Well hello there, again!

I feel as though I’ve neglected my blog, but I just couldn’t keep up with two while traveling. Therefore, “Hello, it’s so nice to see you again!”

        (I went to Stonehenge this summer).

    I’m back from Europe, have been for a little over a month, and as such I’m attempting to readjust to life as a somewhat sedentary being. By somewhat sedentary I don’t mean that I don’t get out, but that I’m not moving every 2-4 days like I was in Europe. If you want to hear more about my time in Europe, my blog on that is over at travel-with-leah.blogspot.ca. It’s not quite completed yet as, like I said, I’m trying to readjust. Also because I’ve been busy with the travelling thing.

    Anyways, how are you? I’d pour you a cup of tea, but as you see, that’s quite improbable - I’m here, and you’re over there. What a predicament, isn’t it? But alas, I shall have to keep up a one-sided conversation then, and try to provide some sort of entertainment. Where to begin…. Well, the last month has flown by for me, as I’m certain it has for you. I arrived home, tried to get over jetlag, tried to get used to driving again, and went back to work. I also did some housesitting, and here we are. I’m frazzled; are you frazzled? I can’t believe it’s already part of the way through September! I’ve got more cover letters to write than I know what to do with, am currently looking in on 2 pets at 2 separate homes, and working. Also, the aforementioned cover letters allude quite nicely to the job search that I am currently undergoing, don’t they? I thought it was a nice way to broach a topic, anyways.

           --this is Bailey, our new puppy!

    So yes, today I’d like to talk a little bit about job searching. I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t get any easier the more I do it. In fact, I’m thinking it may get a bit more difficult, because you not only have to update your resume, but every job you apply for requires a well-tailored cover letter; that’s the hardest part for me. Cover letters are my downfall; they just make me uncomfortable. “Here, here’s one page of paper. properly address and date it, and then use the rest of the space to tell me your work history, where you found this opportunity, and why you’re the best candidate for this whole job. Oh, and because we’ve never met, I’m making snap decisions about you based solely on these few pieces of paper you either send me, or hand over. So do it right.” That’s what cover letters say to me. I can’t help but to image this huge, faceless person lurking in the shadows when I set out to write a new cover letter. It’s always a basic humanoid shape, but I always image a deep male voice. And the figure is ALWAYS about a foot and a half taller than me.

   

    Even though I’ve had a basic outline for my cover letters for years, the task doesn’t become any less daunting; I’m just not good at basically bragging about my accomplishments (or lack thereof). What about you, how are you? Are you applying for jobs as well; if so, how’s it going? Do you have any tips for someone like me, who seems to be drowning in paper? Please, let me know!

    I guess that’s all I’ve actually got to say today. Maybe next time I won’t be at work and drinking only water. Then perhaps we can sit down and make a cup of tea together. Cheers until next time!

xx  L. C.

Wow, hey. Apparently I've sucked at keeping my blog up to date since I graduated. Did I even mention that I graduated? Erm... Yes, yes I did. Well that's good, I don't suck at this nearly as much as I thought I do then. I'm not very good at it, still, but that's something I can work on.

I'm house sitting (again) currently, and I'm taking care of two lovely little cats, Spook and Mitzy (Mitsy?), and I have a view of the ocean, and life is good. But that's not my reason for being here today. Nah, today I just have to say 'I'm going to Europe in like 59 days!' This is a thing that's happening, so yay! I'm not sure if I'll have much time to blog while abroad, but I'm hoping I get to write a little bit (maybe on the train/bus/plane?) and because of that, I'd like to direct you to my shiny, new, never been used (yet) travel blog. If you want to follow my adventures (and preparation), I'll try to be better at updating things there than I am at updating things here. Other than that, I don't have much to say tonight. I've been trying to get back into some writing tonight, fueled by brie with crackers and jam, and tea (and Dr Pepper because I'm classy like that?), and it's been... Interesting. Apparently I'm writing a short story about the search for that perfect, elusive white tee shirt. Who knew?

I guess I could give you a sneak peek at that, but you'd possibly die of boredom. *reads back story* Yeah, you'd definitely be bored. So I'll leave you with a few quick photos of... erm... Early December through January and February. Yeah, sorry 'bout that.

Frosted Leaves :)

 

Snowy Hills (and trees) on a New Years Day walk :)

Walks with the Great Aunt by the sea :)

I live in the best place (by Great Aunt's house in... January!)

House sitting view, zoomed in. 

Isn't she a cutie? With the Observatory floor in the Castle

These ladies and I played tourist in our "hometown" in December

Night at the Gardens. 

Always something new.

Cats. When I was little I always wanted a kitten, but we had dogs and they were old enough that they hadn't learned to deal with cats and possibly never would, so I never had a cat. At the moment I've got two because I'm housesitting. They don't always play nice, and they've taught me a few things in our two weeks together.

1). I think I'd have to start with a kitten. The cats here are lovely, but we have opposite ways of doing things. If I had a kitten to start with, at least we could grow accustomed to each other as we grew up.

2). 5:30am is still a disgustingly early time of day to be awoken when you are least expecting it (and when you have nowhere to be until 10).

