say cheese!!

I just thought I'd post some photos of the past week of snow/fairytale party fun :) Enjoy!!

kindred spirits

Every time I see my dearest friend Megs I think to myself "MEGS, I LOVE YOU" (and quite often, I tell her just that...). I still remember the exact moment when Megs and I first truly 'bonded'. I was in Grade 11, she was in Grade 10. We were at an Alpha youth retreat and for some odd reason, we were hyper active (gosh, that doesn't sound like us at all!! baha!!). I had put a bag on my head and was running around saying "AH HA!! I HAVE A BAG ON MY HEAD!!" Megs looked at me and thought "Gosh, what a dork. I think we could be good friends!!". And from then on...we have :) Megs and I have been through a lot together. Disappointments, broken hearts, tears, prayers, triumphs and laughter...oh so much laughter :) We are very different in a lot of ways but very similar in others. The great thing about our friendship is that we allow one another to be ourselves. Megs will often say "that's not me...but it's SO you". Megs has been there for all of the big 'milestones' in my life...for this, I am truly thankful :) Every time she goes away, I don't think I'll be able to survive without her. Somehow I always do...but life just seems a bit less 'colourful'...it's too quiet ;) Megan...your friendship has meant more to me than you'll ever know. God knew that I needed you in my life...He has truly enriched my life by bringing you into it and having you be such a significant part of it. Here is why I love Megsy so much...

- Megs helps me not to take myself so seriously. I can be a dork with Megs and I never feel self conscious...
- She is always willing to be my 'shoulder to cry on'...and believe me...I've cried on it many a time ;)
- Megs doesn't care what people think of her...she's genuine. I have learned a lot from her...
- She is always honest with me with both the 'joys' and 'struggles' in her life
- No matter how far apart we are, I still feel closely connected to her...
- She laughs at random cards that say things like "eat a button" (even if that means freaking out the sales associates...)
- One time, I was in Superstore, and I heard a very familiar laugh 2 ISLES DOWN!! I love your laugh...really...it brings joy to my heart :)
- I love to see her engaged in worship...when she is simply enjoying being in the presence of God...
- I love that she tells me to stop overanalyzing and relax ;)
- She LOVES events that require a costume...Megs doesn't go 'half ways'...she goes ALL OUT!! (youth mall man hunts, murder mystery dinners, rough acres, birthday parties, halloween...you name it!!)
- I love that she can't spell to save her life...hahaha...
- Megs knows when it's time to put 'joking aside' and take the time to listen and discuss...she's got a lot of depth to her...
- I love that small and random things will make her day...
- I love that I never get tired of hanging out with her and hearing what she has to say
- She gives the best hugs
- Whenever Megs is in the room...there is sure to be laughter and plenty of smiles :)
- Megs possesses a lot of spiritual wisdom and discernment. I know that she doesn't make rash decisions...
- Megs has a passion for people...if she feels God calling her to go somewhere, she goes...
- She loves musicals (she'll make up a 'Newsies' routine and dance with me in the kitchen...haha)
- We can just sit and read together...no talking required...
- She is an amazingly talented woman (awesome youth leader, talented photographer, great 'people person', amazing artist...the list goes on forever...)
- She has taught me so much about God and has helped to shape the person that I am today (and the person that I will continue to become)
- Megs understands my random thought patterns...even when no one else does...
- We are bound together by our faith in Christ...the strongest foundation of any relationship...

Thank you Megs. Thank you for joining me in this crazy journey of life. I love you :)

bewitched, bothered and bewildered....

This snow has thrown my 'seasonal clock' for a spin. I feel like it should be Christmas!! I want to listen to Christmas music, sing carols, drink hot chocolate, eat too much food...and so, I have :) The winter season has come with a boom and, besides the bitter wind chill and the bad driving conditions, I've been loving it :) Here's what I've been up to for the past few days:

- Went sledding down a ravine with Corrie, Natty and Janelle. On my third 'run' down the hill, my leg got completely tangled around a tree and Corrie had to come and 'free' me...haha!
- Drank mass amounts of tea and hot chocolate
- Did plenty of 'snow tackling'...heh heh
- Watched "A Muppet's Christmas Carol" (love it!) and laughed a lot!!
- Made a delicious omlette breakfast with the house o' girls up the road (soooo yummy)
- Took some fun snow pictures
- Got insanely hyper with Megs
- Walked in the "ghost town" (aka. Fort Langley) with Janny and Megs and stopped for some delicious soup at Wendel's for dinner
- Randomly ended up hanging out with Chris King who I haven't seen in MONTHS!! It was great to see you Chris :)
- Got completely freaked out in some scary basement in the Fort (thanks Chris...)
- Watched my fairy tale/fantasy party video with Janny and Liz!!
- Frolicked home in the snow with Liz at 11:30 at nite. Good conversation time :)
- Walked up to Starbucks and met up with some friends
- Laughed hysterically because I kept slipping all over the place on the ice when I was walking (thanks for 'lending me your arm' Natty! )
- Made my friends a lunch consisting of asparagas and homemade sweet potato fries (very tasty). The 'downside' of this one was that I ended up giving my thumb a fatty burn from the oven..arg!! Thank you aloe vera gel!!
- Had a wonderful chat with my dear friend Holly in Oregon
- Slept in until 9:00 for two mornings in a row!! Unbelievable!!

