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Sunday, December 23rd, 2007
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3:54 pm - Ok it's Christmas, good-bye 07.
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My reflection of 2007? Wow what a year!!! I’ve met so many great people from so many different places this year. This year was the year of one thing in particular that is good and bad and addictive, as well as a love and hate relationship. That one thing: facebook. I’m glad at the moment for this evil/helpful site in order so I can send some X-mas cheer (sort of speak) to even people that I didn’t know for long, don’t talk to very often, or might not see again (who knows), but if you’ve gotten this, your still apart of my 07 memory.
It (2007) all began with my choice to go to Scotland at the end of January then to travel around Europe.... it started with going overseas for the first time!! And loving every moment of it. In Scotland, I worked at a daycare for 2 ½ months, then I traveled with Topdeck (a packaged tour company) around Europe. The places included Paris, Vienna, Rome, Prague, etc) My whole time in Scotland I stayed in a hostel. I didn’t mind the lack of privacy at all…well never mind sometimes I did but it was so fun because there was someone to hang out with every night or some place to go to every night. I got back beginning of May then mid-June left for “work” (“work” because Kayaking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, etc didn’t feel like work) at Rocky aka RMNACSTC aka the camp I worked at with cadets during the summer. This summer was different from 06 because I had 30ish cadets from Quebec, the Uk, US, the maritimes, and all the other provinces of Canada in my pltatoon. The diversity at Rocky as well as at my hostel were AMAZING and the overall highlight of my year…..
In September, I continued at school but this time at the University of Alberta. Originally, I planned taking a major in Woman Studies and I minor in French….but it quickly changed to major= French and minor= W ST..(lol this way I’m just a minor raging burn your bra and the partriarchy, lesbian, radical feminist…I know I poke fun a lot at it but the stereotype cracks me up and I probably overuses it) But I think I switched my major and minor because I did struggle with the idea of euqality, how to preach it, how others view it, and what kinda work it would lead me to. At the beginning of September I also planned living in HUB aka residence at the U of A, but when I didn't get in (because of the large volume of people moving to Edmoton) a friend of mine from high school and her folks offered me a room in the basement of their house. I am so fortunate there more than I would have been in residence...I have my own bathroom, affordable rent, and wonderful Italian cooking....lol...I'm working too part-time at the same day care I was before I left for Scotland and am still with my army cadets working as their supply officer.
To sum up my year? This year as well was my first my first experience of what it means to be in a relationship, making friends or aquaintances (who knows) from different walks of life, growing up, getting out of my comfort zone, truning 21(which is different from growing up) and knowing leaving a place means you can always go back (mmm double meaning there) but then something inside you knows you should conform but only for a little bit so on that note that will be my 08(well partly), but only to run again in 09. In 08 I'll be at school then off to work at Rocky again in the summer. Fall 08 I will actually live in residence but in 09 I'd like to study in France for one semester then who knows
I’d like to just end with Hope all is well…really! I hope you have gotten what you wanted out of 07 (not the materialistic items of course) but experience, love, meanings, etc. Merry X-mas and Happy New Year too(of course) If you have time I always love to catch up with old pals or acquaintances…and hear about your 07 and hopes for 08..and I hope all of you have loved your 07 and are looking forward to 08. Thanx for taking the time to read this and now if I write anymore I'll be jiving or rambling.
take care
Nat, Natty, Dionne, Tilly, Wholesome, or 'Mam (or whatever you know me as)
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| Saturday, November 10th, 2007
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10:45 pm - Almost Christmas
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Well it's been awhile....something tells me I've written those exact words before but oh well it has been awhile...it's been since before the summer of this year....when I got back from Scotland but before I went to Rocky
so where do I find myself on a Saturday night?...at home.....bored.....wasting time on facebook and catching up on my online journal when I probably should search for motivation to do homework or be upstairs enjoying a movie with the people I live with and on that note (the people I live with) tis a good moment to catch up on where I'm at. When my parents told me they were retiring I left for Scotland....before leaving I applied for residence but even though I thought I did apply quite early mustn't have been early enough because when I was ready in late August for school I had no residence. I was lucky enough to get the chance from a good pal from high school to rent a basement room from her parents. It's a great accomodation. I was excited to be in Edmonton on campus but this way I can save for one more year before student loans
I'm back at school. Had the determination or motivation or something of the sort where I had picked a major and minor but at the moment am re-thinking it. I was only mid-semester when something "clicked" I suppose and thought I needed another direction
And also mid-semester was extremely missing my travels and so am already planning the next...or better phrased I am daydreaming the next traveling abroad...wanting to return back to Scotland or Ireland but nothing is ever the same when u return to it and it's probably the people I miss the most.....but anyway I've applied to study abroad....in other words applied for a scholarship to study in France at the U of A. On my part though I will have to work really hard to actually achieve that ...I'll need a high G.P.A to get it.
