Writing papers all day can actually produce something good...the discovery of new music!!
Check out this interesting band:
Horse in the Sea
56 pages done, and still going strong...I love group counselling. So much.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
It's Been a Long Day
My day started out rather abruptly (and coldly), as my assistance was required to help push dearest roommate (Chrissy) out of the driveway. Her car, that is. After some futile pushes (on my part, cause Chrissy is buff, and my workout regime does not appear to be garnering significant results in muscle tone), we found success in the combined efforts of some neighbor.
Following this exciting event which really feels like it occured yesterday due to its early morning nature, I attempted to redeem my my Human Behaviour paper in the remaining 23 minutes before leaving for class. It wasn't actually something that could be achieved in an hour.
The computers at Booth are remarkably slow, and normally I am quite content to sit and stare at the screen while it loads, and think about all the things I could be doing (flossing my teeth, clipping my toenails, etc). However, this morning we were rather late for class, and I admit that I muttered a couple of bad words at the stupid computer. This negative reinforcement (as a form of learning theory) did not produce any positive results, although my paper did eventually print.
Later in the afternoon I spent some time working at the ol' library. My favorite task involves watering the plants. My least favorite task involves reading shelves to make sure that all the books are in order.
I have now retreated to my room to sit on my bed. I am listening to the sounds of my roommates watching Lost, as I begin to write this monstrous paper that is due on Monday. My eyelids are drooping and I am attempting to motivate myself through the positive reinforcement of sleep. However I have realized that this tactic does not work on oneself. Negative reinforcement (the looming F+) is far more motivating. And so, the birth of the group counselling paper extraordinaire begins.
Following this exciting event which really feels like it occured yesterday due to its early morning nature, I attempted to redeem my my Human Behaviour paper in the remaining 23 minutes before leaving for class. It wasn't actually something that could be achieved in an hour.
The computers at Booth are remarkably slow, and normally I am quite content to sit and stare at the screen while it loads, and think about all the things I could be doing (flossing my teeth, clipping my toenails, etc). However, this morning we were rather late for class, and I admit that I muttered a couple of bad words at the stupid computer. This negative reinforcement (as a form of learning theory) did not produce any positive results, although my paper did eventually print.
Later in the afternoon I spent some time working at the ol' library. My favorite task involves watering the plants. My least favorite task involves reading shelves to make sure that all the books are in order.
I have now retreated to my room to sit on my bed. I am listening to the sounds of my roommates watching Lost, as I begin to write this monstrous paper that is due on Monday. My eyelids are drooping and I am attempting to motivate myself through the positive reinforcement of sleep. However I have realized that this tactic does not work on oneself. Negative reinforcement (the looming F+) is far more motivating. And so, the birth of the group counselling paper extraordinaire begins.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Mistakes we knew we were making
I recognize that I am technically wholly immersed in "crunch time", and should really be spending my time writing papers, as opposed to writing on my blog. I have no excuse.
Today we (well, Katie really), got a lil' doggie. She is very sweet and loving. You can read about our grand experiences here.
I am homesick. Or merely experiencing lingering pangs of indigestion. In either case, I wouldn't mind going home for a little trip. It doesn't look like this will happen until August, however.
Also, I simply must express my new found love regarding this lady's poetry. Although today was certainly not a sunny day, this poem reminds me of days to come hopefully soon!
Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver
Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –
best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.
May your days be filled with happiness and kindness despite miserable occurrences that generally tend to occur in this life thing.
Today we (well, Katie really), got a lil' doggie. She is very sweet and loving. You can read about our grand experiences here.
I am homesick. Or merely experiencing lingering pangs of indigestion. In either case, I wouldn't mind going home for a little trip. It doesn't look like this will happen until August, however.
Also, I simply must express my new found love regarding this lady's poetry. Although today was certainly not a sunny day, this poem reminds me of days to come hopefully soon!
Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver
Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –
best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.
