wet, windy, wild Winnipeg

it's wet, windy, and cold.
Welcome back to Winnipeg!
I don't mind the weather, I actually enjoy it. But I don't enjoy waiting for the bus in it! I'm one of those people that likes to leave a few minutes early so as not to miss the bus, and to get there on time. However, I'm beginning to think that running to the bus to catch it may not be such a bad thing. The funny part is, it's not even winter yet! I think my blood thinned while living in KC because I remember loving this time of year in the past. Now I find myself COLD all the time.
I know all you seasoned, hearty, Winnipeggers are laughing at me right now, but if I was still in KC I'd still be wearing my flip flops and laughing at you! (which I did for two winters...okay, now I'm getting pay back... I get it, and I'm sorry!)

Anyway, keep reading... there may be some changes in the making again! :)

It's early. 6:16 am to be exact. This early morning business is new for me. I have a long bus ride, actually not really... I have a long wait for the bus ride to get to work. It take 2 buses to get there. The funny part is, if I had a car... it would be 15 minutes... 20 on a busy traffic day. By bus... well anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half on weekends. It's a new reality for me and I must say that in the current weather, I quite enjoy it.
I am NOT however, looking forward to the wait in -30 degrees! But God is gracious and compassionate... at least that doesn't change! haha

The sugar battle is going well. (so far so good!) It's a new reality for me too. I don't keep it in the house at all, and have been very strict, even with a Starbucks 2 doors down! My drink of choice has always been the Chai Tea Latte, or this time of year the Pumpkin Spice Frapp, but alas... sugar galore! So now, in my daily visit... it's Venti Tazo Chai (with room) one tea bag... with room for milk. (The $1.81 is a little easier on the pay cheque too!) I'm making more meals at home and bringing left overs into work, or I run to the Safeway next door and pick up a salad... though that too is hard on the wallet.

Here's the kicker... I'm drinking... well... you might want to sit down for this...

WATER. Yep. Diet Coke is rarely in my home. For three weeks, it's been water or some form of Crystal Light, but mostly... water. I haven't sworn off Diet Coke, in fact it's more been about lack of finances then it's been about choice, but I'm only drinking it when I go out for a meal. And it's been okay. I haven't keeled over, I haven't died, in fact I almost feel...well, better. Now I don't need a lot of comments on the woes of Diet Coke and artificial sugars... I know. It's just a comment on a seemingly new reality for me again.

So if you were wondering what was new with me, that pretty much sums it up. I know there are lots of things going on, like getting together with people like... every night for two weeks now! And praying lots, reading lots, and getting to know a new job... but other than that... it's been asking God what he has me to do here... in Winnipeg... for HIM. I'm still waiting for that answer.

Later!

sugar woes

I would be the first to admit that if there are sugary things aroung I WANT them. When there is none of them in my home, I CRAVE them. And when I give in, I REGRET eating them... especially today.

I went to the doc today. It's my 2nd visit since being back in Winnipeg. The first wasn't a pleasant visit as he "let me have it" for not taking care of the Diabities very well over the past 2 years.

Today's visit was looking at my test results. My numbers are way too high. He put me on some meds already last week, and added another today. It struck me at one point, that really, it's ridiculous that my sugars are so high. I know better, I've been told many times, and yet for many years... well... it didn't matter.

Why am I blogging this? Well, I need to put it out there. I need to tell people that sugar is my enemy. If I can tell people, it might make me think twice when that sweet comes across my path. If people know, then maybe the accountability might help me walk away...

I guess what I'm saying is that, even though I KNOW I have to stop the sugar, I could use some accountability and support. I'm asking you to pray... to help me help myself. I'm asking you to ask the Lord for his grace, and that it is for Him that I change my attitude about food, health, and life in general. It's harder than I ever thought it would be, but I have to get it right this time.

Sugar really isn't the enemy. My desire to inhale it when I see it isn't the enemy either. The true antagonist in this story truly is my own decisions. I'm attempting to turn a corner. Please pray that this change actually happens! THANK YOU... and if there are any of you out there who have any great ideas on HOW to walk this out practically, shoot me an email at joyska@hotmail.com.

Here's to a life a little less sweet!

On the way to and from work

No one can say that riding the bus in Winnipeg is boring.
One day soon I want to do a photo blog of all the things you can see along the 38 South bound and the 45 Kildonan Place bus routes.
Let me start with the ride home. First of all, I have forgotten some of the unique characters that ride the bus. There are the super talkative ones who, even though no one is responding is talking to anyone who glances in their direction. Then there is the best buddy of the bus driver, that obviously has been taking the same bus for 20 years and they have become fast friends, probably even heading out to the lake for the weekend kind of friends.
Then of course you have the folks that never look at anyone and look terrified, especially those who avoid eye contact at all times. You have the readers (usually me), and the cell phone talkers, who let EVERYONE know what is happening in their lives. It's amusing really. I discovered that one man is planning to fly to Calgary next weekend as he made his travel plans with his travel agent... while sitting beside me! Am I to be impressed?
I waited downtown for my transfer and low and behold, the old familiar smell of sniff and sweat. I discovered a whole crew of sniffers in the bus shelter, just hanging out. I, being by myself stayed out near the street :)
I watched as a young couple had a little disagreement, chatted with a lady sitting on the bench... even prayed for some who walked by.
This morning when I left (earlier than I EVER want to leave...)there was a man literally trying to carry, what I assume was his VERY drunk girlfriend, down the street. She was hic-cupping and everything...the classic mock drunk person, but she wasn't mocking it... she was it. I prayed as they walked by, asked if I could help, but they both kept going.
Once on the bus, I took stock of all those around me. Again, the classic cell phone talkers... the shy quiet ones, the readers and the bus driver's best friend. I looked out the window and watched as the Early Saturday morning crowd gathered at street corners in everything from torn jeans to construction orange jumpers.
I'm always fascinated by the people. But this time, it was striking my heart... life just keeps moving forward for people. Do the folks on the bus recognize their calling? Do the people on the streets KNOW that they are loved? Do the sniffers have ANY idea that the God of the universe is jealous for their hearts? Where does the Spiritual meet the physical? How do we bridge the gap? I'm sure there is a way... I know there has to be.
The cry of my heart today and always is... show me what You are doing God, and help me join you in the process!

Lots to process, but it is truly amazing to see the variety of people who reside in this city. MUCH more to come on this subject FOR SURE!!