First ever job!!!

I got a job! I actually applied at the end of last semester, just before my winter break, and it took about two months to process everything, but I got offered a job at a YMCA child care centre! Before receiving the call, I was having doubts about whether I could actually work part-time while still being a student. You see, this is my first ever job. But of course, it's the fear of the unknown that was giving me the jitters, and I need the experience so I left it up to fate. Everyone needs to start somewhere.

I actually had my first day on the 5th of February, a few weeks back and have since been working three days a week, three hours a day. However, starting from this week, it'll be reduced to twice a week because I have two basketball leagues starting and that takes up some of my nights, so I need time off work so I can get some schoolwork done. =D

It really is a good experience I feel, since I do want to work with children in the future - though probably not this many, and this definitely gives me a feel for it. There's about 60 enrolled, but split into two rooms, and though they can be angels, getting them to listen and clean up is a horror. It also is interesting to see theories that I've learnt about in my psychology classes come to life.

I'm not earning much, but then again I'm in it for the experience. And it's thrice as much in my home currency, so yay!

*The opinions expressed in this post have no relation to the YMCA organization and are solely my own thoughts.

Jasper Weekend!

So this was a while ago, but I had the opportunity to go to Jasper for the weekend. I was debating quite seriously about this, because it was quite an expensive trip and it wasn't even for the weekend, it was for two days one night. Adding to that, I had a midterm exam the Monday after. But I have never been to Jasper before and once there, it was so definitely worth it. The pictures will show you just how beautiful it was.

I woke up at 3AM, earliest in my life and we left at 5AM. There was about 50 of us in total maybe. I had three other friends with me (from the same floor) and it was nice to hang out. Took about 4+ hours to get there and we went straight to Marmot Ski Resort. I'm not much of a skier, but after spending 4 hours on the hills I eventually learned how not to fall. =] Mission accomplished.

That night we went ice skating on a frozen lake. Much easier than skiing, but still, I haven't had much practice with it. We were only there for a bit, but it was cool. I was surprised I wasn't dropping from exhaustion.

The next day we went snowshoeing up a mountain and arrived to the breath-taking view of the Canadian Rockies! It is no joke how tiring snowhoeing is, but so worth the climb up. On the right (below the skates) is a picture of the snowshoe which you kind of tie your shoes/boots in.














After that and a lunch break back in town, we went ice-walking in the Maligne caves. It sounds a little scary and dangerous, but it wasn't too bad. Apart from one or two times experiencing a heart-attack slip, it was pretty steady. I was honestly expecting more of the caves though, it felt like we only grazed the surface of it. Still, it was amazing. And thank the heavens that the weather those two days were great. I was actually sweating quite a bit, because I was afraid I'd be cold and wore quite thick clothes. (Ski pants are so comfortable tho!)

 As you can see, my Jasper weekend trip was WONDERFUL! Definitely go visit if you get the chance. I'd love to go back and see more of the Rockies, perhaps in the Spring/Autumn.