Where did the top go you may ask?
Saturday, March 13, 2010
a blustery day
Although spring is on the way and the snow is almost gone, it's still an inside day. I think that this tree would agree.
Where did the top go you may ask?
Where did the top go you may ask?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
the first two weeks.
So I've been emailing some people about my life. I thought I should probably fill the rest of you in! Sorry that it gets a bit detailed. This was basically a way for me to let Mom know all about my life so that she wouldn't ask me how things are going each day!
So let's see, I guess I'll start from the beginning.
(Week 1)
On Wednesday when I first arrived at Redeemer, I pretty much unpacked and headed to bed. I was pretty tired and not in the mood to "re-meet" people that I did not know too well. I came a few days early because I was a student worker!
The next morning I had a meeting to figure out how yearbook registration was going to work (I am the yearbook editor this year) and then set up the yearbook table, got yearbooks from the office upstairs and such. I got back to the dorm and Lauren (Cookies), one of my dorm mates had arrived. The reason she was allowed to come early was because she was on "mission control" which is a group of people that plan 1st year orientation.
So on Thursday night, we both went to the communal supper that was prepared for students who came early because of work (RAs, HAs, Yearbook, Mission Control, Student Senate, etc.). There I was able to reconnect with Katie and Elizabeth, and Nathan and Brandon. They are all RAs this year.
The next day (Friday) was the first registration day, and it was a bit crazy. I registered at 8:30, and immediately afterward, had to begin handing out and selling yearbooks. It was nice being there though as I could see everyone who came on campus. The managing yearbook editor (deal with the money, finances, ads, etc.) was able to come early too and help me out, so that was great.
Along with being a yearbook editor, I am also an HA, the person in the dorm who is responsible for devos, chore schedules and peace keeping. After registration on Friday, I met with Sharon (my HA "boss") and some other HAs to go over what our expectations were for the year and get some HA paperwork done. We had dinner and after that, watched some movies.
On Saturday, I was able to relax a bit and get a few more yearbook things straight (I have been sending SO many emails!). I also finished setting up the dorm and my room. That night all of the 'workers' again had dinner, but it was a semi-formal, which was nice. After dinner, everyone who was already on campus from our "group" went out to Montana's to celebrate Brandon's birthday.
The next morning was Sunday, and Elizabeth, Katie and I decided to go to People's Church (the pentecostal church that they normally go to) and we had to walk to the bus stop to make it to church. I really liked it there, so I'm thinking about going again next week. I just felt very refreshed after the service.
After church, we went to Elizabeth's house (she lives in Hamilton) for lunch and the three of us spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and watching chick flicks.
So Monday was a lot like Friday and I was at registration again. I also managed to squeeze in some groceries. For dinner, we had an all-school Welcome Back BBQ.
On Tuesday I caught up on some more yearbook business, something that I learned will keep me very busy this year. I had my night class that night. It seems like it will be okay, but not terrific. It is history after all, but the prof seems great!
Wednesday I had a psychology class and an art history class. Art history will be pretty boring, I can see that already, but my developmental psychology class will be terrific! I can hardly wait to get started! We will learn about all different aspects of development (physical, cognitive, emotional, etc.) from conception to early adulthood. It will be so much fun and our prof. is fantastic and really easy going. She reminds me of someone like Mrs. Metzger. At night a few people got together in our dorm and we played catch phrase for a couple hours. A lot of fun!
Today I had another psychology class that I will absolutely love as well. It is all about learning and behaviour modification. We will learn what events etc. in childhood affect adults and why. We will also learn how to read and change others' behavior and other cool things (like how to tell if someone is lying). I am so excited!
In about an hour, I go to my art class that is a 3 hour drawing studio, it should be pretty good, I just hope that the workload isn't too much. Tonight we are having a potluck between the 3 dorms that I am HAing. I made chicken pot pie last night for it, so I hope that goes well too.
(Week 2)
Friday went pretty well. I had a couple yearbook meetings and since then, I have been on top of all of my yearbook stuff. I have already picked a cover, font and have decided on how many pages the book will have and where everything will go. Tomorrow I have a yearbook display and will be on the lookout for staff. I have made and printed out application forms. Oh, and I now kind of know how you felt when you had to clean out your office at work. The yearbook office had papers and junk from the past so I spent a couple afternoons putting most of the office in the recycling bin and moving all of the old yearbooks (from the 80s on) into the library. Yearbooks are heavy. I moved about 20 boxes...each box is about 50 lbs. Now that all of the organizational work is done (except for figuring out the budget and hiring staff), all the fun is about to begin!
On Saturday, I did some homework and then helped Lynette (who is an orientation leader this year) with the LAUNCH Olympics. It's pretty much an afternoon of messy games and a tug-o-war in a mud pit. It was a lot of fun! After a very much needed shower, we went to the Decade Dance which was also a lot of fun. Only this year they had it inside (last year, the neighbours didn't like 80s music blaring at 11pm) so it was really hot and we only stayed a couple hours.
