Oh, Paris, how i'll miss you.

This weekend we went to Paris.
In true parisian style, there was a strike. The metro was on strike and so the we drove in the middle of a grid lock for three hours before getting to our hotel, but as we inched around the ring road, the eiffel tower would peak out her head and melt my heart. As soon as we set our bags down we bee-lined for the nearest metro station to find out the best route to the eiffel tower in the midst of the strike chaos. I was able to get directions and so we navigated to the Champs d'Elysee where we had supper before making our final pilgrammage to the eiffel tower. As we were full tilt towards to tower, i felt my foot kick a frozen bouquet of flowers, we found ourselves right on top the tunnel where Princess Diana died, that was cool. Morbid, but kinda neat. The clock struck 10pm and the tower started to twinkle with lights. Every hour since the millenium, the eiffel tower has a little light show. We muscled our way through the first round of "lucky men" selling neon mini towers, then bought our tickets and literally walked right on to the elevator with no wait at all. We rode it to the top and scoped out our route for the next morning. It was breathtaking. We kissed.
The next morning we woke super early and made our way to Notre Dame. We passed the pantheon and little markets. We bought a baguette and sauntered to the church which is on a little island right on the Sien. It was enormous. As was the crowd of tourists visiting. We then walked the streets of paris towards Les Galleries Layfayettes, which are big high end shopping centers. We walked from there to L'arc de triomphe which is the beginning of the Champs D'Elysee. The end of the Champ is the Louvre. We strolled the street, then found a little chinese restaurant for supper (where the waitress conned me into doing her english homework). Then we went to the Louvre where we explored for hours. Jonathan loved winged victory, and i loved the modonna of the rocks. And to everyone who says that the mona lisa is disappointing, you are crazy. It was so cool to see such a global image close up, her kind smile and eyes following you all over the room. i loved her! I promised her I would come and visit agian, and I will.
We took the croweded metro back to the hotel.
The next morning we pretty much repeated the first day, but instead, it was in slow motion. We werent in a rush to cram it all in, we simply walked and took it all in. Near the end of our day we hopped on a boat tour of the Sien which passed all the major attractions, we got off and visited the Louvre once more, this time just exploring the outside grounds. My favorite part was standing under the eiffel tower and watching the water droplettes fall from the top of the tower and take 15 seconds to reach the bottom where they would form perfect spheres, and we woudl catch them and laugh till it hurt. All the while, there was a HUGE line of grumpy tourists who had been waiting for hours to get to the top.
The nest morning we rose to get to the market before before the bus left at 9am for Chateau Versaille, which was so cool! It was Marie Antoinettes palace, and the monarchy spent so much time and money in adorning their palace that its said they were the reason for the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. We walked through a procession of brilliantly adorned rooms before arriving in the famous hall of mirrors. It was beautiful. The gardens were vast, and i mean VAST. So beautiful. Marie actually made her own little village where she had people re enact peasant life. So much scandulous and crazy history.
I LOVED PARIS. it was such a romantic city. I loved being able to speak my second language in an authentic setting and just the capturing atmosphere of the city is just undescribable. It was simply amazing. C'etait magnifique! J'adore Paris et tout ces petits tresors.
Tomorrow we are headed to London for an england match in Wembley stadium. I cant believe its here! I will be sure to tell you all about that trip once we are back. We have four nights there.
A bientot!

Today is monday, November 12, 2007.
I am so happy. I have this big fat smile on my face because sometimes reality hits and I am like 'where am i?' and 'what am i about to do?'. I am in europe with my bestfriend and we are about to explore places I have only dreamed about since I was little. Paris, London,Rome and more.
Thursday we are going to Paris. Thursday evening we are going to the eiffel tower, which is possibly the most romanitc spot ever. I think we will bring this cute little picnic kit from Jonny's mom and have some wine and cheese. (even though i dont like wine, it tastes like hairspray... or so i am told). We are going to the Louvre on friday, Roland Garos, MontMar (the home of moulan rouge and the bohemian arts and countless other fine art movements), the palace of Versaille (home of marie antoinette and other famous monarchs.), Champs d'elysee, and whatever else we can pack into 3 and a half days. I can hardly wait. I am also excited to maybe practice a little french as I spent 8 years learning the language and haven't really used it in a french setting before...might be scary! So i will have to post some pictures and tell you more when we get back.
The only news i can think to share is that we have tickets to handel's messiah on decimber 8th in the minster. (you could replace the 'i' for an 'o' in minster because that place is HUGE!) it will be beautiful. Jonathan and I persuaded a pub to show some shanghai master's cup tennis today. Fed played Gonzalez and lost :( but it was neat to see where Jonathan was adventuring a year ago this week. I am almost done my last paper and we are healthy and happy and just loving this city more and more everyday. I love it here, and although I am excited to come home to Canada, I will miss this place forever and will be sad to leave.
Take care and we'll write again after paris.
A Bientot!

Mullito.

