| I don't know what there is to say... |
[Nov. 7th, 2009|04:41 pm] |
It's been about a month since I've posted anything.
School is busy.
Life is in transition. Pressure builds.
Next steps are unclear.
...that's all I've got for now. |
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| procrastination... |
[Oct. 6th, 2009|12:33 am] |
Hey all,
Like so many, I'm overdue for a post. On we go...
School has been very busy. 5 courses, 2 part time jobs, and a lot of friends I've tried to reconnect with lately, have got me ridiculously busy. I just finished an essay tonight literally 2.5 minutes before the deadline. Oddly enough, the things I write at the last minute turn out better than those I put time into. Readings are intense. I've already let a lot of them slip, but so far, I've managed to get away with it. I've never done zero readings, so I've always had something to discuss, but... that might not last as we move into bigger concepts.
Work at the insurance office is progressing, albeit slowly (due to school). I feel confident in what I know, it's just getting out there and showing that it's more than just insurance.
Recent things of note:
-Adelaide was over. Other than her mommy and daddy, I'm the only name she knows. It's super cute. Jeanne tried to get her to say her name, but she kept saying mine instead. Not that I mind. ;)
-My mom was walking Solie in Point Pleasant Park. He heard a car backfire, and ran off! After 2 hours of searching, she called me. I went home to grab a flashlight, and who do I see at the door? Solie. He had ran home from Point Pleasant! That's probably almost an hour walk for me, so we've always driven there. Yet, somehow he knew his way home.
-My family sold our old van. My dad took a car back to Pictou. Consequently, I am sans car most of the time! I'd spent the past year or more with practically free access, so I feel very restricted and trapped. School has been a big reason of not going places, but being without a car is really the other one.
So... I've been out of touch with many of you. If you want to see me, it'll probably have to be a study date, or possibly something involving food (and ideally close by and cheap, because I'm back to being a poor student :P) |
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| back to school... |
[Sep. 10th, 2009|02:42 pm] |
My license for insurance finally came through. So if you ever wanted to start an RRSP, TFSA, health plan, or insurance, you know who to go to! ;)
Spent the last two days in orientation for my Bachelor of Social work program. It was a lot of fun, and I met a lot of people in the program. There was a lot of open discussion and get to know you games. I managed to make quite an impression on a few profs and other classmates. I just have to keep up with studies so that this reputation I'm building doesn't come crashing down as a perpetual procrastinator slacker! ;)
It will take me two years to finish (knock on wood), and then I'll be able to start a career. :P
In other news, Pixel has a weird scar of her face. It might be from her scratching herself with her back claws. The other possibility (since she is only an indoor cat) is that the dog nipped her with his teeth or claws or something. It kind of makes her look tough. :P
My parents come back from Korea tonight and tomorrow night. My dad spent two days in North Korea and did presentations on blueberries and Canadian agriculture policy and practice. At the same time, South Korea is opening up some produce trade with them to help stimulate their economy and make steps towards reunification. In a very real way, my dad is part of the reunification process. Though he has been there for the past two years, he plans to return to Korea in January for another six months. |
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| Boston... |
[Aug. 6th, 2009|11:22 am] |
Went to Boston this weekend. 4 days, 3 nights.
It was mostly a shopping experience for my sisters and brother in law. We got to do some other things too though!
KFC Buffet:
-Kentucky grilled chicken, tasty, but nothing compared to the decades of quality control original
Blue Man Group:
-very cool show
-disappointed that the CD has a lot of vocals and features the band more than the drumming
Boston Aquarium
-4 story tank
-manta rays like to try to eat divers' hair :P
I swung by a liquor store and bought some 99 alcohol products.
It'd be nice if our transit system in Halifax was a bit better, but I'm definitely satisfied that Halifax isn't any bigger. Fighting through lots of traffic or parking isn't really appealing to me. |
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| busy... |
[Jul. 22nd, 2009|02:48 am] |
This past while has been pretty busy.
Friday, I wrote the provincial exam for my life license. This allows me to actually write business for my company so I can finally start making some money. I passed the exam, but will have to wait some time before the provincial government puts my documents through for my license.
Saturday, my dad got back from North Korea. That's right, North Korea. He was part of a team of agricultural scientists that was doing presentations on how North Korea could start planting blueberries, raspberries, and more rice. He ate good food, saw some starving kids (fed them donuts when his guide wasn't looking), and did his presentation on blueberries after he got his confiscated documents back from North Korean officials.
