O Canada

Not my home or native land...

But thanks for reminding me these last 2 weeks of Olympic games how much I love and adore you. Although you are beastly cold in the winter and slithering hot in the summer, I do appreciate your four seasons. The people in your land were quirky, I will say that.
Lots of times they were arrogant dog walkers in the winter or shirtless Catholic men in the summer. Sure, most of them refused to listen to me as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but at least they offered me some water when I was thirsty.

Although your land is diverse and at times, somewhat ghetto, I did learn to appreciate the random things: loonies and toonies, wonderbars, milk in a bag, kilometers, Eastside Marios, perogies, shoes off in the house, the washroom, the pronunciation of "pasta" or "sorry." I even started sounding like you at times. Funny, eh?

Yes, the Olympic games are now closed, but now I have an increased desire to visit your land. Maybe it will be to BC or Alberta. Or maybe I will discover Quebec and Prince Edward Island. You may see me gallivanting around Ontario again to actually see Toronto. Who knows.

In any case, I am grateful that I lived in your peculiar and homey land for about nineteen months of my precious life.

I will forever be grateful that you were my home and native land for that time. And even though your team won the gold medal over the United States, I am still proud of your accomplishments.
Next time I support you, you can be sure that I will be sporting my Roots sweatshirt.

Much appreciation to you, your randomness, and even your ugliness (at times),

Susie

I can do this!

Every morning when I wake up at 6am, I chant to myself "I can do this!" This meaning, teach inner city high school kids.

I will be honest with ya'll this teaching thing has been the hardest thing I have ever done. But somehow I get through it each day, taking the good and the bad in, learning from it, then trying to do better the next day.

So if you're ever having a day when you wake up and you are unsure if you can do it (it being whatever you have to do), just chant to yourself, "I can do this!" And for that day you will be tricked that you can.

And if all else fails, just be grateful that you don't have to teach juniors in high school that America won the Revolutionary War. Cause I found out today that some kids don't know that...

A Proud Moment

I just thought I'd brag a little...

I didn't feel sorry for myself at all this Valentine's Day. Pat on the back!

I had a great time at church seeing friends and feeling the spirit (after 2 weeks straight of church cancellations due to the snow). I then made dinner with a friend, sang in the choir, swung over to Kate's place for cookies and chick flick...and I still feel good about myself.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day, whomever my blog readers may be.

Loves.

Two Fathers in Heaven

This day always reminds me why I am grateful for my two fathers in heaven.

To my earthly father for his example of faith and testimony that still lingers even after sixteen years since his passing. My dad was not a man of fame or fortune but he loved the Lord and loved his family. He has taught me that regardless of the trial or circumstance, we can choose to be happy and choose to love the Lord. He chose to overcome polio and other hardships by relying on the Savior and on Heavenly Father. My dad had an incredible sense of humor. People felt comfortable being around him and were drawn to his outgoing nature. I don't remember that much about my dad, but I do remember his liveliness, his love, and his dedication to my mom and siblings. I am grateful that he continues to be my father in heaven. I know that he is sharing the Gospel (and doing a great job of it), but I know that his most important role is still to be my father. I know he is helping me; though I may not see the ramifications of his help and guidance until the eternities. Oh how excited I am to catch up with my dad and rest in his arms! I miss him terribly but know that I will see him again.

To my Heavenly Father for allowing me to rely on Him with a greater abundance. I know that He lives and loves me. He sure hasn't made my life easy, but I know that He supports me in my trials. He has given me glimpses of His plan for me. Sometimes I shun away from it, not wanting to accept His will. However, as I strive to follow His plan, I see the blessings and joys that come from seeing things through His immortal eyes and not my own mortal eyes. I have had to rely on His guidance and direction many times in my life. I have had to seek His counsel as my earthly father has not been here to offer that to me. Heavenly Father has not only offered me counsel, He has offered His unconditional and perfect love. He has given me comfort and peace when I feel like I cannot find it. He has compensated for my losses by providing loving family and friends. Truly, I honor His name and want to be more like Him. I want to live with Him again, more than anything.

I am grateful to my two fathers in heaven. I can't wait to see them both...again.

Snowpacalypse

Well the snowpacalypse of 2010 has hit DC. Since Friday afternoon all I have seen is lots and lots of snow with no one knowing how to deal with it. The city is not equipped to handle this snow and people are going crazy. It's pretty funny, to be honest.

I don't mind it as I have not had to work since Friday morning. So far Ive had a 4.5 day weekend, with no school tomorrow either. Haha.

Here are a few pics from what the meteorologists call "snowpacalypse" or "snowmaggedon."








And what do we do with this much snow? Well it's a good thing I have awesome roommates and some great friends, like good ole' Sarah here.

And Quinn...
And MJ who put on a dance party this morning while making breakfast.

Luckily Kate inspired me to work out this morning after our huge breakfast. Mmm...waffles.

This snowpacalypse may get me a week out of school! Woot woot.

I'm going to Puerto Rico...because I can. Muhahaha.

One of the many perks to being single...

Going to tropical places just because I can.


I'll tell you all about it when I come back tan in April. :)