Saturday, May 29, 2010

Miss Who??

So the students at St. Marys High are supposed to call me Miss Lukindo...woah...haha..I need toget used to this!
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A First for everything

Today was my first day working at the Learning Center of St. Mary's High School. So far, I have a very good impression of the school, and of the job, and already can't wait to get back to learn all that I can about it! (YES I realize how keener-ish that sounds.. but its true).

Usually, when I start a new position my first day is often filled with nervousness and anxiety, but today was pleasantly different. I was more eager, and excited to start, then I was nervous. I'm sure the long waiting process before my actual start date had something to do with it, combined with my experience working with teenage youth... but it got me thinking about all my jobs in the past, and how I felt during the first day of my first job ever...

Dairy Queen-- My first real job! I remember the whole thing so vividly. My mom was adamant about not letting m start working until I was 16 years old, and insisted that I apply for jobs in the summer, so that the work would not interfere with school. So I remember at the age of 16, walking into stores, fast food chains, malls, convenient shops, EVERYTHING, equipped with a pen and a smile ready to fill out application forms. All spring and summer I did this.. and all spring and summer I recieved no calls. Not a single one. Needless to say, by September I had given up on that dream very quickly, but then in February I received a phone call from DQ. They had received my resume from the summer, and wanted to know if I was still interested in working there. Of course I was, and after convincing my mom to let me start working during the school year, I set up an interview and prepared my self. I literally studied for this interview, probably harder then I had studied for any test in my life. I remember feeling SO nervous as I waited in the sitting area for the DQ manager to come interview me. My mom had just finished doing my hair, and my braids were so tight against my forehead that my eyes watered every time I laughed or grinned.. I remember swinging my legs under the table out of nervousness and accidentally kicking the manager.. whoops. Basically, I'm sure I walked out of there thinking it was either a disaster, or a success. Well, I thought to myself, "She either really liked me because I answered the questions well, I expressed my interest in both front and back positions, told her my schedule would be very flexible during the summer, and complimented her shirt, earings, and watch (yes I was a kissup).. OR she thought I was an eye watering, shin kicking freak who had no sense of humor because I was afraid to laugh or smile to hard)...thank goodness the interview ended up being a "sucess".. either that or the restaurant was very desperate.

After I was hired, I had to complete a series of tests, to ensure that I knew the required weight of all the soft serve products so that I wouldn't make them to big or to small, we would practice making them the perfect weight, and could eat them after.. that was my favorite part. :) By my first official start date, I remember not feeling nervous, but confident in my ability, as the training provided ensured I was equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.

Anyway, before this post turns into a novel, the point I'm trying to make, what I've learned is that there is no need to focus on feelings of anxiety or nervousness when it comes to starting a new position, or school program, or anything else.. the fact of the matter is, you were chosen for a reason. You were hired, because the employer trusted your capabilities and saw that potential in you, and often times I think we forget to realize our own potential, we forget to really trust and utilize our skills, and therefore miss out on a lot of opportunities in life because we don't truly believe in ourselves. The focus of this epiphany moment I had today was that we should always go for what interests us, whether or not we believe we can actually do it, because the worst thing your going to get out of it is a NO, and the best thing you can get is a YES.

If that makes sense. Enough for now.. look at this.. a little bit of free time on my hands, and I'm writing chapter books.. whoops.

Monday, May 24, 2010

1 month later...

So pretty much one full month after my last "1 week till i'm resigned post!" I'm still neglecting my blog. Well, the fact of the matter is, up until about a week ago I was still working full time hours at Aspen. Reason? The hiring process with the Calgary School District took forever! They required so many documents that took weeks to process and receive so while I was waiting for the documents to come in, I was working full time hours at Aspen, even though I was technically already resigned.

However, even though it took longer then one week, I am officially done at Aspen, and start my new position tomorrow.. Eeek! Kinda nervous, but am also super excited to start as well.

My last day with Aspen, was bitter sweet. sweet because I felt the job was taking so much away from other aspects in my life.. bitter because I will definently miss the kids! On my last day, the kids arranged a "surprise goodbye party" for me.. literally got me teary eyed! I was not expecting it at all, and it really meant a lot to me to see that, as hard or tough the kids may be on the exterior, they have a heart, and my work and effort was enough to touch their lives to move them to do something like this, unaided by any of the group home staff. Attatched are the pictures... it was a great cupcake and zoo filled day. haha

While the group home is behind me, I am still available to work relief shifts, so I'm not gone for good, which is good as I will still have an opportunity to work with the youth. At least now, it will be based on my schedule, and will thus enable me to balance out my life better.

Quickly scanning through my blog, the number one tell tale sign of my lack of balance or control I felt I had in my life, was the times of my posts. The majority of them were in the wee hours in the morning.. the only times when I usually found myself free to do homework, reading, blogging..and that's about it..! I would have loved to do more during that free time... but not to many people.. friends or family would probably be willing and /or able to spend time with me at 3am in the morning just cause I was free. haha

Needless to say I am so glad that I made this change in my life. The opportunity came at just the right time in my life, and that is no accident. I know that it is the work of God, that has brought me to this point. When I decided to start looking for related work elsewhere, I knew I didn't want to work in similar situations as where I was currently. Not only was my schedule invasive of the time I needed for what was important to me, the content of the work often times challenged my faith and morals, and I felt that I really had difficulty staying true to my self in that field. Moving forward with my job search I decided to be very selective, looking for jobs with Christian based organizations, where I would feel more comfortable with the decisions and options I could offer my clients. It wasn't easy, and I heard even from my mom, how difficult it would be finding a job with decent hours, especially one working with youth, especially one in a school system so close to the end of the year, especially in a Christian setting. I took her advice and warnings with a grain of salt, prepared and perfected my resume, prayed to God, asking Him for His assistance, and put it in His hands, and before long... He came through for me. He always has, and I will be always greatful.

I feel like this new position will open many different doors for me, and I cannot wait...

more later.. off to bed <3 br="">





Friday, April 23, 2010

1 week..!

....(but whose counting ;) haha)

At the hitmen game withsome of the boys from the group home...energy here is crazy!! Its moments like this that I will miss about the job.. 7more days before I'm officially resigned!
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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Let the countdown begin!

So..I plan on submitting my 2 weeks notice tommorrow...countdown to my long overdue free time starts NOW
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Saturday, April 10, 2010

Falling into place...

That's right...everything seems like it is falling into place... very soon school will be over..I will be entering a part time position..and time will be on my side again...hip hip hurray!!
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Monday, April 5, 2010

Happy Easter!

Our redeemer lives...Amen! What a wonderful season it is when Christians all over the world can come together to   reflect on the sacrifice our savior made for us.

We are not worthy of salvation for we have all sinnedbut God loves us regardless and has offered us life through the shedding of His blood. I hope this easter is full of happiness and blessings as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior!

I hope also that this time I follow through in more frequent writting of the blog.I anticipate my upcoming schedule change with work will allow me more time for reflection and growth through this blog. I long for the simple things.. I long to be simply lulu again..for she had time to tend to her thoughts and meditations... I sense a reunion soon... simplicity..its time you start evading me. This time I will get you!