A Belizean Prologue of Sorts

Disregarding social networking... If you've been wondering whether or not I'm alive or if I was eaten by some Belizean jungle cat... I arrived ALIVE! Currently, I am sitting in UofM's library watching the Starbucks line increase to 30 people. Okay, maybe not 30; at least 20. Who am I kidding, I'll definitely stand in line once it goes down. Gotta use up those Christmas gift cards, you know?

I've been home for a week now, but have been busy with finishing up missed assignments, labs, and also studying for two tests, then writing them the next day (I'm bad for that). But now I'm FREE (somewhat) to blog about my amazing experience down in Central America. I hope to post a "chapter" of my trip for each day I was there, including stories, intriguing info, and even vlog snippets as well. I figure it would be better to produce small short clips instead of one long time consuming video (which I've done a lot of in the past). So hopefully you agree! And I also hope you don't mind Belize puns because I may pull out a few, just sayin'. Stay tuned!

Belize Bound

For those of you who didn't know (but do now from reading the title of this post), my dad, brother and I are heading down to Belize tomorrow! We're volunteering at an addictions centre in the southern town of Punta Gorda for a week, helping and hanging out with the crew and members (hopefully playing a lot of soccer). My parents know the people who run it, and have visited a long time ago when they didn't have us kids to hold them down. JOKES, but let's face it, that's what children do. I'm hoping to film some of my experience, so stay tuned for some vlog(s).

I was a little worried about how much school I would have to miss, but it seems that God has taken care of things in order for me to experience this adventure. Let me explain... I've never heard of "grace periods" before in University courses. Scratch that, I've never heard of them in ANY kind of course. However, in my only two courses where I will miss a significant test and a couple of lab reports, the professors have included these grace periods. In one course, this means that I will be able to write one of the first three tests at a later date for any reason. And in the other course, this means that I will receive no late penalty for handing in lab reports 1-3 by the fourth lab! I'm away from the 17th to the 24th and this gives me a full week to finish my missed labs when I'm back. Everything worked out perfectly with my schedule! Thank You, God.

I'm excited for this opportunity to see God's grace and love at work in this area, and to serve these people who have been in unfortunate circumstances due to their drug addictions. Please pray for me as I will most likely find myself in uncomfortable situations/interactions that I would not normally be in. I'd greatly appreciate it. Ciao for now! See ya next week!

p.s. It'll be amazing to escape Winnipeg's real winter weather, which has finally made its dreaded arrival.
p.p.s. We'll also be encountering another type of heat... the Miami HEAT. They play the Spurs tomorrow night and we'll be attending thanks to our day-long layover in Miami. PUMPED!

My Top ALBUMS of 2011

Let's get right to it! Last year I said that I don't like to limit my selection to 10... so I didn't. I felt the need to add a bunch of honourable mentions, and I'll do the same here. I'm hesitant in regards to my ordering, so if you disagree, by all means DISAGREE! These are my favourites, and in my opinion, great listening choices for any music lover (except for maybe you hardcore "country" folk)! Enjoy!

10. Foster the People - Torches

9. Florence + The Machine - Ceremonials

8. Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math 

7. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

6. M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming.

5. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

4. The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

3. The Head & The Heart - The Head and the Heart

2. Bon Iver - Bon Iver

... 

 AND my number one album of 2011 IS...