Well folks, it’s time to get back to the blog.
I’ve been home from Roma since May 21 and it’s been an interesting few weeks. It was a difficult transition and one that I really did not want to make – but I have survived and things are coming together now.
I’m officially employed as a personal support worker at Community Living Walkerton and District. Woot woot. It’s a job I’ve done before – in the summer of 2004 (the last time I was actually living at home) and it’s a field in which I have quite a lot of experience. I started traning last week with a brief book-orientation for a few hours. Yesterday was filled with NVCI training – that’s “non violent crisis intervention” training. And today I started my actual on the job training. I’m thankful for my prior (extensive) experience with support work – I know what I’m going into and have the skills to deal with it. So … I’m looking forward to this!
As you are probably aware, working in Walkerton means that I’m living at home. For the most part this is quite good – free room and board, lots of good food, company, sleep, kitties … all good things. There are moments, however, when I feel like pulling my own hair out (or that of someone else) and just wish that I was in the city, living on my own! Now is more or less one of those moments. It can be hard to get space and breathing room with so many people (the house is especially crowded at the moment). So I just have to try to be patient and occupy myself. I would like to go out for a bike ride – though the weather is really crummy today so I’m not sure if I’ll manage that.
That’s another thing that I’ve been doing lately – biking a LOT. I’m trying to use my bike as my primary method of transportation (though I’m getting my car back from Cassie … it’s going to be an unavoidable evil if I’m working 40+ hours/week). However, I’ve been lucky and biked most everywhere so far – particularly to the gym! I’ve been going to the gym almost every day, which has been great. I’m feeling good and strong and the most motivated I’ve ever been. My abs are getting pretty solid! Don’t believe me? Just try me! Hahaha …
More summer goodness --- with some help from my dad I’ve managed to start a min-garden this year, with a few tomatoe plants, basil (mmmmm … I use it almost daily!), thyme, rosemary, lavender, red peppers and green peppers. I think we’re going to try to get a few more veggies and get them planted this week (the weather isn’t fantastic, so we’re not too far behind the planting). So far everything is in big planters (my preference). But we might have to get some of these tomatoes in the ground.
I’ve been scrapbooking and crafting a LOT lately … making lots of cards and some pretty cool layouts as well. I’ve finally ordered prints from blacks – now I just need to GET to Guelph. Soon, I hope. If you’re in Guelph and you want to chill, please, let me know. I would love to see some familiar faces!
I’m working on learning Italian now. This is for a few reasons … not only because it’s an awesome language and I think that learning a new language is a great thing to do – but also because I would love to head back to Roma for a few months (or more) as soon as that becomes possible. I’m trying to be realistic and just go with things each day. Right now I have to deal with the cooped up feelings that I am experiencing and fight the urge to rent an apartment in walkerton just to get some space!!! Will keep you posted on that one.
The other thing that I’m getting into is photography. I am saving for a digital SLR and want to start learning some photography skills. I’m feeling good about all these things that I am doing for myself … eating well, exercising a lot, scrapping/crafting, learning a language, learning new skills and trying new things (I think I’m going to try kayaking at the next opportunity, which I believe is in a couple of weeks). Now I’m just starting to wish that I had someone to share some of this with. Julia, baby, you’re so far away! I think I’m re-entering that place where one is capable of having a relationship …
Hmm … scary thoughts. I’m sure this is due, at least in part, by the influence of Bruce County. I’ll call it BC Syndrome – everyone I went to high school with (including those younger than me) have gotten or are getting married – or at least have children. The pressure is on!!! read: i want a daaaaaateeeee!
Good thing I’m strong :)
Hope all is well. Stay tuned, you’ll be my outlet now that I’m back into routine.
Xox
candz
