I'm starting work tomorrow!
The past few days have been great. Absolutely great.
It's really an amazing thing, when you're able to reach out and help others. The feeling that you get is indescribable. Yesterday, we served food at a homeless shelter, and it was so incredibly rewarding. It’s incredible.
The day before, we played Ultimate Frisbee and then went swimming. It was so beautiful… And my arms are actually getting a bit darker! Maybe, by the end of my stay in Montreal, I won’t blind everyone with my pasty white skin anymore.
The weather has been wonderful. I can’t believe that right now it’s 24 degrees Celsius, and back home it’s only 10 or 12. I can’t say I miss that part of NL.
Homesickness hasn’t hit yet, but I bet it won’t be long. I’ve spoken to some people at home, and can still text so anyone who wants to see what’s on the go right now with me, feel free to send me a text.
The food is better now. I’ve had spaghetti and mac and cheese and a super spicy chili. And I managed to get some meat! I had a little meeting with Julie about the competencies of the Katimavik program, and after seeing Samson’s huge Eggs Benedict with, of course, bacon on the side, I was drooling. Literally, like, it looked so good. So Julie ordered some bacon for me! She was so nice, so funny. I hope I get to talk more with her before we leave for Quesnel!
That reminds me: Our Villeray group met up with the other Montreal group and we met the Gatineau group. It was fantastic getting to talk with them, even if it was only a half an hour. And apparently, they are going to BC as well, and will only be two hours away! Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of them in the future.
So as for right now, my 48 hours off are on September 3rd and 4th. Then, the following weekend we are hoping for some sort of excursion. Meaning, Ottawa or Quebec City. I’ve been to Quebec City, so I’m more leaning towards Ottawa, but honestly both sound amazing. I can’t wait to go!
There has only really been a little drama in the house, none of which I’m involved in, which is great. (: Everyone is friendly. It’s amazing how close you can get with a group in a mere four days. Feels like I’ve been here since the beginning!
I’m a part of the language council so we’re going to run some French games tonight, and Max and I are hoping to get a game of Loups-Garous on the go. Woop woop! It’ll be great.
Today I’m helping out the house managers, since we have a half day for work so it would be pointless if I went in only for a half day. I have swept up and cleaned the counters, done all the dishes, cleaned out the fridge and wiped it down. It feels great being productive. As soon as they get back with Kasia I’m assuming I’ll be putting away groceries and helping to make lunch.
Since this post is long enough I’ll finish up here.
See you next time!
-Kaitlyn
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
my katimafamily and the house: i'm here!
Like you can guess from the title, I have officially arrived in Montreal after a flight at 6 in the morning (read: having to wake up at 3) to Toronto, and then from Toronto to Montreal. The flights were good! Once getting through security in NL I panicked a bit, having not flown by myself before but it all turned out relatively well.
My Project Coordinator picked me up from the airport and that commenced my journey to my house for the next two months, to meet my new family! I was extremely excited, despite being tired from the flight.
After being welcomed by the current House Managers, Jamie and Mikayla, I helped cut vegetables for supper and took a nap. Once I got up everyone else began trickling in, and I met them all pretty much one by one, which was nice.
Once supper was eaten, we had all shared our French / English word of the day and dishes were (mostly all) cleaned, we left for the metro, or the subway, and then took a walk up Mount Royal, from where you can see a beautiful view of Montreal. It was magnifique!
After the trek back to the house, and after four blisters, I went right to sleep. The heat completely knocked me out.
This morning, I was shown different possibilities for my work placement. I'm actually super excited; all three of the possible organizations seem like they are doing some really great things.
After grabbing a quick shower, I'm now writing this blog, and intend on taking a nice nap. I've been yawning since twelve.
Til next time!
And hopefully I'll get more creative next time too, rather than basically dictating my itenerary.
- Kaitlyn.
My Project Coordinator picked me up from the airport and that commenced my journey to my house for the next two months, to meet my new family! I was extremely excited, despite being tired from the flight.
After being welcomed by the current House Managers, Jamie and Mikayla, I helped cut vegetables for supper and took a nap. Once I got up everyone else began trickling in, and I met them all pretty much one by one, which was nice.
Once supper was eaten, we had all shared our French / English word of the day and dishes were (mostly all) cleaned, we left for the metro, or the subway, and then took a walk up Mount Royal, from where you can see a beautiful view of Montreal. It was magnifique!
After the trek back to the house, and after four blisters, I went right to sleep. The heat completely knocked me out.
This morning, I was shown different possibilities for my work placement. I'm actually super excited; all three of the possible organizations seem like they are doing some really great things.
After grabbing a quick shower, I'm now writing this blog, and intend on taking a nice nap. I've been yawning since twelve.
Til next time!
And hopefully I'll get more creative next time too, rather than basically dictating my itenerary.
- Kaitlyn.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
tomorrow. i'm leaving tomorrow.
