my life ROCKS!!

I have a pretty darn good life :) Things we experience, such as rocking out at an AMAZING concert or laughing at a hilarious movie, aren't truly as fun if they aren't enjoyed with good company...
Yesterday Dan, Megs and I drove down into Seattle to see Snow Patrol live in concert (can I get a woot woot?!). After a smooth border crossing, lunch at Quizno's and a speeding ticket for Dan (oops) we found our way into the big and bold city of Seattle. I have to give 'kudos' to Dan for being such a good navigator...I am most definitely 'directionally challenged'. I also have to give him kudos for surving a day with two very enthusiastic girls who like to shop and find everything terribly exciting. Before seeing Snow Patrol we hung out at the Pikes Place Market (a very eclectic market full of fish, bobbleheads and other nick-nacks), enjoyed some Starbucks, tried to see who could get the most waves from passerbyers while sitting in Starbucks (I don't actually know who won but I got a pretty darn good head nod!! HA!!), took lots of ridiculous photos and wandered around an abandoned adventure park (lil creepy but fun). *sidebar: it is a myth that they throw fish around at the Market...I think the fishermen will if you buy a fish...unfortunately for me I don't like fish....*
Finally it was time for the concert. We were in the 'seated' section of the Key Arena (as opposed to the floor). It was kinda lame b/c people didn't stand up and the people on the floor weren't groovin!! HOWEVER, in true "Megs and Maia concert" fashion, we took matters into our own hands...we moved to a less 'busy' section and danced/jumped our little hearts out :) The music was PHENOMENAL. They played all of the songs we hoped they would AND MORE!! They even played 4 more songs in the encore!! We absolutely LOVED the entire experience :) I would go and see them again in a HEARTBEAT!! And those Irish are darn hilarious...sooo good!!
Today I also enjoyed a fun day with friends. I slept over at Megs' house last night and then met up with Ryan, Mel and Ben for sushi in Langley where we enjoyed good food and, not suprising, some good laughs ;) After a very boring meeting in Abbotsford and a drive through a snow storm (woo hoo) I met up with Tyson for some appies at BP's where he had the "worst garlic toast of his life". We laughed. We then headed over to Colossus to meet up with Mel, Megs, Ryan and Ben to watch "Music and Lyrics". Tys and I were a bit 'hesitant' (looked like a classic chick flick) but it was AWESOME!! Hugh Grant's lines were freakin hilarious and, I just HAVE to say it...he was dang hot!! Even the guys loved it!!
I really like my friends :) They find the 'simple' things in life fun and are just darn cool people!! I love you all!!

College fling...

Tonight I was reminded of an old fling I had back in my 'college days'. This fling was like none I'd had before. It was different. Perhaps this was because he was a cardboard cutout....the only cardboard cut out I have ever dated for that matter...
I was introduced to Josh through my dorm neighbours, Heather and Lyndsay. I think it was love at first sight...there was an instant connection. Josh understood me. He would listen for HOURS and, no matter what I said, he would smile back at me. Josh was a bit of a rebel. He would hang out in the girls dorms ALL the time and would pose for hours in the window. I also appreciated the fact that he was extremely respectful. He allowed me my 'personal space' and would never argue back. He ALWAYS beat me at staring contests and found the best hiding spots during hide and seek. No one could find him!! (we later found him squished behind the fridge). One evening Josh and I enjoyed a romantic slow dance *sigh* He was a pretty good dancer...a bit stiff at times but, overall, it was really nice. I wish I could say that things stayed this way forever, but they didn't...
I started to wonder if Josh was in FACT the 'ideal boyfriend'. He had a rather flat personality and was not very deep. I began to doubt whether he really cared about what mattered in life because nothing seemed to phase him. I grew tired of doing all of the talking...I felt that our relationship was very one-sided. I questioned whether he was a bit too shallow for me...a bit too much of a dormat. He couldn't even stand up for himself!! And that smile (that I had so previously loved) began to look fake and plastered on his face. He only had one emotion: happy!! One day, I came crying into the room to announce that I thought I had failed a mid-term and he just smiled, that same goofy smile!! I told him it was over. I told him that I was tired of doing all of the talking. He just smiled.
Several weeks later I went to visit Heather and Lyndsay. They gently broke the news that Josh was gone. He had been stolen...
I sometimes think about Josh. I wonder if things could have worked out between us. I guess I'll never know. However, whenever I see a cardboard cutout I smile fondly. Then I try to make them blink/move (a game Josh and I used to play). It hasn't worked as of yet...but maybe...one day...

