A long post about camp is coming.
I haven't been much of myself these two days. Only a few people know the reason and that's only because of confidentiality issues..although regardless, it doesn't even matter that much because it's just one of those things that unless you've been there yourself, you won't understand.
Sometimes I still find myself in this post-camp culture shock, especially when it comes to shopping, getting ready for my Hamilton house, sorting out my timetable mess. Some people, especially, has really gotten on my nerves with their narrow-minded, one-dimensional way of thinking. I was probably one of them too before camp but now I just want to shake them and yell, there's more to life!!
This entire past week was filled with bad drinking incidents. I now know what people mean when they say they drink to escape...I think that was the mindset I had especially last night, after I found out the news, mixed in with a sense of rebellion, an urge to do something un-Pennylike. Thankfully nothing went out of control...I held everything in but did do some things that I regret doing. Although I still haven't drank to the point where I don't remember what happened, I now know how vulnerable alcohol can make one feel, not to mention my tolerance isn't high to begin with.
I'm finally getting the keys to my Hamilton house tomorrow...and we'll begin to repaint my room in the evening. It's quite exciting actually (and overwhelming), to think about. the colour hasn't been finalized yet however...I'm leaning towards either pale green/yellow?
I don't know how to end this off properly, so until next time...
Penny
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Experiences
Life is about experiences.
Of course, university degrees, prestigious jobs, and social status all count towards those experiences, but too often the two parties are believed to be equal and interchangeable.
I myself, for one, often have this mindset that what I do defines the kind of person I am. I often think in terms of 'If...Ill be able to...' as opposed to "Because...I'm able to..." (the cause/effect relationship) One classic example includes "if I volunteer at the hospital, I'll be able to have a better resume on my med school application". Easter Seals is beginning to make me think more in the latter mindset. It's not what kind of activities I do that matters, but what I learn from doing those activities, and how I allow those to shape the ways I view myself and others.
This blog has taken a while to write, simply because lots have happened during the past week that I didnt know where to begin. However, to follow through with the title,
Experience #1 - Campers' personal care
I went into the position of a cabin counsellor knowing that I will be expected to provide personal care for all campers, but I definitely didn't expect to gather so much information, the dos and don't's, of anything from lifting/transfering (ie. from wheelchair to bed) to changing attends to feeding to recording BM charts. The overwhelming aspect was not the theory but the practical sessions - when we actually tried to practice the different categories of care (well, most of them anyway=b) on each other. Maybe it's because I've seldomly been involved in personal care, but doing everyday tasks on someone else definitely is quite different than performing them myself. Having people practice on me also helped me to experience from a camper's perspective, and realize the small things to do to make someone more comfortable (ie. not clench someone's wrists during a lift)
Experience #2 - First impressions (and their lack of accuracy)
I've always been horrible with first impressions - this was no different. As much as I try to avoid it, I assign somewhat of a stereotype to a person about 10 minutes after meeting and talking to them, which will likely to change within several days. The problem though, is I tend to allow these personality labels stick, and thus almost 'give up' when it came to socializing with those whom I thought I disliked. I both love and hate the fact that people don't turn out the way I thought they'd be, although times it's for the better (ie. this incredibly sarcastic guy is actually quite serious and insightful).
Experience #3 - Comfort Zones
I remember the themes for WAY's Winter Retreat 2 years ago (mainly because I led one of the Bible studies=b) was getting out of your comfort zone. I've always seen myself as someone who has minimal trouble doing so - I'm usually not afraid to try new things and meet new people. When it came to meeting 70+ new staff that's made up of tons of interesting people, but mostly none that shared my top priorities, I crawled under my old comfort blanket. It felt like frosh week all over again, although even with Frosh week I felt that I was surrounded by people who shared many of my interests. It's hard to explain - sometimes two people just 'click' when they meet and gets along incredibly well right from the beginning, and sometimes it takes a while for that 'click' to occur. To be honest, I have yet to experience either of those, despite the fact the staff is a group of amazing people. I think I've tried quite hard this past week already to open up more of myself, something I don't often do with people that I don't know too well. I really wish that my comfort zone has expanded to the point where I can let people know exactly what my thoughts are right from the beginning, without the fear of being judged.
