Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Glitch

Hi hi,

This is going to be short. I am beginning to get occupied with this research project. The process of researching material is not the hard part. University life has taught me all the tricks of researching. Haha! The hard part comes when you have "brain glitches".

Today I had so many "brain glitches" on one topic that it got right down annoying. Seriously, if anyone ever mentions the word "age" again, I'll just cry. It is my new found enemy. The problem this word and concept have caused me today is amazing. Then if this problem was not enough, I also added to it.

I do rationalize, I really do. 

However, even when I do, I go back to the losing battle. So I had this problem of categorizing the ages of a population. The information I decided to use as a standard just would not do. Rather than panicking and thinking OMG I chose the wrong data to standardize, I decided to move to a different topic; coming back to this when I had cooled down. But you know me, after 10 minutes I'd go back to bang my head against the "wall".

Anyhow, I eventually (I think!) found my answer. I will be very happy when I have the words typed up in this section. LOL! I plan to complete 40% of this by next week. Wish me luck!

Have fun,
Simmi

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Presentations!

Hey!

Today I did a Healthy Kids Day Marathon presentation for some of the children in our After School Care program for Spring Break. I went in during snack time, and the minute I entered the room, a lot of the kids started asking questions. They were curious about what I was presenting, and I just breathed a sigh of relief. You have no idea how difficult it can be presenting to children. And I am someone who enjoys doing presentations because I think I am pretty good at them. Very modest no? LOL!

The presentations I am talking about are the ones that you present in front of adults. Presenting to children is a whole new story. For one thing, trying to get their attention can be the hardest thing you ever do. Then you need to worry about making the information both informative and fun. However, I underestimate myself. I kept their attention, I got them to interact with me, and made it informative. I am just amazing with kids. Haha!

So I guess after presenting to the children here, I am ready to go out to the various schools. Well, I'll keep you posted - I am starting next week. It's next week! I need to Google Map how to get to these schools. My sense of direction is, well, non-existent! LOL! I have the great talent of getting lost in Prince George; I'd vanish in a place like Vancouver.

I tend to forget street names, so you should not call me to get directions. Although I am getting better at remembering the various street names. However, we should not take that chance and call me if lost!

Other than my my 5-10 minute presentation, I have spent most of the day on my research. My eyes would like to me. I have read so many papers, and my eyes are tired. Another thing relating to the topic of research is that for about 15 minutes I had a block. I just couldn't think of anything. I had the information, but I just could not think of how to incorporate it in my report.

You know how people say it was "on the tip of my tongue"? Well, here the thought was on the tip of my brain. It was driving me crazy because I knew the thought would make everything click, but it was just not forming. Does that make sense? It does in my head! Haha!

Anyways, lets see where this takes me.

Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: I still need to find a restaurant to go to for my brother's birthday dinner which is this weekend. Help! Lol!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Monday

Hello bello!

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was nice; just relaxed and caught up on life.

So do I dare say it? Do I really dare? Yes, I dare. LOL! Spring seems to be actually coming! The roads are clear, and even the side walks are clear! The snow is actually melting, and the weather is warm too.

Now I feel hot; it's pretty warm in here. When you come out of the room you actually feel a cool breeze welcoming you. LOL! It is pretty interesting!

Oh and it seems like I am losing my voice. I hope I don't fully lose my voice, I like to talk too much.

Anyways, I just stayed at the Highland location today and worked on my research. I am thinking that this may take up my time completely for the rest of the month. This means I may not be able to go out much. I have all the schools to visit in April, NAYDO in April, and this assignment is due in April. So yes, I don't think I will be doing any Bosu soon. Haha!

Maybe all of you can go to the various programs on my behalf and tell me how they went. I think this is an awesome idea. No? Think about it!

Well I'm off to do some more research.

Have fun,
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: Long weekend coming up!

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Gift of Friday

Hi,

Did you miss me? I wasn't here yesterday; did you even notice? LOL!