But to try to wrap things up I've named this entry almost Christmas because I find time os going by so fast but slow at the same time. I spend sometime thinking can't wait til Christmas but since school is crazy working week by week finishing assignments it will be X-mas before I know I'm sure..... and I feel like I'm sometime wasting time with being home or at school or doing the tedious or mundane or whatever it is...that what is preventing me from doing that somewhere else...in other words I think I'm really itching to travel but I hope it's not a reason to escape..
now...What else? Mmm I think will actually have to be saved for the other journal...my own where I don't need to censure as much but without saying too much I have been working on trying to change my perspective in one area....My opinion on one individual has changed while I'm trying to be less shallow and change my perspective on another
Ya.....well until next time....take care whoever ventures to read this one for I won't be sending it to anyone
Nat
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| Saturday, June 23rd, 2007
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10:49 am - Good-bye house
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Well tomorrow I say goodbye to my house...only a house I've been in for 7 years...not like it's been since childhood but still something I'd like to recognize. Tomorrow I head off to Rocky, my cadet camp job for the second time but this summer I'll be there for the whole summer. Things I'm looking forward to? Saving money for school in September, the Calagary Stampede and a day off where I'll sky dive or go white water rafting. (Something extreme or it's just not worth it) Of course, though, I'm looking forward to the job too. I've got the same as last year that is teaching Map and Compass, but it can change to being in charge of a platoon. If that happens that's actually great news! I would only be on the base of camp 1 out of 6 weeks....the rest of the five would be mountain biking, rock climbing, glacier hike, normal hike, and canoeing/kayaking. Either way it should be a great summer because it's just a good diverse place to work. And it will keep me "healthy busy."
On that note, I'm also writing cuz I've been back from Scotland for 3ish weeks so far and even though I've been getting things done it's easy to slip into being bored or convincing myself I am and getting up to nothing productive. I think I did alright though. Visited all the pals. Saw Pirates, Ocean's 13, and Evan Almighty. Scored some tickets to a comedy show. Had a sleep over with Cheung and contemplated life (not just on the sleep over but with all the friends since I've been visiting while back) Learning more about myself and my reactions to being in a relationship, etc. All in all, it was a wonderful closure to Scotland and my 4 months overseas, something I always wanted to do and saved money since I was 14! (Come to think of it)
It's good to go to work though as I was saying. Since it was 3 weeks at home and my 9th time home I realized it's gets easier to blend it at home again, but missing a place is always the same. And of course that was the case with Scotland. I miss/missed the people, the independance from parental units (ha ha like the wording) and just the experience as a whole. I look back and am so thankful yet again to where I'm at. Something to keep in mind though maybe stop being fearful of when life is gonna stop spoiling me.....this summer I'll attempt to kick back and enjoy.....as well as stop and smell the roses (someone told me that once and it kinda stuck with me)
Anyway come what may, parents retiring, moving into residence (sort of) 2 jobs and 5 courses each semester, my cat possibly passing away,it's bound to be great well great when I look back...lol....I'm gonna go jump in now!!!
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| Monday, April 23rd, 2007
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11:36 am - Change of plans
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Alright so again a quick little blurb
I am now doing a different tour of Europe the one I thought had room was sold out so I bought a top deck tour....a top deck Camping tour
man is it ever expensive especially when i convert in into Canadian $$$....eeek....but you only come to Scotland once...right? and for your 21st B-day....I also had to borrow some money from someone.....so kind so I'm excited to pay them back
....so the trip is 21 days...from 6th May til 26th May.....from London....Paris ...Avignon...Nice......mmm can't remember it all....how horrible...lol...but it goes South down France....through Italy Rome and Venice....then Prague....Munich....Amsterdam....etc...back to London......either way worth it.....just sit on a bus and laugh to a tour guides jokes and follow....not lead.....
anyway....for now that's all......I've got my head in the clouds since my time is coming to an end...it's bitter sweet.....