A "rebel" with a cause...

Several days ago my Aunt Doris (technically my Dad's Aunt) passed away. The phone rang at 10:30 pm (which recently has meant 'bad news') and I instantly wondered "I wonder if it's about my Grandma or my Aunt". I stayed on the phone to listen to what the nurse had to say: "Hello Sir. I am very sorry to inform you that your Aunt passed away 5 minutes ago". I hung up the phone. After my dad finished speaking with the nurse we all just kind of sat around and reflected on my Aunt's life. She was an extremely fascinating woman. Had many 'suitors' but never married. Never had any children of her own. She always like to stir the pot and had the ability to make everyone laugh. I liked her. I liked her because she said what she thought. I liked her because she seemed 'in touch' with what was happening in the world. She was very insightful. I asked my dad about funeral arrangments and was surprised to hear that she was having her memorial in a funeral home. My Aunt Doris was a devout Christian and was very connected with her church in Abbotsford. My dad smiled and replied "That Doris...a rebel even until the end. She wanted to make a statement by being cremated and having her memorial in a funeral home". If you knew my dad's family you would understand that this is very uncommon. They aren't THAT 'old school' or legalistic but some of my dad's relatives have funny ideas about cremation (not very logical to me but that's besides the point) and about where a funeral should be held. I was proud of my Aunt. I think that, in some small way, I have a bit of that 'fighter' spirit in me too. Or maybe it's not that we are 'fighters'....perhaps we're just stubborn as heck. Either way, I'm ok with it. On Saturday our family will gather together to honour her and pay tribute to her life.

You will be greatly missed Aunt Doris. I'll make sure that, from time to time, the pot is still stirred ;)

Gotta love Pastor jokes...

Last Sunday PK (aka: Pastor Ken) was preaching on a passage in 1 Peter (wives/husbands). He used two joke illustrations for his sermon...one was BEYOND cheezy and the other actually made me laugh!!

Joke #1 (I like this one): One day a husband asked his wife "Honey, why is it that the Lord made women so beautiful but also so naive?" The woman responded "Well, that's easy. God made women beautiful so that we would catch your attention. God made women naive so that you would catch ours" BAHA!! I loved it :)

Joke #2 (warning: this joke is brutal): A husband and wife were arguing over who should make the coffee in the morning. "But you always make breakfast for us. This is part of your responsibilty as well" argued the husband. "Well you get up before me and it makes sense if you make the coffee because it will be ready by the time we want to drink it" responded the wife. She then added "Besides, it says in the Bible that men are supposed to make the coffee!" The husband laughed and said "Show me where in the Bible it says that and I'll make the coffee". The woman went over to her Bible and opened it up. "See, on the top of several pages it says it: Hebrews". INSERT GONG!!

A full heart...

Today in church Pastor Ken asked us to greet those around us and tell them something that we're thankful for. I have much to be thankful for this week:

- A good conversation with a buddy I hadn't seen in awhile.
- Peace in knowing that my Auntie Doris is in heaven with Christ.
- Reconciliation with a friend.
- Knowing that the sadness I feel over saying goodbye to two very dear friends means that we truly bonded. I am thankful for them and for the opportunity I will have to, one day, see them again.
- Having solid friendships where we can just sit, watch a movie on a laptop and enjoy one another's company.
- An overdose of Valentine's chocolate ;)
- God's faithfulness in Sarah and Kristian's life.
- Getting to go to a Snow Patrol concert in Seattle!!
- Hardships that build perseverence and develop our character.
- Laughter.
- Enjoying three free cheesecake samples in Yaletown yesterday ;) Heh heh...
- A good book that is challenging me in my faith.
- A church family that continues to bless my life.

God, I thank you for all of these things. Both the joys and the challenges...

Snipits from my life...