So today is Friday - sweet, beautiful, wonderful Friday. I am finished the major things that I was assigned to do, and I am happy. My set date for this project was March 25, but I finished today! It is so much more fun when you are actually ahead of schedule than behind schedule. I am beginning to perfect my planning and organizing skills! 

Next week my schedule seems much more relaxed compared to these past few weeks. I will be doing Healthy Kids Presentations on Monday, which will just take 20 minutes in total. Rest of the week, and most of April, I will be doing the research project that I actually began doing my first week here. I finally get to my first baby "grow up". LOL! 

Oh I am going to the NAYDO Conference in April too. *runs to go find the full form of this* It stands for The North American YMCA Development Organization. It'll be a 4 day thing, so you might not hear from me for four full days. I know, it's quite disheartening! Miss me!

Anyways, getting back to next week's tentative schedule. Hopefully, I'l get to try out the Gravity Demo and some other fitness programs. I am excited and at the same time thinking if there is a faster way than this of killing myself! Haha! I have Gravity Demo and Super Circuit in mind, and this means being sore to the max; especially for someone who is not used to such workouts. I'll just remember to pace myself! 

I hope I can visit YAP within the next two weeks. YAP will see Simmi - the goal of my life for now!

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend, everyone!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: For being able to finish ahead of schedule, I shall treat myself to a smarties blizzard!! 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The End of the Day

Hi!!

The middle of the week is almost over already! How the time flies. Or you know it may be because I have been so busy that the time seems to have flown by in a blink of an eye. Either way, we are almost at the end of March (with no signs of Spring!).

So today was an office day; working away diligently. LOL! I am actually 5 days ahead of schedule, which I am very happy about! My weekend won`t have "homework" on the to do list. Haha! It was nice that it was just an office day today because there was so much snow in the morning, and I hear it was raining in the afternoon. If I had gone out, you would have only read about me complaining how my pants got wet, how cold I am, etc. So yay!

Hopefully next week I can go around, and try out the activities that are on my to do list. I still need to do things such as visit YAP properly, try Dance Fit, Super Circuit, and the Gravity Demo - to name a few. So yes, maybe next week I can wander out and try them.

Well, hope all of you are enjoying your day!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: I had all these sticky notes around my desk; my area was covered. Slowly but steadily, they are coming down one by one. I only have 2 sticky notes left that need my immediate attention - progress!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Notion of Familiarity

Hi,

How is Tuesday treating you so far? It is Tuesday, right? *checks calendar* It is!

Join us tonight for the Zumba and Fitness-a-thon from 5:30pm to 7:00pm and help us send a child to camp this summer! 

So I was just thinking about a few things while working on some stuff, and it got me thinking. Familiarity brings about many positive associations. When you are familiar with something or someone you are more willingly to interact with it or them respectively. This may correlate to why many people dislike doing cold calls, starting something new, building relationships with new people, etc. Even though there is not a sense of familiarity here, we still try to look for something familiar in the newness. It may be a communication technique most comfortable to use, relating back to an activity you preferred in the past, or finding common interests amongst each other.

Why am I discussing familiarity? Well, because I have just noticed my transition here; from being in new a environment to becoming part of this environment. When I first started, it felt like an overload of information and that I would never understand any of it. I could not even remember names of people, let alone what position they held. Then when I was given an assignment to complete where I had to interact with people, I had thought I would just die - figuratively speaking. LOL!

I knew of what the YMCA of Northern British Columbia was because of the research I had done on it. However, I did not really know what it was till now, and even now I am still learning. There was so much information to take in, and it was unfamiliar ground. I did not enjoy the feeling that comes with the feeling of the unknown.

Now look at me. I understand the structure of the organization to a comfortable extent, and actually know the names of almost everyone! I transitioned from the unknown to the known in a span of almost two months. The feeling that I am walking on unfamiliar ground has become a walking ground that seems a natural part of life now. Familiarity has set in, and this makes me realize (yet again) that when you start something new it eventually does become familiar to you over time.

