So I now get absolutley no internet on my computer at home. I have continued to write my blogs, and I have just had an opportunity to post them now.
Following are blogs from March 17- 25. I hope you have time to read them!
I will try my best to keep some more coming!!
Love Love Love Love
Carly
Friday, March 27, 2009
Quebec Graduate! (ooh, lala!)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Today was a... refreshingly good day. I really believe I've gotten over my slump, and I am back on track with positive, motivated Carly. This morning I had guitar first period, which was rather uneventful. After Guitar I had math, in which we had a unit test. It was really really difficult, and I know I will be lucky to even pull of 6% on this one. I did draw a cute picture of my house on the back page though; maybe I’ll get bonus marks!?
At lunch today I went to volleyball again, and it was amazing. (Side note: I have noticed something about eating lunch with the same girls everyday. Gossip is on the OUT list. They never talk about other people badly. That is almost all I hear in the cafeteria at lunchtime, and it is refreshing to be around people who don’t find that entertaining. I just hope they’re not secretly bashing me behind my back!) Usually, I am referred to as “Mexico”, because my gym shirt is a Mexico soccer jersey. Today though four people asked my name, and got to know me. It came really out of the blue, but it was really nice and made my day!
After lunch I had my library period, and finally I had economy, in which I have no idea what the teacher talked about all class, but my agenda is now beautifully colored!
After school today was the Diploma Ceremony I have been looking forward to for such a long time. It was a lot different than I was expecting It was in a small conference room of a school, and there was maybe fifty people. The “supper” was a table of finger sandwiches and veggie platters and juice boxes to drink. Even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was still good. It started out with some speeches from all the executive of International Studies Quebec, and then the actual receiving of diplomas. The diplomas are really nice, and I take a lot of pride in mine. I think I am going to frame it when I get home! We also got gold…. Bookmark type things (I think that’s what they are). I don’t know what the point of it is, but it came in a nice little blue velvet box, and will make a good souvenir. After the ceremony, we went to stapled because I needed to buy a jump drive. I don’t know why, but tonight I felt very close with the family. I laughed and joked right along with Julie’s dad and let go of some of my inhibitions. He loves to sing along to the radio, and usually I feel kind of awkward and uncomfortable, but tonight I laughed and smiled! It was nice, and I feel really good right now!
Today I found out some kind of…. Slightly disturbing information. One of the girls from Winnipeg went home two weeks ago. It made me wonder why. She is strong and confident, honestly the last one of all the girls coming over here I would have thought to go home. The boy from PEI went home, but he was an oddball, there was nothing weird about Yvette, so it made me think about what you need to get through an exchange. It is assumed that all the people that go on exchanges are determined and confident and all that, but what skills do you actually need to survive the exchange?? Here is my list…
1) An ability to entertain yourself.
You need to be able to be content by yourself, and find things to do to keep yourself busy and entertained because you probably wont have friends or family there to entertain you.
2) An ability to “self-soothe”
At home, I am probably looking at 6-12 big “freak-outs” are year. That is one at least every two months, whether brought on by stress or fatigue, just kind of a mental cry for help. At home my mum drops everything until I am okay, and I always have a list of friends to call and rant too. I have made several teary calls home from here, but for the most part, I have become much better at “self-soothing”; calming myself down and becoming rational without the help of a hug from my mum or a phone call from my best friend.
3) An ability to adapt
I have adapted well. I am okay with having potatoes instead of pasta with my meals, and I am now used to living with girls what I have not done though is the next step… which is accept.
4) An ability to accept.
I have adapted to not eating pasta every night, but I have not accepted it. I still think about and crave my pasta at home. I have temporarily adapted to the new things in my life, but not accepted them. For three months, this is not a big deal. It certainly keeps me more homesick than necessary, but it is not deadly. Any longer than three months, and not accepting your new life could make your exchange long and difficult.
5) An appropriate challenge
This is the most important for me. I need an attainable goal while I am here to keep me busy. If you have too many challenges, you get overwhelmed, and if you don’t have any, you get bored. Neither of these states is ideal for being on an exchange.
I think these are the five main things that are important to staying on an exchange, not just going on an exchange. It is a lot harder the closer you are with your family and friends, which is why I think I have it harder than so many others here. I have such good relationships with both, and I can’t wait to get home to see them! I think I am doing a good job though, and no matter what, I would never consider coming home as an option. I am not a quitter, and once I commit to something like this, I am in it for good.
For good,
Carly.
Today was a... refreshingly good day. I really believe I've gotten over my slump, and I am back on track with positive, motivated Carly. This morning I had guitar first period, which was rather uneventful. After Guitar I had math, in which we had a unit test. It was really really difficult, and I know I will be lucky to even pull of 6% on this one. I did draw a cute picture of my house on the back page though; maybe I’ll get bonus marks!?
At lunch today I went to volleyball again, and it was amazing. (Side note: I have noticed something about eating lunch with the same girls everyday. Gossip is on the OUT list. They never talk about other people badly. That is almost all I hear in the cafeteria at lunchtime, and it is refreshing to be around people who don’t find that entertaining. I just hope they’re not secretly bashing me behind my back!) Usually, I am referred to as “Mexico”, because my gym shirt is a Mexico soccer jersey. Today though four people asked my name, and got to know me. It came really out of the blue, but it was really nice and made my day!
After lunch I had my library period, and finally I had economy, in which I have no idea what the teacher talked about all class, but my agenda is now beautifully colored!
After school today was the Diploma Ceremony I have been looking forward to for such a long time. It was a lot different than I was expecting It was in a small conference room of a school, and there was maybe fifty people. The “supper” was a table of finger sandwiches and veggie platters and juice boxes to drink. Even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, it was still good. It started out with some speeches from all the executive of International Studies Quebec, and then the actual receiving of diplomas. The diplomas are really nice, and I take a lot of pride in mine. I think I am going to frame it when I get home! We also got gold…. Bookmark type things (I think that’s what they are). I don’t know what the point of it is, but it came in a nice little blue velvet box, and will make a good souvenir. After the ceremony, we went to stapled because I needed to buy a jump drive. I don’t know why, but tonight I felt very close with the family. I laughed and joked right along with Julie’s dad and let go of some of my inhibitions. He loves to sing along to the radio, and usually I feel kind of awkward and uncomfortable, but tonight I laughed and smiled! It was nice, and I feel really good right now!
