It's been about a month and a half since I last visited the women shelter. When I found out that I had skin cancer, I took some time off from both volunteering at the women shelter, and from Big Brother and Big Sisters.
My plan was to start back at both of them in January. Although the Women Shelter sends daily emails, if they are in need of any extra volunteers. Tonight after work, I thought I had to make dinner, but exciting and surprising...dinner was already made!! So it was quick !! LOL. I had no plans and I got an email on my phone from the shelter asking if there were any volunteers that would be able to help out for an hour and half at tonights "New Years Resolutions meeting".
I got the the shelter at 6:45, so 15 minutes early, I got a chance to catch up quickly with the councellors and other volunteers. It felt really good to be back. I honestly couldn't believe how, volunteering at the shelter sheds a different light on me, its crazy (in a good way of course). The women that are currently being housed, are all new to me so this was going to be a whole new ball game for me. Also I've never really sat in on a meeting before so that was different.
The point of the "New Years Resoulution Meeting" was to motivate and encourage each woman towards and positive future. Each woman had an opportunity to speak about their struggles (if they wanted to), and what has brought them to the shelter. Also, each woman also took something positive out of their situation, and what they learnt from it, that will benefit their lives in 2011. I am glad I attended this meeting because we all have struggles and issues, and we all handle situations differently. Although, tonight showed, its what you take out of the situation that contributes to who you are and how you are shaped - I think anyways! All of these women come from all walks of life, and have different horrific stories, but yet, each and every single one of them manage to look at the positive sides! THIS WAS AMAZING! They taught me something! I try to do this when I can, but sometimes it doesn't always pan out this way, but really, tonight, I thought to my self, why the heck not, if they can do, I should be able to, they inspired me!
So....things, I look forward to in 2011
1) Being more loving to those I care about!
2) Showing appreciation to those around me!
3) Try to take out more good than bad in a situation!
4) Be proud of my self for taking the leap in writing the LSAT - regardless of the results.
5) Committing myself to 2011 Toronto Campaign against skin cancer. My hope here is not to force people to stop tanning with out protection, but to shed some light on the dangers. Ultimately, I can only try!
6) Finally, living more, laughing lots, and loving all!
What are some of things you would like to see within your self, or anything else? Please feel free to share
S,
xoxo
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
LSAT = serious insanity!
Hello my bloggers,
This year, as I have mentioned before I have applied to Law Schools in Ontario. The LSAT is mandatory, and is weighed heavily on your acceptance to a law school. I was having mixed feelings about how ready I was for the December testing, although I needed to write the test because it is the last chance to be looked at for September 2011 admission.
Anyways, today was LSAT day all around the world. The test started at 830 a.m and I had to be at the center at 7:30 am in London. I was up so early, like 6...I know for many that might be reasonable - but no not me. I couldn't fall asleep until 2ish.
With all the craziness I have had going on in the last month, plus trying to study for the LSAT, I have been feel really stressed. I felt like I have had so much on my plate lately, that I need a break from it all.
So today in my testing room, there was about 45 other students in the classroom. It was a very strict setting. We were not allowed to have cellphones WITH US AT ALL. We were not allowed to bring out jackets in the room - they needed to stay outside in the hallway on the floor, you know where they can possibly go missing. We were all in assigned seat (I was seat 218). We are only allowed to go to the washroom on break, unless it is an emergency, but you do not get extra time. This rules are strict, but they depicted efficiency and organization.
I have to think of alternatives for September, if I will not be attending any law school. I am planning on applying to some places, a place where I can gain experience, I have a few places in mind, so hopefully something works out. Of course, my dream would be lawschool in September.
Although, today's experience was so difficult. I want to stay positive, but if needed, I will write the LSAT in June for September 2012. I was running out of time in each section, so when the proctor said 5 minutes left for section (whatever section I was on), the letter C suddenly became the answer for the left over questions. The experience was good, I'm glad that I did take the test today, so I am prepared if I need to write again. Prior to today, I wasn't really sure what to expect, in terms of administrative work. I also talked to many students who recommended great tutoring programs that I may look into, who knows. I also feel like I can take a little breather for a little while in terms of LSAT studying. We don't find out our scores until January!
As stressful as it was, and costly it was to apply to lawschool and to write the exam, I know that there is a plan for me...and whatever it is, I know God will help me through it.
As for now, I am extremely tired, I am going to visit my grandparents for their anniversary and I am going to SLEEP! I am exhausted!