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| Wednesday, April 18th, 2007
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10:06 am - Almost time to travel
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Well like I said b4 time goes by way too fast
Yesterday I gave my work my 1 and a 1/2 weeks notice. My last day will be on the 27th of April, then May 1st I'll fly to Paris (need to buy a ticket) and from there: do busabout around Europe..From Paris...Lauterbrunnen, Munich, Venice, Rome, Florence, Nice, Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian, Tours then back to Paris, London, Stone Henge, and Stratford hopefully since I've been to the one in Canada....
Back at home in the summer I'm off to Rocky again, the cadet camp near Cochrane.....which hopefully will give me the money to afford most of the U of A
Damm already my time is up though here at the Library.....till next time
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| Monday, April 9th, 2007
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2:12 pm - Paid day off
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Woo-hoo....today I got me a paid day off....what the ultimate Easter gift...life is spoiling me again...
So I thought today I should take the time to say what I've been up to and what is to come....first and foremost time is just slipping by....it's gone way to fast as per usual...life is short....and in fastfoward it seems
Well this weekend that just past,Cameron and I went to Glasgow to give a pal his mail....only I forgot to actually bring it with me....grr.....but the trip there was nice.....good company and good conversation....the weekend before that went to a Scottish Whisky centre for a whisky tasting.....not a fan of the taste p.s. especially when u have to smell it....then taste and keep it in your mouth.....actually felt a little uneasy after it and it was not much at all.....the tour was ok too....sometime during the week went up Arthur's seat with Desiree,Cameron, and another Canadian, again for me, only this time for sunset....gorgeous....and even though i was tired from work it was worth it...
this weekend coming up... Cameron and I are going to Loch Ness.....woot...the perfect trip since we both work weekdays and it will be first trip out in the Highlands and up North
Also since my time I'm sure will come to an end before I know it...I'm planning my MAY trip and that I think is coming together good...I'm gonna do a guided tour around Europe....but at the same time it is get on get off when u want....whether I'll come back with money ????? but oh well u only live once right?!.....
what else?
Oh maybe I should quickly explain who I hang out with.....aka my wonderful friends or who I hangout with.....mainly Desiree and Cameron.....Desiree from Zambia....so wonderful ....24 but with so much wisdom as if she is 40 yrs old.....she i can say is my best friend here..Cameron from BC and AB but got to know him cuz he lived in Edmonton last and went to U of A....other than that people that I have met have come and gone....but there is tons more at this hostel that live here long term but there's too many to mention.......and Dez and Cameron...I look forward to hanging out with in the evenings....every night
mmmm that's all for now.....work is fun....but don't want to bore people talking about that....
for whoever reads this I hope I've caught u up on me.....Hope all is well with u as well.....take care...
love Tilly, Dionne, Natty, Nat, etc
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| Tuesday, March 20th, 2007
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11:47 am - All is well
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Hello All
Just a quick update for all is well in Edinburgh.....I'm just excited to get paid and to see where I stand money wise for I'm starting to look into my trip to France, Italy, and Spain at the end....from May until June aka until I come back home
I feel like there's just lots to consider with planning this trip and also with things back at home. For example, U of A, I want to go to in September....but I have no idea when I get a notice that I'm accepted....so in other words when I can apply for courses
I'm actually just gonna take 3 courses at U of A just to be considered full time...then I'll try the other 2 with RMC (aka Royal Military college) those will be by correspondance so I don't know how I'll do with that but two course combined will only cost like 600$, books and all.....this is all because i teach cadets but i figure i might as well take this opportunity
mmmm the other thing on my mind is where I'll work this summer....Vernon or Rocky...but i think it's best to just enjoy my time here.....it will go by way to fast like it already is if i spend that time worrying about stuff t home too much....
it is something i need to consider to make sure I've got work, a place to live and education when i get back but just to consider it and not worry
Other than that work is fun....easy and fun...
umm can't think of anything else but either way getting kicked off...
so until next time.....sending hugs to all my friends at home....I hope life is greeeat...
take care
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| Saturday, March 3rd, 2007
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12:25 pm - What I'm up to...Job wise
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So it's been a bit of time and I thought I should let some of you know what I'm up to....Job wise.....I ended up getting a job for the last thing that I wanted to do here....not that I hate it but because I have only done that at home and wanted to try something new here (bar or waitressing) But nevertheless I work for Edinburgh After School Club.....5, 6, & 7 year olds...it's fun, doesn't feel like work and weekends I'm garanteed off so I shouldn't complain....the money isn't that great especially since I don't get paid until the end of the month but it's enough to get by....still have some fun, and travel at the end I believe.....
