Today was one of those days...
When a whole bunch of things that you have been hoping for, but never really expected, all happen at once.
And you are left quaking in your boots (or in my case soggy hip waders) grateful, overwhelmed and terrified.
I spent most of today (a thursday) thinking it was a tuesday.
Meanwhile someone else mistook today for a Friday.
A conversation was had.
Opportunities arose.
My next couple weeks went from being wide open and relaxing to jam packed and busy. But it is a good kind of busy.
Several exciting and terrifying opportunities loom ahead of me, and I am just hoping I will have the courage to seize the right one before I find myself whizzing by.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Friday, June 20, 2014
Friday, November 1, 2013
What have I been doing lately??
It seems like I just woke up and summer had come and gone.
Fall has too, apparently:
I just nicely returned home from Thanksgiving and was greeted with some of the first snow of the season. Nothing has stayed more than a day but I am glad I got my winter tires and snow scraper when I was down south.
So what was my summer like? Here is a quick recap:
In JUNE I moved twice. (Got to be a new record for me- UGH!) That took up most of my month, and my energy. Short notice between contracts didn't give me time to arrange accommodations- fortunately a friend from church gave me a place to stay until I found an apartment.
My new place is decent.
Perks being that I have the place to myself and can shower, play violin, play music, cook, etc. whenever I want without worrying about bothering others. The building is relatively new and well maintained in comparison to other places in this city. There is a laundromat downstairs with washers and driers that actually work. The floors are laminate and tile and I have light! (A welcome change from the previous dark basement)
Downsides to the apartment being- farther away from work and the grocery store so I have to drive. I miss living with people- it is nice to talk to someone when I come home from a long day of saying nothing in the lab. And this apartment seriously lacks adequate ventilation. Most of the months of June-September are a blurr due to the heat frying my brain. Many days I came home to a sweltering apartment well over 35 C! Even now with evening temps dipping below freezing I haven't had to turn my heater on and I still have my window open most days. During the worst of the summer heat it got to the point that I looked up what temperature sprinkler systems turn on worried that one day I would find my apartment flooded. Purchasing and installing blinds and curtains, along with 3 circulating fans provided modest relief. Still, I didn't cook much all summer. The other problem with the lack of ventilation stems from the habits of my neighbours. Whatever smells are in their apartments are also in mine. I don't mind when the smell is their food but they also enjoy smoking (not always tobacco.) I have a "special" song for my fiddle that I play extra loud on such occasions.
I had 2 weeks vacation in JULY. This allowed me time to go home and visit with my dear friend and roommate from university. We were beach bums for a few days enjoying the coolness of Lake Huron and soaking up the sun while catching up. We don't get much time to talk because the time difference from here to Hong Kong makes things difficult so the opportunity to hang out was priceless!
After that it was off to Alberta to celebrate the wedding of my dear younger sister. What a beautiful day and fun wedding! Slacker bridesmaid (aka me) even managed to pull off putting together a slideshow of the bride and groom in just the nick of time (night before the wedding.) Then it was off to Jasper with the family for some whitewater rafting, hiking, glacier walking,elk, sheep and goat spotting, gondola riding, hot-tubbing, etc. adventures. I even managed to cross off a lifetime goal from my list: I made a snowman on my birthday!!!! Two actually!!! One on the Athabasca glacier and another on top of Whistlers Mt. in Jasper.
Then it was back to Ontario where I spent some time kayaking and then headed back to work.
I don't know where AUGUST went. It must have been a blurr of work, heat exhaustion, lack of sleep, repeat. I got a bunch of practising done on my fiddle and am progressing admirably. I have started to develop a love of old-style country music complete with banjos and twang. Despite the heat this summer many of the weekends were rainy and cool. So I didn't get as much beach time in as I would have liked. Also I would have liked to have gone camping along the Coastal Trail of Lake Superior Provincial Park, but weather and time and lack of a camping buddy meant that never happened. On two occasions I did get the chance to explore a small portion of the trail. Doing this barefoot and combining it with swimming, picnicking, picking Labrador tea, brewing tea on the beach with lake water, and drinking it as the sun set over Superior made for one of my favourite memories this summer.
SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER flew by and I hardly know where they went. Most of my time was dedicated to work. My free time towards practising my fiddle and cooking. I have been helping out with getting a campus church started at the local university. We have dinner together after the service and I provide the food: soup and bread. I have been enjoying a chance to cook for others as well as a chance to try out new soup and bread recipes. On the downside I have been letting my fitness fall by the wayside. In the hot summer heat I stopped my running and soon found it all to easy to skip my other workouts. I found it all too easy to come up with excuses: heat, illness, laziness, business, new neighbourhood etc. until it had been way too long since my last workout. This week I have been making an effort to change this and it is kicking my butt!!!!! A simple 45 min lap swim had my arms and legs feeling sore and shaky, and an evening run was harder than I remember. But with some effort I hope to be ready for X-country ski season when it starts again.
If I am still here.
Who knows.
My current contract only goes to the end of this month so we shall see what happens. I guess I am back to that uncertain phase in my life again.... will the end of this year bring a record 4 moves in a year? or will I be able to stay in one place for more than 6 months?? Sometimes I find myself feeling that I am done with this place and it is time to move on... but I still don't want to pull out my boxes.
Fall has too, apparently:
I just nicely returned home from Thanksgiving and was greeted with some of the first snow of the season. Nothing has stayed more than a day but I am glad I got my winter tires and snow scraper when I was down south.
So what was my summer like? Here is a quick recap:
In JUNE I moved twice. (Got to be a new record for me- UGH!) That took up most of my month, and my energy. Short notice between contracts didn't give me time to arrange accommodations- fortunately a friend from church gave me a place to stay until I found an apartment.
My new place is decent.
Perks being that I have the place to myself and can shower, play violin, play music, cook, etc. whenever I want without worrying about bothering others. The building is relatively new and well maintained in comparison to other places in this city. There is a laundromat downstairs with washers and driers that actually work. The floors are laminate and tile and I have light! (A welcome change from the previous dark basement)
Downsides to the apartment being- farther away from work and the grocery store so I have to drive. I miss living with people- it is nice to talk to someone when I come home from a long day of saying nothing in the lab. And this apartment seriously lacks adequate ventilation. Most of the months of June-September are a blurr due to the heat frying my brain. Many days I came home to a sweltering apartment well over 35 C! Even now with evening temps dipping below freezing I haven't had to turn my heater on and I still have my window open most days. During the worst of the summer heat it got to the point that I looked up what temperature sprinkler systems turn on worried that one day I would find my apartment flooded. Purchasing and installing blinds and curtains, along with 3 circulating fans provided modest relief. Still, I didn't cook much all summer. The other problem with the lack of ventilation stems from the habits of my neighbours. Whatever smells are in their apartments are also in mine. I don't mind when the smell is their food but they also enjoy smoking (not always tobacco.) I have a "special" song for my fiddle that I play extra loud on such occasions.