S.
This year, as I have mentioned before I have applied to Law Schools in Ontario. The LSAT is mandatory, and is weighed heavily on your acceptance to a law school. I was having mixed feelings about how ready I was for the December testing, although I needed to write the test because it is the last chance to be looked at for September 2011 admission.
Anyways, today was LSAT day all around the world. The test started at 830 a.m and I had to be at the center at 7:30 am in London. I was up so early, like 6...I know for many that might be reasonable - but no not me. I couldn't fall asleep until 2ish.
With all the craziness I have had going on in the last month, plus trying to study for the LSAT, I have been feel really stressed. I felt like I have had so much on my plate lately, that I need a break from it all.
So today in my testing room, there was about 45 other students in the classroom. It was a very strict setting. We were not allowed to have cellphones WITH US AT ALL. We were not allowed to bring out jackets in the room - they needed to stay outside in the hallway on the floor, you know where they can possibly go missing. We were all in assigned seat (I was seat 218). We are only allowed to go to the washroom on break, unless it is an emergency, but you do not get extra time. This rules are strict, but they depicted efficiency and organization.
I have to think of alternatives for September, if I will not be attending any law school. I am planning on applying to some places, a place where I can gain experience, I have a few places in mind, so hopefully something works out. Of course, my dream would be lawschool in September.
Although, today's experience was so difficult. I want to stay positive, but if needed, I will write the LSAT in June for September 2012. I was running out of time in each section, so when the proctor said 5 minutes left for section (whatever section I was on), the letter C suddenly became the answer for the left over questions. The experience was good, I'm glad that I did take the test today, so I am prepared if I need to write again. Prior to today, I wasn't really sure what to expect, in terms of administrative work. I also talked to many students who recommended great tutoring programs that I may look into, who knows. I also feel like I can take a little breather for a little while in terms of LSAT studying. We don't find out our scores until January!
As stressful as it was, and costly it was to apply to lawschool and to write the exam, I know that there is a plan for me...and whatever it is, I know God will help me through it.
As for now, I am extremely tired, I am going to visit my grandparents for their anniversary and I am going to SLEEP! I am exhausted!
S.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Love this !
So I found this on the internet, and loved literally every line of it, and I wanted to share it :) Enjoy!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Health update & other exciting news!
So before I start this post, I must welcome the newest addition to my family, my little bud L! My sister-in-law had a beautiful boy this morning, 7 pounds!! I just want to squeeze and kiss him! I got to quickly meet him this morning and again tonight with my other 2 year old nephew. I love them both!
Random news: I am writing my LSAT December 11th, am I ready? NO...but I have to realize if it doesn't work out this time around, I will re write, and find a plan, and to just try my best!
Some other news...
Yesterday, Women's College Hospital called me and asked me if I was interested in having my surgery today because they had a cancellation. Of course, I said YES!!!!
My appointment was at 12, and I didn't leave until 4 30! I got a complete body scan, which will help monitor any irregular moles, or any changes in any spots. I also got the rest of the skin cancer removed on my ankle/bottom leg (I hope). Its a big scar, and I was extremely nervous. It took 10 needles to numb it, and I HATEEEEEEEE needles so that was the toughest part. After 10 minutes I couldn't feel anything, which was good. I still feel numb so hopefully when the numbing goes away it wont be TOO bad. I got 16 stitches!!
I knew I was in good hands because I had one of the best surgeons in CANADA! (I heard from many people he is good, and of course I had to research on google for my self lol).
Since I found out that I had melanoma, I was constantly on google late at night, typing practically everything you can think of in the search engine. I learnt that, there are so many young girls my age who have/had melanoma! About 90% (my own rough estimate lol) of the stories that I read, mentioned that they use to tan when they were at a young age. Once I decided to stop tanning, I came to realize that I had 2 addictions, an addiction to be dark, and an addiction to tanning. In my own opinion, I feel for every young girl who uses tanning for the reasons I used it, to cover your natural beauty. I kinda wanted to do something about this, but really, what can I do? how could I even get involved
Well...today while my doctor was stitching me up, he asked me my thoughts about tanning. I told him I use to tan...all through highschool and the first two years of university. I knew it was bad, but the professionals at the tanning salon made me feel like it was a healthy way. Its not there fault, I was just too blinded by it all. Anyways, he asked me if I would be interested in helping him out with his campaign that will be happening in the spring, to share my story. I was pretty happy about that!!