In psychology, the idea of familiarity is called the familiarity principle and the repeated exposure to a stimulus is called the perceptual fluency. This perceptual fluency in turn makes way for positive associations. My perceptual fluency at the Y has been the people, the various programs, and in general the atmosphere that has given way to my positive association.

I am a person who does not like a sudden change in life. But the thing is that even sudden changes become a part of your life. It is not a bad thing to try something new; you never know what you have been missing out on till you try it!

So go out and try a new fitness program, a new food, a new activity! Haven't tried Zumba, TRX, Step, etc? Go and try them out and become familiar with them. Haha!

I am a great example of this idea of familiarity. I applied for this position after the 4th or 5th time of coming across it; thinking I do not have the skill sets for something digitally related. But here I am, and actually qualified for this position!

Go become familiar!
Simmi

Monday, March 18, 2013

Strong Kids Zumba and Fitness-a-thon

Helllo hello!

Hope everyone had a nice and relaxing weekend; despite the 50 feet of snow. It did feel like the snow was going to engulf the city with its' wrath. As always, please Spring, come soon!

Tomorrow is the Strong Kids Zumba and Fitness-a-thon from 5:30 to 7:00pm; a mix of Zumba, Aerobics and Dance Fit! It is the last event in relation to the Strong Kids Campaign for this year, and it is to help a child attend a YMCA camp.  So come on out tomorrow and get those dancing shoes on for a fun and dance filled evening! $10 donations will get you in and you will have a chance at winning some great prizes!

Tonight I'll be going to my second registered Zumba class, so I am excited for that. Oh and later this afternoon, I'll be heading out to St. Giles too. Last Thursday, I had gone on a school bus that took children to a couple of other YMCA after school care facilities than the Highland one, so now I know where they are located. This means I will not get lost! I am very good at getting lost in Prince George; it's a talent I possess. LOL!

Well, back to work!
Have a nice Monday afternoon and night!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: I need to start studying and stop procrastinating on that front. Stay tuned to find out if Procrastination wins or Simmi!


Friday, March 15, 2013

Weekend!!!!!

Yaay!!

The weekend is here. I am tired. I have been proofing and thinking of questions almost all day. I may even start talking to everyone in the form of a question from now. LOL!

Oh in the morning I worked on Healthy Kids Marathon too. Well, that also involved some questions. So no, I didn't escape the question mode. Now that we are on this topic, lets talk some more about the Healthy Kids Day Marathon.

The goal is to walk or run 41km by June 2nd; completing the last 2.2km on June 2nd. You just keep a log where you note down the date and distance you complete each day. It's an awesome way to incorporate a healthy living style, and an awesome way to have the family involved. Even if this event is for the children, their family members can join in - going out for walks together after dinner etc. So lets all register! Sadly, I don't have a child. Oh wait, I could borrow kids from family and friends. Problem solved!

Anyways, it is the weekend. I have 3 things to do this weekend. I think I will survive; I am still on top of things.

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!

Till we meet Monday,
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: It's the weekend

Thursday, March 14, 2013

A Thursday Morning

Hi!

It's snowing like crazy today. It is supposed to be spring!!

I woke up to find everything knee deep in snow. The first thing that came to mind was please not today - I have to go to both Highland and Massey today. I should just move to Hawaii.

So I came to the office at 8:15am, a total keener right? I shall totally agree with you. LOL! I had my first meeting at 9am, and it went pretty well. It's nice when everyone is on the same page. Afterwards I tried catching Lynette. And let me tell you, trying to catch her is a workout in itself. Haha!

I went into her office and she was in meeting. I was waiting for my things to be printed; someone was already printing something. So I decided to head down to the gym while I waited for the printer to finish printing. A group from Group Care was in the gym. One of the boys decided that he was a dog/lion and I was his prey. I was chased all over the gym! You are all lucky that I am here to blog and not gone forever! Haha!

Then I got an email asking me to help out with something, and I needed Lynette for this too. I went to her office, and she wasn't there. So I came back to my room, and I could hear Lynette's voice. I decided to quickly finish what I was doing and catch her. I went into the various rooms to check and see where she was, but she could not be found. I had just heard her 2 minutes ago, and now poof, vanished! I finally found her coming out of the gym, and that made me very happy. Haha!

