Tools of Procrastination
So life has been insane or is it that I am going insane as a cause to life...I don't know anymore...All I can think about is the papers, midterms, debates, assignments and readings that are taking over my life. I love gradschool and like I said before, I am meant to be here. I love what I am learning but I am not absorbing it cause I am so focused on not drowning in the sea of work and more work.
I know gradschool is about making sacrifices for the end goal but I think I am sacrificing my sanity. There is just so much to do. To the point where I am feeling so overwhelmed that I just want to procrastinate, thus the reason for this blog posting.
I know, one thing at a time, I will get through it, ya da ya da ya da......
overstressed and feeling overwhelmed = grumpy no fun Char
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
My friends Rock!!
Last night under the pretense of needing my help for something, my two dear friends, Risa and Karin surprised me with a belated birthday celebration. Risa picked me up and took me to one of my favourite dessert places where Karin was watiting with flowers, balloons, pink flamingoes and presents. It was awesome and I felt truly loved. I always say that my birthday is no big deal and it doesn't really matter, but secretly I like it when someone makes a big deal out of it, I feel extra loved when they remember. Although, I do know that I am loved by those in my life regardless if they wish me a happy birthday or not. Last night was very unexpected and truly appreciated.
Risa and Karin you girls rock!!!
Last night under the pretense of needing my help for something, my two dear friends, Risa and Karin surprised me with a belated birthday celebration. Risa picked me up and took me to one of my favourite dessert places where Karin was watiting with flowers, balloons, pink flamingoes and presents. It was awesome and I felt truly loved. I always say that my birthday is no big deal and it doesn't really matter, but secretly I like it when someone makes a big deal out of it, I feel extra loved when they remember. Although, I do know that I am loved by those in my life regardless if they wish me a happy birthday or not. Last night was very unexpected and truly appreciated.
Risa and Karin you girls rock!!!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Bitten Hard by a Bug...
The travel bug has bitten me hard and I can't wait for my next trip, there are entire continents that need to be explored and a brand new passport with no stamps. If you look at the map below there is a lot of grey left on it. The red is the places I have travelled to.
create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands
The travel bug has bitten me hard and I can't wait for my next trip, there are entire continents that need to be explored and a brand new passport with no stamps. If you look at the map below there is a lot of grey left on it. The red is the places I have travelled to.
create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Do you wash your hands?
For my research methodologies class I had to do an observational exercise and monitor how people washed their hands. It was bit of a covert operation where I would pretend to use the toilet and then go and wash my hands, while secretly memorizing every detail of the movements of the person next to me at the sink. My group and I chose to monitor the largest bathroon at our university and you would be surprised at how many people who kind of just rinse their hands. It is kind of gross in fact. It has made me hypersensitive about washing my hands and touching germy washrooms.
Which is kind of ironic considering that the day after I did my observations, I got the flu. I have been sick for the last 4 days, with the first 3 days being absolutely whiny and miserable. I was a trooper and went to school and work anyways, only to go home after work and hide under my covers shivering and coughing. I am happy to report the fever is gone and all that remains is a stuffed up and runny nose and a hacking cough. At this point I am glad that I no longer have a fever.
Okay, so back to the hand washing. Did you know that there are guidelines to proper hand washing techniques?
1. you must take off jewellery
2. wet hands
3. lather soap, don't use bar soap or antibacterial soap,
4. scrub between the fingers, the palms, back of hands, and the wrists
5. use lots of friction while scrubbing for two singings of Happy Birthday (note don't sing it outloud, they will really think you are weird)
6. Rinse thoroughly, one hand at a time
7. take paper towel and use that to shut off the tap.
The weird stuff you learn in gradschool huh?
For my research methodologies class I had to do an observational exercise and monitor how people washed their hands. It was bit of a covert operation where I would pretend to use the toilet and then go and wash my hands, while secretly memorizing every detail of the movements of the person next to me at the sink. My group and I chose to monitor the largest bathroon at our university and you would be surprised at how many people who kind of just rinse their hands. It is kind of gross in fact. It has made me hypersensitive about washing my hands and touching germy washrooms.
