Hey!
So it's another summer season on the Crex Meadows Property. I love this place seriously. I ended up having a great last week at Nature's Classroom (we had a group at Devils Lake State Park in Baraboo WI), then ended up driving straight to Crex. There's some really cool people working at the camp (Of course Mitch and Suzannah, but also Conner and Zoe too). I think it's going to be a great summer.
When all the campers came in on Sunday, it was like a family reunion. It was so great to see. Everyone was all smiles -- joking and laughing -- I was so AMAZED at all of our connectedness. And everyone is still really tight. We just did some raking on the property. Had some really great conversations about what a few campers have been up to, and what's been going on with their lives. THIS is why I love Crex. Because of all the people.
Also, there's not too many mosquitoes. Which is a definite plus. Gnats are another story, but at least they don't bite all over the place.
I miss Nature's Classroom though. I've learned a lot while I was there. I believe I've gained a lot of confidence since I first started, and have become a stronger leader. I use my words differently, and think of how to approach and assist a student that needs help -- and have them work through the challenge itself without telling them the answer. I also have a lot of memories with the people I worked with and the students that I interacted with -- wayyyyy too many to name here on this blog, but those memories do exist and I loved everything about it. And they've all affected me and molded me into who I am today.
I definitely miss everyone and everything, but I know that goodbye is not forever. It is until next time. I'll see them in the future. Maybe not directly. But I will at some point in the future.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Why, hello again! Long time, no see
Hey! So I just realized that I haven't written in this blog in a VERY long time. It doesn't seem to have been that long but apparently it's already been 3 months. So let me tell you what's been going on with me.
First of all, I have been doing well. I did get sick a couple weeks ago -- feeling very physically exhausted, having an insane cough, feeling like CRAP (I basically slept an entire weekend having a fever the whole time) -- and I just recently got better. My voice is now normal, my cough is minimal, and I do not have a sore throat anymore. The sickness affected two other people in my apartment so all three of us were out of commission that whole weekend. But that wasn't as bad as when half the staff had "The Plague." The plague was actually not the plague but it definitely got a lot of us sick. Now most of us are better and we're crossing our fingers that we do not get sick again. I guess that happens when you work with young children.
There's still snow on the ground. The first day of spring has already passed and we're one of the few lucky ones that still have below freezing temps. Lots of ice is still on the ground, and it's been slippery out. But this past weekend is one of the few days where it doesn't FEEL super cold. It's 30 degrees out right now at 12:20 pm and it's sunny -- so I guess that helps. But I am super excited for spring to get here. I like warm-ish weather (50-70 degrees), and today it just seems like the weather is teasing us.
My friend Scott has his birthday tomorrow (Happy Birthday Scott!) and my friend Mitch's birthday is on Thursday (Happy Birthday Mitch!) and I sent them some cards -- I'm sure they'll love them cuz it matches their personalities (at least I hope). I sure do miss them. I will be seeing Scott though in a couple weeks. I am going to be taking the WFR Recertification course up at Northland, so it'll be nice to see a few friends and to also review some medical procedures.
Sometime in the last month or so, I registered for the color run with some of my coworkers. I'm REALLY excited for that -- I have never ran a 5k before and even though it's a run/walk, I want to be able to run for most of the way. So training for it will commence within the next week or so. It'll be good to run. I miss that feeling you get after running for a bit. But I definitely need to train for it. I haven't run since fall and I know that my lungs cannot be as conditioned as they were before cold and snow prevented me from running. However, it did not prevent some of my coworkers from running (*cough cough* Shari and Andrew *cough*) :) They're all-stars.
I went to a concert on Friday. It was at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. I saw a local group called Superhumanoids and they were pretty cool. I couldn't understand some of the words they were singing, but their music was outstanding. It reminded me of an 80s band, but with more electronic beats. It was their first big concert and they were super excited about that. I went with Andrew and Brandon to the concert and we sat up on the balcony for their performance. After their set was finished, Local Natives was to play. We moved from the balcony and went down to the first floor and that was pretty sweet. The whole venue was packed and I ended up seeing a familiar face from Northland there (For any of you Northlanders that remember a lovely lady named E), which was surprising and cool. She totally remembered me and after she had said her name, I remembered her. She looks different, which happens when you don't see a person for 2-3 years.