Anyways, I gave her some homework, and she gave me some more stuff to think over. My internship ends on May 24, and every day in my calender, up to this date, is full of things I need to do. My goal is to complete everything assigned to me before 4:30pm May 24! It shall be done!!!!!!!

Well, I am off to my next meeting in a bit.

Enjoy the snow!!!!!!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: My parents are hosting a dinner party this weekend, and I just realized that I have not told my mom what I want. My mom is like the greatest cook ever, and it's an added bonus that she loves cooking so much. LOL!


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Meetings!!!!

Hello,

How are you on this Wednesday afternoon that I had made into Thursday for some very odd reason. For most of the day I kept thinking it was Thursday. I am so thankful for my phone. It has a calender with my schedule in it. My phone keeps me informed as to what the day is today. It may not seem a big deal to confuse days on most days, but when I've made myself a deadline it does matter.

So for the rest of this week and all of next week, I'm meeting with someone. Lets now look at my schedule. Why? Well because other than attend meetings today, I did nothing else. And as the intern, it is my intern duty to blog about my day! LOL!

Okay, lets see what I have done, and what needs to be done. So today I had a meeting in the morning that lasted a couple of hours. After lunch, I had another meeting that lasted an hour. Right after this meeting, I had another meeting which lasted a little over an hour. I am "meetinged" out for the day. Basically, I was in meetings today from 9am to 3pm. I did not come to the Highland office till 3:20pmish!

Now tomorrow I have three to four meetings too! By the end of the week, I shall have burned out all of my "meeting energy". Haha! My first meeting tomorrow is at 9am, and I think that will run for about an hour. My next meeting will be in the afternoon around 1:30pm. This one will be split into two portions and will go on till 3pm. After this one, I'll be heading out to my last meeting of the day which will be at 4pm. Am I trying my hardest to make myself feel overwhelmed? Very much so. At least on Friday, I only have one meeting in the afternoon.

Then Monday I have zero meetings, but I still have to finalize a few more meetings next week. So you never know! Tuesday through Wednesday my mornings are booked, and I think my afternoons will be too. Friday morning of next week is booked! Yes, I will be very happy when the long weekend is here, and I have nothing to worry about for 1 whole day!

I do enjoy what I have been doing, and it is not very hard. The thing that burns me out is what I do to myself. LOL! I am anal about being organized with my schedule and I need to stay up to date with everything I do. I procrastinate like no tomorrow when my brain has no idea what to do; nothing can make me concentrate on anything then. I will think about everything else in my life, but what I need to do. I have a lot of philosophical moments when I procrastinate, or so I think!

However, when I know what I will be doing or what I need to do, no can make me stop. I will work non-stop at times to get it done if I am in "the zone". It is like the reports/essays I would have to do in university. I would always panic when we were assigned 5000 word essays; putting them off till a month away from the due date. At the beginning, I would die of panic attacks. However, I would get them done and do pretty well. By the end of it, I had these essays down; a 5000 word limit seemed like a 200 word limit. Haha!

Good times.

Anyways, I brought homemade food today because someone had commented that I should bring some for staff. Now if you are staff and posted this comment, and did not get some - you know where to find me!

Oh and I need to start to try Gravity!

Have a great afternoon!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: Contingency plans. For some reason, this is what popped into my mind.  

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Zumba On!

Heyy!

So last night I went to my first registered Zumba class. Registered means that you need to be registered in the class to take it; well in advance and not just 30 minutes before the class starts. I think Zumba may be one of the most popular classes that are offered. There are 31 registered, and then we have some who just come in to get a feel for what Zumba entails. Needless to say, it was one very full room last night.Then we also had two special appearances by Mark and Rob - doing Zumba as part of their Strong Kids Challenge.

I think I can safely say that Zumba is my best class. I am not lost in the class, I can pick up the steps pretty fast, and I actually let myself have fun and not concentrate on getting the steps right as if I'm joining the army! So now every Monday for the next 6 weeks, you'll find me at Zumba at 6:30pm.