But all in all good job...it's been a week now and I feel comfy already with the kids and my two co-workers....for Spring break too....which is April 2nd to the 13th here I'll get more hours cuz i'll be working at a camp.....for those 2 weeks or a week and a half or whatever it will end up being.....
The kids at work too are pretty fun...they are amused by my accent and I'm amused by theirs....yesterday I had a conversation with a 6 or 7 year old for some good time which i think is uncommon....and they speak so much more "proper" than our North American kids....i think anyway
ooo before i go i wanted to vent about a couple of Scottish pet peeves of mine not like they irritate me that much though...I'm having a blast at the moment but here they are:
The Sunshine girl in the paper like our paper The Sun, is topless!!! I want rant cuz it will take too much time
People don't have the right of way here and get honked at for crossing the street at the wrong time( moslty tourist...like we know!!)
Smokers every where but I feel like I always end up walking behind them.....grrr to secong hand smoke I feel like it's the most I've had here then in a year at home just by walking around
People litter lots here....spit more too i think on the side walks and gum too....which just surprise me cuz the street are too nice to do that too....Edinburgh is actually the only city with the most of it's original street and buildings...all others lots theirs to the world wars....so why spit on ur old gorgeous brick street
Ok getting kicked off...Library closing...hope everyone is good....no i take that back i hope all is great
current mood:  busy
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| Thursday, February 22nd, 2007
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4:48 pm - Options
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Man life somtimes offers so many options to choose from....today I got a job at an After school childcare centre and the job at the gift shop I was hoping for.....but now I have to choose....grrr....choices.....also before I got work that I liked, I was thiking of finding a farm to work on for my room and board....I now also have that as an option.....what to do...what to do...last but not least there's a wonderful job in Stratford,Ontario that has been offered to me for wquite some time....
So I think it's time to do some sort of soul searching tonight....after some soup ....I really need to do some grocery shopping too....which i can afford I'm just being lazy
I had a great B-day though...many pals showed up to the place I made a reservation at....then went to The Tron for £1 drinks....got a little tipsy not not full blown drunk....Cheung called me the day of my Birthday.....I was sleeping in and woke up to my cellphone but it was an awsome wake up call
Now it's just time to decide
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| Wednesday, February 21st, 2007
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12:37 pm - Champagne Birthday
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Ok so since today is my B-day so I suppose i should write a little diddy....last night when it was midnight Lauren came back with a bottle a wine....and told everyone it was my B-day so the great thing about living in a hostel....everyone wished me a Happy B-day and everyone knew....gave me hugs and kisses.....it was a nice night
Today, I'm gonna make a reservation at a restaurant but i don't know about getting right drunk afterwards cuz tomorrow i have an interview with an after school child care agency....(dang i should have said i was busy when i was called but oh well).....apparently a lot of people in the hostel got their jobs while hung over....I think instead of going out I'll just have my wine and play sociables with people and make a cake....Home parties have grown on me cuz of all the great ones we have at home....plus this weekend Ican go to a night club
Mmmm what else to blab about.......yeah I'm 21....I sort of forgot to say that...but oh well time to head out paint the town red or something
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| Monday, February 19th, 2007
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12:33 pm - Unsure
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Ok well today makes it 20 days that I've been here and still no job....but there are many call backs that are expected and an agency I've signed up with.....Also I have two pals that can give me work when I get really desperate or poor
But all is good....I still have lots of my Canadian fund that I brought over it just sucks to have nothing coming in and to be only spending....plus I'm just bored during the day
Today though, after buying stamps I'll head to climb Calton Hill....which has tons of monuements on them; should be good cuz Arthur's seat that Cameron and I hiked up the other day was gorgeous....only a 10 min walk there then 30 mins up and ur in the coutry or on this mountain...or so it feels
I really hope to get this job at a Scottish gift store.....it's only part-time but if I can clean at my hostel and get free aacomadation i think im set for saving money....if things don't work themselves out by the end of Feb there's always WWOOFing I thought to myself the other night....aka volunteering on an organic farm which i can't believe i didn't think of before.....being in the middle of no where in Scotland might have been nice....oh well there's always next year...then I can drag Sarah with me as well...