Which is kind of ironic considering that the day after I did my observations, I got the flu. I have been sick for the last 4 days, with the first 3 days being absolutely whiny and miserable. I was a trooper and went to school and work anyways, only to go home after work and hide under my covers shivering and coughing. I am happy to report the fever is gone and all that remains is a stuffed up and runny nose and a hacking cough. At this point I am glad that I no longer have a fever.
Okay, so back to the hand washing. Did you know that there are guidelines to proper hand washing techniques?
1. you must take off jewellery
2. wet hands
3. lather soap, don't use bar soap or antibacterial soap,
4. scrub between the fingers, the palms, back of hands, and the wrists
5. use lots of friction while scrubbing for two singings of Happy Birthday (note don't sing it outloud, they will really think you are weird)
6. Rinse thoroughly, one hand at a time
7. take paper towel and use that to shut off the tap.
The weird stuff you learn in gradschool huh?
Monday, January 08, 2007
Broke my Monkey
I had my first day of classes for the new semester today. It was nice to see my classmates again and to be back into it. It felt comfortable, like I have known my classmates for more than a semester. I am really liking the program and am excited about the next semester. I am taking some more interesting classes and really think that I am going to learn some really cool stuff. I am truly excited about it. It seems strange that I am excited about university, I remember my last few semesters of undergrad and really dreading going back after Christmas. It will be a tough semester, lots of work but in the end well worth it. I am still working 20 hours a week but taking 3 courses. I will have to work on time management and still maintaining my sanity. I plan to add yoga and bring back pottery into my life. Things I enjoy and good stress relievers for me. Wish me good luck for the semester.
The monkey reference is to a necklace that I have been wearing. It is a wish necklace, a string with a monkey charm hanging on it. The idea is that you make a wish and when the string breaks then your wish comes true. It is based on the idea of a prayer string. Well, my string broke and we will see if my wish comes true. Of course I am not going to tell you what my wish is cause a) you are going to laugh at me and b) if I say it out loud it won't come true.
I am not normally this silly nor so superstitious but sometimes you have to believe in something beyond the ordinary. It gives you hope.
I had my first day of classes for the new semester today. It was nice to see my classmates again and to be back into it. It felt comfortable, like I have known my classmates for more than a semester. I am really liking the program and am excited about the next semester. I am taking some more interesting classes and really think that I am going to learn some really cool stuff. I am truly excited about it. It seems strange that I am excited about university, I remember my last few semesters of undergrad and really dreading going back after Christmas. It will be a tough semester, lots of work but in the end well worth it. I am still working 20 hours a week but taking 3 courses. I will have to work on time management and still maintaining my sanity. I plan to add yoga and bring back pottery into my life. Things I enjoy and good stress relievers for me. Wish me good luck for the semester.
The monkey reference is to a necklace that I have been wearing. It is a wish necklace, a string with a monkey charm hanging on it. The idea is that you make a wish and when the string breaks then your wish comes true. It is based on the idea of a prayer string. Well, my string broke and we will see if my wish comes true. Of course I am not going to tell you what my wish is cause a) you are going to laugh at me and b) if I say it out loud it won't come true.
I am not normally this silly nor so superstitious but sometimes you have to believe in something beyond the ordinary. It gives you hope.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year
I cannot believe that another year has gone by and we are now starting 2007. It is incredible how quickly time goes by.
2006 was an incredible year for me. It started out as any other year but somewhere along the way I discovered how incredible life can be. This was the year that I really thought about and took time for me.
I cannot believe that another year has gone by and we are now starting 2007. It is incredible how quickly time goes by.
2006 was an incredible year for me. It started out as any other year but somewhere along the way I discovered how incredible life can be. This was the year that I really thought about and took time for me.
