Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Parents ♥.
Yesterday was UW School of Optometry's Inaugural White Coat Ceremony. It was a weeknight, so I told my parents not to come.
Today I sent a photo to my dad over msn.
His reply:
9:45:20 PM Tim_tim: what is the photo stands?
9:45:33 PM Tim_tim: some one put a jacket on u
9:45:43 PM Tim_tim: who is this gentleman>
(I explained that the ceremony is an induction of sorts into the professional community, and that is a prof at my school.)
I also emailed photos to my mom.
Her reply:
Congregation, hope you enjoy this proferssion, and ask God using you.
Mom
I loves Engrish :D
Today I sent a photo to my dad over msn.
His reply:
9:45:20 PM Tim_tim: what is the photo stands?
9:45:33 PM Tim_tim: some one put a jacket on u
9:45:43 PM Tim_tim: who is this gentleman>
(I explained that the ceremony is an induction of sorts into the professional community, and that is a prof at my school.)
I also emailed photos to my mom.
Her reply:
Congregation, hope you enjoy this proferssion, and ask God using you.
Mom
I loves Engrish :D
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Resolution check.
Reading: good so far, have finished Charles Mulli biography and Bridget Jones's Diary. Started first page of Mere Christianity. Was supposed to continue reading it today, but got sidetracked by bigger task (mentioned later)
Swimming: have not gone yet, but started core fitness class this week
Generosity: not great, tip at Mel's today was probably too small, blame weak math skills.
Tithing: wrote check for Creekside, must remember to bring it on Sunday.
Msn: good for past while, but was online all of today, talking about aforementioned bigger task
Impulse buying: ultimate fail. The task: within 13 hours of hearing about Air Canada seat sale to HK, I decided to go, cleared with parents, picked dates, and purchased tickets. Will be vacationing May 1-June 13.
oh yah, and Drinking: signed up for winter retreat, so now definitely going and not to Andrew's open bar wedding. A little bit sad, but looking forward to retreat too, and liver will thank me later.
Swimming: have not gone yet, but started core fitness class this week
Generosity: not great, tip at Mel's today was probably too small, blame weak math skills.
Tithing: wrote check for Creekside, must remember to bring it on Sunday.
Msn: good for past while, but was online all of today, talking about aforementioned bigger task
Impulse buying: ultimate fail. The task: within 13 hours of hearing about Air Canada seat sale to HK, I decided to go, cleared with parents, picked dates, and purchased tickets. Will be vacationing May 1-June 13.
oh yah, and Drinking: signed up for winter retreat, so now definitely going and not to Andrew's open bar wedding. A little bit sad, but looking forward to retreat too, and liver will thank me later.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The plan.
She stopped and turned to Charles. "Will it work?"
"My prayers?"
"Yes."
"It will help. To what extent, I don't know."
"But how can you not know?"
Charles gave a brief smile and then returned to the gravity of the situation that surrounded them. "I don't have to know. I'm not supposed to know. I'm supposed to be obedient. That's why I'm here. This is why I've come."
Last Friday we were asked at fellowship what our goals and visions are for the term. I really had nothing smart to say or share; just some stuff about wanting to serve again, and get to know God again.
We did the same sort of thing last night at small group. And in five short days, I was able to develop more specific goals/visions, thanks in part to the Charles Mulli biography I was reading. After finishing it, I realize how hardened and skeptical I've become, and how little faith I really have. I think a major thing that I forgot was that we are called simply to obey. To seek God's will, and to follow it. It's not our job to know how things will turn out, but if you are doing things for God, you can't fail.
So, action plan:
1. be more proactive in looking for ways to serve/help, ie. at fellowship. starting with... leading discussion group tomorrow. It's been years since I've served/led at CCF, I'm scared.
2. pray for this potential mission trip to Kenya. It's still in the works, so I'm not even sure it will happen. I was really concerned about the cost - I still am - but after reading the book, I know that money is never a roadblock in doing God's work.
3. tithe/donate 10% of this term's bursaries
4. take more responsibility and learn to plan ahead (in general), ie. start applying for summer jobs, looking for sublets, etc.
To what end? So that after all is said and done, I can look up and say:
"I've done what I can. We will continue to pray and wait and see."
"My prayers?"
"Yes."
"It will help. To what extent, I don't know."
"But how can you not know?"
Charles gave a brief smile and then returned to the gravity of the situation that surrounded them. "I don't have to know. I'm not supposed to know. I'm supposed to be obedient. That's why I'm here. This is why I've come."
Last Friday we were asked at fellowship what our goals and visions are for the term. I really had nothing smart to say or share; just some stuff about wanting to serve again, and get to know God again.
We did the same sort of thing last night at small group. And in five short days, I was able to develop more specific goals/visions, thanks in part to the Charles Mulli biography I was reading. After finishing it, I realize how hardened and skeptical I've become, and how little faith I really have. I think a major thing that I forgot was that we are called simply to obey. To seek God's will, and to follow it. It's not our job to know how things will turn out, but if you are doing things for God, you can't fail.
So, action plan:
1. be more proactive in looking for ways to serve/help, ie. at fellowship. starting with... leading discussion group tomorrow. It's been years since I've served/led at CCF, I'm scared.
2. pray for this potential mission trip to Kenya. It's still in the works, so I'm not even sure it will happen. I was really concerned about the cost - I still am - but after reading the book, I know that money is never a roadblock in doing God's work.
