El Camino...

Just Kidding?

2007-10-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

OK Friends. So maybe I was just kidding... not kidding in like a "I knew this was going to happen sort of way" but more so... I needed to take some time to figure out how to revamp my blog so it felt more like me, where I'm at today.

That said:

http://easterncaramella.blogspot.com

I'm not sure I really like the template yet, but I will get it there yet. Oh yes, I will. I'm in a new phase of life and perhaps this NEW BLOG will help me work through all my thoughts; as I share thoughts, pictures, recipes, food inspiration, etc... ENJOY!

The Time Has Come.

2007-10-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

To say good bye to blogging.

'Tis true my friends. This lovely blog has taken me to some crazy places... Colombia was the reason I started this thing, and though Colombia still plays a huge role in my life, the time has come to be a little more present and to process my thoughts in a different setting.

I am on facebook and email if anyone wants to keep up with me. Add me as a friend, drop me a line, let me know how you are doing. Pero, eso es el fin de este blog. (But this is the end of this blog).

Much love, and remember... Mean people make little mean people, so be nice! :)

When Troubles Come, and My Heart Burdened Be...

2007-10-21T08:07:00.001-07:00

This weekend has been one of great clarity and much prayer/talking to God. Once more, I feel like I had allowed my eyes to fall off of Jesus. Have you ever entered a time of stress or discontentment that builds and builds and builds? Because I feel like that is what I am finally coming out of. I didn't talk about my stress, didn't talk about my heart (realistically)... and it built up to something so much bigger than the real problem inside of my heart.

This week I finally told Tim that I needed a break. I needed to get away. So "away" we went. We stayed at a local Saskatoon hotel, checking in Friday night and getting a late Saturday afternoon checkout. Seriously, it was such a beautiful time... but let me back up to the beginning of my enlightenment...

Friday morning I had a LOT to do to prepare and get ready for this weekend. So, you can only imagine how impressed I was when my beautiful, beautiful Jeep betrayed me by not starting. While calling a tow truck, a shop and Tim (in tears that time) I cried a lot... angered I expressed my frustation to Jesus - "why Lord... I have so much to do, etc... etc..."As the day went on, and I got the initial situation taken care of, it turned out to be quite the blessing, because then I could work from home, think through some things calmly and get them done. (In hindsight, it's not quite the blessing, because I found out at 5PM that the bill is going to be almost $1200. YIKES. Anyway... stay focused.)

So, towards the afternoon, I started really processing through this funk I seem to have been in. I finally put in a worship CD by Selah. I used to listen to this CD and oh man... the songs really impacted me. I haven't listened to it in probably 2 or 3 years. But once more, the words and music absolutely spoke to my heart and led me to Jesus. It was ridiculous good. I've missed worshipping in this fashion... I used to do it all the time; put in a CD, open the Word. Those are some good times.

Two songs lyrics I was impacted by:

You Raise Me Up: "When I am down, and oh my soul so weary... when troubles come, and my heart burdened be. Then I am still, and wait here in the silence, until you come and sit awhile with me. You raise me up so I can stand on mountains, you raise me up to walk on stormy seas... I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be..."

Part the Waters/I Need Thee Every Hour"When I am think I'm going under, part the waters Lord, when I feel the waves around me calm the sea. When I cry for help oh hear me Lord and hold out your hand. Touch my life, still the raging storm in me. I need thee every hour, most Gracious Lord... I need thee oh I need thee... every hour I need thee, oh bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee... I need thee every hour, in joy or pain, come quickly and abide or life is vain... I need thee oh I need thee... every hour I need thee. Oh, bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee."

So. What is the moral of this story? The moral of this story is that I was reminded once more this weekend to constantly be placing my eyes on Jesus. It doesn't matter what personal stress, frustration, confusion we have... we gotta take it to him. I think I made a grave error in speaking with humans about my heart status in this last week. As I've prayed throughout this weekend, that fact has been very clear to me. I confused my need to vent with God's desires for me. Yes, I think He is fine with us letting off a little steam every now and again... but I also think He desires us to have those conversations with HIM. And, I feel like by taking it to Him, it's not this mountain in front of me that it has felt like... it is simply life. But with Him, life isn't so difficult.

Another moral of this story is that I had a PHENOMENAL weekend (so far... it's Sunday morning). Getting "away" was the perfect, perfect, perfectest idea ever. We went swimming, ate really good food, watched as much of the Food Network as our check out time allowed and talked. Tim = good man for putting up with me this last week(s)...

PS: I had this Applewood Chicken at the hotel... it's a stuffed chicken breast with Applewood Smoked Bacon and mozzarella, served with whipped garlic potatoes and fresh grilled vegetables. RIDICULOUS good.