Today I found out some kind of…. Slightly disturbing information. One of the girls from Winnipeg went home two weeks ago. It made me wonder why. She is strong and confident, honestly the last one of all the girls coming over here I would have thought to go home. The boy from PEI went home, but he was an oddball, there was nothing weird about Yvette, so it made me think about what you need to get through an exchange. It is assumed that all the people that go on exchanges are determined and confident and all that, but what skills do you actually need to survive the exchange?? Here is my list…
1) An ability to entertain yourself.
You need to be able to be content by yourself, and find things to do to keep yourself busy and entertained because you probably wont have friends or family there to entertain you.
2) An ability to “self-soothe”
At home, I am probably looking at 6-12 big “freak-outs” are year. That is one at least every two months, whether brought on by stress or fatigue, just kind of a mental cry for help. At home my mum drops everything until I am okay, and I always have a list of friends to call and rant too. I have made several teary calls home from here, but for the most part, I have become much better at “self-soothing”; calming myself down and becoming rational without the help of a hug from my mum or a phone call from my best friend.
3) An ability to adapt
I have adapted well. I am okay with having potatoes instead of pasta with my meals, and I am now used to living with girls what I have not done though is the next step… which is accept.
4) An ability to accept.
I have adapted to not eating pasta every night, but I have not accepted it. I still think about and crave my pasta at home. I have temporarily adapted to the new things in my life, but not accepted them. For three months, this is not a big deal. It certainly keeps me more homesick than necessary, but it is not deadly. Any longer than three months, and not accepting your new life could make your exchange long and difficult.
5) An appropriate challenge
This is the most important for me. I need an attainable goal while I am here to keep me busy. If you have too many challenges, you get overwhelmed, and if you don’t have any, you get bored. Neither of these states is ideal for being on an exchange.
I think these are the five main things that are important to staying on an exchange, not just going on an exchange. It is a lot harder the closer you are with your family and friends, which is why I think I have it harder than so many others here. I have such good relationships with both, and I can’t wait to get home to see them! I think I am doing a good job though, and no matter what, I would never consider coming home as an option. I am not a quitter, and once I commit to something like this, I am in it for good.
For good,
Carly.
A New Day
Tuesday March 24, 09
Today was the new day I was hoping it would be. I fell asleep last night at 7:45 and woke up at 7:30 today, and in those 12 hours, all my homesickness and negativity went away.
First period today, I had math, in which we got our quizzes back. I got 1/15, and honestly, I didn’t even get one mark right, I think he just gave me the one mark because I tried so hard. I feel good about it though, because I tried. I genuinely tried hard, and that’s all I can do!
After that I had Science, which I was not really looking forward too, but it was not to bad! We worked in groups to finish an assignment, and I didn’t have to deal or argue with the teacher. It was really funny though, because at the end of the class, he gave us a good yelling at, because the desks weren’t in the right spot. I was sitting there thinking, “Oh my god, this is so grade eight.” And then I remembered this is a grade eight class, and I laughed.
At lunch, the Library was closed, which did not make me happy, so I went to volleyball instead. I had to take shorts and shoes from the lost and found because I didn’t bring mine, and I was thankful I have been working so hard, because my legs looked good! (I have never worn “soccer” shorts, but when I get home, I think I will drop some money on UMBRO. Those shorts were so comfortable, and were so nice to move in, I was debating keeping them!) Volleyball was not bad for my first time back in a while, and I did have fun. The library is closed until Friday, so I am kind of excited to be playing again tomorrow and Thursday. Speaking of tomorrow ,it is the diploma ceremony I have been looking forward to for such a long time! I can’t believe how quickly it came… it makes me doubly realize that the rest of my time here is going to fly!!
After lunch I had a French test, which I think I got more than 6% on! It is difficult, because I would have gotten 100% in English, I am really good at poetry, and often I knew the answer in English, but not in French, and the word wasn’t in my dictionary! I gave it my best effort though, so no matter what the result, I can feel good about it!
Finally, I had art. My partner skipped today, so I was on m own. I couldn’t really do anything though, because we are at a critical point in the project, and it would be really unfair of me to do it without her. I look back now, and the fact she skipped tells me she probably cares as little as I think she does about this project, and I should have just done it by myself, but whatever.
Dinner tonight was really cute. Rachel is really struggling in English class, so at dinner, her parents asked me to talk about my day in English. It was fun to tell stories about my day in both languages, and made me realize that my French is good. I also found out today that I am the only exchange student in my school that was not from French immersion. This made me feel good, because I had so much more to learn than them, and now we are pretty much all at the same level.
After dinner was my five-mile run, and since my run last night was so bad, I was nervous. I tried a new technique to mentally prepare myself for my run though, and it went so good. Before my run, I lied down and mentally went through every mile of the marathon, and how I would be feeling. It got me so ready to go, and my run was awesome! I think I might try the same technique in the mornings going through my day, today was the best day I've had in a while, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure they stay this good.
After my run tonight, I came home to find Julies mum had made date squares. Oh my goodness. My mum makes the exact same ones, and I found such comfort in them.
Speaking of things that give me comfort, I finished my unbiased evaluation of Quebec vs. Winnipeg. It was not very unbiased. In conclusion, the city of Quebec is better in the winter. There is so much more to do here. Carnival, skating, skiing. Quebec is big on winter sports.
Winnipeg is better in the summer. I live for going to the beach, and they don’t really have any here.
School is more enjoyable in Winnipeg. In Winnipeg, we get independence once we hit high school. The kids here don’t get it until Cegep (the school after high school, before university), and I feel like I am almost back in elementary with all the rules at this school.
Do I think the school system is better in Winnipeg? No. Academically, the school set up is way better here. You go to school for eleven years, and then 2-3 years of CEGEP. This is “higher education” that is the equivalent of our bachelors program in university. The plus is, you don’t have quite as much responsibility, but you’re getting the same education for a quarter of the price.
Socially, Winnipeg is way more happening. I'm not sure if it is the same in the city, but in the suburbs, no one parties!
Culturally, hands down Quebec takes the point. You can feel the pride these people take in being “Quebecois.” The culture here is so thick you could swim in it!
Overall, the only thing I can conclude is that I miss home way too much to make an unbiased evaluation. Everything about Winnipeg is more appealing to me because it is my home. It is where my family is and where my friends are. No matter where I go or what I see in this life, Winnipeg will always be my home.
