Oh 2009 ... how I've enjoyed you!
Despite failing to blog on a regular basis (or at all, since January 4, 2009), the past year has been more or less awesome-tastic. Given that '09 is almost through, I feel as though a few highlights are in order:
1) Building a life with Mark: We've been living together for a year now, and it's been great! Despite the horrible couch (don't get me started on that canyon-sized gap between the cushions!) and the lovely fragrance of a building full of cigarettes (ick), we're happier than ever. Although I can only speak directly for myself, I'd say we've both learned a great deal about each other - as well as ourselves - and are definitely building towards a great life together!
2) School is pretty rockin': I'm pretty sure I've found my calling ... or at least one of them! I love school, I'm acing all of my courses, and I've built up some pretty solid contacts. All of the teachers in the program are or have been professionals in the CYW field, and they really know their stuff. Although I'm looking forward to being DONE next March (2011), I'm enjoying the journey and I'm confident that I'm heading in the right professional direction.
3) Relay for Life 2009:It wasn't the easiest thing I've done this year, but joining up with a committee of people I didn't know and really throwing myself into the Orillia 09 Relay was a great experience. I'm signed up as Volunteer Coordinator for 2010, and I've gained a good deal of knowledge from 08 and 09 that will definitely help!
4) New adventures: I've developed some handy-dandy skills, many of which I probably should have developed sooner ...
For one, I have learned to budget! Yes, it's true, the queen of random "wants" and impulse purchases has finally learned to (almost always) tame that inner spend-a-holic. Can you believe it? I know my mom struggles with the concept. I found that the best solution for me is a combination of: a shared President's Choice account for all household and living-related expenses; and "Budget" and "Budget Workbook" for Mac (budgeting software). Living with someone who is business-minded and good with money certainly helps as well!
I've also learned to delegate. After the Hanover Relay for Life in 2008, I realized that I needed to learn to delegate. So I've honed my people-organizing and delegating tasks and am now able to reap the benefits of being a hands-on manager, while still having a few moments to breathe!
I'm sure there are more highlights warranting mention, but they're failing to show up in my mind at the moment. SO for now, enjoy the New Year's celebrations and I'll talk to you in 2010!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
upswing and downtime
Alright, time to get back into the blog. More than anything, this is a great way for me to keep track of my own life in writing ... hopefully to make this round of "edumacation" better and more enjoyable than the last (and the last was definitely good and enjoyable!).
So the latest ....
I've moved in with Mark! We're renting a cute 2 bedroom apartment in Orillia, and I am starting back at school (Georgian College, Child and Youth Worker Program) on Tuesday. We moved in on Dec 15th, unpacked for a few days, went back home for Christmas, and then came back and finished settling in. Kiki joined us on New Years Eve and after a few hours of pouting under our bed, she decided that things aren't so bad around here and hasn't left us (or our laps!) alone since. As I type from the comfy couch, she is on her cat condo a few feet away, making sure to sleep as much as possible!
It took two weeks for us to get our internet going (many delivery issues with regards to our modem) but it's now up and running. We've both got Orillia cell phone numbers now (email me if you want my new number) and our home phone is, of course, up and running. The only thing we're lacking at this point is TV - mainly because it's a big expense and not something we can really justify quite yet.
Mark is (still) working from home, which is great! Kiki enjoys his lap (more than mine, I think!) and because I haven't been in school yet, we've had lots of great time together and have really enjoyed these past few weeks of living together. I couldn't ask for a better man to share my life with and I'm so lucky - and grateful - to have him as my sweetie. He has started on a new project - links and info to follow soon - and was fortunate to spend three weeks in the Caribbean (St. Kitts) working on it. Can you say envious?!?! He came home bronzed and happy, and well-fed just in time for the move and Christmas celebrations.
We spent New Years at home and invited Mark's cousin Ken and his family - Heather (wife) and Isaac (18 month old son) to our place. They were our first house guests and it was great to host people in this space that we've worked so hard at making cozy and comfortable. We've even got some art and photos on the walls now. Once I get a few more things up on the wall I will post some photos of our place. In the meantime, here are some New Year's pics!
This is the outfit that Uncle Mark and Auntie Candice (that's us!!) got Isaac for Christmas ... sooo freaking cute!
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I finished school ... and almost a year since I went to Europe! WOW! My life has completely changed, and I attribute much of that to the incredible opportunity I had to explore six countries, and myself! Although the trip didn't go exactly as initially planned, looking back I'd definitely say it was perfect! I'm in an incredible place in life right now and I wouldn't change a thing that has lead to this point. Today is six months exactly since Mark and I started dating and I couldn't possibly be happier. Things are that great!
It's cold outside - we had some freezing rain earlier and things have iced over now - so I think this calls for some movie and cat snuggling time! So, "ciao" for now!
-Candz
So the latest ....
I've moved in with Mark! We're renting a cute 2 bedroom apartment in Orillia, and I am starting back at school (Georgian College, Child and Youth Worker Program) on Tuesday. We moved in on Dec 15th, unpacked for a few days, went back home for Christmas, and then came back and finished settling in. Kiki joined us on New Years Eve and after a few hours of pouting under our bed, she decided that things aren't so bad around here and hasn't left us (or our laps!) alone since. As I type from the comfy couch, she is on her cat condo a few feet away, making sure to sleep as much as possible!
It took two weeks for us to get our internet going (many delivery issues with regards to our modem) but it's now up and running. We've both got Orillia cell phone numbers now (email me if you want my new number) and our home phone is, of course, up and running. The only thing we're lacking at this point is TV - mainly because it's a big expense and not something we can really justify quite yet.
Mark is (still) working from home, which is great! Kiki enjoys his lap (more than mine, I think!) and because I haven't been in school yet, we've had lots of great time together and have really enjoyed these past few weeks of living together. I couldn't ask for a better man to share my life with and I'm so lucky - and grateful - to have him as my sweetie. He has started on a new project - links and info to follow soon - and was fortunate to spend three weeks in the Caribbean (St. Kitts) working on it. Can you say envious?!?! He came home bronzed and happy, and well-fed just in time for the move and Christmas celebrations.
We spent New Years at home and invited Mark's cousin Ken and his family - Heather (wife) and Isaac (18 month old son) to our place. They were our first house guests and it was great to host people in this space that we've worked so hard at making cozy and comfortable. We've even got some art and photos on the walls now. Once I get a few more things up on the wall I will post some photos of our place. In the meantime, here are some New Year's pics!
This is the outfit that Uncle Mark and Auntie Candice (that's us!!) got Isaac for Christmas ... sooo freaking cute!
It's hard to believe that a year has passed since I finished school ... and almost a year since I went to Europe! WOW! My life has completely changed, and I attribute much of that to the incredible opportunity I had to explore six countries, and myself! Although the trip didn't go exactly as initially planned, looking back I'd definitely say it was perfect! I'm in an incredible place in life right now and I wouldn't change a thing that has lead to this point. Today is six months exactly since Mark and I started dating and I couldn't possibly be happier. Things are that great!
It's cold outside - we had some freezing rain earlier and things have iced over now - so I think this calls for some movie and cat snuggling time! So, "ciao" for now!
-Candz
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