PSS: I would LOVE to be putting up pictures here folks... but I need a digital camera - so, if any of you are talking to my parents anytime soon - let them in on that idea as a Christmas gift, OK :) Haha...

When Troubles Come, and My Heart Burdened Be...

2007-10-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been one of great clarity and much prayer/talking to God. Once more, I feel like I had allowed my eyes to fall off of Jesus. Have you ever entered a time of stress or discontentment that builds and builds and builds? Because I feel like that is what I am finally coming out of. I didn't talk about my stress, didn't talk about my heart (realistically)... and it built up to something so much bigger than the real problem inside of my heart.

This week I finally told Tim that I needed a break. I needed to get away. So "away" we went. We stayed at a local Saskatoon hotel, checking in Friday night and getting a late Saturday afternoon checkout. Seriously, it was such a beautiful time... but let me back up to the beginning of my enlightenment...

Friday morning I had a LOT to do to prepare and get ready for this weekend. So, you can only imagine how impressed I was when my beautiful, beautiful Jeep betrayed me by not starting. While calling a tow truck, a shop and Tim (in tears that time) I cried a lot... angered I expressed my frustation to Jesus - "why Lord... I have so much to do, etc... etc..."As the day went on, and I got the initial situation taken care of, it turned out to be quite the blessing, because then I could work from home, think through some things calmly and get them done. (In hindsight, it's not quite the blessing, because I found out at 5PM that the bill is going to be almost $1200. YIKES. Anyway... stay focused.)

So, towards the afternoon, I started really processing through this funk I seem to have been in. I finally put in a worship CD by Selah. I used to listen to this CD and oh man... the songs really impacted me. I haven't listened to it in probably 2 or 3 years. But once more, the words and music absolutely spoke to my heart and led me to Jesus. It was ridiculous good. I've missed worshipping in this fashion... I used to do it all the time; put in a CD, open the Word. Those are some good times.

Two songs lyrics I was impacted by:

You Raise Me Up: "When I am down, and oh my sould so weary... when troubles come, and my when my heart burdened be. Then I am still, wait here in the silence, until you come and sit awhile with me. You raise me up so I can s tand on mountains, you raise me up to walk on stormy seas... I am strong when I am on your shoulders, you raise me up to more than I can be..."

"When I am think I'm going under, part the waters Lord, when I feel the waves around me calm the sea. When I cry for help oh hear me Lord and hold out your hand. Touch my life, still the raging storm in me. I need thee every hour, most Gracious Lord... I need thee oh I need thee... every hour I need thee, oh bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee... I need thee every hour, in joy or pain, come quickly and abide or life is vain... I need thee oh I need thee... every hour I need thee. Oh, bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee."

So. What is the moral of this story? The moral of this story is that I was reminded once more this weekend to constantly be placing my eyes on Jesus. It doesn't matter what personal stress, frustration, confusion we have... we gotta take it to him. I think I made a grave error in speaking with humans about my heart status in this last week. As I've prayed throughout this weekend, that fact has been very clear to me. I confused my need to vent with God's desires for me. Yes, I think He is fine with us letting off a little steam every now and again... but I also think He desires us to have those conversations with HIM. And, I feel like by taking it to Him, it's not this mountain in front of me that it has felt like... it is simply life. But with Him, life isn't so difficult.

Another moral of this story is that I had a PHENOMENAL weekend (so far... it's Sunday morning). Getting "away" was the perfect, perfect, perfectest idea ever. We went swimming, ate really good food, watched as much of the Food Network as our check out time allowed and talked. Tim = good man for putting up with me this last week(s)...

PS: I had this Applewood Chicken at the hotel... it's a stuffed chicken breast with Applewood Smoked Bacon and mozzarella, served with whipped garlic potatoes and fresh grilled vegetables. RIDICULOUS good.

PSS: I would LOVE to be putting up pictures here folks... but I need a digital camera - so, if any of you are talking to my parents anytime soon - let them in on that idea as a Christmas gift, OK :) Haha...

Re: Dear Mr. President

2007-10-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Okey Dokey. Listening to the radio on the way to work this morning and P!nk's new song, "Dear Mr. President" was on. Read the lyrics (as best typed while listening to the song):

'Dear Mr. President, come take a walk with me
Let's pretend we're just two people and you're not better than me...
I'd like to ask you some questions, if we can speak honestly.
What do you feel when you see all the homeless on the street?
Who do you pray for at night before you go to sleep
What do you feel when you look in the mirror?
Are you proud?

