Let's Celebrate, It's All Right!

So it's been forever since I did a blog post. Guess I'm just so bored I figured I wouldn't bore the rest of the world with my boring life. ha ha!

Anyway, life is pretty good. I can't complain, really. I mean the very gift of life makes it so that we shouldn't complain. God doesn't have to let us live, ya know? ;)

Work is going well, I'm technically holding two jobs, but if I see any work with the Seavey's it will be very little and probably not until the season gets incredibly busy, or, with my luck, when they run out of workers at the end of the season. Ha ha! Still, I am connected with Wildride in some way still and I'm fine with that.

Census work is pretty slow, at least on my end. Phone isn't ringing nearly as much as a month ago, but I feel that's a blessing. I'm surprised it isn't ringing MORE with complaints by conspiracy freaks intent on finding something wrong with the system and how it's really a part of the overall "Big Brother" movement (I hate that book with a passion lol).

Other than a few coworker drama issues I am enjoying it. Most folks get along rather well, which makes it fun. It's pretty relaxed which is also works well for me considering the only other full time job I've had has also been uber relaxed while maintaining professionalism (I don't count Sears as full time even though I was running an average of 45 hours a week, but getting paid as a parttime employee, but I won't start that rant up again.)

Other than that nothing much is going on. With this new job I'm able to get outta town every once in a while and I've been down to Kenai in the last month more times that I was all of last year! CRAZY!

Erin and I are already planning our trip for next year. I'm hoping that the work will be winding down at the Bureau by the last week and a half of August so that I can take the trip with Erin and then come back and start something new.

We're planning a road trip through Western Canada. So far the prelim planning is going well, and we're already getting excited for it. Then we'll have something like 5 months to save up for Haille's birthday bash at Disneyland. I think we're crazy, but we already knew that so it's all good. Besides the DL trip will be much shorter than the WDW trip ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNND cheaper because it just will be ha ha!


Well, it's 8am and I'm up (stupid dog on the stupid work schedule), so I'm going to make myself somethig to eat and get ready to head over to the g'parents' for the day. Jeff is down b.s.ing my parents (heaven help him if he pulls any crap about or with my mom because dad's about ready to kill him. Which I think any judge would find it to be justifiable homicide) for the weekend so I can feel safe going over and hanging with my family. If Jeff disappeared on his Memorial day weekend trip I wouldn't really be upset about it. I know that's cruel but I seriously can't shake these feelings (or I guess the better way to say it is I don't want to.) God's working on me, but I'm fighting it (if you couldn't tell).

Anyway gonna have dinner over there and everything. Tried talking them into going OUT to eat, but nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. So yeah. *sigh*

So I'm gonna go... yup.

Isn't it funny how we like to tell God what He can and cannot do?

On the way home from work I was struck by something that was said on the radio. People often say they would come to Christ if only God would show them that He loved them.

Apparently the cross wasn't a big enough sign (I'm sure Jesus would say it was BIG ENOUGH).

It got me thinking of they old saying "Wanna hear God laugh? Tell Him your plans." It amazes me how many people think they can run things better than God. Telling God that his rules don't work for today's culture, or that HE DOESN'T KNOW what is really going on in the World much less some one's personal life.

God is either God of all or He's not much of a God. People want to put Him in a box and bring him out on special occasions. And normally those occasions are filled with bunnies or twinkle lights. It's inconvenient to think that we aren't number one in the grand scheme of things. We blame God for all of the problems, and yet when someone says take those problems to God we make every excuse to prove He's not powerful enough.

The God who created the universe, the earth, and every 'act of God' known to man (or blamed by man) is also the God of little itty bitty ol' you and me. He's been there, done that, got the nail scars to prove it.

Some of us - arguably most of us - are doubting Thomases. We have to put our hands in the nail scarred hands. But to say God has never shown how much He loved you is just not true. God Himself came down as a Man and died on a cross for sins of which he was blameless. He didn't just do it for kicks, and he sure as heck didn't do it because he deserved it or didn't want to. He didn't HAVE to do any of it. But because He loved EVERYONE He did it.