May your days be filled with happiness and kindness despite miserable occurrences that generally tend to occur in this life thing.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Cheese and Whine
Hmpf. I guess it still surprises me that getting a lower mark can cause me to reconsider my life's journey. I have gotten enough bad marks in my little life to be so affected by this one. My hope is that one day I will be mature enough to disengage my sense of worth from my grades. Today I feel as though I am finally able to say, "SCREW IT ALL!" I have far more reliable means to find my meaning in my life than the stupid educational system. I am embracing the fact that if I want to help people, it is going to take a lot more than a (insert bad grade)to stop me. HAA! Take that.
Yesterday I was reading some of Emily Dickinson's poems...and I came upon my new mantra.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
My mental image of a fainting robin pretty much consists of this lil' birdie tipping out of his nest and landing beak first in the dirt. My gut reaction is to laugh (my little brother has rubbed off on me) But the essence remains, that if I can do anything for the sake of another, my life will be worth living...and this thought is helping me continue on in this social work thing...
Yesterday I was reading some of Emily Dickinson's poems...and I came upon my new mantra.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
My mental image of a fainting robin pretty much consists of this lil' birdie tipping out of his nest and landing beak first in the dirt. My gut reaction is to laugh (my little brother has rubbed off on me) But the essence remains, that if I can do anything for the sake of another, my life will be worth living...and this thought is helping me continue on in this social work thing...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
whoops.
Yes, it is the same plant...thriving one day, and dead the next. I'm not sure what it's problem is. I gave it sunshine and liquids and plant food...but alas, the little darling began to succumb to what ever it was that is making him sick. Sad.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Here is a bit of happiness in my life.
1. I am doing my summer practicum at Misericordia Health Center which is a convenient two minute walk from my home. I am excited. I will be able to assist and accommodate elderly people in a social workey way. I'm still not exactly sure what I will be doing, but I know I have to be dressed up to do it.
2. I was able to attend the beautiful wedding of a friend from Prov this weekend. There were tears from my eyes throughout the ceremony. I'm not sure what prompted this emotional trickle, but I think the overwhelming combination of beautiful music and beautiful people, and the ridiculously excited facial features of the groom had something to do with it. Congratulations Steph and Jamie!
3. I was also able to attend Janna's birthday this weekend which included eating Indian food that was just great, and pumpkin cheesecake that was also just great. I cannot say enough good things about the food, so I figured I would not try. The people were pretty great too. Happy Birthday Janna!
4. There are only 6 more weeks of school left! Enough said.
5. Today is daylight savings time, which means the loss of a beautiful hour of sleep, but which also represents the gaining of a beautiful hour of daylight. Which means that spring is coming!
6. My room is warm (Sorry Katie).
7. I have purchased a new journal and pen, for all my journaling needs. This makes me happy.
8. I really enjoy Wolsely as a neighbourhood.
9. I am listening to piano and violins.
10. I am thankful that love can take so many different forms, and doesn't have to merely consist of romantic affection.
1. I am doing my summer practicum at Misericordia Health Center which is a convenient two minute walk from my home. I am excited. I will be able to assist and accommodate elderly people in a social workey way. I'm still not exactly sure what I will be doing, but I know I have to be dressed up to do it.
2. I was able to attend the beautiful wedding of a friend from Prov this weekend. There were tears from my eyes throughout the ceremony. I'm not sure what prompted this emotional trickle, but I think the overwhelming combination of beautiful music and beautiful people, and the ridiculously excited facial features of the groom had something to do with it. Congratulations Steph and Jamie!
3. I was also able to attend Janna's birthday this weekend which included eating Indian food that was just great, and pumpkin cheesecake that was also just great. I cannot say enough good things about the food, so I figured I would not try. The people were pretty great too. Happy Birthday Janna!
4. There are only 6 more weeks of school left! Enough said.
5. Today is daylight savings time, which means the loss of a beautiful hour of sleep, but which also represents the gaining of a beautiful hour of daylight. Which means that spring is coming!
6. My room is warm (Sorry Katie).
7. I have purchased a new journal and pen, for all my journaling needs. This makes me happy.
8. I really enjoy Wolsely as a neighbourhood.
9. I am listening to piano and violins.
10. I am thankful that love can take so many different forms, and doesn't have to merely consist of romantic affection.
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