CHORUS:
How do you sleep while the rest of us cry
How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye?
How do you walk with your head held high?
Can you even look me in the eye?
And tell me why...?

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Dear Mr. President,
Were you a lonely boy?
How can you say no child is left behind
We're not dumb and we're not blind
They're all sitting in your cells...
While you pave the road to hell.
What kind of father would take his own daughters rights away?
What kind of father would hate his own daughter if she were gay?
I can only imagine what the first lady has to say...
You've come a long way... from whiskey and cocaine.

Repeat Chorus

Let me tell you about hard work, minimum wage with a baby on the way
Let me tell you about hard work, building a house when the bombs have gone away
Let me tell you about hard work, building a bed out of a cardboard box...
You don't know nothing bout hard work, hard work, hard work...

How do you sleep at night... How do you walk with your head held high...

Dear Mr. President, would you ever talk a walk with me...?'

What are your thoughts? I'm interested to know other people's reactions/thoughts. Comment away.

Youth Advance

2007-10-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Prince Edward Island

2007-09-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Why am I going...? This is a question many of you have asked of late.

And now, even though I have not received my formal acceptance, I will tell you all.

In a nutshell... because I love:

...Cooking....

.... and Cutting....

... and really, really, really good food!!!...

.... and because someday I want to be one of these people....

.... and I will do all of this at Holland College (Culinary Institute of Canada)...

HOW EXCITING!

Like I said, my acceptance isn't final - but my old file (in which I was accepted) has been reopened. Pray with us as we enjoy this final year in Saskatchewan before heading out to the East Coast! It's so exciting to think of this adventure ahead of us... and sometimes scary too as I think of the magnitude of what it is we've decided on. Crazy to think this dream of mine is becomign a reality & that I get to do it with my best friend standing with me in support...

GOOD TIMES!

Popcorn

2007-09-20T07:29:00.001-07:00

I love it.

For the wedding, someone got us a set of bowls that are all a different colour with "popcorn" written on them. Someone else got us a popcorn maker (three people actually), and another person got us a BUNCH of popcorn & flavourings. I don't know why, because we didn't register for any of it.... BUT - I am SO glad.

Lately, late at night when I'm sitting with the hubs on the couch, we pop up a nice big bowl of popcorn. It's a time of great simplicity and is just so comfortable. I've decided that popcorn is the best comfort/warm food of all.

It's a simple delicacy that life offers - to sit in silence with one you love, life does not get any better than that.

I was reminded the other day, yesterday actually, that GOD's love, enjoyment, joy, heart, etc... is even greater than our love, enjoyment, joy or heart for/in our fellow humans. As much as I love anyone I love... HE LOVES ME MORE.

Someday, I am very excited to enjoy some popcorn with EL SENOR!

Amigos - no se si todavia ustedes leen mi blog, pero espero que en Colombia todo esta bien! Estoy hablando en este 'post' sobre el amor de Dios por nosotros, que su amor y amistad y gozo es mas fuerte por nosotros que qualquier amor tenemos por nuestros amigos, amores, etc... Mijuqueros - tenemos que recordar las cosas que aprendiabamos en la montana en Velez - tenemos que vivir solo por DIOS! "Por mucho tiempo busque... una razon para vivir..." La razon es Dios, y solo Dios. Pensamos en cielo - un dia, vamos a quedarnos en los pies de Dios... y que dia!!!! Les quieren muchisimo! Por siempre, tuyo... Negrita!

PS: I always check my Spanish with Free Translation to make sure I'm not butchering it... and sometimes it is REALLY funny how the computer translates.... for example - Negrita is a nickname I got in Colombia from my friend Leidy about how my skin is so white... when really it means dark girl(Her nickname was Monita... white girl). In the translation, it translates that to be "BOLDFACE!" I thought it was funny and chuckled to myself... sigh, is that even funny for anyone else???! Haha...

High Fives

2007-09-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

5 Things that you cannot live without for under $10/each:

Flip Flops
Pepsi
Tea Lights
Colombian Earrings
Hair Ties

5 of your favorite movies:
Hope Floats
The Holiday
Little Miss Sunshine
The Little Mermaid
I love all movies... so enter #5 here.