I thought I'd post a few photo's to show what I've been up to during the past few weeks. Can I just say that life is good? And by good I don't mean that everything is always 'perfect' and that life isn't full of challenges/struggles. But that's what makes life worth it, isn't it?? I've been BEYOND blessed by such amazing friends and family and by a God who is continuing to captivate my heart. As I was driving in my car yesterday I got goosebumps just thinking about Him...I'm in love!! I've really been learning about what it means to be genuine in my faith (there's that word Megs). Just being real, authentic. Being a Christian does NOT mean that life is always 'peachy' and that we don't screw up (believe you me, I am a professional 'screwer upper'). I am in need of a Saviour, that's why I follow Christ. I love how Rob Bell explains 'evangelism' (he uses the analogy of a trampoline). "I am far more interested in jumping than I am in arguing about whose trampoline is better. You rarely defend the things you love. You enjoy them and tell others about them and invite others to enjoy them with you"...

Our South African friends were shocked to discover that the Royal Canadian

Mounted Police allows black bears on staff.

Waiting to catch the seabus...

Plenty of Dutch Blitz fury!!!!

Hanging out at Tys's new place (oooh, the floors are heated....)

Celebrating Valentine's Day, pirate style (A few highlights from the night: Winning the Treasure Hunt, getting RIDICULOUSLY hyper with Megs, sword hockey, being the runner up in the costume contest, pirate dance parties in the kitchen, Rysu singing/dancing along to Beyonce, Liz/Anna's AMAZING pirate jokes, flicking candy/cookies that looked like poop off of my sword while my friends tried to catch it in their mouths...baha)

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

Well dear friends, it has come. Yup, today is Valentine's Day! I have never really been a big 'fan' of Valentine's Day. I have always grumbled that it is a day for consumers, a day where (most gifts) are given with very little thought and more a sense of obligation and that people should express their love the other 364 days of the year as well. However, all that changed last year...last year I decided to fully embrace Valentine's Day. This time last year I was doing my PDP practicum in a Grade 4/5 classroom and, let me tell you, Valentine's Day is a BIG deal for kids. We spent all week making our Valentine's mailboxes and doing Valentine's crosswords and art activities. By the time the day finally arrived I was more excited than my students!! I recieved chocolates, flowers, homemade cards and even some Valentine's greetings from celebrities such as Spiderman and Sponge Bob (sorry Spongey, you're just not my type). SO, to all of my friends I just want to wish you a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! I love you and I'm thankful that you are a part of my life :) If you aren't my friend and are reading this *cough stalker* then I suppose I love you too ;) Take the time to tell your friends/family what they mean to you today and EVERYDAY of the year :)

ps - tonight is the Pirate Valentine's Day Party!! (Gosh - you know what would make my night? If Jack Sparrow showed up and asked me to be his Valentine...*sigh*)

So long, farewell...

On Saturday our dear friends Audri and David are leaving us *sniff* and heading back home to South Africa. Gosh darnit, I'm going to miss those guys!! We have had a lot of fun over this past year and made a lot of good memories that I will cherish for a lifetime :) It's really hard to say 'goodbye'...but the COOL thing about being in the family of God is that goodbye's are never forever. Also *bonus* we'll see Audri and David in Australia later this year...woo hoo!! On Saturday we are going to go into Vancouver to say 'bon voyage' at the Airport and then hang out in Vancouver for the evening. If you're interested in taking part, let me know...

Life according to Maia

Here are some of my random thoughts/'happenings' from this past week:

- Yesterday morning Mel and I went for a 'rotic date' (a date without the 'man') to White Rock. We walked along the pier, played stick/rock baseball, took silly photos and enjoyed some delicious fish and chips. Mmmm...

- Random fact for the day: If your parents never had children it is most likely that you will also never have children.

- You can 'create' a summertime experience by having a hot tub / s'more party...even if it's February!!

- Lint burns really well in a fire.

- I went to see a play at TWU on Friday night. Although I can't remember the title of the play, it really struck a chord with me. I need to get out of my 'bubble' sometimes...

- Dancing in Robson Lounge is really fun...especially when you are 'discovered' by strangers...

- I enjoy meeting random new people. On Friday night we ended up talking to this guy Will for over two hours. And, amazingly enough, we have mutual friends!! My favorite part of the night: Demonstrating who Terry Fox was for Jessica.

- Apparently the TWU Art Department still has some of my artwork. As we were looking at the artwork that was on display I suddenly said "Hey! That's my piece!" I was tempted to steal it...frame and all. I resisted that urge...

- The Office makes me really happy.