Well I thought I had a lot to say but im lost for words really....Wednesday tho...I'll be 21 so I'll have to write something to mark another year of my life...
well until next time
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| Wednesday, February 14th, 2007
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10:59 am - New hostel
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Yeah so yesterday I moved into my new hostel and what i thought might be scary or intimidating wasn't really all that much....the Aussie couple Lauryn and Justin that I met at the other hostel has moved into there too. Last night they decided to make Carbenera (spl) aka bacon, mushrooms, parmesan, creamy noodle dish from scratch and spoil me by sharing it. Then Albert, someone I met was making crepes and insisted on me trying them since he knew I was French Canadian. So today I'm still full from that and not hungry at all for breakfast or I think even for lunch.
At 4:30 today I've got an interview prep for the train job. I've realized I'm going through an agency that hooks people up with jobs on trains so today it is in their best interest to prep me so I get hired. This way if I get hired, and the more people who do get hired through them the more money they get from that particular company. In the end it works for both of us....they make £14 an hour off me but I'll still get something like £7 an hour which is better then any other job here that pays just a little more than min wage £5.35. Plus one Canadian told me the tips were awsome when she played up her Canadian accent.....so I should maybe start myself, eh?!
Well can't think of anything else to say so I'm off to google an agency that hooks you up with security jobs for Rugby games or special events like that....met someone who did that and she loved it.Then I'm off to Mama said, a convinience store with free boxes so I can attempt to build a shelf in and on top of my locker.....I feel creative today....again....cuz i think i felt like that yesterday too?!?!?
current mood: creative
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| Tuesday, February 13th, 2007
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11:41 am - What am I doing on this glorious sunny day
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What am I doing on this wonderful sunny day........well the sun is out so I'm sooo happy...not like I was painfully miserable before but I love to see the sun peek through every now and again....more all the time though then every so often
So I went for the interview for the Army Surplus store yesterday and sort of got the job....well I got it but today I was suppose to go in for a trail day...then after a trail week...and then after a trail 2 months I would then sign a contract to be their employee officially....so that just all sounded a little too dodgy for me (ohh dodgy is an expression i learnt from a British bloak means....sounds risky or weird like their a catch to something).....to sum it up I called in and declined, then thought to myself mmm is that a smart move?
Well if it isn't what's done is done...I don't know how long I can afford to be picky for but I hope that my last interview will work out ....i think i'll like it most....it's the steward job for the train....even if it pays less whatever money is a short term motivator and I'd rather do something I enjoy then hate going to work even if it's only 2 and a half months worth
I feel like I sound spoiled...!?!?! oh well once I have a job that I like I know I'll work hard...there is no other way
well until tomorrow or until I work and have less time on my hands
current mood:  artistic
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| Monday, February 12th, 2007
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12:54 pm - Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital
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Ok I'm sure everyone knows by now but yes I'm living in Edinburgh for 3 months and if all goes well I hope to travel afterwards to France, Italy, and Spain. Right now at the moment I'm at the library. This afternoon, at noon, I went for my third interview.....the first was for a Christmas Shoppe....the second....a bar....today was at an Army Surplus and Camping supply store.....my kinda thing I suppose....tomorrow I have an interview for a night club....mmm minimum wage and no tips...(they don't tip here)....then Wednesday an interview for a train company to be a train stewardess.(spl?)
wow harder to find work here but that's when I compare it to AB....which is going through a job boom, but it's not impossible here just a challenge...maybe I've just been spoiled at home job wise....but it's kinda nerve wrecking..feels like if i make a little mistake i could lose my job just like that....like with the army surplus store I'm going in tomorrow for a test day and after that if they like me a test week....I just hope I don't have to be a pushy sales woman
Oh p.s.....if u plan to read all of this it's gonna be really long....like story long with chapters and such....i've pre-warned you....
so am i liking it here?.....let's go back in time a little...i got here the 31st of January.....a Wednesday...and started looking for work after the weekend....dropped off maybe 25 resumes so far...and had 5 interviews or will...before the weekend I pierced my NOSE?!?!.....which i can't do at home cuz of cadets so why not here....I tried to keep up with an Irish, Paul, one night and well came home a stumbling....I'm glad he was a gentleman cuz i wouldn't have known the way home at all.....and I only had 3 beers!!!!...I thought they had less % of alcohol here compared to our Canadian beer....either they have more and lie about it....or I'm a cheap drunk....mmmm
So yes I am liking it to answer the question.....but not quite loving it yet...but I was talking to some pals on msn...stayed up late until 3 am to do so cuz i was feeling a little bit homesick....and one friend pointed out, Ian, that by the time I get home I will be Scotland sick......so that cheered me up.....the only thing that I guess struck the homesickness was that it's nice to be independant but also kinda lonely....so note to self I'm dragging a friend with me next time i travel...anybody want to volunteer?....but it's getting better I'm meeting more people and making more friends
tomorrow I've decided to switch hostels which i was not sure about cuz i just got comfy at the first one and with the people...but this one is £50 a week instead of £60 and a lot nicer and an Aussie couple at my present hostel is moving over with me....So this hostel....High Street Hostel will be my home for the next 2 and a half months....I never knew someone could live in a hostel but since i can i might as wel it's more affordable than a flat and they will do my laundry....ha ha...which i can do on my own but why not ....plus most flat owner's want people to live there for 6 months ad have you sign a contract....