5 +5 = 10 baby names that you love (5 for a girl, and 5 for a boy!) but will not use in the future (maybe you'll give others good ideas!):
BOYS: Simon, Liam, Benjamin, Vladamir (Tim's suggestion), Boris (mine)
GIRLS: Emma, Emmie, Janie, Ruth, Mae

5 songs you could listen to over & over & over:
Amazed - Desperation Band
If You Want Me To - Ginny Owens
Any Song - Rosie Thomas
Hallelujah - Bethany Dillon
Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston (even though I heard he was brutal at the Beyonce concert)

5 people who have influenced your life in a positive way:
Joan Godard
Sherry Heidebrecht
Dana Fern Barrand, Amy Dawn Forrest, Bettina May Unrau (they're all one - inseperable)
Jackie Pullinger - never met her but she's ridiculous... read the book "Chasing the Dragon"
Oswald Chambers - again, never met the man, but seriously!
Timothy Baerwald (that's six, but it's my blog... soooo yep!)

5 items that stay in your purse all the time:
Debit card
Visa
Driver's License
Movie Card
Stamps
(I currently do not carry a purse - just a very thin wallet)

5 moments when you knew everything had changed FOREVER:
When my dad had to carry me into the house... and as a result:
When I was in my room, packing for Qatar - that was weird!
When Tim & I played hangman in Boston Pizza
When I fought with the 'rents about going to Colombia
When I decided to move across the country... we'll see how this one goes :)

5 books you really would like to read (or finish - if you're in the middle of one!):
Bring me a book, I would like to read it.

5 obsessions you have right now:
MTV (that's not a 'right now' thing... more of a 'always' thing)
Tim
Pepsi (again... an always thing)
Ummm... I just don't know anything else...

So guys... I know it's a bit boring, but I wanted to update with something, so here you have it. I promise someday soon I will put something of any sort of interest on here. Much love to all.... EB

Post Number 1.3.9

2007-09-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

1. I need to post - not too sure what to say.

2. I would like to post wedding photos & I would also like to say that I WILL send out wedding thank-you's. My parents and I are going around about this: OPINION POLL: what is an APPROPRIATE length of time to give newlywed's for sending out thank you's?

3. We haven't gotten our mail here in a couple days... now, I know it was just the weekend - but there was nothing on Friday, and there was nothing today. As someone who LOVES getting mail - this is traumatizing.

4. I recognize that I have said nothing interesting, and have nothing interesting in my head to say... and that I am watching the OC which does not input anything of substance either.

5. I'm in a happy, contented place tonight. I'm waiting for the hubs to get home from work (which he is LOVING by the way!!!)... realizing that we are LOVING life right now. I love that my husband comes home to me every night and that we have a home to set up and continue to develop together. We're really hopeful for the future, and for what that is bringing with it - life is going to be changing in this next year and the world is our playground.... to the P.E.I we go...

6. Just a fun, non-substancy type blog. Feel free to leave a comment - where you all at, what is life bringing your way....?!

A little adventure...

2007-08-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Headed off to Waskesiu this weekend for a little camping-ski.... wish we had a camera to document the adventures... but alas, it seems Tim & I are destined to never have photos of us together. I think from our ENTIRE dating career, we managed to have 4 or 5 candid photos (that is over a 3 year period people!!!). Anyway... you'll have to listent to me ramble - sorry?

Sunday saw us pack up the Jeep; camp had ended on Friday and we needed to get away. So to Waskesiu we went. Now anyone who knows Waskesiu knows it is GORGEOUS.... and this adventure was no different. Spot P2 is very nice in the Beaver Glen campsite if you need a good one...

Started off the time there by attempting to make friends with the squirrel that hung around our campsite. Tim was NOT impressed to hear that in my attempt to be friends I may or may not have fed it pie. I'm not sure if it was because of the pie factor or the rodent factor that set him off. Needless to say - I got in trouble.

Set up the tent (new - got it for the wedding. Must say, it was HUGE... very nice), made some dinner, hung out a while... time for bed. OK people - air bed in a cold, almost autumn setting = very, very bad idea. I have never been so cold while trying to sleep ever.

Woke up Monday and things are OK... make food, explore the town (with a bazillion ELK chilling out in the main part - weird...) go on a hike... that was nice... time for bed. Starts spitting just before we go to bed, and then gradually starts a bit heavier. Cue 10 PM. Erica finally speaks up with the beautiful line: "Wanna pack up and go home?" At this point in time, I have been freeeezing all day, am now facing the prospect of freezing all night long, listening to the rain getting louder and lounder on teh tent and am altogether not ready for another bad night of sleep.... so we did it. Packed up (literally rolled up the tent and through it in the jeep... and jetted for home.

Bad news - we were on the tail end of our gas. So we call this Race Trac gas thing and the guy will (from the Tavern) come around and fill us up... get there, power is out. Something is not working. We are 100KM from gas... things are lookin bleak. Amidst a shower of both rain and curses on the part of our new friend... we manage to figure out the problem, gas up and head for home.

Arriving at about 2 in the morning... we are home.

I really do love camping. I do... perhaps this time was not the best example.

