Looking back

In case my last post wasn't overly introspective (haha), I think I need to look back on the year. After reading other people's blogs so far this year, I am realizing how important it is to acknowledge what has been and to be cognizant of what can be.

The year 2011 held many changes, which as you know seem to be propelling me into even more rapid changes this year. I went from studying for my Early Childhood Education diploma to applying to a myriad of universities and settling on University of Waterloo. I've decided to take a French major, possibly with an English minor. A wonderful friendship turned into an even better relationship which of course has its challenges but is mostly incredible! I started going to a home church which has welcomed me with open arms and been the balm to my soul in so many ways. I took on a new role which allows me to use my love of French in the community and provide support to families who want their kids to learn/continue speaking French, and that sort of thing is really exciting to me.

This year, I don't want to set resolutions but do want to set goals or things to work on...I find the word 'resolution' has some negative connotations, that's all.

I want to grow in compassion. That's always a challenge, and I want to make sure that I am motivated by love and not pity. Pity doesn't help. Along with that, I want to be more giving, and learn how to give financially while on a limited budget, but also of my time and resources and even my heart. (Haha, corny, I know.)

I want to not shy away from conflict but not seek to cause it either. Conflict can be healthy and I want to learn to manage it properly and in a way that respects all parties.

I want to get back into running. From running two to three half-marathons a year to doing one 10k this year, I'm trying to reassess my running goals and play more soccer as well, hopefully. I'm hoping to start training for a spring race. I plan to start going to yoga somewhat regularly as that would hopefully help minimize running injuries too. One day I'll qualify for Boston... ;)

I want to learn to share. In some ways I identify with the toddlers I spend time with; sharing is not natural to anyone although some people seem to challenge that notion. I think I am blessed to know some of the most generous people on the planet and I want to learn from them. I want to figure out how I can be part of a collective economy or whatever Shane Claiborne calls it- how I can share my resources with others in a way that promotes lifestyles that are kind to the planet and to each other (eg. sharing a vehicle or a space).

I would really like to go on a writer's retreat. The thought of maybe one day making it to Sage Hill or Banff or one of those makes me salivate, haha. I want to take steps toward one day getting published, which right now mainly means to keep writing, which is a challenge to balance with school work, but I want to make this a priority. I'd like to take courses so I could learn to illustrate someday, too.

I'd like to travel somewhere cool at least once this year, which might be interesting on a student budget, but maybe it could happen. It doesn't hurt to dream, right? :)

Okay, so this short post turned into a longer post than intended, so I should stop it there.

What goals do you have for yourself? Or maybe for others around you? haha.

Thanks for reading!~

I'm back!

After a lengthy hiatus, here I am again. I suppose it's high time I updated this blog a little, since so much has been happening. What a roller-coaster! Let me tell you why.

Well, it's official - the email has been circulated at work that my last day is Friday. I have terribly mixed feelings about this. As someone who is often resistant to change, I'm not ready to say goodbye to all my coworkers of the last five years. I'm not ready to be really under-employed while going to school and going into more debt than I would like. But it appears I don't have a choice. In two days, I'll be done, and despite knowing this would happen eventually, it still seems really abrupt.

Part of this stems from the fact that it's not really kind to say goodbye so suddenly to people, and not give them time to absorb the idea. I don't say this from some inflated sense of self, but I've come to realize how important this is, and how it kind of can rob you of something if you don't get to say your goodbyes the way you want to. For me, this is a big deal, anyways, and I know several people who feel that way. So, the fact that I'm just taking off makes me feel like a big jerk. Part of it is the timing with the holidays, but that doesn't really help. That's always fun.

On top of that, I am planning to move into my own apartment in the next couple of months, which is a) exciting, and b) terrifying, because I will have significantly less income than before. However, it doesn't hurt to learn how to live more frugally than I have been, which is an area I can certainly improve on. (I do enjoy my creature comforts.) Time to get creative- it can be a good challenge. I look forward to having my own space even though I've always lived with other people and I hope I don't get too lonely. Growing up in a large family contributes to that, I think. I'm just not used to it, but hopefully it will be better for studying and will be a positive change.

As for work, I'll be picking up a few hours with the French daycare through which I already do the playgroup, and doing one solid day of childcare with three children three and under, once a week. It's not much but it will hopefully get me by for the next few months. Since I'm taking four courses this semester, that's about all I can do probably, but I'll be doing some occasional childcare too. Lots of kid stuff! Good thing I like working with kids, eh? The good thing about this type of work is it's a bit more flexible but still in a routine, so I can plan schoolwork accordingly. Now that I have one semester done, I have a better idea of what's expected of me and hope to boost up my marks a little more.

I know, everything you wanted to know and lots you probably didn't...sorry so wordy today.

Now, about Christmas- it was wonderful! I had a couple weeks off from work, which was timely since my boyfriend came to visit for two whole weeks. Even though there were lots of visits, there was also time to just hang out, so I think a pretty good mix when you factor in travels and the general busyness of the holidays. We headed to my family's house for a few days along with my younger brother, then came back here for the remainder of the visit. I'm really glad that he got to meet some dear friends and family and that they could meet him.

Now it's back to real life, and plenty of it! That's how it goes. I'm so thankful for that time, and I think it will carry me through the next crazy while...God is good.

Okay, now for some photos:)

Someone had my camera, not sure who took this...

 With Megan and Lisa- just missing Laura :( All in the same province at once- a rarity these days.

 Got my hair straightened when I had it cut.

 Some scrumptious pasta my boyfriend concocted:)

 Ooh, culinary butane torch! Caramelizing the sugar on the crème brûlée.

 So much fun.

 My friend Ruth at New Years Eve.

 Two games of Dutch Blitz at once.

Self-portrait when we were dressed the same, haha.

Hope you enjoyed this post! Happy New Year! Many blessings this year. ~ xo ~