* Disclaimer: If reading about stuff that kids do bores you, skip this entry. Plus it's about other people's kids...even better, right. ;) * haha
So. I haven't posted in a while, because I'm in school and that keeps me busy/insane/hermit-like/pick an adjective. Heheh. Besides school, mostly what I do is look after kids and spend time with friends who have...wait for it...kids as well. It's a good thing I don't mind the little rotters. Hahaha, just kidding, I really wanted to use that word in here somewhere. I felt like throwing in a good Roald Dahl word. Hope you enjoyed that one. ;) Tee hee.
I have come to the realization (or epiphany, if you prefer) that working with kids is starting to give me a complex, of the I'm-the-coolest-person-ever sort. I have decided this is due to two factors: a) I'm not a mom myself and therefore am not plagued with the insecurities that come with that role, like am I messing up my child for life with everything I do or don't do (which I hear can exist for parents and boy does that sound fun), and b) it's just me and the kids for the most part, so when I can come up with cool crafts and stuff to do it makes me feel remarkable and clever and I have the urge to congratulate myself out loud because I'm amazing. Mainly because I can do things that a four-year-old can't. You can see how this can be a little bit misleading situation.
What this translates into is my craftiness (pun slightly intended) when working with the kids. Once a week I watch two girls from one family and one from another, all together, which means I have a baby, a toddler and a preschooler. Fun times, I assure you- particularly when it became quite clear that no two of the three are really interested in the same sorts of activities for very long.
However, because I have been working with kids since I was one myself, and because I like to have as much fun as possible with the kids and help them discover cool things and also impart what I like to think is knowledge from a vast store of random information (my odd sort of brain), this often means that I inflict some sort of craft idea on the kids. (Not really - don't be alarmed.) Don't worry - I let the kids do whatever creative sort of thing they like when it comes to crafts, but sometimes I throw in a few ideas of my own, most of which, admittedly, stem from my own craft-laden childhood. I can still vividly remember an apple-seed craft me and my brother did with my mom when I was about five, probably because after that my mom didn't have a ton of time to do crafts with us. It was so cool and involved some sort of mobile and apple cut-outs or something.
Anyways. I digress (again). A few weeks ago, I decided that it was about time we made some paper airplanes around here. So that's what we made, from the large book of construction paper and some paper-clips. It was a lot of fun, and of course we repeated it the following week. (I didn't say I was always original. Anyways, kids like repetition, right?)
Yesterday, though, I reached a new height of coolness (in my mind, at least). After some half-hearted colouring and a couple of stickers, the girls seemed bored (although I can't be sure why, since for me, stickers were oh-so-entertaining till an embarrassing age, no doubt), other measures needed to be taken.
The brain-wave: origami frogs. The kind that jump. I think we (okay, I) made about ten over the course of the day, grace à youtube- first the normal kind, then the kind with separate back legs, which worked much better. I had a blast (and I think the kids enjoyed it too). We had them leaping off the table, jumping onto stuff- it was heaps of fun.
Hm. Okay, that was a little anti-climatic, I admit it. However, I just wanted to make the point that I am still capable of doing cool crafts (phewph, haven't lost the touch), albeit easy ones that everyone has done at some doing. Still, you can't go wrong with paper crafts that move.
With all that, though, it can be exhausting taking care of other people's children, no matter how wonderful they may be. You always end up wanting to do things your way and can't always have that liberty in other people's houses. Not that I want to open up my own daycare. That's a whole other ball-game and a huge commitment. I suppose all this is good experience; by now it's coming out my ears, I have to say. But that's okay.
Well, back to the books for me. It's been a fun/rabbit-trailey study break.
Nos vemos, mi amigos y amigas! Ciao! :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
This is what procrastination looks like...
Yup, I'm half tidying the apartment, half doing homework, and half thinking of a million things. I know, three halves don't make a whole, but that's what my brain feels like right now.
So. I did it. Finally.
That's right. I hauled my hiney outside and went for a run. I'm not entirely sure when the last time I ran was, but I think it's safe to say it was in 2011. Usually I have a fall slump where I kind of don't run regularly and tend to pick it up again in December/January. Which is weird, since I love running in the fall, but it doesn't happen that much. At least this year I was biking to work from July - October. Not bad, considering I only used to bike twice a week and only in the summers the year before.
I'd still like to train for a spring race, so if I want to do that, I need to get my mileage up. (I prefer kilometers, but not sure if 'kilometrage' is a word, heheh.) This morning, I went for a modest 6 km run, and it felt mostly good except at the beginning when my right knee was declaring mutiny.
