It's Good to be Happy.

I've been living in Calgary now for 6ish weeks. Almost 2 months. It really doesn't seem like it's been that long. Which I guess is a good thing because isn't it the saying "time flies when you're having fun."

I've been working at my job for about a month now. I'm enjoying it quite a bit, as I relayed in my previous blog post. It's so nice working with children again. Many of my closest friends and family will know that I am NOT a morning person. My Uncle David on the phone last week jokingly (or at least I'm hoping so!) said that I can be a bit unpleasant in the morning. I told him that I like to keep the beast inside so as not to scare people away - hence why I just stay quiet in the mornings. With this job, I have be up and at work at 7am. Eek! However, it's the children that motivate me to get to work on time and to be my perkiest so bright and early in the morning. They continue to melt my heart, remind me why I went into a profession working with children, and blow my mind with their brightness. I've been saying to everyone that I think this is the perfect job for transitioning between being a full time student and finding my career as a teacher. I'm really really happy!

In addition, this is the first job I've worked strictly Monday - Fridays. Every weekend off! I hardly knew what to do with myself at first. However, I've quickly learned that weekends are a great time to get caught up on sleep, get the things done on the to-do list that pile up throughout the week, explore this new city I'm living in, and to catch up with friends and family via Skype. This weekend I had a long but much needed Skype date with my friend, Amanda who is living in China for the year. We talked about our new lives and our new adventures. It had been over a month since we talked to each other, and I truly and honestly missed having her in my life. It made me appreciate the time we had together as roommates when living in Fredericton. Miss you. I also got to Skype with my parents. Man, do I miss them. Seeing their faces and being in the presence of their motivating words, updates on family and their lives, and my Dad's hysterical sense of humour relaxed me and reminded me that I did the right thing moving to Calgary. I couldn't have gotten through this month without them and their support, and I can't thank them enough (I know you're reading this, and I mean every word!) 

There is a lot to do in this city, and a lot to see - and I haven't even put a dent into it. I'm going to dedicate more of my time here really getting to know this city and getting to know new people. But for now, I'm feeling pretty blessed to be in a place where I feel safe, loved, and happy. 

I want to end this blog post quoting something my Grandmom said to me not all that long ago. Keep in mind that my memory isn't the greatest, and I may not be saying this in the exact words that she did - but I definitely have the gist of it and the meaning behind it.

"For the first time in a long time, it seems like everyone is happy again. And I couldn't be more proud of our accomplishments as a family."

... I couldn't agree more Grandmom. 

I Love My Job.

Today a mother came in to pick up her son from Student Care. This is the conversation she and I had: 

Mom: "My son is loving Student Care this year, so much so that he wants to come on Friday when there is no school even though I'm going to be home that day" 

Me: "That's fantastic! Glad to hear he is liking it so much" 

Mom: "Last year, he used to cry when I told him he had to go to Student Care after school" 

Me: "Oh?" 

Mom: "Let's just say, we are so lucky to have you!" 

...This is how I know I've made the right decision when it comes to my profession. I'm so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, amazing, and inspiring children and families.

Happy Birthday, Brad!

Today is my "little" brother's 20th birthday. I use quotations when I say little because ever since he was about the age of 12 he's always been bigger then me. In fact, sometimes he gets credit for being the oldest sibling. False! Also, when did my brother grow up? I can't believe he is 20. We are back in the same decade again. 

Brad, I just wanted to write this little blog post to wish you the happiest of birthdays. It's been a pleasure and an honour to watch you grow up. I know that we didn't always get along, but I want you to know how much I cherish our relationship and how important you are to me. Can't imagine a world without a Big Brad in it. So in "Melissa Birthday Blog Post Tradition," here are just a few reasons why I think I'm the luckiest sister ever to have such a great little brother like you (don't blush!): 

- You put up with my cheesiness (sort of). When I try and do something special for family, or try to be all sentimental on ya, you are patient and take it in stride (even if you poke fun of me afterwards). 

- You make me laugh. Whether it's pulling a funny face when I try to a get sibling photo or doing something completely random and foolish out of no where, you make me shake my head and wonder how you got such a unique sense of humour (I think our Dad has something to do with it). 

- When I ask to borrow your precious car to teach a friend to drive standard, you don't hesitate to say yes. This reminds me that you'll always have my back. 

- I know that I can confide in you, and it warms my heart that I know you trust to confide in me. 

- When I had my little break down before moving to Calgary, you were the one to remind me that family is always there and that I am loved. For me, this was a big step in our sibling relationship. 

I'm proud of you, Brad and everything you've accomplished in your 20 years. It breaks my heart a little bit that I'm not in NB to witness your final year of Junior hockey. I know you'll do great and I am so looking forward to seeing what step you'll take next in this big world. 

Happy Birthday! Love you.