It doesn't end there. There's a catch - in order to GET a GIFT you have to receive and ACCEPT it. It's not just "God loves good people." Yes, God loves good people... but He also loves the not so good. Do you realize Jesus died for people like Osama Bin Laden and Hitler? He knew those acts of hate and terror would happen, and He still extended the gift.

Do you realize there's not spiritual difference between me and the men mentioned above? The only difference is I've received the gift, I've repented and turned and am looking at Christ. That's the difference.

God's love is extended and given to all. He wants his forgiveness to be the same, but you have to ask for it. You have to be willing to sacrifice yourself for it. You have to show God you mean it.

You don't get into Heaven for the good you do. You get to Heaven based on belief... the good stuff you do as a believer isn't to rack up points, it's BECAUSE you are working to be MORE LIKE CHRIST... again, not for goodies on earth or in Heaven... but because you want to share Christ's love with all.

That's what the Love of God is - selfless...



again just the ramblings in my head...

Today on my way home from work (which I am loving, btw) I passed by the Alaska Sled Dog Association's trailhead - Tozier Track - and there were a couple of teams being hooked up for a run. I got all excited. This weekend is the World Championships for sprint races. Next weekend is the start of the Iditarod.

As I passed under the Tudor crossing I saw they had the blue trail 'guards' out to mark the trail... I gave out a little squeal! How is it that in just a couple of year's time I've become a rabid sled dog race fanatic? I guess I have to blame Mitch Seavey and family for hiring me to work for them two summers ago. ha ha!

Work is going well, I'm enjoying it, I'm not stressing about it like I was last week. I'll think I'll keep at it for a while ha ha!

busy busy busy...

Just when I'd given up on the Census Bureau job they called and interviewed me over the phone yesterday (praise God right after I got home from the vet, so I didn't miss it!)! And it wasn't for the part-time position of going door to door and doing the Census survey, it's for a full-time office job! I won't know just what exactly I'll be doing until I start work/training in two weeks, but yay!

The humorous part is I start work on Friday the 13th.

God is so good to provide, even when we doubt. He shows Himself in all things, but sometimes we aren't wearing our "spiritual glasses" and so we can't make Him out. Then he has to get larger than life to help us out. He is faithful even when we seem to be without it.

God is so good!
God is so good!
God is so good,
He's so good to me!

He answers prayer!
He answers prayer!
He answers prayer,
He's so good to me!

I must find time to remedy that. How can I be a fan and not have something like that! TSK!

Anyway the ADN is mad at me because I keep complaining they don't cover Keegan very much. Boy got a blurb in the Sunday paper, which I did not see though they swear it's in there, and so I wrote a letter saying they dropped the ball. It IS on their website but hidden under pages and pages so what's the point??

Keegan is becoming very popular in the skating circle. I have gotten so many emails and PMs on Golden Skate about him saying how great he is and people can't wait to see more. It's nice that outsiders like the kid because Alaska/Anchorage could care less...

and then the blurb that they did have was so short and dull that it's no wonder people don't get why he's so special. They talked more about Sydney Vogel than they did him (who I didn't realize was an Alaskan skater lol)

so I continue to be a thorn in their side, and I'm counting the days till I can see him (and Parker Pennington) skate in Rondy!

In the last few years I have become more obsessed with Disney animation/film. Everytime there's a documentary on Disney or Pixar I'm glued to the set even if it's one I've seen over and over.

It's quite possible that Walt has replaced Spielberg as my number one film 'idol'. There's something in the way that Walt commanded the storytelling that made the magic happen. He didn't wave the wand and sing bibbity bobbity boo, but he brought to life so many timeless stories. Yes they were adaptations, but they were his own telling.

I would have loved to have lived in that time and been in those studios just to watch him work. Listening to him quote what movie making and "Disney" meant to him brings out such emotion in me.

