Unlocking the Mind

I worked Friday before starting my first weekend off. Work was so good on Friday. I was assigned a couple of the clients, and a volunteer and I taught/retaught them how to knit! How many jobs involve teaching an 80 year old schizophrenic man how to knit? One of the women told me she used to love knitting, but, because of her dementia, she couldn't remember how to anymore. My heart was melting when two hours later, she was knitting up a storm. There's so many skills these people have that are just locked away in their memories. It's just amazing when you can finally reach one and pull it out. 

When I got home from work, Sergio and I had supper then headed to New Minas to see Disney's new movie, Brave, in 3D! I absolutely loved that it was set in Scotland, and the music was just beautiful. It felt so Nova Scotian for Disney. The film was really cute but definitely not the storyline I was expecting.

On Saturday morning, we got up bright and early and set out on our favourite Saturday morning activity - yard sale hunting! I had just finished another puzzle, so I picked up three new ones for a dollar or two each. I started one, and, gosh, it's probably the most difficult one I've ever done. It might take awhile. I also picked up a new bookshelf for ten dollars! If you didn't hear, my bookshelf accidentally got tossed somewhere in the move. I really really love this new one though. All my books, puzzles, board games, and music books fit in it, and I've got my flowers and some picture frames on top. 

It was a bit of a wet day on Saturday, so Sergio and I switched plans (not going to tell you the original plan yet) and headed to the city! We stopped in Bayer's Lake to pick up some of the Bluenote's Canada Day apparel. It's going to be Sergio's first Canada Day so t-shirts were a must! He also got a bunch of Canada sweatpants, t-shirts, and hoodies for his two little sisters. Why, you may ask? Well, his trip to Guatemala in August is official. The tickets are booked. Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy that he's going to see his family! I know he misses them more than anything, but the selfish part of me is dreading the three weeks I won't have him. I'll deal with that when the time comes though. At least the next time he leaves, I get to go with him! 

We also went to the Christian bookstore in Bayer's Lake and both picked up a few books. I adore that store. 

David's Tea

We then drove to Spring Garden Road and shopped around there. We got great deals at the Body Shop and restocked our tea supplies at our new favourite place, David's Tea. So many cool teas. I got Razzmatazz, Birthday Cake, and Mamma Mia. How cool do those sound? They taste amazing! 

After Spring Garden, we headed to Halifax Shopping Centre. Okay, I am not an impulse buyer at all. Sergio is big time, but not me. I hesitate before buying anything. So, it comes as a complete surprise to all that I bought a kobo touch screen e-reader randomly. I don't know why I did. I've never even thought of getting one before, but I remembered that Patty-Sue said she loved hers. And I read a lot. And the books are really cheap on them. So, I got one. And I love it! It's so easy to use, and now I can read while I eat and knit and do anything really. I'm about halfway through Phantom of the Opera which I had never read, and it's very good. I just love using it. I'm hoping that some of my textbooks will be available on it. That would be so cool! 

We drove home on the Evangeline Trail instead of the highway, just for a change. It was rainy and seemed very tropical. 

This morning, we went to church at New Minas Baptist Church for the first time in what seemed like forever. One of us is always working Sunday morning or we're at my home church. It was nice to be back at a church that we can both call our own. 

Sergio cooked up a delicious lunch after church, and he spent the afternoon working on his math assignment while I worked on my challenging puzzle. He's doing really really well in math by the way. I think a prof can make all the difference. 

Tomorrow is back to work, but I've been reading through my notes from work and am really excited for the next client I'm going to focus on.
More exciting news! Sergio and I have officially sponsored a child in Guatemala! When the information package arrives in a few weeks, I'll give you the details on fourteen year old Jairo!  

Dine and Dash

Another two days with the new job. It's still really good. I absolutely adore doing the Adult Day Program. We had a live country band come in for the afternoon on Wednesday. Some of them clapped and sang along, but some were fast asleep in their chairs. Oh, well. To each his own, right?
Yesterday after work, Sergio surprised me with a bunch of daisies! No special reason. Don't you just love when people do things for you just because?

