Updating you for the Fall of ’09

Today, I am sat in bed. It’s Sunday and I am sick.  I have skipped church this morning and will also have missed out on Christina’s 30th party last night and Amy’s Bridal Shower this afternoon… but I haven’t been sick for a long time.  I have already called in sick for work tomorrow – it’s that bad. Duude… it sucks.

So, what’s the latest? You’re wondering, now lets see.

I am still working at Starbucks, it’s fun.  I get to have random conversations (mostly with the people I work with) and the same conversations over and over and over… my favourite one usually goes something like this:

“Where are you from? Are you from New Zealand?”, to which I reply  “No”,

“Australia?”, “Nope”…

“South Africa??”, “Not even close”…

“I’m from England”, “Oh! That was going to be my next guess.”

“Don’t worry” I assure them, “about 95% of people I speak to say the same”

“Are you sure? Because what you just said then sounds really Australian…”

Oh Canadians… I sigh.

So, what else is new?

I’m starting to volunteer with a friend of mine called Bryce, he helps run a kids program for some of the kids on the Native Reserve that is close to where I live.  For those of you who don’t know – in Canada, there are the First Nation people who live here, these were the people who were here before Canada got colonized by the Europeans a few years back.  If you think of Cowboys and Indians, they are the Indians – but that’s not very PC to say.  Anyways, we’ll be doing some fun stuff with them – doing some kind of educational thing and then sports in the gym.  I’m looking forward to it.

I also started playing Soccer …or Football.  I joined an indoor group who just play for fun down at my local community centre – it’s really fun, but I’m out of shape, man!!

Ok, what else?  I want to come visit England over christmas.  I’m planning on it.  So, keep a watch out! Then you’ll be able to tell me whether you think I’m getting a Canadian accent… haha!!

There’s no place like home…

…I’m in the mood to go back to England.

I’ve lived in Canada now for 23 months of my life….and I think I’ll be here for a few more too!  I’m here until further notice.

But I realized today that it was exactly a year ago yesterday that I last flew back to Canada from England.  That means it’s been over a year since I last saw my Mum, my Gran and most of my friends.  It’s been over two years since I last saw my Dad and my family on his side. And it’s been over two years since I last saw my little brother!

I’m a little sad now.

So yeah…. I’m in the mood to go back to England… but only for a holiday.

Ich arbeite bei Starbucks

Hello there, what drink would you like?

I have a job at Starbucks. I can now make Expressos, Lattes, Cappuccinos and more.

I had my first day on Monday and am really enjoying it so far – the people are really friendly and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better.  It’s a lot of training but soon I will be the pro at telling you all about coffee and making recommendations, and I’ll be super speedy at making lots of complicated drinks. Today I managed 3 out of 8 in a 3 min test.  It’s all a lot to remember.

This week I have been thinking a little about community.  I really think it’s important to get out there and do something with the people who live around you.  I just finished a book called Yes Man, the principle of the book is the guy said YES more/to everything (sometimes good. sometimes bad, very bad).  As I’ve starting to meet loads of new people over the last couple of weeks, I’ve come to appreciate all of Gods creation…especially the people.  To meet all different characters and personalities, all unique and fabulous in their own way – all by saying YES.  How often do we stay at home and get stuck in the same routine, and never venture out past our own neighbourhood where there are some many fascinating people.  It’s a shame.

I got to go to Anvil Island last week to help out at a kids bible camp, it was a last minute decision – could have been so easy to say no to because I only knew one person. But now I’ve made new friends, and been refreshed and feel happy.  And not only that, I was able to be surrounded by God’s incredible beautiful creation – the water, the mountains, the sunshine….!!! A-MAZ-ING..!!!

I’m happy at the moment.

It’s July 10th Already

Yes, it’s July 10th, 2009.

Here’s an update on Jess-life in bullet points:

The Pais Project chapter of my life is over.  The Pais year ended June 13th with a pleasant grad ceremony, I said goodbye to the friends who have returned home and have consequently had quite a lazy month since.  The year ended brilliantly as we had a whole bunch of students from the school come join us at our youth nights (hip hop abs or dodgeball!), we love to see students having fun!

I have decided to stay in Canada until further notice.  I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I hope to volunteer at the local school and maybe run a film class in my spare time.  We ended up building a great relationship with Cariboo Hill Secondary School, and the principle is open for more fun stuff to happen.

As of today, I am officially a Starbucks employee.  I have given in my SIN, and can receive my free cup of coffee when I turn up on Monday, July 20th for my first day.  I’m moving back to the westside of Vancouver where I lived last year, the Starbucks is up on Dunbar @ 29th.

Tomorrow I am going on a true Canadian experience and I can’t wait….!! I’m going to camp.  Oh yes, I’m going to spend the next week up at Anvil Island (Up Howe Sound – which is up the coast a little from West Vancouver)  I’m helping out with the work crew which should be fun.

I’ve been reading Yes Man by Danny Wallace and it’s so funny.  It’s a must read for any british people who are living away from home, it reminds me of home and the british ways and makes me laugh so much! I do love being British!!  Ah man…now I want some fish and chips.  I’ve also been reading Prayer by Philip Yancey – it’s interesting, it’s making me think about what I really believe especially in regards to prayer….does it make a difference??

Ok people, I think that’ll do for now.

Back to the Beginning

It’s official.  I am terrible at keeping this thing updated. But I have not given up on myself just yet, as I wish to start again… today.

Here goes.