I had 2 weeks vacation in JULY. This allowed me time to go home and visit with my dear friend and roommate from university. We were beach bums for a few days enjoying the coolness of Lake Huron and soaking up the sun while catching up. We don't get much time to talk because the time difference from here to Hong Kong makes things difficult so the opportunity to hang out was priceless!
After that it was off to Alberta to celebrate the wedding of my dear younger sister. What a beautiful day and fun wedding! Slacker bridesmaid (aka me) even managed to pull off putting together a slideshow of the bride and groom in just the nick of time (night before the wedding.) Then it was off to Jasper with the family for some whitewater rafting, hiking, glacier walking,elk, sheep and goat spotting, gondola riding, hot-tubbing, etc. adventures. I even managed to cross off a lifetime goal from my list: I made a snowman on my birthday!!!! Two actually!!! One on the Athabasca glacier and another on top of Whistlers Mt. in Jasper.
Then it was back to Ontario where I spent some time kayaking and then headed back to work.
I don't know where AUGUST went. It must have been a blurr of work, heat exhaustion, lack of sleep, repeat. I got a bunch of practising done on my fiddle and am progressing admirably. I have started to develop a love of old-style country music complete with banjos and twang. Despite the heat this summer many of the weekends were rainy and cool. So I didn't get as much beach time in as I would have liked. Also I would have liked to have gone camping along the Coastal Trail of Lake Superior Provincial Park, but weather and time and lack of a camping buddy meant that never happened. On two occasions I did get the chance to explore a small portion of the trail. Doing this barefoot and combining it with swimming, picnicking, picking Labrador tea, brewing tea on the beach with lake water, and drinking it as the sun set over Superior made for one of my favourite memories this summer.
SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER flew by and I hardly know where they went. Most of my time was dedicated to work. My free time towards practising my fiddle and cooking. I have been helping out with getting a campus church started at the local university. We have dinner together after the service and I provide the food: soup and bread. I have been enjoying a chance to cook for others as well as a chance to try out new soup and bread recipes. On the downside I have been letting my fitness fall by the wayside. In the hot summer heat I stopped my running and soon found it all to easy to skip my other workouts. I found it all too easy to come up with excuses: heat, illness, laziness, business, new neighbourhood etc. until it had been way too long since my last workout. This week I have been making an effort to change this and it is kicking my butt!!!!! A simple 45 min lap swim had my arms and legs feeling sore and shaky, and an evening run was harder than I remember. But with some effort I hope to be ready for X-country ski season when it starts again.
If I am still here.
Who knows.
My current contract only goes to the end of this month so we shall see what happens. I guess I am back to that uncertain phase in my life again.... will the end of this year bring a record 4 moves in a year? or will I be able to stay in one place for more than 6 months?? Sometimes I find myself feeling that I am done with this place and it is time to move on... but I still don't want to pull out my boxes.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Summer is here and so am I
So it's been a while.... In case you were worried, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. (But seriously next time if you are worried about that drop me a message or something just in case.)
I have been busy working, worrying, living, baking, creating, skiing, running, moving, listening to music, making music,and an assortment of other activities. Circumstances as they are my original 2 month contract (Jan-Feb) has been extended repeatedly. Often with only a couple days notice before its expected end date. The month-by-month tension wasn't awesome, and the way I dealt with it (blissful ignorance and denial) wasn't the healthiest either. Finally I have the relative security of a 4 month contract but had the urgent need to find a place to stay yet again. I can't express how grateful I am to my church family here. When I express a need they repeatedly do whatever they can to fill it including inviting me into their homes, directing me towards available housing, and providing me with a bed.
Work has settled into a comfortable, if a little tedious, routine. I never expected to be working full-time in a chemistry lab. Initially it was exciting and challenging as I learned new lab protocols, but eventually this settled down into a regular rhythm to the point that I occasionally feel like just another piece of lab equipment. I have found setting goals and keeping track of my "personal bests" in regards to lab production to be effective in keeping me engaged in my work and constantly striving to do my best.
As an added challenge I have been focusing my energies and talents on some of my hobbies. I really enjoyed baking this winter especially fresh bread. I decided to stop buying store bought bread and make all of my bread myself. Which I found relaxing and enjoyable. I even developed my own recipe for a braided apple cream cheese streusel which is delicious and looks impressive to boot. I also started work on a painting for some dear friends and continued working on a painting I started earlier this fall. In addition I received a coupon for a discount on some music lessons; so I decided to get some more instruction on the violin (or fiddle.) Progress is slow but I would say I now am closer to using the violin as a musical instrument as opposed to an instrument of torture.
My music addiction is in full swing and I have enjoyed discovering some new bands as well as enjoying some old favourites. It is possible that I have been purchasing new music at too fast of a rate- you need to live with a CD for awhile to fully absorb and enjoy it. I think I need to go back and savour some CD's I had purchased awhile ago but haven't listened to that much lately. But there is so much good and interesting music out there and so little time! That and the website Noisetrade keeps me fuelled with constant new suggestions and the opportunity to legally download the music cheaply or for free. Their suggestions are consistently top notch! Recent finds include Jenny and Tyler, Josh Garrels, and Ivan & Alyosha. I have included some Youtube clips for your listening pleasure.
Until next time Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbeZwvB8BiE - some reason can't link the actual video but this will take you to the page on YouTube for a song called Be Your Man by Ivan & Alyosha. Definitely check it out the video is a delight to the eyes and to the ears. It is a ton of fun and an excellent summery sounding song! Kick up your heels and dance!!!
Jenny and Tyler were the soundtrack to my winter Jan-Mar. They are an awesome husband and wife duo. I chose to link a few videos of theirs. I listened to their album Open Your Doors a lot this winter- it had a good mix of music both worship and music that ministered to my melancholy. Their music makes me want to make music too. Their song See the Conqueror was my song for lent- I recently found it is also in my church's hymnal but with a different tune. I like their version better and might try it out with the praise team at my church if I get the chance.
Finally the soft sweet and incredible sounds of Josh Garrels. I had downloaded his album Love War and the Sea In between last year sometime but didn't get around to really living with the music until recently. I am consistently astounded by what he does with his voice!! Pilot Me sings to me of the Pacific Northwest and why I want to go back to British Columbia and the Gulf islands. Sailor's Waltz and I'll Fly Away are just fantastic and make me want to go practice my fiddle. Which I think I will just go and do right now.
I have been busy working, worrying, living, baking, creating, skiing, running, moving, listening to music, making music,and an assortment of other activities. Circumstances as they are my original 2 month contract (Jan-Feb) has been extended repeatedly. Often with only a couple days notice before its expected end date. The month-by-month tension wasn't awesome, and the way I dealt with it (blissful ignorance and denial) wasn't the healthiest either. Finally I have the relative security of a 4 month contract but had the urgent need to find a place to stay yet again. I can't express how grateful I am to my church family here. When I express a need they repeatedly do whatever they can to fill it including inviting me into their homes, directing me towards available housing, and providing me with a bed.
Work has settled into a comfortable, if a little tedious, routine. I never expected to be working full-time in a chemistry lab. Initially it was exciting and challenging as I learned new lab protocols, but eventually this settled down into a regular rhythm to the point that I occasionally feel like just another piece of lab equipment. I have found setting goals and keeping track of my "personal bests" in regards to lab production to be effective in keeping me engaged in my work and constantly striving to do my best.
