My 40th birthday/Canada

So I've been "scolded" by a couple people lately that I haven't blogged anything again. Honestly I was out of town celebrating my birthday (with no access to the internet) and I've been incredibly busy since then. So, here's an (abbreviated) update for those who can't go on until I write something.

My 40th birthday - I turned 40 on February 28 and my friends (not sure who all was entirely responsible) threw a surprise party for me on February 24...during one of the worst snowstorms we've had in a while! Even though I hate surprises (won't get into why here) it was very fun! We ate, and ate, and ate. And there were presents - people were instructed to give me 40 of something. The first present was 40 slices of bacon! Off to a great start (thanks to the Stanley's!) Then we quickly settled into a pattern...chocolate. The chocolate pattern was occasionally broken by the following: 40 cans of Mt. Dew, 40 bottles of Gatorade, 40 Capri Sun, 40 quarters (one roll), 40 pieces of girl toilet paper (as my nephew calls them), 40 packets of catsup, 40 Burger King crowns, 40 scrapbooked pictures (thanks Slim!), 40 French Truffles, a "Wow, you're 40" coffee mug, a medic alert bracelet and some miscellaneous items thrown in a bag along with a dozen dead red roses. Yes, this is the humor of my circle of friends! But I love every one of them! Sorry I don't have pictures but the person in charge of my camera didn't take any...

Two days after the party my friend, Sandy, and I left for a week in Vancouver, Canada. We went to visit my friend, Angie, and spend my birthday with her and her family. Sandy and Angie had met a couple years ago when Angie came here to visit me but it was Sandy's first time to Vancouver and her first time meeting Angie's family. We had a good time. Here are some pics of our trip. Most of our time was spent just hanging out at home. But we did venture out to do some shopping and we also did some stamping with Angie's cousin, Carmen. Not my two favorite things in the world but I was with my two favorite people in the world so it wasn't so bad. We did venture into Vancouver a couple times. (Ang and Darwin actually live in Surrey and will soon be moving to Abbotsford.) Once with the kids and once because I asked if we could eat at this Brasilian Churrascaria (barbeque joint) that I found in Vancouver. It's called Samba and we went on Saturday night. Unbeknownst to me, Angie had invited some other friends from our Continental tour who live in the Vancouver area and another couple that I've gotten to know over the years. No one could come but Megan and Dario but it was still a surprise!! And the food was great! After dinner we had a girls night out in a hotel. It was very nice hotel that the locals affectionately refer to asl The Pink Palace. I can't remember what the actual name is but it is pink on the outside. We had a poolside room with a balcony and ice cream!! It was fun just staying up late talking and laughing...but Monday morning came all too early. It's always difficult for me to leave Canada for one reason...I never know when I'll be able to go back and see them again. But God is good in every situation and every circumstance and in his sovereignty He has chosen to put 1500 miles between us. But I praise Him for this friendship that has grown over the last 12 years...despite the miles. We may never be able to call each other up and say, "Hey, wanna go out for a movie?" or "You wanna run to WalMart with me?" but what we have is pretty special nonetheless.

I love you, Ang...can you come over for dinner? :-)