What Is Good Music?

I think everybody knows how much I like music. Listening to good music, or even playing music on the piano, are some of my favourite things to do. Take me shopping and I'll dance into any store... so long as it has some good music. But what is good music?

My family and friends sometimes try out different music with me. I know my own tastes, but I still need help finding music that I like. For example, I was visiting Pastor Mike's home and he put on some European band for me. No-one in my family knows the name of the band, but who cares? I had a great time and spent the whole night dancing. Pastor Mike even joined in with me for a bit! :)

On the other hand, Peter recently gave me his iPod to listen to. He says it was Snow Patrol, but I think it was terrible. Whatever he gave me, there was no bass, no beat, just some guy squealing away. I took out the earbuds, looked at Peter and clearly said "Music". I'm sorry, but Snow Patrol just isn't music. :P I think he got the hint, because he gave me some U2 after that. :)

P.S. Pastor Mike has this massage chair. I tried it once because everyone wanted me to, but it was so ticklish I just jumped back out again. I went back on my own for a second go (yeah, you have to try these things). It was no different the second time though - that thing is really weird.

Family Reunion

My mom returned to Edmonton early Wednesday morning after a long day of driving. She had to take repeated rest periods during her trip because of her sore back. Emily and Peter arrived home for a visit Thursday night. It is so nice for our whole family to be together, even though it is only for a few days. I went along for a car ride when my mom drove them to the airport. When we got there, I said "teacup". My mom has a feeling that I have associated the airport with going on a trip to Disney World.

This has been a busy weekend for Emily and Peter. They have accomplished a lot in terms of finalizing their wedding preparations. I went shopping with them and I am all set for my best man outfit.

The Walk for Jesus event is fast approaching - a week from today. I have now raised $5,680 (95% of my $6,000 goal). I would like to thank all my supporters for their donations and prayer support. Their generosity has enabled me to contribute to God's kingdom.

Stanley Park

My mom went to the Stanley Park a few days ago. She walked along the Lost Lagoon for a bit before she headed east into the other part of the park. She found the Rose Garden. There were only a few blooms on the rose bushes. She ventured further and found the Aquarium. She read on the news that a baby whale was born there the day before. My mom then decided to walk towards the Seawall to ensure that she would not get lost in the park. The Seawall goes around the circumference of Stanley Park. The total distance is 9 km. It was not possible for my mom to walk the entire Seawall that evening. It was time (8:30 pm.) to go home when she reached the location of the 9 O'clock Gun.

Peter has offered a few times to take my mom on a tandem bike (front and back seats) to go around the Seawall. My mom does not know how to ride a bike, so she didn't think it would be possible to ride without falling and breaking her bones. Yesterday, Peter proposed to rent a tandem bike again. He was very confident that it would work out fine. My mom was not sure about it at all. At the bike rental store, she looked at the bike and became nervous. Being a risk taker, she decided to give it a try despite having visions of bruises and scraped knees. My mom has wanted to learn how to ride a bike for some time. She even bought protection gears (knee and elbow pads) back home. She wished she had them with her.

Off they went to Stanley Park - Peter and mom on the tandem bike and Emily on her beautiful green bike. My mom hanged onto the handle tightly for her dear life. She didn't really pedaled because she was afraid of going too fast. By the time they reached their first stop, my mom's palms were all red from the pressure of her grip. Gradually, she started to gain some confidence and began to relax. It was an enjoyable ride and she got home in one piece.

Vancouver

The weather in Vancouver has been wonderful - sunny and warm. There has been a very nice breeze so it is not too hot. Peter's apartment is nice and cool. It actually gets cold at night if the windows are open. My mom has been sleeping well.

There are a couple of things that are out of the ordinary for my mom. Firstly, she has watched two movies. To illustrate how unusual it is, I will tell you the average number of movies she went to in a decade - two. She has done a lot more walking than usual and she enjoys it. She has walked to Chinatown (about 3.5 km. one way) to do grocery shopping. She has heard of English Bay many times and now she knows how to get there. Peter's apartment is only a block from Stanley Park. It will be a shame not to take advantage of it to go for a walk in the park. This is something she plans to do before coming home.

My mom's back is still troublesome. On good days, it does not bother her until the evening. There are days that she has to start lying down in the afternoon.

Saying Farewell

My mom and Grandma left for Vancouver Thursday morning and arrived later that night. Since I did not go along, my mom was able to lie down for a rest whenever her back starts to bother her. My mom is happy that the weather during her stay in Vancouver is going to be good.

The last few days went by really fast and my mom already starts to lament that she will soon be heading home (June 12). She loves Emily and Peter and she always feels sad when it is time to say goodbye to them. She loves me too and she misses me while in Vancouver. It will be nice when all of us can be together. That is going to happen from June 18 to 21 because Emily and Peter comes home to Edmonton for a short visit.

My mom came across the following today:

"Life is a long series of farewells. . . . ." It is true! We always seem to be saying farewell to someone or something. Letting-go skills are high on the scale of life skills."