That awkward moment when you realize that you’re a three quarters trained and double digits into your new role as a “Res Life Staff” and haven’t posted a blog to commemorate the occasion…

Meet Jiminy CRICUT, I have spent so much time with him this week that I swear he IS the voice inside my head...

Just a sneeky peeky of our awesome gear !

Almost open for business, 4 days until move-in day madness!

All caught up? Wish I was!

Christine

I don’t know about you, but I have the travel bug. Ever since I went to Europe in 2008, I am always thinking of where I want to visit next. I love feeling adventurous as I jet-set from country to country (Ok this doesn’t really happen but I would love for it to)! It’s intriguing and mysterious to step off the plane into a completely different lifestyle.

This year, my family hadn’t really “set in stone” a vacation. We had talked about going to Hawaii this coming winter and if so, we weren’t going to head out on a summer holiday. I knew that I needed to escape reality for a few days regardless of my parents decision, so rather than waiting around for them to make up their minds, I went ahead and booked my own trip (With their permission of course).

Downtown Montreal- One of the lovely views that I saw on our train ride!

Curious of the destination? While researching cheap and safe locations, I stumbled upon Montreal! I have always loved the shopping that Rue Sainte-Catherine offers but this time around, my ultimatum was attending a friend’s engagement party! It’s scary to think that one of my closest friends is getting married, but what is even crazier is that I am traveling without the company of my parents (Trust me, my mom- as any mom probably does- still worries about me as I walk to school)!

Although I was looking forward to my Montreal experience, I was not keen on the 6 hour train ride (that departed from Oakville at 5:30 a.m.) and was unsure about how I would make out in Montreal alone (I am not patient and tend to skimp on reading instructions and maps). Much to my surprise, the excursion has been phenomenal so far. Thank goodness for my mapquest directions and thorough itinerary- My friend and I have yet to get lost!

Sometimes I get so caught up at “City Scenery” that I forget how beautiful the countryside is! It’s funny how a six hour train ride can remind you to lay back, relax and literally enjoy the ride.

So although I am shopping in Old Montreal and not on Canal Street, and I have viewed farms and cattle rather than Eiffel towers or celebrity homes, I can definitely say that this trip is a great getaway. Building a little bit of independence is always a good thing and retail therapy is also beneficial.

Be sure to stay tuned on my upcoming adventures (I am still in Montreal). Trust me, I am building up my arm strength (For move in day) by carrying so many shopping bags!

Take care, ❤ Molly

It is obvious that Jack Layton left his imprint on Canada.

Regardless of one’s political standpoint, it’s hard to disagree with the fact that Jack Layton was a truly courageous man! Jack brought a new meaning to Canadian Politics by approaching situations with a warm personality. Not only did Layton try and capture the opinion of adult citizens (Who make up the largest section of voters within Canada) but he also spoke on behalf of youth and senior citizens. He was one of very few politicians who really paid attention and gave to the voices of every Canadian citizen.

It was sad to see Layton die at such a young age. He did a tremendous job leading the opposition party and will definitely be remembered for more than just his optimistic character.

Unlike some, Jack became a renowned leader by praising and appreciating the contributions of his opponents. He stayed true to the fact that you should never put others down in hopes of building yourself up.

Nobody would ever argue that Layton hasn’t shed a positive light on the battle one fights against cancer. Not only has he made aware of the risks of prostate cancer, but he has also proven that it is possible to overcome and recover from different types of cancer.

During his weakest points, Jack battled the cancer knowing that if he could fight for his life, he would be able to fight for the voices of Canadians. In my opinion he taught Canadians that by feeding off of the support of family and friends (In Jack’s scenario the party, the caucus, his family and even everyday Canadians) you gain adequate strength and inspiration to keep on plowing through tough times.

In summary, Jack continues to embody and represent the quote “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again”. Not once did Jack throw a pity party for himself and not once did he complain about his health. He proved that it is better to invest your energy into planning your future than it is to preoccupy yourself with the past and present that you cannot change. Jack focussed on all of his positive attributes which enabled him to show Canadians that it is possible to build a country that fulfills our hopes, dreams, optimism, determination, values and love (Which are the six goals he strived to achieve)!

Rest in Peace Jack Layton. You will never be forgotten.

❤ Molly

Hope Lives on Forever Thanks to Jack!

Out of chaos comes true creativity-or just really cool door deckers and bulletin boards…

Good thing I cleaned up before housekeeping comes in!

That's a lot of flip flops...

Now that I’ve got my urge to cut/paste/tape/design out, back to training!

-Christine

They say that you should live in the present rather than the past. If this is true, than I should look forward to next summer rather than feel sad about the current one.

Confused at where I am going with this?

This year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the girlsLead camp! In case you haven’t noticed, Brescia strives to promote leadership in young girls so that they can maximize their potential to be BOLD when they grow up. This one week day camp offered to young and teen girls (Grades 2-7), focuses on building self-esteem, self-discovery, positive relationships, healthy living and of course, leadership skills. As the camp reiterates, every girl is valuable, unique and of course has the power to succeed at whatever she chooses to do!

It only takes one person to LEAD!

When I was first asked to volunteer my time, I was delighted (And might I add honoured)! I was all set to pack my bags but then of course, reality hit and I realized I had no where to stay while I acted as a camp counsellor.

Had I tried harder, I probably could have made things work but at the time, it just didn’t seem feasible nor doable. Our summer plans were still up in the air, and I feared committing to the camp incase things (must-dos) came up!

Although I am very sad that I wasn’t there to enjoy the fun and games, I am so glad that I got to read about all the great experiences the campers and leaders had! I imagine that those who participated felt as though it was time well spent. The whole team (From staff to students, campers to parents) enjoy a pat on the back. When I went for my orientation day, I saw the girls playing and I wanted to hop in. It really made me realize the value in day camps. Not only are camps social gatherings but they also help to promote independence and creativity.

Anyway, I won’t give away too much about the camp because I believe Christine is going to post about some of the activities they did during the weeks, but I would just like to say that next year I definitely want to help out in some way. I’m trying not to have regrets and instead invest my energy into planning my involvement in the future. I guess it is important to remember that there are so many events that Brescia coordinates it is hard to participate in each and every one of them!

Do you ever feel the same way and want to change the past? How do you change your thoughts to be more positive rather than guilty?

❤ Molly

As the end to week one of training draws closer, the team needs to refuel…

Be right back, Emma and I just need to "Feed our Lead" in the Castle Cafe...

-Christine