He also told me something funny, I thought (funny in a weird way). He told me that a owner of tanning salon in our area called his office and asked him to stop telling patients that tanning causes skin cancer!! My doctor responded accordingly but I just thought it was interest lol!
Okay, thats all for now, I am going to catch up on all the blogs I have been missing!!
xox.
S
Random news: I am writing my LSAT December 11th, am I ready? NO...but I have to realize if it doesn't work out this time around, I will re write, and find a plan, and to just try my best!
Some other news...
Yesterday, Women's College Hospital called me and asked me if I was interested in having my surgery today because they had a cancellation. Of course, I said YES!!!!
My appointment was at 12, and I didn't leave until 4 30! I got a complete body scan, which will help monitor any irregular moles, or any changes in any spots. I also got the rest of the skin cancer removed on my ankle/bottom leg (I hope). Its a big scar, and I was extremely nervous. It took 10 needles to numb it, and I HATEEEEEEEE needles so that was the toughest part. After 10 minutes I couldn't feel anything, which was good. I still feel numb so hopefully when the numbing goes away it wont be TOO bad. I got 16 stitches!!
I knew I was in good hands because I had one of the best surgeons in CANADA! (I heard from many people he is good, and of course I had to research on google for my self lol).
Since I found out that I had melanoma, I was constantly on google late at night, typing practically everything you can think of in the search engine. I learnt that, there are so many young girls my age who have/had melanoma! About 90% (my own rough estimate lol) of the stories that I read, mentioned that they use to tan when they were at a young age. Once I decided to stop tanning, I came to realize that I had 2 addictions, an addiction to be dark, and an addiction to tanning. In my own opinion, I feel for every young girl who uses tanning for the reasons I used it, to cover your natural beauty. I kinda wanted to do something about this, but really, what can I do? how could I even get involved
Well...today while my doctor was stitching me up, he asked me my thoughts about tanning. I told him I use to tan...all through highschool and the first two years of university. I knew it was bad, but the professionals at the tanning salon made me feel like it was a healthy way. Its not there fault, I was just too blinded by it all. Anyways, he asked me if I would be interested in helping him out with his campaign that will be happening in the spring, to share my story. I was pretty happy about that!!
He also told me something funny, I thought (funny in a weird way). He told me that a owner of tanning salon in our area called his office and asked him to stop telling patients that tanning causes skin cancer!! My doctor responded accordingly but I just thought it was interest lol!
Okay, thats all for now, I am going to catch up on all the blogs I have been missing!!
xox.
S
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
When life doesn't go how you planned
Hello my bloggers, this blog entry today is something that is personal, and yet I feel will help me by sharing it.
The last two years I have buckled down overall, I worked hard in school, and work part time on the weekends. I try my hardest to balance work, school and a social life, sometimes it can be difficult.
I just applied to Law school, and I am writing my LSAT December 11th, so I feel so stressed because its so close and I'm not anywhere near being ready. I'm also thinking of applying to teacher's college, as a back of plan! Who knows, will see.
I seem to have all these big plans, expecting life to always fall in place, it is not always the case and I finally realized that. I've been seeing a dermatologist for the last year, and on my last visit she said my results should be in soon, but after that I wont have to see her so often.
Last Friday she phoned me and to let me know that my results were in, and that I have skin cancer. She told me over the phone, because there was a mix up in the past between her telling me results and my own family doctor. I kinda appreciated that because I would have been so worried if she said she needed to speak to me. She said that I have caught it at an early stage, and I will need surgery. The conversation ended so quick, BUT at the time, I had nothing to say, even though I had a million questions and thoughts running through my head. The main thing was...AHH IM ONLY 22 AND I HAVE CANCER, I kinda didn't believe it, because its just one of those things that you know can happen but you dont think it will.
I went to see her today, plus my family doctor, right now they are more concerned about how I am coping with the stress of all this and what are the next steps in preventing it from spreading. To be honest, I am worried but she told me that she is sending me to the best team of surgeons in Ontario that deal strictly with melanoma patients. The thought of someone saying you have cancer, is enough to make anyone feel down, but I did alot of research and I've learned alot. I dont leave my house unless I am wearing 30 sunblock (I have been doing this already for the last year), and I plan to wear sunglasses alot more because melanoma in the eyes can cause alot of damage. I also do not plan on soaking up the sun how I once did. At first I freaked out because of the summer holidays plus winter vacation, but that just means I have more time to be active and do fun things that I never did because I would just wanted to lay in the sun.
