I did not make very good on my 2018 "New Years Resolution", but I will do my best at amalgamating all the happenings and exciting life changes in this post!
January - I started my final academic semester at Ontario College of Health and Technology, which proved to be the hardest AND most rewarding. semester of all. All of my afternoons were spent practicing scenarios or volunteering at different events in the Hamilton/Waterloo Region areas. I was able to make a lot of contacts in the Paramedic world which I absolutely loved as well as giving back to my community is a very fulfilling quest of mine.
February - I started a membership at the Fuzion gym in Cambridge (first ever gym membership). Benjamin and I wanted to start training for our half marathon and I had a team of Tough Mudders I was corralling! I had to beat my previous years' time! So, yes, just added another thing to my list! Did either the half marathon or the tough mudder happen? Nope! Benjamin and I both became incredibly busy with services opening up, studying for A-EMCA, planning for my consolidation, and trying to work in there! Going to the gym became the highlight of my day as it was a place I could go and let loose. This very soon became a way for me to "vent my stress". Also, on a random side note. Vincent Lecavaliers' number was retired! He was the reason the Bolts became my number one team, and yes I've been faithful ever since!
March was full of getting paper work together, doctors notes completed, driving tests passed in anticipation for consolidation with HPS. Also, coming up close to our final written and practical exams. As the dates got closer our time exponentially increased at school (after hours) practicing and studying with colleagues. Everyone was getting so tired and worn out. It was all we could do to keep our sanity... but it was well worth it!
April - Benjamin finished and graduated from Niagara College! I took him to London for a day to celebrate! We went to the market, walked around the lovely streets of London, found a hidden top grade BBQ tucked in down some dark alley, and finished the day at Budweiser Gardens. I think he enjoyed it, I know I did... it was some much needed time together. I also finished my academic portion and had two weeks off before consolidation started. I tried to work a lot more in those two weeks.
May - July all kind of blurred together except one major thing! You can read in more detail about my time in Hamilton on my Journey of Paramedicine blog entry. I had the most incredible preceptors whom I will always strive to fashion my standard of care after. In July Benjamin Tallman sat me down and presented me with the most beautiful diamond ever, but more importantly asked me to be his wife. Benjamin and I spent all of our weekends (or few days) off up at Stokes Bay - studying on the water. So thankful for that little piece of heaven to be able to get away from the city and all distractions. It definitely QUICKLY became my favourite summer hideaway.
August - started a new job at Peace of Mind Care as a PSW. I knew that it would be a short lived time spent with this particular company, but I was hired with this in mind. I was very up front with my employer. I was so thankful for this job. Provided just enough hours to provide what I needed plus have enough time set aside to study for my provincial exam. August was also filled with many "yes's" from the people closest to me. Meaning: my bridal party and ring bearers! Also, I contacted On Point Vizsla's and placed a down payment on a little girl for Ben's Christmas gift. This was the hardest secret to keep (which I kind of didn't end up keeping). Benjamin and I also started going through the Niagara EMS hiring process together. We wrote the test in August and found out we were both progressing to the next stage (in September). I graduated from Ontario College of Health and Technology which was an amazing accomplishment for me. A lot of people told me that I wouldn't be able to do it... and guess what.... Receiving that diploma was definitely my greatest accomplishment to date! I worked so hard for it and came out with a 90+ average. I had so much support from Benjamin, my mom, and Marc & Janice - definitely could not have done it (as well) without them.
September - I took a break from working AS MUCH. Ben and I spent a lot of time at the cottage with his parents. It was exam crunch time for me and we were busy with interviews and scenarios with NEMS. Ben and I also decided to postpone our wedding due to unforeseen circumstances. Some things are out of our control, but happen for a reason.
October - I wrote my A-EMCA (provincial paramedic certification), but had to wait almost 2 full months before receiving results. James & Hannah (my younger brother and fiance) got married just before thanksgiving. It was a busy month for sure. Just made me realize how much I have to be thankful for in life though! Also, found out that my oldest sister was expecting a little baby girl!
Out of 700 hundred applicants my Benjamin was chosen to be of the twenty four to be added to the Niagara Emergency Medical Services! I could not have been more proud of him and all the hard work and effort he put into preparing for this job.
November - This month was all about new beginnings and changes for me. I moved to Niagara Falls (literally could walk to the falls in less than 10min) beginning of November, super last minute, and did not know how temporary or permanent it would be. I was able to use an Air BNB for the month of November. It was in a perfect location - super close to work and super convenient for jogging along the falls! Moving to the Niagara Region was amazing and difficult at the same time. I love a challenge and I love placing myself into that challenge. However, being away from all things FAMILIAR is sometimes hard. Very shortly after moving to the Falls I was hired on to two other contractors as a Paramedic. I was also very thankful as this meant I could be a lot closer to Ben.