- I discovered pottery and my ability to produce crooked pieces and be happy about it.
- I learnt that I could spend 7 days in the wilds of Northern B.C. canoeing and not worry about not having a shower.
- I learnt that living with my brother is tough but as long as you don't nag him and are willing to deal with dirty dishes it is okay.
- I learnt that "he is just not that into you", which means life is not about finding a mate and worrying about spending the rest of your life alone (no matter how much your mom worries about you having a boyfriend).
- I am not defined by my job, and when I tell someone about what I do they have no clue what I am talking about and I am okay with that.
- I figured out that I like gradschool and that I am indeed smart enough to be here. I will also never make millions of dollars in what I will eventually do and I am okay with that.
- I love my family and they mean the world to me-my nieces and nephews are the loves of my life and I can't imagine not being their aunty.
- I have the travel bug and I can't shake it, I love to travel and quite possibly I am passionate about it.
- I am weird and also a bit of a dork. However, I am okay with it. I like who I am.
- I finally got my tattoo and it hurt, but I love it. It goes with the green in my hair.
- I make silly mistakes and have done some incredibly silly stuff when I am drunk but those that care about me love me regardless if I sleep under a tree or kiss someone under the mistletoe or not.
- Reading for fun is a luxury and miss it when you have articles to read and textbooks to read in its place.
- There are really interesting people out there who know so much more than you do.
I hope that my 2007 will be as good as 2006. I am excited about getting older and putting my "quarterlife crisis" behind me. There is so much potential out there and I am excited about it.
Thanks to all of you faithful readers of the wacky world of char. I wish all of you out there a very happy 2007 filled with joy and happiness. I wish everyone continued success and personal growth. May 2007 bring to you even more discoveries and a love of life.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
The big Apple...
I did it...I got through my first semester of grad school and I really really enjoyed it. The beginning of the semester was a bit of an adjustment period but as the semester progressed I really felt like this was something I was meant to do. It was not about the courses but being surrounded by like minded people who inspire me and make me realize my goals are possible. There are lots of interesting people who have such diverse experiences in the program. It makes me excited about the potential when I am done.
So, exams did not go as well as I would have hoped for, but it was hard for me to stay focused. I did pass my courses which is good and I think I did manage to get an A+. I was hoping for a better grade on my final then I actually got in Biostats. Oh well..... I think I complained about getting a B+.....My how the times have changed since undergrad.
After a few nights of relaxing and one night of drunken debauchery. Yes, there was definite debauchery, mistletoe.....I hopped on a plane to go see my friend Marie in New York. Marie and I met 3 years ago when I was in Japan.
I just wanted to treat myself after this semester. Cuba and Costa Rica did not pan out so NYC was another option. New York is a pretty crazy city. There are people everywhere and even more lights and cars. Christmas time in New York is insane. A bit of shopping was done and a whole lot of walking...my poor footsies....
I did manage to make "friends"....yes I encountered random people who happened to be men...I can't help it if I have a tendency to smile and they recipricate. Let's say that NYC was good for the part of my self esteem related to boys. New Yorkers don't deserve the stereotype that they are given. They are actually pretty nice.
I have 5 more days here. There are plans to go to Boston and hit the hills for some snowboarding....yippie...
I did it...I got through my first semester of grad school and I really really enjoyed it. The beginning of the semester was a bit of an adjustment period but as the semester progressed I really felt like this was something I was meant to do. It was not about the courses but being surrounded by like minded people who inspire me and make me realize my goals are possible. There are lots of interesting people who have such diverse experiences in the program. It makes me excited about the potential when I am done.
So, exams did not go as well as I would have hoped for, but it was hard for me to stay focused. I did pass my courses which is good and I think I did manage to get an A+. I was hoping for a better grade on my final then I actually got in Biostats. Oh well..... I think I complained about getting a B+.....My how the times have changed since undergrad.