Here's a few things that I really enjoy about running or that surround the activity of running.
A nice little hamstring stretch just after a run is a wonderful thing.
A glass of chocolate milk following a run is also pretty great. Miam. And maybe some eggs with spinach and cheese and rye toast.And coffee with some vanilla sugar:) Hmm...you know what they say - some people eat to run, and some people run to eat - which one do you think I could be? ;)
Reflective stuff to wear. It's cool.
That's pretty much all I have to say about that for now. :)
Something I'm thankful for (in the sense of trying to maintain it as an attitude) is the fact that I get to study French. I was worried that I wouldn't like it, but it turns out I do (most days). Not only that, but I get to interact in French at least twice a week, and that's something I never even got to do living back home, even so close to Ottawa/Quebec. I'm grateful for the members of the francophone community I get to encounter. It's been vital to my vocabulary, although, granted, most of that vocabulary revolves around kids and stuff about kids, but that's the job. ;) It's been so great to have that base of French as a child, because you really do use more and think more in French than you realize, and it's an unequivocal blessing to me. Maybe I'm biased, but I think it's one of the best languages ever and I hope to keep learning and implementing it.
Okay, back to studying adverbs and another chapter I haven't really looked at. ;) Woo!
Bonne semaine à tous! xo
So. I did it. Finally.
That's right. I hauled my hiney outside and went for a run. I'm not entirely sure when the last time I ran was, but I think it's safe to say it was in 2011. Usually I have a fall slump where I kind of don't run regularly and tend to pick it up again in December/January. Which is weird, since I love running in the fall, but it doesn't happen that much. At least this year I was biking to work from July - October. Not bad, considering I only used to bike twice a week and only in the summers the year before.
I'd still like to train for a spring race, so if I want to do that, I need to get my mileage up. (I prefer kilometers, but not sure if 'kilometrage' is a word, heheh.) This morning, I went for a modest 6 km run, and it felt mostly good except at the beginning when my right knee was declaring mutiny.
Here's a few things that I really enjoy about running or that surround the activity of running.
A nice little hamstring stretch just after a run is a wonderful thing.
A glass of chocolate milk following a run is also pretty great. Miam. And maybe some eggs with spinach and cheese and rye toast.And coffee with some vanilla sugar:) Hmm...you know what they say - some people eat to run, and some people run to eat - which one do you think I could be? ;)
Reflective stuff to wear. It's cool.
That's pretty much all I have to say about that for now. :)
Something I'm thankful for (in the sense of trying to maintain it as an attitude) is the fact that I get to study French. I was worried that I wouldn't like it, but it turns out I do (most days). Not only that, but I get to interact in French at least twice a week, and that's something I never even got to do living back home, even so close to Ottawa/Quebec. I'm grateful for the members of the francophone community I get to encounter. It's been vital to my vocabulary, although, granted, most of that vocabulary revolves around kids and stuff about kids, but that's the job. ;) It's been so great to have that base of French as a child, because you really do use more and think more in French than you realize, and it's an unequivocal blessing to me. Maybe I'm biased, but I think it's one of the best languages ever and I hope to keep learning and implementing it.
Okay, back to studying adverbs and another chapter I haven't really looked at. ;) Woo!
Bonne semaine à tous! xo
Thursday, January 5, 2012
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!~
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!~
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
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 ~
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:)
Self-portrait when we were dressed the same, haha.
Hope you enjoyed this post! Happy New Year! Many blessings this year. ~ xo ~
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
One more thing...
Okay, I know I just posted, but do you ever have those times when you are working through something and there don't seem to be any clear answers or validation? And then you remember, oh, right, maybe I could pray about this instead of fretting over it...so you do, and it doesn't solve the problem but you have the sense that this small thing could go a long way in your day because you took a second to have a right approach?
I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's indicative of my day. And you know how sometimes you need to have a certain focus before a thing makes sense?
It's funny...or maybe it isn't...how my worrying accomplished pretty much nothing, and now that I resigned myself to trust in this one area, the words of a friend or a situation at work actually confirm that trust. Hmm. Why do I think that God is so small?
It's staggering how big God is. I know that sounds simplistic, but I guess I need things to be broken down simply sometimes. I'm okay with that. It's quite a thought.
Wishing you a lovely day!~
I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's indicative of my day. And you know how sometimes you need to have a certain focus before a thing makes sense?
It's funny...or maybe it isn't...how my worrying accomplished pretty much nothing, and now that I resigned myself to trust in this one area, the words of a friend or a situation at work actually confirm that trust. Hmm. Why do I think that God is so small?