On Sunday I went to People's Church again (the Pentecostal one). After church they had a corn roast and hot dogs/hamburgers and ice cream. It was nice to hang out with a lot of the Redeemer crowd and have free food.
Monday was pretty typical. I got some yearbook stuff done and finished some reading for my classes the next day.
Tuesdays this year are going to be very busy for me. I have only 3 classes, but 2 of them are three hours long. After the long day, we hung out at the dorm and played a sweet game that is similar to "Telephone" only it is with pictures and comments. Kind of hard to explain...probably one of the funniest games I have ever played.
Wednesday started off pretty typical, but around 5pm, I went to an art store with some girls in my art class to pick up art supplies ($180 later...ouch!). After that, some of us from the dorm went out for appetizers at Montana's. We had a fun time...it took us 10 minutes to eat, but our server kept flirting with us. Afterwards we had devos and cleaned up the dorm. I also went to Bulk Barn and picked up tons of M&Ms. I won't tell you how much they cost, but they will almost fill one of the Beppe soup jars. I worked on some yearbook stuff while a few of us got together for a movie.
Kristen's arm started hurting and by the time we went to bed, it was really swollen (even though it had been on ice) and she could barely move it. I said, that she could call it, and I'd bring her to MAC if that's what she wanted. She was in a lot of pain, and she's pretty tough, so I knew that this wasn't too minor. So at 12:30 we headed off to MAC.
Although the ER was empty, we ended up waiting until about 5:30 before we were seen. Once she was looked at, she was sent off to X-ray (no wait at all!) and once we knew she didn't have a break, she was told just to keep taking Advil and put heat and ice on it. Kind of a waste of a night...but, guess who I saw in the ER...Dr. Stephens...the Dr. who did my second surgery. I recognized him right off the bat and Kristen thought that was pretty cool. I didn't say hi because he looked pretty busy, but it was neat none-the-less. I also found out that knowing the general layout of the hospital comes in handy when I bought us breakfast at 6am.
So I got to bed at about 6:45 this morning and then woke up at 9:30 (you know me, I can't sleep during the day). I missed my 9:30 class (but I have notes from someone) and was able to make it to my art studio at 2pm. Halfway through art, the power went off all over Ancaster. I didn't know this until I left art class at around 4pm. See, the art room has skylights and unlike most classes, really does not need power to run. I headed home only to find that we were not allowed into Aug. Hall for safety reasons (power surges or something), so we hung out for a couple hours outside, kicked around a soccer ball and chatted until about 5:30 when the power came back on. It was too late to start supper (because some people in our dorm have night class) so we got a pizza from the school. Yum!
So let's see, I guess I'll start from the beginning.
(Week 1)
On Wednesday when I first arrived at Redeemer, I pretty much unpacked and headed to bed. I was pretty tired and not in the mood to "re-meet" people that I did not know too well. I came a few days early because I was a student worker!
The next morning I had a meeting to figure out how yearbook registration was going to work (I am the yearbook editor this year) and then set up the yearbook table, got yearbooks from the office upstairs and such. I got back to the dorm and Lauren (Cookies), one of my dorm mates had arrived. The reason she was allowed to come early was because she was on "mission control" which is a group of people that plan 1st year orientation.
So on Thursday night, we both went to the communal supper that was prepared for students who came early because of work (RAs, HAs, Yearbook, Mission Control, Student Senate, etc.). There I was able to reconnect with Katie and Elizabeth, and Nathan and Brandon. They are all RAs this year.
The next day (Friday) was the first registration day, and it was a bit crazy. I registered at 8:30, and immediately afterward, had to begin handing out and selling yearbooks. It was nice being there though as I could see everyone who came on campus. The managing yearbook editor (deal with the money, finances, ads, etc.) was able to come early too and help me out, so that was great.
Along with being a yearbook editor, I am also an HA, the person in the dorm who is responsible for devos, chore schedules and peace keeping. After registration on Friday, I met with Sharon (my HA "boss") and some other HAs to go over what our expectations were for the year and get some HA paperwork done. We had dinner and after that, watched some movies.
On Saturday, I was able to relax a bit and get a few more yearbook things straight (I have been sending SO many emails!). I also finished setting up the dorm and my room. That night all of the 'workers' again had dinner, but it was a semi-formal, which was nice. After dinner, everyone who was already on campus from our "group" went out to Montana's to celebrate Brandon's birthday.
The next morning was Sunday, and Elizabeth, Katie and I decided to go to People's Church (the pentecostal church that they normally go to) and we had to walk to the bus stop to make it to church. I really liked it there, so I'm thinking about going again next week. I just felt very refreshed after the service.
After church, we went to Elizabeth's house (she lives in Hamilton) for lunch and the three of us spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and watching chick flicks.
So Monday was a lot like Friday and I was at registration again. I also managed to squeeze in some groceries. For dinner, we had an all-school Welcome Back BBQ.
On Tuesday I caught up on some more yearbook business, something that I learned will keep me very busy this year. I had my night class that night. It seems like it will be okay, but not terrific. It is history after all, but the prof seems great!
