5 Days Left

Only 5 days of school left in the semester. This has been the fastest one yet. I can't even believe that it's over. I have met so many awesome people, we're always telling each other how surprised we are at how great we are! haha. I love them all. A couple of big projects left and we're off for a month. I am really excited, but a bit bummed that I won't see everyone. It will fly by too I'm sure. There's been a lot going on lately. Too much to write about here at the moment. But because it's Thanksgiving in America this weekend I figured I could write down a few things that I am thankful for too. You can't have too much gratitude can you?

I'm thankful for...
The opportunity to go to Africa, a dream come true, as cliche as that sounds.
The people I'm surrounded by, family, friends, everyone really.
Even though I can't buy any material things, I can eat whenever I need, whatever I feel like.
My education, the things I am choosing to learn.
Organizing parties, and bake sales, and fundraising for Africa. So crazy and busy but so worth it!
Popcorn and movies, which is what I'm going to do right now, so I'm off!

A Twenty-Sixer for a 26er

It was W. and P.'s birthdays this weekend. It turned out to be a pretty epic birthday weekend. We went to Tofino for the weekend. Lovely J. drove me up part way so that I didn't have to bus. The roads were okay until we were in Nanaimo, at which point it seemed to be snowing like mad. 

It took a while to get through Nanaimo, but it was still faster than taking the bus.

The beach was gorgeous, covered with these little "trees".

A little sandy forest.

Winter boots on the beach, in the snow.

Ah, the flattering wetsuit.

Obligatory Group Shot.

W. received the Olympus Pen EP-1 for his birthday. It has Pop Art...

and Pin Hole effects, to name a few. 

We surfed, blew up some fireworks, drank rum and eggnog, and went for a ride in Relic. All in all a pretty successful birthday weekend.

The Best Bake Sale Ever

Yesterday we were up at 6 and on the road by 7am. We loaded up Mel's car with all the baked goods from Anna, Ooh La La Cupcakes, the signs I made, and all our other Bake Sale paraphernalia. We went to the pool to get tables and chairs, then to Bubby Roses's to pick up their donation. Next was Moka House for coffee and carob bars. We were at school exactly at eight, and drove right up to the building. (Yes I urged them not to because I'm a chicken!)
We began unloading the car and we found, to our surprise, four of our friends sitting, waiting to help us set up and to donate their baking. We had so much more food than I ever anticipated.

Shahin buying some treats from Jayne.

I don't know why my face is blurry, but oh well, everyone else is cute!

Lauren, you are amazing. Dr. Suess quotes to make my day.

Ooh La La Cupcakes!

Thrift Score

Today is done. YES! I am so excited for tomorrow and the rest of the week. Today I had a psych test and I didn't even read one chapter. Yet, this one was way easier than the first one. After that I had J. and he was just a doll. I went to the pool, got some poster board, then went downtown. I had an amazing thrift moment. I found multiple packages of Ilford photo paper. Most of it was ruined but I got one unopened box for $1.99 and a package full of developed photos as well. The photos were all from around here but the cars all seemed pretty old. I was thinking 70s or 80s.
In another package I found someone's hand-written poetry, sketches, and letters. I put those into the developed picture package and read one on the way home. It was written in June 1980! Oh I love peeking into the past, someone's intimate moments. How awesome. I love hand-written letters too. They are so much more personal than emails. I should be writing W. letters so that we have them to look back on and laugh. But I guess in a way that's what this blog is.
Now I'm on to making Bake Sale posters, and packing for the week. Oh Reading Break how I love thee.
Here we are, the Kenya girls. We are going to have an amazing time.

A Walk in the Park

Today Anna Jayne and I went to the park to take pictures. Anna's in a photography class at school, and she needed to take a bunch of pictures to develop tomorrow. I am going to go into the darkroom with her and she is going to show me how to develop film! I am so excited. I have wanted to do this forever and didn't think that I would ever get to. Here are some of the awesome shots we took.

Just out for a casual stroll...

Only Jayne would ask to climb on the fire truck...

This is going to be on our Christmas Card!

A few model shots.

It was a really fun afternoon. Hopefully some of the film shots worked out. We will find out tomorrow.

Busy Busy Busy

Today was a busy busy day in the middle of a busy busy week. Monday I taught my 12 minute lesson in class, yesterday I taught my 20 minute science lesson in info tech, and today I fundraised, taught a full class, worked, talked on the phone, did math, and now am wanting to wind down for bed. J. will be home in the next 20 minutes or so, and usually I am in bed by now, if not asleep. Lately I've been having stressful dreams, and not wanting to eat dinner. I haven't really felt hungry over the last few days. I don't remember the last time I lost my appetite like this, but it's been a long time. Maybe I am feeling too busy and stressed! This math assignment is outrageous. It's taking forever and I don't think I'm explaining my answers well enough. Also, it's a group project so J. and I will be getting the same mark so she may tear my answers to bits. haha
Today the fundraising really began and it felt awesome. People are willing to donate to a good cause. It's a bit terrifying because I don't like asking for things, but it's easier when it's not for myself. I am glad that I don't have a problem speaking to people. I felt bad because I told S. to go into a store by herself, and after she asked if we could stick together. I forget that some people have issues speaking to strangers.

My motto for the next few months. 

Well I should be sleeping, or at least allowing my brain to shut off for the evening. I think I may skip my first class tomorrow since I don't really need to be there. Time for bed.