3. tithe/donate 10% of this term's bursaries
4. take more responsibility and learn to plan ahead (in general), ie. start applying for summer jobs, looking for sublets, etc.
To what end? So that after all is said and done, I can look up and say:
"I've done what I can. We will continue to pray and wait and see."
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
The birthday epiphany.
My sister likes to make fun of me because on my birthday, my favourite line to use is "It's my birthday" as an end-all-be-all. And why shouldn't it be? Birthdays are the one day of the year that allow us to throw parties and get presents for no reason of our own merit.
Throughout high school I used to love planning something to do with friends - go out for dinner, have cake, go skating, or something. But for the past several years, University exams would keep me in Waterloo until the days leading up to Christmas, and then my family and another family of our close friends would go to the States for Boxing Day shopping. As a result, I have spent my last several birthdays out of the country. My dad's friend, whose family we shopped with on these trips, also has a December birthday. But his is right on Christmas. Both our families would go out for a nice dinner together for Christmas, and at the end, we would get him a cake and sing happy birthday. Then my parents would bring the cake over to me and tell me to take a picture with it so it's like we're celebrating my birthday too. They did this every year, and somehow never stopped thinking it was funny. And every year I would get really embarrassed, because my parents were making a scene in a nice restaurant, and annoyed, because it wasn't my birthday yet and I wanted my own cake.
This year, there was no shopping trip for my family because my parents were out of town. My sister and I were faced with having our own quiet dinner at home, but at the last minute, were invited to join these aforementioned family friends at their house for Christmas dinner. My sister and I were more than glad to oblige.
And the food that night was amazing and abundant. The house was teeming with people, relatives of our friends that I'd never met. I realized I kind of missed traditional Christmases like this. And at the end, there was cake - two, in fact, for Uncle Stan. We sang happy birthday - twice, also - once in English and once in Chinese.
And as I stood there watching - taking in his beaming face as he hugged his family and cut the cake - I realized that in all the years that we celebrated together in the States, I was never able to stop thinking about myself for a second. I was annoyed at having to share my birthday hurrah with him, or that his birthday overshadowed mine, or something, I don't know, whereas it was his birthday that was getting shafted. Maybe he didn't even care, but all I know is that I had not had a moment like that in a long time, where the fog lifts and you are left with nothing but to face your own selfishness.
Anyway I still love birthdays, and I did celebrate mine a couple of days after with friends. It's always a wonderful feeling to be with the people you love, and who love you, regardless of who was born on what day.
The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: Life is a story about me.
I hear addicts talk about the shakes and panic attacks and the highs and lows of resisting their habit, and to some degree I understand them because I have had habits of my own, but no drug is so powerful as the drug of self. No rut in the mind is so deep as the one that says I am the world, the world belongs to me, all people are characters in my play. There is no addiction so powerful as self-addiction.
-Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz
Throughout high school I used to love planning something to do with friends - go out for dinner, have cake, go skating, or something. But for the past several years, University exams would keep me in Waterloo until the days leading up to Christmas, and then my family and another family of our close friends would go to the States for Boxing Day shopping. As a result, I have spent my last several birthdays out of the country. My dad's friend, whose family we shopped with on these trips, also has a December birthday. But his is right on Christmas. Both our families would go out for a nice dinner together for Christmas, and at the end, we would get him a cake and sing happy birthday. Then my parents would bring the cake over to me and tell me to take a picture with it so it's like we're celebrating my birthday too. They did this every year, and somehow never stopped thinking it was funny. And every year I would get really embarrassed, because my parents were making a scene in a nice restaurant, and annoyed, because it wasn't my birthday yet and I wanted my own cake.
This year, there was no shopping trip for my family because my parents were out of town. My sister and I were faced with having our own quiet dinner at home, but at the last minute, were invited to join these aforementioned family friends at their house for Christmas dinner. My sister and I were more than glad to oblige.
And the food that night was amazing and abundant. The house was teeming with people, relatives of our friends that I'd never met. I realized I kind of missed traditional Christmases like this. And at the end, there was cake - two, in fact, for Uncle Stan. We sang happy birthday - twice, also - once in English and once in Chinese.
And as I stood there watching - taking in his beaming face as he hugged his family and cut the cake - I realized that in all the years that we celebrated together in the States, I was never able to stop thinking about myself for a second. I was annoyed at having to share my birthday hurrah with him, or that his birthday overshadowed mine, or something, I don't know, whereas it was his birthday that was getting shafted. Maybe he didn't even care, but all I know is that I had not had a moment like that in a long time, where the fog lifts and you are left with nothing but to face your own selfishness.
Anyway I still love birthdays, and I did celebrate mine a couple of days after with friends. It's always a wonderful feeling to be with the people you love, and who love you, regardless of who was born on what day.
The most difficult lie I have ever contended with is this: Life is a story about me.
I hear addicts talk about the shakes and panic attacks and the highs and lows of resisting their habit, and to some degree I understand them because I have had habits of my own, but no drug is so powerful as the drug of self. No rut in the mind is so deep as the one that says I am the world, the world belongs to me, all people are characters in my play. There is no addiction so powerful as self-addiction.
-Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Sacrament of Living.
This term in cell group, we've been reading The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer. It's been challenging, both because of Tozer's style of writing and because of the content; each chapter brings new blessings and challenges. The very last chapter is about letting everything that we do, be done for the glory of God, and not separating our lives into "sacred" and "secular" compartments.
Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called and his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry. It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no common act. All he does is good and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For such a man, living itself will be sacramental and the whole world a sanctuary. His entire life will be a priestly ministration.
I like this excerpt because it sums up the mindset I've been trying to adopt this past term. I've been working on making my faith more real and transparent, something that encompasses my whole life. It's been really hard... I can definitely see the areas that are harder to submit. I've also been trying harder not to let my work define me.
I'll slowly post something about each chapter, that will hopefully keep me posting regularly for awhile again. Maybe after finals though!
Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called and his work will be as sacred as the work of the ministry. It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart and he can thereafter do no common act. All he does is good and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For such a man, living itself will be sacramental and the whole world a sanctuary. His entire life will be a priestly ministration.
I like this excerpt because it sums up the mindset I've been trying to adopt this past term. I've been working on making my faith more real and transparent, something that encompasses my whole life. It's been really hard... I can definitely see the areas that are harder to submit. I've also been trying harder not to let my work define me.
I'll slowly post something about each chapter, that will hopefully keep me posting regularly for awhile again. Maybe after finals though!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The most annoying day ever.
Having the house and car to myself has been pretty sweet for the past week, with my parents in Europe and my sister in the Caribbean. However, things have been unexpectedly popping up to annoy the crap out of me.
1. The endless amount of laundry. I did three loads this week and there's still a basketfull. My grandma was a sweetheart and came over to help me iron, and finally I think I have most of my clothes ready and packed up to move to school.
2. An emergency dental visit. I discovered a giant hole in one of my front teeth that seemed to appear overnight. This was particularly bad because I maxed out my coverage under my dad's dental plan when I got two teeth removed last month. Thankfully I remembered that I was covered under the school's plan... there's no opting out this year I guess. I was able to squeeze in an appointment and I got it fixed up. And the retainer that I had made last week came in the same day, so I didn't have to come back to pick it up another day. It all ended up costing so much that I wonder if I should've gone into dentistry instead.
3. My inability to get keys to my new apartment. I wanted to start moving my stuff in today, but apparently I need to fill in paperwork to be approved for my new building before I can get keys. I had them fax me the forms so I have to fill them in and fax them back to the office by tomorrow in order to hopefully (fingers crossed!) get keys by Sunday! Or else I'll just have to hope my roommate can get keys and let me in... The other pickle is that I need a guarantor but all my immediately family is out of the country.
4. My OSAP documents are still not processed. I need money.
To balance out the crappiness, here are some good things that have happened:
1. Having my school dental plan.
2. My tuition payment going through on time. (I did that at the very last minute too...)
3. Going camping and treetop trekking on the long weekend to make the most of the gorgeous weather we've had.
4. Gorgeous weather.
5. Rooftop patio lunch and delicious ice cream with friends.
6. Having been in an ice cream shop where Bryan McCabe has been.
7. Catching up with my cousin over dinner.
8. Filling up at 125.9.
9. More fun weekend plans with friends to look forward to.
1. The endless amount of laundry. I did three loads this week and there's still a basketfull. My grandma was a sweetheart and came over to help me iron, and finally I think I have most of my clothes ready and packed up to move to school.
2. An emergency dental visit. I discovered a giant hole in one of my front teeth that seemed to appear overnight. This was particularly bad because I maxed out my coverage under my dad's dental plan when I got two teeth removed last month. Thankfully I remembered that I was covered under the school's plan... there's no opting out this year I guess. I was able to squeeze in an appointment and I got it fixed up. And the retainer that I had made last week came in the same day, so I didn't have to come back to pick it up another day. It all ended up costing so much that I wonder if I should've gone into dentistry instead.
3. My inability to get keys to my new apartment. I wanted to start moving my stuff in today, but apparently I need to fill in paperwork to be approved for my new building before I can get keys. I had them fax me the forms so I have to fill them in and fax them back to the office by tomorrow in order to hopefully (fingers crossed!) get keys by Sunday! Or else I'll just have to hope my roommate can get keys and let me in... The other pickle is that I need a guarantor but all my immediately family is out of the country.
4. My OSAP documents are still not processed. I need money.
To balance out the crappiness, here are some good things that have happened:
1. Having my school dental plan.
2. My tuition payment going through on time. (I did that at the very last minute too...)
3. Going camping and treetop trekking on the long weekend to make the most of the gorgeous weather we've had.
4. Gorgeous weather.
5. Rooftop patio lunch and delicious ice cream with friends.
6. Having been in an ice cream shop where Bryan McCabe has been.
7. Catching up with my cousin over dinner.
8. Filling up at 125.9.
9. More fun weekend plans with friends to look forward to.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Marriage.
As a child, there are things that I took for granted would happen to me: puberty, university, and marriage. Disney movies make it seem so magical and romantic. Your husband will appear magically in your life in the form of a dashing prince, a brave rescuer, or a lion. The rest is all a big "happily ever after".
Now that the other two have happened, there's just the big M left to complete this holy trinity of life. But after more years of life experience, several reality checks, and now a few weddings under my belt, I find myself walking the thin line between "two is better than one" and "marriage isn't for everyone", because both are fundamentally true, and it could end up either way.
