooked breakfast for Jon and I. She is simply amazing and we love her to death. Thanks mamma.

HERE AND THERE

2006-12-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesWell that was quite funny. There was a whole lot of drama going on on my blog and I knew nothing about it. I usually only check my new postings and I had not checked my email in a while so I missed it all. It was very amusing when I found out. So thank you my family for sticking up for me and yourselves, and I don't mind if you use my blog to do it at all. Anyone who knows the whole situation will find it amusing and it will probably just make poeple happy to see that they were right all along, because this stranger is proving our point for us. Who are you anyway, and thanks for taking such an interest in my blog, it makes me feel important.
But anyhow, I now know that I am off to the sea and sun on Jan. 20th. I don't know where exactly but I know it has the ocean and pools and is Spanish speaking. So if that isn't Mexico I don't know what is. Pretty pleased about that, I am not going to lie. But for now I am facing finals which never really stress me out, but they do require attention at least. I have the best marks I have ever had going in, so that is nice. It helps to be studying stuff you are actually interested in for sure. Okay take care and please leave names, it will be more fun that way!

If My Life had a Soundtrack

2006-12-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Peter Jamesput on your music, put it on shuffle, for every question put down the song that is on, for every new question push next. Don't try and be cool and cheat!
Waking up: The sharp hint of new tears (Dashboard Confessionals)
First day of school: Hallelujah (Bob Dylan)
Falling in Love: Everybody hurts (REM) not even joking here!
Breaking up: Pieces (Sum 41)
Prom: Imagine That (LL Cool J)
Lifes Okay: Doing it well (LL Cool J)
Mental Breakdown: Straight Tequila Night ( Brooks and Dunn)
Driving: Mr. Brightside (The Killers)
Flashback: London Bridge (Fergie) I am so embarrassed.
Getting Back Together: How to save a life (The Fray)
Wedding: Sixth Avenue Heartache (The Wallflowers)
Birth of a child: Hey Mamma (Kanye West)
Final Battle: I am a Rock (Simon and Garfunkle)
Death Scene: Gone (Kanye West)
Funeral song: We can Be Heros (The Wallflowers)
End Credits: Mannish Boy (Muddy Waters)

GOOD TIMES

2006-12-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesHey, well after all the heavier stuff on here I wanted to add some good news. This weekend has gone very well. It started out with me winning 200$ in a poker game friday night. I have never won more than 7 bucks in a poker game so I was pretty pleased with that. Then on saturday Sara was able to find a buyer for my diamonds. Then I went and saw "Blood Diamonds" with some friends. Hope mine were conflict free. I will make sure next time. (The movie was good) Then I bought a new car, well not new at all, but new to me. It is pretty good, it will have to grow on me a little I think. It was owned by some young punks and looks the part, but I will make it my own.
So I really enjoyed my weekend and wanted to put some nice things on here, so there it is.

WELL NOW

2006-12-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesThat last one did a little more than expected. But oh well. I am trying to find that balance of what I can say and what I can't. I have felt that I have been making sure other people (or persons)feelings are okay and not really allowing myself to let loose, as I said. And when I finally do, it all blows up. I feel I have been turning the other cheek over and over, and now they are all gone and I want to just freaking say stuff! You know what I mean? When I think about it now, it goes back to the start of the end back in August. I tried to always do the right thing and you know give in on some things because they weren't that important. But you have to be pretty strong to be able to do that, and maybe I just am not that strong and it is just catching up with me now and I think it is boiling up anger in me. But it would be hard for any of you to tell me that it is not right for me to be angry, just try it anyway. And what is petty? Lets turn some tables and crack some whips man! He didn't rewrite what He said there. It all depends on what music I am listening to when I write though so you can disregard it all maybe.