Be Home Soon,
Carly
Today was the new day I was hoping it would be. I fell asleep last night at 7:45 and woke up at 7:30 today, and in those 12 hours, all my homesickness and negativity went away.
First period today, I had math, in which we got our quizzes back. I got 1/15, and honestly, I didn’t even get one mark right, I think he just gave me the one mark because I tried so hard. I feel good about it though, because I tried. I genuinely tried hard, and that’s all I can do!
After that I had Science, which I was not really looking forward too, but it was not to bad! We worked in groups to finish an assignment, and I didn’t have to deal or argue with the teacher. It was really funny though, because at the end of the class, he gave us a good yelling at, because the desks weren’t in the right spot. I was sitting there thinking, “Oh my god, this is so grade eight.” And then I remembered this is a grade eight class, and I laughed.
At lunch, the Library was closed, which did not make me happy, so I went to volleyball instead. I had to take shorts and shoes from the lost and found because I didn’t bring mine, and I was thankful I have been working so hard, because my legs looked good! (I have never worn “soccer” shorts, but when I get home, I think I will drop some money on UMBRO. Those shorts were so comfortable, and were so nice to move in, I was debating keeping them!) Volleyball was not bad for my first time back in a while, and I did have fun. The library is closed until Friday, so I am kind of excited to be playing again tomorrow and Thursday. Speaking of tomorrow ,it is the diploma ceremony I have been looking forward to for such a long time! I can’t believe how quickly it came… it makes me doubly realize that the rest of my time here is going to fly!!
After lunch I had a French test, which I think I got more than 6% on! It is difficult, because I would have gotten 100% in English, I am really good at poetry, and often I knew the answer in English, but not in French, and the word wasn’t in my dictionary! I gave it my best effort though, so no matter what the result, I can feel good about it!
Finally, I had art. My partner skipped today, so I was on m own. I couldn’t really do anything though, because we are at a critical point in the project, and it would be really unfair of me to do it without her. I look back now, and the fact she skipped tells me she probably cares as little as I think she does about this project, and I should have just done it by myself, but whatever.
Dinner tonight was really cute. Rachel is really struggling in English class, so at dinner, her parents asked me to talk about my day in English. It was fun to tell stories about my day in both languages, and made me realize that my French is good. I also found out today that I am the only exchange student in my school that was not from French immersion. This made me feel good, because I had so much more to learn than them, and now we are pretty much all at the same level.
After dinner was my five-mile run, and since my run last night was so bad, I was nervous. I tried a new technique to mentally prepare myself for my run though, and it went so good. Before my run, I lied down and mentally went through every mile of the marathon, and how I would be feeling. It got me so ready to go, and my run was awesome! I think I might try the same technique in the mornings going through my day, today was the best day I've had in a while, and I want to do whatever I can to make sure they stay this good.
After my run tonight, I came home to find Julies mum had made date squares. Oh my goodness. My mum makes the exact same ones, and I found such comfort in them.
Speaking of things that give me comfort, I finished my unbiased evaluation of Quebec vs. Winnipeg. It was not very unbiased. In conclusion, the city of Quebec is better in the winter. There is so much more to do here. Carnival, skating, skiing. Quebec is big on winter sports.
Winnipeg is better in the summer. I live for going to the beach, and they don’t really have any here.
School is more enjoyable in Winnipeg. In Winnipeg, we get independence once we hit high school. The kids here don’t get it until Cegep (the school after high school, before university), and I feel like I am almost back in elementary with all the rules at this school.
Do I think the school system is better in Winnipeg? No. Academically, the school set up is way better here. You go to school for eleven years, and then 2-3 years of CEGEP. This is “higher education” that is the equivalent of our bachelors program in university. The plus is, you don’t have quite as much responsibility, but you’re getting the same education for a quarter of the price.
Socially, Winnipeg is way more happening. I'm not sure if it is the same in the city, but in the suburbs, no one parties!
Culturally, hands down Quebec takes the point. You can feel the pride these people take in being “Quebecois.” The culture here is so thick you could swim in it!
Overall, the only thing I can conclude is that I miss home way too much to make an unbiased evaluation. Everything about Winnipeg is more appealing to me because it is my home. It is where my family is and where my friends are. No matter where I go or what I see in this life, Winnipeg will always be my home.
Be Home Soon,
Carly
How much longer is left in this marathon?
Monday, March 23, 09
Today was a really… bizarre day. It started out really well. First thing in the morning I had a math quiz. I'm pretty sure I failed it, as it was on Log, which I haven’t learned in English yet. It was good though, because I didn’t leave a single question blank, I honestly tried my best, so even if I end up getting zero, I would get an A for effort! After that, I made a list of reasons that this week was going to be a beautiful week. Just little things in my day every day that I can look forward too!
Next period was French, in which we had a reading period. I haven’t had enough time to be reading my twilight book at home, and at school we are reading The Alchemist. Since I haven’t been reading that much, I had forgotten how much I like reading in French, and how much it helps me with the language. I am really going to make more of an effort to keep reading.
At lunch I got my project finished for online English. I am making such good progress, I know I will be able to get it done before I come home, which is exciting, because I am hoping when I get home there will be way too many distractions for me to even think about my online courses!!
In the afternoon, had economy first in which we started planning projects. I am making a poster with Julie, Blonde Emilie, a girl that intimidates the shit out of me, and another boy. I honestly have no idea what the poster is on. It was kind of funny though, because I was talking to the boy in our group, and he said “so you understand French now” and when I said yes, he pumped his fists and smiled. It was a little bit weird, and all I could do was laugh.
Last period I had economy, in which I started to get wrestles. All day, I had been working hard to keep my mind in Quebec, and not wondering off somewhere else. This was going well until we continued watching Indiana Jones in Religion. I was too tired to focus, and my thoughts wondered home. I have found I get homesick when I am bored or tired, so the last class of the day got the best of me.
That night I walked to the gym. Usually Monday is my day off, but since I am going to miss Wednesday for the diploma ceremony, I bumped up my schedule. This was not a good idea. The gym is always packed on Mondays, and tonight was no exception, so I had to do my workout first. It was not a good workout, and right away I got myself into the mentality that it was not going to be a good run. And it was not. It was probably the worst run I've had since I started training. My head was just saying “NO” to every step I took. I ended up quitting, and had a huge breakdown. I came home and cried like you wouldn’t believe in the shower. I have always used running as a metaphor for my time here, and the fact that I quit my run was not encouraging. Now I'm ready for bed and it is 7:30. Tonight was not good, but I am hoping that I cried everything out. All my homesickness and negativity. I hope that it is gone for good, and tomorrow will be a fresh start.
