Friday, April 30, 2004
Janey the Orangutan
In the above pic, the caption on a photo of an orangutan's arm appearing through a square hole in the wall reads "San Diego Zoo keepers train the orangutans for medical procedures like injections and blood tests, reducing the need for anesthesia. Here, Janey is getting her blood drawn for a veterinary checkup."
Today was the much anticipated San Diego Zoo day. Of course the term "day" is used loosely, as we didn't arrive at the park until after 12 noon. In our excitement, we also took about 20 pictures before even stepping in past the entrance gates.
Tons of pictures and videos later, we were out of the park and well on our way to catch a glimps of the San Diego sunset. Armed without any maps (because we left them all on the counter this morning), we drove to La Jolla via the same route that we have taken many times in the past few day. When we were closer, but not quite there, On-Star came to our rescue, and enabled this magnificent view:
Tomorrow we set off on the adventure northwards, as we hope to get as far up the coast as possible.
JCL 4:00am
In the above pic, the caption on a photo of an orangutan's arm appearing through a square hole in the wall reads "San Diego Zoo keepers train the orangutans for medical procedures like injections and blood tests, reducing the need for anesthesia. Here, Janey is getting her blood drawn for a veterinary checkup."
Today was the much anticipated San Diego Zoo day. Of course the term "day" is used loosely, as we didn't arrive at the park until after 12 noon. In our excitement, we also took about 20 pictures before even stepping in past the entrance gates.
Tons of pictures and videos later, we were out of the park and well on our way to catch a glimps of the San Diego sunset. Armed without any maps (because we left them all on the counter this morning), we drove to La Jolla via the same route that we have taken many times in the past few day. When we were closer, but not quite there, On-Star came to our rescue, and enabled this magnificent view:
Tomorrow we set off on the adventure northwards, as we hope to get as far up the coast as possible.
JCL 4:00am
A Disturbing Day
This post is a day late, and refers to the events on Wednesday
It's easy to be enamoured by the sun and the fun out here in California. There are so many things to do, so many beautiful beaches to visit, and a complete laissez-faire attitude that contrasts the rat race of Toronto quite emphatically. We were lucky to meet a group of really great UW co-op and grads working in San Diego, people that we could trust, a group that not only took care of each other, but extended their love and care to us, merely friends of friends, and little more than strangers. They took the time to make our vacation memorable, told us all the great places to go, and was on call as our personal San Diego On-Star direct service.
But the harsh reality is that even on vacation, I live in a "Waterloo bubble", one of safety and comfort, and trust-worthy friends. Today, that bubble was popped.
In the midst of enjoying God's glorious creation, marvelling at the great expanse of the sky and sea that He had set before my eyes, we were propositioned by a man in his mid fourties.
I don't think I have ever felt so uncomfortable, nor have I ever felt such sadness. In the middle of worshiping God and singing praises to Him, and while standing in awe of His creation, another one of God's creations, a creature, came before my eyes, yet did not invoke the desire to worship God. Instead, the thought of him made my stomach turn, and made me never want to return to that area again, despite the spectacular view.
Later that day, we were at Mission Bay, one of the many beachfront areas, after going sailling. Perhaps I was more sensitive due to the events earlier in the day, but i could not help but notice how openly the men would ogle and undress the women with their eyes. Granted, some women left very little to the imagination in their choice of garments for the beach, but even those in more conservative beachwear were subject to the same once-over and open gawking.
God continues to take care of me. Knowing how much discomfort I was feeling that night, He gave me the opportunity to catch up with two old friends. He used me to encourage one friend in need, and in the other He provided a much needed outlet, as well as prayer support, allowing relief from all the emotions mounting inside of me.
How good it is to know that at the end of the day, no matter how distrubing, our Lord God is by our side, walking with us, and protecting us.
JCL 3:10am
This post is a day late, and refers to the events on Wednesday
It's easy to be enamoured by the sun and the fun out here in California. There are so many things to do, so many beautiful beaches to visit, and a complete laissez-faire attitude that contrasts the rat race of Toronto quite emphatically. We were lucky to meet a group of really great UW co-op and grads working in San Diego, people that we could trust, a group that not only took care of each other, but extended their love and care to us, merely friends of friends, and little more than strangers. They took the time to make our vacation memorable, told us all the great places to go, and was on call as our personal San Diego On-Star direct service.
But the harsh reality is that even on vacation, I live in a "Waterloo bubble", one of safety and comfort, and trust-worthy friends. Today, that bubble was popped.
In the midst of enjoying God's glorious creation, marvelling at the great expanse of the sky and sea that He had set before my eyes, we were propositioned by a man in his mid fourties.
I don't think I have ever felt so uncomfortable, nor have I ever felt such sadness. In the middle of worshiping God and singing praises to Him, and while standing in awe of His creation, another one of God's creations, a creature, came before my eyes, yet did not invoke the desire to worship God. Instead, the thought of him made my stomach turn, and made me never want to return to that area again, despite the spectacular view.
Later that day, we were at Mission Bay, one of the many beachfront areas, after going sailling. Perhaps I was more sensitive due to the events earlier in the day, but i could not help but notice how openly the men would ogle and undress the women with their eyes. Granted, some women left very little to the imagination in their choice of garments for the beach, but even those in more conservative beachwear were subject to the same once-over and open gawking.
God continues to take care of me. Knowing how much discomfort I was feeling that night, He gave me the opportunity to catch up with two old friends. He used me to encourage one friend in need, and in the other He provided a much needed outlet, as well as prayer support, allowing relief from all the emotions mounting inside of me.
