So I had to give a french debate today...that was an interesting experience. I must admit that I could have, should have better prepared for it. However, I thought I could handle the situation. Turns out I thought wrong...it is really a humbling experience when you think you are competent at something- or that at least you think you should be, having studied it for many years- only to find out that you are actually not very good at it at all. For me, this would be the French language. It is far more difficult than I think, and it is one of the few subjects that I do not do well in, yet enjoy immensely all the same. It is nice to have something like that in your life. Piano was one, French would be the second.
Understanding and speaking a different language is such a challenge, yet has such value as well. It boggles my mind that a whole new culture, a whole new group of people are open to discovery by knowing a new language. Those of you who are fully biligual are lucky people. I am now quite adamant to perfect my french. This means that I will read more french newspapers and listen to more french radio. Hopefully by some amazing form of diffusion, I will absorb the language and impress my teacher when the verbal exam comes around...
Wish me luck! (me souhaite bonne chance!)
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Saturday, January 21, 2006
"(Un)Forgetable...that's what you are..."
Today my friend asked me, "So what did you do this week?"
And I said, "..."
Yup, it is one of those weeks- the ones where you can not for the life of you remember what you did, though you remember it being really, really tiring.
So what did I do? Well, the only thing that sticks out is that I had my Don evaluation. That was sobering. It really makes you think you aren't doing a good job...not because they told me I was doing poorly, but they didn't praise very much either. They would just say, "you could improve here, here and here..." I dislike evaluations like that because it reshuffles my priorities such that I feel like I must dedicate even more of my time to Don, which I am unprepared to do.
Also, I have realized that I am very bad at french. In class I stutter and when I had to order my transcript over the phone from the University of Montreal, well, let's just say the woman on the other end of the line was not very happy with me.
On a happier note, I am happily perfusing hamsters. Recall that my Biol 537 project involves me opening up a hamster's chest and then sticking a catheter into its aorta. I used to pierce the heart, or have the catheter fall out etc. but I am pretty good at it now and am actually enjoying it. You can tell you did a good perfusion when the brain comes out white. Today was one of those good perfusion days.
And I said, "..."
Yup, it is one of those weeks- the ones where you can not for the life of you remember what you did, though you remember it being really, really tiring.
So what did I do? Well, the only thing that sticks out is that I had my Don evaluation. That was sobering. It really makes you think you aren't doing a good job...not because they told me I was doing poorly, but they didn't praise very much either. They would just say, "you could improve here, here and here..." I dislike evaluations like that because it reshuffles my priorities such that I feel like I must dedicate even more of my time to Don, which I am unprepared to do.
Also, I have realized that I am very bad at french. In class I stutter and when I had to order my transcript over the phone from the University of Montreal, well, let's just say the woman on the other end of the line was not very happy with me.
On a happier note, I am happily perfusing hamsters. Recall that my Biol 537 project involves me opening up a hamster's chest and then sticking a catheter into its aorta. I used to pierce the heart, or have the catheter fall out etc. but I am pretty good at it now and am actually enjoying it. You can tell you did a good perfusion when the brain comes out white. Today was one of those good perfusion days.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Mind over matter
I am happy to say that though I was feeling down and blue this past week. I have picked myself up and am charging ahead in my last semester of undergrad.
Details:
Upon returning to university after two wonderful weeks at home I was feeling quite sullen. I may have been homesick, or just reluctant to realize that all good things must come to an end. Regardless the reason, I felt very sluggish and antisocial as I trudged to class and the lab from my dormitory everyday. After much thought, I realized that I was sad because I had wanted this semester to be more academic. Last semester was fun with my residents, but I was not and am not fully comfortable with having to be so social and happy all the time. I felt as though I was not myself.
Who am I? Well, evidently someone who really likes and misses studying. Though I complained a lot about it last year, I've realized that I am most comfortable as a bookworm. I like the personal focus, the self-discipline and the drive it requires to excel in academia. I like how motivated I feel in the mornings and how productive I feel in the evenings after a long day at the library. I LOVE the library and I like the solitude and the quiet. I like the challenge and the learning.
Basically I found that I longed for quiet study, and for a class that I found stimulating and challenging. Yet I knew that to continue doing a good job as Don, I could not afford to throw myself into my studies. It was making me very upset to think that I would pass yet another term without doing well in academics as my main objective. After all, that is why I am here isn't it?
Well, as troubled as I felt with slacking off last term and potentially this term, I have come to the conclusion, that yes, I miss studying and yes I miss having to be responsible for no one. But what is the use of wishing for something I do not have?? I am living NOW, and my current position is DON right NOW. As such, I am going to cherish the little time I have left of university and throw myself right back into the swing of last semester. I love my residents, that is no question. And so I will continue to talk with them till the wee hours of the morning, and I will continue to vigorously plan events for them that I think they will enjoy. And to do this, I must drop a course this semester, which I will do. I will also take on my Common Ground shifts with a renewed enthusiasm, loving every hour I spend there making sandwiches and hot chocolates.
In summary, academics can wait- I have a whole life-time of it ahead of me. But rediscovering close friends, helping to mold 35 bright young minds...well, though I may not like it, it will do for now.
Details:
Upon returning to university after two wonderful weeks at home I was feeling quite sullen. I may have been homesick, or just reluctant to realize that all good things must come to an end. Regardless the reason, I felt very sluggish and antisocial as I trudged to class and the lab from my dormitory everyday. After much thought, I realized that I was sad because I had wanted this semester to be more academic. Last semester was fun with my residents, but I was not and am not fully comfortable with having to be so social and happy all the time. I felt as though I was not myself.