A few weeks ago, I also went to a concert in the Lake Zurich area where Brandon's friend's bands were playing. One was called Dreamtap, and they're a really cool band -- not a ton of words were sung, but they're a pretty sweet jam band. They kinda reminded me of Pink Floyd, but different at the same time. Also saw a cool band called Lake Shore Vibe, they had more lyrics to songs. Both bands are pretty sweet, so I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the Chicago area.
Alright. I feel like I've stated a lot. Of course there were lots more things and stories that I can say, but these are some of the main ones. Easter is coming up in a week, and hopefully I'll be able to go home for at least I day. If I don't, then I won't be able to see my family until August.
Also, hopefully it won't take me another 3 months to write another blog. I'll try to keep up, but so much happens each week and I get SOO busy, I might not be able to write here weeks at a time. But I can try to write here more often.
Enjoy the week (or weeks) coming up, and I'll write again soon
First of all, I have been doing well. I did get sick a couple weeks ago -- feeling very physically exhausted, having an insane cough, feeling like CRAP (I basically slept an entire weekend having a fever the whole time) -- and I just recently got better. My voice is now normal, my cough is minimal, and I do not have a sore throat anymore. The sickness affected two other people in my apartment so all three of us were out of commission that whole weekend. But that wasn't as bad as when half the staff had "The Plague." The plague was actually not the plague but it definitely got a lot of us sick. Now most of us are better and we're crossing our fingers that we do not get sick again. I guess that happens when you work with young children.
There's still snow on the ground. The first day of spring has already passed and we're one of the few lucky ones that still have below freezing temps. Lots of ice is still on the ground, and it's been slippery out. But this past weekend is one of the few days where it doesn't FEEL super cold. It's 30 degrees out right now at 12:20 pm and it's sunny -- so I guess that helps. But I am super excited for spring to get here. I like warm-ish weather (50-70 degrees), and today it just seems like the weather is teasing us.
My friend Scott has his birthday tomorrow (Happy Birthday Scott!) and my friend Mitch's birthday is on Thursday (Happy Birthday Mitch!) and I sent them some cards -- I'm sure they'll love them cuz it matches their personalities (at least I hope). I sure do miss them. I will be seeing Scott though in a couple weeks. I am going to be taking the WFR Recertification course up at Northland, so it'll be nice to see a few friends and to also review some medical procedures.
Sometime in the last month or so, I registered for the color run with some of my coworkers. I'm REALLY excited for that -- I have never ran a 5k before and even though it's a run/walk, I want to be able to run for most of the way. So training for it will commence within the next week or so. It'll be good to run. I miss that feeling you get after running for a bit. But I definitely need to train for it. I haven't run since fall and I know that my lungs cannot be as conditioned as they were before cold and snow prevented me from running. However, it did not prevent some of my coworkers from running (*cough cough* Shari and Andrew *cough*) :) They're all-stars.
I went to a concert on Friday. It was at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. I saw a local group called Superhumanoids and they were pretty cool. I couldn't understand some of the words they were singing, but their music was outstanding. It reminded me of an 80s band, but with more electronic beats. It was their first big concert and they were super excited about that. I went with Andrew and Brandon to the concert and we sat up on the balcony for their performance. After their set was finished, Local Natives was to play. We moved from the balcony and went down to the first floor and that was pretty sweet. The whole venue was packed and I ended up seeing a familiar face from Northland there (For any of you Northlanders that remember a lovely lady named E), which was surprising and cool. She totally remembered me and after she had said her name, I remembered her. She looks different, which happens when you don't see a person for 2-3 years.
A few weeks ago, I also went to a concert in the Lake Zurich area where Brandon's friend's bands were playing. One was called Dreamtap, and they're a really cool band -- not a ton of words were sung, but they're a pretty sweet jam band. They kinda reminded me of Pink Floyd, but different at the same time. Also saw a cool band called Lake Shore Vibe, they had more lyrics to songs. Both bands are pretty sweet, so I highly recommend checking them out if you're in the Chicago area.
