still busy.... but came across this picture and i had a reflection moment....

                                           so here it is. Someone wise once said this to me. 

                      I could blab about my life. but i won't. not until another time. peace out. xo

I'm here.

Long time.... no talk.

I'm alive and I've slacked hardcore on this blog. my apologizes. My life has been very busy but nonetheless exciting. I am 3 months into my social work degree, and 4 months away from being laid off from Zellers permanently. Zellers was my first job at 17, they've never been able to get rid of me, I guess. Soon it'll be the last time when we close on March 14th, 2013. But it's been a rewarding experience, regardless. I may never want to work in retail again, but experience that has grown tremendously.

So back to my social work degree experience. I'm having a great time. i love it. Different from one on one interaction in a classroom setting. But being able to do my school work online and work from home is great.

I still volunteer through Big Brothers Big Sisters, matched as an inschool mentor/ big sister. I have a new match this yr, she's 5 in Kindergarten. Cutest thing ever. She's been a challenge but i think i've figured her out on her likes and dislikes which is very helpful for me. We meet on Thursdays, it's going well.

I almost have my Christmas shopping done... isn't that crazy?

well that about sums up my life, recently.

later folks.

ps, Be well, smile, never stop laughing, and love like crazy.

cheers.

New opportunities. New Beginnings, with Thanks.

I decided I'm overdue for a blog post. I've had a lot of time to figure this life of mine out. So much is happening in my life. a lot of the things that have occurred are personal. Those who should know about these events, know. If you don't it's nothing personal against you. I am truly discovering more about myself and i love it. I love being this Jenn Carroll. So thank you to those who understand me and love me.

On another note I have been accepted to Dalhousie University for my Bachelor of Social Work degree through distance education. I'm super excited. It's been a struggle to obtain this goal achievement, but it has so been worth it. Thank you to every one who believed in me, my potential and my dreams. I can never thank you enough. My future is slowly falling together the way it should. That was always one of my biggest worries not figuring out my future and never fully reaching my full potential. But now, i'm given this opportunity :)

I'm still working away at Zellers, it keeps me on my toes. Employment is employment. I still volunteer as an inschool mentor and soon have successfully volunteered a school year. It's been a great experience nonetheless.

Oh on this Friday I will be participating in my very first relay for life. So excited. :) it's something i've always wanted to do but never committed myself to. I will be participating with some fellow Zellers employees, it should be a good time. Thanks again to all my supporters whether they have been sponsors or if you've helped purchase tickets.

Possibilities coming my way...

Getting back into the swing of things....

Today I am back into in school mentoring. I met with my little sister to start the new year. Darci is a great kid, full of so much life. It's incredible the connection that can be created between people when I once was a stranger and now i'm her big sister. Today she ran to the door the moment i arrived embracing me with a  hug. it was so cute. We painted Dora and Boots. She loved it. We checked out her christmas gifts since she just received them from the office this morning. She was so excited. it melts my heart to see her so happy. 

Today I seen another great little girl when I picked Darci up. Little Miss Emma. it never fails when I go to see Darci, Emma makes sure she waves and says "hiiii jeennn" for an extended period of time. She let me know she wouldn't be at the boys and girls club and how she hopes they will still have a summer camp this year. Talk about pulling on a persons heart strings. I really found myself attached to those kids from club connect but knowing I'm able to see so many of them  at that school when i'm volunteering is really wonderful. The one thing I hope is that those kids know that I never once gave up on them. I know they encounter lots of people who walk in and out of their lives, i just hope they know I never wanted to walk out on them. 

For this new year reflecting back on last year, I think I hold so many experiences to help me get to where I need to be. My experience with the boys and girls club is even more valuable. Growing up I was well off, I received everything i could possibly need in life and working as an after school program leader opened my eyes to the lives of others who aren't so fortunate. Those children touched my life and gave me hope for so many more possibilities to come my way. Now that is something to be thankful for.

A New Year

2012 Baby!

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”- Bill Vaughnn

I always liked the beginning of a new year. So much more opportunity for changes, possibilities, etc. I can't say I have big plans but I plan to make the best of this new year. 2011 was the year of hell for me. How I'm still here I don't know. But thank you ever so much to so many people. You know who you are. :)

I have lots running through my mind these days. Questions about moving forward and finally getting on my right path to success. I'm almost there. I just pray this is the year the pieces fall back into place.

Happy New Year  & God Bless.

love is patient, love is kind..

October 25th, 2011: was surgery #3 for my mother.

For anyone reading this and have known a previous health history of my mother will probably wonder when it will ever end. Sometimes I wonder how she does it. My mother is a survivor, a fighter, a trooper, and anything that can make her seem so unique as she is. Watching someone you love go through pain is really difficult but when its your own mother and there is nothing you can do it makes it so much more difficult.

My mother had a hernia that formed from her first major surgery in December, 2010. The hernia was so large and according to the nurses "they thought it was an aliens head". That is rather scary to me. My mom has been low on oxygen but is slowly getting better by the day. i love her so much and i only want her to be well. it breaks my heart each time i visit knowing that she is still in pain.

So this week has consisted of visiting at the hospital, work, visiting at the hospital and sleep. pretty much anyway.

so thank you everyone for all the prayers, love and support. keep the prayers coming as prayer goes a long way.

love is patient, love is kind, love is unbreakable.

new updates.

My life is a bundle of joy.
minus this head cold i have caught.
*** aches all over, head pounding, ears ringing and constant trying to breathe makes things uncomfortable.

I started my new job as an After school program leader at the Boys and Girls club. I am on a new journey which shall be challenging but rewarding in the same sense.

A new vehicle may be in my future. will update when the time arrives.

final thought: we must be positive in this everyday life we live. I know through my previous experiences I wouldn't be where I am if I were not positive and didn't have positive individuals in my life. We must try to excel at everything we encounter and take those experiences forward. Live your life to the fullest, but love it also.