So I'm adjusting....the weather? kinda like Vancouver but the wind makes it colder....I'm so excited for right hot weather though.....but this is a gorgeous city....the history and architecture....wow ....it will be fun to discover something new everyday....that's the best way to travel i think too....something i learnt from Katimavik...to not just be a one week tourist but be a member of the community....you learn so much about the people and culture
So life is good....well it always is but that's little miss perky sunshine for ya....as my Katimavik family likes to call me.....but wow 2006....was wonderful when i look back at it....I'm soo spoiled and so thankful because 2007 is already off to a great start....like I'm living on my own in another country...and things will be very different when I get back home....
like my house will be sold and the folks will be living and retired on their own...I'l miss my house....my bright lime green roon and blue sky with clouds ceiling...
ok I'm rambling now.....but life is great...just need to choose a job now....
so I hope this gave everyone an idea of how i am or a little picture of what I'm up to...tahnx for your time in this matter...ha ha...that's just from writting too many cover letter....no but thanx for ur patience in reading my long entry....hope all is well in all your lives....take care X100....and with love Tilly...Dionne...Nat...NATTY.....mmmm etc.....oh and my fav Natalator.....bissous tout le monde...aka mes personnes francaise
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| Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
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10:05 pm - AT RMNACSTC
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Hey Everyone
So I suppose I need to write in this thing once again....
I'm at camp right now ....more specifically Rocky Mountain National Army Cadet Summer Training Centre.....as some of you know.....aka my summer job...it's a camp for cadets and I'm a teacher aka CIC (Cadet Instructor Cadre)
So I must first say that I'm having a blast....I love my job...even though today was really slow and I had a hard time staying awake it's tons of fun....my boss is great..I was feeling crappy one day cuz I feel I did a horrible job with two certain tasks but I was able to approach him...(he's very approachable) and he reminded me that it's ok to make mistakes....and so I don't know why I felt guilty in the first place...I guess I'm bad with that in general....worrying too much and all...
So my job...I should actually mention what it is: I'm an Assistant Operations Officer....aka I work in the HQ (Head Quarters of the camp) which it's task is to ensure everything is running smoothly on the camp...since this camp is an Adventure camp...and advanced so more skilled cadets come here they (the cadets) go on hikes, kayaking, canoeing, glacier hikes, mountain climbing, etc. We man the radio where everyone can contact us from their trips if anything goes wrong. Just like in Army movies " Zero this is Alpha message over" "Rover over" " 10 4" ha ha...very cool Twice a week I also get to teach Map and Compass review and an Orienteering course so I get to get out of the office every now and again and avoid too much cabin fever. Also part of my job is looking after other things if they take place....like missing cadets...(lol which happened one night) gas leaks, bomb threats, Fire, tornadoes (spl?), etc. We just make sure that if something does happen that the right measures are taken...like if 911 needs to be called or if we need to take someone to the hospital or if we can deals with it ourselves with the MIR (the mini hospital here)
This camp is also a national one meaning it's bilingual...there's about 70% cadets from Quebec here and then some from UK...and for two weeks there was US ones as well...the accents are so much fun....today someone from Newfoundland was talking about her Mom but it sounded like Mam' so I kept saying what....teaching Map and Compass and Orienteering in french and English has been fun too....and not as hard as I thought
So far on my time off went to the Calgary Zoo...and a mall...later in the summer hope to go to the Banff hot springs with some people too...other than that havn't done too much but Cochrane and Calgary isn't too far so I'm sure I'll find more to do
Last but not least the people I'm working with is great...and having fun with my two roomies...we just got a new one the other day...don't think she likes officers though as a reservist.