In any case, I definitely know it's not something to just take for granted or to take lightly, especially with the way many marriages carelessly end up nowadays. In 2000, the average age of brides was 31.7. So that leaves me about 10 years for something magical to happen :)
There are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: If you don't respect the other person, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. If you can't talk openly about what goes on between you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don't have a common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And the most important one of those values?
Your belief in the importance of marriage.
Now that the other two have happened, there's just the big M left to complete this holy trinity of life. But after more years of life experience, several reality checks, and now a few weddings under my belt, I find myself walking the thin line between "two is better than one" and "marriage isn't for everyone", because both are fundamentally true, and it could end up either way.
In any case, I definitely know it's not something to just take for granted or to take lightly, especially with the way many marriages carelessly end up nowadays. In 2000, the average age of brides was 31.7. So that leaves me about 10 years for something magical to happen :)
There are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: If you don't respect the other person, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. If you can't talk openly about what goes on between you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don't have a common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble. And the most important one of those values?
Your belief in the importance of marriage.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The perfect day.
This morning I woke up at 9:30. It might have been considered sleeping in, but for the fact that I slept at 2:30. So no, I didn't really feel that rested. But no matter, I had places to go today, people to see.
I found out my sister had already left earlier in the morning to go to Buffalo. So, I was able to use her Metropass and save on TTC fare.
I got to Eaton Centre by noon in time for my appointment at the Apple Store. They took my Macbook in to repair the top case, which left me unencumbered while shopping for the day.
Jill and I had lunch together, and then walked around the Eaton Centre. The 'blow-out sale' at H&M turned out to be really disappointing, but Jill picked out a really cute dress for me at RW&Co.
Eventually, we wandered into Banana Republic, where I thought I'd just pass a coup d'oeil to see if the cardigan I'd been eyeing since May was still there. I found out that it was finally on sale... but they didn't have my size! I was about to cry, until a different idea struck me. Only a lineup and phone call later, an xs green cardigan was waiting at the Bayview Village store for me!
We then went back to Jill's brother's apartment to hang out and play Wii for a bit. Quarter to six, I got a call from the Apple Store... my Macbook was ready to be picked up! So I wouldn't have to be without my baby at all!
Jill and I went back to the Eaton Centre to get it, and ended up walking around a bit more until the mall closed. I decided to head back home to rest, and she could have dinner with her family.
My family had all gone out for the night, so I just made a small supper and read a bit. Now I am waiting for my ride to head to the Angka's for a night of movie-watching and nachos.
It was so simple. So average...how could he find perfection in such an average day?
Then I realized this was the whole point.
I found out my sister had already left earlier in the morning to go to Buffalo. So, I was able to use her Metropass and save on TTC fare.
I got to Eaton Centre by noon in time for my appointment at the Apple Store. They took my Macbook in to repair the top case, which left me unencumbered while shopping for the day.
Jill and I had lunch together, and then walked around the Eaton Centre. The 'blow-out sale' at H&M turned out to be really disappointing, but Jill picked out a really cute dress for me at RW&Co.
Eventually, we wandered into Banana Republic, where I thought I'd just pass a coup d'oeil to see if the cardigan I'd been eyeing since May was still there. I found out that it was finally on sale... but they didn't have my size! I was about to cry, until a different idea struck me. Only a lineup and phone call later, an xs green cardigan was waiting at the Bayview Village store for me!
We then went back to Jill's brother's apartment to hang out and play Wii for a bit. Quarter to six, I got a call from the Apple Store... my Macbook was ready to be picked up! So I wouldn't have to be without my baby at all!
Jill and I went back to the Eaton Centre to get it, and ended up walking around a bit more until the mall closed. I decided to head back home to rest, and she could have dinner with her family.
My family had all gone out for the night, so I just made a small supper and read a bit. Now I am waiting for my ride to head to the Angka's for a night of movie-watching and nachos.
It was so simple. So average...how could he find perfection in such an average day?
Then I realized this was the whole point.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
La reste de l'été.
I can't believe how quickly summer is passing by!
I came back to Toronto on June 18. I ended up becoming friends with the random guitar players from the hostel in Quebec City and hitched a ride with them back to Toronto (they were passing through on their way back to Guelph). Upon my return, there were mountains of laundry to attend to and lots of readjusting to do. On the 21st, I had a job interview at my church for a summer youth/children worker position and then attended a friend's bridal shower. The 22nd, I went to another friend's wedding. After the reception, I had to take off right away for Hamilton, where my work partner and I spent the night so that we could avoid traffic and get to Fergus by 8:30 the next morning. There, we spent the next ten days at a training camp run by Child Evangelism Fellowship, learning how to plan and teach Bible lessons and the gospel to children. The camp was pretty intense; they worked us hard! But at least now I feel more confident about teaching at VBS (coming up in two weeks). The chapel services also reminded me that this is God's work and not ours, so I'm really going to work at living more prayerfully.
So now I'm back to the 9-to-5 with half a summer left to enjoy!
Days left before school starts: 64
I came back to Toronto on June 18. I ended up becoming friends with the random guitar players from the hostel in Quebec City and hitched a ride with them back to Toronto (they were passing through on their way back to Guelph). Upon my return, there were mountains of laundry to attend to and lots of readjusting to do. On the 21st, I had a job interview at my church for a summer youth/children worker position and then attended a friend's bridal shower. The 22nd, I went to another friend's wedding. After the reception, I had to take off right away for Hamilton, where my work partner and I spent the night so that we could avoid traffic and get to Fergus by 8:30 the next morning. There, we spent the next ten days at a training camp run by Child Evangelism Fellowship, learning how to plan and teach Bible lessons and the gospel to children. The camp was pretty intense; they worked us hard! But at least now I feel more confident about teaching at VBS (coming up in two weeks). The chapel services also reminded me that this is God's work and not ours, so I'm really going to work at living more prayerfully.