Every moment is new. Never let past failures affect your ability to live each moment to its maximum. Because you failed last time does not mean you don’t have the power to succeed this time.
Carly
Today was a really… bizarre day. It started out really well. First thing in the morning I had a math quiz. I'm pretty sure I failed it, as it was on Log, which I haven’t learned in English yet. It was good though, because I didn’t leave a single question blank, I honestly tried my best, so even if I end up getting zero, I would get an A for effort! After that, I made a list of reasons that this week was going to be a beautiful week. Just little things in my day every day that I can look forward too!
Next period was French, in which we had a reading period. I haven’t had enough time to be reading my twilight book at home, and at school we are reading The Alchemist. Since I haven’t been reading that much, I had forgotten how much I like reading in French, and how much it helps me with the language. I am really going to make more of an effort to keep reading.
At lunch I got my project finished for online English. I am making such good progress, I know I will be able to get it done before I come home, which is exciting, because I am hoping when I get home there will be way too many distractions for me to even think about my online courses!!
In the afternoon, had economy first in which we started planning projects. I am making a poster with Julie, Blonde Emilie, a girl that intimidates the shit out of me, and another boy. I honestly have no idea what the poster is on. It was kind of funny though, because I was talking to the boy in our group, and he said “so you understand French now” and when I said yes, he pumped his fists and smiled. It was a little bit weird, and all I could do was laugh.
Last period I had economy, in which I started to get wrestles. All day, I had been working hard to keep my mind in Quebec, and not wondering off somewhere else. This was going well until we continued watching Indiana Jones in Religion. I was too tired to focus, and my thoughts wondered home. I have found I get homesick when I am bored or tired, so the last class of the day got the best of me.
That night I walked to the gym. Usually Monday is my day off, but since I am going to miss Wednesday for the diploma ceremony, I bumped up my schedule. This was not a good idea. The gym is always packed on Mondays, and tonight was no exception, so I had to do my workout first. It was not a good workout, and right away I got myself into the mentality that it was not going to be a good run. And it was not. It was probably the worst run I've had since I started training. My head was just saying “NO” to every step I took. I ended up quitting, and had a huge breakdown. I came home and cried like you wouldn’t believe in the shower. I have always used running as a metaphor for my time here, and the fact that I quit my run was not encouraging. Now I'm ready for bed and it is 7:30. Tonight was not good, but I am hoping that I cried everything out. All my homesickness and negativity. I hope that it is gone for good, and tomorrow will be a fresh start.
Every moment is new. Never let past failures affect your ability to live each moment to its maximum. Because you failed last time does not mean you don’t have the power to succeed this time.
Carly
Busy Busy, and thats the way I like it!
Weekend, March 20-22, 09
This weekend, Friday was kind of non-descript. I woke up and got some good time at the gym. After that I just did trivial things, like laundry and shine my army boots. I actually didn’t mind doing my boots that much when I was by myself and could do them my own way without anyone standing over my shoulder. I also had to iron my army pants… I put the iron way too hot and melted a piece of he fabric. I cannot tell you how much satisfaction that gave me!! Cadets Friday night was… interesting. The first part was okay. We were in our classes, and we finished up our lesson on radio messaging. We then had a quiz, on which I got one answer right, but it was the hardest question! After that we had drill practice. Maybe I just need to let go and try and have more fun with this, because on Friday night I did not enjoy it. Drilling is when everyone stands in lines and the sergeant yells commands on how to turn, walk or how many times to stomp. I find this so intimidating, and not fun. It’s really hard when you don’t really understand, and you stick out like a sore thumb if you go in the wrong direction! (Looking back at it now, it actually must have been pretty funny to watch me) I think I really just need to not take myself so seriously. I know everybody in cadets, they’re all so nice and I know I will be forgiven if I screw up, so I think I just need to breathe and enjoy myself! I also had my first uniform inspection this week… I got 13/15. I don’t know what I lost the points for, but that’s pretty good, so I wont complain. To end off the evening, we had a parade, in which I was playing in the band. The parades are long and boring, and I don’t see the point in them. We march around playing music, while everyone else stands at attention. Then all the officers make announcements for a half hour while we stand there and don’t move. We could easily listen to those announcements while sitting, or even just send me an email! They also drew names out of a hat for prizes, and it was kind of exciting because Julie won $50.00! I do feel kind of bad about how much I am not enjoying cadets for Julie’s sake, and the families. It like if someone came and lived with me, and all they did was bash Roxy (where I work), and tell me how stupid it was, I would be pretty ticked off. I try to keep a positive attitude though, and every week is getting better and easier.
Saturday morning was band practice in preparation for our concert next week. It was also crazy hat day, so that was kind of fun. Honestly, our music is not sounding that great, but I enjoy it a lot, so I don’t even mind. The band sweatpants we ordered also arrived on Saturday, and they are so nice! I am so happy I bought them, and they will make such a nice souvenir. We finished band about an hour early, so everyone played soccer in the gym. I opted to be a cheerleader, because it was my long run after that, and knowing me, I probably would have fallen and twisted my ankle if I played. It was fun though, because most of the girls didn’t want to play either, so it wasn’t like I was just sitting there by myself. Saturday afternoon, I went for my ten-mile long run. I found the perfect road to run on. It was one long straight run that went through three perfect little towns. It was honestly like running through a postcard. I enjoyed the run so much, and I know I can do anything if I can run ten miles! That nigh I watched a movie with Julies Parents, and it was pretty good. I can understand almost everything now, which is so nice! I can’t even believe how much my French has improved, and I am so proud of my progress!
Sunday was a huge day. We woke up early to go out for breakfast, and then off to the Village Vacations (the HUGE toboggan place in Quebec) and it was crazy fun! It was the absolute perfect day, the sun was shining, and probably around 0 degrees. Since the park closes for the end of the season next week, there were barely any people there, so we didn’t ever have to wait in lines! There were kind of three things to do at the sport village. The first was “rafting”. It is actually in the same kind of boat you use for white water rafting, and you go in groups of eight down the side of the mountain. It goes so fast, and was probably my favorite ride of the day. When you are done, you pull your boat to the base of the hill, and ski lift type things pull it up, while you sit on an inner-tube ski lift to go up! Going up the mountain was almost as fun as coming down!
