Superman has the power to be cool

Back in Windsor - its hot. I don't have central air here. Did I mention it's hot? Cause it is. When I got home tonight (11pm) I took my pjs out of my suitcase and put them in the freezer - such a great idea if I do say so myself. Superman would just use his superhero powers though to cool down.... What that boy can't do.
A girl from school also happens to be a huge superman fan - and well - she claims to be a bigger fan than I am - and wouldn't give me the opportunity to defend my case - but thats ok - I don't need it to be public knowledge - its for my own personal likings, not the rest of the world -
Things at home with my dad are definitely rapidly on the decline. I am really scared about how we are going to pull this off in the near future. Knowing that things are just going to get worse - I just don't see how we are going to have enough combined strength, courage, patience, sanity to survive this. I vote time machine to let us go to the past.
I fixed many problems today at work - that made me feel good.
Today was the last neuromuscular physiology class - on to exams!
So basically back in Windsor. I think the people I go to school with are great - but I still wish I had my other friends near!
Thats it for now - I'll write more about "stuff" later.

Did people really not recognize Superman?

Today started off with a funeral - and then we had a partial family reunion type gathering for dinner. It was much different from last weeks official pre-planned for many years family reunion - but nonetheless it was people who were related to each other getting together. Another thing the two had in common though - once again people did not know who I was. At least this time most of the people knew I existed - but in the case of my mom's cousin Ellen, who I grew up adoring, she assumed that I must have been one of Steve's (my mom's brother) kids. This is an interesting thought since they almost 30 or already well into their 30s. BUT - the reasoning behind the case of mistaken identity was because of my so-called endowment. The McCoy family (that is my grandmother's maiden name) are not known for top heaviness, and my mother certainly adapted that trait! BUT - my Aunt Ann, Steve's wife, has often been referred to as a trophy wife as she resembles the beauty of a barbie doll - thus it was assumed I must be Steve's because of some of my body dimensions that may go along with that of a barbie doll. The last time I saw Ellen was three years ago at my grandpa's funeral. It was a funeral I thought a lot of today as I was back in the church where we had the religious ceremony in honor of his life. I've been back to this church multiple times since then - its the family church, my Nana lives beside it!!! My mom and dad got married there. I just haven't been back to that church for a funeral. My friend Phil's funeral earlier this year in January was probably the largest funeral I've ever seen (except for Princess Diana's via the television!). So many people came out to pay their respects that it was very moving. He was an incredible individual and touched many people's lives, more than those who were able to attend. The funeral I went to in February for my aunt, was much more low key. It was pretty much strictly family members and a few people she had met throughout the community. She was older in life though, and that was a contributing factor to the limited amount of people at her funeral. Which got me thinking at her funeral about how sad I would be if I couldn't fill a couple pews at my funeral. I've always feared that if I died young that my parents would eb the only ones who showed up. I definitely do not want to die along - but I also do not want to have lived a life that would not be missed by others - not because I want them to miss me, but I would like to know that I helped make a positive impact on their life. That definitely is something that Joe would never have to worry about. At his funeral today the curch was packed, an extra room was set up to hold people to watch the funeral via television.... thousands of people had come through for the visitation. He was a man who touched many people's lives, he will be mourned for many days to come, and there is an emptiness now felt in the community and the lives of his friends and family because he is no longer physically with us - however, his life, and now his death, still leaves a message of hope in the world. One that will carry on for generations I am sure. It was a nice tribute to him. I wish his family well.

Superman can't save everyone

Sharon, before you say it - I'll start with it - I just quite possibly know too many people - or are related to way too many as well!
This weekend was the family reunion - which had its ups and downs - but that wasn't the most difficult task of the last few days.
Nothing like going to a cottage. Especially if this is something you do every summer - and you get to enjoy it with friends! Nothing like passing some time with one of your best buddies in a boat out in the water. Some of the best moments in life - bonding moments - peaceful moments - moments of life. Sounds nice...well right up until the part where the water randomly gets rough - so much so it capsizes the boat. The two friends are thrown into the water. Onlookers are able to save one, but sadly the second cannot swim and drowns. This is a true story - it happened on Saturday - the person who drowned... his name was Joe. He was a part of my mom's side of the family (not blood related). We just had dinner with him last week - introduced him to my dad's cousin and her husband who came to Canada to visit (and for the reunion).
Really worried about my mom - the weekend was challenging enough on her - and this is something that obviously does not sit well.
Thats my update as I'm sure I'll get yelled at soon for not updating all the time - but I'd also like to point out - to the individual who is usually on my case to post - you might want to do some posting yourself missy!!!
Love you guys!
Live Life - Have Fun

A Brief Superman Family History

I received this link today - its quite humorous...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6805063692754011230
Thats definitely not Superman singing!