Don't get me wrong, as far as live action story telling goes I still feel Spielberg is in a class by himself... but there's something about the whole of Disney that just hasn't been topped. I pray that Lassetter and the newest team running the company brings the magic back. They've shown promise, but I'm tired of 3D Disney Animation. I love Pixar's stuff... I want 2D back. And not Emperor's New Groove or Hercules 2D... I want a 2D film with heart and soul like the classics.

No more TT Tux for Evan... I am SO happy.


Tanith's haircut rocks.

I didn't plan my vacation right... I thought I'd get to miss out on the stupidness that surrounds nationals. no such luck. Oh well.

The trip was awesome. Aside from my computer not playing well with the internet/my camera/everything else I had a great time. I did end up getting sick for a few days, but all in all it was an amazing and fun trip and I wish it could have lasted longer. I miss unreality already!

I got sick on the plane, and am still a bit sick... I'm praying that I am not coming down with the flu but I don't think I'm that lucky.

Just hanging out with Haille Rae today. She's coming down with a cold, so we've bummed around the house all day. She stole a couple of things that I bought for myself down at Disney and added it to her collection of Disney stuff I got her. I am still trying to figure out how to get it back.

I want a shower in the worst way. I didn't take one last night as I crashed at 8pm... and I've been up with Haille since six... *sigh*

Off we go - oh! - who could ask for anything more!

Last post until I make it to probably Disney Property. Though I hear MCO has free net access, so depending how long we have to wait for DME...

I'm packed. Gotta dress. Gaylord needs the computer room. So... I'm outta here! WAGON!

Oh that Magic Kingdom in the sky!
We will all be there together by and by!
All religions there are practiced
Except for Southern Baptist!
When we reach that Magic Kingdom in the sky!

I'm going to pack up my computer tonight after I get off in a couple of hours, so this is my last post on this journal until I get back (Jan. 22 - AT THE EARLIEST). I am planning to check in online occassionally tomorrow on facebook and email, but from my aunt's computer. I am so excited it isn't even funny, as you can imagine.

Anyway, I will have net access most days when I'm down at Disney but I cannot promise any sort of chat or email exchange. We're basically going to get online to update our journal which can be found here - http://wdwbaby.insanejournal.com - and you don't have to be a member to read it (but friend us anyway!).

It would be really awesome of people following US Nationals could email me with results of Dance and Mens... but most IMPORTANTLY JUNIOR MENS... I want to know how Keegan is doing, and since I don't have text messaging email is the best way to go *HINT*.

So I hope everyone has a wonderful two weeks. I will see you when I get back! *hugs* I'm going to miss the Nationals gang... but I'll make it up eventually (I have gotten guilt trips from several people and Spokane has been calling... *sigh*).

TTFN - Ta Ta For Now!
-Toni

Now... bring me that horizon.

So ABT is still in Romans and right now it's basically a message of "put on your big girl panties and get over it." Forgiveness, letting go of the wrongs you have in your life, being the bigger person...

At least that's what I'm getting out of having a more fullfilled Godly life. I have no idea of that's what Ben thinks he's talking about in Sunday School, but it's what I'm hearing.

And mainly the focus God has me on is this whole issue with Judy and Gaylord. I've been doing my best to find fault in every little thing they do, and I'm finally getting the message. It helped that I started reading the books that Brad sent me for Christmas, and it's THE EXACT SAME THING. Again, not sure if that was the author's intention, but God seems to be able to speak loud and clear. And it's a total God thing that these things all come together. It's almost spooky.

Anyway, God has been speaking to me in a BIG way over this. On Sunday we were encouraged to ask forgiveness of at least one person who we feel has wronged us and we were now holding a grudge towards. That is so me. I hold grudges big time. God has laid Judy especially on my heart. I have not shown the right attitude in all of this. God is pushing me to apologise and have my say... so I am planning to do that on Saturday when it should just be me and her driving out to the airport... If there's one thing you want to pray about it's those few moments I have to say the right thing and don't foul it up.

Satan has been putting up road blocks this week as I decided how to go about this. Monday and Tuesday were extremely trying... yesterday and today have been better. In fact, tonight Gaylord had me take his photo for his photography business (nevermind Judy tried to tell me it was for something else, but I'm honestly not as upset as I would have been this time last week) and he helped me set up my new equipment. So it was a happy night. No one has gotten on my case, so God's hand is evident.