The second ride was the “tornado”; it’s the same idea as the raft, but in a circular boat that spins all the way down. We did this ride many times, because it was so fun. It makes you so dizzy, and the runs were icy when we were there, so it spun double! One of the times, it was my turn to pull the boat up to the base, and Rachel gave it a push from behind, and there was so much ice, it spun right up to my feet, and I fell right over into the boat. Everyone laughed so hard, and I'm sure it would have been quite a sight.
The other thing to do is everyone gets an individual tube, and you go down toboggan runs. All the tubes have handles, and you have to go in groups, by exchanging handles. Some of the runs were so fast, and Rachel and I went off the highest one, which was at a 110% incline. It was so fast and so steep, I actually thought I was going to die!
When we were finished for the day, we had those fresh made “syrup on a stick” things that are so famous in Quebec. I never imagined it was something I would like, but like all the other food I've tried in Quebec, it was delicious!!
That night was Julies Birthday supper, and when we came home from tobogganing, we all worked together to make bruchetta, mini pizzas, eggs and other appetizers! It was a neat meal, and we finished off with strawberry cheesecake, which I have acquired a taste for! I was so exhausted again Sunday night, and fell asleep super early!
It was such a good weekend, and it went by so fast! I cant believe I am already able to say “I have this weekend, and then I'm doing this and this, and then… Its over!!” Even though this weekend went by quickly, I was still fighting homesickness every step of the way. It is harder when I'm tired, so this weekend was difficult, but I am so close to the end now, that I just know everything will be okay!
Love you more than I now love cheesecake,
Carly
This weekend, Friday was kind of non-descript. I woke up and got some good time at the gym. After that I just did trivial things, like laundry and shine my army boots. I actually didn’t mind doing my boots that much when I was by myself and could do them my own way without anyone standing over my shoulder. I also had to iron my army pants… I put the iron way too hot and melted a piece of he fabric. I cannot tell you how much satisfaction that gave me!! Cadets Friday night was… interesting. The first part was okay. We were in our classes, and we finished up our lesson on radio messaging. We then had a quiz, on which I got one answer right, but it was the hardest question! After that we had drill practice. Maybe I just need to let go and try and have more fun with this, because on Friday night I did not enjoy it. Drilling is when everyone stands in lines and the sergeant yells commands on how to turn, walk or how many times to stomp. I find this so intimidating, and not fun. It’s really hard when you don’t really understand, and you stick out like a sore thumb if you go in the wrong direction! (Looking back at it now, it actually must have been pretty funny to watch me) I think I really just need to not take myself so seriously. I know everybody in cadets, they’re all so nice and I know I will be forgiven if I screw up, so I think I just need to breathe and enjoy myself! I also had my first uniform inspection this week… I got 13/15. I don’t know what I lost the points for, but that’s pretty good, so I wont complain. To end off the evening, we had a parade, in which I was playing in the band. The parades are long and boring, and I don’t see the point in them. We march around playing music, while everyone else stands at attention. Then all the officers make announcements for a half hour while we stand there and don’t move. We could easily listen to those announcements while sitting, or even just send me an email! They also drew names out of a hat for prizes, and it was kind of exciting because Julie won $50.00! I do feel kind of bad about how much I am not enjoying cadets for Julie’s sake, and the families. It like if someone came and lived with me, and all they did was bash Roxy (where I work), and tell me how stupid it was, I would be pretty ticked off. I try to keep a positive attitude though, and every week is getting better and easier.
Saturday morning was band practice in preparation for our concert next week. It was also crazy hat day, so that was kind of fun. Honestly, our music is not sounding that great, but I enjoy it a lot, so I don’t even mind. The band sweatpants we ordered also arrived on Saturday, and they are so nice! I am so happy I bought them, and they will make such a nice souvenir. We finished band about an hour early, so everyone played soccer in the gym. I opted to be a cheerleader, because it was my long run after that, and knowing me, I probably would have fallen and twisted my ankle if I played. It was fun though, because most of the girls didn’t want to play either, so it wasn’t like I was just sitting there by myself. Saturday afternoon, I went for my ten-mile long run. I found the perfect road to run on. It was one long straight run that went through three perfect little towns. It was honestly like running through a postcard. I enjoyed the run so much, and I know I can do anything if I can run ten miles! That nigh I watched a movie with Julies Parents, and it was pretty good. I can understand almost everything now, which is so nice! I can’t even believe how much my French has improved, and I am so proud of my progress!
Sunday was a huge day. We woke up early to go out for breakfast, and then off to the Village Vacations (the HUGE toboggan place in Quebec) and it was crazy fun! It was the absolute perfect day, the sun was shining, and probably around 0 degrees. Since the park closes for the end of the season next week, there were barely any people there, so we didn’t ever have to wait in lines! There were kind of three things to do at the sport village. The first was “rafting”. It is actually in the same kind of boat you use for white water rafting, and you go in groups of eight down the side of the mountain. It goes so fast, and was probably my favorite ride of the day. When you are done, you pull your boat to the base of the hill, and ski lift type things pull it up, while you sit on an inner-tube ski lift to go up! Going up the mountain was almost as fun as coming down!
The second ride was the “tornado”; it’s the same idea as the raft, but in a circular boat that spins all the way down. We did this ride many times, because it was so fun. It makes you so dizzy, and the runs were icy when we were there, so it spun double! One of the times, it was my turn to pull the boat up to the base, and Rachel gave it a push from behind, and there was so much ice, it spun right up to my feet, and I fell right over into the boat. Everyone laughed so hard, and I'm sure it would have been quite a sight.
The other thing to do is everyone gets an individual tube, and you go down toboggan runs. All the tubes have handles, and you have to go in groups, by exchanging handles. Some of the runs were so fast, and Rachel and I went off the highest one, which was at a 110% incline. It was so fast and so steep, I actually thought I was going to die!
When we were finished for the day, we had those fresh made “syrup on a stick” things that are so famous in Quebec. I never imagined it was something I would like, but like all the other food I've tried in Quebec, it was delicious!!
