My Special Surprise

Wow, I can't believe it's October 1st...where did September go? It was only a few days ago that I celebrated my biggest surprise ever. Showered with a splendid dinner, surprised by my friends who were there, receiving roses, receiving mixed flowers, pooh bear, mathematical bday card, among other things, oh and a journal. I really don't know what to say...except that I'm speechless, surprised, and really blushing. I can't believe how much effort went into this, i was touched...I didn't know to hug or cry, it was an unforgettable day.

It's funny, I have so much to share, in the excitement, but it's so personal and thoughtful, that sometimes it's better just to be remembered between us. The smiles, the laughter, our expressions, emotions, may never be caught on film but will be captured in our hearts, in our minds. I'll remember being somewhat blindfolded and being led into the restaurant, to open my eyes and find my friends there=) The excitement, not too sure what to expect or who I will see...you guys really surprised me well. I still find I'm naive and gullible...which sometimes can be a flaw of mine. Sometimes I'm too excited or surprised, that I don't know how to react because I can't believe it's really happening...b/c I'm too happy=)

Prep for Emmanuel Retreat

Well it's been a lot of planning this past week, lots of txting back and forth, and effective communication...haha. We may disagree, but in the end, it works out in the end.

(me): I was sharing with someone earlier tonight, what if I get stung by something or I end up in the hospital, you'll come and visit me right? (Response:) I'll be the first one there to visit you.
It was one of those awwwwwwwww moments. Made me feel better of course, who wouldn't right?

I think I'm prepared for this trip, although I haven't started to pack yet and it's 1am now. Yes, i know I'm only staying one night, but still...


Praying for a nicer weekend than forecasted. Rain or shine, we will have a good time, bonding together, doing devotions, the sharing and doing bible study together.Pray for safety as we have four cars driving up (me included) all leaving near or during rush hour too. Pray that our friendships grow as we share with one another.

i'll blog once I return...I got a lot accomplished tonight, had a mini meeting w/ my marketing group for the assignment due. Also came back to my computer after 10minutes of putting a cooler together (yes, this one has things to put together) and 10 windows of msn messages pop up, wow...didn't think I was gone that long and this was close to midnight too. Interesting, haha...

End of June already - East meets West

I really can't believe June has already come to an end...time really flies.

Brief Synopsis:
* Moved office spaces twice, now trying to settle in and unpack
* Wrote TX1 Exam
* Baked like no tomorrow (Cinnabons, Cheesecakes, tarts, pinwheels)
* Did preliminary menu for a wedding in October (the dessert part of it), my team, etc...
* Hosted a BBQ with friends, and met new friends (East meets West, and North meets South), glad to see my Markham/BB/Sauga Friends.
* Played wii (realize I don't excel in Bomberman, but I do in Raeman Rabbits when it involves slapping something or other) **hidden meaning?**
*" You get teased of course all in good fun, b/c you are well loved" end of quote.
* the Bonnie scent = smell of smoke coming from a BBQ, hahaha....
* I have friends coming to Church in Sauga from Markham
* I've been told that I may be swept off to Markham, I guess is a nicer way of saying instead of being kidnapped. So far, all my defences have been penetrable except one or two that someone has yet to figure out, muhahahaha...
* Getting ready to pack for JMC, five days of conferences (yes I'll be working too, have my laptop with me and work phone and my textbook)

My first Case Study in MM1

So most of us started the Marketing Management Course late, since we were all writing exams the same week. So this week, we had four assignments do, which, one of them was the 2000 word paper. Of course, I dreaded it...I didn't want to write first one. There's like a total of nine or 10 I think for this course, "cases" that require 2000 word paper and I'm doing two of them. It just drains the energy out of you writing the case studies...No matter how much coffee/green tea I drink, sometimes I think it's the pressure to finish writing it that is my motivation to stay up. Of course, the coffee/tea helps. Bad side, is that it'll take a few days for my body to catch up on sleep. My sleeping pattern is quite messed up. I was doing so well going to sleep around 11/11:30, but this week it's been 1 or or 3am. Hopefully, it will go back to normal soon.

