Monday, December 1, 2008

-Baby Bubbles-

Well, I think, that as of exactly 4:00pm this afternoon, I have officially felt the baby move inside me! I'm not sure if it was the way I was sitting or what, but it felt different. More different than anything I ever felt before! So that's my best guess. What an exciting feeling! I can't wait! Only 155 more days, or 23 more weeks :D

A Bientot!

Rebecca

Thursday, November 20, 2008

With Arms Wide Open

Well, if you haven't seen the Widget or been informed by the all knowing Facebook, then here it is. Josh and I will be having a little bundle of joy in the very near future. That's right! We are due on the 5th of May, and very excited :D

I'll have to say, the first few weeks were tough, it was hard to believe, but now, it's just a way of life :) I really can't wait to meet the little bugger who is going to be beating me up from the inside for the next 6 ish months. A cool feeling to be honest, very cool, and for that, I'm really grateful that I'm a girl :) Something wonderful to experience for the next few months, then a little wonder that we get to take care of :) It's going to be wonderful!

Anyways, I'm hoping to have time in the next few months to keep this blog updated with my little wonder growing inside me. It's going to be quite the story book :)

Up to date, I have had 3 doctor's appointments so far, and one ultrasound, which was pretty cool... it looked like a little alien, and it even waved :) Pretty cool. I'm looking forward to the next ultrasound at 20 weeks, that's going to be awesome! It's going to look more like a person I think, and less like an alien. *crosses fingers for all to be well* Yesterday we listened to it's heart beat and that was pretty awesome too. It wouldn't sit still long enough, at first, to get the beats per minute down, do that made me laugh pretty hard... which didn't help the doctor ^_^; Still pretty awesome.

So... Here begins the journey of the rest of our lives, so we're going to bulk up, hang tight and take life as it comes. I love the adventure!

Back with more updates again soon!

Rebecca

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I want to change the world

There is something about changing the world that has always intrigued me, even as a child. I hope one day, something I do will change the world, even if it is only one person at a time. I hope I can make a change for a better tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

"I Am NOT That Student!"

You know one of the things that drives me up a hill, over the bend and into a tailspin of displeasure? Teachers that feel that all students are lazy, not motivated, and for lack of a better word, drones.

I seriously take offense to that, and continue to disagree and fight to prove that stereotype wrong. I can't see why, for a few students 'acting out' that all students would have the title of 'slackers'. I've taught before, grade 4s to be exact, and I'll tell you now, I had 2 little hellions, well at least when they were together. They were both given previous titles, such as 'ADHD' or 'other behavior issues', (which is another topic which I this is used incorrectly and could go on and on about, but won't, at least not here.) and I think it may have gone to those poor kids heads, almost like a mini ego that has been encouraged. Whatever it may be, I dealt with the two of them in the best manner that I knew possible, and by the end of the year, I had managed to gain some of their respect, which I find a big accomplishment. That aside though, in no way did I treat the rest of the class as mischief makers. Not in the least. So if someone can gain 4th graders respect, then why not post secondary students too? Maybe they aren't prepared for it, maybe they aren't in sync with themselves, it's hard to say. I was once told that it's because the teachers who have been around that long have been in so many words, 'jaded'. I don't think that this should be an excuse. Look at it this way, just because you fell off your bike, 5, 6, 7 or even more times, doesn't mean that you should never ride your bike again. It means that you look back at the cuts, scars, bruises and bumps, when you can finally bike down the street, and say, "Look at how I got here, I made it." I think that's the way it should be. Not looking at the 'lazy' ones and make them decide how your career is going to go, but you do let them influence how to be better next time. Again, with the bike analogy, if you sit on the bike backwards and fall off, and don't learn from your mistakes, then you don't learn. You can't fix your mistakes and make yourself better next time, and that's how we get 'jaded' or 'hardened' so quickly. Maybe sometimes teachers forget that they are still human (despite what we all thought in elementary school), and they can still learn and be taught, especially by students, and I think they forget that. Well, not so much that they can learn, because they all attend PD events, but who knows, maybe they don't actually take anything away, I'm not sure, I'm not a teacher, so I can't judge them. However, I can, and have the right, to demand that they work on realizing that all students are not the same, and that there are many more that want to learn than don't.