That night was Julies Birthday supper, and when we came home from tobogganing, we all worked together to make bruchetta, mini pizzas, eggs and other appetizers! It was a neat meal, and we finished off with strawberry cheesecake, which I have acquired a taste for! I was so exhausted again Sunday night, and fell asleep super early!
It was such a good weekend, and it went by so fast! I cant believe I am already able to say “I have this weekend, and then I'm doing this and this, and then… Its over!!” Even though this weekend went by quickly, I was still fighting homesickness every step of the way. It is harder when I'm tired, so this weekend was difficult, but I am so close to the end now, that I just know everything will be okay!
Love you more than I now love cheesecake,
Carly
The Girl in the Green Coat
Thursday March 19, 09
Today was kind of a weird day. I had my “spare” first period, which always sets things of to a rocky start because I am thinkning in English all class. I finished my online project, which I was happy about and got a head start on next week’s coursework. I have good timeline to finish both my online English and Gym before I get home, and it feels good to be well underway to accomplish that goal.
After my spare, I had economy in which I had a good conversation with the teacher when I asked him to fill out my evaluation (I was right yesterday, my other teachers are so much easier on me than my math teacher was, Straight A’s!). He said my French had improved so much, and I understood everything he said! It’s funny, because out of all my teachers, I find him the hardest to understand, because he has such a thick accent, so I have improved the most in my comprehension in that class.
At lunch today was another birthday, and we all wore party hats and sang. Remember when I put “Birthday’s” on my “In” list? I was not exaggerating. Everyone goes all out for birthdays here. When I get home, there will never be another birthday that goes unnoticed!
After that I went back to the library, but couldn’t concentrate on my work. Two hours of individual work time is too much in a day, and I think the next time I have a library spare in the day, I will do something else at lunch. Because I was bored today at lunch, I went down to the International Guidance office, and asked the woman if there was anyway I would be able to get some volunteer hours while I was here. I asked her if maybe I could tutor English to some of the younger kids one or two times a week, and she said that would be a great idea. She then wrote down my name and told me shed come find me next week when she had some details. She made it very easy, and I wish had have asked her a long time ago… I wont be able to get that many hours in six weeks. At least it will be more volunteer hours than I had before!
After lunch was gym and we were in the training center. It’s difficult, because I don’t want to be lifting weights at school when I am training outside of school. It’s not good to mix programs, and get the days all mixed up. Instead I had a good conversation with the exchange student from Germany. I am sad because she is leaving next week. We started out talking about general stuff, but when we started talking about other things like our boyfriends and families, we switched to English. I feel bad that I cheated, and I know I'm only cheating myself by speaking English, but there was just so much I wanted and needed to say built up inside of me, I had to let it out!
Math last period was not good. We are learning about Log, and I do not understand a thing. Honestly, absolutely nothing makes sense to me. This hasn’t really bothered me too much before, because my grades don’t matter here, but we have a quiz on Monday and a test on Wednesday. Even though my mark isn’t important, I feel terrible not trying. I know there is absolutely no way I will be able to get over 20% on these tests, and I don’t want to become a “Write- off”. I think the teacher has given up on me, and I have pretty much given up too. If I wanted to start applying myself in that class, I wouldn’t know where to start because the material is so far over my head. Today’s class was just frustrating, and I don’t want to waste another 30 hours of my life sitting there doodling. I need to do something about the situation, but I honestly have no idea what. I cant apply myself, because it is just way to freaking hard, I cant change classes, because joining another class with only six weeks left would be a waste of time too and sitting there not really doing anything is just not working for me!
Tonight after school I went for a run at the gym, and went to a (this is embarrassing) step class. It was really hard, and I'm sure I looked like a total fool, but I had fun. I would also like to mention, I think that Quebec City could possibly be the cougar capital of the world. I thought I was in the class with a bunch of twenty year olds, but upon close examination, I realized I was probably the only person in the room under the age of 30! All these women were tanned, toned and blonde! It was really bizarre… but is encouraging me to attend another step class. Even though they’re like 40, these women were hot!
Tomorrow, I am getting a haircut, which I have to admit I am nervous for. First, because I’m not sure I’ll be able to explain what I want, and Second, because I haven’t had a haircut I liked since…. Grade seven maybe?? My hair is just being stupid though, and I need to get it cleaned up a little bit. I think a little bit of change could be good too! All my days are starting to seem the same and I think a change is what I need, even if it is only my hair.
Right now, I am counting down the days until April 6th. April 6th is the day I start the final sprint of my run. If I can make it to April 6th I will be okay. Speaking of being okay… One of the boys here from PEI is going home six weeks early. He was just… not okay here. He didn’t like it, and like me, felt like he was wasting time in all his classes. Unlike me, he actually had work to do at school at home he was missing out on. I think no matter how bad things were for me, I would never consider going home early as an option. Honestly, I think I just have too much pride. Going home early would be a major failure, and everyone made such a big deal about me leaving, I wouldn’t want to let them down. Even though the next week or two will be hard, going home is not an option, I've stuck it this far, and I'm going right until the end! Today marked my half way point, and there is no point now turning around. I'm as close to the end as I am to the beginning, and only getting closer everyday. I'm not worried. Things are going good, and when I do reach the finish line, I will have the privilege of looking back on the best experience of my life!
Going right to the end,
Carly
Today was kind of a weird day. I had my “spare” first period, which always sets things of to a rocky start because I am thinkning in English all class. I finished my online project, which I was happy about and got a head start on next week’s coursework. I have good timeline to finish both my online English and Gym before I get home, and it feels good to be well underway to accomplish that goal.
After my spare, I had economy in which I had a good conversation with the teacher when I asked him to fill out my evaluation (I was right yesterday, my other teachers are so much easier on me than my math teacher was, Straight A’s!). He said my French had improved so much, and I understood everything he said! It’s funny, because out of all my teachers, I find him the hardest to understand, because he has such a thick accent, so I have improved the most in my comprehension in that class.
At lunch today was another birthday, and we all wore party hats and sang. Remember when I put “Birthday’s” on my “In” list? I was not exaggerating. Everyone goes all out for birthdays here. When I get home, there will never be another birthday that goes unnoticed!