LET LOOSE THE GUNS OF WAR

2006-12-05T15:38:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesWell I am not sure if this is good or bad, most likely bad. But it felt good and according to Ms. Crow then it can't be that bad. (don't worry I know, I know) But I had a good proper go of it with the other. I am getting to if not at a point where I really don't care what she thinks so I am not watching my step. I just finally said stuff that I know and think and let loose. No swears though. Even though I think them sometimes. Of course it flew over the head with no impact, but after that happened to my father with her I didn't have much hope for that anyhow. But it is hard not to get caught up in the crazy world you find yourself facing when talking to her.(if you have then you know what I am talking about here) But I made it through. My clarity is much better these days and it is very enjoyable. Looks like I escaped a train wreck there and am very thankful for it.

GOING SOUTH?

2006-12-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Peter JamesWell I don't want people to get jealous but it looks like I will be heading south in Jan. All inclusive and paid for by My man Philippe's parents. So looking forward to it! let me know how you feel.

Most Of The Time

2006-11-29T00:35:00.000-07:00

Peter James
Most of the time I can keep both feet on the ground,
I can handle whatever I stumble upon,
I don't even notice shes gone. Most of the time.
I can survive and I can endure, and I don't even think about her, most of the time.
Most of the time, my head is on straight, and I'm strong enough not to hate, most of the time.
Most of the time, don't even remember what her lips felt like on mine, most of the time
Most of the time, she ain't even in my mind, I wouldn't know her if I saw her, shes that far behind.
Most of the time, I can't even be sure if she was ever with me or if I was ever with her, most of the time.
I'm half ways content, most of the time. I don't cheat on myelf, I don't run and hide from the feelings that are buried inside, most of the time.
I don't compramise and I don't pretend, I don't even care if I see her again, most of the time.
(Good one Bob)

Nothing

2006-11-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Peter James
Ya, I am experiencing a time of nothing right now. I am doing fine for sure, nothing big nothing small. But no real thought or feeling either. I had a time there where my head was full of ideas and notions and plans and excitment as well as less positive things. Now there isn't much of anything. I find that with school as well, I have a couple of projects coming up and I just have no imagiation about them and I can't even get started. Good thing they are group projects and I can rely on others for a bit. Don't worry I always do my part, but I am just going to have to feed off of their ideas this time. This kind of sounds like I am depressed or something but that is not the case at all. I am pretty content with the majority of things in my life at the moment. Less drama then there has been, except for a good dose of "idiot wind"(re bob dylan) I recieved the other weekend, but that is all done and dusted now. I am getting that feeling I get when I want to head out and go somewhere. I don't like to be in one place too long you know. Maybe it is the idea that I won't be able to do that for quite some time besides a short trip this spring. Oh ,well I guess that is the price and sacrifice you pay when you have some goals. School is one for me now and I am commited to it and that means staying here. I think I need to find some outlets and avenues for using my gifts and whatnot. I always tell myself I am too busy, but I am really not.
Anyway, James Bond is really good you should see it. Jon and I went with Mom and Dad the other day, which is always a treat to get Dad out to the movies. He really prefers the small town theaters in England where they have intermissions to serve you tea and such. But he enjoyed this one too. I also had a good moment with my father on Sunday night when I had to inteview him for one of my classes because I had taped over my other interview. I decided to talk to him about the ins and outs and impact being the head of a large family had on his life. It was meant to be a short ten minute interview but turned into a twenty five minute one and could have easily gone longer. I had to show it to the class and cretique my skills. But I was very proud to show them my father and let them hear his answers and different things about our family. So that was nice for me.
Alright that is all for now.