As I think more about PD, I sometime reflect back to when I attended my local church's youth group, and the one or two weekend retreats I took. Professional Development is a lot like that. Let me explain though...
When a someone goes to a religious retreat, they get together will all sorts of other people who have the same beliefs and thoughts that you do. You listen to music, and pray and readings and that and by the time the weekend is done, you're completely stoked, ready to hit the world and take everyone on. Then, after about a week or two of coming back into reality, most people give up, and go back to how they were at the beginning, falling into their old pattern of methodologies and what not. I think this may be the same thing with PD. Some teachers come back stoked, but lose the flame quickly, but others keep the flame going. These teachers that do so are the ones that students adore and enjoy, as well as the ones that end up with nominations.

I guess that's just my take on things, as a student. I think that teachers should be more open and caring to their students, and they would see that their students are more than happy to do what they have to and get their work done, leading to a very happy environment that benefits both students and teachers. I would also like to mention that this spiel isn't aimed all teachers, because that would be hypocritical of me. I'm just trying to point out my opinion on how things could be so much easier for everyone if everyone just took the time... though I know that's asking a lot. Again, this is just my opinion as a student, and I felt it was worth giving out. Hopefully it ends up being somewhat insightful, and less of a rant. :)

A bientot!
Rebecca

Monday, April 28, 2008

Dalhousie Pre-Workshop Thoughts - Student Learning

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week (April 30, May 1), I'll be attending the Dalhousie conference about student learning. I was asked to write up a my thoughts and reasoning for going prior to attending this event.

I feel that, as a student attending this kind of conference, I might be able to take away from it, the reasons teachers teach as they do, and perhaps, put in some input with a student's perspective as it is about student learning. Because each teacher has their own teaching style, and each student had their own learning style, it is important to talk about it. I feel as a student, I might be able to take away more understanding of the teaching methods and how to perhaps make it better, and easier to learn from.

As well as personal learning from this experience, I think that this conference will come in to good use while preparing the BUSI2750 (Intro to Business for IT Professionals) online course, as well as putting together the Women Unlimited Workshop. As a contributor to both these activities, I feel that it would help me be more productive as I will be more informed on successful and innovative teaching ideas and styles.

All in all, I'm really looking forward to the next 2 days, and plan on giving back to my peers with the same enthusiasm as the speakers over the span of this conference.

A bientot!
Rebecca

Friday, April 25, 2008

-Been Far Away For Far Too Long-

Sometimes, I look at my life, and see some crazy soap opera.... and it's nuts, you know? I look at my family life, my friend life, my work life, my school life, and the times I spend myself, thinking really hard.... They all leave me feeling like I'm living a dream. Something that would be portrayed on the opposite side of a mirror. I guess growing up, even a few years ago, I never really thought too hard into this... then this thing hit me, something called self-realization. One day out of the blue, I started reading into myself, which I guess now, is what leads me to write in here, and with no school to take up my days, I have lots of time to think, feel and write.

Let me reflect back on the comment about the soap opera. The more I think about it, the more I feel like my life is being filmed for someone, so they can get their fill of drama. Let me just give you the basics so you can see where I'm coming from. All of my [immediate] family either lives overseas (Italy) or is scattered all over North America, with the greatest density in Ontario. Everyone is pretty much close together with everyone but us. We are the only ones in Nova Scotia, and I guess that no matter where we have lived, it's pretty much been us, and just us all alone. Social rejects, if you will. I don't really understand the whole story, but I get the idea that part of it (on my dad's side) is the cultural barrier (on my mom's side). I could be wrong, so don't quote me. Either way, no matter what the reason, we really never kept in close contact with my dad's side, other than my grandmother and aunt, who I have always had some sort of a special bond with. Sometimes, I come to believe that I'm her 're-incarnation' though that wouldn't work because she is still alive... but you know what I mean, separated (by time and space) Siamese twins, it's kinda cool and eerie at the same time, to think that someone hears you and knows things about you, and you didn't even talk about them before. Anyways, back on topic... I guess that most of the issues happened before my time, and I may never really understand them, but this is where we are. My aunt lives in the west coast, Oregon, my grandmother and her husband live in Toronto, and my grandfather and his wife, well I'm not really sure where they are, Florida maybe... I don't know, the last time I saw him was at least 3 years ago, if not more... I'm not sure how fond of us he [they] are. My grandmother and father have finally, somewhat ended the feud between them, but who knows how long that will last. My aunt simply lives a life apart from any of us (my family - mom, dad, brother and sisters), and has a lot going on, and I can appreciate that, because that is life.
On the other hand, my mom's family is just simply too far away, and I guess that's just as sad. We visited them over the winter break, and it was a nice feeling to know that we had so much family near by, basically within walking distance. No matter though, there is still something that makes me feel like we are just intruding, and are really more a bother than it's worth to them. Like a reject, or like something is missing. I guess it's just the style of life that's different, who knows though.