Alright. I feel like I've stated a lot. Of course there were lots more things and stories that I can say, but these are some of the main ones. Easter is coming up in a week, and hopefully I'll be able to go home for at least I day. If I don't, then I won't be able to see my family until August.
Also, hopefully it won't take me another 3 months to write another blog. I'll try to keep up, but so much happens each week and I get SOO busy, I might not be able to write here weeks at a time. But I can try to write here more often.
Enjoy the week (or weeks) coming up, and I'll write again soon
Friday, December 28, 2012
Holidays And The End of 2012
Well this post is entitled "Holidays And The End Of 2012," but 2012 has not ended. AT LEAST, not yet. I looked over my last blog post and it's been since the end of September that I last wrote here. Which has been 3(ish) months ago.
It doesn't feel that long.
The last few months have gone by so quickly. I can't even explain all that I did...well...because I did a lot. And I don't remember all of them, or will miss many of the little things when explaining.
But what I can say is this -- Snow has come to the southeast area of Wisconsin (and the southeast area of Michigan as a matter-of-fact -- and the autumn season is past. I left Wisconsin a few days before Christmas. Of course I visited a couple friends in Eau Claire and then spent a day visiting some state parks and exploring (Devils Lake is fantastic and I would for sure go again!) before heading over to the Detroit area. Met up with a friend in the Royal Oak area (had a ridiculous and eventful time), and saw many family members over Christmas that I have not seen in a while. It was probably the best Christmas that I had in a really long time, just because of how we all came together. Last Christmas, I spent the holiday with my sister and her family in Florida and that was wonderful as well, but this Holiday I was around multiple family members that I've grown up with. Talking together, seeing them -- it was like we were very close.
I've been relaxing this holiday break (and sleeping an insane amount too!), and it feels nice. But I also feel unproductive. Maybe it's because I haven't done much work, haven't kept busy, haven't been on the GO for the whole day. I don't really know the answer. But I have slowly been getting restless. I NEED to do something.
So. I've decided that I am just going to go out and explore. Maybe visit the DIA (haven't been there since...I don't even remember). Go ice skating. Build a snowman (now that Michigan has the snow). Go to a New Years Eve thing somewhere. Who knows? I have lots of options, and I better make them count.
And take photos too. Can't forget those.
Oh and maybe some people too. Definitely can't forget them.
Anyways, just want to send out an early Happy New Years (in case I get too distracted from exploring). I hope that whatever you all do, you have fun. Spend it with friends, family, strangers -- whoever you want. Drive safely (lots of crazy people out on the road that time of year), and enjoy the last bit of time left of 2012!
Until next year! Adios!
It doesn't feel that long.
The last few months have gone by so quickly. I can't even explain all that I did...well...because I did a lot. And I don't remember all of them, or will miss many of the little things when explaining.
But what I can say is this -- Snow has come to the southeast area of Wisconsin (and the southeast area of Michigan as a matter-of-fact -- and the autumn season is past. I left Wisconsin a few days before Christmas. Of course I visited a couple friends in Eau Claire and then spent a day visiting some state parks and exploring (Devils Lake is fantastic and I would for sure go again!) before heading over to the Detroit area. Met up with a friend in the Royal Oak area (had a ridiculous and eventful time), and saw many family members over Christmas that I have not seen in a while. It was probably the best Christmas that I had in a really long time, just because of how we all came together. Last Christmas, I spent the holiday with my sister and her family in Florida and that was wonderful as well, but this Holiday I was around multiple family members that I've grown up with. Talking together, seeing them -- it was like we were very close.
I've been relaxing this holiday break (and sleeping an insane amount too!), and it feels nice. But I also feel unproductive. Maybe it's because I haven't done much work, haven't kept busy, haven't been on the GO for the whole day. I don't really know the answer. But I have slowly been getting restless. I NEED to do something.