Have the family reunion this weekend... celebrating that 50 years ago the van Wijk family immigrated to Canada. My Opa would be the Superman on that adventure. Its funny, I don't know my fathers parents as my Oma died before I was born and my Opa died when I was a little girl - and even when we were alive at the same time, he suffered from Alzheimers. But the bare bones I do know about them - they seemed like incredible people. My Oma was German, and I beleive older than my Opa, who was Dutch. My Oma was sent away to work at like the age of 8 to help make money for her family. In her later years she became a cook, and was apparently extremely good at it - as she made meals often for royality and their guests! After marrying my Opa she lived in Holland where they raised their kids. During WWII they even hid some Jews...I'm pretty sure thats ok to say now! When the German soldiers came to the door - my Oma yelled at how insulted she was that a fellow German would accuse her of such blasphemy (even though she was competely guilty of what they accused her of - but they all would have been killed if she did not stand up to them and make them leave!).... go Oma! My Opa was an accountant. Also apparently very good at what he did. He wasn't around home very much as his kids were grewing up as he always had to be at the office or on the road. He ended up being the diplomat between the Netherlands and Canada - this is why the entire family was allowed to immigrate countries! Not only was my Opa a diplomat - but he also brought St. Willifords Credit Union to Canada - which means he probably wouldn't be too happy that I work for a different bank! eek! One day I'm going to walk into the S-W Credit Union and see if they know the history of the bank -- see if I can't get myself to be somehow automatically take over some of the higher management based on my last name! Its worth a shot! hahaha.
Well - in short - today, although I never met them, my Superman(s) are my Oma and Opa

I wonder if Superman likes Country music?

I'm writing this entry because Sharon told me too. lol

This weekend was a country music weekend - one that I attended although sick.

Thursday night - Keith Urban
Aine came up to my parents place and we took my sister to see Keith Urban. It was my birthday/christmas present to her - which I'm sure I'll have to remind her about when her birthday in November actually comes about. There were a few opening bands - one who has a name amongst country music fans - and I recognized some of his songs but I don't recall his name.... Adam something... Anyhoo - the concert was good - except for the three drunk girls who thought they were way too cool for school and with whom Aine and I almost got in a fight with because they were being harmful physically towards my sister... thankfully the crowd around us also did not appreciate these sorry excuse for females, and helped give them the boot.

Friday night - Everclear and Collective Soul
Not so much country - not so much of a good concert either. Flatline, one of the three opening bands for the double headliners was my favourite of the night - they are also Canadian coming from St. Catherines I believe. They were entertaining to watch, full of engery and good music. Everclear on the otherhand was brutal. The lead singer couldn't sing (although on the radio his voice sounds fine~), they had technical difficulties, and well they just sucked. They tried to create new versions of some of their past hits - and it didn't work for them - they should use the motto - if it ain't broke don't try to fix it!. Aine and I did get hit on by these two guys, Brock and Eric I believe, who were there promoting the company they work for ... www.extrememusicseries.ca - but they probably hit on all the girls. That night it rained - and we were soaked to the bone. Near the end of Everclear a bunch of drunk people came to our section and were play fighting right behind us - we weren't in the mood - we were wet and had to go to the bathroom. While standing in front of the outhouses we decided we didn't need to see Collective Soul that badly and since I was already sick we headed home. Good thing too because moments after that decision thunder and lightning came - and so did a power outage!!! Collective Soul's performance was delayed - never did hear if they were any good... - we went back to my parents house and attempted to watch a vhs of pretty women - but couldn't figure out how to work the vcr - our education has taught us well! So we watched Drop Dead Fred on tv - a movie I had not yet seen, but was one of Aine's favourite - Aine now refers to me as snotface, and I call her megabeast aka megabitch... fun times.