As an added challenge I have been focusing my energies and talents on some of my hobbies. I really enjoyed baking this winter especially fresh bread. I decided to stop buying store bought bread and make all of my bread myself. Which I found relaxing and enjoyable. I even developed my own recipe for a braided apple cream cheese streusel which is delicious and looks impressive to boot. I also started work on a painting for some dear friends and continued working on a painting I started earlier this fall. In addition I received a coupon for a discount on some music lessons; so I decided to get some more instruction on the violin (or fiddle.) Progress is slow but I would say I now am closer to using the violin as a musical instrument as opposed to an instrument of torture.
My music addiction is in full swing and I have enjoyed discovering some new bands as well as enjoying some old favourites. It is possible that I have been purchasing new music at too fast of a rate- you need to live with a CD for awhile to fully absorb and enjoy it. I think I need to go back and savour some CD's I had purchased awhile ago but haven't listened to that much lately. But there is so much good and interesting music out there and so little time! That and the website Noisetrade keeps me fuelled with constant new suggestions and the opportunity to legally download the music cheaply or for free. Their suggestions are consistently top notch! Recent finds include Jenny and Tyler, Josh Garrels, and Ivan & Alyosha. I have included some Youtube clips for your listening pleasure.
Until next time Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbeZwvB8BiE - some reason can't link the actual video but this will take you to the page on YouTube for a song called Be Your Man by Ivan & Alyosha. Definitely check it out the video is a delight to the eyes and to the ears. It is a ton of fun and an excellent summery sounding song! Kick up your heels and dance!!!
Jenny and Tyler were the soundtrack to my winter Jan-Mar. They are an awesome husband and wife duo. I chose to link a few videos of theirs. I listened to their album Open Your Doors a lot this winter- it had a good mix of music both worship and music that ministered to my melancholy. Their music makes me want to make music too. Their song See the Conqueror was my song for lent- I recently found it is also in my church's hymnal but with a different tune. I like their version better and might try it out with the praise team at my church if I get the chance.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Northern Winter Migration
Hurray I am a Northern girl again!
About two weeks ago I was packing my things and heading back north with a short term contract. Yet another yo-yo bounce, but at least I get to enjoy a delightful "northern" winter with people who also appreciate all the joys and excitement of snow!!. (I use quotation marks because technically I am not even north of the 49th parallel but to my friends and family down south this is still northern Ontario.)
My first weekend was rather disappointing, nearly all our snow melted. (ahem climate change stinks!!!) But this week has been doing it's best to make up for it with lots of snow in the past few days. People always tell me that the only reason why winter is my favourite season is because I don't have to drive in the winter or shovel a driveway; but I would like to announce that I have shoveled my driveway twice already this week and still love winter!!! There was so much snow this morning that my vehicle had completely warmed up before I finished clearing all the snow off. (For those of you who aren't familiar with the Bumblebee that means it took awhile!!) But my winter joy is not shaken instead I am looking forward to hitting the cross country ski trails this weekend and maybe even spending some time on the outdoor rink. Gotta enjoy the weather while it lasts!!
Right now I am dancing around my basement room and giggling and listening to Taylor Swift. It is surprising how dramatic my mood change has been since I returned to The Soo. Despite a schedule change equivalent to a 4 hour time difference I am bounding out of bed around 6:30 in the morning and still feel like dancing and singing in the evenings. (Although I must admit I am a little stiff because I am not used to long days on my feet in the lab- got to get better shoes!!) Sadly my 12 week contract will go by all too fast and then who knows where I will be. For now I am going to enjoy where I am.
About two weeks ago I was packing my things and heading back north with a short term contract. Yet another yo-yo bounce, but at least I get to enjoy a delightful "northern" winter with people who also appreciate all the joys and excitement of snow!!. (I use quotation marks because technically I am not even north of the 49th parallel but to my friends and family down south this is still northern Ontario.)
My first weekend was rather disappointing, nearly all our snow melted. (ahem climate change stinks!!!) But this week has been doing it's best to make up for it with lots of snow in the past few days. People always tell me that the only reason why winter is my favourite season is because I don't have to drive in the winter or shovel a driveway; but I would like to announce that I have shoveled my driveway twice already this week and still love winter!!! There was so much snow this morning that my vehicle had completely warmed up before I finished clearing all the snow off. (For those of you who aren't familiar with the Bumblebee that means it took awhile!!) But my winter joy is not shaken instead I am looking forward to hitting the cross country ski trails this weekend and maybe even spending some time on the outdoor rink. Gotta enjoy the weather while it lasts!!
Right now I am dancing around my basement room and giggling and listening to Taylor Swift. It is surprising how dramatic my mood change has been since I returned to The Soo. Despite a schedule change equivalent to a 4 hour time difference I am bounding out of bed around 6:30 in the morning and still feel like dancing and singing in the evenings. (Although I must admit I am a little stiff because I am not used to long days on my feet in the lab- got to get better shoes!!) Sadly my 12 week contract will go by all too fast and then who knows where I will be. For now I am going to enjoy where I am.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
What have I been doing Lately??
Sometimes people who haven't seen me in awhile ask me what I have been up to. Often I can't really think of anything on the spot so I don't have much of an answer other than "being unemployed." This isn't all I do, I just frequently forget what all I have been busy with. So this blog post shall serve as evidence that I do in fact do things.
Yesterday I had a blanket bee and ended up sewing a bunch of blankets.
 |
| Newly restrung violin!! |
Today I bought strings for my violin to replace the ones that had broken. I learned how to restring a violin all by myself and managed to even tune it (somewhat) with the aid of an electronic tuner. Hurray for Youtube instructional videos! without which I would still be hopelessly lost and dealing with a broken violin. Now the air in our house is filled with the "sweet" sounds of a violinist who hasn't had any instruction, or practice since the age of 5 or 6. I sense alot of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in my future.
In other news I have been painting! I am working on a top secret painting commissioned by my younger sister and a few other paintings that have popped into my head.
 |
| inspiration sketch for next painting |
So that is some of the things I have been up to lately. I'll leave you with some youtube videos of my favourite songs at the moment. The first one is by a band called Rend Collective Experiment. They are a worship band from Ireland and several of their songs currently top my favourites list. The next song is by NeedtoBreathe. I just bought their CD and have been enjoying it immensely hope you do to!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I Guess I'm an Adult Now... (It feels weird)
I recently started volunteering with a Girls club in my church called GEMS. (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Saviour) I grew up attending GEMS, during highschool I volunteered with GEMS, and now as an unemployed boomerang I have been asked to serve as a GEMS counsellor. (Until I get a job that takes me somewhere else of course.) When asked I was a little surprised, I didn't really consider myself grownup enough to be a counsellor. And though I have time right now, I can't commit to anything long term. But my church was in desperate need of new counsellors and for better or worse I was recruited.
