Despite the fact that my family stayed in Calgary all last week due to my dad being in the hospital, it was awesome to have them around. Emily and I got some good hang out time, and she even made cookies for me one night. On thursday I was given free box seat tickets from work to go and see the Barenaked Ladies. So, I took Emily along. It was weird to watch the concert from a box, but I could get used to it. There was even free food and drinks. I would have the say the only downside was sharing the box with a bunch of other older chatty couples. But I can't complain when it was free! The Ladies put on a pretty good show... they are definately entertainers. Very, very funny guys.

And on another note, but Dad got discharged from the hospital today and they are on their way home. He's doing so well, and it was good to see him looking back to normal again. Must be the yo-yo that I gave him to play with??

Sunshine Boy

My Super Amazing Snowboard Instructor (a.k.a. Rodd!)

MY BIG STRONG DAD

I'm not sure how many of you are aware of what's going on with my dad, so I think it's about time I fill you in. Yesterday my dad went into open heart surgery at the Foothills to repair one of his valves. Thankfully my boss gave me the day off(which turned into two), so I could be with my family before, during and after surgery.
We were all very nervous, and my dad even mentioned dreaming about how he could get out of it. But I am proud to say that he went through with it and now is doing so well. They were able to repair the valve and didn't need to replace it, which is awesome news. When my dad was finally awake after being sedated for awhile, he had a huge smile on his face when he saw us. I will admit that seeing my big, strong dad laying in the ICU, unresponsive with tubes coming out of everywhere... was the hardest thing I've yet to go through in my life. And being the emotional girl I am, I had a hard time seeing him like that. After I held his hand for a while, I was assured that this was my dad and that he was still big and strong.
Today Emily, my mom and I went to see him a couple more times. It's really hard to visit with him while he's still in the ICU, so hopefully they will move him to his own room tonight. But he's got a long ways to go before he's recovered. I am so thankful that he's here in Calgary so I can go and see him, and still somewhat function with everyday life. Although, not a minute goes by right now where I am not thinking of my dad laying in the hospital. Today I asked him if he had walked at all yet. He half mumbled to me while his eyes remained closed, "I walked plenty, I walked all the way from my bed to this chair. That's a long way." Sure dad! But it's awesome to see him have a sense of humour in all of this.
So, thanks to all for your prayers for my dad and my family. It really is appreciated, and I could not thank you enough for the support here as well. I'll be sure to keep you posted on his recovery.

Happy Birthday??

Let me explain... My colleges took me out for sushi today as sort of a celebration I guess for the time I had spent with them, and to send me off to my new job. Initially it was supposed to be a surprise, but then Petr sort of let the cat out the bag when he asked, "Is it Sushi time?" But it was sweet never-the-less of them to arrange this for me. Petr was supposedly trying to make it up to me for ruining the surprise by telling the owner of the restaurant it was my birthday. Let's just say it was entertaining for everyone, everyone but Perry and I. He made us dress up in these costumes and then dance while they sang to us. Needless to say, I was laughing the whole time. This was in part due to the fact it was extremely awkward, but it was funny as well. So, I guess that's what I get for becoming a trader of our department. But... thanks guys!

Newest Vandenberg

WElComE To ThE WorLD

Natalie Hope Vandenberg
Born: January 20, 2007

5lbs 1oz

You know how the saying goes:

Good things come

in small packages?

AMAZING things come

in small packages!

We don't have coke.

Isabelle and I had a night out yesterday, where we ended up pretty much camping out at KOI. It's this very funky restaurant on 11th and 1st, sort of a cafe/ lounge. It's got great atmosphere as well, all candle lit with punches of red colour everywhere. I was thinking to myself... this place is very stylin'. The menu is very limited, but included a lot of very odd items as well. Funny part of the evening: When the waitress came over to see if we'd like anything else for the night, Isabelle replied asking if she could please have a coke. WELL! The waitress looked at the both of us as if we were both born with two heads, or for this matter none at all. Her rather quick and harsh response? "We don't HAVE coke." My question is, when did it become offensive to ask for a coke at a cafe in Calgary, Alberta, Canada? It was altogether strange, and Isabelle opted for a lemon/lime mineral water. Which KOI is proud to serve! But I will not end on a sour note as to reflect badly on this establishment. You will merely need to get your coke fix at another location at another time.

Music Machine.

I was reacquainted with an old friend of mine last night. It had been much... much too long since we had spent some quality time together. That's right, Fender... otherwise known as my guitar. And when I play, I sing (it's this bad habit of mine!) All those days spent locked up in my room came flooding back to me, and I realized just how much of a release it is for me. Although, I'm sure the quality of my playing left much to be desired... I really didn't care. I was in my own world. Just me and Fender together again at last!

On another musical note... I was looking over the lyrics to a song that has always spoke to my heart. Maybe an explanation would be good, but I think the song just says it best.

Rest

by Skillet
Still, soft quiet spoken voice
That persistently calls my voice
And quickens my heart to come
And I come
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of Your grace
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And rest in the wonder of You
Embraced in the promise of you
Is rest for the weary soul
Releasing all that is mine
I reach for You
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of Your grace
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And rest in the wonder of You
Take all the old and make it new
Everything I give to you
You're the hope that can pull me through
Hallelujah
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of Your grace
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And rest in the wonder of You
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And I rest in the wonder of Your grace
And I rest in the shelter of Your love
And rest in the wonder of You