PUSHING THROUGH

2006-11-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

Peter James
Man stuff can be stupidly hard sometimes. And if some of the books I have read are true (they have to be right, they are books!) things may always be that way. Just because you try to do the right thing doesn't mean it will be sunny on the other side. Things are not promised to get better. Can I handle that? Have to I guess. So what am I aiming for by watching my step and trying to move further up and further in? Do I really believe that it will be what I want, because if this is going to work I think I had better believe that. It would be much easier to be crazy or amazingly selfish to the point where you actually really didn't care what you did to other people so long as you were okay. (sounds familiar yes?) That would actually be a nice place to be in one sense for sure. So what is this other sense that I am trying to hold on to and achieve? What am I really going for here? A fuller deeper life of intese meaning and deeper faith and fulfilment. A real, bottom of your being, joy? I think so. Sounds good to me. Can you get there, anyone reading this there now? I don't know. Maybe we are just suppose to reach for till we die and it is the old " journey and not destination". Well in this life anyway. I have to ask myself if I am really up to that. Like on my basketball team, we set all these goals for ourselves but I think most don't put the work in to really reach them. So am I really willing to do the work for this one? All the self denial and low times to reach the ultimate. I can sit here and say yes to that and actually think it. But the day to day doing is what I don't know about. I cannot feel the lows right now, and who knows how low that will be and if I will actually be able to handle that. I guess it is not a one and done thing, but a continual picking up and starting over thing.
Keep pressing on it is.

2006-11-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

I feel that it can be much easier to communicate with an audience who doesn't know me. I sometimes feel more free just to say exactly how I feel. With people who know me I feel they might judge me more because they know my past and tendancies and I almost feel an obligation to tell them stuff that lines up with what I think they think of me. Does that make any sense? It does to me. If I am talking with a counselor I feel very free to say anything and everything. I know they are there to help with no other agenda at all, and they are not suppose to judge either. Something someone who knows you might do more readily without even thinking about it.
I know that a lot of people don't feel the same way. They really don't like strangers to know a lot about them. (a personal file) I can totally understand why someone might not want to open up to someone they don't know or trust. So I guess it is the counsellors job to build that trust and show that they care and are there to help without bias or judgement. A tough job I would presume.

The Truth

2006-10-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest here. I had some comments saying what a good job I had done on my blog here, but really it was all Erin in Russia. I probably could have figured it all out, but we all know I like it when people do things for me right. The big manipulator. Also it wouldn't have been the funnest job for me to make those changes, so that is my excuse. One person commented on why would I want to take those pictures off. But if that person (who chose to be annonymous) can't figure that one out then I don't think trying to explain it would work either.
Anyhow, thank you Erin for all your help, I enjoy my blog a lot with the new pics and the others gone.
More truth. I feel the reality of what is going on a lot more heavy these days. Mostly ideas and dreams gone. Rejection and being alone. My gut reaction is to go out and not be alone, I mean after all this is not my fault or choice. But I would like to try and come out better on the other side of this and not just fall back into old patterns and pitfalls. Getting too old for that now. My teammates never let me forget how old I am. We just found out the other day that I was a counsellor for one of my teammates when he was in grade six. But he was an old grade sixer, I remind him.
Anyway, it is tough most of the time, but my school and basketball provide good escapes. I have tried other ones as well, but after taking looks in the mirror I am cutting those out. Pray for that if you will.
Ending truth,
I am amazingly greatful for my family and friends who have been nothing but there for me. They have helped me with whatever I have needed. Comfort, caring, shower curtains. Everything. Even confronting me and calling me out. All good things. So thank you all very much.

Moscow 2005

2006-10-21T02:51:00.000-06:00

Can you help?

2006-10-04T00:35:00.000-06:00

If anyone can help me get all these pictures off of here that would be cool. And also help change the name and all that too. Still shaking my head but I better start taking these steps I think.
Let me know how to do it please.

cultural differences

2006-10-02T21:03:00.000-06:00

I feel that cultural differences can be very big road blocks in any type of relationship. If you don't understand where a person is coming from or why they think the way they do, you could easily misunderstand, insult or offend someone.
If I sit down with someone from another culture and we were going to try and work on a problem or issue I would deffinitely want to understand what that persons culture said about that situation. Because something that might seem straight forward basic to me may be a really big deal to some other cultures, or the other way around. There are so many differences that need to be taken into account, and if you don't understand that you could lose someone before you even get started.