Hello All,
I am sorry that I haven't written in a long time. Sometimes when we are in our routines around here I feel like i have nothing interesting to say. But really, it's all been quite fun. I write history papers and Jonathan reviews them, I go to my legs bums and tums class with Kathryn (we are ripped), we stroll the streets, read good books, Jonny works his phonebook factory job and then we do it again and again.
It is Saturday afternoon. Today we went to the National Trust tea room for breakfast with Kathryn and Steph. (You maybe haven't heard us talk about Steph yet, but we like her. She is also from Regina, so Kathryn, Jonathan and I let her into the club.) Then we went browsing through this eco friendly fair. It seems as though there is always a market or fair on the weekends. (Jill, i found another ring like the one I gave you. Now we are twins) We went and checked out fake moustaches, then went to find standing room in a pub to catch the second half of the game. Arsenal and Man U tied. I thought someone was going to club Jonny because they were all Man U fans and Jonathan was a surprisingly vocal Man U opposer... not even really an Arsenal fan, just a man u opposer. It was really fun though. Then we browsed some more and bought a cornish pasty as a treat. I found a lovely and inexpensive dress which i love love love. Now we are in the library. In a few hours we will meet again to go for sushi.
Tuesday I think we are going to Leeds to go shopping and then we are planning on getting to the south of England to do some exploring. I am really excited to venture away, but this city is just so magical that i love coming back to it. It is my reading week so we are able to stray away a bit more.
I think i am going to get a mullet hair cut. once and for all.
thats the news.
muah muah.

These pretzels are making me thirsty!

Some of you will remember the episode of Seinfeld in which Kramer lands a minor role in a Woody Allen movie. His one line - These pretzels are making me thirsty! He spends much of the show trying to decide how best to deliver those 6 simple words - with power and meaning and emotion - but, as only Kramer can, messes it up in the end. Try this www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRaLpHoZA8E to refresh your memory. And now that we've all had a good laugh, I'll explain how this has anything to do with anything. I, on the inspiration of Kosmo Kramer, have decided to try my hand at acting. I have auditioned for a similarly minor role in a little known, film-students-of-York-St. John production, entitled - The Last Non-Smoker. I shall not divulge the plot (my contract prohibits this), nor shall I reveal the lines that I deliver with such force, but I'd encourage you to seek out this soon to be cult classic. You wont be dissappointed. (In fact, I don't even know if I got the part, I just read a couple lines for the camera, barely managing to hold back laughter. Oh Kramer!)

Banshees

Hello All,

This weekend has been fabulous. Yesterday we got up early and went to the National Trust Tea Room for tea and scones. Jonathan opted for a "real" breakfast which actually had something other than bread, so he was happy with that. I soooo miss my omlettes, and protein in general.

After the tea room we were on our way into town to run some errands when Jonathan spotted a bird on the ground. It was struggling and all ratty and couldnt fly. We looked, and it was sad. People looked, and they were sad. After a good 30 minutes of conscience battles and attempts to walk away, Jonathan killed it. I won't tell you how, thats just gross. But I was so proud! Here is me, looking for anyone in overalls, because farmers are used to that kind of thing (killing chickens and stuff) and Jonathan is a kind city boy, but he knew it was the right thing to do, and he did it. It got me to thinking the rest of the day about my conscience, and if I honour it enough. When I was like, 11 or something, I was walking behind this woman, and 5$ fell out of her pocket, I gave it back. But just the other day, i was at Subway and I didn't get charged for my extra cheese, and I didn't say anything. Little examples I know, i am probably too embarassed to tell you of my bigger faults, i'll come around, but still... all the while my conscience was whispering.

Anyways, Jonathan did something super uncomfortable and conscience honouring, and so I gave him a Hero cookie. He earned it big time.

Then we went to the horse races, SO FUN! We went into the inner enclosure and got really close to the track and saw all these powerful animals just ZOOOOM by and then saw all the people act like banshees when they won and whew, it was cool.

Then, we went to a pub and watched the England- Estonia game. More banshee fans. It was fun, i had a pickle and cheese sandwhich for lunch...jelous?

Then we came back to the dorm, ate some cereal and toast (Jonathan's favorite meal) and headed out to find some standing room in a pub to watch the England-France rugby game. Probably on the top 100 most dangerous things to do in life. It was fun though, more banshees. France has this one player, and he is HUGE and he looks like Rasputin and it was terrifying, not as terrifying as the insane guy infront of us foaming at the mouth and highfiving everyone in the pub, twice... but almost.

We came back and went to the library where we booked three tickets to Rome. We spend 4 days in paris-come back for school, 4 days in London for the england game- come back to school, then 4 days in Rome- come back for school. So three weeks of travelling to three very different places. Oh, and the third ticket is for my dad! Should be fun to explore with a new random hero.

Today we got really excited about monasteries, and read all these books, and bought some books, and lived in the library, and just went crazy over Benedictine monasteries in medieval europe... it was awesome!

Now we are going to go eat supper.

That was our weekend... school tomorrow... work tomorrow... paper writing.

Whats new with you?