Who am I? Well, evidently someone who really likes and misses studying. Though I complained a lot about it last year, I've realized that I am most comfortable as a bookworm. I like the personal focus, the self-discipline and the drive it requires to excel in academia. I like how motivated I feel in the mornings and how productive I feel in the evenings after a long day at the library. I LOVE the library and I like the solitude and the quiet. I like the challenge and the learning.
Basically I found that I longed for quiet study, and for a class that I found stimulating and challenging. Yet I knew that to continue doing a good job as Don, I could not afford to throw myself into my studies. It was making me very upset to think that I would pass yet another term without doing well in academics as my main objective. After all, that is why I am here isn't it?
Well, as troubled as I felt with slacking off last term and potentially this term, I have come to the conclusion, that yes, I miss studying and yes I miss having to be responsible for no one. But what is the use of wishing for something I do not have?? I am living NOW, and my current position is DON right NOW. As such, I am going to cherish the little time I have left of university and throw myself right back into the swing of last semester. I love my residents, that is no question. And so I will continue to talk with them till the wee hours of the morning, and I will continue to vigorously plan events for them that I think they will enjoy. And to do this, I must drop a course this semester, which I will do. I will also take on my Common Ground shifts with a renewed enthusiasm, loving every hour I spend there making sandwiches and hot chocolates.
In summary, academics can wait- I have a whole life-time of it ahead of me. But rediscovering close friends, helping to mold 35 bright young minds...well, though I may not like it, it will do for now.
Monday, January 02, 2006
a week of firsts
Who knew I would come out of my first week of holidays excited about snowboarding and piercings? From the sounds of it, one might even think I have taken the path towards youth angst and rebellion. All I need is to dye my hair some crazy colour and I will truly be any parent's worst fear!
How did this happen?
Well, it all started innocently enough. I made my way to Justine's on the 23rd of December where we strolled Toronto's streets looking for good food and great bargains. With Justine I watched the Blueman group- a wild show featuring three blue men, a lot of paint, paper towel and percussion. It could not have been more random. The next day, Simon and our parents then met up with us to take us to Uncle Alex's where more food, energetic kids and caroling were prominent on the agenda. It was quite the ideal Christmas.
Afterwards, my family went to Huntsville where family friends had a timeshare. And this is where the trouble began...
The timeshare was a beautiful chalet that could easily house more than 10 people. It was also 10 minutes from some ski hills which we decided to take advantage of. For three consecutive days, all the kids went to this ski lodge with the mission of snowboarding our bums off. And boy did we ever! Being the first time for Justine and I, all I can say to describe the experience is that it was awesome, exhilirating and well...incredibly painful all at the same time. My muscles and buttocks/knees are still bruised and soar, two days after the whole ordeal. But would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! It was really that fun:)
The second "first" I experienced, if you will, is that I got my ears pierced! That is right! Though it took a lot of coaxing, family support and rubbing alcohol- I am a proud owner of some swollen earlobes ornamented with turquoise studs. I hope they don't get infected...
So there you have it- a week of new adventures that really, in retrospect, are not that daring at all! But I did have you worried didn't I?
Right now, I am at home in Ottawa sipping tea. It is strange to realize that all the activity is in Toronto now. To see family, both immediate and extended, my parents and I have to go to T.O. I remember years past when Ottawa was the centre of activity. Well, I guess that is what happens when a new year ends and another begins: things change.
Looking back, my 2005 was a great year. I guess all I can wish for now is for 2006 to be even better!
Happy New Year everyone!
How did this happen?
Well, it all started innocently enough. I made my way to Justine's on the 23rd of December where we strolled Toronto's streets looking for good food and great bargains. With Justine I watched the Blueman group- a wild show featuring three blue men, a lot of paint, paper towel and percussion. It could not have been more random. The next day, Simon and our parents then met up with us to take us to Uncle Alex's where more food, energetic kids and caroling were prominent on the agenda. It was quite the ideal Christmas.
Afterwards, my family went to Huntsville where family friends had a timeshare. And this is where the trouble began...
The timeshare was a beautiful chalet that could easily house more than 10 people. It was also 10 minutes from some ski hills which we decided to take advantage of. For three consecutive days, all the kids went to this ski lodge with the mission of snowboarding our bums off. And boy did we ever! Being the first time for Justine and I, all I can say to describe the experience is that it was awesome, exhilirating and well...incredibly painful all at the same time. My muscles and buttocks/knees are still bruised and soar, two days after the whole ordeal. But would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! It was really that fun:)
The second "first" I experienced, if you will, is that I got my ears pierced! That is right! Though it took a lot of coaxing, family support and rubbing alcohol- I am a proud owner of some swollen earlobes ornamented with turquoise studs. I hope they don't get infected...
So there you have it- a week of new adventures that really, in retrospect, are not that daring at all! But I did have you worried didn't I?
Right now, I am at home in Ottawa sipping tea. It is strange to realize that all the activity is in Toronto now. To see family, both immediate and extended, my parents and I have to go to T.O. I remember years past when Ottawa was the centre of activity. Well, I guess that is what happens when a new year ends and another begins: things change.
Looking back, my 2005 was a great year. I guess all I can wish for now is for 2006 to be even better!
Happy New Year everyone!
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