Only for Zumba does the studio room seem tiny; other days it's a pretty huge space. And I am glad that I took a corner by the door. That gave me a bit more room and save myself from getting hit, and saving others from my punches. LOL! Also because I tended to add a little Bollywood flavour to my moves; adding an extra bounce to my steps.

All in all, it was a fun class and a great workout!!

And next Tuesday we will be having a Zumba Aerobothon from 5:30-7:00pm  in the Gym as a fundraiser event for Strong Kids. When I get more information I shall expand on the details. For now I would just like everyone to know that this exists and you all should attend!

Back to work,
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: Why is it snowing again?! Yesterday I wanted spring to come asap, but a cruel joke was played on me - it's snowing!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Daylight Savings....Bosu too!

Howwza!

So yesterday we all turned our clocks one hour ahead. I loathe Daylight Savings Begins (DLSB); I loathe it with a seething passion. Why must it begin? Why can we not just go about our lives without DLSB?

As far back as I can remember, I have hated DLSB. As a child I would always think "if it was yesterday, I'd still be in bed" or "if it was yesterday, I'd be allowed to still be up". It just took away my life!!!!! I still think about this today. LOL! The only thing I could tell myself back then to feel remotely better was at least I could get out of school an hour early. But now that I think about it, starting an hour earlier cancelled out getting off an hour earlier! Such depressing times.

Okay. I am done being melodramatic. For now. Haha!

This morning I had Bosu again, and today I totally failed. How is it possible that last week, my first time, I was better than this week?!?! Perhaps I didn't totally fail, but it did feel that last week seemed much easier. Balls are my enemy. It is the only plausible reason for such failure. LOL!

Angelica had some awesome steps for us to try out, but with my balancing skills, I couldn't really jump on the ball. I paced myself and just did basic steps. However, even utilizing my balancing skills for the basics was difficult. I need to buy a Bosu ball and let it know who's boss around here. Haha!

Anyways, I had to get out of class a few minutes early because I felt a bit under the weather. It needs to be Spring. Now. We are almost on the other side of the halfway point in March. Well, later on I am going for Zumba; maybe it'll feel like spring afterwards. I can wish, can't I?

Oh and this afternoon I went into Group Care again. I must say, the children's ability to problem solve and use their words is amazing. They are such a smart bunch! I just love observing their behaviours from the outside.

Well, hope all of you had a nice Monday!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: I seem to have the weirdest dreams.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Hula Hooping!

Hola!

So who would have thought that you could become so sore after some Hula Hooping?! Well, yours truly has a found a way! LOL!

I have a bruised left leg, and a bruised right side of my hip. It is completely my fault for all these bruises though. I think I was a bit too overenthusiastic when I swung the hoop. In my enthusiasm, I ended up swinging the hoop in a diagonal motion which in turn ended up hitting me. Haha! You have to swing the hoop in a straight motion. I knew this, but didn't realize that I don't have the ability to swing straight till much later!

Marnie was very encouraging, and told me that I'll do fine. I swear, as a kid, I could Hula Hoop! However, yesterday it became one of the hardest things I have ever done. After a few swings that were not very linear, I realized that I needed to pay more attention to my arms or I will end up with a lot more bruising, and I bruise easily to begin with. LOL!

At least at the end I could swing relatively straight! I think the main problem was that I was not doing this just for fun, but trying to concentrate way too hard on how to move my body. It's good to know how to move your body, but sometimes it may be a good thing to let it flow and not be so stiff. When I let myself just relax, I could do about 5-6 Hulas before messing up. I was very proud! I could have done more, but I would always look down to see what the hoop was doing. It would just mess up my rhythm, and I kept on repeating this over and over again! Arrghh!

Anyways, I did enjoy it when I finally got the hang of it. So go out and try it out. It's a pretty nice workout for beginners. I want to be able to flow like a dream, like Marnie!