It's staggering how big God is. I know that sounds simplistic, but I guess I need things to be broken down simply sometimes. I'm okay with that. It's quite a thought.
Wishing you a lovely day!~
Oops, I've been slacking...what can I say, homework happens!
Sorry for the long delay. I've been a lot busier than anticipated and I'm still ferreting out various plans for the new year. (I'm not sure that word works in the sentence, I just really wanted to use 'ferreting.') ;)
I'm so glad to have made it through mid-terms. With some very well-timed encouragement, no less. :) Granted, I only had two, but one of them stressed me out to no end, and I went to bed late for several nights. Even though I haven't gotten my marks back, I'm trying to focus on doing my best and not beating myself up about it if I don't understand something.
I think that's been the trickiest part of going back to school. In high school, I gravitated towards subjects that I understood and thought I could do well in, even though I made myself take math all the way through to OAC and took courses like chemistry even though my parents tried to encourage me in other disciplines. (It's possible they realized I wouldn't thrive in that course the way my brother had.) ;) Even though my group of friends was seriously smart at every subject (I mean, come on, chemistry and English and French...oh, and Art too??), I was decidedly more one-sided. All to say that it was good for me to take maths and sciences, but that I'd sort of forgotten what it was like to really be out of my depths. And I do not care for that feeling.
This psych course has the tendency to do me in from time to time, as I'm sure my friends can attest to, since I've been going on ad nauseum about it. (Sorry! :{ ) It's not so much the discipline- I took Psych 101 and found it fairly interesting- but this particular course gives me no small difficulty in simply grasping the concepts. It's a bit of a wake-up call for me: first, because I'm not magically going to be good at every course and that's okay; and second, because I maybe need to grow up and make an effort even if something doesn't interest me. Admittedly, I don't have the best work ethic when it comes to assignments, so I need to be more disciplined and plan my time better. These sorts of hurdles are conveniently forgotten when one finishes school and doesn't go back for over four years...
Okay, if you haven't fallen asleep out of sheer boredom by now, thanks for persisting. ;)
Something else that has been woven through the last few weeks are encounters with some pretty great people. The people in my church-sort-of-group are truly terrific and they teach me so much about building into each other's lives. I was housesitting for a week or so in a house that was on the market so there were showings from time to time, at which point I'd go spend time at another family's house. I got to know their kids better, and the parents are around my age; it was great to just hang out and get to know each other better. I hope to drop by more often and help them out.
Another time, I visited another friend (who also has kids - I guess I'm in that demographic now, yikes! ;) ) and she asked me all kinds of questions about being from a large family which a few years ago I would have balked at, but now, to my own surprise, could discuss at length without rancour or too much awkwardness. It's funny how time and distance will do that...and yet it's that same distance that I kind of regret, being far from my parents and not seeing my brothers when they're growing up so quickly. It's just one of those ongoing sort of things where I try to visit a few times a year at least and keep in touch.
Anyways, that's all to say that I'm more and more struck with the fact that at the end of the day, it's people that matter. To quote from The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills, "People only need people, and nothing else. Don't you forget it." Well, I think that we are this way because of an inherent need for community fabricated into us by God, but it's been resonating with me, this concept. Whatever happens in life, however things turn out with school or work or any type of relationship- if I'm not connected with others and if we're not part of each other's lives in ways that matter, what are we really left with?
It's the people that matter.
Now, if I can only go about the 'quotidien' with that priority...
I'm so glad to have made it through mid-terms. With some very well-timed encouragement, no less. :) Granted, I only had two, but one of them stressed me out to no end, and I went to bed late for several nights. Even though I haven't gotten my marks back, I'm trying to focus on doing my best and not beating myself up about it if I don't understand something.
I think that's been the trickiest part of going back to school. In high school, I gravitated towards subjects that I understood and thought I could do well in, even though I made myself take math all the way through to OAC and took courses like chemistry even though my parents tried to encourage me in other disciplines. (It's possible they realized I wouldn't thrive in that course the way my brother had.) ;) Even though my group of friends was seriously smart at every subject (I mean, come on, chemistry and English and French...oh, and Art too??), I was decidedly more one-sided. All to say that it was good for me to take maths and sciences, but that I'd sort of forgotten what it was like to really be out of my depths. And I do not care for that feeling.