More pics:

Our summer, alittle late, I know:
http://uregina.facebook.com/album.php?aid=59508&l=f931b&id=666295320
Lake District-so so so beautiful. north east england:
http://uregina.facebook.com/album.php?aid=58655&l=9da10&id=666295320

La la laaaa

Hello All,
Happy Thanksgiving! Jonathan and I are really missing Canada especially on such a family centered holiday. We went out in search of a turkey dinner but were unable to find anything. We ended up going to McDonalds and then to our favorite dessert cafe for some yummy treats. The most excellent cakes and THE perfect latte. Going to Mcdonalds on a holiday wasn't too far from home for me, I seem to remember Mcdonald's pizza for christmas dinner and a few other family occaisons.
Anyways, we did get to talking about the things we are thankful for and amongst them are family for sure. We are thankful for adventures and exploring, but also that we are able to return home to people who love us.
Jonathan is at work right now, his second shift of the week. He is working 12 hour shifts so I miss him during the days. I have been spending hours upon hours in the library tackling my papers. The topics are so vague and I am really struggling to structure the papers. It will be so good to get these done because their end will mark the beginning of lots of travelling to exciting places in November. The month of October will be fairly low-key in terms of outings as Jonathan will be working and I will be cramming in school.
We are hoping to thouroughly explore York during this month. There are a few historic sites that we have yet to see and are also looking forward to visiting the railway museum.
Last Saturday we went to the Lake District. It is in the north eastern part of England. It was absolutely gorgeous. It definately did not disappoint. The scenary would make your knees weak, so would the three hour hike...
We took lots of pictures, had a fabulous picnic and rested in the little town of grasmere where we bought some famous gingerbread. All in all it was a relaxing yet active day.
Today Kathryn and I are taking a study break and hitting the pizza hut buffet. Our culinary experiences have been so poor that we get all giddy when its time to hit an american restaurant that we really didn't care too much for prior to coming here. Funny.
I am sure I am forgetting things to share but i've been looking at this computer screen for so long i am becoming a zombie.
gobble gobble.

Hello,
It's been awhile since I have wrote... I think.
In anycase, we have some news. Jonathan has begun work. He works at a paper press making phone books for somewhere in France. He seems to enjoy it. The first day he worked in the day, 12 hours. It was really 14 because he had an hour out and an hour back. That is a long time to be somewhere new. I worried most of the time, but then I was happy to meet him at the bus stop and learn that he had a rather enjoyable time at work. He met some good people and the work wasn't bad at all. He now has 2 night shifts in a row. They sound scary but they make more money annnnd he says he prefers them. Silly me for worrying so much about that one. It has totally worked out, yet again, and my heart is just that much more trusting. Thanks again for the prayers.
This morning we went to the National Trust's Tea Room for tea and scones. I am still very full. It was really fun. Our first tea experience since we've arrived, I am embarassed to admit. It was quaint. We sipped Yorkshire tea and ate fruit scones with yummy creamed butter and strawberry jam. Yummm. I think we will do a few more breakfasts like that.
Also, very big news, we are going to an England game! We were entered into a ballot and were selected. Jonathan booked the tickets yesterday, two tickets to England's qualifying match against Croatia, in Wembley stadium. Jonathan squirms a little everytime the subject comes up. I am really excited too, but he is like a 4 year old on christmas eve.
I am also looking forward to the London trip as there is so much to do there. I will go to Harrod's and see Alicia's face the entire time. Oh how she described that place to me last year. I wish she was with me for that shopping trip.
Speaking of alicia and exciting shopping adventures... Yesterday, Jonathan, kathryn, and I headed to the Desinger Outlet Mall. WOAH NELLY. there was lots there. My heart got all pumpity right before we went into the Burberry outlet, it began to rain on my parade however when I found that the cheapest thing, even at half price, was a 120$ scarf. :( sorry 'lic.
Anyways, thats about all that I can think of to share. Jonathan heads to work at 5pm so we are going for an early supper and then i'll see him off.
Look out for the next slew of pictures from the Lake District. Its supposed to be beautiful.
Much Love,
Britt and Jonny.

Photos.

These are the links to our pictures...

Scotland:
http://uregina.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56808&l=e1e04&id=666295320

York, Whitby, Around
http://uregina.facebook.com/album.php?aid=56023&l=77d41&id=666295320

Edinburgh - by Jonathan Slywka

Hi guys! Guess who this is? Yes, I, Jonathan Slywka, am about to enter the bloggosphere. Ssscchhheeewwwww!!!!!!! There I go. How's it goin'? So, anyways, I'm gonna tell you about our weekend in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is just 200 miles up the road from York, just 2 1/2 hours by train, or 4 hours by bus and train. We left York on Friday morning with our good friend Katherine. We arrived in Edinburgh at 11, and hung around the station until our other friend, "Dudders", arrived at 12. From there we went to our hostel - an old, converted church building. It was pretty cool, I guess. Typical hostel accomodation in an atypical location. Our first real taste of the city was a walk up Princess Street. This is the main "new" thoroughfare of the city, as opposed to the "old" royal mile, which I'll describe later. It is lined with the same old shops - Zara, Gap, H&M - but also a plethora of junky Scottish theme shops, where one could find anything from Kilts of every colour, to a very smart looking 1970's wig and mustache emsemble (I'm not sure why that one). Anyways, along that street can be found the Scottish National gallery, which, we were happy to discover, was showing an exhibition of Andy Warhol. For those who don't know the guy, think Campbell's soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. It is always nice to get to see the works of some great artist, even if you aren't a fan of the person, or art in general. (Brittany would like to remind me that I am speaking for myself. She loved it.) Upon leaving the gallery we took a stroll through the lovely Princess Street Gardens. These sunken gardens at the base of the castle hill were created when the old north loch was drained. It all makes for quite an extraordinary setting - monumental architecture, beautiful gardens lying beneath a towering hill with imposing castle set on top - something unlike I've ever seen before. We next set out for the older areas of Edinburgh, those running down from the castle, along the royal mile. We climbed up to the castle, but finding it closed for the day, instead went for a whisky tour nearby. We had heard that a whisky tour was one of the must do's in Edinburgh - Scotland is known for there whisky, or Scotch, after all - and it really was quite interesting. We learned all about the finer points of the "Water of Life", how to taste properly, and even got to keep the glass. That was pretty much it for day 1. Day 2 began with a hike back up to the castle. Being a Saturday, the place was crawling, but we found plenty to do, and quite enjoyed it. (Again, my wonderful girlfriend has reminded me to speak for myself.) She did, however, enjoy catching a rare glimps of the honours of the kingdom, Scotland's equivelant of the crown jewels. From the castle, we made a short stop at a wool mill nearby, where I bought a tartan tie (somewhere Alicia is saying "You would") in the official tartan of Edinburgh (I was searching for the family tartan for Slywka but none could be found). We then set out down the royal mile, toward some other castle, which happens to be an official residence of the Queen. We chose not to stay long, however, rather catching a bus out to the sea side. We dipped our toes in the frigid Firth of Forth, and then headed right back to our Hostel. After a quick refreshing in the equally frigid showers, we went out in search of some food, and a spirited location to join the locals in watching Scotland's world cup of rugby encounter. It was pretty fun. Admittedly, I was more concerned with checking the score of the Rider game when we returned to the hostel ("You can take the man out of the province ...). And with that our Saturday ended, and all that was left was to make our way back to the station this morning, and home to York. Funny how, after just 2 weeks, a place that had seemed so foreign could seem somewhat like home. Somewhat, though not completely. I miss you guys, all of you. And I'm getting kicked out of the library. So here's to posting my first blog. Sscchhheeewwwww!!!!!!!

