Finally finishing up Step 2!

Well it's been a while since I've put up an update as to how things are going with my application process! They received my first part (application form, transcript, pymt) a few weeks ago. I then received a package containing more information, reference forms, and my own personal/professional questionare. I've been working long and hard on this part, since I have to answer each of the questions in essay form. It tiring and time-consuming. I'm not used to this "writing" thing anymore! But with a lot of time to think everything through, I have finally finished it! Let's just say, the word "headache" has become very personal for me in the past few days.. But I'm done it, and I am very happy with my finished piece of writing :) I will be sending it in today and waiting for the next resonse hopefully within the next few weeks. If this is what I am supposed to do with my life, then I guess it will all fall into place :) I'm scared and excited all at the same time. It would definitely be an adjustment for me leaving the working field and becoming a full-time student! Ahhhh.. CrAzY!

On another note, my work is almost done at the bowling alley as league is just finishing up in playoffs next week. My hours will be cut back as summer is much slower. I need that break though, it will be good for me :) But of course, being the busy body that I am, it probably won't last long. If school is in my future, I'm sure I will be finding another second job this summer to make some extra bucks! I'm definitey going to try and keep it minimal though, I don't want to overdue it as I tend to do at times. I think I get worn out way too easily..

I got to go home last weekend, which was sooo nice! Short, but good to see family and friends again :) It was exciting to see my new nephew Kyler, he's a cutie! I'll throw up a picture or two.

And thats about it for now!

Step 1 complete!

Well, I've sent in my application & transcript now... step 1 is complete! Now I have to wait for a bunch of stuff back from them where I have to complete a resume, personal profile, reference letters, criminal record check, ect. A little longer of a process than I had first expected! I really have no idea if I will get in this year or not.. I'm applying a little late in the year so there might not be too many spots left for the program (Social Work Diploma). Also you need to have 70 hours accounted for in volunteer work. I do have that, but my type of volunteer work hasn't necessarily been very broad as I have not volunteered at agencies or hospitals. So if I don't get in because of this, I'm not going to let it bother me. All I will do is gain more volunteer experience and work towards next year! I'm just taking steps for now and learning to let God be in contol of what he knows is best for me. I'll keep you posted!

A little insight..

So today I am meeting up with a lady from my church, who is a Registered Social Worker. I figured before I make any final decisions, I would like to hear what being in the field of social work is like from an insider's point of view. If I am going to commit time and money to school I want to be as sure as possible that this is the direction I want to go.. I am looking forward to hearing more about it and coming to a final decision. I had been thinking about going to school in Southern BC.. but with a lot of thought, I decided I just don't know if I can be that far away from home at this point. Well I know I can be as I've lived in Africa for 6 months, but with the choice of schools.. I would like to be closer to home. If after this meeting, I still feel very positive about going to school, I will be applying at Grant MacEwen in Edmonton for this coming Fall. Fingers crossed!

Just thought I'd post some pics of my trip to BC..



Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring


Relaxing afternoon at the beach


Sharai & Avery at the Treehouse Cafe in Ganges


Polly & I


Erin & I at Harrison Lake


Hangin with my wonderful old roomies :)

Well after a lot of thought, discussion and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that I am taking a step and applying for University. I'm applying for the Social Work Diploma Program for this coming Fall. I do believe this is what I want and it excites me thinking about going to school again! As for if this will happen or not, I guess I'll just have to wait and find out. If the doors open for me, I'll take that as a "GO", if they close - then obviously God has something better in mind or the timing just isn't right. And I guess thats the story so far..

Unending Decisions..

It seems as though each time I finally make one decision in my life.. another presents itself. Is this some kind of unending process I should have known about?? I'm not even kidding, I feel I've been overwhelmed with decisions to make this past year or two! Being on my own and indpendent definitely brings in a lot more opportunity in differerent areas, which means MORE DECISIONS!! Sometimes I just wish God would put a bilboard in front of me telling me exactly which way I need to go and maybe even throw a road map in the deal! Too bad that's not quite how God works :)

Here it goes.. Is school an option for me? At one point I seriously thought I would never go back to school, but lately it keeps jumping out at me. Honestly.. it scares me a little to think I might want to go back to school, its been way too long. I dont even know how the classroom/homework thing works anymore!! haha. But its almost like everytime I think about what I want to do with my life I hear the word school. I mean, it would only make sense considering most of what I would like to do with my life would mean getting a diploma or a degree. Why does school scare me so much? I guess I'm just so used to the 'working' life that it would take some adjusting. Not to mention, if I decided (there's that word again!) to go to college or university, it would most likely mean 'moving' again! ANOTHER 'decision'.

Being a follower of Christ, I know that I want to pursue what God has for me - I want His will to be my will. And so that means praying and working towards possible opportunities (such as school) and letting God be in control. All the meanwhile, trusting that He knows what He's doing - afterall, He DID design me.. All my passions and dreams come from Him. Right?

Feel free to leave me any of your comments or thoughts on school!

I've been right back into the busy life since being home from Christmas. Lets put it this way.. coffee has become my new best friend! haha. I'm loving the new place I am living and the space I have for myself :) I like that fact that my roomate has a dog (Molly), she's definitely kept me company on the lonely days. Although the vacuuming up hair part can get annoying, I'll just never have my own inside pet! I've started cooking a little more than I used to.. maybe I'll eventually master it! haha.

I'm still working on making a lot of big decisions in my life as to what it is I really want to do.. But I know the right opportunities will present themselves at the right time. I just need to continue to have patience and trust that God has got it all under control :)

I've been learning how to snowboard again! Amidst the falls and bruises, I'm still enjoying it. I can't wait to really get the hang of it. I'll post some pics when I get the chance.

Only 2 weeks and I am BC bound!! I am SO ready for a vacation :) Not to mention the mountains, the ocean and friends! Definitely counting down for this one. I'll be making another trip in July this year. Looks like I am Maid of Honor for my friends wedding in Newfoundland!! I'm pretty stoked. Never been in a bridal party before. I got friends travelling with me around the east coast then as well, so it will be a good time for sure :)

X Until Next time X

A New Year

Well Christmas and New Years has come and gone and it's back to routines again! I had a great Christmas being back at home with family and seeing some friends, nice and relaxing. Although I got a little sick with a horrible cold right away it was still nice to finally do NOTHING! To have a week off of work and get some much needed rest was great.

New years.. does that mean new years resolutions?? haha. I guess I got a few. I think I've got to get some priorities straight in my life. I get so sucked into work that by the time I get home I'm exhausted. My self-motivation is horrible. I get a little grumpy from not getting much sleep, and I drag myself through the day. I definitely need to work on changing my attitude a little! I guess there's a lot of little things I would like to change in my life - but it pretty much all comes down to attitudes and motivations. I'm going to work on that!

I'm really looking forward to the first weekend in February!! I am planning on going to Salt Spring Island, BC to visit Polly & Jason for a couple days, then I'm off to Chilliwack to visit Erin & BJ whom I haven't seen in FOREVER. I am so excited, it will be a nice little vacation :)

Thats all for now.. Happy New Years!!
(Here's a couple pictures of my neices and nephew and Christmas!)