After a few nights of relaxing and one night of drunken debauchery. Yes, there was definite debauchery, mistletoe.....I hopped on a plane to go see my friend Marie in New York. Marie and I met 3 years ago when I was in Japan.
I just wanted to treat myself after this semester. Cuba and Costa Rica did not pan out so NYC was another option. New York is a pretty crazy city. There are people everywhere and even more lights and cars. Christmas time in New York is insane. A bit of shopping was done and a whole lot of walking...my poor footsies....
I did manage to make "friends"....yes I encountered random people who happened to be men...I can't help it if I have a tendency to smile and they recipricate. Let's say that NYC was good for the part of my self esteem related to boys. New Yorkers don't deserve the stereotype that they are given. They are actually pretty nice.
I have 5 more days here. There are plans to go to Boston and hit the hills for some snowboarding....yippie...
Monday, December 04, 2006
Snow Days
I meant to write this blog last week but was having too much fun in the snow to actually come inside to write about it on my blog. Last week it snowed in Vancouver. For those of you not familiar with Vancouver weather, snow is a rarity. We get rain in the winter but hardly ever get snow. Which means it was chaos....but that also means a snow day. Fortunately, because I work in a university, if the weather gets bad it shuts down. So last Monday SFU was closed and I got to stay home. The snow day was to cap off the already great time I had playing in the snow during the weekend. I made snowmen, had snowball fights, and of course went to Queen Elizabeth park at 10:30 on Sat. night to go sledding down the hill. We had makeshift sleds, boogie boards with a garbage bag over it to decrease the friction and slid down the hill. It was like I was a kid again and sliding head first down the hill. I was in heaven.
Unfortunately, it warmed up and once again it is raining. The snow is slowly being washed away and that means no more sledding. I guess it is a good thing cause I have a final exam to write and probably don't need another distraction to take away my focus from learning about multiple linear regression for my Biostatistics Exam.
I meant to write this blog last week but was having too much fun in the snow to actually come inside to write about it on my blog. Last week it snowed in Vancouver. For those of you not familiar with Vancouver weather, snow is a rarity. We get rain in the winter but hardly ever get snow. Which means it was chaos....but that also means a snow day. Fortunately, because I work in a university, if the weather gets bad it shuts down. So last Monday SFU was closed and I got to stay home. The snow day was to cap off the already great time I had playing in the snow during the weekend. I made snowmen, had snowball fights, and of course went to Queen Elizabeth park at 10:30 on Sat. night to go sledding down the hill. We had makeshift sleds, boogie boards with a garbage bag over it to decrease the friction and slid down the hill. It was like I was a kid again and sliding head first down the hill. I was in heaven.
Unfortunately, it warmed up and once again it is raining. The snow is slowly being washed away and that means no more sledding. I guess it is a good thing cause I have a final exam to write and probably don't need another distraction to take away my focus from learning about multiple linear regression for my Biostatistics Exam.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Everyone needs a Hug
Today I participated in a Free Hug event. We gave away hundreds of free hugs today in downtown Vancouver, in front of the Art Gallery. With hand painted "Free Hug" signs around our necks we set out to hug as many strangers as possible, to spread some joy and bring smiles to everyone. It was incredible....hugs do make you feel good. I know I felt good hugging everyone. For the most part people were pretty receptive to being hugged. There were some skeptics and an occasional dodgy fellow but all in all I think it was a success. People walked away with smiles on their face and told us how much they needed a hug.
The free hug campaign was started by a fellow named Juan Mann, whose mission in life is to bring hugs to everyone in the world.
You can read about the campaign at http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
Let me know if you are interested in participating in the next free hug event. Here are some photos that show just how much fun we had.