At Last

The pictures are posted on Facebook. Hopefully you have facebook or you have a friend who has facebook so that you can see the pictures. It took me 2 and a half hours to get them up so i hope you enjoy atleast one of them.
I am heading to my BLT class then we are off to Scotland tomorrow. We'll chat soon. Take care!

Jonathan has promised to write the next blog... you'll definately want to read that one. He is a way more talented writer than I.

I am a slim, trim, stretcher of the truth...

Or a big fat liar. The pictures aren't posted. Obviously. Its been a bit of a process, but tomorrow we are getting up bright and early to tour the Minster (Northern Europe's largest) and we plan to take loads of pictures and then I am devoting myself to an afternoon in the library with the IT tech people.
I am slim and trim though, or well on my way. I just finished a work-out class called Legs Bums and Tums. It was fabulous. I couldn't stop thinking about a BLT the entire time though...
School is finished for the week! How fantastic is that story! My classes are really cool. I have one called the Visible Past where we explore old monasteries and castles (literally) and relate the surroundings to the peoples daily lives. (Pretty much a geography class). We get to tour some pretty amazing buildings for that one.
I am also taking two America Studies classes- Affluence and Anxiety USA from 1920 to 1960; and America's Century. How I got into two american classes, I have no idea. The fascination of the USA kinda makes my blood run cold, but with all the tact I store in my pinky finger, I'll stop myslef there.
So, school is good. 3 papers and no finals. I can't complain.
Jonathan and I are sitting here thinking of what to do with ourselves the rest of the week as he is not working and I have no school. SO we just booked train tickets to Edinburgh, Scotland. A friend of ours from Regina is coming with us as well. Her name is Katherine and she is great.
I have to tell you the story of my dress.
Jonathan and I have done alot of window shopping. This place is so expensive! One night we did our daily browse later in the evening when everything was closed. We walked past this one store and I stopped in dead in my tracks. "Look Jonny, it's so pretty! I have to have it!" He smiles. He smiles so loudly that I hear every word- "Brittany, you seem to need an awful lot to sustain your well-being, but how ephemeral your emergencies- you won't remember that dress in 5 seconds from now." So I respond by squaring my shoulders to his. "Jonathan," (I only call him Jonathan when I am typing or when I am really having a serious moment) "I reallllllllly like that dress." His metaphorical animal ears perch when he hears "Jonathan" and he responds, "Brittany, it's probably a zillion dollars, but if you must have it, then lets come and visit it tomorrow and it can be your back to school outfit." I calm down, then pray to God and Bob Barker that the price is right.
The next day we set off shopping. I don't want to break the bank but I really would like a resonably priced back-to-school outfit. We walk for hours trying to find this store. After about two and a half hours I resign to the fact that I'll never have her, but Mr. Direction Man is not giving up so easily. I have my heart set on a One-Pound sandwhich Man, (who, by the way, is most definately the man that inspired the Sinfeild episode about the Soup Nazis) but Jonathan keeps us searching. After another half hour he gives up to. SO we are on our way to the Sandwhich man when my heart stops. "JONNY LOOK" And there she was, on a maniquinne that looked just like me. We enter the store and I bashfully hide my face from the store people in the boutique. This is the high end kind of store where my yesterday's masquara and Birkenstocks don't attract much help. An insult and a relief. We start looking and don't see the dress, but we see many other dresses with price tags around 240 pounds ( like 500$). I get more and more discouraged. We walk upstairs and there she is! I slowly reach for the dress, Jonathans hand reassuringly placed on the small of my back. Everything is moving slow-mo. I turn the tag around with a shaky hand. . . £25! twenty-five pounds!
I try it on and love it! I buy it. I would buy the same one twice if I could! Jonathan and i giggle in disbelief as we leave the store. I was so happy that the grumpy sandwhich-man was my favorite man alive in that hour.