Experience #4 - Empathy & compassion
Though camp hasn't officially started yet, I don't think I can do my job without these two traits. By empathy, I don't mean saying ' you must be quite hurt' to a kid that has just fallen from his wheelchair, but making someone feel that I've given them my 104010% attention and are going through the exact emotions myself. By compassion, I don't mean help the campers out of pity, but help them dress, move from one area to another, because I genuinely wish to serve.
These two things are definitely what I lack at this moment and need God to provide. Without them, there's absolutely no way I can last through this summer.
Experience #5 - Adventures
For those of you who don't have Facebook, I just posted a video of me falling from a 70-ft swing at the camp, which is also equipped with a high ropes course. Simply put - I loved every moment of it - the feeling of wind on my face as I rose after my descent, the feeling of freedom as I was in the air, mixed with the assurance that my chest and waist harnesses will prevent me from plunging head-first into the ground. Like I said, if I were to choose a superpower, it would definitely be flying.=)
I also got to try a pottery wheel for the first time. It's always seemed easy in the hands of professionals...but I never realized the difficulty of maintaining an even opening and pushing the slippery clay upwards with my hands. Unfortunately my 'vase' collapsed near the end of the session=(
During free time, there were volleyball, soccer, water polo, badminton, and even DDR.=b I'm not particulary great with volleyball, but it was neverthless fun to play in a non-competitive environment. Badminton's another story - Wilson racquets and a flimsy outdoor net simply do not do justice to my badminton passion=b For the longest time ever too I've been frustrated too with people who think they know the game like the back of their hand when the reality shows the opposite.
Experience #6 - Eccentric personalities
We have staff that came from the Northwest Territories, England, France, the States, and Australia. We also had a staff who flushed people's clothing down the toilet because she was angry at not being allowed to go to the pool, not to mention she also drank from people's water bottles, and stole ipods and cellphones. Needless to say, she was soon fired.
We have staff who are proud of their sexual preferences. We have staff who can play just about any song that we request on guitar. We have staff entering grade 12 and staff going into grad school. We have staff with the most distinctive laugh ever, and staff who can dance in 'sign language' to justin timberlake.
I think these covered the major areas...but seeing the time, there are probably lots of things that I forgot at this moment=b.
Overall, I would think this past week was a valuable learning experience...I wouldn't call it the best week of my life, because there were many areas that I had hoped for the better. If anything, my staff cabin is definitely a damper. Long story short, I didn't get placed with the person I had requested, and instead was placed in a cabin on the edge of the field with 8 others, with no showers and cobwebs everywhere. At least the only time I'd spend in that cabin is probably the 6 hours that I sleep there.
Nevertheless, when both are weighed, the positive still by far outweighs the negative. After all, how many people can say that they've been woken up by wild turkeys pecking at the door?=)
ps. you no longer need a blogger account to leave comments.
Of course, university degrees, prestigious jobs, and social status all count towards those experiences, but too often the two parties are believed to be equal and interchangeable.
I myself, for one, often have this mindset that what I do defines the kind of person I am. I often think in terms of 'If...Ill be able to...' as opposed to "Because...I'm able to..." (the cause/effect relationship) One classic example includes "if I volunteer at the hospital, I'll be able to have a better resume on my med school application". Easter Seals is beginning to make me think more in the latter mindset. It's not what kind of activities I do that matters, but what I learn from doing those activities, and how I allow those to shape the ways I view myself and others.
This blog has taken a while to write, simply because lots have happened during the past week that I didnt know where to begin. However, to follow through with the title,
Experience #1 - Campers' personal care
I went into the position of a cabin counsellor knowing that I will be expected to provide personal care for all campers, but I definitely didn't expect to gather so much information, the dos and don't's, of anything from lifting/transfering (ie. from wheelchair to bed) to changing attends to feeding to recording BM charts. The overwhelming aspect was not the theory but the practical sessions - when we actually tried to practice the different categories of care (well, most of them anyway=b) on each other. Maybe it's because I've seldomly been involved in personal care, but doing everyday tasks on someone else definitely is quite different than performing them myself. Having people practice on me also helped me to experience from a camper's perspective, and realize the small things to do to make someone more comfortable (ie. not clench someone's wrists during a lift)
Experience #2 - First impressions (and their lack of accuracy)
I've always been horrible with first impressions - this was no different. As much as I try to avoid it, I assign somewhat of a stereotype to a person about 10 minutes after meeting and talking to them, which will likely to change within several days. The problem though, is I tend to allow these personality labels stick, and thus almost 'give up' when it came to socializing with those whom I thought I disliked. I both love and hate the fact that people don't turn out the way I thought they'd be, although times it's for the better (ie. this incredibly sarcastic guy is actually quite serious and insightful).