CYCC BLOG

2006-09-19T10:54:00.000-06:00

Most of my life I have been told that I speak well and that I am very personable. So you might think that having to do interviews would not be that big of a deal to me. But just like almost everyone else I know, I lack the self confidence that other people might think I have. I was trying to figure out what it was that bothered me so much about interviews. I believe in this case it is the idea that I don't have the knowledge about these types of situations and interviews that is making me doubt myself. However, I realized that I am not suppose to have this knowledge yet and that is what this course is all about. So I have to accept that I don't have control over this situation and just open myself up to the learning aspect and simply do the best job I can. Yes it might be difficult and embarassing, but this is what I want so I have no doubt I will be able to make it through alive.

As far as my communication style goes, I think it really depends on where I am and who I am with. According to the communication quizes we did in class I am an assertive communicator with a little bit of passivness mixed in. But as I thought of what the people who really know me might say about my style if asked, it would most certainly not be passive. I feel I have toned down a lot over the last five or eight years, simply due to maturing and experiences. But I think that I have a lot more agression in my communication with the people who know me well. This is sad really and I would like that to change. Just because you feel safe with someone doesn't mean you should treat them with any less respect, which is what I feel agressive communication is doing. Hopefully I will learn a lot more about that in this course and be able to really apply it in all aspects of my life.

August 12th Party

2006-08-19T09:14:00.000-06:00

Well, as most of you know, on August 12th Peter and I had our last wedding celebration with all our family and friends (or those who could make it anyways). It was a lot of fun and a big success! Thanks to all who helped out with and at the party, especially my mom and Robin. You guys rock! Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from the party but check out other's blogs cause I think they do.

Long Weekend at Priddis

2006-08-19T09:03:00.000-06:00

Priddis - Party Planning BBQ

2006-08-13T23:16:00.000-06:00

Poker at the Shepherd's

2006-08-13T22:10:00.000-06:00

Havana and our British Friends

2006-08-13T21:02:00.000-06:00

I only put a few pictures up of Havana as we have TONS! So if anyone ever wants to see them just let us know.

2006-08-13T20:37:00.000-06:00

Scooters and Cardenas

2006-08-13T19:40:00.000-06:00

While in Cuba we rented scooters and toured around Matanzas. We went into Varadero and then all the way to a small village, Cardenas. It was awesome!

Our Room

2006-08-13T19:05:00.000-06:00

Cuba

2006-08-13T18:33:00.000-06:00

the Rose and Crown

2006-08-13T18:07:00.000-06:00

<

<

FIRST AT BAT

2006-08-09T22:30:00.000-06:00

Well this will be my first blogging attempt. I told Kate she will soon wish she never taught me how to do this. But my name is at the top so I figure I have a right to contribute.
I am sitting at our new desk with our new computer listening to a pretty amazing thunder storm rolling on outside. Every thunder storm (is that one word?) reminds me of Teen Missions and the thunder I heard down in Boot camp. Which in turn reminds me of my experiences there, which in turn helps me to look at things in my life in a different perspective. ( a better one I am sure) So I have come to really rather enjoy thunderstorms. (no, two words eh?)
I will say that I am finding the married life pretty nice so far. I mean it has already been two months and we still have that spark so we must be doing something right eh? But seriously I really like it. I do have a much greater sense of responsibility sitting on me now though. Not that there is anything I need to be doing right now that is so important. But just knowing that this is the start of my family and that foundations are the most important things. Who knows I could end up having seven kids, with the seventh being a strong headed, emotional, demanding and very handsome young man. And if I don't have a good family foundation with which to help me handle such a person, it might be tough. Better set up for it now I think. What and how setting up for that might entail I am not completely sure, but I will try to do my best.
Kate has been very good to, and for me. I like the way she challenges me and I like the way she makes me laugh. We do spend a lot of time making each other laugh hanging out in our little apartment, I hear that can be very important. But I will not pretend that it has been all roses as if we were at a funeral talking about a dead person. We have fought, sometimes pretty bad too. But I did expect this. I mean, she is living with Peter James here! But I am more concerned with how we deal with these fights than the fight themselves. And I would dare to say that I think we are making progress in that department, or at least we are committed to making progress in that department, which to me is the biggest hurdle. Feel free to disagree.