Wednesday I had a psychology class and an art history class. Art history will be pretty boring, I can see that already, but my developmental psychology class will be terrific! I can hardly wait to get started! We will learn about all different aspects of development (physical, cognitive, emotional, etc.) from conception to early adulthood. It will be so much fun and our prof. is fantastic and really easy going. She reminds me of someone like Mrs. Metzger. At night a few people got together in our dorm and we played catch phrase for a couple hours. A lot of fun!
Today I had another psychology class that I will absolutely love as well. It is all about learning and behaviour modification. We will learn what events etc. in childhood affect adults and why. We will also learn how to read and change others' behavior and other cool things (like how to tell if someone is lying). I am so excited!
In about an hour, I go to my art class that is a 3 hour drawing studio, it should be pretty good, I just hope that the workload isn't too much. Tonight we are having a potluck between the 3 dorms that I am HAing. I made chicken pot pie last night for it, so I hope that goes well too.
(Week 2)
Friday went pretty well. I had a couple yearbook meetings and since then, I have been on top of all of my yearbook stuff. I have already picked a cover, font and have decided on how many pages the book will have and where everything will go. Tomorrow I have a yearbook display and will be on the lookout for staff. I have made and printed out application forms. Oh, and I now kind of know how you felt when you had to clean out your office at work. The yearbook office had papers and junk from the past so I spent a couple afternoons putting most of the office in the recycling bin and moving all of the old yearbooks (from the 80s on) into the library. Yearbooks are heavy. I moved about 20 boxes...each box is about 50 lbs. Now that all of the organizational work is done (except for figuring out the budget and hiring staff), all the fun is about to begin!
On Saturday, I did some homework and then helped Lynette (who is an orientation leader this year) with the LAUNCH Olympics. It's pretty much an afternoon of messy games and a tug-o-war in a mud pit. It was a lot of fun! After a very much needed shower, we went to the Decade Dance which was also a lot of fun. Only this year they had it inside (last year, the neighbours didn't like 80s music blaring at 11pm) so it was really hot and we only stayed a couple hours.
On Sunday I went to People's Church again (the Pentecostal one). After church they had a corn roast and hot dogs/hamburgers and ice cream. It was nice to hang out with a lot of the Redeemer crowd and have free food.
Monday was pretty typical. I got some yearbook stuff done and finished some reading for my classes the next day.
Tuesdays this year are going to be very busy for me. I have only 3 classes, but 2 of them are three hours long. After the long day, we hung out at the dorm and played a sweet game that is similar to "Telephone" only it is with pictures and comments. Kind of hard to explain...probably one of the funniest games I have ever played.
Wednesday started off pretty typical, but around 5pm, I went to an art store with some girls in my art class to pick up art supplies ($180 later...ouch!). After that, some of us from the dorm went out for appetizers at Montana's. We had a fun time...it took us 10 minutes to eat, but our server kept flirting with us. Afterwards we had devos and cleaned up the dorm. I also went to Bulk Barn and picked up tons of M&Ms. I won't tell you how much they cost, but they will almost fill one of the Beppe soup jars. I worked on some yearbook stuff while a few of us got together for a movie.
Kristen's arm started hurting and by the time we went to bed, it was really swollen (even though it had been on ice) and she could barely move it. I said, that she could call it, and I'd bring her to MAC if that's what she wanted. She was in a lot of pain, and she's pretty tough, so I knew that this wasn't too minor. So at 12:30 we headed off to MAC.
Although the ER was empty, we ended up waiting until about 5:30 before we were seen. Once she was looked at, she was sent off to X-ray (no wait at all!) and once we knew she didn't have a break, she was told just to keep taking Advil and put heat and ice on it. Kind of a waste of a night...but, guess who I saw in the ER...Dr. Stephens...the Dr. who did my second surgery. I recognized him right off the bat and Kristen thought that was pretty cool. I didn't say hi because he looked pretty busy, but it was neat none-the-less. I also found out that knowing the general layout of the hospital comes in handy when I bought us breakfast at 6am.
So I got to bed at about 6:45 this morning and then woke up at 9:30 (you know me, I can't sleep during the day). I missed my 9:30 class (but I have notes from someone) and was able to make it to my art studio at 2pm. Halfway through art, the power went off all over Ancaster. I didn't know this until I left art class at around 4pm. See, the art room has skylights and unlike most classes, really does not need power to run. I headed home only to find that we were not allowed into Aug. Hall for safety reasons (power surges or something), so we hung out for a couple hours outside, kicked around a soccer ball and chatted until about 5:30 when the power came back on. It was too late to start supper (because some people in our dorm have night class) so we got a pizza from the school. Yum!
Monday, May 4, 2009
summer plans...