How good it is to know that at the end of the day, no matter how distrubing, our Lord God is by our side, walking with us, and protecting us.
JCL 3:10am
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Sun, Seals, Salsa!!
Del Mar & La Jolla. Water, sand, sun... it was breathtaking and awe inspiring. Seeing the waves crash onto the rocks and witnessing the power water has to carve into land was humbling. We do so many things, trying to get somewhere, but in the end, God's hand is still evident in all the things we can't control. Including the tides. I could have watched the water all day, seeing His power in every wave that crested, every footprint erased on the shore.
Reminds me of a song, sang in fellowship many years ago...
Looking at His wonderous works I stand amazed in awe.
How can any person doubt that He is God?
(anyone have the full lyrics? Will be an awesome song to sing at the Grand Canyon as well...)
Most of the day was spent out in the glorious sunshine, basking in the warmth and enjoying the coastal breeze. There's something about being outdoors in sunshine that refreshes the body and the soul. I think if we asked the seals, they would agree.
We met up with friends from Qualcomm for dinner...
...and went Salsa dancing!! Quite an experience, especially for a non-dancer like me! Was a lot more fun than expected, and was quite the workout as well! The posibility of continuing in TO is fearfully high...
[to be posted, a pic of the Salsa crew, courtesy of Brian]
While at Qualcomm, I ran into a high school classmate! What a small world!
An interesting question arose in the car today: What constitutes a cult?
JCL 3:20am PST
Del Mar & La Jolla. Water, sand, sun... it was breathtaking and awe inspiring. Seeing the waves crash onto the rocks and witnessing the power water has to carve into land was humbling. We do so many things, trying to get somewhere, but in the end, God's hand is still evident in all the things we can't control. Including the tides. I could have watched the water all day, seeing His power in every wave that crested, every footprint erased on the shore.
Reminds me of a song, sang in fellowship many years ago...
Looking at His wonderous works I stand amazed in awe.
How can any person doubt that He is God?
(anyone have the full lyrics? Will be an awesome song to sing at the Grand Canyon as well...)
Most of the day was spent out in the glorious sunshine, basking in the warmth and enjoying the coastal breeze. There's something about being outdoors in sunshine that refreshes the body and the soul. I think if we asked the seals, they would agree.
We met up with friends from Qualcomm for dinner...
...and went Salsa dancing!! Quite an experience, especially for a non-dancer like me! Was a lot more fun than expected, and was quite the workout as well! The posibility of continuing in TO is fearfully high...
[to be posted, a pic of the Salsa crew, courtesy of Brian]
While at Qualcomm, I ran into a high school classmate! What a small world!
An interesting question arose in the car today: What constitutes a cult?
JCL 3:20am PST
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
The flight
Rosie and I know nothing about time zones. To start off, we were *convinced* Vegas and San Diego were in different time zones, one hour apart. So we were extremely confused when the pilot was telling us the local time, which didn't jive with what we were thinking, especially in light of the fact that we had a connecting flight to catch, on a different airline, to get to San Diego.
For the record, Vegas and San Diego are both PST, meaning 3 hours back from TO.
We flew Jetsgo to Vegas, and many have been asking how the airline is. For one, it's comfortable enough to sleep, per Exhibit A:
And the view from the plane was beautiful:
No complaints really, esp for the price we paid, it was good value =)
Got to Vegas, and transferred onto America West to fly to San Diego. Rosie and I were both out like a light, we fell asleep before the plane even took off at midnight PST [3am EST]. I woke up to the captain saying that we had started the descent.
Linda picked us up with the car. By the time we picked up our luggage, it was about 1:30am PST [4:30am PST]. Good thing Linda was driving, we were so tired!
Can't say that we've seen much of the city yet, but we certainly felt the heat and humidity in Vegas, though San Diego had a nice coastal breeze. One thing's for sure, it's SWEET to see real palm trees!!
And... we're in CALIFORNIA!! =) It's so good to be on vacation... =)
JCL 10:30am PST
Rosie and I know nothing about time zones. To start off, we were *convinced* Vegas and San Diego were in different time zones, one hour apart. So we were extremely confused when the pilot was telling us the local time, which didn't jive with what we were thinking, especially in light of the fact that we had a connecting flight to catch, on a different airline, to get to San Diego.
For the record, Vegas and San Diego are both PST, meaning 3 hours back from TO.
We flew Jetsgo to Vegas, and many have been asking how the airline is. For one, it's comfortable enough to sleep, per Exhibit A:
And the view from the plane was beautiful:
No complaints really, esp for the price we paid, it was good value =)
Got to Vegas, and transferred onto America West to fly to San Diego. Rosie and I were both out like a light, we fell asleep before the plane even took off at midnight PST [3am EST]. I woke up to the captain saying that we had started the descent.
Linda picked us up with the car. By the time we picked up our luggage, it was about 1:30am PST [4:30am PST]. Good thing Linda was driving, we were so tired!
Can't say that we've seen much of the city yet, but we certainly felt the heat and humidity in Vegas, though San Diego had a nice coastal breeze. One thing's for sure, it's SWEET to see real palm trees!!
And... we're in CALIFORNIA!! =) It's so good to be on vacation... =)
JCL 10:30am PST
Friday, April 16, 2004
Linda
Woesie
Larry
and me!
Woesie
Larry
and me!