However, I am pretty pleased with my first blog. The length alone should get me a b+. I look forward to writing again someday, and reading all my many, many comments. Well at least yours mother.

We're Back

2006-07-16T16:41:00.000-06:00

Hi All,
Well as most of you probably know we're back from Cuba, totally rested and relaxed. We had an awesome time and lots of pictures to show!
Sorry we haven't been able to post anything. With the wedding and then the honey moon we have been extremely busy. We also don't have internet at our house and are in the process of looking to buy a computer. So, hopefully in the next few weeks we'll find a computer and be back in business!
Have a great week!

Check In

2006-06-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

Official check in is 4:00 pm, however, it's likely that our rooms will be ready earlier. If you need to get into your room earlier call the hotel Friday morning and request that your room be made up by whatever time you want. And let me know if you have any difficulties!

Late Check Out

2006-06-12T11:27:00.000-06:00

Just to let everyone know I requested that we all have a late check out time of 12:00 pm. But when you're checking in can you remind them? Thanks!

Brunch

2006-06-12T10:06:00.000-06:00

On Sunday a few people are going to Chez Francois for brunch at 12:00 pm. If you would like to join us please let me know as I'm going to make reservations because it's also Father's Day. The restaurant is so good, reasonable priced, and 3 minutes from the hotel! If you go, try the crepes, they're amazing!

I need help . . .

2006-06-01T08:49:00.000-06:00

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone would be interested in helping me with a few things . . .

Saturday, about an hour before the wedding, I need someone to take the flowers to the church and put them wherever they think looks good and then an hour or two before the reception I need someone to take the decorations over to the restaurant and decorate. The church job is the easiest and the reception is pretty easy too and neither will require a lot of time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Ideas?

2006-05-25T09:22:00.000-06:00

Peter and I are wondering if anyone has ideas on a passage we could use during the ceremony? We've looked a bit but aren't having a lot of luck so any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Bridal Showers

2006-05-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

Well as most of you know I had my Bridal Showers this past weekend. They were so fun and Peter and I got so many wonderful gifts!

Charlotte, Laura, Amy, Amanda, Sara, Grandma, and Aunt Sandy, thank you so much for all you did! Your thoughtfulness and love made this a weekend I will never forget!

And thank you to all for the gifts. Peter and I are so gracious for your help in setting up our home!

Thank you Thank you Thank you

Home Outfitters

2006-04-19T08:15:00.000-06:00

I hope this isn't a faux pas but a lot of people have been asking me where Peter and I are registered at so I'm going to post it . . . Home Outfitters! We chose them because they have pretty cool stuff and the prices are really good.

Fairmont Hot Springs

2006-04-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

On Friday, April 7th, my mom and I went for a "girls pre-wedding weekend" to Fairmont, BC. It was so fun! Friday night we had a delicious late dinner at the hotel, went for a soak in the hot springs, and then watched a movie. Saturday morning we slept in, had breakfast in bed and watched a movie, went for a soak, and then went shopping and browsing in Invermere. We had fish and chips for dinner on the lake and then went for a soak and watched another movie. Then on Sunday morning we slept in and went for breakfast at Huckleberry's, it was really yummy, and then headed home. What a wonderful relaxing weekend!

Flowers

2006-04-14T11:19:00.000-06:00

On Friday, April 7, 2006, one of my co-workers came back from lunch with a vase of tulips. She showed them to me and I said they were very beautiful and then she said "Well they're for you, you deserve them". Pretty sweet, hey! That really made my day!

Rodeo Royal

2006-04-14T10:55:00.000-06:00

The Rodeo

And the After Party

Doc Walker was singing the night we were there. It was really fun but unfortunately we couldn't stay very late as I had to work early the next morning.

Beautiful!

2006-04-14T10:48:00.000-06:00

Gorgeous flowers from Robin's dad's funeral. Doug was a very wonderful man and will be truly missed.