Amen Sister... AMEN!

2007-08-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

Bethany Dillon has a song called: "Hallelujah"... and today, I have been inspired... and so as I sit here at my desk trying to figure out which devotionals to put in this neat-OH project I am working on, I am inspired to listen to her singing what my heart is saying... it is a sweet, sweet moment.

Today, Sherry and I met with THE coolest person... such a dynamic man, with such a dynamic, beautiful, life giving ministry... and I feel so full of praise that I might just BURST!!!!

It's weird too, because we were talking about Spiritual Warfare! Ha... weird, I know. I come away from the conversation SO inspired, and SO in love with the God I serve. Jesus has made this way for us that blows my mind everytime. The fact that I work in an environment where I get to walk beside people and attempt to inspire them to live in JOY, HOPE and LOVE = radical dude!

Point people to Jesus. That was the conclusion we came to. Sometimes I feel ashamed of my faith - isn't that weird!? - but I literally sometimes am ashamed that I might be viewed by peers, parents, co-workers (you name it) as simply "emotional" or "too experiential"... but you know what? I have decided that it is OK... and that I will follow and love and hope and be joyful for all that I believe God wants to do in this world, and that has to be enough for me. I leave you with the following lyrics: they are my heart today.

"Hallelujah"
Bethany Dillon

Who can hold the stars
And my weary heart?
Who can see everything?

I've fallen so hard
Sometimes I feel so far
But not beyond your reach

I could climb a mountain
Swim the ocean
Or do anything
But it's when you hold me
That I start unfolding
And all I can say is

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

The same sun that
Rises over castles
And welcomes the day

Spills over buildings
Into the streets
Where orphans play

And only you can see the good
In broken things
You took my heart of stone
And you made it home
And set this prisoner free

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
Help me to sing hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Whatever's in front of me
I'll choose to sing hallelujah

And lastly, a quote from one of the said-devotionals of above. By Joyce Rupp from the book "May I Have this Dance?":

"When we wake up with that "worn out before the day starts" feeling, we can pause to imagine God loving us, holding us tenderly, breathing life into us. As we go through the day, we can pause to be attentive to our normal breathing patterns. This pause can connect us to God, our breath of life."

Las FOTOS!!!

2007-08-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Okey dokey people... still haven't figured out how to put the pictures on the computer (it's a DVD and my computer here can't read it or something like that...) SO. Our photographer's assistant has put some of the pictures she took on her blog - so, until I can put up the rest, check her out: Mandy's Photography Let me know what you think! And hey, if you're in the area and need a photographer, I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend her or our other photographer Debra Marshall. PHENOMENAL!!!

YIKES!

2007-08-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

Hi guys... news in the life and times of the one & only Erica Elizabeth Baerwald:

1) I am EXTREMELY tired today... the sort of tired that is COMPLETELY debilitating. T - 22 minutes until I can go to the casa and SLEEP!

2) PEI - to go or not to go - that is the question in my heart lately.

3) 1 Peter. Read it, let me know any comments/thoughts that pop out to you... I'm loving it lately!

4) YA 2008 - gonna be GOOD times.

5) Wedding pics are in... as soon as I find a computer I can put them on... and upload them from. You'll see em!

6) They're really, really good.

Much love to all - comments always appreciated; how are you all? Are you listening to any really good music that I should know about? What Scripture is running through your noggin'?

Enrique has GOT to go!

2007-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hi friends.

As much as I know you all love staring at Enrique's rich dark brown eyes every time you enter this blog o' mine... I think it's time we all moved on. I've been having nightmares...

But what to post about? That is the question.

These last 2 weeks in particular have been VERY, VERY difficult ones.

Why you ask?

Well... it seems in life, there are times when life hands you a question and asks how you're gonna handle it.

The first one I've dealt with in the last two weeks (can't really go into details) was having to be part of a very difficult decision that had to be made. A part of my learning/maturing process has been learning to make decisions that won't always help you in the popularity department, but which are best for the greater good. Not even in the popularity department, but that a part of me doesn't like either... ultimately however, you KNOW that it's for the best and so you have to take that leap and hope that others will understand - tough business folks.

The second one was about the passing of a friend. Learning how to grieve... something I wouldn't wish on anyone.

These two occurrences have really caused me to sit back and ponder LIFE and ponder JESUS once again... you see, I feel like I wasn't really living in a super great way over these last couple months - bad attitudes, blatant sin, cynicism, lack of hope... and I feel a bit like the sun has come out again, lighting all the areas of my life where I need to step back towards the Father. The grace with which He always accepts us astounds me. The journey is difficult, long, often filled with confusion. But He's there. All the time - and He is GOOD, all the time.