Today was my office day. I'm not a huge fan of those. I get a lot of work done, but I hate sitting at a desk for eight hours. At least I know I won't be looking for any office jobs. It also makes me so grateful that I didn't get the research position I had applied for back in the winter. God knew what He was doing there.
Tonight for dinner, Sergio and I (mostly Sergio) experimented a little. We made from scratch cheese stuffed spiced hamburgers wrapped in bacon. Can you say heart attack? But they were delicious.

Cheeseburger Heaven

I went to Paddy's for drinks tonight with my good ole pals from Pete's. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay too long because I have to work in the morning, but I had fun nonetheless. I pulled a super not-like-me move! I accidentally left without paying for my drink!! I was mortified when I realized! I texted Chloe though, and they just split it up on their bills. No harm done. Oops!

 I'm looking forward to having a great weekend in the valley! But it's supposed to rain, I've heard. It's been 30 degrees here for the last two days! 

Kristi Jones, Corporate Woman

I worked my last shift at Pete's on Sunday. Luckily I was doing the closing shift with Chloe so we rocked out to some Backstreet Boys and splurged on Cows chocolate covered potato chips that we bought out of our tips. I made some really good friends working there, but most of them go to Acadia so I'm sure I'll see them around lots.
I started work bright and early Monday morning in Berwick. It took me exactly thirty minutes to get there, but I used had Jesus time so I won't ever consider that time wasted. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I am working at VON's Adult Day Program in Berwick. The best way I could describe it is daycare for seniors with dementia. I'll give you a quick run down of the day. I got there at eight and unloaded the dishwasher from the day before then reviewed the clients' profiles because I couldn't remember all their special needs. At nine, the clients arrive and settle into their comfy lazy boy chairs in a circle. We give them their coffee or tea - there is a list made up with who takes what in their drinks - and read them the morning news. Every day there is a new theme, so yesterday, for example, was recycling day. We read them some facts about recycling then had a quiz and did word scrambles relevant to the topic. Some of them are faster than me with the word scrambles!
After the themed events, we have exercises. Yesterday was exercises with shakers so I handed them each out a shaker. We put on music, and they were lead in exercises while they sat in their lazy boy chairs. Some of them just melt my heart. They are just so cute.
After exercises, we break into groups for games. Since we had three employees and two volunteers there, we were able to break into smaller groups and give the clients more individual attention which benefits them a lot. I assisted two of the clients with a game of checkers. You could tell they were familiar with the game, but they would forget which pieces were theirs or which direction their pieces moved in. This job is the ultimate patience tester. But I just love it. I'm actually getting paid to show love to people all day.
After games, we serve them lunch. That's a process as well. Who takes salt and pepper? Who takes butter? Who needs their meat cut up? Who's vegetarian? Who's diabetic? The supervisors amaze me with their knowledge of each client, but I guess after a few weeks, I'll know too.
After lunch, there is an afternoon activity. Sometimes entertainment comes in, but yesterday we had a game of family feud. The clients are all picked up at three, and I stay until four to debrief with the other women what I noticed about each client and how we can help them better.
I wish I could tell you about each of the clients because their stories are just so touching. But VON has a very strict confidentiality policy.

Goodbye, Pete's Locker!

Now, I love that part of my job, but there's a whole other side to it. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I work in the VON Kentville office doing research on the Montessori method and how it could apply to the Adult Day Program (ADP).
Montessori is a teaching method that was developed by a Italian woman that teaches young children skills in a way that they can't fail, includes all the senses, and lets them teach themselves. In recent years, psychologists have tried applying this form of learning to seniors with dementia. A lot of the exercises will help them keep their  fine motor skills and give them the independence to be able to feed and dress themselves.

Sergio showing off his cooking skills

So, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I take my observations from ADP (that I keep in a very organized labelled notebook) and compare them to my research on Montessori. From there, I will adjust the activities of the ADP to better resemble a Montessori model. Got it? It's okay, I've only done one day in the office. I'm still working my head through it.
But I like the office. I feel really old having my own desk and computer and company email. I have a pile of paperwork and my cute little travel tea cup to keep me company. It's a nice change though. I like not being on my feet all day - running around doing whatever customers need me to do. I like that my work is working towards a goal that is going to better someone's life. I like waking up in the morning and knowing that today I will have a chance to truly help someone.
So, in short, yes, I love my new job. It doesn't hurt having every weekend off now! Sergio has this coming weekend off as well, so we've got an exciting weekend planned for ourselves. I won't give away any details on that one though. That's another blog post!