Yeah, tomorrow. It's hard to get through to myself that I'm actually going to be leaving for a good four and a half months tomorrow morning. Kinda sad that I didn't get to see everyone again, even though y'know, I was completely convinced that it would happen (Joe, Karen and Emily especially)...
Anyway, so, packing has been a bit stressful since I had no idea whether I would fit everything. I'm still hoping that it all fits because I'm not 1OO% done yet. As well, I have to apply for university all over again, fill out a last minute scholarship form for which I may or may not even be eligible, and see my dad who I haven't seen since Wednesday.
Dad's softball team went away for a tournament and ended up winning second (congrats), and his flight was supposed to be in last night. Halifax had thunder storms so his flight got cancelled. He isn't back until 1 today, so he should, theoretically, be back right now. However, that only leaves me a very small amount of time to spend with him between his arrival and my departure. It's all I can do though; I have no control over the weather, haha. Oh well.
I'm now out to get my cheque, then am headed over to dad's for some last minute hanging and buying batteries and so on and so forth. Next time I update, I will probably be in Montreal! So excited! (:
Thanks for reading.
- Kaitlyn
Anyway, so, packing has been a bit stressful since I had no idea whether I would fit everything. I'm still hoping that it all fits because I'm not 1OO% done yet. As well, I have to apply for university all over again, fill out a last minute scholarship form for which I may or may not even be eligible, and see my dad who I haven't seen since Wednesday.
Dad's softball team went away for a tournament and ended up winning second (congrats), and his flight was supposed to be in last night. Halifax had thunder storms so his flight got cancelled. He isn't back until 1 today, so he should, theoretically, be back right now. However, that only leaves me a very small amount of time to spend with him between his arrival and my departure. It's all I can do though; I have no control over the weather, haha. Oh well.
I'm now out to get my cheque, then am headed over to dad's for some last minute hanging and buying batteries and so on and so forth. Next time I update, I will probably be in Montreal! So excited! (:
Thanks for reading.
- Kaitlyn
Thursday, July 28, 2011
katimavik... a week from today!
Hey everyone,
So, I've had a couple people show interest in me writing a blog about my Katimavik experiences, and I've decided that I'm gonna see what I can do! It may not be as in-depth as some other blogs that I've seen around, and it may get ignored for a bit too, but we'll see where it takes us!
So, for everyone who doesn't know, I'm Kaitlyn, and I'm from Newfoundland, Canada. I've been accepted as a replacement for the Katimavik program for the July to December, 2011 program. And let me tell you... I am more excited than you could imagine!
I think it all really hit me yesterday, while I was reading Kyra's blog ( check it out ), that this new phase in my life is actually about to begin. That I'm leaving for Quebec in a week's time, leaving my home behind, to live with a bunch of people my age that I've never met before and who have been living together for already a month.
It's a scary thought.
However, due to some boredom and snooping on facebook, I actually managed to locate my group, and have been talking to some of the girls who are in my group! They all seem very nice, and I know already that there is a Harry Potter nerd with them. P: I get the feeling that once the initial shock is over, I'll fit in seamlessly with the rest of the team. (:
I've begun my list of things to bring, and ( yes mom, you were right ) that won't include a new laptop. I'm not too fussy though. I'm sure I'll be able to communicate all I want with the group's computer. c: As for other things, I have yet to buy new jeans, and I still need to finish making my list. What is the fall like in BC?! I'll worry about that hurdle when I get to it, I suppose.
And that's about it for my first entry!
Seven days, holy craaaaap.
- Kaitlyn
So, I've had a couple people show interest in me writing a blog about my Katimavik experiences, and I've decided that I'm gonna see what I can do! It may not be as in-depth as some other blogs that I've seen around, and it may get ignored for a bit too, but we'll see where it takes us!
So, for everyone who doesn't know, I'm Kaitlyn, and I'm from Newfoundland, Canada. I've been accepted as a replacement for the Katimavik program for the July to December, 2011 program. And let me tell you... I am more excited than you could imagine!
I think it all really hit me yesterday, while I was reading Kyra's blog ( check it out ), that this new phase in my life is actually about to begin. That I'm leaving for Quebec in a week's time, leaving my home behind, to live with a bunch of people my age that I've never met before and who have been living together for already a month.
It's a scary thought.
However, due to some boredom and snooping on facebook, I actually managed to locate my group, and have been talking to some of the girls who are in my group! They all seem very nice, and I know already that there is a Harry Potter nerd with them. P: I get the feeling that once the initial shock is over, I'll fit in seamlessly with the rest of the team. (:
I've begun my list of things to bring, and ( yes mom, you were right ) that won't include a new laptop. I'm not too fussy though. I'm sure I'll be able to communicate all I want with the group's computer. c: As for other things, I have yet to buy new jeans, and I still need to finish making my list. What is the fall like in BC?! I'll worry about that hurdle when I get to it, I suppose.
And that's about it for my first entry!
Seven days, holy craaaaap.
- Kaitlyn
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