Pure Magic

My party was magical. I couldn't have asked for a better atmosphere or for better friends :) I'll be sure to post some pic's as soon as I can (visit Sarah or Megs' blog as well). I also have a sweet video with some priceless footage...heh heh!! A special thank you to Megs, Mel and Ryan for slaving away beforehand to get the church looking like an enchanted forest and castle. Thank you also to everyone else for the amazing food and for helping to clean up so quickly!! I had a fantastic
time...*sigh*...till the next theme party!! I love you guys!!

Honourary Mentions...

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Janny and Joanie for the 'Fall 2006 Vent Fest' that occured yesterday. Sometimes you've just got to get stuff off of your chest. I'm so blessed to have friends who take the time to listen and who will laugh/vent alongside you about the craziness of life. I sometimes have a difficult time 'venting' (yes, I'm working on it Janny...haha) BUT yesterday it came quite naturally ;) Joanie: consider this verbal affirmation! Har har ;) I LOVE YA BOTH!! Can't wait for our next
'Vent Fest'...coming Fall 2010 ;)

Going to the dentist: A Star Wars Experience

I've come to the conclusion that, if you are in need of a "Star Wars" fix, the dentist is where it's at. While reclining in the chair today, I thought to myself, this is what it must be like to be in a galaxy far far away!! I felt like I was being taken for a spin in the Millennium Falcon. I had on my 'protective eyewear' (aka. sunglasses), my seat was in the full 'downright' position (and then returned to the full upright position after the final decent), the light above my head looked like a perfect 'controller' and then there were the sounds!! Don't even get me started on the sounds!! I heard buzzing, humming, whirling and the tool being used for my filing announced, in a very robotic voice, that it had "10 more seconds" remaining. I was expecting Yoda to hobble by, hand me a light saber and ask "are you ready for training young jedi?". It was cool. The only things missing were my princess leia style hair buns and the ever handsome Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo...

it started out like any other day...

Yes, it's true. I am officially 23. Not 22 and a half, not 22 and three quarters. Just plain 23 (and one day). I wanted to thank all of my friends for making my day so awesome and for making me feel so loved *aww*

My Birthday greetings actually began the night before. I recieved a very silly phone call from Anne and her boss Mr. Knor (love ya Knors!!) in Ontario. Anne called at 12 am Ontario time and was the first to wish me 'happy birthday' on the actual day of my birthday (November 16th). That was just the beginning...

When I woke up yesterday morning I had numerous phone messages, text messages and e-mails. Lots of variations of "happy birthday" were sung and there was plenty of laughter (loved it). Birthdays are kind of strange...you know that the day is 'different' but no one else around you knows it. It's like when you've forgotten to put on deoderant in the morning, but you're the only one that knows! (hopefully bad body odor doesn't give you away in that case...sick!!). Anyways, I didn't tell the class I was teaching that it was my birthday. But then, at the end of the day, several of my students hung around and we were talking and one girl was like "it's my birthday on Monday!!". So I said "oh, guess what?? It's my birthday today too!". *Side bar: Last nite at dinner, Jeremiah said that I couldn't be a teacher. When Kristian asked him why not, Jeremiah said "well, you have to be at least 25 to be a teacher!!". My eight year old brother is mocking me already!!*

After school I went for a run, relaxed and then Sarah and Kristian came over for supper. I got a phone call from my good friend Al in Edmonton during supper (have to return that call!!) which was very thoughtful :) My mum made a delicious dinner (butter chicken...mmm) and my FAVORITE cake for dessert: CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING!! Also during dinner, Anna and Liz stopped by with a yummy chocolate cake (with candles) to sing happy birthday. Thanks guys!! After dinner we had presents and then I popped over to Corrie and Natty's house for a visit. Corrie had made me cupcakes (gluten free of course) and they got me a sweet purse and tank top. Seriously, WAY too thoughtful!! I finally returned home and tucked myself into bed. But did the fun stop there?! NO!! At 11:15 I heard a weird sound...someone was throwing stuff at my window!! I looked outside and saw a car (keep in mind, I didn't have my contacts in or glasses on) and I thought "oh my gosh, someone is trying to get into my window!!". However, when I looked out again I saw Megs and Janelle (and a funny caterpillar balloon) waiting to wish me a happy day. We laughed lots and, I'm sure, woke up the entire neighbourhood!! I love you guys!! Seriously, so funny (by the way, loved the phone message Megsy...hahaha!!).