This psych course has the tendency to do me in from time to time, as I'm sure my friends can attest to, since I've been going on ad nauseum about it. (Sorry! :{ ) It's not so much the discipline- I took Psych 101 and found it fairly interesting- but this particular course gives me no small difficulty in simply grasping the concepts. It's a bit of a wake-up call for me: first, because I'm not magically going to be good at every course and that's okay; and second, because I maybe need to grow up and make an effort even if something doesn't interest me. Admittedly, I don't have the best work ethic when it comes to assignments, so I need to be more disciplined and plan my time better. These sorts of hurdles are conveniently forgotten when one finishes school and doesn't go back for over four years...
Okay, if you haven't fallen asleep out of sheer boredom by now, thanks for persisting. ;)
Something else that has been woven through the last few weeks are encounters with some pretty great people. The people in my church-sort-of-group are truly terrific and they teach me so much about building into each other's lives. I was housesitting for a week or so in a house that was on the market so there were showings from time to time, at which point I'd go spend time at another family's house. I got to know their kids better, and the parents are around my age; it was great to just hang out and get to know each other better. I hope to drop by more often and help them out.
Another time, I visited another friend (who also has kids - I guess I'm in that demographic now, yikes! ;) ) and she asked me all kinds of questions about being from a large family which a few years ago I would have balked at, but now, to my own surprise, could discuss at length without rancour or too much awkwardness. It's funny how time and distance will do that...and yet it's that same distance that I kind of regret, being far from my parents and not seeing my brothers when they're growing up so quickly. It's just one of those ongoing sort of things where I try to visit a few times a year at least and keep in touch.
Anyways, that's all to say that I'm more and more struck with the fact that at the end of the day, it's people that matter. To quote from The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills, "People only need people, and nothing else. Don't you forget it." Well, I think that we are this way because of an inherent need for community fabricated into us by God, but it's been resonating with me, this concept. Whatever happens in life, however things turn out with school or work or any type of relationship- if I'm not connected with others and if we're not part of each other's lives in ways that matter, what are we really left with?
It's the people that matter.
Now, if I can only go about the 'quotidien' with that priority...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Que sera sera....???
Life can be pretty turbulent, can't it? Just when I think I have things figured out, just a few things even, something changes or tips or leans way over, and I have to take stock and figure out what it all means.
I just don't enjoy curve balls.
This isn't meant to sound all dramatic or anything, it's just that it shouldn't be a surprise to me at this point, how changeable life is. Really, that's one constant we can be sure of, right? That living involves a lot of change, voluntary or not?
Basically, I'm now faced with some work/school choices again that I'm not sure I'm ready for. I was kind of heading in this direction but now I'm getting a pretty significant push that way, and it's out of my control. What this means is that I've been advised my current work situation is not sustainable and that I have some decisions to make for the new year. It's good that I have some time, but it's too easy for me to just throw up my hands and say that it's such an interruption and how troublesome...but perhaps it will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I'm pretty thankful to have been able to work part-time while studying full-time, but as of January there will be no part-time and my role becomes automatically full-time. If my focus for the next few years is school, I don't know how that will look for my work situation. As appealing as the thought is, I can't stop working altogether as moving home is not an option at this point :{ so we'll see how it all plays out.
I'm really tempted to run away into the forest somewhere and live a monastic life making cheese and chocolate- still an excellent backup plan, in my opinion:) Or maybe I should run off to sea. That sounds like fun. Like in the Tim books by Edward Ardizzone - anyone???
Don't worry, I'll post something more cheerful next time but today it's all about being pensive and introspective ;) Thanks for sticking with me!
I just don't enjoy curve balls.
This isn't meant to sound all dramatic or anything, it's just that it shouldn't be a surprise to me at this point, how changeable life is. Really, that's one constant we can be sure of, right? That living involves a lot of change, voluntary or not?
Basically, I'm now faced with some work/school choices again that I'm not sure I'm ready for. I was kind of heading in this direction but now I'm getting a pretty significant push that way, and it's out of my control. What this means is that I've been advised my current work situation is not sustainable and that I have some decisions to make for the new year. It's good that I have some time, but it's too easy for me to just throw up my hands and say that it's such an interruption and how troublesome...but perhaps it will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. I'm pretty thankful to have been able to work part-time while studying full-time, but as of January there will be no part-time and my role becomes automatically full-time. If my focus for the next few years is school, I don't know how that will look for my work situation. As appealing as the thought is, I can't stop working altogether as moving home is not an option at this point :{ so we'll see how it all plays out.
I'm really tempted to run away into the forest somewhere and live a monastic life making cheese and chocolate- still an excellent backup plan, in my opinion:) Or maybe I should run off to sea. That sounds like fun. Like in the Tim books by Edward Ardizzone - anyone???
Don't worry, I'll post something more cheerful next time but today it's all about being pensive and introspective ;) Thanks for sticking with me!
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