today is a new day

Hi all,

So today marks a new day because I am writing this blog while still in bed. Yep, we FINALLY figured out how to get our wireless router working so we do not actually have to be plugged in (actually, my brother-in-law Loren and Jeff did it).

I see it has been a while since we blogged last so let me give you an update on what is happening:

1) Jeff has been training for 13 weeks to run in the SunRun. This is a 10K run in Vancouver that is one of the largest, if not THE largest, 10K run in North America (at least that is what we have been told). And tomorrow is the day! Jeff will be starting to run at 9:00am with 60,000 other people. Yes, you read that number correctly! Last year there was 54,000 runners and they reached that number 2 weeks ago already so they are anticipating closer to 60,000. I'm thinking this race will not be really about time because when you are running with so many people, you really can't stretch out your pace but are bound by how fast the 'mob' is going. He will more or less just be part of the pack. I am excited for him. I would like to get a picture of him crossing the finish line but no spectators are allowed there (understandably so with 60,000 people crossing it and then to have 60,000 people at the end cheering them on and taking pictures would be chaos). So they do have a photographer that will be taking pictures and we can buy a picture of Jeff crossing the line but we will see. I will try to get a picture at least of him with his number pinned to him.

2) Jeff is playing again this year on the church soccer team. I played last year & wisely decided to join the fan club this year :) We have been bumped up a division which means we are playing in Div1 now. And yes, this is a competitive soccer league and we are talking GOOD players. Players that have been playing their whole lives and some are even playing on college and university teams now. Most are men, actually it is rare to see a girl on the field. I feel a lot better not playing ... quite literally actually. Last year before every game I was physically sick with anxiety. I stuck out the whole season though, but I never made a point. Oh well. But Jeff is doing really well. 1 decent injury so far (got cleated on the top of the foot).

3) Jeff is still moving forward on his thesis. He is working really hard and we are hoping to be done by the end of the summer. I am very proud of how hard he is working.

4) I am working at IDC Insurance Direct Canada - an insurance brokerage company that sells all sorts of insurance except auto & home. So ... if any of you want some life insurance or are taking a trip and need travel insurance... hehe, no sales pitches here. I am enjoying the work most days. It has been a lot of fun dealing more with the big picture of business than the little daily operation tasks.

5) I have joined as a worship leader now in our church. Since coming down here I have participated on 2 of the 4 worship teams by playing piano & singing. I am now a leader of my own team as well. I have lead 3 times so far & there has been a HUGE improvement with each time which is good. Better to go forward than backwards ;)

6) I am taking a distance ed course through Athabasca University (Biology). It is going well but I can definitely tell I haven't used the 'science' part of my brain in the last 8yrs very much. It has been challenging. I am to be finished by the end of the summer but with the pace I'm going it might take longer :)

Well, that is all the update I can think of right now. Today we are going to Granville Island in Vancouver to take in a production of The Hobbit. We have treated ourselves with getting these tickets a few months ago & are really excited about it. I will also try to take pictures & post them later.

Thank-you for all your prayers!

We love you all and are excited to see whomever of you are going to Shaun & Sara's wedding in Lethbridge on May10th. Super excited!!

Hugs from Langley.

Ashlee