After that I went back to the library, but couldn’t concentrate on my work. Two hours of individual work time is too much in a day, and I think the next time I have a library spare in the day, I will do something else at lunch. Because I was bored today at lunch, I went down to the International Guidance office, and asked the woman if there was anyway I would be able to get some volunteer hours while I was here. I asked her if maybe I could tutor English to some of the younger kids one or two times a week, and she said that would be a great idea. She then wrote down my name and told me shed come find me next week when she had some details. She made it very easy, and I wish had have asked her a long time ago… I wont be able to get that many hours in six weeks. At least it will be more volunteer hours than I had before!
After lunch was gym and we were in the training center. It’s difficult, because I don’t want to be lifting weights at school when I am training outside of school. It’s not good to mix programs, and get the days all mixed up. Instead I had a good conversation with the exchange student from Germany. I am sad because she is leaving next week. We started out talking about general stuff, but when we started talking about other things like our boyfriends and families, we switched to English. I feel bad that I cheated, and I know I'm only cheating myself by speaking English, but there was just so much I wanted and needed to say built up inside of me, I had to let it out!
Math last period was not good. We are learning about Log, and I do not understand a thing. Honestly, absolutely nothing makes sense to me. This hasn’t really bothered me too much before, because my grades don’t matter here, but we have a quiz on Monday and a test on Wednesday. Even though my mark isn’t important, I feel terrible not trying. I know there is absolutely no way I will be able to get over 20% on these tests, and I don’t want to become a “Write- off”. I think the teacher has given up on me, and I have pretty much given up too. If I wanted to start applying myself in that class, I wouldn’t know where to start because the material is so far over my head. Today’s class was just frustrating, and I don’t want to waste another 30 hours of my life sitting there doodling. I need to do something about the situation, but I honestly have no idea what. I cant apply myself, because it is just way to freaking hard, I cant change classes, because joining another class with only six weeks left would be a waste of time too and sitting there not really doing anything is just not working for me!
Tonight after school I went for a run at the gym, and went to a (this is embarrassing) step class. It was really hard, and I'm sure I looked like a total fool, but I had fun. I would also like to mention, I think that Quebec City could possibly be the cougar capital of the world. I thought I was in the class with a bunch of twenty year olds, but upon close examination, I realized I was probably the only person in the room under the age of 30! All these women were tanned, toned and blonde! It was really bizarre… but is encouraging me to attend another step class. Even though they’re like 40, these women were hot!
Tomorrow, I am getting a haircut, which I have to admit I am nervous for. First, because I’m not sure I’ll be able to explain what I want, and Second, because I haven’t had a haircut I liked since…. Grade seven maybe?? My hair is just being stupid though, and I need to get it cleaned up a little bit. I think a little bit of change could be good too! All my days are starting to seem the same and I think a change is what I need, even if it is only my hair.
Right now, I am counting down the days until April 6th. April 6th is the day I start the final sprint of my run. If I can make it to April 6th I will be okay. Speaking of being okay… One of the boys here from PEI is going home six weeks early. He was just… not okay here. He didn’t like it, and like me, felt like he was wasting time in all his classes. Unlike me, he actually had work to do at school at home he was missing out on. I think no matter how bad things were for me, I would never consider going home early as an option. Honestly, I think I just have too much pride. Going home early would be a major failure, and everyone made such a big deal about me leaving, I wouldn’t want to let them down. Even though the next week or two will be hard, going home is not an option, I've stuck it this far, and I'm going right until the end! Today marked my half way point, and there is no point now turning around. I'm as close to the end as I am to the beginning, and only getting closer everyday. I'm not worried. Things are going good, and when I do reach the finish line, I will have the privilege of looking back on the best experience of my life!
Going right to the end,
Carly
Never A Write- Off
Wednesday March 18, 09
Today was kind of a weird day. I had my “spare” first period, which always sets things of to a rocky start because I am thinkning in English all class. I finished my online project, which I was happy about and got a head start on next week’s coursework. I have good timeline to finish both my online English and Gym before I get home, and it feels good to be well underway to accomplish that goal.
After my spare, I had economy in which I had a good conversation with the teacher when I asked him to fill out my evaluation (I was right yesterday, my other teachers are so much easier on me than my math teacher was, Straight A’s!). He said my French had improved so much, and I understood everything he said! It’s funny, because out of all my teachers, I find him the hardest to understand, because he has such a thick accent, so I have improved the most in my comprehension in that class.
At lunch today was another birthday, and we all wore party hats and sang. Remember when I put “Birthday’s” on my “In” list? I was not exaggerating. Everyone goes all out for birthdays here. When I get home, there will never be another birthday that goes unnoticed!
After that I went back to the library, but couldn’t concentrate on my work. Two hours of individual work time is too much in a day, and I think the next time I have a library spare in the day, I will do something else at lunch. Because I was bored today at lunch, I went down to the International Guidance office, and asked the woman if there was anyway I would be able to get some volunteer hours while I was here. I asked her if maybe I could tutor English to some of the younger kids one or two times a week, and she said that would be a great idea. She then wrote down my name and told me shed come find me next week when she had some details. She made it very easy, and I wish had have asked her a long time ago… I wont be able to get that many hours in six weeks. At least it will be more volunteer hours than I had before!
After lunch was gym and we were in the training center. It’s difficult, because I don’t want to be lifting weights at school when I am training outside of school. It’s not good to mix programs, and get the days all mixed up. Instead I had a good conversation with the exchange student from Germany. I am sad because she is leaving next week. We started out talking about general stuff, but when we started talking about other things like our boyfriends and families, we switched to English. I feel bad that I cheated, and I know I'm only cheating myself by speaking English, but there was just so much I wanted and needed to say built up inside of me, I had to let it out!
Math last period was not good. We are learning about Log, and I do not understand a thing. Honestly, absolutely nothing makes sense to me. This hasn’t really bothered me too much before, because my grades don’t matter here, but we have a quiz on Monday and a test on Wednesday. Even though my mark isn’t important, I feel terrible not trying. I know there is absolutely no way I will be able to get over 20% on these tests, and I don’t want to become a “Write- off”. I think the teacher has given up on me, and I have pretty much given up too. If I wanted to start applying myself in that class, I wouldn’t know where to start because the material is so far over my head. Today’s class was just frustrating, and I don’t want to waste another 30 hours of my life sitting there doodling. I need to do something about the situation, but I honestly have no idea what. I cant apply myself, because it is just way to freaking hard, I cant change classes, because joining another class with only six weeks left would be a waste of time too and sitting there not really doing anything is just not working for me!