Saturday Night - Gretchen Wilson
Opening bands were not that exciting. Gretchen kept us waiting for WAY TOO long... but in the end she put on an ok performance. The boys from the night before were back - we talked to them again and told them what bar we were going to go to after the concert. We met two other guys that night Tim and Ronnie. Tim was drunk and annoying. Ronnie had nice "G.I.Joe lines" but an unfortunate name. They were with us most of the night but we eventually lost them. We went to the bar afterwards and although at first we felt older then everyone there - we meet up with the boys - and danced the rest of the night away... it was fun.

Sunday - Aaron Pritchet and Brooks & Dunn
I was excited to sing along to "Hold my beer....while I kiss your girlfriend" ... ok - the words weren't really what I wanted to sing - but I think its a very clever song. I thought Aaron did a great job. Brooks & Dunn were also very entertaining. They were my favourite of the weekend (Keith Urban was Aines).... They were really entertaining.. lots of cowbell!!! Just full of energy and great songs... but the heat was brutal during the day - almost too much -- but we survived.

I was suppose to work Monday but I my cough/cold/whatever just kept getting worse (standing in the rain on fridya probably didn't help) and I wasn't getting any sleep - so I called in sick - but made it to Windsor in time for class.

Today I went to school - and thats about it...

Oh... Lady from work trying to hook me up with her son random update
He emailed. So didn't think that was going to happen. Wasn't sure what to do when I saw that he had! But I was nice and I was good and I replied to his email --- haven't heard anything yet since then - I'll keep you posted.

And thats my blog for now I suppose.... Wonder who Superman's favourite country singer/group would be? hmmmm...

Where did the Superman posts go?

Hello.
Sometimes Superman needs to run off to his fortress of solitude - and as I am the expert on Superman - it just so happens I too may disappear at times to follow him...or to venture off into my own fortress of solitude.
My lack of posting at the moment is due to the fact a) I'm at my parents house b) I have been ill [fever 100+, ouchy throat, horrible cough, etc...) c) I've been listening/watching some live country music by such people as Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, and Brooks and Dunn....
I'll give more of an update on such things in a day or two when I am back in Windsor.
As for the lady at works son---- he emailed... I have yet to reply - I'll do so tomorrow maybe --- so odd... oh well - makes life interesting.
I'm always around.

Pickles are not this crazy chicks Superman!

There is a lady at work - she is a client. I had dealt with her for close to three years now. On occassion she discusses her son with me - and usually states her interest in trying to introduce the two of us. I typically think nothing of it - because some of the older women say things all the time. Well today was different. Today - she asked for my contact information to pass along to her son. There was no way that I could nicely get out of it either - I was stuck....I was thinking to myself - what is worse - the fact that this guys mother is trying to set him up (I prefer to think he is unaware of what his mother is doing)...or the fact that I actually write down on the piece of paper she has put in front of me a way for him, a guy I do now know, to contact me.... seriously - which is worse? Having to write something down - knowing that I am also going to see her at work again multiple times - I wrote down an email address. When she asked why I did not write my phone number - I stated it was because it is easier to contact me through email - which is true. I do know some things about him - that she has shared with me - and well.... I guess it doesn't hurt to have another friend right?....right?....eeeee.... I'd share the knowledge I know of him - but maybe I'll save that for you guys in person or on the phone rather than typing things online here - in case it is taken in the wrong context.

Onto something else - Blake just sent me an interesting link to a Maury episode - its just a piece of it - but one you should check out --- one of my only nicknames is 'Pickles' - given to me by Rosy....so I find this interesting.... and so very odd...check it out!
http://video.msn.com/v/us/v.htm?g=FD99F389-E8EB-40F4-A9A1-329B8653EA2C&t=m137&f=06/64&p=hotvideo_viralvideos&GT1=8307

Enjoy!

The comforting touch of a stranger

Howdy! - First... although it looks like I have taken a liking to this blog posting thing - I still am unsure if it will uphold - but I'm going to try!

So, yesterday a girl in my program invited people out to celebrate her birthday. Throughout the day I was not much in the mood to go out - I had not changed out of my pj's - I had not showered - I had been a slum all day and was quite content with hanging out with myself. But Brian called and said lets get together for some pre-drinks... so I did. I'd include a photo of me all done up to go out - but I have no idea how. Before I continue you with my story of the stranger at the bar - I must side track and recall a story of a stranger from the via - especially for those of you who do not have the best of memories (cough - sharon - cough).

