Isn't it funny how our hearts and brains work?
My last day working for Citizenship and Immigration Canada is coming sooner rather than later and I find myself much more glum than I would have expected.
Over the last 4 months I have met some wonderful people and made some great new friends. I have learned lots about the immigration system in Canada which has been very interesting. I have learned that my friend Sarah is AMAZING at multi-tasking and rather miraculously manages to keep the entire office running smoothly.
Sure there are some people I won't miss as I have spent the last couple of months simply tolerating...I have thought on several occasions that our education system may actually be failing us! I am amazed that some people were even hired as they are barely capable of speaking either of our official languages, but at least they can do the work~sort of.
I have laughed and cried because I was laughing so hard (fizzants, what exactly are fizzants?) several times over. I have felt frustrated, appreciated, and accomplished all in the same day, all the while pondering if it really does all have to come to an end?
Please don't get me wrong, I cannot wait to get back to teaching (I really miss my little monkeys) but if I ever really need to choose a different career, I really hope that I will be blessed with fun, intelligent co-workers like those with whom I am currently working :)
I guess it must be time for bed, I am having a very difficult time keeping my eyes open and the typos abound!
Just before I go, I am going to get all "religious". I feel very blessed to have found this wonderful job and I thank God for Sarah and her uncanny ability to somehow make things happen ♥
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Thanks for the Memories
Today I find myself thinking about my past, and how the events and people in it have managed to shape who I am.
I recently found out that someone I went to elementary school with was seriously hurt in an accident, but is thankfully recovering well. This got me to thinking about how much life has changed over the last 25+ years.
Back in school, I was that kid that wasn't a member of the "cool" group, but I also wasn't one of the kids that just didn't fit in. I was simply me. I got along with pretty much everyone, respected my classmates, and simply just wanted to be liked. In reality, I haven't come to far from that last point, I still want to be liked by all because I like to think that I'm a pretty nice person who's worth liking :)
I find myself thinking about how funny it is, that even the events that seem to be little at the time, make for the greatest memories. School trips, specifically to Ecole de neige, Ecole Verte, and Quebec City, hold some of the best memories for me. I remember my tallest classmate riding a tricycle around the common area of the building during our Ecole Verte trip; boys hanging out dorm windows in Quebec City to talk to the girls on the floor above; and "the monster" in the woods at Ecole de Neige. These are some of my favourite memories and the people who helped to create them will always hold a special place in my heart. I really don't think that they have any idea how important they are and that I truly care about what happens to them, even today.
I have come to realize over the years that the people of the past are what have shaped the person that I am today, and for that I am grateful because I really like who I am. So, to all of the people whose paths have crossed with mine, Thank you :)
I recently found out that someone I went to elementary school with was seriously hurt in an accident, but is thankfully recovering well. This got me to thinking about how much life has changed over the last 25+ years.
Back in school, I was that kid that wasn't a member of the "cool" group, but I also wasn't one of the kids that just didn't fit in. I was simply me. I got along with pretty much everyone, respected my classmates, and simply just wanted to be liked. In reality, I haven't come to far from that last point, I still want to be liked by all because I like to think that I'm a pretty nice person who's worth liking :)
I find myself thinking about how funny it is, that even the events that seem to be little at the time, make for the greatest memories. School trips, specifically to Ecole de neige, Ecole Verte, and Quebec City, hold some of the best memories for me. I remember my tallest classmate riding a tricycle around the common area of the building during our Ecole Verte trip; boys hanging out dorm windows in Quebec City to talk to the girls on the floor above; and "the monster" in the woods at Ecole de Neige. These are some of my favourite memories and the people who helped to create them will always hold a special place in my heart. I really don't think that they have any idea how important they are and that I truly care about what happens to them, even today.
I have come to realize over the years that the people of the past are what have shaped the person that I am today, and for that I am grateful because I really like who I am. So, to all of the people whose paths have crossed with mine, Thank you :)
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Ugh...Yawn
The co-worker that I am currently replacing while she is on holidays can return ANY TIME now!!! I never truly realized just how difficult and involved her job is. I replaced her for a couple of days back in the spring but that was easy, peasy compared to the last few of days. Nothing out of the ordinary in the day of an admin assistant, however, I'm not usually an admin assistant therefore it has been a very challenging week. Things that would take her 5 minutes are taking at least twice that; I have to keep emailing people for help; I haven't had 2 minutes to do my usual work. I absolutely have a new found appreciation for how much she does in a day.