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/jennifer_archer/Free%20Hugs%20Vancouver%20Nov%202006/
Today I participated in a Free Hug event. We gave away hundreds of free hugs today in downtown Vancouver, in front of the Art Gallery. With hand painted "Free Hug" signs around our necks we set out to hug as many strangers as possible, to spread some joy and bring smiles to everyone. It was incredible....hugs do make you feel good. I know I felt good hugging everyone. For the most part people were pretty receptive to being hugged. There were some skeptics and an occasional dodgy fellow but all in all I think it was a success. People walked away with smiles on their face and told us how much they needed a hug.
The free hug campaign was started by a fellow named Juan Mann, whose mission in life is to bring hugs to everyone in the world.
You can read about the campaign at http://www.freehugscampaign.org/
Let me know if you are interested in participating in the next free hug event. Here are some photos that show just how much fun we had.
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o124/jennifer_archer/Free%20Hugs%20Vancouver%20Nov%202006/
Monday, November 13, 2006
Who are you trying to impress?
Today's rant and raves is directed towards guys that just don't get it. If you try too hard with a girl, she will sense your desperation and be completely turned off. I repeat, don't try so hard. I like boys that know what they like and aren't afraid to go after it, but there comes a point when you have gone way to far. When you try too hard it tells me you are insecure and don't know what you are doing. Don't come on so strong and please don't use cheesy pick up lines.
Today's rant and raves is directed towards guys that just don't get it. If you try too hard with a girl, she will sense your desperation and be completely turned off. I repeat, don't try so hard. I like boys that know what they like and aren't afraid to go after it, but there comes a point when you have gone way to far. When you try too hard it tells me you are insecure and don't know what you are doing. Don't come on so strong and please don't use cheesy pick up lines.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Happy Halloween
I may be too old to go trick or treat'n but I am not too old to go to the pumpkin patch and get the biggest pumpkin I could find. My friends-Risa, Karin and Adrian and I drove out to Richmond to go for hayrides, sing alongs and pumpkin picking. We were probably the oldest kids there but definitely the most enthusiastic. We sang our little hearts out while we rode the hay wagon out to the field to find the most perfect pumpkins. We rocked "Old McDonald".
We initially picked small pumpkins, but then we came upon some bigger ones, we immediately decided that bigger was indeed better. Much huffing and puffing later we got them back to the car and spent the evening carving and creating the best jack'o lanterns. I decided that my pumpkin would be called Denise....after Denise Richards....I was inspired....
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Key to success for me in Gradschool relates to me finding a Man????
I got sent this article and thought that it was interesting. Take a look at it and let me know if I should go man hunting so I can get through gradschool. I wonder if my Mom's nagging about me getting married actually would help me finish my Master's sooner.....maybe she knows something I don't know.
This is an interesting news item about the relationship between marital status and success at graduate school! http://insidehighered.com/news/2006/10/20/marriage
I got sent this article and thought that it was interesting. Take a look at it and let me know if I should go man hunting so I can get through gradschool. I wonder if my Mom's nagging about me getting married actually would help me finish my Master's sooner.....maybe she knows something I don't know.
This is an interesting news item about the relationship between marital status and success at graduate school! http://insidehighered.com/news/2006/10/20/marriage
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Bipolar??
I know that last week, amidsts the two midterm studying and the biostats assignment I was doubting myself and was wondering if I was smart enough to be in gradschool. I still on occasion doubt my "worthiness" to be doing my masters but I this week, post midterm craze, I am feeling like I belong. This Masters in Population and Public Health is what I am suppose to be doing. I like the people in the program and I am amazed at how diverse they are. Just talking to them makes me excited about what I will be able to do once I get through this. I am sure that I will have my up and down days once again, surely in about 9 days when I have my next set of midterms but for the time being...I belong....I belong....
It has been a while since I have felt like I have purpose in my life and am feeling truly passionate about school again. My brain does like the stimulation although, it would rather not have to think about statistics, probability and two tailed t-tests.....