When I was younger I use to travel the via by myself often between Whitby and London. On one particular trip to London (one of my last by the via) I had an isle seat and sat across from this guy who decided to pass the time by talking to 15 year old me (even though I was listening to music and reading a book). Anyhoo - I was tired of talking to him because he kept telling me I should go and see his family cottage (he was like a 30 year old guy...so he was creeping me out)..so I went to the bathroom - and upon return put on my earphones and went to reading. After a minute or two he took his index finger and slighty stroke my left shoulder. It absolutely creeped me out and ever since I've had issues with people touching my left shoulder - it sends shviers throughout my body... so thats the background info.....

Last night at the bar - "the gang" was on the dance floor - and I went to get a drink at the bar as I was thristy. On my way back there was the usual obstacle of people to try and slither around. There was a slight path open - but only large enough for one person to walk through... On my way through this - I noticed a guy coming in the opposite direction - he looked to see if he could stop and let me pass - but he was stuck - but I had a slight opening to move out of his way - so I did.. to which he smile and nodded.... and as he passed me - he put his hand on my left shoulder and gave it a really nice and comforting rub - not like a second pat - but like a good 4-5 second rub - and it was like a really kind, caring and generous thank you type one. I smiled and went on my way...

But it did not bother me that he touched my left shoulder - instead I felt so comforted. It was the oddest feeling - and I only wish I had grabbed his hand afterwards and said "thank you" or something - but that may have also ruined the moment -- so I will just let it be a great moment. I very much appreciate this stranger - and its unfortunate that I do not know him - for I sadly would also not recognize him if he came to my door later today to try and sell me the company he works for package for hydro and energy or whatever....

But to you Mr. Stranger guy from the bar --- thanks for being my Superman last night.

My MOM is Superman!

I was just listening to Five for fighting (I think that is the correct name of the band) ... song on the radio - a song that I have heard multiple times before, and usually sing along with too..I like the lines -- Its not easy to be me. Heros have the right to dream...----... made me think of another reason as to why the world needs Superman.
We all need a hero. Whether that hero is a mother, a sister, a friend, a teacher, or a stranger on the street --- we all need a hero. Sometimes we are lucky and have more than one hero in our lives. People we can look up too - people we strive to be more like -- people we admire - whether openly or privately.
I have friends that I consider my own personal heros for different reasons. I am very blessed to have them in my life - and I do look at them as Super"people" in my life.
When I was younger I looked up to my brother. I thought that he was the best big brother a girl could have --- unfortunately someone has slipped some kryptonite in his pocket so he isn't acting as the fun-loving and supportive older brother I once knew --- but hopefully the kryptonite is removable and I can get my brother back one day.
My mom - I suppose I could consider her a hero - but I prefer to look at her as angel. How can she not be? She grew up on a farm, not with a lot of money, was a horrible academic - but luckily had a passion for helping people thus became a nurse. She lost her father at a very young age. Fell in love and married a man who would years later suffer from a horrible heart condition and eventually become dependent on her. She also gave birth to two children with life-threatening disease.. oh and then a third child - the devil herself! (that would be me). Her whole life has been dedicated to helping other people whether at work as a nurse, at home as a mother and wife, through her numerous volunteer projects and associations or through her many random acts of kindness to people she does and does not know - that to me is more of a miracle then a hero. Hmmm.... maybe my mom is not from this planet either --- maybe she is an alien and has just done an incredible job fooling as all these years... think about it...
- Grew up on a farm
- Dedicated her life to helping all humanity
- Looks like a human
Oh my gosh! Maybe my mom is Superman! HOW COOL!! MY MOM IS SUPERMAN! -- well I guess SUPERWOMAN.... Alright!

Why the World Needs Superman - a work in progress

Ok - I didn't have a chance to finish my thoughts completely - so this is an unfinished piece of work....hopefully one day I'll get around to finishing it - and editing it too!!! (gotta love procrastination!)