So with school out for the summer, I need to find new and exciting things to do with my time (i.e. get a job). I've discovered that jobs have two major benefits (among others):
1. They keep me from complete and utter boredom and hours that could be wasted in front of the TV.
2. They give me money. :)
Fortunately for me, job hunting this summer has been fairly effortless as the restaurant that I worked at last year, Crossroads, kept a position open for me (which is awesome!!). So on Thursday I resume waiting on tables and serving food which will keep me fairly busy in the evenings and the weekends.
That leaves the mornings free...well, until the end of June anyway.
Last year I spent my mornings tutoring about 10 kids in their homes and gained a lot of experience planning and teaching/reviewing material with kids. Seems like my work has paid off. You see, the mom of one of the kids that I tutored last year told her sister-in-law about what I did. I was contacted and "interviewed" and now I will spend my summer mornings tutoring her two kids. These kids have a chromosome disorder and are behind academically and developmentally and I will work with them and help them remember the skills that they learned in school and help them with different life skills as well. I met the kids last week for a minute or two and although they are a bit quiet, they are terrific kids and I am really excited to be working with them. I just really hope that my work will benefit them.
So, like always, God has provided and this time, He's been wonderful enough to make it fairly easy (trust me, things don't always fall into place). I have two jobs that I will enjoy with one that will be excellent experience for me and will look awesome on my resume. (Both also pay really well!)
Although I really enjoy summer and the job experiences that come along with it, I really find that I am missing a lot of my friends from Redeemer. Sure I have a lot of friends "nearby" (within 20-30 minutes) but I don't have friends living next door. I miss being able to be spontaneous and simply running next door or calling someone whenever I was bored. I miss random 11pm trips to Timmies or watching movies with fellow procrastinators. Home is wonderful, but it is so quiet compared to the dorm sometimes...and then again, at other times, it is really loud...but it is a different loud. But I am really looking forward to the end of the summer when I can delve into that social life again. Life's just weird.
So I hope that you all have a great week and that your summer is wonderful and yet eventful. God Bless!
1. They keep me from complete and utter boredom and hours that could be wasted in front of the TV.
2. They give me money. :)
Fortunately for me, job hunting this summer has been fairly effortless as the restaurant that I worked at last year, Crossroads, kept a position open for me (which is awesome!!). So on Thursday I resume waiting on tables and serving food which will keep me fairly busy in the evenings and the weekends.
That leaves the mornings free...well, until the end of June anyway.
Last year I spent my mornings tutoring about 10 kids in their homes and gained a lot of experience planning and teaching/reviewing material with kids. Seems like my work has paid off. You see, the mom of one of the kids that I tutored last year told her sister-in-law about what I did. I was contacted and "interviewed" and now I will spend my summer mornings tutoring her two kids. These kids have a chromosome disorder and are behind academically and developmentally and I will work with them and help them remember the skills that they learned in school and help them with different life skills as well. I met the kids last week for a minute or two and although they are a bit quiet, they are terrific kids and I am really excited to be working with them. I just really hope that my work will benefit them.
So, like always, God has provided and this time, He's been wonderful enough to make it fairly easy (trust me, things don't always fall into place). I have two jobs that I will enjoy with one that will be excellent experience for me and will look awesome on my resume. (Both also pay really well!)
Although I really enjoy summer and the job experiences that come along with it, I really find that I am missing a lot of my friends from Redeemer. Sure I have a lot of friends "nearby" (within 20-30 minutes) but I don't have friends living next door. I miss being able to be spontaneous and simply running next door or calling someone whenever I was bored. I miss random 11pm trips to Timmies or watching movies with fellow procrastinators. Home is wonderful, but it is so quiet compared to the dorm sometimes...and then again, at other times, it is really loud...but it is a different loud. But I am really looking forward to the end of the summer when I can delve into that social life again. Life's just weird.
So I hope that you all have a great week and that your summer is wonderful and yet eventful. God Bless!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
over already!?
Wow, this academic year went by so fast, much faster than last year! Although I am glad to say farewell to all of the academic work, papers and assignments, I am going to miss this place so much for the next four months.
I have made many new friendships and strengthened many others. There are few things that I enjoy more than student life. Sure, it's not perfect and we all have our rifts and personality clashes, but I really enjoy living with these girls. They are friends that have become family. I never liked being spontaneous until I came to Redeemer, well, until this year actually, but now it's like spontaneity rules my life. Planning is good and all, but surprises and stuff is wonderful too.
There are a lot of things that I learned this year and I learned a lot about myself. I learned that it's okay to not always be right; to not have to listen and understand absolutely everything presented to me in class. I think that the most valuable thing that my philosophy professor told us was that it is okay to be confused and to recognize that you do not know everything. How else can you be humbled? How can you be open to new opportunities or learning experiences when you believe that you know everything already?
Along the same lines, I have been humbled this year. I have learned that I am not as perfect or wonderful as I thought that I was, and that is okay. Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses. I am not perfect at anything and everything and never will be and I can now accept that (which can be pretty tricky for a perfectionist to do). I'm learning to take a breather every now and then and to sometimes just let things work themselves out.