Experience #3 - Comfort Zones
I remember the themes for WAY's Winter Retreat 2 years ago (mainly because I led one of the Bible studies=b) was getting out of your comfort zone. I've always seen myself as someone who has minimal trouble doing so - I'm usually not afraid to try new things and meet new people. When it came to meeting 70+ new staff that's made up of tons of interesting people, but mostly none that shared my top priorities, I crawled under my old comfort blanket. It felt like frosh week all over again, although even with Frosh week I felt that I was surrounded by people who shared many of my interests. It's hard to explain - sometimes two people just 'click' when they meet and gets along incredibly well right from the beginning, and sometimes it takes a while for that 'click' to occur. To be honest, I have yet to experience either of those, despite the fact the staff is a group of amazing people. I think I've tried quite hard this past week already to open up more of myself, something I don't often do with people that I don't know too well. I really wish that my comfort zone has expanded to the point where I can let people know exactly what my thoughts are right from the beginning, without the fear of being judged.
Experience #4 - Empathy & compassion
Though camp hasn't officially started yet, I don't think I can do my job without these two traits. By empathy, I don't mean saying ' you must be quite hurt' to a kid that has just fallen from his wheelchair, but making someone feel that I've given them my 104010% attention and are going through the exact emotions myself. By compassion, I don't mean help the campers out of pity, but help them dress, move from one area to another, because I genuinely wish to serve.
These two things are definitely what I lack at this moment and need God to provide. Without them, there's absolutely no way I can last through this summer.
Experience #5 - Adventures
For those of you who don't have Facebook, I just posted a video of me falling from a 70-ft swing at the camp, which is also equipped with a high ropes course. Simply put - I loved every moment of it - the feeling of wind on my face as I rose after my descent, the feeling of freedom as I was in the air, mixed with the assurance that my chest and waist harnesses will prevent me from plunging head-first into the ground. Like I said, if I were to choose a superpower, it would definitely be flying.=)
I also got to try a pottery wheel for the first time. It's always seemed easy in the hands of professionals...but I never realized the difficulty of maintaining an even opening and pushing the slippery clay upwards with my hands. Unfortunately my 'vase' collapsed near the end of the session=(
During free time, there were volleyball, soccer, water polo, badminton, and even DDR.=b I'm not particulary great with volleyball, but it was neverthless fun to play in a non-competitive environment. Badminton's another story - Wilson racquets and a flimsy outdoor net simply do not do justice to my badminton passion=b For the longest time ever too I've been frustrated too with people who think they know the game like the back of their hand when the reality shows the opposite.
Experience #6 - Eccentric personalities
We have staff that came from the Northwest Territories, England, France, the States, and Australia. We also had a staff who flushed people's clothing down the toilet because she was angry at not being allowed to go to the pool, not to mention she also drank from people's water bottles, and stole ipods and cellphones. Needless to say, she was soon fired.
We have staff who are proud of their sexual preferences. We have staff who can play just about any song that we request on guitar. We have staff entering grade 12 and staff going into grad school. We have staff with the most distinctive laugh ever, and staff who can dance in 'sign language' to justin timberlake.
I think these covered the major areas...but seeing the time, there are probably lots of things that I forgot at this moment=b.
Overall, I would think this past week was a valuable learning experience...I wouldn't call it the best week of my life, because there were many areas that I had hoped for the better. If anything, my staff cabin is definitely a damper. Long story short, I didn't get placed with the person I had requested, and instead was placed in a cabin on the edge of the field with 8 others, with no showers and cobwebs everywhere. At least the only time I'd spend in that cabin is probably the 6 hours that I sleep there.
Nevertheless, when both are weighed, the positive still by far outweighs the negative. After all, how many people can say that they've been woken up by wild turkeys pecking at the door?=)
ps. you no longer need a blogger account to leave comments.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
the night before...
I'm leaving in less than 7 hours and the last thing I really should be doing is blogging.-_-
Lots happened these past few days -
BIG news, I passed my G road test!!!!!!!
