A series of slaps

Did the shit hit the fan or something? Lol. Pardon the abusive tone, but I feel like I've been slapped around over the last day. I gotta start by saying, slaps aren't always bad.

So last night I thought I could have a good sleep and boot my cold. It turns out my plan didn't work out so marvellously. I'm not complaining about my cold (I happen to be doing better today). As for the good sleep... well... Johnny's active little mind wouldn't let him sleep. Whether it was the neighbour partying til 4am or getting up fairly late in the date or some other small influences that contributed to my sleepless night, I know that it was my ability to over-analyze that kept me awake. It was after a most-stimulating conversation with Carsey (my PhD. friend from Harvard) that I felt thrust to a crossroad. Ugh, quiero decir mas, pero no es posible... Point is, I was up til 5am and really did not sleep well after that.

So I call this over-analysis a self-slap. Hehe.

Now, a slap back to the simply positive side of my life... Today I woke up and notificed an email that I have received the Co-op Work Term Report Award for Fall 2004. Certainly not the most prestigious award at the University of Waterloo, but I will be getting a bursary, photo with the Dean of Geography and a certificate. I was so happy cause I've honestly worked so hard to develop my writing abilities over my university days.

My third slap of the day occurred in the afternoon. I was reminded that friends are great! Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate each and every one of my friends in a special way but when I think about my slap this afternoon I realize how truly great some of my friends are. I'm referring to Hardy Har (notice the nickname, see previous entry) who came all the way from Toronto to Waterloo just to visit for the afternoon. So giving, so kind, so much fun... what a great guy! =)

On the way back to Toronto I was hit by slap number four. This time, while checking my voicemail I found out that I was NOT selected for testing/interviews for the Ontario Internship Program. Not that I expected a position, but I was quite self-assured that my application would at least earn me an interview. Nonetheless, I am able to find out the reasons as to why my application didn't carry me through to the testing/interview stage and believe me, I will! =)

So now the implications of my future. This year, this week in fact, has been a real turning point for my future. As I mentioned in my first entry, I handed in my intent to graduate form this week. But now, with both the Ministry of the Environment job and the Internship application falling through, I have no concrete plans for the next year except going to Europe in April for two months. =)

The good news is that it is now easier to plan my trip dates in terms of flights. The situation is good also because I truly want the coming year to be one of internal and external self-discovery. I think my visit to Europe will help me get started with both... but where will I go from there? I have a few options in mind right now.

1. Work part-time in Toronto and take courses at Ryerson/UT, potentially in Mandarin, French and Poli Sci.  

2. Look further into other internships such as one in Costa Rica that I've been reading about.

3. Move to Vancouver, start working and grad school hunting for a year.

I've noticed that I always ask for comments in my entries. This time around I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions or any offers for the next year??? ;) :)

So my doors are open. I suppose we all need a good slap every once in a while.