Fun with Kabuki

Who doesn't like dressing up all Kabuki? I went out with a girlfriend of mine last weekend to a small costume party and it was a blast even though there were only a handful of us dressed up. So, here is the question - what happens when people hit their twenties and thirties to make them less imaginative? Is it the fluorescent lights of the office that sucks the childlike wonder from a person's spirit? Something has to be done to bring these people back to life.

Next year I want to throw a costume party with a specific theme (provided people play along). You know, something like... you have to make a costume out of objects/things from a room in your house or office. Like one could come dressed up as a "bathroom cowboy" and make chaps out of a bath mat, a vest out of a shower curtain, an altered plunger for a shotgun, a toilet paper lasso... you get the picture. Another idea could be a "kitchen pirate" or even a "laundry room clown" The possibilities are endless.

I'm taking party theme suggestions.

Campus Woman's Retreat

Follow the link to check out some pictures I took at the first ever "Women's Campus Ministry Retreat" in Whiterock, B.C.

PICTURES OF THE WHITEROCK RETREAT

It was a relaxing weekend of bonding and training about rest and burnout. Women scattered around the western campuses got together to spend a weekend together, it was a lot of fun and VERY restful. We even went whale watching in Steveson but, we didn't see any whales so we each got a free ticket to go again (Vancouver Whale Watch has a "guarantee" policy that you get to keep going for free until you actually do see whales). We did get to see a whole host of other sea life including sea lions... man they smell horrible. I think they have the worst animal smell I've ever encountered. They actually smell worse than the New York Subway.

There was also this tiny little island, near Pender, on the coast that had a whole bunch of big horn sheep, goats, and tiny deer... all of which have had years to interbreed in complete isolation. It is kind of like a mini Island of Dr. Moreau with strange little horned animals running around. I guess Oakley owns it now and frequents it as a staff retreat center.

I kept falling asleep on the boat like I was seventy years old. I also kept eating. I couldn't help it. I had this bag full of fruit and goodies. The boat trip was an afternoon of snacking, napping, and watching the ocean like I was sitting in front of a giant t.v. I highly recommend whale watching if you are looking for a passive sea adventure that allows you naps.

My brother

Did I ever tell you that I love my brother? Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by the kind of love that is possible in this life. I grew up with this guy and he knows every icky corner of my life (almost! ha!), he's witnessed my moments of deep embarrassment, and he still loves me. We've even developed a secret language of inside jokes and childish humor. (not to be confused with the kind of secret twin language Jodie Foster created for the movie Nell... )

I'm actually in awe of him. He has an incredible tenacity in overcoming hardship, he's hilarious, he lights up rooms when he walks in, and he knows love and walks in it. There has been so much transformation in his life. He's moved from a kid who struggled with authority, encountering hardship in every situation, to a man who has a texture and a depth that seems to have no limits. I love my brother, I love his beautiful wife, and I love that I can share this life with them.

*if you ever see him ask him to do "the raptor" or ask him, "where does this bus go?" and you will wet your pants laughing with what he'll do and say. Don't be afraid to ask him, just ask.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving seems to be the kind of holiday where this whole city takes a step back to catch its breath and sit for a while. I'm loving this weekend. I made apple strudel muffins, visited with my spry grandpa, finished unpacking my house, and I'm planning on spending today inside with some books. And the best part for me is that the weekend isn't even close to over yet.

And, I want to share with you the best part of my new house.

Presenting the upstairs bathtub room... This room sold me on renting this place. Who else has a carpeted closet with a bathtub and a window? I keep hitting my head when getting out of it, perhaps I should invest in a tub helmet.