December - the month of Christmas! Found an amazing apartment in the Niagara Region that's close to my cousin and central to most other necessary places/bases. The move was very quick, but LONG day! I will never forget it. The most rewarding part of the whole day was being able to finally jump into my OWN bed after three years! Gah - so much comfort! December 16th Benjamin and I drove down to Landsdowne, ON (Ottawa) and picked up what was supposed to be his Christmas present. Ben and I had been talking about what kind of dog we wanted to get and had decided on a certain breed. The closer it got to him moving out of his parents place the more he talked about getting his dog sooner. In July I had called around to different breeders and decided I wanted to get our little Vizsla from On Point Breeders. I was able to keep it a secret from Ben till the beginning of November when the breeder called to let me know that our little girl had been born. I was ecstatic!
Nala was born October 31, 2018 and entered our lived December 16, 2018. This would be the beginning of many interrupted nights taking her out for a potty break and putting away all things NICE in the house. Nala was a very quick learner and while she still has a long ways to go to being the dog she will ONE DAY be, I cannot complain with her progress! She is the most intelligent dog I have ever seen. She knows when she is doing something she's not supposed to do and if caught will try and run under the table before she can be caught and placed in her kennel! She is not fully house trained and has artistically mastered a number of tricks! She loves LONG hikes with mom & dad, LOVES running with mom on different trails, and her newest: loves having a "shower"! I was very nervous about getting a dog as I have never trained one this intelligent, but I can say in all honesty now, BEST DECISION EVER! Call me if you want breeders contact information - honestly so nice to deal with and is able to breed top quality dogs!
Christmas was a nice time to sit back and relax. Both Ben and I were able to get four days off in a row, which we spent with family (at both farms). We thoroughly enjoyed the much needed time of rest and rejuvenation.
Over the duration of the month 11 paramedic services opened up in our area to which both Ben and I applied. 2019 holds a lot of opportunity for success if we are smart with our time and allocate it efficiently!
My five highlights of 2019:
1. Saying yes to the man of my dreams July 27, 2018
2. Graduating Ontario College of Health & Technology
3. Obtaining my A-EMCA
4. Moving to and discovering Niagara Region
5. Picking up our little Nala
January - I started my final academic semester at Ontario College of Health and Technology, which proved to be the hardest AND most rewarding. semester of all. All of my afternoons were spent practicing scenarios or volunteering at different events in the Hamilton/Waterloo Region areas. I was able to make a lot of contacts in the Paramedic world which I absolutely loved as well as giving back to my community is a very fulfilling quest of mine.
February - I started a membership at the Fuzion gym in Cambridge (first ever gym membership). Benjamin and I wanted to start training for our half marathon and I had a team of Tough Mudders I was corralling! I had to beat my previous years' time! So, yes, just added another thing to my list! Did either the half marathon or the tough mudder happen? Nope! Benjamin and I both became incredibly busy with services opening up, studying for A-EMCA, planning for my consolidation, and trying to work in there! Going to the gym became the highlight of my day as it was a place I could go and let loose. This very soon became a way for me to "vent my stress". Also, on a random side note. Vincent Lecavaliers' number was retired! He was the reason the Bolts became my number one team, and yes I've been faithful ever since!
March was full of getting paper work together, doctors notes completed, driving tests passed in anticipation for consolidation with HPS. Also, coming up close to our final written and practical exams. As the dates got closer our time exponentially increased at school (after hours) practicing and studying with colleagues. Everyone was getting so tired and worn out. It was all we could do to keep our sanity... but it was well worth it!
April - Benjamin finished and graduated from Niagara College! I took him to London for a day to celebrate! We went to the market, walked around the lovely streets of London, found a hidden top grade BBQ tucked in down some dark alley, and finished the day at Budweiser Gardens. I think he enjoyed it, I know I did... it was some much needed time together. I also finished my academic portion and had two weeks off before consolidation started. I tried to work a lot more in those two weeks.
May - July all kind of blurred together except one major thing! You can read in more detail about my time in Hamilton on my Journey of Paramedicine blog entry. I had the most incredible preceptors whom I will always strive to fashion my standard of care after. In July Benjamin Tallman sat me down and presented me with the most beautiful diamond ever, but more importantly asked me to be his wife. Benjamin and I spent all of our weekends (or few days) off up at Stokes Bay - studying on the water. So thankful for that little piece of heaven to be able to get away from the city and all distractions. It definitely QUICKLY became my favourite summer hideaway.