- Breaking old habits is hard and I often lack self control...sometimes I get really frustrated with myself. Thankfully God doesn't give up on me...He continuously 'breaks my fall' and reminds me to keep pressing forward...

- I'm enjoying 1 Peter. Currently I'm very challenged by these verses: "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (2: 11-12)

- I love genuine outpourings of the heart...

- "You rarely defend the things you love. You enjoy them and tell others about them and invite others to enjoy them with you" Velvet Elvis

- On Friday Ben and I went out for coffee...it was a lot of fun. I have been blessed with amazing friends...

- I need to learn to be more content. When we lack contentment, we are essentially saying to God "You don't know how to provide for me". I want to learn the art of contentment...

Just close your sleepy little eye balls...sandman's a comin!!

A hug to the person who can name which Disney movie my title is from!!

This year has probably been my worst year for 'sleeping'. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I am adjusting to the 'regular working life' or that I have a personal 'wake up' service at 5:30 most mornings. AKA: Helen from the Abbotsford school district who I STILL maintain delights in waking people from their slumber!! Here's an example. I had called in to say I was unavailable to work (b/c I was already working for Langley). HOWEVER, Helen STILL called at 5:15 that morning to say "oh, are you available tomorrow?". FOR THE LOVE OF CHEESE WHY?!?! Anyways...I'm not angry or bitter *cough* Ok, perhaps slightly bitter but I AM thankful for the work :)

Is there a point to this entry you're asking yourself? Not really. But I have a 'story' to share that kind of goes along with the 'year of the lack of sleep' theme. So the other night started out like any other night. Everyone was asleep in their beds, the house was finally quiet. At 12:00 I was awoken by the sound of crying coming from downstairs. I opened my door and saw my mum trying to find her way down the stairs (in the dark) to my brother's room who was apparently having a nightmare. I went back to bed and, thankfully, fell right back to sleep. At 2:00 am the phone rang. I felt my heart sink as I realized it was too early for Helen...I thought my Grandma had passed away. I crawled out of bed (again) and went to hear what the call was about. I could hear my dad talking in a low voice on the phone. My dad's Aunt was in the hospital and was not doing well. My Auntie Doris has always been a 'fixture' in our lives. She never married and never had any children so she often joins us for family events. She is kind of my 'wild' Aunt who is extremely outspoken and leaves everyone in fits of laughter. I like her :) When she first met my brother-in-law she said "My my, aren't you a handsome fellow" and then made some comment about snatching him up herself. (Kristian didn't quite know how to respond). I felt badly for my dad. I could hear him saying "Yes I understand. I am going through the same thing with my mother right now. I'll be out to visit tomorrow". I think my dad is a very good nephew. He calls my Aunt Doris every week and often goes out to visit her/take her out for lunch. The visit was hard for him. After we had a little 'pow pow' in my parents room, I finally went back to bed. At 3:30 am I heard scratching on the wall. Bryson (Age: 2) was, suprisingly, very awake and singing happy songs to himself. Great. Now don't get me wrong, I love happy children. But I don't love happy/awake children at 3:30 am!! After a bottle and a firm 'night night' he finally went back to sleep. At 5:45 am the phone rang. This time it was Helen...

Maple Syrup, Beaver Tails and 4 South Africans

So today was one of the FUNNEST days I've had in awhile :) Mel and I drove into Vancouver to meet up with Yanni, David, Ben (David's brother who is visiting from South Africa) and Ben's buddy Neku (also visiting from South Africa) for an 'explore Vancouver' day!! We had SUCH a blast!! I felt like a tourist in my own city and the weather was absolutely GORGEOUS!! In fact, I think I heard music from the mountains....
We started out in Gastown, then took the Seabus over to the Quay, enjoyed some lunch and then all went and got a 'dessert' to bring back to the table and share (mmm beaver tails, gelato and the 'best' McFlurry ever made according to Yanni...ha ha). We then hit up Robson (did some shopping and even went into LuLuLemon and had a 'tour' from Yanni...haha). We also sampled some 'Godiva chocolate' (good but highly overpriced) and browsed around in HMV for awhile. It was such an awesome day :) It was a great 'continuation' from last night (playing ping pong and hanging out at Sarah and Kristian's) with our crazy South African friends. It makes me SO excited for Australia (Yanni, David and Audri will be meeting up with us). I will post photo's later on. OPI!!