Well time to head off....but just wanted to say Had A BLAST at the reunion to all my Katimavik family and to everyone else (well almost) see you near the end of August when I get home...so take care everyone....and see/talk to you soon. Hope all is well and give me a shout to let me know how your summer is going.
current mood:  sleepy
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| Sunday, July 9th, 2006
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8:08 am - At my reunion
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Well here I am, at my Katimavik reunion with my other family. Everyone is sleeping in the next room and I'd love to be doing the same but I really should update this...it will be nice to read it later. Plus Sarah and Jess are good at motivating me to do it.
Where to begin. What a month it's been. I feel so lucky in life. I feel life is spoiling me with all the great stuff that's been happening, seeing my katimavik family being one of those things and just tops this whole year.
May 30th or so I think I greyhounded to Sask to Sarah. From there Winnipeg....we surprised Vince and stayed with my relatives..from there Thunder Bay to see Amy....my wonderful cadet pal.....After was Toronto we got to hang with Karen....the best PL ever....then came Montreal which we got to go to on VIA...visited/surprised Matt and in Ste-Julienne surprised Eric from the MDJ. I called up my old billet "dad" Roger and took a memory trip to his farm....What great closure Ste-Julienne was...Roger and Eric said I was so much more articulate and souriante (smiling more) and that made my year...I wasn't sure if I changed but I guess I have and boy it's a gooder...so after Ste-Julienne...Quebec city to have time with MP....Joelle...couldn't visit her cuz she's working in the states....in Moncton we scared/surprised Andrew...and before I knew it we were WWOOFing in gorgeous PEI(volunteering on an organic farm) and leaving. We were there for 2 weeks but it went fast. Our host were great....hippies back in there days but still with opinions today
In PEI where we WWOOfed....we got to ....go clamming....get a warning from a park warden who shared the same family tree as I....(very cool).....learned about organic gardens and farming.....ate vegetarian for a month.....saw how the cow goes from cow to on your plate...developped the hippy in me...(lol)...maybe....
To finish it off we then went a far way to Straford...our third katimavik town....my pers fav....there we visited the Gras' and Downies Sarah and I's billets who just happen to be realted so it's easy to visit them both...they brought us tubbing and had a family reunion taking place so got to take part
So in PEI and Straford we also milked the cows....for Paul's we knew how from before in PEI it was a different system simply cuz there's less cows...the one in PEI was a little scarier cuz ur right there with the cow....getting kick seemed scary but it happened and really no big deal...but for the rest of the time....I was a bit paranoid
To end... I must be off...want to go wake everyone up...Andrew is already...but ya...wake everyone up and enjoy the last day of this amazing trip...then it's off home to Rocky...a cadet camp where I'll work as Admin maybe....(which I hate secretary work) and my other camp Vernon called me the other day with an opening....but already said I'd work in Rocky....oh well...change is good
so my question: don't even know what to ask...do you believe that life has a plan for you or is it you making your way....or a little bit of both?
current mood: but content
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| Saturday, April 15th, 2006
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11:25 pm - A Great Night
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Where to start...well with tonight I guess....I hung out with Karene and Jamal (spl) Karene I met in Philosophy...i heard her talk about the Bahai faith one day....and so we started talking it up about Wildfire and so far have become good friends....
so tonight we were invited to a potluck....it was awsome....met a lot of people that were very hippyish which i mean in a great way though....all the food was vegetarian and so good...some even vegan.....man i was thinking if i knew how to cook that i would be a veg myself i think.......i was thinking of trying it this summer actually if i go to vernon it will be easy to try it....
speaking of the summmer...it's so close and i'm soo looking forward to it....in just over a month i'm off to see Sarah, go WWOOFing and see my Katima-family...can't hardly wait....
but gonna have to.....just i little bit more focus....study wise...figure out school for Sept...and remember it's not etched in stone....i think i worry too much and finding my career but there's lots of time...well not lots but some...lol.......so diving in to my books i shall do and anticipate the maritimes
current mood: accomplished
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| Thursday, March 30th, 2006
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10:49 pm - Forgot to ask my question
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mmmmm....well I'm not sending this out so don't know how mcuh replies i'll get.....
....Believe in destiny?.....that shall be the question?
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10:24 pm - What a week
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Wow so Monday it started....a crazy week that is....Monday night I had my last Kayaking class....it went great....just at the last minutes of the class I managed to learn how to flip myself back over with just my paddle...I didn't think I'd be able to do....e.i. arm strength but it wasn't necessary...it was all about technique....then i slept over at Linders .....on the way there on the bus...this girl was drunk and kept falling out of her seat...this guy was laughing so hard and got me and Linder doing the same...havn't laughed that much in a while.....then at Linders, even though 've warmed up to dogs i'm still a cat person...lol....so all night i was trying to get the dog to leave my alone...but hey in my defense he was trying to lick my face...cute dog but still can't do that man....cat person!!!