Thanks Bob.

Sunday September 23, 2007.

Its Sunday.
Today we went to a church called St. Micheals. It is right next door to the Minster in a beautiful building. The atmosphere was really family oriented and kind. The lesson was on Shake the bed, Make the bed, And into bed you go. (haha). It was a little bit different than what we are used to. There are scripted prayers that the congregation says in unison, one part of the service you sit and think about the bad things that you have done that week then pray for forgiveness together, things like that, a little different but interesting to learn about. Barb told me that the Anglican church is pretty prevelant here, I'm not sure if it was Anglican but I think it is.
The one thing I was closed to was the communion. Jonathan promises me that God (and the church) aren't offended, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. They use real wine and they drink from the same cup. I've never really tried wine before and they could atleast take me for dinner before my lips touched theirs! I was just so consumed by that thought that I couldn't focus on what I was supposed to be focusing on and so I sat it out... I have a cold okay?! Jonathan braved it, he said that if God was going to protect him from any disease, it would be during communion... he's probably right.
Jonathan and I have had a few really cool discussions on why we do what we do at church. We are reading the Da Vinci Code as well as experiencing a new church so the arena for this discussion is perfect. We decided that in the end it is all an offering to God, which is cool because he gets so much variety. They had these cute little boys passing for the collection and I just thought that must have made God's heart glad.
I think we probably will continue to go there, the people were so friendly and just really eager to take care of new students. We'll keep you up to date on that for sure.
I start school tomorrow. I am taking three history classes. The paperwork will be heavy but atleast I dont have any tests. I am excited to start school because classes are a whole new area to meet new people. Its also been 5 months since I have been in school, so i am ready.
We've seen so much this week and a picture is worth a thousand words, so I will get some pictures posted instead of detailing all of those. How about by tomorrow? I'll commit.
My cousin Sam has just given birth to two healthy baby boys named Garry and Julian. A big congrats to the new Mom and Dad. (We'll keep our eyes peeled for some sweet european kicks)
Jonathan is really missing Sweet Chilli Heat Dorito chips. If anyone wants to bring those over or send them in the mail, he just might weep with excitement.
We are off for supper. I think we are going to pizza hut, the only place in europe with non stop pop. (I know what you are thinking.. ' I could really take a lesson from these health nuts') Haha.
It's salad bar the rest of the week.

Whitby and Scarborough

Today I ventured off to the sea-side.
It was so wild, in a matter of seconds I was outside of this fast-moving, buzzong town and into the country side. Its like centrifugal force, slow on the outside, fast on the inside. The countryside was beautiful. I saw the moors with bright purple heather blanketing their fields; ; the hills were patched with farms; the pig farms were stinky.
We arrived in Whitby and the scene was breathtaking. This huge abbey, a regal castle, looking over a cozy city built on a hill, all right next to the north sea.
I toured with some friends from Regina, we took pictures, cuddled some geese (seriously, so tame), strolled through the grave yard that inspired Braham Stoker's Dracula,and sauntered down 199 steps (we counted). We then walked through the shambles, across the bridge, to the sea wall where we ate fish and chips and dipped our feet in the salt water. The same water Captain Cook wet his feet in. I took lots of pictures and would love to get them posted just as soon as my wireless works in the library.
We met back at the bus and drove along the coast to Scarborough (another famous sea-side town.) We had some prize winning ice cream and then made the journey home. Jonathan and I ate in the cafeteria tonight. The salsa for my fajita had....CILANTRO in it!! Everything here has cilantro. siiiiick! We decided it was time to make a date to Starbucks for the ol reliable BIG cup of coffee and latte. (europeans are stingy on the portions in cafes.)
We were talking all about Jonathan's 3 hour bike tour today and recapping our separate adventures when we remembered our next big adventure... PARIS! Yes we are heading to paris roughly one month tomorrow (as that is our one year). So in this book store, with the Starbucks, which happens to be the only thing open past 6 pm here, we decided to pick up the Da Vinci code and re-read it before we go and spend 2 days in the Louvre. (Nothing says love more than 2 full days in the Louvre...right Jonathan, right??) We are excited though. Jonathan is actually browsing accomadation for that trip right now.
So I will end this here for tonight, we are going to have a read. Do keep us updated on your happenings as well. And i willlll get pictures sent to you all soon.
Much love.

Rested.