=). It was such a huge relief, especially since I had to face the pressure of failure...twice. The ironic part was that my actual driving techniques were much better in the last examination...after all, I even managed to hit a curb during my parallel park for this test, let alone being unecessarily nervous during the entire test. The examiner was this midlee-aged brown guy who didn't make many conversations, although he did constantly have this weird and subtle smile on his face, probably laughing at how nervous I was.
Actually, on a second thought, this blog will be continued...eventually=b
(I'm too tired to type sensibly any longer=\)
One last thing for now, the excitement for camp is expanding by the moment.=) Of course the antsy feeling is still present but then I'm always reminded that I'm not the one in control.=)
Lots happened these past few days -
BIG news, I passed my G road test!!!!!!!
=). It was such a huge relief, especially since I had to face the pressure of failure...twice. The ironic part was that my actual driving techniques were much better in the last examination...after all, I even managed to hit a curb during my parallel park for this test, let alone being unecessarily nervous during the entire test. The examiner was this midlee-aged brown guy who didn't make many conversations, although he did constantly have this weird and subtle smile on his face, probably laughing at how nervous I was.
Actually, on a second thought, this blog will be continued...eventually=b
(I'm too tired to type sensibly any longer=\)
One last thing for now, the excitement for camp is expanding by the moment.=) Of course the antsy feeling is still present but then I'm always reminded that I'm not the one in control.=)
Update: If anyone feels like sending some snail-mail, pleaseeeeee do so at the following address.
Penny Yin
c/o Easter Seals Camp Woodeden
2311 Oxford Street. W.
London ON
N6K 4P1
2311 Oxford Street. W.
London ON
N6K 4P1
the phone is 519 4716640, in case if anyone wants to leave a message.
Aside from that...I'm off! Stay safe kids...and soak up your summer.
I'll miss you!!
(tulips, my front yard, 04/2007)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
"The church was incredibly beautiful, detailed in delicate ways that belied its heavy stone exterior. I felt as if I had walked into a Faberge box. "
- stalking the divine, pg. 8
I started reading this book one month ago, partly to chase away the guilt of my lack of reading over this past year, partly to fulfill my curiosity of this author's search for God. It's written from a Catholic standpoint, but i think nevertheless communicates a journey that's not too far astray from the Christian perspective.
For some reason, the way that the author described her questioning, her blunt curiosity of the Poor Clares nuns, and her gradually attained faith seemed so real. I had no trouble placing myself in her shoes and would have probably done the same myself, if I shared the same experiences.
definitely expect more references to this book in the future=)
Ever since the end of orgo I've been having a mosaic of emotions regarding the start of camp - anxiety, excitement, uncertaintiy, doubt, and a warm, fuzzy feeling. As the 21st grows closer, I become more reminded of the fact that this is a completely new experience for me, added to the fact that..although I've heard great stories about it, I really don't know any of the staff at the camp (except for this girl in my year and my program, but I didn't talk to her much during the year). I don't know about you, I'm quite surprised with myself - after all I'm the one who usually embraces new challenges.
Going through the Easter Seal (http://www.easterseals.org/) website somewhat eased my anxiety, and reminded me why God gave me this opportunity six months ago in the first place. I remember it was by looking at the photos of the campers/staff in the previous years that served as the final deciding factor for my decision. Seeing the pictures of those kids just makes my heart melt, and as I tell myself to think rationally, this job will probably teach and challenge me in ways that I can't possibly imagine. :-)
Father's day. Ironically I spent the majority of the day with my mom as my dad spent his afternoon at a golf course. She brought me along with her to shop for this dress that she's going to wear to her boss's daughter's wedding in August. I have to admit it looks absolutely adorable.=) Afterwards, since it was close to where we had to pick up Shelly for her gymnastics practice, we went to the sketchiest Chinese marketplace ever (Oriental Harvest?), to buy a tillapia from a guy who didnt even act like he knew how to clean a fish. Finally, I had fully mastered the art of cooking a Chinese steamed fish (also as part of my Father's Day present). The best part though, when my dad commented on how we didn't have to do anything for Father's Day at the dinner table, but it was obvious that he was...quite pleased.=)
Good bonding moments.
Lots of loose ends to tie up in the next three days though!!!