August - started a new job at Peace of Mind Care as a PSW. I knew that it would be a short lived time spent with this particular company, but I was hired with this in mind. I was very up front with my employer. I was so thankful for this job. Provided just enough hours to provide what I needed plus have enough time set aside to study for my provincial exam. August was also filled with many "yes's" from the people closest to me. Meaning: my bridal party and ring bearers! Also, I contacted On Point Vizsla's and placed a down payment on a little girl for Ben's Christmas gift. This was the hardest secret to keep (which I kind of didn't end up keeping). Benjamin and I also started going through the Niagara EMS hiring process together. We wrote the test in August and found out we were both progressing to the next stage (in September). I graduated from Ontario College of Health and Technology which was an amazing accomplishment for me. A lot of people told me that I wouldn't be able to do it... and guess what.... Receiving that diploma was definitely my greatest accomplishment to date! I worked so hard for it and came out with a 90+ average. I had so much support from Benjamin, my mom, and Marc & Janice - definitely could not have done it (as well) without them.
September - I took a break from working AS MUCH. Ben and I spent a lot of time at the cottage with his parents. It was exam crunch time for me and we were busy with interviews and scenarios with NEMS. Ben and I also decided to postpone our wedding due to unforeseen circumstances. Some things are out of our control, but happen for a reason.
October - I wrote my A-EMCA (provincial paramedic certification), but had to wait almost 2 full months before receiving results. James & Hannah (my younger brother and fiance) got married just before thanksgiving. It was a busy month for sure. Just made me realize how much I have to be thankful for in life though! Also, found out that my oldest sister was expecting a little baby girl!
Out of 700 hundred applicants my Benjamin was chosen to be of the twenty four to be added to the Niagara Emergency Medical Services! I could not have been more proud of him and all the hard work and effort he put into preparing for this job.
November - This month was all about new beginnings and changes for me. I moved to Niagara Falls (literally could walk to the falls in less than 10min) beginning of November, super last minute, and did not know how temporary or permanent it would be. I was able to use an Air BNB for the month of November. It was in a perfect location - super close to work and super convenient for jogging along the falls! Moving to the Niagara Region was amazing and difficult at the same time. I love a challenge and I love placing myself into that challenge. However, being away from all things FAMILIAR is sometimes hard. Very shortly after moving to the Falls I was hired on to two other contractors as a Paramedic. I was also very thankful as this meant I could be a lot closer to Ben.
December - the month of Christmas! Found an amazing apartment in the Niagara Region that's close to my cousin and central to most other necessary places/bases. The move was very quick, but LONG day! I will never forget it. The most rewarding part of the whole day was being able to finally jump into my OWN bed after three years! Gah - so much comfort! December 16th Benjamin and I drove down to Landsdowne, ON (Ottawa) and picked up what was supposed to be his Christmas present. Ben and I had been talking about what kind of dog we wanted to get and had decided on a certain breed. The closer it got to him moving out of his parents place the more he talked about getting his dog sooner. In July I had called around to different breeders and decided I wanted to get our little Vizsla from On Point Breeders. I was able to keep it a secret from Ben till the beginning of November when the breeder called to let me know that our little girl had been born. I was ecstatic!
Nala was born October 31, 2018 and entered our lived December 16, 2018. This would be the beginning of many interrupted nights taking her out for a potty break and putting away all things NICE in the house. Nala was a very quick learner and while she still has a long ways to go to being the dog she will ONE DAY be, I cannot complain with her progress! She is the most intelligent dog I have ever seen. She knows when she is doing something she's not supposed to do and if caught will try and run under the table before she can be caught and placed in her kennel! She is not fully house trained and has artistically mastered a number of tricks! She loves LONG hikes with mom & dad, LOVES running with mom on different trails, and her newest: loves having a "shower"! I was very nervous about getting a dog as I have never trained one this intelligent, but I can say in all honesty now, BEST DECISION EVER! Call me if you want breeders contact information - honestly so nice to deal with and is able to breed top quality dogs!
Christmas was a nice time to sit back and relax. Both Ben and I were able to get four days off in a row, which we spent with family (at both farms). We thoroughly enjoyed the much needed time of rest and rejuvenation.
Over the duration of the month 11 paramedic services opened up in our area to which both Ben and I applied. 2019 holds a lot of opportunity for success if we are smart with our time and allocate it efficiently!
My five highlights of 2019:
1. Saying yes to the man of my dreams July 27, 2018
2. Graduating Ontario College of Health & Technology
3. Obtaining my A-EMCA
4. Moving to and discovering Niagara Region
5. Picking up our little Nala
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