Happy National Fudge Day

Fudge!

Farm Market

Just so you know, today is National Fudge Day. Really. Sergio and I celebrated by buying a pound and a half at Hennigar's Farm Market! Yummy!
Tomorrow is my last shift at Pete's before I start my new job on Monday. I'm a little bittersweet about it, but I get to do my last shift with Chloe. We always make juice bar quite the time!
Heading to bed now. Just wanted to spread the word about Fudge Day - my new favourite holiday!

P.S. Lindsay - these are the only pictures I have at my apartment from Magic Kingdom. The first is me with Pooh at Crystal Palace! Then the other two are me with Bashful and Dopey! Enjoy! Sorry that I don't know how to rotate them..

High on Summertime

Chowder House

What a fabulous weekend I've had!
After getting the big new job news (EEEK!), Sergio and I both had a good chunk of time off work. We toyed around with thoughts of flying to Washington for our five days because Sergio's parents were there for business, but the last minute flights weren't cheap enough. So, instead, we found ourselves heading to Truro Saturday morning to spend a few days with my family.
Saturday we just went shopping at Walmart with my mother to get some things for her new house, then I showed Sergio the wonders of the great Truro mall.. such an experience. We watched the last Harry Potter with my little sisters that night. I've finally decided it's time for me to read through that series. Book three right now, and I'm really enjoying them.

Beach

On Sunday morning, we went to church with my family then headed out to the cottage in the yellow bug with Courtney and Abby. Although it was not a great beach day, we enjoyed walking around the shore line, playing some very competitive Monopoly (I won), and walking in and out of Harry Potter movies three, five, and seven. Abby was in some sort of HP craze this weekend or something. We all spent the night out there, had some lunch at the Chowder House in Tatamagouche (my great-grandmother's favourite restaurant), and headed back to Truro.
Back at the house, Sergio and I tackled the inevitable disaster of cleaning my car. We scrubbed and vacuumed the interior and hand scrubbed all the mats all while the cement trucks were putting in the new walkways. Couldn't have picked a better time to do it, right? Just right in the middle of all the construction.. But it's done and that's what matters.
My friend, Lydia, had her high school graduation that night as well, so we got all dressed up for that. We got to have dinner with my best friend Adrianna (also Lydia's sister). We agreed to try out the new Japanese restaurant in Truro, Sushi Way or something like that. I had never tried sushi, but I was expecting there to be some other options on the menu. Turns out they were a very authentic Japanese restaurant, and they only offered sushi. So, I tried sushi. It was difficult for me to get that first piece in there. Honestly? Rice and cucumber wrapped in seaweed?! But I did it. Will I do it again? Hard to say. It wasn't awful but definitely not my favourite. Adrianna and Sergio liked it though.

Sushi Date with Adrianna

At the graduation, I got to see most of the high school friends. I love to see them. It's just a blast from the past, and we still laugh as if we graduated a week ago. I miss them when I realize what I'm missing. I'm just so fortunate to still have good relationships with each of them. Sergio had a whole lot of people to meet that night, but he handled it pretty well I'd say.

Lydia

The ceremony was beautiful. I can't believe it's been two years since I was on that same stage ending that chapter of my life. I teared up a few times, mostly with Lydia's speech and whatnot. My last friend at that school graduating! I won't be at another one of those ceremonies until Abby!
This morning, Sergio and I headed back to Wolfville. I had to take care of some business at Pete's. If anyone knows the proper way to quit a job, fill me in. It was fine though, I guess. As fine as something like that can be.

Zellers' Restaurant (Lindsay..)

I went out to VON this afternoon as well to fill out some forms they needed from me. I start there on Monday.
Sergio and I did a bit of shopping in New Minas tonight then went to the theatre to see What To Expect When You're Expecting. It was very cute. I wouldn't pay to see it, but it was cute. We enjoyed getting a night out alone.
I'm working at Pete's for my last fews shifts this week, and I'm a little sad about it. I've made some great friends while working there, but at least they live just down the road. It's nice to have some good friends here for the summer!