So now I'm back to the 9-to-5 with half a summer left to enjoy!
Days left before school starts: 64
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Hostel.
On Friday, Explore Session Printemps 2008 officially ended. We had a grand spectacle (yes, it's the same word en français) and a big fête, where we danced our little hearts out. Around 11pm we had a countdown to when we were officially allowed to speak in English -- and even with the animateurs, which was super drôle in some cases.
Yesterday morning my Chicouti-mère dropped me off at the bus terminal and I (along with a bus-load of other Explorers) were herded to Quebec City to go on our ways home. I planned ahead of time to stay in Quebec City for a bit with a girl from my class at L'Auberge de la Paix. a youth hostel right in Vieux Quebec. This being my first time staying in a hostel, I was pretty nervous, but so far it's been alright. My only complaint is that the bathrooms are extremely cramped and the faint smell of urine is slightly reminiscent of toilets in China. It turns out there are a few other Explorers here as well, which is a pleasant surprise.
Unfortunately it started to rain since yesterday and it doesn't look like there's an end in sight. I really want to go to the art museum today and see La Louvre à Québec...
But as it is, I'll just bide my time here in the hostel until I work up enough determination to brave the pluie, with my free coffee and anthology of French-Canadian poetry (pretending to be cultured), listening to the random guy playing guitar.
Days left in Quebec: 4
Yesterday morning my Chicouti-mère dropped me off at the bus terminal and I (along with a bus-load of other Explorers) were herded to Quebec City to go on our ways home. I planned ahead of time to stay in Quebec City for a bit with a girl from my class at L'Auberge de la Paix. a youth hostel right in Vieux Quebec. This being my first time staying in a hostel, I was pretty nervous, but so far it's been alright. My only complaint is that the bathrooms are extremely cramped and the faint smell of urine is slightly reminiscent of toilets in China. It turns out there are a few other Explorers here as well, which is a pleasant surprise.
Unfortunately it started to rain since yesterday and it doesn't look like there's an end in sight. I really want to go to the art museum today and see La Louvre à Québec...
But as it is, I'll just bide my time here in the hostel until I work up enough determination to brave the pluie, with my free coffee and anthology of French-Canadian poetry (pretending to be cultured), listening to the random guy playing guitar.
Days left in Quebec: 4
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Le Québec me fait mal.
Just à-peu-près 8 more days until I go back home. It's sort of bittersweet to think that; I've been in Quebec for 33 days and counting, but it hasn't been very good for me.
1. During my first week in Chicoutimi, I started out with a small rash-like thing on my right wrist. I later got painful/itchy bumps on my feet and ankles, bilaterally.
Then it appeared on my knees and the lateral sides of my thighs. It would be super itchy, and then hurt like mad when I scratched!
I saw the nurse at school (the most flightly person ever; I was so nervous) and she diagnosed an urticaire - hives. She gave me Benadryl and calamine and cream, and over the course of about a week, the skin symptoms subsided. She said the most likely cause was food-related and she advised me to cut eggs out of my diet, but I have since decided that the most likely culprit is the beurre d'arachides that I started eating on a daily basis since my arrival in Chicoutimi. Boo! I don't want to be a peanut kid!!
2. The mosquitos here can't get enough of me. I guess it's not necessarily detrimental to one's health to be bitten by mosquitos, unless it spreads disease, but it's insanely annoying. And they hurt too! While rock climbing, it was important not to let go of the ropes to swat mosquitoes, so it was like a feeding frenzy. At Tadoussac I also got eaten alive by the little moustiques, mostly on my head. I even found a little red welt right in the strip of scalp where my hair is parted. Bite count: 10.
3. I got some weird cold the weekend before last, that still hasn't really gone away. I've felt fine for several days now and I was always able to taste all my food (thank goodness) but my voice still sounds slightly like a man's.
4. I am eating way too much ice cream and pie here. A couple of my t-shirts are feeling more snug than usual. I went shopping at Smart Set today and I no longer fit into the size I used to. Their fault or mine?
So while it will be sad to leave Chicoutimi, I think it will be best for my health.
1. During my first week in Chicoutimi, I started out with a small rash-like thing on my right wrist. I later got painful/itchy bumps on my feet and ankles, bilaterally.
Then it appeared on my knees and the lateral sides of my thighs. It would be super itchy, and then hurt like mad when I scratched!I saw the nurse at school (the most flightly person ever; I was so nervous) and she diagnosed an urticaire - hives. She gave me Benadryl and calamine and cream, and over the course of about a week, the skin symptoms subsided. She said the most likely cause was food-related and she advised me to cut eggs out of my diet, but I have since decided that the most likely culprit is the beurre d'arachides that I started eating on a daily basis since my arrival in Chicoutimi. Boo! I don't want to be a peanut kid!!
2. The mosquitos here can't get enough of me. I guess it's not necessarily detrimental to one's health to be bitten by mosquitos, unless it spreads disease, but it's insanely annoying. And they hurt too! While rock climbing, it was important not to let go of the ropes to swat mosquitoes, so it was like a feeding frenzy. At Tadoussac I also got eaten alive by the little moustiques, mostly on my head. I even found a little red welt right in the strip of scalp where my hair is parted. Bite count: 10.