Sunday, my mom left for Korea. She was originally supposed to leave two weeks prior, but she had way too much on the go. I've been helping her out as much as possible, but she still didn't get a lot of things done that she had intended.
Nowish, it's just me and Jeanne at home. Things are already dramatic. It's too long of a family history to go into. Short story, even though she's 6 years older than me, her maturity is more like 6 years old.
Later this month, my other sister from Alberta is coming down to visit. We'll be visiting my sister in New Brunswick. Jeanne will likely stir up lots of drama then, and until then. If you've got fun ideas for me to get out of the house, let me know! ;) |
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| Canada Day... |
[Jul. 2nd, 2009|01:34 am] |
So the BBQ was lots of fun. Some drinks, good food, sparklers instead of fireworks, and a little rock band for good measure.
I ended up passing my 3rd attempt at the pre-qualifying exam! According to the internet, if I hadn't, there would have been a 6 month waiting period before I could try again! :O
Since today was Canada day, the head insurance office for Halifax was closed, so I couldn't get my registration in for the provincial exam on Friday. I hope that they'll still take it first thing in the morning, otherwise I'd have to wait 3 weeks. Which isn't bad... I could probably use the study time. On the other hand, it'd be nice to get on a few more training appointments before my license. That way, I could get more reimbursed for my license!
Turns out I have training tomorrow evening after all, and back to back meetings on Monday evening.
So, if you've been curious about what I've been doing with this financial company, do me a favour and let's have a meeting! All it is, is a meeting. If I go on 10 before my license, I get reimbursed fully for it! (Not to mention that it is actually training for me too :P) And who knows, you might actually get some useful information out of it too! ;) |
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| busy week... |
[Jun. 28th, 2009|10:11 pm] |
These past few days have been very busy. The next few look to be equally so.
My sister was up from New Brunswick with her little girl. At 1.1 years old, she was walking around everywhere, scaring the crap out of my kitty.
Got the Sonata inspected at Canadian Tire. $1330 and 18 hours later, it passed.
Work was my multi-tasking time for studying for my life license pre-qualifying exam. I have my rewrite tomorrow. If for some reason, I don't pass again, I have another rewrite Tuesday morning. Also Monday evening is an open house my company.
Tuesday evening is either a training meeting or cottage/fireworks fun.
Wednesday is Canada day, and there's supposed to be a BBQ.
Friday, provided I pass my pre-qualifying, is the provincial exam for my life license. If I pass that, I can start writing business and finally make some money for all this time I've spent with the company.
Then it's the weekend again, and my usual 8-4 for Saturday and Sunday.
For only having a part time job, this summer has been surprisingly busy so far! |
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| retrospect... |
[Jun. 8th, 2009|06:53 pm] |
In searching for a particular entry, I reread a few posts from years ago. It's very strange.
I read a book a long time ago about a woman with bipolar. She took lithium for treatment. It leveled her out considerably, so that she was able to work her profession as a psychologist. But... she said she missed those manic periods.
Through my own trials, I've managed to level myself out over this past decade. I don't feel those dreadful thoughts or terrible depressive states, but at the same time, I don't seem to have those massive peaks and highs that I used to have either.
While I'm definitely more functional now, sometimes I miss those days. I know I wouldn't want to relive them, they were hard enough the first time around, but... some of those moments, in retrospect, were nice. |
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| old man party... |
[Jun. 5th, 2009|02:44 pm] |
So yesterday was my birthday. As some of you (probably don't) recall, I made a frivolous purchase on ebay. It arrived yesterday, just in time for my birthday! Not one, but two swords! Birthday present to myself.
My old man party was lots of fun. We were at Maxwell's Plum. Food/drink prices have changed and gone up over the years, so it wasn't as super awesome as it used to be (especially without free peanuts), but I don't really know of any better place to go. Maybe someone has a better suggestion for cheap drinking/eating?
Afterward, we went to reflections for some dancing. That was cool. Only a few of us lasted that long, but that's okay.
After that, Loomis and I went to the commons for some sword fighting (bamboo kind, not the kill each other kind!) until daylight.