Anyway, I guess I should try to make a point here...

I guess what I'm trying to say, in a nutshell, is that sometimes I wish I could have everyone all in one place. I have friends that have most or all of their family so close by, and they just take it for granted... and I guess sometimes, I'm kinda jealous. Maybe all the events that have happened is what scares me when I think about losing my family [mom, dad, brother and sisters] as I get older. I observe other people's families, and see how everyone just seems to drift apart, and I don't want that to happen to me too... I guess in some ways, I need them, and maybe, they need me too, but who knows.

I guess that the only time I'll get my wish is whenever it's my turn to walk down that isle... the day that will be the start of my own family, which is another scary thought, for another long night.

A bientot
Rebecca

Thursday, April 24, 2008

-There's Nothing Left, We're Just A Shadow Of What We Used To Be-

-There's Nothing Left, We're Just a Shadow Of What We Used To Be-
-Simple Plan

I think that this has to be one of my most favorite lyrics, from my favorite band. Before you start giving me funny looks, read the words in the lyrics, one by one. Now, doesn't that strike you as relevant in some way, shape or form, right in your own life? Think about it... it's about change, it about growing apart, but there is still something there, just like a shadow. I guess it's kinda morbid, but I find it kind of comforting that I'm not the only one that has felt like this... they just put it in words. Now, if you read the rest of the lyrics, you'll find out that the song, Holding On, is about not losing the relationship, and all the memories keep them 'holding on'. Now, before anyone starts barking up my tree, I want to make it clear that this isn't the way I feel about my relationship at all. More so, my friendships, and the people I have left behind, moving or otherwise. I also look at any of my friends and family that have been divorced, especially my boyfriend's, because I have so many questions to ask. The most common that I ask is; "How can they talk about each other, with out hurting inside?" I don't know, all I know is that those people will always be part of their memories... like a shadow. That also goes for their kids and the people around them, they remember and feel the shadows too. I don't know, sometimes I wonder about things that have no relevance to me, and I think about them too hard.

Either way, I guess it's something for people to think about, to be sure that life is lived to the fullest. Make sure that all ends are tied, and that you aren't missing out in anything in life, including not making 'shadows' of the people that mean a lot to you, now, and that will always be in your memories, no matter what.

A bientot
Rebecca

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

-Live Like You Were Dying-

This year has been pretty terrible for young deaths. Everyone knows of the kids that vanished and were found, dead later. But then, there are also the deaths that no one really hears about, except the family and friends of that person. Just today, my mother was telling me about our church's secretary, and her painful loss. He son died a few days ago, died of a heart attack in his sleep. He was only 31. That had me starting to think... I'm only 11 years younger than he is, and he still had his life ahead of him, and was getting married in a few months time. It's really a scary thought. That also got me thinking about the people that I care for around me, and their safety. It worries me, to get a phone call about my parents, my boyfriend, or any of either of our families or really, anyone that we are close to. I thought about what we are all so prone to, how the rate of sickness and diseases have increased so rapidly, and wonder if this is a place I would want my own children to grow up and live in. Really though, it's quite a plateful that we'll have to deal with later on.

I thought about everyone that means a lot to me, and it was a painful thought, but I thought of what I would do if I lost them. It would be painful to go on without them because they all have a very important roll in my life, and the lives around them.

Unfortunately, and maybe this sounds mean and cold-hearted, but I think we brought all this pain and suffering upon us. From what we have done to the Earth, to what we do to ourselves, whether that is eating poorly, or drinking, or smoking (including hard drugs)...I think it's hard to say that we deserve anything less... I'm not saying, by any means, that I'm better than anyone, because I do all the same things as any average person. However, I do also think about the future, and what may very well happen, well, what is bound to happen someday. It scares me, like any other 20 year old, the unknown is a scary place.

I guess the answer is really just to life like it was your last day. In some ways, I guess I do too. For 20, I've done quite a bit, and for the little accomplishments I have succeeded in, I am quite proud. I just hope that people slow down every once in a while, and just be grateful for what you do have, and not think about what you don't. Who knows, it may be your last day tomorrow too. Don't you want to live the fullest?

A bientot.

Rebecca

Thursday, April 17, 2008

-Pre-Workshop Success-

So, about a week ago, Chris and I had a mini, pre-workshop with about 10 of the ladies from women unlimited, and it was a blast!

Now, from my perspective, and having a lack of female interaction this year, in a way, these few hours were a little overwhelming but comforting all at the same time. Before I get to that though, let me tell you a little bit about what the workshop was about...