This week I also spent time knowing my online group too. I have 5 members in the GTA and two from New Brunswick, so it is a challenge to work together with different time zones and really never fully met except online. Although, we do communicate via cell phones as well, I think, as a group we're making progress. I praise God that He gave me the gift of connecting with people. Being the glue to hold this group together:)

Well, it's Saturday, gonna go chill w/ my MAC Eng...buddies, well some are some aren't. It's a good mix, old friends.

God provides opportunities...

Well, it's been tough at work lately, so today, a lot of the upper management were gone on site I think in the afternoon, so it gave me some time to think. Actually, I was pulled into a meeting this morning, unexpectedly, so that took up an hour of my time, which made me somewhat skip lunch. Rather a Site Manager came to visit me and we chatted for a good half hour. Something that I don't like to do in the office, b/c it shows I'm not as productive...but technically this was during "lunch" hour. So Ron comes in and sits in my spare chair, guest chair(I really should get rid of it) and we're talking about phone plans and travelling, somehow the topic got to my mission trip to Nicarauga last year. So I shared with him my experiences, not knowing if he's a Christian or not, but it just kinda happened. Anyways, he asked me if I would go back, I said probably, but not right now. Too much going on at both work, school, and personal life. Somehow we got onto the topic of faith, and the bible, and about how the birds do not worry but why do I worry? From the book of Matthew...Well that was something I shared, yet b/c I'm human and a sinner, not perfect, to some extent I still do. Romans 3:23, "For all have fall short of the glory of God." Sometimes it's easier said than done, and he asked me, does that mean my faith isn't strong enough? There are times/moments that I worry about things, job, economy and whatnot, and times that I don't...I wasn't sure how to answer...but he said he'd like to chat about it some other time. So I'm like Yay!

Sunday First weekend of June

Well, let's see...I've never seen snack size NY Cheesecake disappear that fast before...it was yummy though. My mom was pleased at how it turned out she wants me to make it for Hamilton next week. I do enjoy baking and serving so I don't mind. It brings out the creative side and what I can do:) I must have been really tired though, by the time I came home this afternoon, ate some lunch, and napped. I thought several hours went by but only 45minutes did before I was woken up. Long story short, she has to see a dentist in the morning. Thank you for the prayers, in a time of need, thank you for showing support and concern, means a lot to me.

Now back to studying, two days away before the exam.

What have I done this week?

Let's see.... It's now Saturday evening and yes at home blogging...not because I don't have a life, which I do but my exam is on Wednesday night.

Monday: Worked on a lot of reports and approving invoices - Went to the gym and did the Body Combat/kick boxing class w/ friends:) - Checking on last minute deals/quality of appliances for a friend's condo (becomes easier as I do more homes)

Tuesday: Continued on reports... Started to study for exam.

Wednesday: Looking over the Corp. Phone plans and more reports... - did a 30min jog on the treadmill @ Goodlife:)...spent time w/ mom.

Thursday: Good/bad day at work, depends when you asked me... - Did a bit of MSN, and 3hours of studying (more than I've done all week in one sitting)

Friday: Meeting w/ VP, went ok - bought lots of fruits for baking on saturday/sunday - found out my first module assignments are due next week:( My Tax exam and my Marketing MGMT course overlap by one week. I tend to get really stress under these deadlines...sometimes emotional. Rather the word is overwelmed. Not too sure what to do first, besides PANIC. The Website is down so I can't look at my assignment and see my team's responses. So if you're into Marketing, please help me:) Talked to a couple friends, prayed with one another...wrote an encouraging graduation note to one of my sisters in Christ.

Saturday: Woke up at 8:00am went to Goodlife and did 1.5hours...weighed myself - happy at the result so far [5lbs less], I'm on the right track. Bought some more Strawberries and blueberries...this can be bad b/c 1/3 of my fridge is now full of strawberries. So what do I do? I go on a baking frenzy and made for the first time mini New York style Cheesecakes w/ strawberry. Yes, baking does calm me down, helps me relax and focus. So for tomorrow's Coffee Corner after our English Service, there will be Mini NY Cheesecake w/ strawberies, Strawberry Fruit tarts and mini butter croissants baked fresh:) Everything, is mini or "Bite size" since it's meant to feed 60-80ish. Hope everyone enjoys it:) Will post the pics on FB.