One of the ways that I have been incredibly blessed in this last month of trailer livin' :) has been in the attitude that my hubs has had towards the whole situation. You see, I don't adjust well... often adjusting for me comes with many tears, a lot of donkey-like behaviour (digging in of heels, hee-hawing... it's ugly), etc. The whole time, my hubs' attitude has been "I have a lot to learn... and we'll get through this..." What patience, what grace, what a man. I am lucky.

Counting my blessings - everyday. That is what I gots to do.

Much much love everyone...

"Better in one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
O Lord Almighty,
BLESSED is the man who trusts in you."
Psalm 84:10-12

Thanks for the inspiration Lisa... you're great!

PS: A few photos for your enjoyment from the pre-wedding stuff:

Me and the Sis!!!! (Thanks for the pics friend!)

Dana & Tim - being their wonderful selves at Tony Roma's... yummmmmm!

It's true people - he got a pedicure for me... what a cutie!

Live Earth

2007-07-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Live Earth was this past weekend... watched a bit of it with the hubs while moving in (new couch/chair!!!!)... and have to say, that I was INCREDIBLY impressed with the performances of:

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS - Not necessarily for his music, but more for how he REALLY was trying to get the crowd into it - I thought he was fun, relaxed and a good performer.

CORINNE BAILEY RAE - I only caught two of her songs; one a duet and one "Put Your Records On"... and she was WONDERFUL! Really in her element; she looked comfortable, and she has a GREAT voice!

ALICIA KEYS - I used to be really, really annoyed with Ms. Keys... why? I don't know - but her final song "Ain't Got You" won me over. Seriously, she went for it and really gave a great performance of it.

These are three artists that I don't normally connect with/enjoy... although I might need to get Corinne Bailey Rae's album, cuz she was just SO good. But all in all, I enjoyed catching glimpses from around the world.

And you know, I'm sure we could all critique some aspect of the whole event, I really really think the intention, thought and outcoming goals of the weekend might do something to START the ball rolling in a lot of people's lives towards making changes in how we're living out life. Al Gore is doing a good thing here I think. I'm sure lots of us out there can pick the poor guy apart; but I admire that someone out there is doing SOMETHING...

How can I be more a part of it is what I wonder... great challenge through their website - it's a little test to see how much carbon we're contributing annually; check it out at: Live Earth.

Peace friends!

Anger. And why I am angry.

2007-07-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

I just responded to a post on a friend's blog... and am feeling this renewed LOVE in my heart. There is so much anger in this world people. It's everywhere. Why are we all so angry? We are disillusioned, we are without hope... we feel we should be give MORE - we are OWED MORE. Those who aren't contributing are taking away...

Jesus.

How he is so able to change lives... this world needs him... it needs something... we must let the anger go and LOVE one another.

Restorative justice is a funny thing... because it takes you so completely out of yourself and so completely into Jesus.

I've had some really, really great conversations in this last week about faith issues. One was about homosexuality, and the second was kind of about the church and our perception of Scripture...

I keep coming back to Jesus. He would come and he would LOVE... that's all I gotta say.

As for me... I gotta stop being so angry.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone. I'm gonna go and spend some quality hubby time! See you on Monday.

We're ba-ack!!!

2007-07-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

First off... it went off without a hitch! The wedding was phenom... though I gotta say - I feel like a) I hardly saw Tim all day... b) I hardly feel as though I interacted with people. Is this normal? It's almost like I just floated. Floated through the whole thing... and you know, the only time I came back down to earth was as Tim and I stopped at his parents to change before heading to the city... and then it was like, "holy cow... it's perfectly normal that we're leaving together... and that we're going to be fairly together for the next 50 or so years..."

Needless to say: wow... 8 days of being a Baerwald... I'm still a bit in shock that it actually came true. Our theme verses were 1 John 4:7-12 and all I can think is that God really is THE God of LOVE and FAITHFULNESS. That the two are completely irrevocably intertwined blows my mind. I am grateful and WOW'ed by His works!

Anyway: we had a phenomenal honeymoon at the "Windermere Creek Bed & Breakfast" in BC (close to Invermere, which is semi-close (1/2 hour or so) to Radium Hot Springs... seriously people; check it out - SO inexpensive, SO quiet and private, SO gorgeous... unbelievable - we had a log cabin to ourselves (they're milled... not just logs??? I dunno... Tim talked about their construction all week, and I just kind of nodded my "understanding" if you get my drift!! haha) I don't know the address for their website off the top of my head; but just search them and you'll find it... maybe I'll post some pics when we've gotten them developed... GORGEOUS.