Why The World Needs Superman
By Paula van Wyk~July 2006

Superman is a superhero character that once existed in the imagination of two men; a Canadian artist by the name of Joe Shuster and an American writer named Jerry Siegel. By combining their skills of drawing and writing, Superman came to life on paper. They created a life history for this alien on Earth, claiming that he was born to a very intelligent scientist on a planet called Krypton. Kal-El, Superman’s birth name, was put in a space-ship and sent to Earth to live amongst humans, as his father saw the end of Krypton in their near future. A farmer and his wife (Mr. and Mrs. Kent) adopted Superman, known on earth as Clark, as their own son. As Clark grew he discovered more and more powers that he had….. for example, an incredible strength that no man on earth could naturally possess. Clark eventually needed to do some searching to find out who he was, where he came from, and what his purpose was. It was at his Fortress of Solitude where he would find his answers, and as a result, Superman was created. Superman decided to use his supernatural abilities to fight evil and crime thus helping to protect all of humanity with whom he was raised.

The world that Shuster and Siegel created needed Superman to not only help fight the crime and evil that existed in their world; but to also provide them with a sense of hope, and a common thread of togetherness in the community. We may not live on an Earth created by Shuster and Siegel, but this does not mean that we need Superman any less than such characters as Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane. We all still need a Superman that gives us hopes and goals, as well as a common bond that creates a sense of togetherness. The Superman we need is not a superhero that wears tights and sports a red cape. We do not need a man made of steel. We do not necessarily even need a man at all. Each of us can have our own Superman; one that may differ from every other Superman that exists for other people.

For some religious individuals they may have a Superman in the form of God, Buddha, or Allah. The gods of religions are similar to Superman as they are Superior Beings to the rest of us. Using the Roman Catholic religion as an example, following the word of God provides a list of rules or guidelines to live by. The Bible contains the word of God and describes stories of the life before, during and after the life of Jesus Christ, the beloved Saviour to those who believe. The religion provides inspiration for those to live by; it provides goals and something to work towards (eternal life in Heaven). Religion in general provides the followers an opportunity to strive to live the best life possible, a life of morality, truth, and goodness. Religion provides the followers with something to believe in. Religion also brings the people together, creating a community and a sense of togetherness. The people of a religion try to help each other out, because helping each other is the moral thing to do. Helping others brings the followers closer to the goal with which they wish to achieve. For some individuals the Superman that they need to help live a life of morality with goals and a sense of community is religion.

However, over the past years religion has had a dwindling attendance rate, and fewer followers. Although religion may not be the way of life for many individuals today, this does not mean that people still do not need something to believe in, or goals to strive for…….

Whether or not people chose to follow or a religion or not, that choice is not available for children. Children are born into the environment of their parents, or parent, and thus raised accordingly to the beliefs that they hold and obtain. The idea of religion or a god is not one that children can easily understand, but this does not mean that they are an exception from the need of a Superman in their lives. Parents, or the parent, raisin the child in a sense becomes the god of their world. The parent teaches them what is right and what is wrong, helps protect them from harmful things in the world around them, and supports them in creating goals for themselves……

Thus the man of steel may stand for truth, peace and justice, but more importantly Superman offers a world of hope, goals, and creates a sense of community amongst people. We may not have a superhero flying around the world, but we each have our own superhero within our lives. We all need something to look forward to in life in order to keep living. Thus the world does need Superman, we need something to help protect us from the “evils” in the world, to help create goals and guidelines in life, and to help us all feel apart of a community. No matter what form Superman takes in your life, the point remains, we all need a Superman to call our own. We all have our own kypronite that keeps pushing us down, but as long as we keep getting back up on our feet, and keep going, we hopefully can live a life that we are proud of. We can attempt to live life to the fullest, to continually be surrounded by love and happiness, and experience all the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that life has to offer. Therefore, do not be afraid to find out who or what your Superman is, and do not be afraid to believe.

Created by accident...

So.... in trying to post a comment on Sharon's blog because she told me I needed to at least type "I read this post" so she knows that I read it - I somehow created myself a blog.... I do not foresee myself to be a successful blogger as I do not really feel that I have much to say - or that anyone would be interested in reading what I have to write - but even if it is just for the purpose of Jen and Sharon to see what my thoughts on the day were (that the post corresponds to).. or another one of my friends that happens upon this... I'm sure that works for me - but I apologize in advance if I only make a few postings and then seem to mak a very rare occassional appearance from time to time.... and I clearly have begun to ramble.
Anyhoo.
"I'm always around"
Paula