I am waiting for my doctor to call me back to tell me when I am going to women's college hospital to meet with my surgeon. My situation is dangerous and pretty severe but I do know that there is someone out there that is in a worst situation and I should be lucky that I will be monitored and it will be surgically removed.
Everyone around me keeps saying how relaxed I seem about it, I'm not as relaxed as it seems, its just I have to talk about it on my terms, and when I'm ready. I feel like I have all this pressure now, and how I should be when I'm outside, and what I should be doing differently. I already know this stuff, I have known this the day I decided to stop using indoor tanning beds. I did research before, unfortunately damage was already done to my body, the only thing I can do now is be more pro-active in taking care of myself
This made me realize how crazy and how many of us, well me any way take the littlest things for granted, lucky for me my cancer is treatable, but there are many people's whose isn't.
Another important thing I learnt, is that if you feel uneasy its probably best to go get checked out before its too late, because if I wasn't already seeing a dermatologist I would have never found out because I don't really feel different or sick for that matter.
One last note, just when we think things can't get any worse, THEY DO, and they did. BUT...just when you think things can't get any better, they do, and they will!!
xoxo
S.
The last two years I have buckled down overall, I worked hard in school, and work part time on the weekends. I try my hardest to balance work, school and a social life, sometimes it can be difficult.
I just applied to Law school, and I am writing my LSAT December 11th, so I feel so stressed because its so close and I'm not anywhere near being ready. I'm also thinking of applying to teacher's college, as a back of plan! Who knows, will see.
I seem to have all these big plans, expecting life to always fall in place, it is not always the case and I finally realized that. I've been seeing a dermatologist for the last year, and on my last visit she said my results should be in soon, but after that I wont have to see her so often.
Last Friday she phoned me and to let me know that my results were in, and that I have skin cancer. She told me over the phone, because there was a mix up in the past between her telling me results and my own family doctor. I kinda appreciated that because I would have been so worried if she said she needed to speak to me. She said that I have caught it at an early stage, and I will need surgery. The conversation ended so quick, BUT at the time, I had nothing to say, even though I had a million questions and thoughts running through my head. The main thing was...AHH IM ONLY 22 AND I HAVE CANCER, I kinda didn't believe it, because its just one of those things that you know can happen but you dont think it will.
I went to see her today, plus my family doctor, right now they are more concerned about how I am coping with the stress of all this and what are the next steps in preventing it from spreading. To be honest, I am worried but she told me that she is sending me to the best team of surgeons in Ontario that deal strictly with melanoma patients. The thought of someone saying you have cancer, is enough to make anyone feel down, but I did alot of research and I've learned alot. I dont leave my house unless I am wearing 30 sunblock (I have been doing this already for the last year), and I plan to wear sunglasses alot more because melanoma in the eyes can cause alot of damage. I also do not plan on soaking up the sun how I once did. At first I freaked out because of the summer holidays plus winter vacation, but that just means I have more time to be active and do fun things that I never did because I would just wanted to lay in the sun.
I am waiting for my doctor to call me back to tell me when I am going to women's college hospital to meet with my surgeon. My situation is dangerous and pretty severe but I do know that there is someone out there that is in a worst situation and I should be lucky that I will be monitored and it will be surgically removed.
Everyone around me keeps saying how relaxed I seem about it, I'm not as relaxed as it seems, its just I have to talk about it on my terms, and when I'm ready. I feel like I have all this pressure now, and how I should be when I'm outside, and what I should be doing differently. I already know this stuff, I have known this the day I decided to stop using indoor tanning beds. I did research before, unfortunately damage was already done to my body, the only thing I can do now is be more pro-active in taking care of myself
This made me realize how crazy and how many of us, well me any way take the littlest things for granted, lucky for me my cancer is treatable, but there are many people's whose isn't.
Another important thing I learnt, is that if you feel uneasy its probably best to go get checked out before its too late, because if I wasn't already seeing a dermatologist I would have never found out because I don't really feel different or sick for that matter.
One last note, just when we think things can't get any worse, THEY DO, and they did. BUT...just when you think things can't get any better, they do, and they will!!
xoxo
S.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
thanks giving
Hello Bloggers!
Happy thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend.