AND - our photographer, Debra Marshall, gave us a 'sneak peek' (she knew I would be DYING to see them...) of our photos and here they are for you to see! Hope you like em! The black and white one is phenomenal! The colour one is fun... I had to hold my dress like that any time we would walk or move really. By the end of those photos I was sick-ace sweaty... seriously... you try hiking up the train bridge stairs in a 30 pound (? I don't know the real weight - but I made Tim hold it up and he almost shat himself it's so heavy... that is a poop lot of material in those things!!!)... dress. Unnatural people. Unnatural.

So enough talking: here they are: (more to follow as I get them!!!)

Gettin' Hitched.

2007-06-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

T - 18 hours... ish.

So guys... tomorrow is the big day.

Today there were LOTS of tears - lots of stress, frustration, etc... but some really beautiful moments too... sitting in the empty church after all the decorating was done with the one and only Tim Baerwald makes it ALL worth it.

I am getting married soon. Booyeah

Thanks and the next time you see me I will be Erica Elizabeth Baerwald... not Barewald... but Baerwald. Peace yo.

Svelte vs. Curvaceous

2007-06-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

OK... so this might be a bit of a 'risque' topic to put up here... but, this is a topic that has been coming up more and more in my last couple of weeks.

I have a rather important wedding dress to fit into in just a few short days (9 to be exact... 8 in 1 hour and 14 minutes)... and with this fact comes another, a realization one might say, of all of the faults my body has. I am not thin. Shocking to you? HA. I have a "booty" you might say... and I, probably more than you would assume, am COMPLETELY aware that it is always right there behind me, following me, lurking, waiting to jump out and take a big 'ole bite out of that Big Mac I reallllly want to eat...

Right alongside that suspiciously lurking subject is my brain... the part of me that reassures me I am beautiful, the part of me that tells me to be wise about my food choices, but not obsess. Would I like to lose 30-40 pounds...???? UH - Is Timothy Baerwald incredibly hot??? OF COURSE... but will I obsess over it and worry that I am disgusting? Ugly? Not worthy of someone thinking I AM SEXY? Absolutely NOT.

We as women need to stop worrying about the labels this world would put on us. Why does it make me feel bad when I have to skip the size 8's, 10's... and occasionally the 12's??? I am made this way. My Creator deemed me OK to be graced with a CURVACEOUS figure. I am not a sporty shape, I am not a model shape, I am not any shape other than the one he gave me!

And so. This said: I will rejoice when I eat something with gorgeous flavours that combine to give me a unique and delicious culinary experience, I will eat that burger if I want it, and I will NOT worry that everything I put into my mouth will somehow make me FAT (What an ugly, ugly word anyway!)!!!

I have a most wonderful guy by my side, who loves me as I am (and perhaps moreso because of my 'booty'... :) )... but even if I didn't, and even though I do: I still have a GOD who created me to be this way... who loves me even if I am svelte or curvaceous... who loves you even if you are svelte or curvaceous!

Let us stop focusing on the negative and instead say: this is who I am. I am sexy, I am loved, I am who I am, I am loved, and most importantly: I am HIS BELOVED.

PERIOD ---> Love yourself today, and recognize that you are not alone!

PS: Here are some synonyms (of the word "curvy": for you to chew on: ample, built, busty, curvaceous, full-bosomed, full-figured, healthy, hearty, lusty, plump, robust, shapely, stacked*, voluptuous, well-made, well-proportioned, well-rounded, winsome...

... sweet!

Appleby...

2007-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Okey dokey folks.

So a couple weeks ago (I actually don't remember when; was it just this last Wednesday?)... Tim and I managed to get out to Kid's Club... which was PHENOMENAL for several reasons:

1) I haven't been able to go much, as the only available night for a very long time that we've been able to have 'date night' was Wednesday...

2) Winter kills the outdoor goodness of Appleby...

3) I love these children so much.

We didn't go for very long, but I got in a solid 20 - 30 minutes with the most beautiful children on the face of this planet (well, I know that might be a bit of a broad, overassuming statement... but I figure I'm allowed one or two of those on my blog)...

So last night, Dana showed me the pics that our friend "Francis" emailed her, and I had to have them so I could post to the world the wonderful environment that we live in; and so. In no particular order, here are our children...

Is this guy not THE cutest you've ever seen!??!!?!

This little girl is SO cute & wonderful! Dana also is rather charming as the children flock to her... notice "Morris" - one of our faves! (What am I saying, they are ALL our faves!)

Of course, what would kids club be without our nightly meditation session led by Dana? Hehe...