It's Friday!!!!!! Simmi is very happy!

Have a fun one -)
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: I love cooking, and I just realized I am pretty good at it too! This rice was just divine to say the least. Haha!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Children!

Hey heya!

How are you guys on this Thursday afternoon?

Today I decided to go about the Highland location; drifting from Toddler Care to Group Care to Neighbourhood Scholars to Group Care again. I had just wanted to observe everything, and just be able to absorb it all in.

It was a pretty nice experience; both in being around the children and just observing the philosophy that is utilized here. Some of the children knew me, and I did know most of them too. The ones I didn't know by name knew my name thanks to their friends. One of them came up to me and said hi Simmi. I was surprised because I hadn't met with her. I felt special. Lol!

After that I went over to Trisha again and they were all headed towards the gym. I decided to tag along because a group in Group Care had gone to the band room above the gym. I still cannot help but get terrified when the kids play. They have control over what they are doing, but merely observing them can be scary. LOL!

I tagged along back with them to the Neighbourhood Scholars room, and stayed with Samantha and her group while Trisha took her group to the bus ride home. It was hard trying to talk to Samantha about her job because I had two of the children sitting with me eating lunch, and they wanted my attention. However, I am awesome at multitasking, so I eventually got both done. Ha!

The kids love me. Really they do; I'm not just making it up. Haha! They wanted me to sit with them, read them a story, be their patient, and just hang out. I really should do my ECE. LOL!

And just now I had gone to the washroom, and the group that does not take a nap were in the gym. One of the girls saw me and asked my why I was still here. Hahaha! That was a priceless moment. She said why are you still here Simmi? My reply was because I work here. They probably think I just come here to play with them. If only.....

Anyways, I'm going to go Hula Hooping later this afternoon. I'm excited. It shall be fun. Next week I feel I will be super busy with everything, so I won't be able to go try out the various programs. But then again, you never know. One day I will feel that OMG I need to do nothing but this assignment. Then the next day I will go I'm on top of things so I can take a break. Repeat cycle till the due date. I do make my life rather complicated, no? LOL!

Well, enjoy your day!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: There are none at this moment.....

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Neighbourhood Scholars

Hello hello!

Today I went to Neighbourhood Scholars, and I had a blast! These kind of experiences make me wish again to get into child care of some sort. I just love the environment!

So Neighbourhood Scholars is a preschool that runs Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 12:00pm. Transportation is provided to the children who live in the North Ospika neighbourhood, and even if you live outside this range, transportation can be arranged.

At first I got some resistance from the children as I was a new face. I decided to let them get used to me, and just asked Trisha various questions about the program. However, I have forgotten everything I asked. Sigh, you guys have put me on the spot, it's hard to recall! LOL! Okay, I lie. I do remember what I was told, but I really can't remember my questions very well.

Trisha has been working for the Y since the age of 15, and now has 2 children! A daily routine is tentatively set, but circumstances do change how the day progresses as well. As the children come in, and they have a snack that they have brought from home. A couple of tables are set up as well for the children to go play. Today there was a table for arts and crafts, and another table for flubber. I have heard of flubber, but never really wondered what it exactly was. Well today I found out. I have termed it Playdoh's cousin, once removed. I had fun trying to squeeze the "life" out of it.

Anyways, Trisha told me that they have circle time where she talks about a program that discusses the concept of touch. It allows the children to learn what appropriate touching is, and helps them differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate touching.

The program is getting full now, and it's great seeing such an awesome program racing ahead. If there are some seats available in the day, children from childcare head on over. Now these kids know who I am and were happy to find me there. I became the patient for them, while they were all my doctors; one of them progressed to become my hair stylist.

Eventually everyone accepted me and I was very happy. We went outside to play too. However, getting outside takes a lot of effort! We need to dress up in our snow suits, and nowadays snow suits are so high tech. I am telling you, in my day, it wasn't this complicated! LOL! I let Trisha handle the more complicated part, while I helped with the gloves; occasionally helping with zippers if asked.