Bernie, Robin's mother, was given so many flowers she started to give them to others to enjoy!

My Cousins Daughters' Christening

2006-04-14T10:23:00.000-06:00

Back in Chestermere

2006-04-14T10:18:00.000-06:00

Kananaskis

2006-04-14T10:12:00.000-06:00

Hiking in the Kananaskis with Amanda, Brad, Ocean, Laura and I.

Andy James' Big Birthday Bash in the Kananaskis

2006-04-14T09:58:00.000-06:00

Jon James . . . 26 Years Old

2006-04-14T09:52:00.000-06:00

Jon James' Birthday

2006-04-14T09:24:00.000-06:00

My Colour is RASPBERRY!

2006-04-04T10:24:00.000-06:00

After lots of time thinking and looking at colours I finally chose the colour raspberry. For awhile it was hard because I knew the colour I really liked but I could never describe it well enough until I read it in a book.

Flower Girls

2006-03-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

Peter and I are wondering if Journey, Sierra, Ocean and Emma are willing we would really love to have them as our flower girls. What do you think moms? Can you let me know? Thanks!!!

Unfortunate Loss

2006-03-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Peter's basketball team, The Mount Royal College Cougars, won the ACAC Championships and went to represent Alberta at the CCAA Men's Basketball National Championships on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. They played there first game Thursday evening against the Sheridan Bruins and had a very unfortunate loss in overtime, 91-87 Bruins.
They're pretty down about this loss as there have been some huge upsets in the tournament and had MRC won the game, they would have had a VERY good chance at winning Nationals.
MRC is still in the running for third place and play their next game Friday evening against UCFV.
If anyone wants to check out the Championships, any and all information can be found at:
http://ccaa2006.fenixdesignstudios.com/.

New Job

2006-03-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the time finally came for me to end my career in the Oil & Gas Industry. I had a job offer at the Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter and graciously accepted it. For a long time I have been looking for a position where I could use my administration skills for a purpose and I think this is a great start in the right direction.

I also had an offer to be a nanny for a newborn baby boy, however, with my upcoming marriage decided that it would occupy too many evenings (thanks to all who offered their thoughts).

HAIR, MAKE-UP, AND SPA SERVICES

2006-03-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

If anyone would like to get any services done I highly recommend RUPUNZEL'S SALON & SPA. That's where I 'm getting my hair, make-up, and pedicure done. I'm going to set-up a wedding guest thing under my name so you can just call them let them know.

http://www.rapunzels.net/

403-678-2626

Witness'

2006-03-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Peter would like all his brothers to stand up with him at our wedding, can you please let us know if that's ok with you guys? Thanks!

HONEYMOON

2006-03-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Yay! We booked our honeymoon today! We decided to go to Veradero, Cuba. We're staying at the Iberostar Veradero from 24 June 06 to 08 July 06. So excited!!!

The Falcon Crest Lodge

2006-02-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

As the wedding is a week later the hotel cost has gone up slightly (apparently we're now in the expensive season). For the 1 bedroom suite it is $129.00 per night. If you would like a cheaper room can you let me know?

The Final 4

2006-02-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Friday night will be Mount Royal's first ACAC Championship game against RDC at 8:15 pm at Mount Royal College. They then play again on Saturday night against the winner of the Concordia vs. SAIT game at 6:30 pm or 8:15 pm. Hope you guys can come!

NEW Wedding Info.

2006-02-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know the wedding date has been changed to June 17th, 2006 and now we all get the gorgeous 1 bedroom suites because the hotel has lots of rooms available! No need to call the hotel I have already taken care of all the details.

Wedding Plans . . . Finally!

2006-02-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

So we have made some final wedding plans:

We have chose Saturday, June 17, 2006 as our date.

The ceremony will be at the Banff Full Gospel Church (sorry, no picture or website).

Our dinner/reception will be at Murrieta's in Canmore http://www.murrietas.ca/main.cfm.