I also learned more about myself this year, and I think that I have changed a bit as well. I have always been the quiet, shy and introverted one, and that is still a very big part of who I am, but I am now able to get out of my comfort zone and be spontaneous more often, and I am loving it. I have met so many new and wonderful people this year that, had I stayed cooped up, I would have never met otherwise.
Another thing that I was reminded of this year is the importance of asking for and following God's will. He knows what is best in my life and cares for the things and people in my life even more than I do. I need to trust that His time is best, no matter how much I may believe otherwise. I need to continue to listen to that little voice in the back of my mind; the little voice (that some people call a conscience, but I believe that it is Him)that is always right. Through listening to that, I can save myself so much time and energy.
And now with the academic year drawing to a close, I just want to thank you all for being a part of this year and my learning experiences. Thank you for being such great friends, family and for teaching me valuable lessons that could never be taught in any classroom. These are life lessons and they will never end. Sure, education may be coming to a close for the summer, but as you all know, the learning is never complete. I am a part-way through book with a story that God continues to write.
And I wonder what He has written in the next chapter.
I have made many new friendships and strengthened many others. There are few things that I enjoy more than student life. Sure, it's not perfect and we all have our rifts and personality clashes, but I really enjoy living with these girls. They are friends that have become family. I never liked being spontaneous until I came to Redeemer, well, until this year actually, but now it's like spontaneity rules my life. Planning is good and all, but surprises and stuff is wonderful too.
There are a lot of things that I learned this year and I learned a lot about myself. I learned that it's okay to not always be right; to not have to listen and understand absolutely everything presented to me in class. I think that the most valuable thing that my philosophy professor told us was that it is okay to be confused and to recognize that you do not know everything. How else can you be humbled? How can you be open to new opportunities or learning experiences when you believe that you know everything already?
Along the same lines, I have been humbled this year. I have learned that I am not as perfect or wonderful as I thought that I was, and that is okay. Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses. I am not perfect at anything and everything and never will be and I can now accept that (which can be pretty tricky for a perfectionist to do). I'm learning to take a breather every now and then and to sometimes just let things work themselves out.
I also learned more about myself this year, and I think that I have changed a bit as well. I have always been the quiet, shy and introverted one, and that is still a very big part of who I am, but I am now able to get out of my comfort zone and be spontaneous more often, and I am loving it. I have met so many new and wonderful people this year that, had I stayed cooped up, I would have never met otherwise.
Another thing that I was reminded of this year is the importance of asking for and following God's will. He knows what is best in my life and cares for the things and people in my life even more than I do. I need to trust that His time is best, no matter how much I may believe otherwise. I need to continue to listen to that little voice in the back of my mind; the little voice (that some people call a conscience, but I believe that it is Him)that is always right. Through listening to that, I can save myself so much time and energy.
And now with the academic year drawing to a close, I just want to thank you all for being a part of this year and my learning experiences. Thank you for being such great friends, family and for teaching me valuable lessons that could never be taught in any classroom. These are life lessons and they will never end. Sure, education may be coming to a close for the summer, but as you all know, the learning is never complete. I am a part-way through book with a story that God continues to write.
And I wonder what He has written in the next chapter.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
thinking...
So Lynette mentioned to me this evening that I should really update this blog more often. I agree. That is why you are reading this.
So not too much is new with life, well maybe that's not all true. Sure I've been keeping busy with the same old school work and dorm life, but things have changed a bit around here too.
One thing that has changed in the past week is my roommate! Kristen and I now share a room and we're having a lot of fun times (like the three hours of Private Practice on Thursday night). I do however, miss Lynette, my former roommate. That is why I am updating my blog...so she knows what is going on in my life. Just kidding ;).
I've also been thinking a lot lately, some things in particular and others not so much. Sometimes homework readings trigger it and other times, it's just life. For example, the other night I had a terrible dream about Greg, Mel and their wedding. Nothing was planned and everything went terribly, and I was the only one who realized it! I remember thinking that this had to be a dream, but that was impossible because it seemed too realistic. Then I woke up. That's the last time I watch Mamma Mia the same day I think about their wedding plans!
I've also been thinking a lot about life. A few weeks ago, I read on my cousin's blog about living your own life to the fullest and not wasting time focusing on others lives, whether that be on TV or in reality. I'm working on that. Sometimes it gets a bit difficult with school and other times, I just don't feel like I'm in the mood to socialize, like right now. I suppose it comes with the territory of being an introvert, but sometimes, I kind of wish that I was not so introverted and that I enjoyed getting out more. Sometimes I enjoy it, but other times I withdraw. I don't know why I do it, and I don't like it. I am getting better though, and I am getting out more...I suppose you could say that I'm working on it.