So now I am a counsellor, along with several ladies who were GEMS counsellors when I was a Gem. And I have been having lots of "I'm an adult now" realizations. Like for instance last week- we were headed to Laser Quest with the cadets. I showed up at the church and was greeted by expectant faces looking for me to tell them what to do and where to go. AHH! On the bus I quickly realized I must be an adult when I found the noise level of 30+ kids aged 8-14 a little overwhelming. It took a moment for me to remember that I was the one responsible for reminding the kids to keep their heads and hands inside the bus, not yell, not fight, put their phones away, be nice, etc. Most of the other counsellors have real life experience as parents- Me, I still live with my parents.
Somehow we all survived. Surprisingly enough I think some of the kids like me even though I don't know half of their names. Some of them even think I am funny because I told them a story of that time I licked a slug..... I still feel weird about calling adults by their first names instead of calling them Mrs. or Mr. So-and-So like I have been calling them all my life. And I have to remind myself that I need to remind the girls of the rules and even try to follow them myself. (What are the rules again??) But you have to start somewhere.
My denomination has been having discussions on how to engage young adults in the church. My denomination has a fairly "young" demographic compared to other churches in Canada. I grew up with a large number of children my age in my church (approx 15 born the same year as me alone.) And there were lots of programs to keep us involved in the church Sunday school, Vacation Bible school, Cadets, GEMS, Youthgroup, and Catechism to name a few. But all of these programs had one focus: to entertain and educate US in the faith. Others gave, We received.
For a church to survive and for these programs to continue something vital has to occur. Sometime after profession of faith and church membership we need to switch our focus. We can't expect to solely receive anymore, we need to focus on serving. It is a hard transition to make. We need to start acting like adults even though we might not actually feel grownup. (Because who really ever feels grownup anyway??)
Most young adults do profession of faith near the end of highschool just before they head off to university or college. Shortly after professing their faith and committing themselves to a community of faith they may find themselves ripped out and transplanted into another one. The following years are busy filled with much change and adjustment. Some young adults like myself may find themselves moving repeatedly for the next 5-10 years after their profession of faith.
That makes it hard to be involved in a church community! But it is NOT an excuse for inaction! Serving a church community draws you in and provides some stabilization amongst the riotous (and exciting!) surf of the young adult years. (YES I threw in a kayaking metaphor!) However it can help if churches are ready to encourage us with a variety of service opportunities that take into consideration our varying abilities to commit. (just like you may need different kayaks for different water conditions, river kayaks, sea kayaks .... okay I'll stop now.)
Anyhow in Summary:
Serving = Scary but awesome, I totally recommend it
Growing up = Weird, and I guess I am not quite there yet but possibly making more progress than I realized
Church community = necessary even/especially amidst chaos
Kayaking = wish it wasn't so cold and rainy, where did summer go?
So now I am a counsellor, along with several ladies who were GEMS counsellors when I was a Gem. And I have been having lots of "I'm an adult now" realizations. Like for instance last week- we were headed to Laser Quest with the cadets. I showed up at the church and was greeted by expectant faces looking for me to tell them what to do and where to go. AHH! On the bus I quickly realized I must be an adult when I found the noise level of 30+ kids aged 8-14 a little overwhelming. It took a moment for me to remember that I was the one responsible for reminding the kids to keep their heads and hands inside the bus, not yell, not fight, put their phones away, be nice, etc. Most of the other counsellors have real life experience as parents- Me, I still live with my parents.
Somehow we all survived. Surprisingly enough I think some of the kids like me even though I don't know half of their names. Some of them even think I am funny because I told them a story of that time I licked a slug..... I still feel weird about calling adults by their first names instead of calling them Mrs. or Mr. So-and-So like I have been calling them all my life. And I have to remind myself that I need to remind the girls of the rules and even try to follow them myself. (What are the rules again??) But you have to start somewhere.
My denomination has been having discussions on how to engage young adults in the church. My denomination has a fairly "young" demographic compared to other churches in Canada. I grew up with a large number of children my age in my church (approx 15 born the same year as me alone.) And there were lots of programs to keep us involved in the church Sunday school, Vacation Bible school, Cadets, GEMS, Youthgroup, and Catechism to name a few. But all of these programs had one focus: to entertain and educate US in the faith. Others gave, We received.
For a church to survive and for these programs to continue something vital has to occur. Sometime after profession of faith and church membership we need to switch our focus. We can't expect to solely receive anymore, we need to focus on serving. It is a hard transition to make. We need to start acting like adults even though we might not actually feel grownup. (Because who really ever feels grownup anyway??)
Most young adults do profession of faith near the end of highschool just before they head off to university or college. Shortly after professing their faith and committing themselves to a community of faith they may find themselves ripped out and transplanted into another one. The following years are busy filled with much change and adjustment. Some young adults like myself may find themselves moving repeatedly for the next 5-10 years after their profession of faith.
That makes it hard to be involved in a church community! But it is NOT an excuse for inaction! Serving a church community draws you in and provides some stabilization amongst the riotous (and exciting!) surf of the young adult years. (YES I threw in a kayaking metaphor!) However it can help if churches are ready to encourage us with a variety of service opportunities that take into consideration our varying abilities to commit. (just like you may need different kayaks for different water conditions, river kayaks, sea kayaks .... okay I'll stop now.)
Anyhow in Summary:
Serving = Scary but awesome, I totally recommend it
Growing up = Weird, and I guess I am not quite there yet but possibly making more progress than I realized
Church community = necessary even/especially amidst chaos
Kayaking = wish it wasn't so cold and rainy, where did summer go?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
How Soon Hath Time
It's been awhile since I last updated my blog. Even though I do have a list of topics I want to eventually blog about I don't particularly feel like delving into any of them at the moment. Instead I shall (once again) leave you with a sonnet by John Milton which suits my current frame of mind. Ponder this and perhaps you may arrive at my thoughts without me having to actually write them out. (I love poetry!) Enjoy!
Sonnet 7- John Milton
How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth,
Stol'n on his wing my three and twentieth year!
My hasting days fly on with full career,
But my late spring no bud or blossom shew'th.
Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth,
That I to manhood am arrived so near,
And inward ripeness doth much less appear,
That some more timely-happy spirits endu'th.
Yet be it less or more, or soon or slow,
It shall be still in strictest measure even
To that same lot, however mean or high,
Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heaven;
All is, if I have grace to use it so,
As ever in my great Taskmaster's eye.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Political Ponderings
*As an aside, sorry it has been awhile since my last post. I had been fairly busy and had some internet access issues most of this month. I assure you all I am still alive and still interested in blogging.
Working for the government makes you political. In my case, as friends and family can attest, that probably isn’t necessary. I have had a more than average interest in politics from a young age. Personally I believe it stems from comics- I used to read the comics in the newspaper, but being a voracious reader they were soon done and I would start browsing the rest of the newspaper. I would often end up on the opinion page where I would find the political cartoon. Eventually my appetite for words and curiosity over what the political cartoon was talking about would cause me to read the other articles. Overtime I developed an interest in politics which was fed by my interest in Canadian history and current events. I briefly considered a career in politics, and though I haven't ruled it out entirely, I came to the decision that I don't have the necessary skills. That hasn't however dampened my interest in politics.