Anyways, thank you everyone!! I felt so special/loved :) I can't wait to see you all at my birthday party next Saturday nite!!

cabbages and kings

When asked the question "So, what do you really want for your birthday?" my usual response is "a unicorn of course". In a previous blog entry I mentioned my long-time fascination with fairies. However, my fascination goes far beyond fairies to other mystical creatures including centaurs, unicorns, gnomes and dragons. I simply love the world of fantasy. One of my friends once said "Maia, you should have been born in Narnia!!" *sigh, if only*. However, before going any further, I must confess that I am not as die hard a fan of the 'fantastical' as some. I don't own t-shirts, posters, jewelry, video games, figurines or a collection of books/movies (ok, I have a few 'fairy/medieval-style' art pieces). I do love movies such as "Labyrinth", "The Never Ending Story" and "The Lord of the Rings" and one day I want to have Edna make me a long/flowing cape to match my medieval gown. I mean, c'mon, capes are cool!!
When I was a little girl I used to say, "When I die, I want to be taken up to heaven on a white unicorn with wings". I don't think that dream has ever died. I wonder if there will be, what we would call, "mystical creatures" in heaven. If you read the book of Revelation, there are some pretty crazy 'creatures' mentioned!!
I guess you can understand why my medieval/fantasty style birthday party is really a dream come true. So, if you were to ask me what I REALLY want for my birthday...my wish will soon be granted :) So many people that I love, all in one room, dressed up in fairy tale inspired costumes, enjoying a medieval style feast and laughing till it hurts :) I mean, a Unicorn WOULD be pretty sweet, I'm not going to lie...but I think I'll settle for some good friends dressed up in costumes who are enjoying some DDR and attempting to joust on a tricycle.

The Rock Garden

Last night I attended a 'worship service', called the Rock Garden, for young adults. The Rock Garden actually meets at the church that I grew up in (New Life Community Church in Burnaby). My parents are still heavily involved in this church and, every Christmas Eve, I visit the church so that my family can be together.

The Rock Garden is a truly amazing outreach ministry because it attracts people from the local community. There are people from all different spots in their 'spiritual journey'...some are committed followers, others are simply searching. I'm used to attending worship nights with the youth group I work with, or joining together with my congregation to worship on Sunday mornings...but I haven't really been to very many 'young adult' worship evenings. I'll admit, sometimes when I hear the word 'young adult event' I think "Oh great, here's another opportunity for people to try to hook up - ie. 'meat market'" (haha). But this evening was purely centered on Christ. The band was awesome. The speaker (Regent Professor Rick Watts) was awesome. The fellowship time afterwards was awesome. It was really neat too because I got to re-connect with a lot of the people I grew up with who still attend the church. Anyways, in a nutshell: I was blessed by the evening :) If anyone ever wants to come along, it happens every second Sunday night at 6:30 pm.

feeling a little "lightheaded"...

Today was one of those days where I felt that I should have been cast for the lead role in the movie "Clueless".

Now, I know that I can, on occasion, say 'dumb blonde' comments (in fact, if you would like a re-telling of all of my blonde moments, just ask Ben Naylor. Or any of my friends for that matter. These moments of 'blondness' have fondly been called "Maia Facts")

The first 'blonde moment' happened while talking to my buddy Tys on msn. His display name says "Needs? Ya, I got needs, big needs. Nothing that 300lbs of pure torque can't take care of though!!" When I saw his name I responded with "I'd consume 300lbs of torque!!". He laughed and said "Do you know what that's from?!". Turns out that a torque is a car part, not to be confused with the dessert commonly referred to as a TORTE. Easy mistake right?!

The second incident occurred at 11:30 pm when I drove into my driveway. After parking my car I realized that my key wouldn't come out of the ignition. Odd, I thought to myself, but it's happened before. I tried again. And again. Still nothing. This was most peculiar. It was stuck. I didn't know what to do and, because my keys were in my ignition, I knew I couldn't get into the house (someone later pointed out that, had I detached my key FROM my keychain, I could have gotten into the house...point taken). So, I called my dad on my cell (woke the poor guy up) and, he came out in his robe looking rather deshevelled (no Megsy, not de-shelved...haha). After about 5 minutes of attempting to pull the key out of the ignition as well as a trip inside to get a flashlight, he looked down at my gear shifter. Still in DRIVE *idiot*.