I realized something else today when talking with Cassie. Well no, that's not quite right, I suppose I've realized it before then, but never really addressed it. I feel like I'm two different people, one here at the dorm and one at home. I feel as if I am more crazy and more myself at home and again, I'm not quite sure why. I'm perfectly comfortable with the girls at the dorm and I love being around them but for some reason, I withdraw sometimes, normally when everyone is acting crazy. At home, I have no problem just letting loose and having fun, but I am never really in the mood to do that here. Maybe it is because Mom and I have a lot in common in that department and she can draw me out of my bubble. I'm happy with who I am as a person, but sometimes I wish that I could let loose just a bit easier and not make things seem so awkward. Maybe I'm still trying to find out who I am (great, and I thought I was passed that stage in my life).
My religion and church history classes are also making me think a lot. Not so much about faith, but all of the technical theology that comes with it. We've been discussing infallibility vs. inerrency (the Bible being free of error entirely, which is impossible because it was written by humans). With all of this comes the question of how the Bible was actually put together. We've discussed this in class quite a bit and how everything was inspired by God, but it still makes me think. Why did people stop writing the Bible? Why are sermons today not published in a "Bible" and called infallible, after all, are pastors not called by God as Paul and the apostles were? Why did the early church fathers choose to disregard some books and add others that were vital? I have faith that God willed the Bible (as we know it) to be as it is today, but I just find it strange how we can base our entire belief system on a Bible where some books could have been added and some could have been taken away. It's all a matter of faith and God and his message, written in a form that we humans can understand, but it still makes me wonder sometimes. Maybe over the summer (when I have time) I'll read the Apocrypha.
I've also been thinking a lot about the future. This week I was offered an interview for the Education Program here at Redeemer, so I'm pretty excited for that. Sometimes I worry about the job prospects and how it can be difficult to find a good teaching job after school. Then I remember that I've made it this far, with only a few bumps in the road. God wants me here and I know that and I'm comforted in that.
So that is my life right now and a few thoughts that fill my mind, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks at hand. I just need to remember to take one thing at a time and somehow, everything all works out.
So not too much is new with life, well maybe that's not all true. Sure I've been keeping busy with the same old school work and dorm life, but things have changed a bit around here too.
One thing that has changed in the past week is my roommate! Kristen and I now share a room and we're having a lot of fun times (like the three hours of Private Practice on Thursday night). I do however, miss Lynette, my former roommate. That is why I am updating my blog...so she knows what is going on in my life. Just kidding ;).
I've also been thinking a lot lately, some things in particular and others not so much. Sometimes homework readings trigger it and other times, it's just life. For example, the other night I had a terrible dream about Greg, Mel and their wedding. Nothing was planned and everything went terribly, and I was the only one who realized it! I remember thinking that this had to be a dream, but that was impossible because it seemed too realistic. Then I woke up. That's the last time I watch Mamma Mia the same day I think about their wedding plans!
I've also been thinking a lot about life. A few weeks ago, I read on my cousin's blog about living your own life to the fullest and not wasting time focusing on others lives, whether that be on TV or in reality. I'm working on that. Sometimes it gets a bit difficult with school and other times, I just don't feel like I'm in the mood to socialize, like right now. I suppose it comes with the territory of being an introvert, but sometimes, I kind of wish that I was not so introverted and that I enjoyed getting out more. Sometimes I enjoy it, but other times I withdraw. I don't know why I do it, and I don't like it. I am getting better though, and I am getting out more...I suppose you could say that I'm working on it.
I realized something else today when talking with Cassie. Well no, that's not quite right, I suppose I've realized it before then, but never really addressed it. I feel like I'm two different people, one here at the dorm and one at home. I feel as if I am more crazy and more myself at home and again, I'm not quite sure why. I'm perfectly comfortable with the girls at the dorm and I love being around them but for some reason, I withdraw sometimes, normally when everyone is acting crazy. At home, I have no problem just letting loose and having fun, but I am never really in the mood to do that here. Maybe it is because Mom and I have a lot in common in that department and she can draw me out of my bubble. I'm happy with who I am as a person, but sometimes I wish that I could let loose just a bit easier and not make things seem so awkward. Maybe I'm still trying to find out who I am (great, and I thought I was passed that stage in my life).
My religion and church history classes are also making me think a lot. Not so much about faith, but all of the technical theology that comes with it. We've been discussing infallibility vs. inerrency (the Bible being free of error entirely, which is impossible because it was written by humans). With all of this comes the question of how the Bible was actually put together. We've discussed this in class quite a bit and how everything was inspired by God, but it still makes me think. Why did people stop writing the Bible? Why are sermons today not published in a "Bible" and called infallible, after all, are pastors not called by God as Paul and the apostles were? Why did the early church fathers choose to disregard some books and add others that were vital? I have faith that God willed the Bible (as we know it) to be as it is today, but I just find it strange how we can base our entire belief system on a Bible where some books could have been added and some could have been taken away. It's all a matter of faith and God and his message, written in a form that we humans can understand, but it still makes me wonder sometimes. Maybe over the summer (when I have time) I'll read the Apocrypha.
I've also been thinking a lot about the future. This week I was offered an interview for the Education Program here at Redeemer, so I'm pretty excited for that. Sometimes I worry about the job prospects and how it can be difficult to find a good teaching job after school. Then I remember that I've made it this far, with only a few bumps in the road. God wants me here and I know that and I'm comforted in that.
