Rules and Things
My Rules and Things for a Day of Perfect Bliss
Listed in no specific order at all.
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Compose one’s thoughts and emotions for the day, “compartmentalizing” any potentially negative events or interactions.
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Discover the most soothing and nerve-tempering Starbucks beverage available and inform your typical barista on duty what “the usual” will now be referring to.
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Say more by saying less.
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Be comfortable with using the word “no” more than once in a sentence when replying to a request of your time or resources.
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Always keep two or more pens within easy access in case another student requires one.
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Avoid certain “poisonous” relationships at all costs, and if a confrontation arises, react with calm peace and a serene smile with the knowledge that this problem will only temporarily be important, if ever.
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Adopt sunshine as a medicinal ingredient to cure depression, malaise, and a “clouded mind” and use generously when existing.
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Find a style of music that provides that “feels like home” which eventually provides relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Choose to find a reason to smile in any situation.
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Attempt to better someone’s day with simple things like smiles, hugs and compliments.
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Feel free to pray to God at any moment during the day, whether you’re in need or not. It’s important to remain openly communicative with your Lord and Saviour.
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Don’t stare at a monthly, or even a weekly, calendar for too long. It’s not worth the added stress and is simply more of a waste of time than anything else.
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Keep your ears open to learning new words in foreign languages; always find a way to appreciate another person’s culture.
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Find the beauty in the little things in life, like butterflies and staple-removers.
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Appreciate tasteful music that reflects real life such as Broadway and Contemporary Country; find life lessons within the lyrics.
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Make time to simply sit back in a comfortable chair and get lost in a phenomenal fictional book.
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Search for a way to enjoy each and every task required of you. If you cannot find that, then the task should be delegated to somebody else.
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Eat with sense, taste, and respect for one’s palette and body.
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Don’t let other peoples’ failed relationships influence your own.
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“It is in changing that we find purpose.” –Heraclitus
“Define the essential elements of your life and guard them from encroachment.” –K. Goodburn
Feel The Difference (At Fraser Valley Adventist Academy)
From the moment you walk through the front doors you can see it, you can feel it. The wide eyes and bright smiles as students get ready for another day of learning. Teachers stand in the entryway, eager to greet their students as a new morning begins here at Fraser Valley Adventist Academy. As you pass through the halls once the bell has rung, elementary students sing their hearts out, praising God, while high school students present devotionals and group prayers, preparing themselves for another challenging, yet fun and rewarding day of experiencing quality Adventist education at its best. We want to be here in one of God’s schools. It’s evident, from the passion of our teachers’ instruction to the enthusiasm of our students when learning a new skill in volleyball, playing a sonnet in band class, or exploring Canada’s rich history, that this is not your ordinary school. At F.V.A.A., people desire to be involved in a Christian school with morals and values, they desire to have education infused with Biblical truths, they desire a daily relationship with Christ and Christian student fellowship.
Friendly relationships, that’s what our school must be built upon. Otherwise, how would we all be able to cooperate and accomplish so much? How would we be able to pull together and bring you such outstanding publications like The FRAVADAC and The Epiphany? Where would the teams be for intramurals and Friday Hockey? From work-bees to Fall Winterfest, class trips to sports tournaments, canned food drives to formal banquets—it’s the relationships relied upon that makes these amazing experiences possible. F.V.A.A. is an example of multiculturalism at its best. The celebration, not just tolerance, of our different backgrounds is what sets our school apart—what makes us desire to come to school each morning.
My Friend, Comfort
As I casually walk into the Starbucks just down my street,
Comfort greets me at the door.
He says “hello” and “welcome”,
“Why don’t you come on in?”
I order the usual,
Grande nonfat mocha with light whip,
And blissfully wait for my coffee to be made, eager to take that first sip.
The barista announces the completion of my brew,
And then, ever so softly, Comfort says “perhaps you’d like to stay awhile?”
And so I do.
Comfort invites me over to a nice chair and table in the corner,
I accept.
Comfort takes my heavy coat off and urges me to try my coffee.
Pleasantly satisfied, I am reminded how good of friends me and Comfort are.
Tim Horton’s Reflections
After another tough and trying day at school, I find myself delusional, sitting in the nearby Tim Horton’s. How I cam to this, I cannot find a reason. But whatever the reason, it certainly doesn’t match my love of Starbucks.
That although is not at all what I am pondering at this moment. I have been sitting in this not-so-quiet corner table for about fifteen minutes and the line for ordering has continuously been to the door this entire time! Why is that? What brings so many Canadians through the doors of Tim Horton’s at any time of day? For it seems to me that there has never been a visit to Tim Horton’s that hasn’t included waiting in line—it’s seems inevitable. Perhaps, it’s their brew of coffee or their quick and friendly service? That doesn’t compare to the upper-class atmosphere that Starbucks provides however. May it’s because Canadians prefer to buy from Canadian businesses? Whatever the reason, Canadians really love their coffee, or should I say hot beverage, considering the amount of adulteration that goes on with creams, sugars, and Splenda. Personally, I find it rather revolting if you need something as sweet as this so-called “double-double”, go get a glass of milk—it’s much cheaper.
I must admit though, aside for all of my distaste for Tim Horton’s including the fact that the line is still all the way to the door, the cup in my hand advertising the Tim Horton’s Children’s Foundation Camp Day is rather heart-warming. I suppose you can attribute that to the ever-famous kind Canadian spirit, that Tim Horton’s has their own children’s charity.
All in all, I’ve decided to be at ease with the many millions of Tim Horton’s-goers, even though they are choosing to go to the fast-food joint for coffee. Oh well, to each his own.