So far I am. This morning I took a flight out @ 530 am to visit my grandparents in Nothern Ontario. I am on 3 hours of sleep but as tired as I am, I don't think I'll be going to bed soon! My grandfather is really ill and I an currently waiting for his nurse to come by for his check up. After that I will be going to the casino with him, he loooves his keno!! LOL. I don't have a blast at the casino but that's probably because I can only gamble 10 dollars.
I've been pretty bored all day though because my grandfather slept all day - we usuallŸ play cards, and it would get pretty competitive. I have a lot of cousins who also live here but I'm not sure where everyone is.
The good news is, I just got the internet on my blackberry but its sooo hard to adjust. I have had the time to learn today. I am still trying to figure out how too read blogs ...I can't find them on my phone. Actually...it took me awhile to find out how to blog this lol.
Anyways that's all for now!!
S.
Happy thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend.
So far I am. This morning I took a flight out @ 530 am to visit my grandparents in Nothern Ontario. I am on 3 hours of sleep but as tired as I am, I don't think I'll be going to bed soon! My grandfather is really ill and I an currently waiting for his nurse to come by for his check up. After that I will be going to the casino with him, he loooves his keno!! LOL. I don't have a blast at the casino but that's probably because I can only gamble 10 dollars.
I've been pretty bored all day though because my grandfather slept all day - we usuallŸ play cards, and it would get pretty competitive. I have a lot of cousins who also live here but I'm not sure where everyone is.
The good news is, I just got the internet on my blackberry but its sooo hard to adjust. I have had the time to learn today. I am still trying to figure out how too read blogs ...I can't find them on my phone. Actually...it took me awhile to find out how to blog this lol.
Anyways that's all for now!!
S.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
whoa so longg!!
Hi everyone,
I know its been such a long time since I last posted anything...I have been and still am so busy!!!!! But I am just in one of those moods to type away...
So my LSAT course is coming to an end... I am not as prepared as I expected to be but I have 2 and half months left...ITS GOING TO BE SERIOUS STUDY TIME!
I quit one of my jobs 3 weeks ago...my last official day was Tuesday... which means I now have more time to study for the LSAT. I am still trying to complete my undergrad .....but I'm sooo close!!
Last month I went for an MRI because my head is constantly hurting but I just got the results in yesterday and everything is fine. My doctor thinks its a variety of things such as stress (I have been feeling stressed about so many things lately), constantly reading, and TMJ. Both my family doctor and dentist recommend I start going for massages. So I did............YESTERDAY......and it was so relaxing...it was costly but I am planning on continuing this hah! I also went out for dinner last night with two girlfriends I haven't seen in a couple of months. It was sooo nice to dine and laugh!
Today was another pretty special day.....I went on a helicopter ride with my nephew. There was a place, not too far from me, that was offering helicopter rides ...it was 12 minutes long. It was beautiful, such a different experience than a plane thats for sure...10000 times better!! As for tonight...I am staying in...I am exhausted, I want to read a bit, and relax
Anyways other then that I hope everyone reading this is doing extremely well and are not to stress with things.
Talk soon
S.
I know its been such a long time since I last posted anything...I have been and still am so busy!!!!! But I am just in one of those moods to type away...
So my LSAT course is coming to an end... I am not as prepared as I expected to be but I have 2 and half months left...ITS GOING TO BE SERIOUS STUDY TIME!
I quit one of my jobs 3 weeks ago...my last official day was Tuesday... which means I now have more time to study for the LSAT. I am still trying to complete my undergrad .....but I'm sooo close!!
Last month I went for an MRI because my head is constantly hurting but I just got the results in yesterday and everything is fine. My doctor thinks its a variety of things such as stress (I have been feeling stressed about so many things lately), constantly reading, and TMJ. Both my family doctor and dentist recommend I start going for massages. So I did............YESTERDAY......and it was so relaxing...it was costly but I am planning on continuing this hah! I also went out for dinner last night with two girlfriends I haven't seen in a couple of months. It was sooo nice to dine and laugh!
Today was another pretty special day.....I went on a helicopter ride with my nephew. There was a place, not too far from me, that was offering helicopter rides ...it was 12 minutes long. It was beautiful, such a different experience than a plane thats for sure...10000 times better!! As for tonight...I am staying in...I am exhausted, I want to read a bit, and relax
Anyways other then that I hope everyone reading this is doing extremely well and are not to stress with things.
Talk soon
S.
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