I must admit sometimes I find televised elections broadcasts more interesting to watch than sporting events; and have to confess that I have stayed up quietly listening to a radio broadcast on CBC to hear election results into the wee hours of the morning; not wanting to miss the acceptance and concession speeches from the party leaders or any of the commentary. Readers of my blog may remember that early on in this current federal government I closely followed the Canada Post filibustering debate, cheering on the NDP as I watched the live feed from the House of Commons. Many people who know me personally may have been privy to a political rant or discussion of mine. I frequently like to discuss or speculate about issues in politics and have no qualms about sharing my opinions, solicited or not.
My current interest in politics, particularly the provincial and federal budgets, has nothing to do with comics or election fever. It has a whole lot more to do with the fact that I am an occasional provincial government employee, a public servant with a temporary non-recurring contract. A contract which has just come to an end and likely won’t be renewed. Not because my job isn’t important or due to any lack of skill on my part, but simply because there is no money to pay me.
For those who aren’t aware, recently the Ontario provincial government and Canadian federal government revealed their budget plan for the following year. Both budgets seek to address deficits and reign in government spending. The Ontario budget particularly needs to address a large deficit while also fulfilling election promises not to increase taxes or cut spending in education and healthcare. I am sure that in the coming days, weeks, and months there will be a lot of discussion on what the budget means, and what the implications are. In the case of the provincial budget there is even the worry of whether or not it will pass and if there will be another election. (Something even this political junkie doesn’t want.) There will be lots of opinions on all sides of the issues. I myself have a bunch and if you see me I will probably share them with you. I beg forgiveness from those who have no interest in politics and will have to endure my opinions. I also beg understanding. You may not have any interest in politics and may see the federal and provincial budgets as boring things that don’t relate to you. Please remember that for some people this has a direct impact on their lives and careers, and hopefully you can come to see that as a citizen of this province and country the decisions made by our government affect you too.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Midwinter Musings
Winter is more than halfway over and so is my job, but as of today there is still snow and I am still employed so I will rejoice.
Winter was a long time coming and still isn’t sure if it wants to stay. Here in the Sault we have had a milder than normal winter, there have been frequent mild spells which often cause my much-loved snow to melt and disappear, or settle and become hard and crusty- so unlike its original fluffy white self. But even though winter has been milder than normal at least we have had winter unlike many other parts of the country. I have been able to do a bit of X-country skiing, skating, and some snowshoeing too. So I guess there really are no complaints. All that remains to be done is to go for a sleigh ride and to go tobogganing and my winter to-do list is nearly complete.
The view from here lately has been a lot of this.
I see a lot of other things while I am out skiing but I usually see the best things when I don’t have my camera nearby; like the time I came within a meter of a gorgeous downy wood-pecker drumming on a tree as fluffy flakes of snow gently fluttered to the ground. Unless my painting skills greatly improve some things will just have to remain memories.
As my job contract nears completion I am feeling the wander bug set in again. Sadly the motivation to refresh my resumé is greatly lacking. I feel I am ready for a new place and a new adventure. I just wish I could take all my dear friends from here and bring them with me.
The snow sparkles outside my window and soon I will go out and enjoy it. But for now I am cuddled up in a blanket and sipping a large cup of magic mango mate. (It was an excellent Christmas present from my darling little sister. I would love it if she would send me some more! Hint hint) I have been enjoying it a lot lately which isn’t a bad thing. Apparently yerba mate is also called the “liquid vegetable” since it contains a pile of vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants (more than green tea!)
So get out and enjoy the snow then brew yourself a pot of deliciousness and settle in to some great music. This month’s discovery was a sweet band from Calgary Alberta called Lauren Mann and the fairly odd folk. I greatly enjoyed their sounds at a recent concert in Sault Ste. Marie and have subsequently been enjoying their CD. They are currently on tour so look them up and see if they will be near you- you won’t regret it! Or check them out on noisetrade where you can download some of their newest songs for free (although I am sure tips are appreciated.)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Night Owl Rehab pt. 2
So an update on the Nightowl rehab project I have going on.
Still not getting to sleep early.
Still not being entirely thrilled about having to wake up in the morning everyday for work.
However on Saturdays, the only day of the week when I can actually sleep in, I wake up early.
Earlier than I do every day for work.
And then I can't get back to sleep.
Every weekday morning, when I don't want to get out of bed for work, I tell myself; "Don't worry, on Saturday you can sleep in."
Well, apparently not.
Still not getting to sleep early.
Still not being entirely thrilled about having to wake up in the morning everyday for work.
However on Saturdays, the only day of the week when I can actually sleep in, I wake up early.
Earlier than I do every day for work.
And then I can't get back to sleep.
Every weekday morning, when I don't want to get out of bed for work, I tell myself; "Don't worry, on Saturday you can sleep in."
Well, apparently not.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Night Owl Rehab
I am not a morning person, I am a night owl.
Since I am now a grown up with a job and no longer a caffeine- fuelled university student; being a night owl is not an ideal situation. In highschool it was too my advantage- with my after-school job and late night paper writing. Admittedly in highschool, I did have to be on the bus by 7:10 however, if I got dressed in the dark and my Dad made my breakfast, I was able to make it onto the bus (where I could sleep) without having to actually be awake for more than 10 minutes.
University was a night owl’s dream. I could sleep in, nap in class, and then stay up till 4 am finishing papers and assignments (or watching tv.) I actually found that my most productive paper-writing time was between 10pm and 2am. And if I got at least 4 hours of sleep it might be hard to wake up, but with a little tea or a delicious raspberry mocha I could still function at full capacity.
Now I have a job. I have to get up at a decent hour. I have to be awake and alert to drive to work. I have to be fully functioning to perform my job duties. When my alarm clock goes off I can’t just ignore it, or hit snooze, or just turn it off. I must wake up, and get dressed, and go about my day- Even if my bed is warm and comfy, even if I was having a wonderful dream, even if it is still dark outside since it is winter and the sun doesn’t rise until after 8am.
Often in the morning I find myself groaning and wishing I had several more hours to sleep. Being an intelligent human, I realize I have no control over when I have to get up in the morning. I do, however, have control over when I go to sleep at night. I don’t have paper’s to write or homework anymore so when I am home from work I am free until the next day. So there really is no need to have to stay up late. So I thought if I wanted to avoid being tired and grouchy in the morning, the best solution would be to try and get to sleep earlier.
So I tried it. It isn’t working.
For the past week I have attempted to be in bed before 11pm. (Much earlier compared to my former 2 or 3 am schedule before I got my job.) Some evenings I even managed to slip under the covers by 10pm! But my efforts were futile- I just ended up tossing and turning in my bed until 12:30 or 1 and it was still hard waking up in the morning.
Night Owl Rehab has so far been a failed venture. I shall give it another week’s go but I might just have to resign myself to the fact that I will never be the type of person who bounds out of bed before the crack of dawn fully refreshed and rejuvenated for another day.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Be it Ever So Humble...
