An expensive few hours...

Hi Everyone!

I've been busy with school and socializing so my urge for being in front of a computer is nil. Mind you, I've just spent more than the equivalence of a month's rent on additional textbooks.

The professor for my Counselling Skills (who I met on Wednesday) also wrote the course. Generally, the "Recommended Reading" list is just used for people whose interests get piqued by something and wants to learn more. Not in this class. She expects (i.e. "I expect to see...") us to reference these books in our assignments. This course requires 3 smaller papers (5-10 each) throughout the weeks and a 15-20 page major paper as a final.

I ran into a number of problems:

1. The school library is on summer hours - closed by the time I could get up there (very inconvenient)
2. Our church is closed for the month - although I could ask someone to search through their library and have them delivered to me (bothersome as they're busy and they might not find what I'm looking for)
3. Calgary library didn't like my online searches.

With some financial help, I just helped Chapters' stock rise. As well, there is a great website: www.abebooks.com that is a huge source for used/out of stock books. I had to order 1 from Canada, 2 from the US and 1 from Australia.

I should get my books from Chapters (6) next week and the final one sometime the following week. I tried ordering most of them through the local Christian bookstore (I like to support local businesses) but they didn't have them in stock. Several would be shipped in 24h but by the time you put in the delay of 2-3 weeks for the others plus still having to find another bookstore for the secular books, it was just too difficult. Chapters will get them to me faster (which was a priority) and cheaper (a bonus).

For next week's homework (and my first paper), I'll need to conduct most of my research online. I don't like doing that for this type of work (since I would be flipping between resources/windows) but I can manage for a week. I will be very happy when I get my books. Luckily, these books will be useful in future courses and for my own personal reference.

I spoke with one of my classmates who is also taking the same overlapping courses. She has extra copies of 2 books ("I must have really liked it as I bought it twice by accident!") and has offered to give me her extras. I'll be sure to bring her cookies next week!

Anyways, it's well past my bedtime, goodnight!

Happy News from PEI

Hi Everyone!

I received a happy e-mail Sherri (roommate in 3rd year of college) on Friday. They have a new addition to their family - Isabella Carole Marie. She was born on Wednesday and everyone is doing well.

Have a great day!

Back to Brunette

Hi Everyone!

I loved being blonde but it was really expensive (salonwise - not in socializing). I needed to make a choice between an appointment with my stylist (whom I love to pieces but don't want to put his kids through college) or lose my blondeness. I took the second option as I'm not sure, but I may, grow my hair out again. I've seen several pictures of Katie Holmes recently and I really like how her bob looks. It's hard to say if I'll last that long but you never know...

Anyways, my hair is a very dark, almost black colour. The box said it was suppose to be medium brown but it's definitely not that. I like it, although it's strange to look at in the mirror after getting use to the light colour.

Anyways, I have a plasma donation tomorrow so I'm going to pack it in early. Getting rather sleepy.

Have a great day!

Holiday weekend

Hi Everyone!

It's Heritage Day in Alberta and I've been enjoying the weekend. It's been nice weather (although a bit cloudy yesterday afternoon).

Class started on Thursday so I'm back to my study schedule. I loved July and the fun involved. I really needed the break but I was ready to get back to classes. It's a large class - 12 students and I'll be working ahead to get as much homework done as possible before my overlapping class.

Fishing (a few weeks ago) was a lot of fun. We went to Lumbreck(?) Falls near Crowsnest Passage, went into Frank to see the rock slide and went to Chaine Lakes on the way back to Calgary. I didn't catch anything but it was really relaxing. Beautiful scenery and I went swimming.

I've recently watch "Hairspray" (very funny) and "Close to Home" (Israeli movie) lately. I'm not sure what my plans are yet but I might be seeing "The Bourne Ultimatum" next weekend. Although the movie series is not much like the books, I've enjoyed both. I'm curious how they wrap up the series.

I have a new roommate. Paula is very nice - originally from Saskatchewan. She's a couple years younger than me and will be studying at Mount Royal College. She's outdoorsy, into hockey and so far finds Mike charming.

They had gladiolis on sale at Safeway this weeks and I have a pretty bouquet of magenta flowers on the kitchen table. I've been trying to eat more healthy but I think I'm resigned to having breakfast consist of caffeine and yougurt. Oh well - at least my veggie intake has increased. Speaking of veggies - my garden is doing well. My peas are finished although I was very disappointed with their yield. I think they didn't get enough water. I planted 2 rows and only got a couple handfuls of peas. I noticed this past week I had 3 green beans, some baby zucchini and my cucumbers were blooming. Apparently cucumbers are hard to grow in Alberta so I wasn't sure about them. My carrots are still too small to eat but they're getting there and I can likely start pulling out onions.

Anyways, it's too nice to be inside today. Have a great day!

Karen