Tonight after school I went for a run at the gym, and went to a (this is embarrassing) step class. It was really hard, and I'm sure I looked like a total fool, but I had fun. I would also like to mention, I think that Quebec City could possibly be the cougar capital of the world. I thought I was in the class with a bunch of twenty year olds, but upon close examination, I realized I was probably the only person in the room under the age of 30! All these women were tanned, toned and blonde! It was really bizarre… but is encouraging me to attend another step class. Even though they’re like 40, these women were hot!
Tomorrow, I am getting a haircut, which I have to admit I am nervous for. First, because I’m not sure I’ll be able to explain what I want, and Second, because I haven’t had a haircut I liked since…. Grade seven maybe?? My hair is just being stupid though, and I need to get it cleaned up a little bit. I think a little bit of change could be good too! All my days are starting to seem the same and I think a change is what I need, even if it is only my hair.
Right now, I am counting down the days until April 6th. April 6th is the day I start the final sprint of my run. If I can make it to April 6th I will be okay. Speaking of being okay… One of the boys here from PEI is going home six weeks early. He was just… not okay here. He didn’t like it, and like me, felt like he was wasting time in all his classes. Unlike me, he actually had work to do at school at home he was missing out on. I think no matter how bad things were for me, I would never consider going home early as an option. Honestly, I think I just have too much pride. Going home early would be a major failure, and everyone made such a big deal about me leaving, I wouldn’t want to let them down. Even though the next week or two will be hard, going home is not an option, I've stuck it this far, and I'm going right until the end! Today marked my half way point, and there is no point now turning around. I'm as close to the end as I am to the beginning, and only getting closer everyday. I'm not worried. Things are going good, and when I do reach the finish line, I will have the privilege of looking back on the best experience of my life!
Going right to the end,
Carly
Today was kind of a weird day. I had my “spare” first period, which always sets things of to a rocky start because I am thinkning in English all class. I finished my online project, which I was happy about and got a head start on next week’s coursework. I have good timeline to finish both my online English and Gym before I get home, and it feels good to be well underway to accomplish that goal.
After my spare, I had economy in which I had a good conversation with the teacher when I asked him to fill out my evaluation (I was right yesterday, my other teachers are so much easier on me than my math teacher was, Straight A’s!). He said my French had improved so much, and I understood everything he said! It’s funny, because out of all my teachers, I find him the hardest to understand, because he has such a thick accent, so I have improved the most in my comprehension in that class.
At lunch today was another birthday, and we all wore party hats and sang. Remember when I put “Birthday’s” on my “In” list? I was not exaggerating. Everyone goes all out for birthdays here. When I get home, there will never be another birthday that goes unnoticed!
After that I went back to the library, but couldn’t concentrate on my work. Two hours of individual work time is too much in a day, and I think the next time I have a library spare in the day, I will do something else at lunch. Because I was bored today at lunch, I went down to the International Guidance office, and asked the woman if there was anyway I would be able to get some volunteer hours while I was here. I asked her if maybe I could tutor English to some of the younger kids one or two times a week, and she said that would be a great idea. She then wrote down my name and told me shed come find me next week when she had some details. She made it very easy, and I wish had have asked her a long time ago… I wont be able to get that many hours in six weeks. At least it will be more volunteer hours than I had before!
After lunch was gym and we were in the training center. It’s difficult, because I don’t want to be lifting weights at school when I am training outside of school. It’s not good to mix programs, and get the days all mixed up. Instead I had a good conversation with the exchange student from Germany. I am sad because she is leaving next week. We started out talking about general stuff, but when we started talking about other things like our boyfriends and families, we switched to English. I feel bad that I cheated, and I know I'm only cheating myself by speaking English, but there was just so much I wanted and needed to say built up inside of me, I had to let it out!
Math last period was not good. We are learning about Log, and I do not understand a thing. Honestly, absolutely nothing makes sense to me. This hasn’t really bothered me too much before, because my grades don’t matter here, but we have a quiz on Monday and a test on Wednesday. Even though my mark isn’t important, I feel terrible not trying. I know there is absolutely no way I will be able to get over 20% on these tests, and I don’t want to become a “Write- off”. I think the teacher has given up on me, and I have pretty much given up too. If I wanted to start applying myself in that class, I wouldn’t know where to start because the material is so far over my head. Today’s class was just frustrating, and I don’t want to waste another 30 hours of my life sitting there doodling. I need to do something about the situation, but I honestly have no idea what. I cant apply myself, because it is just way to freaking hard, I cant change classes, because joining another class with only six weeks left would be a waste of time too and sitting there not really doing anything is just not working for me!
Tonight after school I went for a run at the gym, and went to a (this is embarrassing) step class. It was really hard, and I'm sure I looked like a total fool, but I had fun. I would also like to mention, I think that Quebec City could possibly be the cougar capital of the world. I thought I was in the class with a bunch of twenty year olds, but upon close examination, I realized I was probably the only person in the room under the age of 30! All these women were tanned, toned and blonde! It was really bizarre… but is encouraging me to attend another step class. Even though they’re like 40, these women were hot!
Tomorrow, I am getting a haircut, which I have to admit I am nervous for. First, because I’m not sure I’ll be able to explain what I want, and Second, because I haven’t had a haircut I liked since…. Grade seven maybe?? My hair is just being stupid though, and I need to get it cleaned up a little bit. I think a little bit of change could be good too! All my days are starting to seem the same and I think a change is what I need, even if it is only my hair.
Right now, I am counting down the days until April 6th. April 6th is the day I start the final sprint of my run. If I can make it to April 6th I will be okay. Speaking of being okay… One of the boys here from PEI is going home six weeks early. He was just… not okay here. He didn’t like it, and like me, felt like he was wasting time in all his classes. Unlike me, he actually had work to do at school at home he was missing out on. I think no matter how bad things were for me, I would never consider going home early as an option. Honestly, I think I just have too much pride. Going home early would be a major failure, and everyone made such a big deal about me leaving, I wouldn’t want to let them down. Even though the next week or two will be hard, going home is not an option, I've stuck it this far, and I'm going right until the end! Today marked my half way point, and there is no point now turning around. I'm as close to the end as I am to the beginning, and only getting closer everyday. I'm not worried. Things are going good, and when I do reach the finish line, I will have the privilege of looking back on the best experience of my life!
Going right to the end,
Carly
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