Recent events in my life have made me a semi-nomad. I move so much that when I say, “I am going home,” I don’t really know where I am referring to anymore. Currently I am staying with a friend and looking for a place of my own- it is really hard to find an apartment in this city with only 4 days notice. This means I have some of my stuff at my friend’s place, some stuff at my parent’s place and a lot of my stuff in the back of my car.
I consider myself to be an environmentalist and consider it important to care for the atmosphere and try to use alternative or public transportation. I also believe that it is important to cultivate a sense of place and put down roots in a home and community. That is why I find it ironic that, in the past year, the place I could most truly call my home is my gas-guzzling, 4- wheel drive, bright yellow, Ford Escape. I would consider public transportation however I grew up in a rural area where public transportation is not a viable option, and I tend to find myself living in small cities where public transportation exists, but is impractical. I used to have a more fuel efficient car however it was getting old, and it was not so good with winter driving. This one time it ran over a piece of debris on the highway and it put the car out of commission for a few weeks. I live in Northern Ontario , we get snow- lots of snow, and our roads get icy-very icy. My wallet really misses that car when I am filling up my tank, but my parents feel much better about me driving a more rugged vehicle.
So I am living out of my gas-guzzling SUV which I named “The Bumblebee.” Currently you will find my office located in the backseat next to my lawnchair and snowshoes. In the back you will find my pantry, linen cupboard and miscellaneous kitchen supplies. My cutlery drawer has been relocated to the front passenger seat because I needed some utensils for lunch the other day. I would be very happy to find a place so I can stop living out of my vehicle. I would be even happier if I could stay in that place for more than 6 months- at least two years would be preferred.
One downside to my semi-nomadic lifestyle is that I frequently feel like all my friendships have ticking timers counting down the time until I once again load up my vehicle and move away. I would really like to have the luxury of setting down roots and developing friendships with a sense of permanence and commitment. Modern communication does provide a means to continue friendships after I have moved out of an area, but I am not particularly good at keeping up a long-distance friendship. I have been blessed with a few friends who don’t accept that excuse and stick with me anyway, and a few other friends with who I don’t have as regular of contact, but readily accept me back when we happen to be in the same geographical area. I guess that is all this semi-nomadic girl can ask for- I AM BLESSED!!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It's a Job!
Hurray I have a job again!
I got a phone call on Wednesday- a job offer working for my old boss doing basically the same thing I did last time. (Unfortunately winter is approaching and they don't do any field work in the winter- only office and lab work but a job is a job and I am glad to have one.) Apparently they found some money in the budget to hire me back- it's only a 4 month contract but A Job is a Job!- Hurray!
Honestly, I danced around in circles and jumped around like a little girl after getting the news.
I am excited to be going back to work and moving back to my old city and being near my friends again. However moving has it's challenges- it is really tough to find a place to live in only 3 days. It is also tough to move in that amount of time. (Have I mentioned?- I hate moving!) Fortunately I have friends who are willing to help me out and offer me a place to stay until I can find something more permanent.
The transition is so fast- going from no job and kinda discouraged about the whole situation- to having a job again. It still hasn't really sunk in, and probably won't until my vehicle is packed once more and headed down the laneway, and until I walk into work again on Monday morning.
I got a phone call on Wednesday- a job offer working for my old boss doing basically the same thing I did last time. (Unfortunately winter is approaching and they don't do any field work in the winter- only office and lab work but a job is a job and I am glad to have one.) Apparently they found some money in the budget to hire me back- it's only a 4 month contract but A Job is a Job!- Hurray!
Honestly, I danced around in circles and jumped around like a little girl after getting the news.
I am excited to be going back to work and moving back to my old city and being near my friends again. However moving has it's challenges- it is really tough to find a place to live in only 3 days. It is also tough to move in that amount of time. (Have I mentioned?- I hate moving!) Fortunately I have friends who are willing to help me out and offer me a place to stay until I can find something more permanent.
The transition is so fast- going from no job and kinda discouraged about the whole situation- to having a job again. It still hasn't really sunk in, and probably won't until my vehicle is packed once more and headed down the laneway, and until I walk into work again on Monday morning.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
ShariAnn does an Independent Thing.
Once upon a time there was a young female scientist named ShariAnn. She set off into the world to have adventures and explore. She moved to a small city where she had a wonderful job and made many marvelous friends. She played in the river and forests and fens. Sadly her adventures were cut short when her job finished earlier than expected. Not wishing to drain all her financial resources while unemployed the sensible ShariAnn decided to move back home where her parents welcomed her with open arms. Home was nice and familiar and warm and safe but the young adventurous scientist longed for adventure. For a brief time she satiated her desire for something new by keeping herself occupied- she read books, watched tv, went for walks and got the mail. However as her siblings returned home, for similar reasons, home began to feel smaller and smaller, and she missed her friends from that far away small city. Eventually the urge to be independent and do something became to strong. Trips the the grocery store and the post office were not enough to satisfy the young scientists need for adventure. So she packed up her bags and loaded up her shiny yellow vehicle and set out on the long drive to the small city to visit her friends, because she was lonely and she missed them and she needed to do something independent. She had a lovely visit with them, talking, laughing, meeting new people, doing all the things she missed and wishing she still lived in the small city with many friends. At the end of the week she would return home to her loving parents and family, and not much would have changed but she would find it a little easier to wait patiently for her next adventure.
The End
(for now)
 |
| This photo is from another time the young scientist did an independent thing: when she hopped in her yellow vehicle and drove to explore Lake Superior Provincial Park and enjoy the beach by herself one fine summer's day. |
Saturday, September 3, 2011
My Life in Boxes
Boxes.
I have seen enough of them lately having completed a move.
I have emptied a bunch of my boxes but the majority of my stuff remains packed up in my parent's basement.
The sheer number of Mc Donald's boxes in my parents basement may prompt the unsuspecting person to assume we plan on opening a franchise however that is not the case.
The last few times I have moved I have gone to Mc Donald's and requested some of their french fry boxes. Generally they are clean and the perfect size for packing. I also find it amusing to ask the Mc Donald's employees for cardboard boxes. They tend to give you a blank stare and then look down at their till - you can almost see them thinking "what button do I press for an order of boxes?" before a light clicks on in their heads and they offer to go to the back and check if they have any.
On occasion I remember something that I need is located in one of these boxes in my parent's basement and a search ensues. Despite the boxes being neatly labelled and stacked it normally takes me looking through all of them before I finally find what I was looking for and a frustrated me declares "I hate having my life in boxes!!"
The truth is that lately I have been feeling like it is more than just my kitchen stuff and a bunch of clothes in boxes but that the boxes are a metaphor of how I presently feel. In many ways I feel that I am just like all that stuff languishing on a forgotten shelf in the basement waiting for the next opportunity but presently boxed up and kinda useless. It is tough to feel confident about yourself in resumés, coverletters, and interviews when you feel like you are wasting away. Slowly I forget about skills I do have and become less confident about them. For instance with my recent job interview, although I wasn't entirely suited to the job, I still struggled with answering several questions which should have come easy to me. My mind knew that I should be giving examples of how I used certain skills not just saying I had them, but I froze. The few examples I could come up with on the spot weren't that impressive. I was disappointed in my answers and knew I could have done better but I am kind of in a mental funk.