We are getting over the Jet-lag and we are much much happier.
Jonathan got an apartment (God's hand was totally there, there is NOWHERE in york that rents for less than 6 months but we stumbled across this one place and the landlord is allowing a 3 month lease!) The apartment is really close to my school and it is by far the most afforable around. Thank-you for all your prayers!
Jonathan has applied at a job agency- we have yet to hear from them but it should be soon. He also got a bank account today so that he can get paid (that was a bit of a process but it worked out)
He also bought a reallllly nice bike. He gets to sell it back to the guy at the end so that turns out to be quite cheap.
We both have cell phones now and there is a bit of a difference when you dial us. You should dial 011-44-7942-486789(Jonny) (484567Britts).
The cheapest phones around! 30 pounds and you get a phone plus 20 pounds of credit- 5pence a minute to canada.
Hm. We haven't been too terribly touristy yet, we have just hit the ground running getting set up and what not. I am feeling so much more relaxed and just happy and able to take it all in. Today we had breakfast at starbucks then shopped around a bit. I found a pair of jeans from Mango (penelope cruz's store) which i loooove. But i think i might wait till the end to buy any clothes. Everything is so expensive here.
I've learned lots. "Are you alright?" doesnt mean "you look like you've been crying", it means "how are you!"... so i have stopped snapping at people that "yes i am alright i'm just jet-lagged--geez".
The food in england is gross- we went for fish and chips... for the last time.
I only have classes on monday's... so i might be traveling alot more than I originally thought.
Jonathan has put in for tickets to an england game (we found jerseys today for 10pounds! steal of a deal!) sooo thats exciting.
Also, the three classes i take here equal 5 classes in canada- i love that!
Okay, I think we are going to watch a movie tonight, rest our feet in our cozy moccasins. We do miss you all lots and lots, its certainly different not having you close at hand. We are thinking of you all most of the time. I will get some pictures up just as soon as my wireless works in the library.

cheers,

Britt and Jonny

We are here!

Hello everyone!
We have arrived safely in York. The trip was a long long long and tiring one. Even though we are jet-lagged and hungry (our eating patterns are soooo messed up!) we are happy. This is the single most beautiful city I have ever seen. "Britain's favorite city".We have done so much exploring in trying to get settled here. Jonathan has some rooms to rent lined up, and has been into the job agency already. We also have a phone. Right now Jonathan has the only one but they were so cheap that I think I will also have to pick one up. His number is 011-07942-486789. Weird number I know, but just call or text that and it works.
I am so out of it and exhausted right now but I will try and tell you what we have seen so far.
We arrived in Manchester and collected our huge and heavy bags. We then had a hairy time getting train tickets (the pace of life just sped up and we were lugging our tired bodies and huge bags around). We made it on the train and then for the next 2 hours we saw brick building after brick building. We saw farms and fields on the greenest hills (farming can never be easy eh? Either on prairies in extreme weather conditions, or on a massive hill!).
We arrived in York (which is just a gem, nothing leading up to York quite resembled her character). We lugged our bags uphill to the hostel then up the stairs. We settled, hugged, changed and headed out. We ate at an Indian restaurant (the soup had cilantro in it, i was mad). But the river running through the city is so nice. We almost got hit by a bunch of cars because we are all backwards then we viewed an apartment and explored some more. I wish I could tell you in words about this place, but I am frustrated because there are no words. Its like one big festival all the time. People just fill the streets. There is a shop for EVERYTHING however random and the shop doors are always wide open. Its bustling and busy.
We woke up that night to me being violently ill. ( my body was mad at me). I tried to get through that, and after sevral gruesome hours we mustered the strength to move into the dorm.
My bedroom has a big bay window facing the garden then behind that the minster ( the biggest cathedral in northern Europe). Its breathtaking. I live alone and have a sink, a desk, a bed.
The shower is something to get used to. Its just a pit in a room that seems to fill with water and peoples hair is everywhere, no curtain... not the lap of luxury, but its warm!!!
Okay, I really hope this email doesnt have a negative tone because we are really just so happy to be here. This place is beautiful. I have been touring the school, attending meetings and trying to get set up (but exhaustion is not a friend). We are burnt out. But hopefully we can get things done and in order and then just enjoy ourselves.
I am heading to Whitby, the sea side thursday. yay.
Please pray for us and be mindful of us. Jonathan is really tough and optimistic but sometimes I get panicked like WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE!! I get a little homesick and I tend to worry. Its tough not having our core support group so close by. I am getting over it and we spent about an hour in matthew 6 last night, meditating on not worrying and trusting God to feed and clothe us. That jonathan will get work and a home.Please pray that doubting voices will be stilled and replaced with peace.
We really are so delighted to be here. I wish you could see it. My bestfriend the navigating genious is by far the best person in the entire world to travel with, he's a walking compass/history lesson. I just love him!
We miss you and even though we are so happy to be here, we are so excited to see you again!

Colby just sent jonny an email- the weakerthans are going to be in leeds. Yesssss.

Take care!

Britt & Jonathan

We are off!

Today is Sunday. The Sunday before we leave for York, England. It's been a good day; we went to church, had a lovely lunch, watched Federer make history and I got a little more organized.
We leave in 4 days. It has been nice being back in Regina and just relaxing so we haven't really let ourselves pee our pants in excitement to leave on this crazy trip.
Wednesday the Young Adults are all coming over for one last Brew-ha-ha before we leave (i am so positive i misspelled that!) We are looking forward to that.
I'll tell you a little about what we know for sure is happening in York. I know that I am going to York St John University on an exchange. I am taking classes that will transfer to the University of Regina soley based on pass-fail grades-school might be a little secondary these next few months....I am staying on campus. Jonathan is going to be looking for a job and a place to stay. We have been in contact with a few real estate people so hopefully that is helpful.
We have one Paris trip planned for our one-year anniversary next month and I have another one planned with my school in November. Who knows where we might adventure- YOU will know if you keep checking in!
Anyways, thats what we know.
Thanks for loving us and investing in our lives; we will miss you.

xoxo,

Britt and Jonathan.

love

Hey everyone.
So its the week of insane stress and emotional eating. I have many assignments, group presentations and finals on the go. I am losing it all over the place but holding it together well.
You know, i tend to plan things. It doesnt always work out very well. I need to start trusting in God more. No ones ever made it on their own.. and if they have, i want to know how.
I had a very humbling day. I had to ask for money, and it about ripped my heart out. It was really really hard.
I want this day to be a testament to my life, someday i want to pay it forward, for someone i love to call me in a time of need, and i will give to them. I don't know how else to say thank-you.
My mind is zipping from left to right and i can't hold it still. I am going to bed and tomorrow i am handing in assignments and presenting things. and its almost over, and i will just breathe... for about a week and then find something else to stress over.
I love you.