I was terrified for the most part of our outside play time. Oh no they will crash into each other, oh no they will fall, oh nooooooo. However, none of this happened. Children are more than capable of playing safe, but as a cautious adult it can be a high blood pressure experience. Haha!

Trisha went on to explain how playtime worked.

Sometimes they go into the gym, and sometimes go outside. If they decide to go outside, it takes approximately 30 minutes to get everyone ready. First the children need to go to the washroom, and then get into their snow suits. Today it took 15 minutes because I was there to help, but 30 minutes is the normal. If outside, she tries to get the children to slide on their bums, but sometimes even after a lot of telling they may prefer to not listen. If this is the case, she lets them self-regulate - making sure that in this self-regulating the children stay safe. If they must slide down on knees or whatever, they need to make sure no one is in their way etc.

After coming in we had our circle time and we sang some songs - "My Body is Nobody's Body", "Pizza Song", "Name Song", and "Humpty Dumpty". Lunchtime came rather quickly. LOL! I helped Trisha get the children who were going back on the bus get ready, and came back here. I have been invited to come back any time, and I shall take them up on their offer very soon!

Oh I just went out to get something from the printer, and the children who do not nap in Group Care met me along the way. They said oh yaay Simmi is coming too, but I had to burst their bubble and say no. Then one of them asked, why do you have to work. Now Karen should go explain to them as to why Simmi has to work! LOL!

We are already mid-week....
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: It just clicked. The face, I know who it is. It should have clicked earlier, but I'm slow. Embarrassing moment? Perhaps. I haven't decided yet. However, I made the connection and I'm sure this connection is right. Want to know? Ask me in person! Haha! Oh wait, if you work here, you just might....Sigh, it might as well be an embarrassing moment!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

An Office Day

Hi.....

You know, if someone were to come here and look at my desk, they would think that I am a very disorganized person. However, that really is not the case. This disorganization is the way I organize. I have just realized that being "untidy" is how I stay organized. I took psychology and I vaguely remember something on spatial needs. I shall dig through my books and try to find it to share with you.

I spent my day at the office and on a laptop. I finished up rough drafts for about 4 things, so I feel I have been a little productive. Do you guys ever have those moments where your brain is working overtime, and you have 20 brilliant ideas all at once? However, you don't have something to write it down or you cannot stop doing something - evidently causing those brilliant ideas to be lost. I had about 10 of these moments today. So in order to combat these thoughts I opened up all the documents that are on-going, and whenever an idea popped out I would just type it down quickly in one document and then transfer it elsewhere. I felt very smart. Everyone should be proud of me! LOL!

If I look at my schedule, I see it being swamped with things  to do, but I want to really add in Simon Fraser Lodge and YAP some time soon. Oh and I need to add in Neighbourhood Scholars too - something I plan to do this week. Other than this I have nothing else to talk about today.

I still have a few classes left to try out at the Y - Yoga Fitness, Super Circuit, Hula Hooping - to name a few. Sadly, there is only one of me. If only I could clone....

Anyways, back to work.

Enjoy the rest of the day!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: It's already March 5....time flies by too quickly....it should stop and smell the roses sometime!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Bosu

Hello Shello!

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was nice. I decided that this weekend, for the most part, I would do nothing but relax. You need to sometimes just relax and do nothing; it is my restorative yoga! LOL! I did do some reading, "Your Employment Standards Questions Answered - Federal and Provincial Guidance". It may sound boring, but it is actually a pretty good read; tells you about the things you are entitled to that you may have not known that you were entitled to. Yes, I am a proud nerd!

Anyways, today I had Bosu and I survived. Accomplishment! My only goal during these workouts is to survive. Everyone was telling me that though it may look easy, it is hard balancing on that ball. So I went in thinking that I will break a foot or two! Haha! I met Susan and she is such a sweetheart. She told me that they were going to do some new steps to go to the next level. My thought to myself was - "Why do I end up going to classes where they are 10 levels above my starting point?"