As a point of clarification I should mention that I really wasn't best suited to the position. Turns out they were looking for someone with ALOT more knowledge of ducks. I know mallards and Canada geese and that is about it the rest are all just "ducks" to me. And though I could learn quickly I think they really wanted someone who already understood that aspect of the job. I am only a little disappointed that I didn't get the job since I found out during the interview that it was only a 4 month contract and not a year long one like I had thought. On a more humorous note there were several interesting questions I was asked in my interview including:
"how do you feel about dead carcasses." - because they deal with alot during hunting season
Anyhow I continue with my life on a shelf, not fully able to make plans since I want to remain open if a job opportunity should arise; and also feeling frustrated and bored and irritated with nothing really to do. I feel like my skills and intelligence are rusting in a cupboard while time passes by all to quickly and I am not sure what I can do to fix the situation.
I have seen enough of them lately having completed a move.
I have emptied a bunch of my boxes but the majority of my stuff remains packed up in my parent's basement.
The last few times I have moved I have gone to Mc Donald's and requested some of their french fry boxes. Generally they are clean and the perfect size for packing. I also find it amusing to ask the Mc Donald's employees for cardboard boxes. They tend to give you a blank stare and then look down at their till - you can almost see them thinking "what button do I press for an order of boxes?" before a light clicks on in their heads and they offer to go to the back and check if they have any.
On occasion I remember something that I need is located in one of these boxes in my parent's basement and a search ensues. Despite the boxes being neatly labelled and stacked it normally takes me looking through all of them before I finally find what I was looking for and a frustrated me declares "I hate having my life in boxes!!"
The truth is that lately I have been feeling like it is more than just my kitchen stuff and a bunch of clothes in boxes but that the boxes are a metaphor of how I presently feel. In many ways I feel that I am just like all that stuff languishing on a forgotten shelf in the basement waiting for the next opportunity but presently boxed up and kinda useless. It is tough to feel confident about yourself in resumés, coverletters, and interviews when you feel like you are wasting away. Slowly I forget about skills I do have and become less confident about them. For instance with my recent job interview, although I wasn't entirely suited to the job, I still struggled with answering several questions which should have come easy to me. My mind knew that I should be giving examples of how I used certain skills not just saying I had them, but I froze. The few examples I could come up with on the spot weren't that impressive. I was disappointed in my answers and knew I could have done better but I am kind of in a mental funk.
As a point of clarification I should mention that I really wasn't best suited to the position. Turns out they were looking for someone with ALOT more knowledge of ducks. I know mallards and Canada geese and that is about it the rest are all just "ducks" to me. And though I could learn quickly I think they really wanted someone who already understood that aspect of the job. I am only a little disappointed that I didn't get the job since I found out during the interview that it was only a 4 month contract and not a year long one like I had thought. On a more humorous note there were several interesting questions I was asked in my interview including:
"how do you feel about dead carcasses." - because they deal with alot during hunting season
and
"would you be intimidated if a big guy with bloody hands and a gun came into the office." - again this pertains to hunting season but I found the question kind of humorous.Anyhow I continue with my life on a shelf, not fully able to make plans since I want to remain open if a job opportunity should arise; and also feeling frustrated and bored and irritated with nothing really to do. I feel like my skills and intelligence are rusting in a cupboard while time passes by all to quickly and I am not sure what I can do to fix the situation.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
I Have a Job Interview!!!! - Now what
That's right, one of my resumés has finally exited the electronic blackhole I have been throwing them into, it has been seen by a real live human being, who has deemed it interesting enough to warrant me getting an interview. (Actually this resumé wasn't sent electronically, so I guess it skipped the whole blackhole step.)
After the initial jumping around saying "I have an interview, I actually have an interview!!" I have finally come back down to earth and started preparing. I was told I will be tested on animal/plant ID and my computer skills so I went to the library to get some books to brush up on my id skills and I will review what computer skills I said I had to see what they could possibly test me on. Check and Check
Now I have one problem- What do I Wear???
It felt weird just saying that.
I am not usually a person who obsesses over my appearance. In highschool I normally got dressed in the dark while half-asleep. "Light...hurts... eyes... want more sleep!...zzzz..." As long as my clothes weren't inside out or backwards I figured I was doing all right. Also due to my lack of fashion sense/self-esteem issues my wardrobe mainly consisted of jeans, over-sized t-shirts and hoodies.
It is a well known fact that if I have an outfit/article of clothing that looks good or quasi-fashionable, chances are my sister or my university roommate picked it out for me. My skills are seriously lacking in the fashion department.
Past interviews have been conducted over the phone and I haven't had to worry about this dilemma. The interviewer's impression was limited to the sound of my voice and my answers to their questions. They had no idea I was sitting in my basement, in my pyjamas and staring at the hanging head of a forgotten tortured Halloween lawn ornament. (true story)
It is common knowledge that you should dress to impress for a job interview- first impressions are important. But the type of job I am applying for complicates matters. I have had similar positions before and I know that dressing up to wildlife biologists frequently means wearing clean clothes. Normal dress code for the position would likely be similar to my old highschool uniform of over-sized T's and jeans. However I doubt this outfit would be interview appropriate.
But what would be interview appropriate?
What kind of clothes say :
"I am an intelligent, competent and professional individual."
After the initial jumping around saying "I have an interview, I actually have an interview!!" I have finally come back down to earth and started preparing. I was told I will be tested on animal/plant ID and my computer skills so I went to the library to get some books to brush up on my id skills and I will review what computer skills I said I had to see what they could possibly test me on. Check and Check
Now I have one problem- What do I Wear???
It felt weird just saying that.
I am not usually a person who obsesses over my appearance. In highschool I normally got dressed in the dark while half-asleep. "Light...hurts... eyes... want more sleep!...zzzz..." As long as my clothes weren't inside out or backwards I figured I was doing all right. Also due to my lack of fashion sense/self-esteem issues my wardrobe mainly consisted of jeans, over-sized t-shirts and hoodies.
It is a well known fact that if I have an outfit/article of clothing that looks good or quasi-fashionable, chances are my sister or my university roommate picked it out for me. My skills are seriously lacking in the fashion department.
Past interviews have been conducted over the phone and I haven't had to worry about this dilemma. The interviewer's impression was limited to the sound of my voice and my answers to their questions. They had no idea I was sitting in my basement, in my pyjamas and staring at the hanging head of a forgotten tortured Halloween lawn ornament. (true story)
It is common knowledge that you should dress to impress for a job interview- first impressions are important. But the type of job I am applying for complicates matters. I have had similar positions before and I know that dressing up to wildlife biologists frequently means wearing clean clothes. Normal dress code for the position would likely be similar to my old highschool uniform of over-sized T's and jeans. However I doubt this outfit would be interview appropriate.
But what would be interview appropriate?
What kind of clothes say :
"I am an intelligent, competent and professional individual."
while also saying
"I am willing to stand in the rain, wade through mud,
tear out invasive species, or wrangle pheasants,
and can build a boardwalk if you need it?"