Many people in the office make fun of her office, and I used to be one of them. No more. I understand why her office is usually a mess. You barely manage to get one thing done before you're being asked to do something else. There is absolutely no time to file anything or to get to the extra little things that one might like to do in order to facilitate future activities. I am absolutely in awe of how she manages to do it without looking frazzled!!! She has become an absolute inspiration to me :)
On a different topic...I LOVE my niece!!! Sorry, just had to say it...it's about the only other thought that runs through my head as of late. She is absolutely beautiful and I hate that I don't get to spend more time with her but I know that she will know how much I love her and that I will get to spend enough time with her that she will know me and know that she can always count on me :) ♥
I think that's all for me for today...just had to share that little bit!
Bonsoir :)
Many people in the office make fun of her office, and I used to be one of them. No more. I understand why her office is usually a mess. You barely manage to get one thing done before you're being asked to do something else. There is absolutely no time to file anything or to get to the extra little things that one might like to do in order to facilitate future activities. I am absolutely in awe of how she manages to do it without looking frazzled!!! She has become an absolute inspiration to me :)
On a different topic...I LOVE my niece!!! Sorry, just had to say it...it's about the only other thought that runs through my head as of late. She is absolutely beautiful and I hate that I don't get to spend more time with her but I know that she will know how much I love her and that I will get to spend enough time with her that she will know me and know that she can always count on me :) ♥
I think that's all for me for today...just had to share that little bit!
Bonsoir :)
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Best Saturday EVER!!!
Today, at 4:22 am, my niece came into this world!!! My brother called me at about 4:30 this morning, and when I answered the phone, this elated voice said "Hello Aunt Stephanee"! I have never been more thrilled to be awakened at 4 in the morning :)
Payden Catherine Elizabeth came into this world at 4:22am, a mere 4 hours after her parents and Grandee left for the hospital. As I understand it, my brother stood by his girlfriend's encouraging and comforting her as she gave birth, while my mother actually witnessed her first grand-child being born.
Mother and baby are both doing well. Baby was 7lbs 11.6 oz at birth and 22 inches long. Unfortunately, she seems to have my brother's nose :( I'm really hoping that she grows out of it!
In case you haven't already figured it out, I am extremely excited for my brother and his girlfriend! I am also absolutely THRILLED to be an aunt :) I cannot wait to meet this beautiful little bundle tomorrow :)
One of the best parts of all of this is that I, along with my hubby, was at the cottage when the phone rang this morning. No better place to be (except maybe at my parents place) than one of my favourite places on the planet when I finally got to hear the words that I have been waiting for.
Welcome to the world little lady! I promise that you will always be happy and know that you are VERY, VERY loved ♥
Payden Catherine Elizabeth came into this world at 4:22am, a mere 4 hours after her parents and Grandee left for the hospital. As I understand it, my brother stood by his girlfriend's encouraging and comforting her as she gave birth, while my mother actually witnessed her first grand-child being born.
Mother and baby are both doing well. Baby was 7lbs 11.6 oz at birth and 22 inches long. Unfortunately, she seems to have my brother's nose :( I'm really hoping that she grows out of it!
In case you haven't already figured it out, I am extremely excited for my brother and his girlfriend! I am also absolutely THRILLED to be an aunt :) I cannot wait to meet this beautiful little bundle tomorrow :)
One of the best parts of all of this is that I, along with my hubby, was at the cottage when the phone rang this morning. No better place to be (except maybe at my parents place) than one of my favourite places on the planet when I finally got to hear the words that I have been waiting for.
Welcome to the world little lady! I promise that you will always be happy and know that you are VERY, VERY loved ♥
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Bon Voyage
Today our office had to say goodbye to one of our hardest working co-workers :( Most of my co-workers are only kind of sad about his departure because they have the knowledge that he will be returning in a part-time capacity in a few weeks. I am super sad because I happen to adore this young man and I will no longer be working at the office when he returns. I am wishing this kind soul a safe trip and I do hope that we manage to stay in touch via email and social networking.
With this sad departure, I am struck by the fact that it has only taken a few short weeks for a small group of us to become fairly close. We don't really see each other outside of work, but as a whole, we enjoy each other's company when we are at the office. We are a reasonably sized group and we seem to always manage to gather, without notice, in the "formal dining room" for lunch during which time we chat and laugh and simply enjoy each others company. I know from personal experience that this is not the usual when it comes to large groups of people and I think that it is probably one of my favourite things about our office. I do hope that this little break in the day will be enough to get me through over the course of the next 7 work days while I am replacing our Admin. Assistant....eek!