Rachelle... absolutely phenom with the kids. Dana's new roomie in approximately 19 days, 6 hours and 23 days. Not gonna lie that I've shed a few tears over my loss... but these girls will have heinous fun!

Ah, yes... the source of the photos - "Francis". Here with Dana... are you noticing a theme? It's like I'm obsessed with Dana or something... WHAT?

Rachelle & "Francis"... cue the "Cops" soundtrack now... protectin' our hood...

This face of "Francis'"and mine had my little friend (notice the corner of his head) saying: "HEY! Do that again...!" Grabbing my face and moving in as if he was going to kiss me. Now, I love these children... but I was a bit worried.

Notice the intense look on the little guys face... he is SO funny! I absolutely ADORE this guy!

Lastly, what would a Kids Club night be without a final meditation led by Dana?

Oh man... do I ever need to get out to this more often! I remember to times last summer, when I was hurting pretty bad during a particular rough patch... these kids were Jesus to me. In every way - forgiving, loving, challenging me. It sounds weird to try to explain, but I found myself through the eyes of these kids.

It's interesting to feel and watch myself changing in these last couple months. Knowing how to balance priorities and figure out the way I should divide my time. I know I'm not doing a good enough job of balancing life right now... but I figure I just need to be OK with it. Every person about to get married must (I hope) go through a patch of simply wanting to be with the one they're about to marry. The argument could be said that you're about to spend the rest of your life with them... why now? You know...?

I don't know... the gist of this ramble? I want to spend more time with these children who won my heart so very completely last summer. They are beautiful... they are a very pure and real image of Jesus.

RSVP Date!

2007-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone... welp. Today is the day - RSVP day.

How exciting! We've been sooooo excited to hear from all the people that are coming so far, and are so excited for the stragglers to also get their RSVP's in. It's gonna be one FUN wedding, that's all I gotta say!

Can't believe we're at 22 days and counting!

Whoooeeee!

TWO

2007-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ok... so I need a break from this cookbook which is owning my life right now... so I thought I would post a little something I found on my friend Sheryl's Facebook... that I thought I would put on my blog!

Two Names You Go By:
1. Erica
2. Scams
3. Solerica (OK OK... so I know the game is called "TWO" but, who says it can't be called "THREE" or even "FOUR"????)

Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. Underwear
2. Straight Hair - but for some reason, it makes my head itchier. I like curly better.

Two Things You Would Want (or have) in a Relationship:
1. Many, many laughs...
2. Commitment
3. The ability to be who I really am, and not be judged for it.

Two of Your Favorite Things to do:
1. Cook/think or read about cooking...
2. Spend time with Tim.

Things You Want Very Badly At The Moment:
1. To not be working... only 1.5 hours to go!
2. To be sitting on my couch, ensconced in a blanket of some kind... with Tim.

Two pets you had/have:
1. Hoppy - he was a cat. He only had three legs.
2. Taco. The MOST faithful dog you could EVER have... husky/rottweiler cross.

Two things you did last night:
1. Watched "Mozart and the Whale" (meh!)
2. Ate Burger King.

Two things you ate today:
1. A pizza pop.
2. Animal crackers.

Two People you Last Talked To:
1. Dave Pauls
2. Rosemary (about the proper spelling of my soon to be new last name)

Two things you're doing tomorrow:
1. Working.
2. Donating Blood. 1-800-2-DONATE (do it... seriously!)

Two longest car rides:
1. From Ontario to Manitoba in my second year of Bethany on our Drama Tour. Seriously; Gravol put everyone else out like nothing else, but gave me a buzz... what up!?
2. From Manitoba to Hepburn when I worked as a recruiter... I remember one particular trip I have never been so conciously aware of myself being about to fall asleep at the wheel - ridiculous!

Two Favourite Holidays:
1. Any day off, where I get to sleep in.
2. Christmas.

Two Favourite Beverages:
1. Pepsi (duh!)
2. Tea.

Dum dum da dum...

2007-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Topic of this blog:
OK. So here is the question of the hour. What are some good song ideas for a wedding? Tim & I need to pick a song for our friends Amy & Betty to sing during the signing of the registry time... any ideas???? HELP!!!
A picture of Lily Allen singing to inspire you all:

"It makes me smile" when you all suggest songs... :)

Also.

2007-05-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

In response to the last blog titled "7 Things You Might Not Know About Me" I realized I forgot to tag people... so. I tag: Kelsie-Lynn Harms, Sheryl Epp, JON ESAU (hahah! Now he'll have to contribute; right Bonnie?), Dana Barrand (for the love of everything good and decent: POST!) and Jon Hamm.

There you have it... I look forward to reading your responses on your blogs!