She told me to go at my own pace and keep doing the basic steps because balancing can take time. I took her advice, and because I took that advice I survived. I had moments where I thought I should try and jump like everyone. However, I told myself not to push my luck. Ahh the war I sometimes have with my brain.

I was pretty good at balancing myself on the ball which amazed me. I was actually terrified to step on it, and was ready to do the class without the ball. I am one of those people who are born clumsy. I have the talent of falling even when just standing still. So having this experience under my belt, I was apprehensive of getting on top of that ball.

We started off with the warm up, and that was just on the floor. It was something I could do! Bosu is basically like Step, just on a ball on which you need to balance. Eventually, Susan started basic stepping on the ball. I mustered up all my courage and stepped forward with my right step. Right foot on the ball, but my left foot would not budge from the floor to let me shift my weight to the right.

Every time I tried heaving myself up, my left foot would dig further into the floor. This lasted for about a minute. Finally I closed my eyes and went for it.

I could balance!!!!!!!!!

I could actually step onto the ball with two feet and balance. I could do basic on the ball! A proud moment to relish in. However, my happiness seemed to be short lived. Sigh, I knew basic was not the only thing we would be doing, but one can dream, can't she? From basic we went to step up and knee and kick to side. Now this did test my balancing skills for a while. I could do the knee up well enough, but the side kick had me falling to one side. However, eventually I got that too. 

It is fun when I am not lost for most of the class! Then we had a combined set of steps to do from step up and tap to jumping from one side to the other. If this is your first time, do not do it like you are shown - meaning don't try to jump from one side to the other. Here, I highly recommend you do a Simmi. 

When they were jumping across, I decided I would just do a basic step to change my positions. I actually rationalized here. Aren't you proud of me? LOL! I took my time to do the steps, and in taking my time I could do most of the workout. The only thing that needs working on is getting the balance right when jumping to switch sides; something which I am willing to take my time on. 

So go out there and do Bosu. It is a really nice workout; you sweat it out. Do it at your own pace and you'll do just fine. I would say try Step out first. It will help you get the hang of the steps and you won't need to feel lost in the terminology aspect! 

Oh and do come out to Creating Balance on April 2nd! I am going to unofficially advertise to everyone whenever I go to the Y. I am excited for it, and I shall share my excitement with everyone! As they say, sharing is caring.

Lastly, I may do Cycle Fit. Why the sudden change? Well, a few of my family has been reading this blog. Some of them have called me a big baby and have dared me. I know, I am an adult - but then again, so are they! So you know never know. Will my fear win or the immature me? Stay tuned!

Have a great start to the week!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: An OMG Fact. Did you know, a person in their lifetime swallows 10 spiders when they are sleeping? I plan to duct tape my mouth!!!!!!


Friday, March 1, 2013

Short and Concise

Salaam,

After yesterday's long post, today you shall see a short one. Variety is key, my friends. I'm taking a quick break to let my brain breathe - there a hundred ideas floating around in regards to how to go about the report I am working on. My brain needs some down time right now, hence the blogging. LOL!

I guess research is something I am used to doing in university that it "feels at home". In university, I would hate doing research papers and dreaded it every time a prof would assign them. However, eventually I got the hang of it and actually didn't mind doing them. The key is organization. You should make an outline and list down everything you want to talk about. After this you make a second outline and categorize the topics. When you have done this, you make a third outline and delete the topics that can be flushed into other categories.

It seems like a lot of work, but if you can do this well, you just have saved yourself from a lot of tears and anxiety! When you have your outline in front of you, you can do much more refined research. It's the nerd in me talking, so let the nerd in you take this away. Haha!

Anyway, a couple of hours ago I talked to Karen about the "food on my plate". At that time I felt that it was nothing to worry about. However, now I just thought "OMG". If I do panic, I'll have all of you to share it with. We shall panic together - inclusion is everything. LOL!

Have an awesome weekend!
Simmi

P.S. Random Thought: What if we all lived in a world where we only communicated in musicals?

Very random? This is tame....some of my randomness can be way out there. Political freedom is allowed, but more than that random freedom should be allowed. Haha!