Blog-a-saurus!

And so it begins... with so many changes happening in my life, a number of people have requested I do a blog site. So, here it is. I'll try to update about once a week or so...

Where to start... well, some of the basics about me... I currently live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (Look at a map, find the centre of Canada, and look closer to the US border - that's me, waving at you!) I have a cute little house (that was cleaned this week, holy cow!!) that I share with my 3 gerbils (Tartuffe, Orgon and Cleante) and my new hedgehog (Leo). Oh, and a goldfish. My house is filled with fun stuff - movies, books, candles, books, star lights, books... right now I'm re-reading a fun book of Irish fairy tales that my Jean sent me years ago. Not only is it fun, the Irish really have great ways of getting rid of people they don't like.... if I was vindictive, I'd be taking notes.

What do I do - well, my job is as the Youth Ministry Developer for the Anglican Diocese of Rupert's Land. It's a fun job, I get to do a lot of event planning and consulting with youth leaders/parish clergy/ecumenical groups/non-church people. I'm also a newly ordained priest, assisting at St. John's Cathedral. This morning I celebrated my first Sunday Eucharist - powerful stuff.

In my free time, I'm a student... I've already got my Bachelor of Arts in Politics from McGill, my Master of Divinity with Honours from Trinity College (Toronto) and my Specialization in Theology and Ecology from St. Michael's (Toronto). I'm working on post-grad work now at St. Mike's - I'd say it keeps me out of trouble, but hey, it's me. This summer I'm crazy enough to be learning biblical Greek (yikes) - I'm the only one who registered, so there's lots of personal attention with the instructor - I already hate declensions.

So when I'm not working or studying, I'm out having fun. For the past 2 years I've been a Pathfinder leader with the 151st unit - these are 11-14 year old Girl Guides. I've also been Area Chaplain and Assistant Area Commissioner (Scouts and Venturers) for Service Area 9 of Scouts Canada Manitoba. (How's that for a mouthful?!) I'm also out canoeing or cycling any chance I can get, and it's not unusual for me to be swimming or running in the mornings before work. (Yes, morning person - my last job interview asked me about that!!) I'm also a big fan of walking over to get gelati on Corydon Ave., or wandering through Assiniboine Park (the Leo Mol gardens, the Zoo...)

So... there's a bit about me. I'm sure I'll add more fun stuff as time progresses - like my excitement over the ECUSA electing the first female Primate for the Anglican Communion - this should have some interesting responses in the communion!