Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Post Convocation Alphabet Project



F is for finals. It is that time of year again when students are writing their last papers and exams for their 3 credit classes. There are a few other letters that go along with finals; C for caffeine, L for late nights, and A for anxiety. Been there, done that, will probably do it again at some point. 


Good Luck My Studious Peers!  



Saturday, November 20, 2010

What I Learned Today...

Today, I learned that laughter can solve almost anything- even suicide.

Today at 5:45am, I got a phone call from a 63 year old terminal cancer patient, who is also an addict. She was intoxicated and suicidal. However, laughter, a listening ear, and a new perspective was all she needed to "not feel like cutting [her] throat anymore." It may have gone against my Suicide Intervention training, but I got us both through it, and we were both thankful for that.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Post Convocation Alphabet Project






E is for the end of an era. Some people spend decades in school, they are called professional students. I was in school for just over 5 years. It was a big part of my life. When I finally graduated it felt weird to be done. It was even more weird when I didn't have to worry about saving money for next semester or choosing my courses. Now, I've almost forgot what all those things feel like.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Post Convocation Alphabet Project


D is for DEBT. Everyone with a degree (and some without) has some sort of debt whether it is a loan, line of credit, credit card, etc. I was lucky enough to escape with a minimal amount of student loans when I graduated, but there is no doubt that that small amount came at a greater cost. I worked full time and went to school full time. My relationship was part time and that is something that I need to live with and regret for some time to come.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Tingle & Itch

There is something going on just beneath my skin. It feels a bit like a tingle and a lot like an itch. When I scratch, it just gets more intense. It usually starts in an arm and moves to the back of my neck. Then, it shoots to the centre of my brain and sits for awhile. It hangs on and is hard to shake loose.

The feeling has been happening about once a day since the Fall weather has reappeared. Perhaps this feeling has something to do with the memory of last year's Fall. Or maybe it has something to do with the stagnation I have been feeling in my life and surroundings. Whatever the reason is, the tingle is exciting and the itch is driving me up the walls.

The thoughts, the feelings, the itch and the tingle... they all have to do with a beautiful city. Vancouver. I spent a fraction of last Fall there. The most beautiful Fall I had ever witnessed. Mountains. Oceans. Fog. Rain. Red, yellow, and orange Maple leaves as big as my head. I spent it on ferries and trains. Eating fresh grapes and wine. Shopping the market and walking Robson. These images, these memories, and feelings will not leave me now as we head into another cold, deadly Winnipeg winter.

I'm not sure if a mere visit will satiate the tingle. The itch is greedy and wants to witness the spectacular sites everyday. My future in Winnipeg is uncertain as my contract is up in April and my lease is up in June -then what? Until then, the tingle will remain and the itch refuses to fade.