Today, hungover and knuckles bruised, I finally heard back from occupational therapy. Unfortunately I didn't get in, which made this past year of taking prereqs a little bit of a waste. So, it looks like I'll be heading into social work. I figure I'll like the program better anyway, but it would have been nice to have a choice. Ah well. C'est la vie. |
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| insurance salesman... |
[May. 30th, 2009|11:48 pm] |
In my search to find a job, I've started up with a place called "World Financial Group".
After listening to their pitch, it seems like a 'too good to be true' kind of thing. So, I did some research online. After googling and clicking on links and reading many discussion forums, I was probably more confused than when I started.
Investments are always risky. People should know this already, but I guess they don't. I mean, I was surprised to get a statement back from RBC saying my investment is doing poorly right now. Recession, what? Then people cry 'scam! fake!' But really, it's just the market.
Anyway... so after a few meetings, and many hours, I got to know my supervisor better. I don't know why I hadn't thought about it before, but decided to google her, as opposed to the group. My search turned up her education and the fact that she's done lectures and presentations at hotels and universities for successful business based on her own acheivements.
So, in conclusion... in the relatively near future, I'll study for getting my license to sell insurance, and possibly try to talk to some of you about investing your money! ;)
Apparently, this is the perfect time to do it. Markets are still low, but will grow very fast, very soon, once the recession is over. |
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| Lion, tiger, and.... zonkey? Oh my... |
[May. 27th, 2009|11:55 pm] |
Today, satisfying an urge to do something different I went to the Oaklawn Farm Zoo in the valley.
http://oaklawnfarmzoo.ca/
It was my first time there, though I've been to other zoos in other places. Animals in cages aren't exactly exciting, but it was very interesting and some of them were very cute! Though they weren't particularly keen about it, I even petted a llama. ;)
There was even a couple of spots with corn dispensing machines so you could feed certain animals. Feeding little baby goats was definitely a highlight.
Have you done anything decidedly different lately? |
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| fishies... |
[May. 16th, 2009|06:20 pm] |
My dad is still away in Korea. He's been there for 2 years. He arrives back in Canada early September. That doesn't stop him from having his wishlist though.
Yesterday, my mom and I went up to Pictou to pay for an additional 220 rainbow trout for our pound. Yes, additional! We got 100, then added 200 a couple of years back. Subtract a few that my family and friends have fished out, and a few more for blue herons that manage to find a buffet just sitting out in the middle of nowhere. :P
So, we have over 400 fish in that little pond (more if they're making babies :P). On top of this, our old Sonata is on its last legs, so my dad wants to buy another car. He wants something powerful, that'll make it with freight to Pictou and back without too much strain on the engine. That doesn't sound very fuel efficient, but... it's not my money.
What is my money, has made a recent frivolous purchase on ebay. When it arrives, I'll share. :P |
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| BSW... |
[May. 7th, 2009|10:27 am] |
I applied to only two places for September. Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Occupational Therapy. Both at Dal. I heard back from the school of Social Work today.
I got accepted into the Bachelor program! I was kind of expecting to get in, but it's still definitely nice to hear and be assured of. I should hear back from Occupational Therapy any day now.
In the meantime, I still have yet to find (or start looking for) a summer job. Pending word back from OT, I have two choices to make.
Summer job.
Social work or OT.
Thoughts, comments? |
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| niece's first birthday... |
[May. 7th, 2009|10:04 am] |
On April 29th, my mom was in a pretty big fender bender. I say fender bender and not car accident because she's fine, but the damage to the car was substantial. A Dalhousie truck side-swiped her after she had pulled out of meter parking on the street.
Supposedly they hit her, then kept going. Scraping from the driver side door, pushing in the front left wheel, and making a sizable crush into the nose of the car. The wheel damage made the car "undrivable", putting our trip to New Brunswick for my niece's 1st birthday in jeopardy.
With the car in the shop for 3 weeks, we decided to rent a car to go. We picked up my sister Jeanne from the airport and heading off towards Quispamsis, NB.
Her first birthday party was massive! 10 babies at one time at the high point. Tons of pictures. Some Rock Band was had during brief lulls during my stay. Still have yet to buy a set for myself.
Now, I'm back home, and things are attempting to settle into their new dynamic of my sister being home, and our car in the shop. We'll see how that goes. My trip to NB was fun while it lasted though! :P |
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| so it is written, so it shall be... |
[Apr. 16th, 2009|04:09 pm] |
Finished my final exam today. For better or for worse, make or break, it is done.