Please pray that I can continue to let go and let God in this part of my life. Also pray for God to continue to give me some guidance with where I need to be. Erin and I are looking at getting an apartment in Missoula. It's kinda a joke phase right now, there's a lot that needs to happen. I haven't even talked it over with my parents. lol.

Well, it's taken me something like 2 hours to type this up, so I'm done for the night. Tomorrow I drive out to Settler's Bay for a hair appt. Yes, I know. It's stupid. But I'm not paying for it, to my knowledge, so I'm good... I think...

we'll see.

The truck died yesterday. It's just too cold to get it to turn over. Gaylord fixed it last night, but it was too late to get in touch with Janine and I had to take Judy's Saturn to go meet up with Jenifer last night. It started right up for him, go figure. Whatever. It also started up this morning and they let it run for 45 minutes. nevermind I can't afford to gas it up. oh well. what's done is done.

Tomorrow I have my hair appointment but the Glenn HWY is supposedly really bad, so it should be interesting driving out there. How I hate this time of year.

Good morning people who have nothing better to do than read our journal! You must be as bored - if not more so - than I am! For that I am sorry!

Today marks THREE DAYS till we're on a plane headed for Orlando. As of this moment our plane in Seattle would be ready to taxi out to the runway... we'd still have six plus hours before landing and getting that first bit of Disney Magic by meeting up with the Magical Express. lol.

Day Nine: EPCOT Day 3
07:00a - Wake Up
08:15a - Head to EPCOT
09:00a - Watch Opening of Park
09:15a - Breakfast @ Sunshine Seasons
09:30a - Tour Future World
12:30p - Head for Germany
01:00a - Lunch @ The Biergarten
02:00p - Tour World Showcase
08:00p - Dinner @ Yakitori Counter Service
09:00p - Illuminations
10:00p - Pack. :'(

Saturday night cannot get here fast enough!

Happy Birthday to You!!!!!!!!

My pug girl turned 6 today... *sigh* where has the time gone???

Oh to live in a time with pretty dresses, eh?

Not if you're Georgina. I just finished watching The Duchess and it is just wonderful... the story is told brilliantly, the settings and costumes were just wow. And the acting was spot on especially by Fiennes and Knightly. Holy cow. Keira knocked it out of the ball park with this one and if she doesn't get recognized for it I'll be very dissapointed. I found this film far better than Atonement though the stories are very similar in some ways, and the ending doesn't harken Disney at all. lol.

I am seeing a pattern with Keira's films lol the ending just aren't all that happy to me. It all started with Pirates 3 and it's snowballing and getting worse. BLAH!

But all in all the film is masterful. I hope it doesn't get buried come Oscar time. It probably will, there's talk of other films already, but I think it deserves at the very least a mention... but I'm all for Keira winning best actress. She deserves it most definitely this time around.


*sigh* other than that, not much to talk about... I have FIVE DAYS till Disney, and I am mostly packed. The last things are essentials that can't be packed until the day of. Which, for me, means Saturday night... only 4 days away from that! *whew*!


Got the call from Janine a little bit ago. They got in way later than I expected. We're meeting up tomorrow so I can give her the lasagna. *sigh* I think I'll go from there over to my gparents... depending on when and where we meet. She said she'd give me a call in the morning once she figured out what she'd be doing.

Alright, I've got a load to go into the laundry, so I'm out.

Test this morning for the Census Bureau went well... now I just have to wait for a call for an interview, if they decide they want me. *sigh*

nothing like hurry up and wait. I was told to get there 15-20 minutes BEFORE the test so that I could fill out "a lot" of paperwork. apparently two and a half pages are a lot and they were all basically the same question. blah. Then I had to sit and wait while everyone came in right around 11. There was one woman who whined the entire way through the paperwork because she didn't understand any of it. And it wasn't like English was her second language, she just didn't understand any of it... how do you not get "Last name" ??? oy.

