March 23, 2024 – One Step at a Time

Saturdays… it never fails. Now, I’ve conditioned myself to sleep in, recycle, and do nothing. It’s “be a person” day. I love taking the day for myself. After recycling today, I bought 4-bags of handmade frozen perogies and 14 cooked perogies for dinner. Then, I went to Ramen Ya Sendo for the lunch combo and lunch for one. Going back home, I cooked my kid some fried perogies for lunch, watched a bit of Hallmark movies (a needed happy dose), and tracked women’s curling on Twitter.

I took the day as a full day of rest and I will say that it’s official… THIS is a routine. During my day today, I had that feeling of… “I love life.” What a great place to be. The sun was shining, I had the freedom of driving my car, and I have the privilege to take the day off (guilt free). I am learning that taking the time to rest is key to good health… mentally, physically, and emotionally. Yesterday was such a full day. There should be no “bad feelings” for doing not much. Truth. It makes me happy.

The image above was taken yesterday morning before leaving the hospital. I went to the hospital for CT scan. It was my first time. I did not know what to expect. Admittedly, I was a little spooked and lost. I had to navigate the hospital for the first time, ask directions, and made my daughter (who is of age) to be my primary contact. The experience got real when I sat in the wait room near the MRI and the door read… DO NOT ENTER… in caps, and “Warning: the magnet is on at all times.”

The workshop was a full workshop about internationalization, JEDI, and EDID. Justice, equity, inclusion, and decolonization are all big ideas and how to we address these ideas in higher education with respect to international education. The workshop was a full day event. I appreciated the facilitation and participants had the opportunity to be who we are, say what we mean, and address tough topics in a wholehearted way. I appreciated the framework and safe environment.

The afternoon transitioned to a meeting with four teacher candidates heading out to the WestCAST 2024 conference in Calgary. They just finished practicum and participated in a lesson study where they co-planned a lesson which they each taught in their practicum and its the underpinning to their presentation at this student teacher conference. My role is to help and mentor this crew. It’s going to be an engaging and experiential presentation. I am super excited for this crew.

Yesterday concluded with my last night of curling. I could not play. I injured myself the day before sparing for another team, but I wanted to come out to support the team. I had dinner and sat in the bar enjoying a plate of chicken fingers and salad. That night, I had a surprise conversation with another teacher candidate and we talked about practicum, and another conversation with a recent graduate and we talked about my injury, teaching, and convocation. My team won last night. Yay!!

Big picture… my life is full. I am happy. I am focused on the little things. I have my health. I love being with my kid. I have good friends. And, I am doing work that I want to do. What more can I ask for? I feel very lucky and happy to be alive. 🙂