And we (and we hope all our guests) will be staying at the Falcon Crest Lodge http://www.falconcrestlodge.ca/home.html.

So that's it so far! But at least all the big stuff is done and now we can think about the little details.

The Fairmont Banff Springs

2006-01-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend was pretty fun for Peter and I! My company had our Christmas party up at the Banff Springs Hotel and we were lucky enough to have all our expenses paid for us.

So here's how our weekend went:

I drove up with a girl I work with and checked in and got ready in the late afternoon. Then appetizers and drinks were served from 6pm - 7pm and then we sat down for dinner. First came this yummy salad/pastry thing, then a delicious thai soup, and then the main course. I had filet mignon and peter had pork tenderloin. And then came the dessert . . . which was decorated and arranged beautifully! Peter arrived shortly after we had all finished dinner - about 10 pm. He valet parked and rushed in and they made and served the whole dinner for him!

Above are pictures of our room and the view from the window.

Outside

2006-01-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

The outdoor hot pool

Peter in his semi-disposable bathing suit!

View from the pool

And another

2006-01-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last Looks Before the Big City

2006-01-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

After we lounged around the pool and explored the hotel we went to the Rundle Lounge and had CREAM TEA! It was delicious! Then we came home.

Journey's Brithday Pics

2006-01-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Who are Neil and Lo ???

2006-01-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys, guess I should have explained. Neil and Lo are very good friends of Peter and I. Both Neil and Lo played basketball for Mount Royal College in the past. Neil played for 3 and a 1/2 years and Lo played for 3 years. Peter knew Neil through basketball prior to playing for MRC last year and then they became friends in Neils's last year and Peter's first year (2004-2005). Peter also met Lo during his first year as she was on the women's team. Neil is also the guy that Peter moved in with in Marda Loop from his condo by MRC.

I met Neil at a basketball game last year in November and then it was actually through Neil a few nights later that Peter and I met.

So as a couple we have been friends with these guys since December 2004. We all have a lot of fun together, whether it be drinking wine or just chatting and laughing!

New Years Eve

2005-12-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

Peter and I has such a great New Years Eve. My best ever (probably because the love of my life asked me to marry him but everything else was awesome too!).

We started out by packing some bags and heading to the Palliser Hotel downtown Calgary. We checked in, checked out the room and then went swimming and hot-tubbing. Then we headed back up and got ready for our big night. From the hotel, we caught a cab, surprisingly quick, and headed to the Caesar's Steakhouse, my favorite restaurant. We had a very comical waiter who catered to us wonderfully and a great meal. The restaurant is really cool so if you save your pennies you should check it out! After we were done our meal Peter suggested going for a walk by Prince's Island Park. I love that park and Peter and I never get a chance to go there together so I thought it was very sweet that he suggested that. So we walked around and enjoyed the city view from afar and then Peter asked me to be his wife!

24th Annual Sait Trojans Coca Cola Classic Men's Basketball Tournament

2005-12-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

MRC vs. NAIT
83-60

MRC vs. RDC
94-77

MRC vs. SAIT
86-62

MRC won the tournament easily! They played great and were definitely the most skilled and talented team in the tournament. They held on to their #2 ranking in the nation and look forward to the second half of the season and many more wins!

Christmas at the James'

2005-12-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, December 22nd we celebrated Christmas at the James' as Andy and Charlotte were leaving for Russia on Sunday afternoon. We had lots of great food and a lot of fun watching the kids and how excited they got opening their gifts.

In General

2005-12-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

So, for the month of December Peter has been finishing up the fall semester, writing his last exam yesterday morning. He pretty much has the month off from basketball, other than the occasional practice. And just to let everyone know there is a tournmanet on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of December at SAIT. I'll be more specific later when I find out who they're playing and what times the games are.

And for myself, most of you know I started a new job in October. I'm working for a company called Kobayashi Partners Limited. They specialize in maketing and selling oil & gas companies. It's going quite well, plus it's kinda fun working downtown in the "rat race". Other than dance, i'm not involved in any other sports right now. However, I'm not taking any more dance classes as of February 2006 so maybe I'll join a volleyball league or something like that in the new year.