3. I got some weird cold the weekend before last, that still hasn't really gone away. I've felt fine for several days now and I was always able to taste all my food (thank goodness) but my voice still sounds slightly like a man's.
4. I am eating way too much ice cream and pie here. A couple of my t-shirts are feeling more snug than usual. I went shopping at Smart Set today and I no longer fit into the size I used to. Their fault or mine?
So while it will be sad to leave Chicoutimi, I think it will be best for my health.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Our culture.
I chose to participate in the Explore program this summer to learn and improve my French. Here at L'École de Langue et de Culture Québécoise at UQAC, I am getting more than I bargained for, since we're also taught about the Quebecois culture. All it means is that they expose us to things we'd never otherwise know about.
Par exemple...We spent a couple afternoons learning traditional dances and listening to Quebecois music. There were two movie nights where they showed Quebecois films. I watched La Grande Séduction (★★★☆) and Gaz Bar Blues (★☆☆☆).
We were also required to do a project and presentation about something Quebecois in our classes. Some subjects covered by my classmates include Quebecois cinema, (contemporary) music, legends/fairy tales, le Cirque du Soleil (which was founded in Montreal), and the motto "Je me souviens". My topic was Le Rocket, Maurice Richard.
My prof will even sometimes deviate from teaching French grammar in class to explain Quebecois expressions and the way that people here talk, because he knows it's confusing and frustrating to spend all this time learning French and then going into the streets and hearing people speaking something totally different.
But grace à L'École de Langue, I've been able to appreciate that there's a history and richness to Quebec and to the Saguenay that is completely different from the diversity and multiculturalism that is characteristic of Toronto.
Quelques choses typiques de la région Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean:
☼ la tourtière - a slow-cooked deep-dish meat pie made with potatoes
☼ la tarte à sucre - sugar pie
☼ blueberry beer - la bière aux bluets
☼ fair-trade products - le cafe et le chocolat équitable. the place to be here is cafe cambio... en francais ici
☼ rocking chairs - des chaises berçantes
☼ outdoor activities - les activités en plein-air
☼ maple syrup - le sirop d'érable
Par exemple...We spent a couple afternoons learning traditional dances and listening to Quebecois music. There were two movie nights where they showed Quebecois films. I watched La Grande Séduction (★★★☆) and Gaz Bar Blues (★☆☆☆).
We were also required to do a project and presentation about something Quebecois in our classes. Some subjects covered by my classmates include Quebecois cinema, (contemporary) music, legends/fairy tales, le Cirque du Soleil (which was founded in Montreal), and the motto "Je me souviens". My topic was Le Rocket, Maurice Richard.
My prof will even sometimes deviate from teaching French grammar in class to explain Quebecois expressions and the way that people here talk, because he knows it's confusing and frustrating to spend all this time learning French and then going into the streets and hearing people speaking something totally different.
But grace à L'École de Langue, I've been able to appreciate that there's a history and richness to Quebec and to the Saguenay that is completely different from the diversity and multiculturalism that is characteristic of Toronto.
Quelques choses typiques de la région Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean:
☼ la tourtière - a slow-cooked deep-dish meat pie made with potatoes
☼ la tarte à sucre - sugar pie
☼ blueberry beer - la bière aux bluets
☼ fair-trade products - le cafe et le chocolat équitable. the place to be here is cafe cambio... en francais ici
☼ rocking chairs - des chaises berçantes
☼ outdoor activities - les activités en plein-air
☼ maple syrup - le sirop d'érable
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Chicouti-key.
We have a system here in my Chicouti-home. We live in a bungalow with the back area converted into a hair salon where my mère d'accueil, Mado, works out of. My Chicouti-soeur and I only ever need to enter or leave by the front door. If Mado is home, the door is always left unlocked. But if she goes out, she leaves a key in the mailbox. The key is attached to a long shoelace, which she leaves half-hanging out.
I have no problem with this system. It means I don't have to worry about losing keys, and it communicates very clearly whether Mado's home or not. When we were newly
introduced to it, I just made a mental note that it'd probably be really bad if the shoelace ever fell into the mailbox. But not to worry, I told myself, I'm sure that'll never happen.
Just past the midpoint of the program, last Friday night was the night of the "Soirée Québécoise" at school. I usually dread themed events, but I have to say that the whole thing was pretty cute and altogether enjoyable: we got dressed up in whatever "Quebecois" sort of getup we could find - usually just involving aprons, scarves, long dresses, or anything plaid; and then we were split up into families - Tremblay, Simard, Gagnon, or Bouchard - and spent the night dancing (traditional Quebecois dance, of course) and competing against each other in fun little games that the animateurs had planned.
Anyway after the soirée, I was pretty tired. I hopped in the minibus that would take me home (which was driven by the super hot animateur!!!). For some reason, everyone else in the minibus was not tired and hence would not stop talking. So by the time I got off at my stop, I was more than ready to hop into bed. I lifted the lid of the mailbox to retrieve the key and, as my luck would have it, the shoelace fell into the mailbox.
Now I don't know why people need to have such deep mailboxes. As far as I'm concerned, they need only be as high as the width of an envelope. But as it was, I couldn't reach the bottom of the mailbox where the key was now sitting. The box was securely fastened to the house, so I couldn't take it down, and it was too late to ring the doorbell and wake Mado.