SORRY GUYS!!!

its been forever since i have written one of these.
Life has been in the fast lane for a long long time.
I am working about 25 hours a week and going to school. I am playing soccer and for some unfortunate reason i have has a series of sicknessess lately.
Life is good though. I feel like i spend a large portion of my life counting things down. "Only one month until i go back to yellowknife", "only 2 more hours left of my shift", etc... but thats a pretty crumby way to live if you ask me. the time to live is now.
I will be in yellowknife for 4 months then england for another 4 months. thats not alot of time spent with the people i love here and now. So i am trying really hard to love them and spend each moment with them now.
But i am taking a people break and i am going to work on some major assignments to finish up this semester. its been a tough semeseter and summer is more than welcome.
i hope all is well with you. I'll hopefully see or talk to you all soon.
Love you.
God bless.
Britt

Family Day

Yesterday was sweet, the government of Saskatchewan declared a provincial wide Family Day holiday. No work, just family time. How lovely. So we hung around the house all day, had a family supper, played card games, went bowling, then went to Jonathans apartment for banabread, coffee, treats and a Lord of the Rings movie. Now if thats not family time, then i don't want it.
Today i worked until 5, came home watched jeopardy, cashed cheques, filled my car, went tanning, went to the gym, and here i am, debating a flop on the couch, some homework or a shower. All signs are pointing to the couch.
Its reading week for those of you who didnt know, that means its my spring break. I thought i would use this week to get ahead in school, i have yet to do that, but believe me i will.
Jonathan's sister is home from waterloo (she is going to school to be an optomotrist) I live in her room while she is away. Shes the only Slywka i don't know very well, but I like her very much, so its been a nice visit.
Tomorrow is mine and Jonathans four month. We are going halves on a Library House ticket. Its $100 and you enter to win a house worth $350,000. I walked through the house this week, its fully furnished and beautiful. There are also a ton of other prizes, like a trip to mexico etc.. Only 10 000 tickets sold, so the odds are okay.
This is nothing too exciting i know. I haven't really had any great revolutionary thoughts lately, except one:
Why be moral and do the right thing, why go to the gym and take care of my body, why always try and be better?
Because, I am not my own.
think about that.
I am a daughter, and a sister, a child of God, i am not my own.
Britt

Happy Valentines Day!

Hey guys.
Today is Valentines day and you won't even believe your eyes when i tell you what i got. A new I-pod nano, with the words "you are the reason i smile" engraved on the back. if thats not enough i also got 12 roses and a love letter. I am very lucky for those things, but i am also very happy that i get to spend good quailty time with Jonathan tonight when we go for heart shaped pizzas. You know, there is this book called the Five Languages of Love. People have different languages, i think Jonathan's might be gifts, thats how he communicates love, but my language is time. So i will give him that today. Both are really good.
Today i have a midterm. I got up very early this morning to study and nowi am going to take a break and have a nap. I also have a midterm in sociology of families on saturday. That one should be fine. I worked all yesterday so i didnt really get a whole lot of time to study. I'll let you know how this one goes.
In other news, i was accepted to York St.John University in England. I am pretty excited about that, 4 months in Europe will be great. The school is in an old castle and just the location and being able to travel will be amazing.
I spent some time in Calgary this weekend. It was really fun. I met up with some great friends and road a mechanical bull. Jonny and i made it out to Olds to see the family and eat some Jiggs dinner. My mouth just watered typing that. It was a highlight and a blessing for sure.
Well thats all for now, my brain needs a rest and my bed is calling my name.
Love you.
Britt

Ctown here we come

Hey guys,
its been a few weeks I know, but I have been prettttty busy. I have started work at Starbucks. I have been learning the history of the company and part of my job is to taste test every coffee and cirtique them, the coffee's are from all over the world and i get this little coffee passport and get a stamp for each place i go. I then have to decide which pastries taste the best with which coffee's. So if a coffee has a high acidity, i would couple it with an apple fritter or soemthing.
School is in full swing as you all know. I am loving most of my classes, its alot of work but i am trying my best to stay caught up.
Curves has been a real hoot, i am by far the youngest member. I dance around with all the older ladies and tell sweet jokes. My body is hurting form that place, its quite a work out.
I am thinking alot about Yellowknife and how excited i am to get back there for the summer. I like that place alot in the summer, and so i am thinking about where i might like to work, hopefully the government so i can roll in the dough.
Well this weekend i am going to calgary. I am coming with Jonathan and our friends Jeremy and Mel. Jeremy went to China with Jonathan in November and December. So we are all looking forward to a SWEET Jiggs dinner in Olds. I can hardly wait.
I have a paper due tomorrow and i have one page left to write. I call it my 99th push up. Allow me to explain. i had this friend who we told we would give 100$ to if he could do 100 pushups. On the 99th pushup , he collapsed. It was all mental. Well this is my mental 99th pushup.
Anyways, i hope all is well. Miss you
Love,
ME

Catch-up, Ketchup?