Plus, I aced one of my midterms, although it was probably one of the most easiest tests that I have ever written....15 multiple choice with over half of them true false....gotta love Michel and Epidemiology
I know that last week, amidsts the two midterm studying and the biostats assignment I was doubting myself and was wondering if I was smart enough to be in gradschool. I still on occasion doubt my "worthiness" to be doing my masters but I this week, post midterm craze, I am feeling like I belong. This Masters in Population and Public Health is what I am suppose to be doing. I like the people in the program and I am amazed at how diverse they are. Just talking to them makes me excited about what I will be able to do once I get through this. I am sure that I will have my up and down days once again, surely in about 9 days when I have my next set of midterms but for the time being...I belong....I belong....
It has been a while since I have felt like I have purpose in my life and am feeling truly passionate about school again. My brain does like the stimulation although, it would rather not have to think about statistics, probability and two tailed t-tests.....
Plus, I aced one of my midterms, although it was probably one of the most easiest tests that I have ever written....15 multiple choice with over half of them true false....gotta love Michel and Epidemiology
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Smart Enough.....
I knew grad school would be tough but I didn't really think about what it would do to my self esteem. This week I started to question whether I am smart enough to do this. I guess this self doubt stems from my struggle with trying to understand Biostatistics and feeling mowed over by the formulas and numbers. I cannot believe the amount of work this course requires. I am only taking 2 courses but between work and trying to maintain balance in my life, I am pretty exhausted.
I know that this will all be worthwhile in the end. I know I can do this, just need to focus and I will get through it. Gosh darnit, I am smart and people like me.....
I knew grad school would be tough but I didn't really think about what it would do to my self esteem. This week I started to question whether I am smart enough to do this. I guess this self doubt stems from my struggle with trying to understand Biostatistics and feeling mowed over by the formulas and numbers. I cannot believe the amount of work this course requires. I am only taking 2 courses but between work and trying to maintain balance in my life, I am pretty exhausted.
I know that this will all be worthwhile in the end. I know I can do this, just need to focus and I will get through it. Gosh darnit, I am smart and people like me.....
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The 43 things you want to do....
If you had to list the 43 things that you want to do in your life what would it be? Look at the following website for inspiration
http://www.43things.com/
My top 43 tihngs would be
1. Finish Grad school
2. Dance in the rain
3. learn to play guitar
4. Learn to salsa
5. travel to Paris
6. Live in Africa for a year
7. Surf in Australia
8. learn to speak French fluently
9. own my own house
10. Exercise more
11. go to Havana and have a Mojito
12. cook a gourmet meal for my friends and family
13. launch Wah Wah designs
14. learn to let go
15. read war and peace
16. have babies
17. be more decisive
18. learn how to take great photos
19. buy a digital camera
20. laugh more
21. paint a large painting
22. bake an apple pie
23. start a charitable foundation
24. be more open minded
25. live in the moment
26. tell someone I love them and mean it
27. hug and kiss more
28. get rid of some of my shoe collection
29. save the world
30. deal with some issues
31. spoil my nieces and nephew
32. learn to ride a motorcycle
33. write a book
34. rent an RV and go for a road trip
35. hike the West Coast trail
36. get a crazy hair cut
37. Swim more
38. meet someone special
39. realize that I am beautiful
40. build a house with habitat for humanity
41. do a chin up
42. visit as many countries as I can
43. find a job that I love and am passionate about
If you had to list the 43 things that you want to do in your life what would it be? Look at the following website for inspiration
http://www.43things.com/
My top 43 tihngs would be
1. Finish Grad school
2. Dance in the rain
3. learn to play guitar
4. Learn to salsa
5. travel to Paris
6. Live in Africa for a year
7. Surf in Australia
8. learn to speak French fluently
9. own my own house
10. Exercise more
11. go to Havana and have a Mojito
12. cook a gourmet meal for my friends and family
13. launch Wah Wah designs
14. learn to let go
15. read war and peace
16. have babies
17. be more decisive
18. learn how to take great photos
19. buy a digital camera
20. laugh more
21. paint a large painting
22. bake an apple pie
23. start a charitable foundation
24. be more open minded
25. live in the moment
26. tell someone I love them and mean it
27. hug and kiss more
28. get rid of some of my shoe collection
29. save the world
30. deal with some issues
31. spoil my nieces and nephew
32. learn to ride a motorcycle
33. write a book
34. rent an RV and go for a road trip
35. hike the West Coast trail
36. get a crazy hair cut
37. Swim more
38. meet someone special
39. realize that I am beautiful
40. build a house with habitat for humanity
41. do a chin up
42. visit as many countries as I can
43. find a job that I love and am passionate about
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Happy Anniversary
Today 10 years ago I started university and now 10 years later I started school again. It was like I went back in time, except I am now older and hopefully a bit wiser. I started my first day of gradschool today. It was a long time coming something I have been planning to do for years. I finally decided to do it. It was a bit overwhelming especially when I cracked open my Biostatistics textbook last night, to get an idea of what I was suppose to know for today, OMG....I have forgotten so much. In fact, I should be reading right now.