I think that is about it for me tonight...I am tired and have to go out to buy some decorations and treats for a double retirement party at the office tomorrow! At the rate that we lose people, it's almost amazing that we are able to get any work done :)
By the way...so EXCITED that the women's soccer team won a Bronze medal today!!! I am so proud of them and as always...Proud to be Canadian :)
~ S
With this sad departure, I am struck by the fact that it has only taken a few short weeks for a small group of us to become fairly close. We don't really see each other outside of work, but as a whole, we enjoy each other's company when we are at the office. We are a reasonably sized group and we seem to always manage to gather, without notice, in the "formal dining room" for lunch during which time we chat and laugh and simply enjoy each others company. I know from personal experience that this is not the usual when it comes to large groups of people and I think that it is probably one of my favourite things about our office. I do hope that this little break in the day will be enough to get me through over the course of the next 7 work days while I am replacing our Admin. Assistant....eek!
I think that is about it for me tonight...I am tired and have to go out to buy some decorations and treats for a double retirement party at the office tomorrow! At the rate that we lose people, it's almost amazing that we are able to get any work done :)
By the way...so EXCITED that the women's soccer team won a Bronze medal today!!! I am so proud of them and as always...Proud to be Canadian :)
~ S
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
And here we go!
A friend of mine recently started blogging and at first I couldn't help but wonder why. After reading a couple of her posts I realized just how cathartic it must be to just sit and write (something that we both enjoy). I sort of feel as though I am copying her, but at the same time, I really wanted to give it a try and see if blogging has the same sort of effect on me. Which brings us here tonight.
When I really began to think about starting a blog, I couldn't help but wonder what I would write about, but then I realized that I could write about whatever I wanted because only a few people would be reading what I write and they will be people I know. As I am writing I still don't know what my aim is, I simply know that I want to write and express myself in a different, new to me, manner.
Currently my intention is to write regularly and work my way up to daily dependent on what occurs in my day and how much time I have to spend blogging. Tonight for example, I have the evening to myself because my wonderful husband is at work. Often I would plan an outing with a friend, but tonight I felt that I simply wanted some alone time. This means a little me time including a home pedicure and a nice long shower. Unfortunately there are also dishes that need washing but I think that I can handle it. After the day that I had at work, the dishes will seem simple and meanial. Missing items that require spending hours of searching to no avail are not my idea of fun! Worst part is I have to continue the hunt in the morning. For one of the first times (if not the first time) since I started in my current position, I find myself not wanting to go to work tomorrow...ugh!
On the bright side: I have a neice coming into this world sometime in the next few days; my husband has the weekend off; my best friend has a baby who I can visit to brighten my day; I know that my friends and family are always there for me no matter what!
Sigh! Well, this looks like a great start! I hope that anyone reading this will find my ramblings to be interesting or at the very least not borring :)
Bonsoir!
~ S
When I really began to think about starting a blog, I couldn't help but wonder what I would write about, but then I realized that I could write about whatever I wanted because only a few people would be reading what I write and they will be people I know. As I am writing I still don't know what my aim is, I simply know that I want to write and express myself in a different, new to me, manner.
Currently my intention is to write regularly and work my way up to daily dependent on what occurs in my day and how much time I have to spend blogging. Tonight for example, I have the evening to myself because my wonderful husband is at work. Often I would plan an outing with a friend, but tonight I felt that I simply wanted some alone time. This means a little me time including a home pedicure and a nice long shower. Unfortunately there are also dishes that need washing but I think that I can handle it. After the day that I had at work, the dishes will seem simple and meanial. Missing items that require spending hours of searching to no avail are not my idea of fun! Worst part is I have to continue the hunt in the morning. For one of the first times (if not the first time) since I started in my current position, I find myself not wanting to go to work tomorrow...ugh!
On the bright side: I have a neice coming into this world sometime in the next few days; my husband has the weekend off; my best friend has a baby who I can visit to brighten my day; I know that my friends and family are always there for me no matter what!
Sigh! Well, this looks like a great start! I hope that anyone reading this will find my ramblings to be interesting or at the very least not borring :)
Bonsoir!
~ S
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