Answered Prayers

First for the big news!
I was offered the position at VON as the Adult Day Program Assistant! I'm so happy about it! I'm going to start a week from Monday because I have to give Pete's enough time to get me out of the schedule. When I got the call, I was just so pumped! What a blessing this is!
Sergio, Ryan, Chloe, and I went to the Oakland Farm Zoo today, and we had so much fun! I'd never been, but it was totally worth the forty minute drive. The monkeys were absolutely adorable. We stopped at Wendy's on the way home for a rare fast food treat.

That's about all I've got to say. I worked Monday-Friday this week, so it hasn't been very exciting. Just had to share the wonderful news!

Spontaneity

I had such a spur of the moment week.
Sergio and I decided to head out to New Minas last week after work to see what was going on for the Apple Blossom Festival. We went to the amusement park that was set up, but we were actually the only people in the whole place! We didn't bother going on any rides because who wants to do that in an empty sketchy carnival? Sergio did get suckered in to playing the game where you swing the hammer to hit the bell. I think he just always wanted to do that! He won a funny little inflatable smiley face...
Shelby was supposed to come down this weekend, but life got in the way. Sudden change of plans meant that I headed home to Truro! I haven't been home since I moved to Wolfville so I was super excited. My family moved into their new house earlier this week, and I was so excited to see it because I hadn't seen it since they got the walls up. Their house is absolutely gorgeous. They did such a great job with it, but it's still got a few final touches before it will be a home - unpacking boxes, building the closets in, and cleaning up the yard.
It was so strange to go home and not stop in my childhood home, but what else would be expected?
Kelsey and Zach (my sister and brother-in-law) came home as well, and we had Courtney's birthday dinner and our first dinner in the new house with the entire family. I wish Sergio could've come too, but he was working something like six eight hour shifts in four days. Nonetheless, it was wonderful to have a chance to see my family.
I came back to Wolfville on Sunday afternoon to celebrate my halfiversiary (six months - Abby named it that) with Sergio! We decided to not make plans. We decided we would just be spontaneous and do whatever we decided to do in the moment. (When Sergio pitched this idea to me, I agreed then suggested what we should do... I don't understand spontaneity apparently.) We got in the car and drove. We sort of decided we'd go to the park in Kentville, but we missed the turn so we just kept driving. We ended up at one of my favourite places in the valley - Halls Harbour. It's just an adorable little fishing town right on the opening of the Bay of Fundy. We walked around the beach for awhile, then ate at the Lobster Pound. Sergio got to hand pick the lobster he wanted - quite the Nova Scotian experience for this Guatemalan boy! I hate lobster so I just had fish and chips. It was such a great experience, and the service was excellent! Another bonus was that we got no cell phone reception there. We love being together, but we are together all the time so we're pretty bad for texting when we're together. But with no reception, we got to have quality Sergio and Kristi time.
We stopped in at Hennigar's Farm Market on the way home and bought some fudge. I can't complain about spontaneous fudge! We spent the rest of the evening together at my apartment just talking about what we want out of life. I won't share that here because it's something special for us to share, but I want you guys to know that we are extremely happy together.
I'm also really happy because tonight I got to Skype my best friend Angela tonight! I don't get to see her enough, but whenever I do, it's like we were never apart. She's one person I could talk to for hours on end and still have more to say. She's absolutely wonderful.
This morning was my trial day at VON Adult Day Program in Berwick. I was shocked by how much fun I had! There were ten seniors all with some form of amnesia, but they were so lively and adorable. We watched the Queen's Jubilation and the coronation of Queen Appaloosa from the Apple Blossom Festival. We did exercises with them and played games. The old men were pretty happy to have me there to say the least. But I really had a good time, and I got a lot of sincere laughs. I'm hoping things work out there, but I won't find out until the end of the week. I know that God's going to put me where He wants me so I refuse to be worried about it.
This past week has been so wonderful, and I think maybe I need a little more spontaneity in my life.