The other good thing is that I am already with some of the faculty. I interact with them in the kitchen that we share and they were all surprised to see me in the class. I guess that is one of the perks of working where I work.
I am surprized by how diverse the students are in my program. We have dentists, doctors, nurses, Statisticians, anthropologists, and a whole crew of others. Many of them are well traveled and have had interesting other lives. I think it will be good...wish me good luck.
Today 10 years ago I started university and now 10 years later I started school again. It was like I went back in time, except I am now older and hopefully a bit wiser. I started my first day of gradschool today. It was a long time coming something I have been planning to do for years. I finally decided to do it. It was a bit overwhelming especially when I cracked open my Biostatistics textbook last night, to get an idea of what I was suppose to know for today, OMG....I have forgotten so much. In fact, I should be reading right now.
The other good thing is that I am already with some of the faculty. I interact with them in the kitchen that we share and they were all surprised to see me in the class. I guess that is one of the perks of working where I work.
I am surprized by how diverse the students are in my program. We have dentists, doctors, nurses, Statisticians, anthropologists, and a whole crew of others. Many of them are well traveled and have had interesting other lives. I think it will be good...wish me good luck.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
What day is it.....
I have been on vacation from work for almost a month now, I have completely lost track of time and have fallen into a routine of going to bed late and getting up late. If you know me I am usually a 6:45 am riser even on weekends. My internal clock keeps me on a tight schedule. However, with this lack of work I have been getting up later and later, sometimes at 9:30 am and even once at 10:25 am. I miss the early mornings, but I do wake up just in time to see all the morning talk shows. After a few hours of watching nothing on TV, I manage to take a shower and eventually make my way out of the house just before or after lunch to either find food or to wander around my neighborhood. Luckily the beach is near by and the library is close.
Other than catching up on sleep and reading a lot I have been doing nothing too exciting about my vacation. I was going to do some crazy spontaneous trip but that never panned out. I looked into those all inclusive vacations, which are not usually my style, are much more if you are going solo. I was a bit disappointed that I wasted my time off.
The one cool thing I did was finally get my tattoo. It is a cherry blossom and I love it. It is a simple design that I drew. It has symbolism for me and I think it represents a significant period in my life. It did hurt when I got it done, I asked Jay the tattoo artist if any body has cried on him and he said no....I wasn't about to be his first so I sucked it up. My family stills does not know and I think I will let them discover it on their own. My mom especially would freak.....sometimes they just don't it.
Countdown to being a student has started, in about 2 weeks I will join the masses and re-enter the classroom. I am a bit scared but ultimately more excited then frightened. I can do it.....or at least I hope I can. I just can't leave that university.