So that is my life right now and a few thoughts that fill my mind, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks at hand. I just need to remember to take one thing at a time and somehow, everything all works out.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
welcome 2009...sorta
So as always, it's taken me quite awhile to get back in the blogging world. I should really update this thing more often than twice a year.
So as most of you already know, I am back at Redeemer. Although the second semester recently began, midterms are approaching and some classes even have papers due. There's a lot of work involved, but I'm staying on top of it (for the most part).
One thing I find really interesting about this semester is that three of my classes overlap in their areas of study (philosophy, religion and church history). I never realised how important or informative a liberal arts education can be until this year. I find myself absorbing more information just because I hear a lot of the same ideas repeated over and over in my classes.
Another major event in my life that occurred is that I recently applied for the education program at Redeemer. Many people (students included) believe that once you are accepted into the university as a whole, you're accepted into the ed. program as well, but that isn't so. Near the end of January, I spent a day getting to know a classroom of grade twos and their teacher. It was a long day of information, but I really enjoyed learning a bit about the curriculum, subjects and units that were taught and everything else that went along with teaching a class. I was also surprised to see that public schools give their teachers planning periods. As a former Christian school student, I remember that the teachers never had time to plan during the school day!
Lastly, I must announce that in early December, Mel and Greg were engaged! I am so excited for the two of them and I hope that they will have a long, healthy and wonderful future together! Mel also asked me if I would be her maid of honour, and I am honoured to be!
So that is all that is new with my life. Hope that the next update is sooner than six months away!
So as most of you already know, I am back at Redeemer. Although the second semester recently began, midterms are approaching and some classes even have papers due. There's a lot of work involved, but I'm staying on top of it (for the most part).
One thing I find really interesting about this semester is that three of my classes overlap in their areas of study (philosophy, religion and church history). I never realised how important or informative a liberal arts education can be until this year. I find myself absorbing more information just because I hear a lot of the same ideas repeated over and over in my classes.
Another major event in my life that occurred is that I recently applied for the education program at Redeemer. Many people (students included) believe that once you are accepted into the university as a whole, you're accepted into the ed. program as well, but that isn't so. Near the end of January, I spent a day getting to know a classroom of grade twos and their teacher. It was a long day of information, but I really enjoyed learning a bit about the curriculum, subjects and units that were taught and everything else that went along with teaching a class. I was also surprised to see that public schools give their teachers planning periods. As a former Christian school student, I remember that the teachers never had time to plan during the school day!
Lastly, I must announce that in early December, Mel and Greg were engaged! I am so excited for the two of them and I hope that they will have a long, healthy and wonderful future together! Mel also asked me if I would be her maid of honour, and I am honoured to be!
So that is all that is new with my life. Hope that the next update is sooner than six months away!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
update.
Yes, I know that it has been a long time since I last posted. Life has kept me fairly busy and although life is not completely crazy, posting was not one of the top things on my "to do" list.
So as many of you know, I did receive that job at Crossroads Family Restaurant. I enjoy it quite a bit. The people are great and the hours are reasonable. I have also come to realise the benefits of tips. Although I only work about 15 to 20 hours a week, I am making more than I did last year when I worked full time for Timmies.
On top of making money, I am trying to get all of the experience that I can so that I can pursue my future teaching career. I was disappointed when I did not get a job as a camp counsellor, but as always, realised that it was for the best.
I have begun a private tutoring "business" and am pleased to report that I already have 7 students (ranging from just out of gr. 2 to just out of gr. 7)! My goals for the kids are mainly to catch up/review work from last year and prepare for next year. This process includes looking through past lessons and tests, determining the children's needs and planning activities and assignments that will help them catch up and prepare for next year, all while making learning fun. This is the first week that I will be tutoring and I am pretty excited. I am already planning and looking at the children's needs and I love it already! I'm getting ideas and seeing what I should and should not be doing. (I've already caught a couple correction mistakes etc. from other teachers! lol) I am very pleased with how it is going. This is perfect experience for what I want to go into, it is helping others and is another way of making a bit of money on the side.
Another job that I applied for this summer was for the Elmira Youth Centre. It is a typical youth centre for youth ages 12-19, and they were looking for someone to help them out and be a leader for the summer. I applied, had an interview and was even offered the job but I turned it down for several reasons. This was before I had begun tutoring and I realised that if I take this job, I will have no time to tutor students, let alone time for myself (as an introvert, I need time to myself... just one of those things I suppose). I am also not crazy about the age group either. I really enjoy the younger, elementary-aged kids. So I think that I made the right decision and I'm happy with how my summer is turning out despite not working at the youth centre.
This summer I am also involved in VBS. It's just a volunteer position, but again, it's time/experience with kids which is terrific for me. I'll be leading a group of kindergarten/gr. 1s along and helping tell stories, sing songs, play games and do crafts. It should be fun!