Hello everyone.
I just got back from manitoba. I went there to my friend Katie's farm with 6 other sweet friends. We spent the weekend snowboarding and skiing. I spent alot of time in the lodge doing homework but it was still fun.
Katie's family used to own a PMU (Pregnant Mair Urine) farm. I saw tons of horses and pet some. The also have guinea foul, those crazy birds and tons of other animals. I was a really neat place, its out on the prairies in the middle of nowhere, they built it themselves. Their house is a log cabin type deal and when we walked in we were greeted with the warmth of a woodstove and the smell of fresh baked bread. Katie's mom makes her own flour and it was honestly the best bread i have EVER tasted. I just loved that family. They make their own granola and tea and it was just really peaceful and nice place. They also instruct skiing lessons on the hill which is neat.
Anyways, Sunday was mine and Jonathan's three month. A neat day, we drove home together and just read outloud and listened to Paul Simon. I had a soccer game that night and man was i tired. We played the first place team and only lost by one. That was exciting.
I have spent the day reading and little bits of homework. Right now i am in between a million things before i head off to my very first Curves appointment. Yes that's right, i have joined an all ladies gym, and i am really excited. The gym is 2 blocks from my house and my work is about a block from there.
You know, i havent really shared any major philosophical thoughts with you guys yet. One thing that i have been thinking about these last couple of weeks is how full my metaphorical tank is. I would say i'm on a half tank. What i mean by that is i'm not overly happy, but i'm not overly sad either. I am just sorta exsisting for the time being and living day by day. Part B of that questions is "whats next". Thats a hard one, but i have come to realize that we are given each day and we must decide what we are going to do with it. Deuteronomy 30:15 says "Choose life, see i have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity." We are given those two choices everyday. We can choose life or death. And i have concluded that it all comes down to attitude. SO what i am trying to say is that i need to have a better attitude about my days, and i need to love more. This is where pondering about my metaphorical tank lead me.
So, how is your tank? How did you get there? and what is next?
love you
Britt

Blah Blah Blah

Today is my first day of school. Get this, it starts at 2:15!!! but it goes until 5:15. These three hour classes are something else. I am going to see about textbooks today. You know, when you do something long enough you sort of become a pro at it. Well i have become a pro at deciding which textbooks are useful and which are useless. I can decipher the moneygrabs from the musthaves. So today before class I am going to justify spending around $400 on a whack of books which will become my closest friends over these next four months. Who ever said money can't buy you friends?
One thing i really must get going on it my Social Work application. Right now i am what the faculty calls "Social Work Qualifying". But i have completed this part of my degree and am applying to my Bachelor of Social Work. This is where i go through a series of interviews and submit a MASSIVE stack of papers. Yes 6 essays and a well-planned resume. Its due on the 15th and i am not half way done. Pray for me that i get that done. You know there is ALOT riding on this application. I have completed all my prerequisites so if i DONT get accepted then i will have to take a year off school!!!! Its a pretty competitive program but usually people with the least life experience get turned away. So maybe i will have to tell them about my trip to Cuba?? eee. lets hope it doesn't come to that!
I also signed up for a Power Yoga class yesterday. Its yoga with a kick, its alot of cardio and should be really fun. I neeed to get back to the gym and most likely will after my car is rippin again.
I really must get going. I need to shower then watch Jeopardy at 11:30, then its a coffee date with jonathan at Stonesthrow (a little nook of a place near the university) then books then class then a 45 minute walk home! yes folks i am walking. uphill, both ways.
I'll try to get some love notes in the mail soon. I really need to kick my life in to highgear, doing nothing is just so appealing sometimes.
Love you.
Britt

I'm baaack!

Hey guys, sorry it took so long to write, i can't say i have a good excuse. I've been sitting around doing alot of nothing actually. Lately i have been cooking and baking out my wazoo. Last night i made chilli and bannock. Then this morning I got up before everyone else and made pancakes and french toast with strawberries.
Last week Jonathan and I ventured to Alberta where we had some sweet hang outs the with family. Poor guy didn't know what hit him. Mom met us at the door Paparazzi style clicking a camera in our faces and Jade was trying to make him arm wrestle in the first 10 minutes. It was fun though. We hit up Ikea and Mountain Equiptment Co-op. We did the West Ed things and jonathan rode his first ever roller coaster. Proud moment.
New Years was pretty low key, i hung out with the family here in Regina and entertained some friends from church. We rung in the New Year playing some animated rounds of cards. A weeeee bit different than what i am used to in Yellowknife. But it was fun.
School is starting soon and i must say I am ready for it. Sitting idly has never been my thing. I will be taking three social work classes, one focusing on disabled people, one on anti-oppressive social work and one on the professional side of things. I am also taking a Sociology of the family.
blah blah blah hey?! But i love it.
I am reading a pretty amazing book right now. It's called "the kite runner." I would highly recommend it. I also just finished the most incredible read of my life thus far called "the alchemist."
David told me to tone it on the sappy side of things so if this is painfully boring to read, slap him.
Not much else is new. When i have some epiphone or some life changing revelation i will be sure to fill you all in.
till then.
Happy New Years!
Britt