I have been on vacation from work for almost a month now, I have completely lost track of time and have fallen into a routine of going to bed late and getting up late. If you know me I am usually a 6:45 am riser even on weekends. My internal clock keeps me on a tight schedule. However, with this lack of work I have been getting up later and later, sometimes at 9:30 am and even once at 10:25 am. I miss the early mornings, but I do wake up just in time to see all the morning talk shows. After a few hours of watching nothing on TV, I manage to take a shower and eventually make my way out of the house just before or after lunch to either find food or to wander around my neighborhood. Luckily the beach is near by and the library is close.
Other than catching up on sleep and reading a lot I have been doing nothing too exciting about my vacation. I was going to do some crazy spontaneous trip but that never panned out. I looked into those all inclusive vacations, which are not usually my style, are much more if you are going solo. I was a bit disappointed that I wasted my time off.
The one cool thing I did was finally get my tattoo. It is a cherry blossom and I love it. It is a simple design that I drew. It has symbolism for me and I think it represents a significant period in my life. It did hurt when I got it done, I asked Jay the tattoo artist if any body has cried on him and he said no....I wasn't about to be his first so I sucked it up. My family stills does not know and I think I will let them discover it on their own. My mom especially would freak.....sometimes they just don't it.
Countdown to being a student has started, in about 2 weeks I will join the masses and re-enter the classroom. I am a bit scared but ultimately more excited then frightened. I can do it.....or at least I hope I can. I just can't leave that university.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Bowron Lakes
I got back from an incredible 8 day canoe trip in the Bowron Lakes last Saturday. I had a wonderful time paddling the very scenic series of 5 lakes in Northern B.C. The weather was awesome except for the 2 days of head wind which nearly killed me. I swear that my shoulders were burning at the end of it. It was an amazing trip and this city girl managed to tough it and survive the lack of showers, the killer mosquitoes, and the lack of flush toilets. The water was so clear and the mountains so green. I loved every minute of it. Every night we stayed at a different campsite and they were all equally cool. My favourite part was running this portion of the lake leading up to a river. It is called the "chute" and it a small channel of fast moving water. You are suppose to do it only if you are an experienced canoeist and should run the canoe unloaded. We decided to float down in our life jackets first to "scout" it out and then ran it with a fully loaded canoe after doing some manoevers as practice. We all nailed the chute and no one tipped. It was a fun ride. I wish that the rest of the lake was like that. I love that along the lakes there are large signs stating "Danger, waterfall do not go pass this point" and then a picture of a canoe going over a waterfall. There was a group of kids watching us and I think we broke all the rules and set a terrible example for them.
The Bowron Lakes was a great vacation and I had a wonderful time. The group that I went with got along well. We also learnt about the qualities of moonshine and its effects on sleep patterns, that we need the words to Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkel, headwind sucks, and travel scrabble rocks.
I got back from an incredible 8 day canoe trip in the Bowron Lakes last Saturday. I had a wonderful time paddling the very scenic series of 5 lakes in Northern B.C. The weather was awesome except for the 2 days of head wind which nearly killed me. I swear that my shoulders were burning at the end of it. It was an amazing trip and this city girl managed to tough it and survive the lack of showers, the killer mosquitoes, and the lack of flush toilets. The water was so clear and the mountains so green. I loved every minute of it. Every night we stayed at a different campsite and they were all equally cool. My favourite part was running this portion of the lake leading up to a river. It is called the "chute" and it a small channel of fast moving water. You are suppose to do it only if you are an experienced canoeist and should run the canoe unloaded. We decided to float down in our life jackets first to "scout" it out and then ran it with a fully loaded canoe after doing some manoevers as practice. We all nailed the chute and no one tipped. It was a fun ride. I wish that the rest of the lake was like that. I love that along the lakes there are large signs stating "Danger, waterfall do not go pass this point" and then a picture of a canoe going over a waterfall. There was a group of kids watching us and I think we broke all the rules and set a terrible example for them.
The Bowron Lakes was a great vacation and I had a wonderful time. The group that I went with got along well. We also learnt about the qualities of moonshine and its effects on sleep patterns, that we need the words to Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkel, headwind sucks, and travel scrabble rocks.
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