In the end I broke a branch off of the tree on the lawn and managed to fish the shoelace out. I rarely mind being so little, but this was one instance in which it just really sucked.
I have no problem with this system. It means I don't have to worry about losing keys, and it communicates very clearly whether Mado's home or not. When we were newly
introduced to it, I just made a mental note that it'd probably be really bad if the shoelace ever fell into the mailbox. But not to worry, I told myself, I'm sure that'll never happen.Just past the midpoint of the program, last Friday night was the night of the "Soirée Québécoise" at school. I usually dread themed events, but I have to say that the whole thing was pretty cute and altogether enjoyable: we got dressed up in whatever "Quebecois" sort of getup we could find - usually just involving aprons, scarves, long dresses, or anything plaid; and then we were split up into families - Tremblay, Simard, Gagnon, or Bouchard - and spent the night dancing (traditional Quebecois dance, of course) and competing against each other in fun little games that the animateurs had planned.
Anyway after the soirée, I was pretty tired. I hopped in the minibus that would take me home (which was driven by the super hot animateur!!!). For some reason, everyone else in the minibus was not tired and hence would not stop talking. So by the time I got off at my stop, I was more than ready to hop into bed. I lifted the lid of the mailbox to retrieve the key and, as my luck would have it, the shoelace fell into the mailbox.
Now I don't know why people need to have such deep mailboxes. As far as I'm concerned, they need only be as high as the width of an envelope. But as it was, I couldn't reach the bottom of the mailbox where the key was now sitting. The box was securely fastened to the house, so I couldn't take it down, and it was too late to ring the doorbell and wake Mado.In the end I broke a branch off of the tree on the lawn and managed to fish the shoelace out. I rarely mind being so little, but this was one instance in which it just really sucked.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Quebec thus far.
Things I have done:
1. Taken an overnight bus. I departed from Toronto at 12:30 am, and arrived in Kirkland at 6:30 am. The ride was so incredibly uncomfortable; I think I slept for barely half of it. But all for the sake of saving time...
2. Tried two signature Quebecois treats: tire à l'érable and queues de castors. Tire à l'érable includes pouring maple syrup onto snow, and then trying to twirl it around a popsicle stick. "Twirl" is a very bad word to use though - it doesn't actually work, because the syrup is still mostly molten; if they had said "mush", I probably would have had more success. The Nutella and banana beavertail was really good, but the original beavertail didn't really taste like much, and you can't stop thinking that it's deep fried and really bad for you as it's going down the hatch.
3. Braved unfamiliar public transit systems, both in Montreal and in Chicoutimi.
4. Met locals. So far: Frederick the barista from Van Houtte, and Kenny and Sam at La Tour à Bière. People here are really nice, and will sometimes join us for drinks. They'll often speak to us in English, so we get to hear what we probably sound like when we try to speak French, which often makes for a few laughs and good times.
5. Tried slacklining. It's like walking on a bungee cord wrapped around two trees.
6. Hung laundry outdoors on a clothesline. :D
Things left to do:
❏ Try poutine chez Monsieur Hot Dog
❏ Walk right down to the Saguenay shore
❏ Find the Rivière du Moulin Park
Days spent in Quebec so far: 16
Weeks left in the program: 3
1. Taken an overnight bus. I departed from Toronto at 12:30 am, and arrived in Kirkland at 6:30 am. The ride was so incredibly uncomfortable; I think I slept for barely half of it. But all for the sake of saving time...
2. Tried two signature Quebecois treats: tire à l'érable and queues de castors. Tire à l'érable includes pouring maple syrup onto snow, and then trying to twirl it around a popsicle stick. "Twirl" is a very bad word to use though - it doesn't actually work, because the syrup is still mostly molten; if they had said "mush", I probably would have had more success. The Nutella and banana beavertail was really good, but the original beavertail didn't really taste like much, and you can't stop thinking that it's deep fried and really bad for you as it's going down the hatch.
3. Braved unfamiliar public transit systems, both in Montreal and in Chicoutimi.
4. Met locals. So far: Frederick the barista from Van Houtte, and Kenny and Sam at La Tour à Bière. People here are really nice, and will sometimes join us for drinks. They'll often speak to us in English, so we get to hear what we probably sound like when we try to speak French, which often makes for a few laughs and good times.
5. Tried slacklining. It's like walking on a bungee cord wrapped around two trees.
6. Hung laundry outdoors on a clothesline. :D
Things left to do:
❏ Try poutine chez Monsieur Hot Dog
❏ Walk right down to the Saguenay shore
❏ Find the Rivière du Moulin Park
Days spent in Quebec so far: 16
Weeks left in the program: 3
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Money.
It's a useful, objective tool for evaluating markets and value. If product A is more expensive than product B, it must therefore also be of higher quality and worth, right? Whether the quality of the product is actually better, or its brand name just demands more attention, the fact is that it costs more, and everyone knows it, and prices are the same for everybody. If my friend and I buy the same t-shirt, we'll both pay the same price even though I like it more than she does.
That's all good and fine for commercial products. But what happens when you need to choose between two options involving things without a price tag? What price can you put on spending time with your friends or family? Or on new experiences, on happiness?
That's the beauty of utility, that magical economic currency. A little more arbitrary and subjective, but that's also part of its appeal. It takes satisfaction into account.