View from my office one morning.

As usual with the holiday season we're super busy seeing lots of different people and, of course, getting ready for Christmas so we may not get a chance to blog again until after Christmas.

We Wish Everyone a Very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2006.

Splendor Banquet

2005-12-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Last year a friend told me about this volunteer dinner down at the Telus Convention Centre and Peter and I went and had a great time so we decided to do it again this year along with the majority of Peter's basketball team and some of the girls from the women's team.

For some reason a lot of people have never heard about this so I have included the add from the newspaper.

The lineup of volunteers nearly matched the length of the one for people being served as 650 warm-hearted Calgarians turned out to serve a festive feast to the city's less fortunate.
And while giving should be a way of life, Christmas is a particularly special time of year for sharing, said Pastor Phil Nordin of Jubilee Christian Centre, at 458 35 Ave. N.W.
For the past 18 years, the minister, wife Joan and their congregation at the north-side church have helped organize the annual Splendor Banquet, held at the Telus Convention Centre.
"The need continues to grow," Nordin said.
Churches and businesses also took part in serving a turkey dinner with all the trimmings to about 3,500 of the city's poorest residents.
"It's our Christian duty and the responsibility of every Christian to provide and help the poor," Nordin said.
"So I have the greatest respect for groups like the Mustard Seed, CUPS and the Drop-In Centre, who do it every day -- they're the heroes."
Volunteers Dan Schultz and Vicki Naujoks said it brought back memories of past holidays when they were the ones being helped.
"We've been pretty fortunate over the years," Schultz said.
"But we've had to get a hand up over the years at times, so now we can give back."
There for dinner with his wife Margaret Kazias, 42-year-old Calgarian Richard Goodwin said he too hopes someday he can find a good job and be on the serving side at such events.
"It's nice at Christmas time to have nice things like these happen to the homeless," Goodwin said.

Next year I hope to inform more people because the more help they can get the better. And it's really nice to do something for so many people, especially at Christmas. We have to remember that Christmas is not a wonderful time for many people, and serving at the dinner opens your eyes to that. The people are so grateful for a turkey dinner it makes you realize how thankful we should be for all that we have in our lives and not to sweat the small stuff as a lot of people have it a lot worse than we do.

So if anyone is interested next year just let us know and we can give you all the info.

Hockey Game

2005-12-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night Peter and I went to the Calgary vs. Boston hockey game. It was really fun! The tickets were free, however, the catch was that we had to sell 50/50 tickets before the game started, throughout the first period and then during the first intermission. Then we were free to watch the rest of the 2 periods.

I have never sold 50/50 tickets before but it turned out to be so easy. All you have to do is stand there and people come rushing up to you. The interaction and chit-chat with the many, many people was actually quite enjoyable. I wasn't sure what to expect but I actually had a really good time. And when you're that busy the time flyes by. Peter was smart and went down to the lower level where all the special suites are and actually ran into Ralph Klein and Lanny Macdonald. Unfortunately, they didn't buy any tickets.

So next time Peter asks any of you if you want to support his basketball team and help at the game in exchange for 2 periods of free live hockey, I would recommend it. Don't be shy!

Zoo Lights

2005-12-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, sorry for the delay. Things have been so chaotic I haven't even had time to write anything let alone add pictures. But I have some time now so I can fill you in on what Peter and I have been up to.

Two weeks ago, on Saturday night, Peter and I went with my friend, Janelle, and Peter's supportive roommate, Phil, to the Zoo Lights. I have to say they were quite impressive! We went on probably the most ideal night as it was really warm, which made walking around outside a lot more fun. However, if you were chilly, you could always warm up to the many bonfires they had fired up.

What was also pretty cool was that we saw a tiger and some other animals. Does anyone know if all the animals stay here throughout the winter?

So to all that have not been, you should really check out the lights.

We have a blog!

2005-11-09T13:43:00.000-07:00