Monday - some last-minute shopping for camp gear (ie. sandals), returning all of my eleven library books (6 of which I still haven't read :$), spend some more quality time with family, pack, practice for my G, and clean out my bathroom (hooray)
Tuesday - hopefully passing my G test...and then meeting up with the girls ?.. dinner with Angela/Wei-zhen afterwards
Wednesday - two hours of intense badminton (my last time for 6 weeks), followed by fantastic 4 II, and whatever else that comes up.=)
speaking of my G... again, I should feel confident about it (I've gotten rid of a laundry basket-full of my old bad habits)...but I'm not. I really hope these syndromes of lackofconfidence are temporary for the summer. Again, it's one of those times when I have pretty much exhausted doing what I can do by myself, and just have to leave the rest up to God.
electives are such a paininthebutt. !!!!
Lastly...
(Le Grand Mobile, BCE Place, 06/2007)
- stalking the divine, pg. 8
I started reading this book one month ago, partly to chase away the guilt of my lack of reading over this past year, partly to fulfill my curiosity of this author's search for God. It's written from a Catholic standpoint, but i think nevertheless communicates a journey that's not too far astray from the Christian perspective.
For some reason, the way that the author described her questioning, her blunt curiosity of the Poor Clares nuns, and her gradually attained faith seemed so real. I had no trouble placing myself in her shoes and would have probably done the same myself, if I shared the same experiences.
definitely expect more references to this book in the future=)
Ever since the end of orgo I've been having a mosaic of emotions regarding the start of camp - anxiety, excitement, uncertaintiy, doubt, and a warm, fuzzy feeling. As the 21st grows closer, I become more reminded of the fact that this is a completely new experience for me, added to the fact that..although I've heard great stories about it, I really don't know any of the staff at the camp (except for this girl in my year and my program, but I didn't talk to her much during the year). I don't know about you, I'm quite surprised with myself - after all I'm the one who usually embraces new challenges.
Going through the Easter Seal (http://www.easterseals.org/) website somewhat eased my anxiety, and reminded me why God gave me this opportunity six months ago in the first place. I remember it was by looking at the photos of the campers/staff in the previous years that served as the final deciding factor for my decision. Seeing the pictures of those kids just makes my heart melt, and as I tell myself to think rationally, this job will probably teach and challenge me in ways that I can't possibly imagine. :-)
Father's day. Ironically I spent the majority of the day with my mom as my dad spent his afternoon at a golf course. She brought me along with her to shop for this dress that she's going to wear to her boss's daughter's wedding in August. I have to admit it looks absolutely adorable.=) Afterwards, since it was close to where we had to pick up Shelly for her gymnastics practice, we went to the sketchiest Chinese marketplace ever (Oriental Harvest?), to buy a tillapia from a guy who didnt even act like he knew how to clean a fish. Finally, I had fully mastered the art of cooking a Chinese steamed fish (also as part of my Father's Day present). The best part though, when my dad commented on how we didn't have to do anything for Father's Day at the dinner table, but it was obvious that he was...quite pleased.=)
Good bonding moments.
Lots of loose ends to tie up in the next three days though!!!
Monday - some last-minute shopping for camp gear (ie. sandals), returning all of my eleven library books (6 of which I still haven't read :$), spend some more quality time with family, pack, practice for my G, and clean out my bathroom (hooray)
Tuesday - hopefully passing my G test...and then meeting up with the girls ?.. dinner with Angela/Wei-zhen afterwards
Wednesday - two hours of intense badminton (my last time for 6 weeks), followed by fantastic 4 II, and whatever else that comes up.=)
speaking of my G... again, I should feel confident about it (I've gotten rid of a laundry basket-full of my old bad habits)...but I'm not. I really hope these syndromes of lackofconfidence are temporary for the summer. Again, it's one of those times when I have pretty much exhausted doing what I can do by myself, and just have to leave the rest up to God.
electives are such a paininthebutt. !!!!
Lastly...
If you don't say what's on your mind
Baby just breathe
There's nowhere else tonight we should be
(Le Grand Mobile, BCE Place, 06/2007)
first post.
i like fresh starts, even if it only applies to this blog at this moment.=]
(Folly Beach, South Carolina, 02/2007)
(Folly Beach, South Carolina, 02/2007)
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