Let's go back a bit to get the whole picture here... so, about 2 months ago, Chris was approached with (another) teaching opportunity by Lynn MacKinlay of the program Women Unlimited (Just some background on Women Unlimited... This is a program dedicated to women who have completed high school or the equivalent, and never got a chance to get to get a real career. This program focuses on careers that aren't traditional to women, mostly the trades and technology.). Of course, Chris jumped right into the idea, and asked me to come along for the ride, and I also agreed with high hopes and complete enthusiasm. And our journey started there. Anyways, back to the meat of the story, Lynn came in one day and mentioned that she realized that there were a few women with very limited computer skill, if any at all. This is when the 'pre-workshop' idea was conceived. We decided on April 9th, and it would last about 5 hours.

Now that you know what was going on, let's get back to the story.

My day started at about 9 ish, and as I walked into the school, I saw, by chance, the group of ladies that would soon be the group I'd be teaching. This totally got me stoked! Normally, when I know I have to be teaching or standing up in front of people, I get the jitters, but I was just totally on fire! I also had a presentation earlier that morning in one of my classes, but I was totally excited and wasn't nervous for that either. So, after a little bit of a wait, and a SAAD (System Analysis and Design) presentation which went well, it was off to Chris' office to get everything worked out and ready.

Eleven o'clock, and the 10 ladies start trickling in, and that's when I started to get nervous. Unlike most times, this time, I took a deep breath and did what I had to do, and it was a blast! These ladies had a lot of energy and lots of spunk, and that alone kept me on my toes. The only 'spunk' I'm used to hearing are the crazy cracks the guys like to make. Now, before I get in trouble, I'm not in anyway putting the guys down, because I have a blast with them, but it's kind of nice to feel a whole lot of 'estrogen' in the room, and get some 'girlie' back into you.

I think my favorite part of the day was lunch (the food was awesome, but that wasn't the reason, lol), because I got a real feel for what these ladies were like. For a good part of the lunch break, down in the Women Unlimited classroom, I just sat and listened to what the ladies had to say, most to each other, but they took me in like one of their own in no time. We all talked and carried on and had an awesome time. They all had such interesting stories, and their lives have been all pretty hard, which made me feel pretty lucky for having what I have. Even though they had all had it rough, the were probably some of the nicest people that you could have met. They really had a good grasp about what a 'bad time' was and knew how to smile at the good times. They really taught me something that day, always be thankful for what you have, and strive and work hard for the things that you don't.

I seriously can't wait until May to host the actual workshop! It's going to be a blast! Wish me luck!

A Bientot!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Confab - The Socialy Responsible

*ACK! Sorry for this taking so long... I got that horrible flu like thing that's been going around, and I have been just out of it for the past week, so let me get this started asap ^^;*

*EDIT: Sorry for all the spelling errors >_< I can't believe I posted so many of them! They are all corrected now. Sorry again!*

First of all...

Confab: n. A casual talk; short for confabulation.

And that is basically what I'm going to do here in this blog entry, discuss the workshop that Chris, Lee and I went to a week ago at Saint Mary's University.

So here is my take of our day... in a rather large nutshell...

Well, as 'our' day started last Tuesday, 'my' experience started about two weeks prior, just before March Break. I'll tell you, I jumped on the opportunity to do something new and different, and not only did I jumped the opportunity, I pretty much knocked it over and drug it along with me. I so stoked, I hoped that March Break would end so that Tuesday would come faster, and I'll tell you, it didn't come near fast enough! So, now that I splurged on that one, I'll start on my take of the actual day.

So, not only did Tuesday not come fast enough, when it did come, our transportation didn't... of course, right? When you really want something, and are totally anticipating it, it never seems to come, just like that pot on the stove. Anyways, we finally got there, just as registration was finishing up, and everyone was heading into the auditorium to listen to our first speakers. Perfect timing!

Our first presentation was delivered by Jeff and Debora Moore from Just Us! coffee. They discussed their business of free trade coffees and recently expanded to other beverages and sweets. Before I expand here, I just want to clear up free trade. Fair trade is a set of standards so that producers were treated identically, for both the workers, the environment and the people. In other words, when you buy a free trade product, you know that everything that was implemented in producing it for purchase was done in an honest and fair manner, to everyone, from the labourer to the workers who, in this case, brews the coffee and puts it in your cup. Another point I found quite interesting is that when they started this, they never really planned on becoming a business so to speak. They just wanted to do something with coffee and fair trade. I think that their success as a business just goes to show that good people (that being honest and fair people), can be just as successful and just as well recognized as any other company, but not only that, they are also look highly upon, and thought of as role models for anyone and everyone.