I don't want to go too professional and risk having them think I am too academic and not capable of performing the field/maintenance work. Nor do I want to go too casual and risk making a bad impression- like I don't care about the interview, or risk looking like an inexperienced highschool student. Internet so far hasn't been very helpful, most articles suggesting interview attire are for indoor office/customer service positions and recommend wearing a pant or skirt suit. I really think that would be overkill for this position but there really isn't much advice for female field biologists out there.
Ugh! I am annoyed that I am obsessing so much about clothes, but the interview is kind of a big deal to me. My typical fashion advisers are rather far away - Alberta and South Korea. And we already determined I am no good at this on my own. All this outfit-obsessing kinda makes me want to put on an oversized t-shirt and sweat pants and slip into some socks and sandals- or maybe just roll around in some mud. (kidding!) But seriously any suggestions/insight would be welcome.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Ponderings
Repetitive tasks, although mind numbing always provide a good opportunity to think and plan. They provide you with an opportunity to turn off your brain and focus it on something for awhile. I do some of my best thinking while driving. Often while driving down the freeway belting out the lyrics to whatever song I am listening to at the time I will contemplate what I am doing, where I want my life to go, what steps I will take to start a career or how develop more meaningful relationships.
The other day while kayaking I spent the better part of an hour thinking about kayaking across Lake Huron to raise money for coastal conservation. I thought about the training I would need to do, the people I would need to get involved, how I would raise funds and involve the community. For the most part this one was just wild speculation, aside from the actual paddling I lack many of the skills required to make such a venture possible. Although if someone would be willing to do all the planning and organizing and behind the scenes stuff I would be willing to train to do the actual paddle.
Another thing I frequently ponder about is my desire to work for a Christian conservation group called A Rocha. I previously spent a summer interning there and loved the work and what the organization did. However their regular employees fundraise their wages much the same as missionaries.With my large student loans and limited networking abilities I am not sure that would go over well. Also I would have to be certain that my skills were actually required by their organization. I have actually spent entire days going over scenarios and thinking of ways to make it work. Could I get a part-time job so that my fundraising needs wouldn't be so much? Could I stay in my home area and do work for A Rocha here, perhaps partnering with local organization. I often find myself contemplating and thinking.... maybe someday.....
Other things I regularly ponder are things such as :
Thinking and pondering can be good- a good way to make decisions, way pros and cons etc. However when the pondering becomes paralyzing that is when you need to take a step forward and remember to be a person of action. Thinking of exercising and dieting does not help you loose weight if you don't actually follow through. Similarly I need to learn to not just think about certain things but to take some tentative steps to see if some of my dreams can actually become reality.
The other day while kayaking I spent the better part of an hour thinking about kayaking across Lake Huron to raise money for coastal conservation. I thought about the training I would need to do, the people I would need to get involved, how I would raise funds and involve the community. For the most part this one was just wild speculation, aside from the actual paddling I lack many of the skills required to make such a venture possible. Although if someone would be willing to do all the planning and organizing and behind the scenes stuff I would be willing to train to do the actual paddle.
Another thing I frequently ponder about is my desire to work for a Christian conservation group called A Rocha. I previously spent a summer interning there and loved the work and what the organization did. However their regular employees fundraise their wages much the same as missionaries.With my large student loans and limited networking abilities I am not sure that would go over well. Also I would have to be certain that my skills were actually required by their organization. I have actually spent entire days going over scenarios and thinking of ways to make it work. Could I get a part-time job so that my fundraising needs wouldn't be so much? Could I stay in my home area and do work for A Rocha here, perhaps partnering with local organization. I often find myself contemplating and thinking.... maybe someday.....
Other things I regularly ponder are things such as :
- my living situation
- my relationships with friends, and my lack of romantic relationships
- where, when and if to apply to grad school- potential advisors and schools
- my family life
- random academicy/ current events issues that get me riled up and thinking (often these turn into blog posts, stay tuned I am working on a few right now)
Thinking and pondering can be good- a good way to make decisions, way pros and cons etc. However when the pondering becomes paralyzing that is when you need to take a step forward and remember to be a person of action. Thinking of exercising and dieting does not help you loose weight if you don't actually follow through. Similarly I need to learn to not just think about certain things but to take some tentative steps to see if some of my dreams can actually become reality.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Packing and Preserving
So the decision has been made and my move-out day is set.
I will be heading back to live with my parents (saving myself the expense of rent) until I can find a job someplace.
So naturally I decided today would be a great day to start.... Preserving.
I hate packing so naturally I won't do that until the last minute. Instead today I decided to enjoy the nice weather by going strawberry picking. I went a little overboard and came back with faaarrr too many berries. I then spent the day making two batches of jam and five pies and still have berries left over. YUM!
Anyhow all this preserving got me thinking about packing-go figure. I have a bad habit that before I leave a place I mentally put up walls and choose to focus on the frustrations and things I don't like about a place. As a survival mechanism it is pretty good, it is easier to leave a place if you can only think of the negatives. However as a general rule it isn't that great- although with some distance I am able to remember the good things and times of a place I have wasted so much time with my morose thoughts and sometimes friendships of memories suffer because of it.
I think it is time I change this habit and start something new. My jam making made me realize I should focus on PRESERVING the good memories and good friendships, rather than just rushing on to the new opportunities. Yes new exciting opportunities will come along (hopefully,) but I have had a good time here and made good friends and have many good memories. I don't want to suppress them just to make moving easier. Besides the results of preserving are pretty amazing. So I start/ pretend to start packing with a clear head and fresh mindset choosing to rejoice for the friendships and memories I have had here. I truly am blessed and believe those memories, just like my jam, will definitely sweeten my future adventures.
I will be heading back to live with my parents (saving myself the expense of rent) until I can find a job someplace.
So naturally I decided today would be a great day to start.... Preserving.
I hate packing so naturally I won't do that until the last minute. Instead today I decided to enjoy the nice weather by going strawberry picking. I went a little overboard and came back with faaarrr too many berries. I then spent the day making two batches of jam and five pies and still have berries left over. YUM!
Anyhow all this preserving got me thinking about packing-go figure. I have a bad habit that before I leave a place I mentally put up walls and choose to focus on the frustrations and things I don't like about a place. As a survival mechanism it is pretty good, it is easier to leave a place if you can only think of the negatives. However as a general rule it isn't that great- although with some distance I am able to remember the good things and times of a place I have wasted so much time with my morose thoughts and sometimes friendships of memories suffer because of it.
I think it is time I change this habit and start something new. My jam making made me realize I should focus on PRESERVING the good memories and good friendships, rather than just rushing on to the new opportunities. Yes new exciting opportunities will come along (hopefully,) but I have had a good time here and made good friends and have many good memories. I don't want to suppress them just to make moving easier. Besides the results of preserving are pretty amazing. So I start/ pretend to start packing with a clear head and fresh mindset choosing to rejoice for the friendships and memories I have had here. I truly am blessed and believe those memories, just like my jam, will definitely sweeten my future adventures.
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