3). Cats don't observe time changes and thus will wake you at or by 5:30am after you "fall back" because they are so used to getting up at a certain time.

4). Cats are cute, but their claws are sharp. Affection can be expressed through leg-rubbing and ankle-nipping (often one followed by the other), or through kneading.

5). The WORST way to the awoken at 5:30am your first day with a cat is to be licked right across your right eye.

But really, these cats are pretty good. As I type, Lovely-cat is curled up by my feet and Grumpy-cat is curled up in a basket that really shouldn't be as comfortable as it apparently is. I ought tone add to bed though; I start at 7:30am tomorrow and already know that I will be awake before I have to be. Later 😊

Feel Like a Lady of Leisure

You know those days that just seem to lovely and relaxing? My day started out as one of those, which was lovely. Today I finished physio at 9am (yay, knee swelling is disappearing!); treated myself to coffee at the wonderful Drumroaster where I sat and read for about an hour, also where I spend possibly far too much of my free time; took a quick nap as I didn't go to bed early enough last night; and had a luxurious soak in a tub to ease aching bones. All before noon. Doesn't that just sound like a lovely way to start a day? And not a day too soon, either.

I thought that when I finished with school my schedule would calm down because I would no longer be taking 5-6 classes five days a week, commuting to them, working 20-26 hours over the course of 2.5 days, and still trying to eat, sleep, and be social. Turns out I was wrong? I mean, my schedule isn't too super crazy; I'm only working about 30-45 hours a week between my two jobs, trying to stay fit/build my fitness (hence the reduction of the swelling in my knee), do a bit of freelance work when I can, arrange and create Christmas and birthday presents for the next few weeks/months, help my great-aunt out with her house twice a month (or more as necessary), and get ready to house-sit for six weeks. Oh, and of course be social, eat, sleep, etc. That's not that much, now is it? Especially since I'm trying very hard to save my money.

Have I told you yet, internet? I'm hoping to travel! I'm in the midst of forcing myself to save roughly $10,000 so that I can head over to Europe for what I hope will be about three months of adventure. Three months. Adventure. Doesn't that sound alluring? I think it sounds both totally enticing and exciting, and absolutely daunting; especially as I've never been further away from home than Alberta, where I have tons of family, or California, where I was accompanied by either my parents or teachers/classmates/chaperons. It's not the being alone I think is daunting; I enjoy spending time on my own. Travel arrangements, however? Now those are a daunting idea. Mostly because I'm just in the very basic and rough planning stages. 

Anyhow, I'm off to waste about 4 hours before I go off to work, so I'll try to keep you updated? I always say that sort of thing, don't I? Oh dear, I fear I'm not very good with this whole "keep people people informed" thing. Hm. If you are inclined to Tumble, you can follow my adventures (reblogs, basically) on Tumblr if so inclined? Just here then. Otherwise, I guess I'll leave you with a few images of my misadventures since fall started. 

Breakfast for one :)

Sending letters to some lovely ladies

Homemade pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving! First attempt went well :)

I live in a gorgeous area, by the way. 

Old skating props are always a good way to provide light. Careful, this lantern gets HOT! :)

Posted a day after writing. Again.

I think blogging from work may become a regular thing if I keep working these awkward shifts; there's about an hour in the afternoon where there's nothing to do. I've cleaned all I can clean, updated the records, worked out, and have no clients. Therefore I can, without guilt, type myself up a nice little update on life if I wish to. So, shall I?

Like I said before, I just graduated (YES!) and now it's back to working a bunch and having no plan. However, I sort of do have a plan. Like I mentioned before, I'm hoping to travel. I'm looking at April-May of next year, for both months, and I'm hoping to hit areas in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. We'll see how this goes; I may have to cut one country, or extend/shorten my trip, depending on income levels. My savings goal for this trip is about $6000, but if I end up with more money that would be excellent. So far my main incomes are my two part-time jobs, and then this fall I'm house-sitting for roughly 2 months, so that should help out. I'm also starting to slowly accumulate supplies. I have been told that I can borrow a pack from a few different people, so there's no worry about that. For my birthday last week I was gifted a lovely omni-heat, water-resistant/proof jacket that is lightweight and easy to carry, and for grad I received a fantastic iPad, so now I will be able to keep in touch. My main goal now is just to save, save, save. And plan.

I know what countries I want to see, and I have some rough ideas of what cities I want to go to, but is there anywhere in particular I should not miss out on? Having never been further East than Alberta and only as far South as California, I'm not well travelled by any means. I anticipate a huge learning experience, some personal growth, and a wonderful experience; now I just need to figure out exactly where I want to go. Any help?

There's that, then

When I was younger I always had a plan for my future. At first, I was going to be a hairdresser and a waitress, then I wanted to teach. I thought about going into law, and then I came back to the idea of teaching. As it turns out, having a plan is all well and good, but sometimes you have to smash the plan to pieces a little bit. 