So. I've decided that I am just going to go out and explore. Maybe visit the DIA (haven't been there since...I don't even remember). Go ice skating. Build a snowman (now that Michigan has the snow). Go to a New Years Eve thing somewhere. Who knows? I have lots of options, and I better make them count.
And take photos too. Can't forget those.
Oh and maybe some people too. Definitely can't forget them.
Anyways, just want to send out an early Happy New Years (in case I get too distracted from exploring). I hope that whatever you all do, you have fun. Spend it with friends, family, strangers -- whoever you want. Drive safely (lots of crazy people out on the road that time of year), and enjoy the last bit of time left of 2012!
Until next year! Adios!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
First 4 Weeks...Has it really been THAT long?!?
It's been a while since I last wrote in this blog. I should be working on other things on my To-Do List...but maybe I should take a break. Yeah, I'll do that. At least for a few minutes or so. Just to catch you up on what's been going on with life.
So I've been here 4 weeks already -- and BOY it does not feel like it. I feel like I just started a week ago, but in reality I haven't. There's been so much to learn every week and I'm learning a lot about myself at the same time. New simulations, new classes, new kids names to memorize, new information in general...the list goes on and on. Every week has been different, yet somewhat similar. It's kind of exciting. To never know what your week will be like. And at the end of the week, it's just a big WOW. Literally. A big WOW.
It's very hard to tell you on paper (or in this case, online). The minute the students get out of those buses, you never know how much of an effect you'll have on them...or they on you. I mean, how could you EVER know? The dynamics of the groups are different, and so are the ages, and so are their state of mind. The group has individuals in it that are in each and every way unique. And it's also amazing how they can hold up and just go with the flow. Of course you have those complaints, but those turn into stories and those turn into legends. Or just ridiculousness.
I've been learning bits and pieces about how much I can handle and how much I can push myself. This past week was Land Lab and it was in some ways similar to Crex, yet in some ways different. There was no direct guidance -- everything is indirect. It's challenging to have the students figure out for themselves instead of just telling them. But if they don't figure it out themselves, then they wouldn't be a mentally strong individual; there would be one that would have to rely on others instead of relying on himself or herself. It's really interesting.
I'm just starting to understand things. Just starting to open my eyes and open my mind and to GET it. It's taken me 4 weeks to just start getting it. It's incredible. It also helps to try new things each week to see what works best. I can't always get things right the first time, and I have to accept that. It's okay. I can't be mad at myself, I can't look back and regret. I have to push forward, and have to change it for the better.
It's a life-long lesson. It's a life-long process. It's a life-long way of living.
Welcome to life and it's amazing-ness.
So I've been here 4 weeks already -- and BOY it does not feel like it. I feel like I just started a week ago, but in reality I haven't. There's been so much to learn every week and I'm learning a lot about myself at the same time. New simulations, new classes, new kids names to memorize, new information in general...the list goes on and on. Every week has been different, yet somewhat similar. It's kind of exciting. To never know what your week will be like. And at the end of the week, it's just a big WOW. Literally. A big WOW.
It's very hard to tell you on paper (or in this case, online). The minute the students get out of those buses, you never know how much of an effect you'll have on them...or they on you. I mean, how could you EVER know? The dynamics of the groups are different, and so are the ages, and so are their state of mind. The group has individuals in it that are in each and every way unique. And it's also amazing how they can hold up and just go with the flow. Of course you have those complaints, but those turn into stories and those turn into legends. Or just ridiculousness.
I've been learning bits and pieces about how much I can handle and how much I can push myself. This past week was Land Lab and it was in some ways similar to Crex, yet in some ways different. There was no direct guidance -- everything is indirect. It's challenging to have the students figure out for themselves instead of just telling them. But if they don't figure it out themselves, then they wouldn't be a mentally strong individual; there would be one that would have to rely on others instead of relying on himself or herself. It's really interesting.
I'm just starting to understand things. Just starting to open my eyes and open my mind and to GET it. It's taken me 4 weeks to just start getting it. It's incredible. It also helps to try new things each week to see what works best. I can't always get things right the first time, and I have to accept that. It's okay. I can't be mad at myself, I can't look back and regret. I have to push forward, and have to change it for the better.