Third incident happened at around 12:00 am (only half an hour later) in the prayer room. While pouring my heart out to God in the form of text written on an image, I wrote: "Father, replace love with hatred". After re-reading it, I suddenly realized "hey, that's not right!!" and burst into laughter *thus ending the quiet in the prayer room*.

I suppose we all have our 'days'...mine just seem to be more frequent this week...*sigh*

life's little lessons

Consuming mass amounts of bread. Singing songs of good tidings. Laughter. Having to be rolled back to your car because walking is nearly impossible. Spumoni ice cream. Free mints. What does all of this mean?! I just enjoyed a delightful evening at THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY in Gastown!! *sidebar: the Old Spaghetti Factory in Walnut Grove is opening up soon!! WOO HOO!!* Tonite we celebrated our dear friend's Rachel's 24th Birthday. After taking several wrong turns and nearly hitting a pedestrian, my insane car full of girls finally managed to find its way down to one of my favorite areas in Vancouver (how is it an adventure if you don't get lost at one point during your travels?!) Gastown is a truly unique place...I love the 'cobblestone' roads, the lamp posts and the steam clock that always manages to freak the crap out of me. I will provide pictures of our fantabulous evening later on...

It was a great evening of laughter, friendship and overindulgence (classic). However, although that part of the evening was terrific...I would have to say that the true 'highlight' of my evening was my interaction with the disabled man outside of the restaurant who was asking if we had any spare change, the lesson he taught me, and the conversation that ensued afterwards with my friend Liz. A lot of people have said that it's pointless to give money to people who are homeless. "They'll just use it for drugs" "What a waste" are all phrases that I've heard before. I totally agree that taking someone out for a meal and building a relationship is, in the long run, much more meaningful/'effective'. However, sometimes there isn't time for that. Who are we to judge how someone uses the money that they have been given? Jesus recognized that people have important spiritual AND physical needs. If someone asks for a loaf of bread. Give it to them. If they need some clothes. Offer something of yours. Jesus spent a great deal of time in, what we would call, 'relational ministry' with his disciples. However, when he performed many of his miracles, he saw an immediate need and offered healing (both to the body and the spirit). So, when someone asks me for money and I'm 'on the run', I give them some money (or, in Liz's case she gave her 'doggy bag') and say "Lord, I am entrusting them with this money. Please help them to use it wisely". However, ultimately Jesus looks at the state of our heart for why we are giving and the rest is up to Him and the reciever of the 'gift'. Now, some people may argue that this is a bit of a 'sketch philosphy'. "So, are you saying that I should just blindly give my money away to any organization/person who asks for it and not be a good steward?!". Absolutely not. BUT, when someone has to humble themselves enough to come and ask for money and beg for food I say "See the immediate need, and provide". I hope this blog isn't interpreted as me saying 'we are holier than thou' (haha) but rather I was reminded that, when someone asks, we need to look them in the eye and to provide in whatever way we can (may be spare change, may be a kind response). There are times where I've caught myself avoiding eye contact and ignoring the question "got any spare change?" by quickly walking by. Christ reminded me that HE has created each person on this earth and that, whatever I do/say to someone I am doing/saying to Him. I can so easily become consumed with my own selfish thoughts *sigh*. This man was SO thankful to recieve some money and was eager to take Liz's 'doggy bag'. How much more vulnerable can you be?!

Dear Father. I ask that you will be with this man tonight. Please provide for his physical needs. Give him food, shelter and warm clothing. Father, also provide for the needs of his heart. May he see glimpses of You in the people He interacts with. May people show him kindness and not pity. Please place someone in his life to be a solid friend. Someone who will care about him and be 'You' in physical form. Thank you for his genuine thankfulness. Bless him tonight Jesus and keep him safe. All this I ask in your precious name. Amen.

something in that name...

Last night several of my friends and I went to see one of my favorite plays: The importance of being Earnest. Oscar Wilde's wit and hilarious turn of events are sure to leave any audience laughing and saying 'dang, that's a good line! I'll have to use that sometime!! One guy in the audience seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the play. He was fully laughing out loud without holding back. He is my new hero :) To be honest, I don't think I've ever met a man named Earnest. However, I worry that, if I ever did, I would begin reciting lines from this play to him and would, most likely, freak him right out!! If you have a chance, go see the play (it is being put on by the TWU drama department). My friends and I all agreed: Algernon had a brutal English accent (no offence buddy) but Jack/Earnest was amazing...a natural!! Even Ryan called him dreamy!! Here are a few of my favorite lines from the play:


"I don't think I would care to catch a sensible man. I shouldn't know what to talk to him about!" Cecily

"Well I can't eat my muffins in an agitated manner. The butter would probably get on my cuffs. One should always eat muffins quite calmly. It is the only way to eat them". Algernon