I've just graduated University (on Thursday, actually), and I'm nowhere near where I thought I would be. I didn't get a degree in Education, and I'm not moving into Law school in September. Actually, I'm not sure of what I want to do; I didn't even graduate with the degree that I went into school to get in the first place (I have a BA now, not a BSc). For now, I'm hanging out here, at home, and working two part-time jobs, just like I was when I was in school. What this has left me with, then, is a lot of free time; time that I'm not used to having. At first I felt lost; what do people do with all this time, and how do I fill it? But now, I'm starting to get used to it. 


Because I'm saving up for a trip (oh yeah, I want to travel next Spring), I'm trying not to spend too much money. Instead of going shopping I've been attending a Jazzercise class (early birthday present from Mama, and I'm hooked!) and volunteering with a local Historical Society, just doing odd jobs. And you know what? This not having a firm plan, and not being super pressured to do too much is really nice. I don't think I can keep it up forever (I'll have to start a career of some sort one day), but for now it's really nice to be able to sit back when I want to, have a cup of tea, and read a book. Or, if I want to, to spend a few hours doing some typing, or volunteering. I'm still keeping my eyes open for more (local) work, but these days who isn't? 
The point is, I'm not sure exactly what I'm doing, but for the first time I don't have any fully fledged ideas of my future, and I'm enjoying it. I'm doing what makes me (mostly) happy, and things are starting to look and feel bright again.


Also, if anyone happens to know where Summer is, could you please usher is over here for us? Our little Island would like to partake in Summer, sunshine, and a little bit of heat one day. 

Well I'm (obviously) not doing BEDA

Actually, even though I'm not doing BEDA I'm still managing to do an April challenge. This time it's a photo everyday in April that I'm doing over on Instagram and my tumblr, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm absolutely no great shakes at photography, and I find myself on occasion having to scramble to complete my challenge (like today: stairs. I used the steps when i got home because I never got to the staircase I wanted to photograph on campus today) sometimes, but it's good fun. Other than that, what's April brought?

Well, exams. I've just finished my final first final as an undergrad (about 5 hours ago, but y'know), and now I'm prepping for my second, which is my Transnational Canadian Literature final. Isn't that a slightly pompous sounding title? Well, the class has actually been pretty much fascinating, and it has certainly been a lot to wrap my head around, which was neat. Actually, all of my classes have been like that.

Today I wrote my Anglo-Irish Lit final, and even though I knew what the questions were going to be when I went in, I was still blown away by the actual exam writing. Normally my in-class essays for exams are about 6-7 pages long, right? Well, I churned out 11 pages per essay, which to me is quite a bit. Then a group of us went for drinks, were joined by the professor, had more drinks, ate some food, and generally hung out. I came home after this, but I believe everyone else went downtown (I know, lame little me. I had to drive the 'hat, alright? And I have an exam tomorrow I needed to study for more. That's a thing I need to do, okay?). Post-exam drinks are a good thing, but I always leave them feeling like post-first-lecture drinks need to be a thing too because then you'd meet all these awesome people at the start of a course, not the end. So, future students, you should make this happen.

Like I said, tomorrow I write Transnational Canadian Lit at 2, which should be alright? It's 2.5 hours long and split into 10 terms to define and discuss and one essay question, equally weighted. If I've studied my terms right I should be able to split my time evenly (75 minutes per section) and still do alright. I hope. Then, I work all weekend (of course, haha), spend Monday studying, and on Tuesday I write my North American Indigenous Literature final exam, which is a multiple choice exam of about 90 minutes. This one I'm a tad nervous about simply because I read quite a bit for this course and even though it's multiple choice, it can still get confusing; there were a lot of different characters in each book, and all the themes were different. Ah well, can't get it all perfect, but I can certainly try! So I've been reviewing the scant notes I have from that class (because a large portion of the class was discussion based I have few notes) and compiling a list of characters. Then, my final final as an undergraduate is next Saturday from 7pm-10 pm (because there always has to be one, right?), and it's for my BC Lit course, which is I believe based upon representations of British Columbia in Canadian Literature. In this class we've talked a lot about sense of place, which has been neat because I'm from BC and I recognize most of the places mentioned in the Literature. This exam is a three part, three hour exam with an essay, some quote identification/discussion, and a terms definition section as well. Looking at the outline I was given, it sounds like a gigantic exam. However, I'm sure it'll work out alright and then afterwards I believe we're going for drinks again (at least that's what was suggested during our last class together).

From this long-winded digression into examination topics and courses, it sounds like I go out a lot what with the post-exam drinks. In fact though, the opposite it true. I don't normally go out, and when I do it's not normally for drinks, and it's not normally with a big group of people; exams just seem to be the time to like, do that. I'm not going out after Indigenous Lit because it's a 9am exam and I have to work in the afternoon (plus drinking at 10:30 is not really a thing I've ever done), but tomorrow I may be going to a friend's place to watch me some Doctor Who with two of the girls? :)

Other than exams, this month just brings a missing (I really DO need to see Reni again, "I has a missing"), more job hunting (oh yeah, I'm graduating this year. Exciting, huh?), and working. Work, work, work. Mmmn, and catching up on some sleep and television. Mostly sleep though; I've found that I miss sleep. Which, coincidentally, is where I'm now headed. Off to sleep. :-)

G'night moon, and stars; sky and internet; and all those out there who wander along with us. May the morrow bring you brightness, joy, and light.