It's a life-long lesson. It's a life-long process. It's a life-long way of living.
Welcome to life and it's amazing-ness.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
End of Training, Start of Teaching
This week has been about training for my new job. I will be working as an Environmental Educator for Nature's Classroom out in Mukwonago. It is an amazing place that holds a lot of opportunity, and I'm excited for all the things that I will be learning. This week has improved my knowledge IMMENSELY, but I have a feeling that this week is just the start.
The people that I will be working with are pretty awesome. We're more comfortable around each other since the start of the week (which obviously happens through time). We each have something to contribute to the group and we've all had different experiences, which will bring out different ideas.
I'm probably not going to write as often as I should on this blog after today. But, I don't know for sure. I might.
The people that I will be working with are pretty awesome. We're more comfortable around each other since the start of the week (which obviously happens through time). We each have something to contribute to the group and we've all had different experiences, which will bring out different ideas.
I'm probably not going to write as often as I should on this blog after today. But, I don't know for sure. I might.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Crex Summer 2012 = Complete
It's the end of Crex Summer 2012 - what a summer! It flew by so fast! Tons of wildlife were seen, new people were met, new projects were completed, birds were banded, trails were cleared, surfaces were painted - it all blends together but also does not. It was an intense summer, same as last year - and I learned a ton about myself.
Right now, I'm on the South Shore of Lake Superior. It's a wonderful lake. They're tearing down the Ore Dock - slowly and piece by piece. I sat by the water the other day and just listened to the waves hitting the rocks along the shore. And breathed in that familiar Lake Superior smell (if there is a distinct smell that defines it as Lake Superior).
In a few days, I'll be headed down to Eau Claire to visit my friend and then will be headed home. I'm excited to go home, and at the same time I'm not. But I think it'll be good for me to get refreshed. It'll also be good to see family.
Right now, I'm on the South Shore of Lake Superior. It's a wonderful lake. They're tearing down the Ore Dock - slowly and piece by piece. I sat by the water the other day and just listened to the waves hitting the rocks along the shore. And breathed in that familiar Lake Superior smell (if there is a distinct smell that defines it as Lake Superior).
In a few days, I'll be headed down to Eau Claire to visit my friend and then will be headed home. I'm excited to go home, and at the same time I'm not. But I think it'll be good for me to get refreshed. It'll also be good to see family.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Crex Meadows: The Kickstart to Life
I cannot tell you how fast this summer has gone by. It's already towards the end of the summer season for camp, our current session just left earlier today. We have two weeks left of camp and then we're done. It's incredible. But not as incredible as this past session.
This past session was probably the hardest and most stressful session I have ever dealt with. Full of oranges. I'm a blue, but do have some orange in me -- but not THAT much. However, even though we had some really tough times -- motivating kids, keeping them on task, having them stop talking so that they can hear others talk -- this session was a good one. To see the changes from each individual and from the whole group itself, I could see there was more comradery towards each other and a connectedness for the entire group.
Our last night of the session involved us writing down an idea/thought/lesson that we learned at camp and will take with us when we get back into the "real" world. There were so many heartfelt ones that made me think WOW. This is camp. This is why we are all here. This is what keeps us. This is not just only the counselors effort, but the campers as well.
This is the kickstart to life. Just being at Crex. And it is definitely incredible.
This past session was probably the hardest and most stressful session I have ever dealt with. Full of oranges. I'm a blue, but do have some orange in me -- but not THAT much. However, even though we had some really tough times -- motivating kids, keeping them on task, having them stop talking so that they can hear others talk -- this session was a good one. To see the changes from each individual and from the whole group itself, I could see there was more comradery towards each other and a connectedness for the entire group.
Our last night of the session involved us writing down an idea/thought/lesson that we learned at camp and will take with us when we get back into the "real" world. There were so many heartfelt ones that made me think WOW. This is camp. This is why we are all here. This is what keeps us. This is not just only the counselors effort, but the campers as well.
This is the kickstart to life. Just being at Crex. And it is definitely incredible.
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