Now, I have to scurry to find a summer job. Ideally something not for high school students, but still seasonal so they won't be bitter if/when I leave for September for school (knock on wood).
I haven't applied anywhere, but things always seem to work out without too much effort. Korea might be the exception, in that... it was a lot of effort. :P
In the meantime, my summer semester is finally here. I have to think of super fun things to do with my time to keep me happy, and ideally in shape. I'd like to do exercisey things. I'd like to start improv/performancy things. I should probably throw some guitar in there too.
What summer fun things are you doing? |
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| cholesterol... |
[Apr. 9th, 2009|03:02 pm] |
Coinciding with my preparations to start trying to be healthy... I got my cholesterol checked.
Diabetes and high cholesterol run in my family.
-My sugar levels are normal.
-My cholesterol is on the iceberg tip of normal.
So... that means I'm doing okay. I've cut back on some unhealthy things, but it's encouraging that I don't have to cut them out more. Throw in some regular exercise with a healthy dose of cardio, and (theoretically) I can eat whatever I want.
Spring finally feels like spring. It's warm enough that I can go outside and not die, but not too warm that I'm too lethargic and lazy to do anything.
Who wants to do some outside fun things? I have sneakers! I have a guitar! Guitar running? Maybe not.... |
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| overrated? |
[Apr. 1st, 2009|03:25 pm] |
I typically post some kind of April Fool's day thing.
Lately, though... I've just been too tired and had no energy to do anything.
I've also noticed that no one else has posted their own April Fool's attempt! Can it be that it's become so overrated? Are we too old for gags now?
I was even looking forward to at least reading someone else's joke. Oh well. Maybe next year. :P |
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| the waiting game... |
[Mar. 24th, 2009|08:03 pm] |
I've put two applications in for school. Both at Dal. Mostly because I can't really afford to live anywhere too far away.
I'm not sure exactly when I'll hear back from either. I'm guessing closer to summer. The ideal situation is that I get accepted into both programs. The choices:
-Bachelor of Social Work
-Masters of Occupational Therapy
-neither, get a job
Social work seems alright. It's a pass/fail system, which is always good. Courses will likely be interesting. Occupational therapy is a masters degree, which... I know shouldn't mean anything, but it still sounds nice. The courses will be tough. Lots of anatomy and physiology, and with a higher minimum pass mark. Either way, it's two years.
In any case, I still need a summer job, and don't really have any idea what I should do. |
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| over the river and through the woods... |
[Mar. 4th, 2009|10:09 pm] |
I was in New Brunswick for the better part of my reading week. It was a nice time to visit my sister and her little girl, my little niece.
On the way over, I incurred my first speeding ticket. The officer said that he could have given me the ticket that puts points on and revokes my license, but says that this one isn't and is also cheaper. Still... $222 is not a cheap ticket.
The other purpose of going to NB was to pick up and bring home my other sister. That, as I should have expected, came with it the usual drama. She leaves to Newfoundland on Saturday, so at least there isn't much more time that I'll have to deal with her.
Sandwiched between these two not so fun events, I actually had a really nice time. My brother in law (though I'm sure would have bought it anyway eventually) bought Rock Band 2, which we played for many, many hours. Good food prepared by my sister, and good fun with family, it was like a mini vacation.
I'm doing my best not to let the sandwich ruin that memory. In other news, my mom will be going to Korea for the summer. This means that I'll be spending my summer alone with Jeanne. That... could be something. We'll have to see. |
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| Wii Fit... |
[Feb. 21st, 2009|03:35 pm] |
After successfully getting my hands on a Wii Fit, my mom and I have been in fierce competition for high scores. I hold a bunch of them (though I *am* almost 35 years younger, so that's not saying a lot), but she has the record for hula hooping.
I'm nowhere near unhealthy weights, but that doesn't mean I'm healthy. I found that after doing the 3 minute hula hoop, I'm winded. Huffing and puffing. Not cool. I've used the winter cold as an excuse to not do *any* cardio. I could have gone to the pool, but... my mom always said stuff about going outside with wet hair and catching a cold. Though, if I actually had a cold, that might be a legitimate excuse. |
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