Having to choose between OQEP and Explore was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in a long time. Money was one factor to be considered, but in the end, I have to trust that there are more important things to appreciate.
I'm going to Chicoutimi.
Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. There's nothing in there about a salary.
That's all good and fine for commercial products. But what happens when you need to choose between two options involving things without a price tag? What price can you put on spending time with your friends or family? Or on new experiences, on happiness?
That's the beauty of utility, that magical economic currency. A little more arbitrary and subjective, but that's also part of its appeal. It takes satisfaction into account.
Having to choose between OQEP and Explore was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in a long time. Money was one factor to be considered, but in the end, I have to trust that there are more important things to appreciate.
I'm going to Chicoutimi.
Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. There's nothing in there about a salary.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
No games, just sports.
Since the blood test in first year that discovered high cholesterol levels, I've been trying to be health-conscious. For awhile, I restricted my diet, cutting out eggs and cheese, and reducing consumption of chocolate. That did the trick in lowering my cholesterol back to normal, but I've made a resolve to do more cardio to delay any atherosclerotic action that might try to set in. I used to go to the gym once a week, but eventually I just gave up and made hockey my sole activity, with occasional trips to the pool last term.
Now that we're heading into summer, hockey is no longer a viable exercise option. I usually play softball in the summer, but I don't expect to be playing this year. Instead, I have decided to take up running. It's great cardio, and good for the bones.
Historically I've never been a fan of jogging; it didn't seem very fun, just running around with no destination or end in mind, except to 'get exercise'. However, after a couple of times this past week, it's starting to grow on me, for a few reasons:
1) It's such an easy and convenient way to exercise. You don't need to round up a group of people to play a game together; you don't need special equipment, or a specific arena or field. You start and end up right at your door. I like the Nike ad from What Women Want. Running is simple.
2) It's sort of nice to do something physical and somewhat mindless. As soon as you get your legs going, and get a nice rhythm, you can just turn on some good music and let your thoughts go. This is contrasted to hockey, where your mind is always on the next play and the game, and swimming, where you can't hear any music underwater.
3) People are nice to joggers. Last week, I ran past an elderly couple taking a walk, holding hands. They gave me a smile and a 'good morning'. Other joggers similarly smile and say hello as they go by. People standing around or walking on the sidewalks are also usually considerate and make way for runners (although part of it is probably that they just don't want to be run into). It's nice to start off the day being reminded that the world is not full of jerks.
Now that we're heading into summer, hockey is no longer a viable exercise option. I usually play softball in the summer, but I don't expect to be playing this year. Instead, I have decided to take up running. It's great cardio, and good for the bones.
Historically I've never been a fan of jogging; it didn't seem very fun, just running around with no destination or end in mind, except to 'get exercise'. However, after a couple of times this past week, it's starting to grow on me, for a few reasons:
1) It's such an easy and convenient way to exercise. You don't need to round up a group of people to play a game together; you don't need special equipment, or a specific arena or field. You start and end up right at your door. I like the Nike ad from What Women Want. Running is simple.
2) It's sort of nice to do something physical and somewhat mindless. As soon as you get your legs going, and get a nice rhythm, you can just turn on some good music and let your thoughts go. This is contrasted to hockey, where your mind is always on the next play and the game, and swimming, where you can't hear any music underwater.
3) People are nice to joggers. Last week, I ran past an elderly couple taking a walk, holding hands. They gave me a smile and a 'good morning'. Other joggers similarly smile and say hello as they go by. People standing around or walking on the sidewalks are also usually considerate and make way for runners (although part of it is probably that they just don't want to be run into). It's nice to start off the day being reminded that the world is not full of jerks.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Dig your well deeper.
from EG training with Bill Ryan, 2007/06/01
- causes of burnout -
• constant exposure to failure (your own, and others')
• urgency of the task
• constant vigilance/tension (ie. hyperawareness for potential situations; unresolved power struggle)
• irregular hours
• loneliness, alienation - from friends, family, church
• spiritual neglect
*CALLING... VOCATION*
If there's anything you'd rather do, go do it.
- causes of burnout -
• constant exposure to failure (your own, and others')
• urgency of the task
• constant vigilance/tension (ie. hyperawareness for potential situations; unresolved power struggle)
• irregular hours
• loneliness, alienation - from friends, family, church
• spiritual neglect
*CALLING... VOCATION*
If there's anything you'd rather do, go do it.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Exam q.
Clara:
a) was not aware that 126 exam was first, not 152.
b) doesn't straddle patients.
c) has two presentations to do by the end of the week.
d) doesn't have any wise words to blog about.
e) ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Tuesday's almost over, and I haven't forgotten to post. I just haven't got anything coherent to say about Tuesdays With Morrie, or my friends' impending graduations, or the looming exam period. I just want to enjoy myself until the weekend, and not worry about studying until... Monday. OK. And... go.
a) was not aware that 126 exam was first, not 152.
b) doesn't straddle patients.
c) has two presentations to do by the end of the week.
d) doesn't have any wise words to blog about.
e) ALL OF THE ABOVE.
Tuesday's almost over, and I haven't forgotten to post. I just haven't got anything coherent to say about Tuesdays With Morrie, or my friends' impending graduations, or the looming exam period. I just want to enjoy myself until the weekend, and not worry about studying until... Monday. OK. And... go.
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