Retrospection...
This time last year I was in quite a confused state. I had forgotten. It's kind of nice to be able to go back and see how much things have changed.
A list of things in 2005 that make me happy with where I am:
1. Moving to Wabasca . Even though I didn't end up staying past my contract, it gave me an awesome opportunity to live in a completely different part of the country and experience a different culture and way of life (not to mention the Northern Lights!!). I survived a contract where most of my responsibilities were ones that I had no clue how to do when I walked in. And walked out feeling okay about the job I'd done.
"Carol said to me this morning: 'we know you've got the right kind of heart, you know you've got the right kind of heart when it hurts.'"
Although I was torn the entire time I was there about where I wanted to be, I learned more about myself there than anywhere, having so much time to think. Like having a secret crush on Gordie Sampson - who knew that when you think about that, I was really just homesick for Nova Scotia? Haha..
2. Taking 3 psychology courses . As busy as they were, I gained a bit of new knowledge, and the credits will be useful for future academic prospects... It was new and challenging, and my brain felt like it was fed.
3. Moving back to Montreal for the summer. A full summer of summer sun, shows and bar hopping. Rock and roll extravaganza... I worked in a fingerprinting agency. I taught ESL to Korean kids for 2 weeks. I loved and lost my bike. I went completely mental and came back around. I realized that Montreal is the coolest city in Canada, but it didn't matter if I lived there or not.
4. Moving home to Nova Scotia . I have a crazy job that will probably never be easy, but it is easier than it was in September. I have super friends. I haven't taken advantage of this city as much as I should, but I haven't really been in a financial situation that allows it either, and I still haven't quite stopped comparing it to Montreal, which is unfair... I've made decisions that I think are going to make 2006 even better. Even though I don't know what it has in store past June.
5. Spending the Christmas holidays with people that I love: my family, friends that I haven't seen in a long time, friends that I see all the time, friends that I just made. Feeling more connected to a 'home' than I have in a long time. I always felt kind of guilty for not having an affectionate tie to Nova Scotia; things are changing. I guess it took leaving to appreciate what NS really is. Funny how a hilarious conversation about chow with people from either side of the country can stir up feelings of pride. I spent a lot of time being inspired in the past 2 weeks.
Maybe I'm a bit less city mouse than I used to think.
Cheers, all. I hope the New Year is good to you :)
A list of things in 2005 that make me happy with where I am:
1. Moving to Wabasca . Even though I didn't end up staying past my contract, it gave me an awesome opportunity to live in a completely different part of the country and experience a different culture and way of life (not to mention the Northern Lights!!). I survived a contract where most of my responsibilities were ones that I had no clue how to do when I walked in. And walked out feeling okay about the job I'd done.
"Carol said to me this morning: 'we know you've got the right kind of heart, you know you've got the right kind of heart when it hurts.'"
Although I was torn the entire time I was there about where I wanted to be, I learned more about myself there than anywhere, having so much time to think. Like having a secret crush on Gordie Sampson - who knew that when you think about that, I was really just homesick for Nova Scotia? Haha..
2. Taking 3 psychology courses . As busy as they were, I gained a bit of new knowledge, and the credits will be useful for future academic prospects... It was new and challenging, and my brain felt like it was fed.
3. Moving back to Montreal for the summer. A full summer of summer sun, shows and bar hopping. Rock and roll extravaganza... I worked in a fingerprinting agency. I taught ESL to Korean kids for 2 weeks. I loved and lost my bike. I went completely mental and came back around. I realized that Montreal is the coolest city in Canada, but it didn't matter if I lived there or not.
4. Moving home to Nova Scotia . I have a crazy job that will probably never be easy, but it is easier than it was in September. I have super friends. I haven't taken advantage of this city as much as I should, but I haven't really been in a financial situation that allows it either, and I still haven't quite stopped comparing it to Montreal, which is unfair... I've made decisions that I think are going to make 2006 even better. Even though I don't know what it has in store past June.
5. Spending the Christmas holidays with people that I love: my family, friends that I haven't seen in a long time, friends that I see all the time, friends that I just made. Feeling more connected to a 'home' than I have in a long time. I always felt kind of guilty for not having an affectionate tie to Nova Scotia; things are changing. I guess it took leaving to appreciate what NS really is. Funny how a hilarious conversation about chow with people from either side of the country can stir up feelings of pride. I spent a lot of time being inspired in the past 2 weeks.
Maybe I'm a bit less city mouse than I used to think.
Cheers, all. I hope the New Year is good to you :)