So my plans for the summer are coming along nicely. I cannot wait for school to begin again. I will miss the warm weather that I love so much, but I'd rather miss the weather than the great friends that I have made. I miss having a social life (working on the weekends tends to kill off a social life) and I don't live too close to any of my friends. We've all just spread out. Last week I went to Anthony's graduation and was so glad to see some of my high school and redeemer friends. I didn't realise how much I missed them.
Speaking of redeemer, I will be an HA (Housing Advisor) this year. My job is pretty simple; make sure that the place does not become a wreck and ensure that our dorm of 6 does not do anything against policy. With the girls I have, that shouldn't be a problem at all. We're all best friends and have learned to get along with each other quite well. Being an HA also takes $1300 off of my living costs!
This summer, as I have been away from my dorm, my eating habits have gotten a lot better (though I'm still working on them... I have a long way to go). I am eating more fruit and veggies and a lot less snacks. I am still addicted to sugar which is really bad for me as I realised that it is the culprit of most of my health issues. It's so bad that if I have just one thing with sugar, a cookie for example, my psoriasis returns that evening. I also have less energy and feel "blah." If anyone has some great ideas for me to stop these sugar cravings, they would be greatly appreciated. I have enough natural sugar in my diet and that does not affect me (sugar from maple syrup, honey, fruits such as strawberries, etc.) and I really do not want to start on aspartame filled substitutes.
So for those of you who have been wonder what has been going on in my life, here it is and I'm sorry about not posting regularly. Regular postings should begin again once school starts up again and life becomes a bit more routine.
So as many of you know, I did receive that job at Crossroads Family Restaurant. I enjoy it quite a bit. The people are great and the hours are reasonable. I have also come to realise the benefits of tips. Although I only work about 15 to 20 hours a week, I am making more than I did last year when I worked full time for Timmies.
On top of making money, I am trying to get all of the experience that I can so that I can pursue my future teaching career. I was disappointed when I did not get a job as a camp counsellor, but as always, realised that it was for the best.
I have begun a private tutoring "business" and am pleased to report that I already have 7 students (ranging from just out of gr. 2 to just out of gr. 7)! My goals for the kids are mainly to catch up/review work from last year and prepare for next year. This process includes looking through past lessons and tests, determining the children's needs and planning activities and assignments that will help them catch up and prepare for next year, all while making learning fun. This is the first week that I will be tutoring and I am pretty excited. I am already planning and looking at the children's needs and I love it already! I'm getting ideas and seeing what I should and should not be doing. (I've already caught a couple correction mistakes etc. from other teachers! lol) I am very pleased with how it is going. This is perfect experience for what I want to go into, it is helping others and is another way of making a bit of money on the side.
Another job that I applied for this summer was for the Elmira Youth Centre. It is a typical youth centre for youth ages 12-19, and they were looking for someone to help them out and be a leader for the summer. I applied, had an interview and was even offered the job but I turned it down for several reasons. This was before I had begun tutoring and I realised that if I take this job, I will have no time to tutor students, let alone time for myself (as an introvert, I need time to myself... just one of those things I suppose). I am also not crazy about the age group either. I really enjoy the younger, elementary-aged kids. So I think that I made the right decision and I'm happy with how my summer is turning out despite not working at the youth centre.
This summer I am also involved in VBS. It's just a volunteer position, but again, it's time/experience with kids which is terrific for me. I'll be leading a group of kindergarten/gr. 1s along and helping tell stories, sing songs, play games and do crafts. It should be fun!
So my plans for the summer are coming along nicely. I cannot wait for school to begin again. I will miss the warm weather that I love so much, but I'd rather miss the weather than the great friends that I have made. I miss having a social life (working on the weekends tends to kill off a social life) and I don't live too close to any of my friends. We've all just spread out. Last week I went to Anthony's graduation and was so glad to see some of my high school and redeemer friends. I didn't realise how much I missed them.
Speaking of redeemer, I will be an HA (Housing Advisor) this year. My job is pretty simple; make sure that the place does not become a wreck and ensure that our dorm of 6 does not do anything against policy. With the girls I have, that shouldn't be a problem at all. We're all best friends and have learned to get along with each other quite well. Being an HA also takes $1300 off of my living costs!
This summer, as I have been away from my dorm, my eating habits have gotten a lot better (though I'm still working on them... I have a long way to go). I am eating more fruit and veggies and a lot less snacks. I am still addicted to sugar which is really bad for me as I realised that it is the culprit of most of my health issues. It's so bad that if I have just one thing with sugar, a cookie for example, my psoriasis returns that evening. I also have less energy and feel "blah." If anyone has some great ideas for me to stop these sugar cravings, they would be greatly appreciated. I have enough natural sugar in my diet and that does not affect me (sugar from maple syrup, honey, fruits such as strawberries, etc.) and I really do not want to start on aspartame filled substitutes.
So for those of you who have been wonder what has been going on in my life, here it is and I'm sorry about not posting regularly. Regular postings should begin again once school starts up again and life becomes a bit more routine.
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