.....Tuesday I was gonna attend another Bahai meeting but i didn't end up going....which originally i was really bummed about...but it's funny how the night just majorly turned out....I didn't go cuz it took me 2 hrs to get to school where as usually it only takes 45 mins.....I took my usual bus but after 6pm its out of service so after being brought to the other side of Sherwood Park....away from the bus transit centre to go into the city...i got stuck sort of speak with an 80 year old man in the same postion as me...the bus dropped us off on a busy road where we had to cross the street to catch another bus that would bring us to the centre....well he had a walker and being that we just got lots of snow he had the hardest time walking....and at the same time he was too proud to let me help him..lol..but don't get my wrong he was the sweetest man....an hour and a half later after talking to him I learned so much and shared so much in common with him...he was from BC....grew organic food...was a vegetarian...except for fish..travelled to soo many places....was in the reserves....he had lived a life i thought and think would be cool to live too...
So i didn't get to my school until 7:30 and i was suppose to meet Linder at 7pm then there we were gonna head to Karen (Bahai get together) well since it was 7:30 and it started at that time...i still had to get ink at staples( for term papers) so felt it wasn't good if we were almost an hour late...so called said we couldn't come and headed to staples....on the way there we found 20$.....lol like finding a tooney is cool but a twenty.....so in order to celebrate sort of speak we went to Denny's for desert it only came to 10 so we tipped the waiter 100%....and he looked at us as if we were crazy...lol but was thankful....
So it's funny how the night turned out...i was mad at first missing out...being late but things just have a way of always turning out i believe....and last night was just more obvious and proof....so got home finished term paers....stress melted away....Thursday i didn't go to do my optional 2nd midterm to boost up my mark possibly but that ended up being the right choice too....Karen said it was hard and not worth it pretty much...then tonight had cadets....didn't go last week got to stress with school and training O stuff....
Tomorrow going to an info seminar about Thatre Production....who's knows might be the career I'm looking for....other that that i'm going to a Tourism one later and i'll make up my mind from there....last but not least Karen (she did Wildfire) is gonna tell me more about the exchange....so gonna meet up sometime and learn more about that....Last but not least helping my sis move...so can't go to linder's party....might have sum $$ coming my way for promoting disney movies at Wal-Mart....(don't tell Sarah) lol....so all in all a great week even though it's not quite done.....so wrote too much...hope i didn't give u a hernia reading this...take care all....hope u guys are talking to 80 year old men and finding $$.....sort of speak
current mood:  cheerful
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| Thursday, March 16th, 2006
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2:59 pm - Change is good
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Mmmm spring on it's way soon....very excited....it always reminds me of change and i think i got some of that going on right now....
....i went to a Bahai (spl?) thing the other night.....the person I met, Karen said it was a deepening....but although i have no idea yet about the whole spiritual world and i tend to ignore it or deny it....i'm glad i made the choice to get more info....actually there was nothing stereotypically religous about it...well not by much....we just listened to music and had some grumb...last but not least read these prays....although they were more like poems....well it was all girls so it felt kinda cool...kinda like a feminism thing
....speaking of feminism...My socioloy teacher asked the class who thaught they were one....well i thought about it for a sec and put my hand up...well lol i was the only one who did.....before we got into the chapter of Sex and Gender everyone had the negative picture of what a feminist was....the one the media gives us..lesbian, man-hater, doesn't shave her armpits....but it's not about that....it's not about bringing man down it's just about bringing woman up to where man's at presently still despite change that has taken place.
last but not least then i will ask my questions....which p.s i really want...well sorry would like a response....
....so last i hung out with my dad today and yesterday....me and my sis Michelle went to supper with him....and then today he picked me up from school....i'm not gonna say all the details...well cuz this is a love journal but man has he changed...and for the great...major break through to sum that up
so my questions:
Do you think people can change?
How do you think we value women in our society as opposed to women in countries the have to wear birkas (spl) aka the shall over the hair and part face?
Do you think man and woman will ever be truly equal and what do you think it takes.....
Feel free to answer any one you wish....meanwhile....everyone take care.....to my K group..miss ya....and p.s thinking of doing Wildfire guys...!?!?!
current mood:  curious
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