Then she started getting all upset because they wouldn't take her American Express card as one of two forms of ID. "But it has my name on it!" *facepalm* HEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRREEEEEEE'S your sign.

Got the lasagna for the Seavey's done, and the dishes, and the vaccuuming... now I'm being lazy.

6 days till Disney. Is it sad I am now more excited to be in positive number temps than I am to be going to Disney?

So yesterday marked the 50th anniversary for President Eisenhower signing the paperwork to make Alaska the 49th state. The celebration started Downtown Anchorage around 3:30 and we were there for the lighting of the Cauldron. Which was scheduled to start at 3:30 and it didn't start until closer to 4. Such is life in Anchorage.

Anyway, it was pretty cheap as far as ceremonies go. I don't know if that was because of our temps these days dipping to -30. That's right. I said NEGATIVE 30... Al Gore owes Alaska big this year. lol.

Anyway it was still cool because Governor Palin was there. She was dressed just like the rest of us. Nice poofy and warm jacket and just a pair of blue jeans probably got them at Old Navy or GAP... nothing like the stupid high skirts McCain's people demanded (not that she doesn't wear those, but they used her like a life like Barbie and that's about it). She was our governor once again and I was *THIS CLOSE* to her. I don't know if other states can be shoulder to shoulder with their governor, but I just think it's awesome that Alaska is that way.

Anyway Judy and I went down because Gaylord is still sick. So she wouldn't let him go. I also think he didn't want to go since I was tagging along and I've bitten off his head one too many times as of late. Anyway, it was a lot of fun. After we froze watching the lighting of the cauldron, and hearing Palin say a couple of sentences (she said she loved us all too much to make us freeze because she was asked to speak - I am not sure that she was actually planning to speak anyway). We went into one of the three convention centers to partake in some of the free entertainment. The first place wasn't all that impressive with the entertainment.

We made our way up to this all women's choir (I can't remember their name) and it was so weird. They interpretive dance while they sing and it was just so lame. So after suffering through a couple of songs (one about online dating) we went to another building and watched some of the native and russian dances going on which was cool...

it was getting colder and colder so when we left there we decided to just come home because there was no way we were going to stand around and wait for the fireworks (and I couldn't talk Judy into going to the Egan to watch Hobo Jim lol) so we headed home.

Over all it was pretty cool, the highlight for me - of course - was being THIS CLOSE to Sarah Palin lol take it for what you will, I really admire our governor as a governor. She rocks...

I'm uploading the pics to my facebook. ONE WEEK TO WDW!

stolen from Flo.
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the meme as well as the person you got the note from

( Yay! I have an Ipod now! )

Hope you all had a safe and happy new year. I made it to midnight in New York and Ohio but then I went to bed. ha ha. I'm a wimp. I've never really thought midnight ws something all that special anyway.

Now I'm watching the Rose Parade. From what I understand Alaska has a float in the parade this year celebrating FIFTY YEARS OF STATEHOOD.

Today also marks the 10 day mark! I'm not excited about that at all. Nope. In fact, I don't even want to go anymore! ha ha! I've packed my clothes, gotta move a few things around, and then I just have a few things after that and I'll be set.

Got a call from Janine Seavey two nights ago asking if I could help cook up some food for the three Seavey's running the Iditarod to leave at food drops, so I get to make lasagna for them... and have it done by the sixth!

I also have my make up interview test thing with the Census Bureau on Monday, so busy busy busy.

Gonna go watch the flowers roll down the street...

So, my Disney World obsession has taken a whole new level of pathetic. I'm watching TV tonight and one of those DTV ads came on reminding us we have only so much time before TV goes digital and analog tvs will be obsolete (except for Alaska where the transmitters still broadcast in analog so we're exempt) and the guy that's doing these "interviews" with people is none other than lazy/recreation man Dave from the Happiest Celebration on Earth Travel DVD and CD Rom freebie that WDW sent out when you inquired about a vacation.

It also happens to be my FAVORITE planning DVD. So I got all fan girly! haha.

so, yes, I recognize I have a massive problem lol