Our next speaker, Lynn Patterson, who is with the Royal Bank of Canada, came in to talk about being socially responsible as a company. Personally, I had a bit of trouble relating directly to her topic, but I definitely learned some interesting tidbits about companies, banks and some of what goes on behind the scenes in relation to being socially responsible. What I found to be the most interesting in her speech was the Socially Responsible Investments (SRI), what they were and how they were analysed. I also didn't realize that investments made to certain companies, that include, but aren't limited to, tobacco, alcohol and pornography were all investments that were actually frowned upon by other companies and banks, and cause SRI ratings to drop. Specifically speaking, the example that Lynn provided us with was with the Rain forest Action Network, and CITI banks. The goal of the Rain forest Action Network (www.ran.org) is to attempt to save the environment by deteriorating banks and other stakeholders to put their money into non green companies. The example Lynn gave us with CITI banks, were pretty hard core. The campaigns were to get CITI banks as well as the Bank of America to stop contributing to the investment of coal mining, because of it's dirty nature, and how its burning is not healthy for the environment. However, as extreme as they were though, they were all non-violent, and legal. The other thing that I felt I could relate to was when Lynn mentioned how consumers don't just trust anyone with their money, however, they do trust the person "over the counter" who they hand their money to... kind of like what I do at Sobeys. Another cool point I took to is that people are starting to take charge and have an opinion on what is right and what is wrong, such as what investments companies should be making, and if they should support companions that invest in those 'taboo' companies. It's kind of impressive to see that more and more people are starting to see that caring for the environment and the people who work for little pay, because it really is up to us to look at this and try and fix it. We are the 'developed' countries, and in my opinion, it is up to us to try and help as much as we can. To demonstrate how RBC is contributing to the 'right causes', Lynn explained the RBC Bluewater fund (www.rbc.com/bluewater), as well as their methods of reducing waste including some of these factors; reducing paper energy by offering online statements and bills rather than on paper, working on getting to the point of having 'paperless' offices, as well as not offering bottled water at meetings (where applicable, due to different standards in countries for filtering water). Pretty impressive really, because looking at this, makes me kind of 'proud' in a sense to call RBC, 'My Bank'.

Our next session was the breakout secession which was given to us by the CEO of Etruscan, Gerry McConnell. Etruscan is a mining company that is based right here in Nova Scotia. As we were told, Etruscan had a very humble beginning, so humble in fact, that this is the first time in 20 years that they have been getting any real profit from their mining expeditions. With Etruscan, doing the right thing wasn't something they were pressured to do, nor was it a requirement, they just felt that they realized that if their workers were happy, they actually enjoyed their work, and did a better job. This turned into helping out the communities by making not only the workers lives better, but the women and the children who lived in that community. This included projects like building school, getting wells brought closer so that children, particularly the girls, could also attend school, and building medical centres for the villages. Personally, I can see how this would make the people feel, how it really makes them feel as though they deserve this as much as anyone else does. It's also nice to see that a local business is able to lend a hand where it's needed, out in the third world. There was also a hand lent from the Dartmouth Rotary, another local organization, for all the building. But again, it's nice to see people in our own community working on making sure that just because we use the resources, we make sure to treat everyone with equal respect.

The final speech was the Keynote given by Mickey McDonald. He was the former owner of DownEast Mobile. His beginnings were really humble, and his mother was his greatest idol, which is really nice to see. His talk was really about how money really doesn't equal success, and how to treat your competition, but most importantly, if you really want it and you work for it, you are going to get it. Basically, his talk was about some important notes, that everyone should have as part of their morals. So I'll basically quote him here, just in point form, because really, the elaboration is right in the points, and like I said, should really be part of every person's moral;

1. Attitude is an important factor of your personal success

2. You learn more when you listen then when you talk

3. Treating customers with the respect that they deserve

4. Be sure to be honest with you customers.

5. Know when to hold them, and know when to fold them. Playing your cards right is important.

6. Customers trust the people 'behind the counter' because they wouldn't hand their hard earned money to anyone, especially someone they don't trust.

7. Always promote your company, never look back.

8. Know how to deal with your competition, know how to push their buttons, in the most polite way(s) possible.

9. Always give back to community what you took out from it. This will make your business successful beyond compare.

So there we are, an awesome day, full of awesome people, and it took all this time to post, which again, I'm really sorry about. I'm totally happy that I got this opportunity to go and hear what all these successful people had to say. It's also nice to know that there are still people in the world that do care about the things most of us don't think about everyday. Anyways, I hope I get another opportunity like this again soon because I really did learn a whole lot!

A bientot!

Rebecca