A quick trip home was embarked upon this past weekend.  My friend Heather phoned on Thursday to tell me that our mutual friend Andrew lost his youngest sister Emily in a moose collision late Wednesday night.  She was just sixteen years old.  Heather Ruth then phoned me on Friday to tell me that she had attended our little brother Bobby's graduation ceremony during which he first heard news of his friend's death.  Fortunately I was able to sit with dear Bobby during the funeral as he tried to make sense of an event that made no sense at all.  I was reminded (as I am sure many were) of Katie's death when we were all getting ready to enter high school.  Death is difficult but especially so when the one lost is so young.  Emily was just getting started.  God's plan was talked of throughout the service, but I must admit that I questioned this particular plan.  As I held Bobby close and he wept on my shoulder, and as I looked around at Emily's peers, and as Andrew took the pulpit to give his sister's eulogy, I felt a familiar anger stir within.  My faith has taken oh so many knocks, and I wonder how much longer it can hold up.  I know, I know, people are mortal and we all evenutally die, but to have so much taken away in such a short period of time.  I think we deserve a break from sorrow.  Bitter tears.  My thoughts remain with Andrew and his family. 

The Children's Aid Society has asked me to come in for a second interview on Friday.  There are two term positions up for grabs (a six month and a twelve month), and so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will give me a chance to prove myself as a social worker.  I so want to stay in this area!  I went to dinner last night with Jan and another St. B. social worker, Kathy, and they both agreed that this is where I need to be.  In fact they are trying to sneak me into the conference banquet tonight so I can schmooze with local agencies.  And both encouraged me to apply to my Masters at Dalhousie if work doesn't come in the next few months.  Good advice I believe. 

Jan and I went out for a drink after dinner.  How lovely to have her in Halifax even for a short time.  So many hugs!  And she tells me that of all the social workers at St. B., I was the only name mentioned on a recent patient satisfaction survey, and that it was a great compliment to my work.  Flattering indeed.  A little bit of encouragement at a time when it is sorely needed.  I can't wait to tell her about Friday!

Upon request (I love you Alison!), I am updating my blog. 

Yesterday I spent the day with the Red Cross and successfully achieved a certificate in Emergency First Aid/CPR.  Good for another three years!  And why would I attend such a course?  I am pleased to announce that I am now employed.  Not as a social worker (I wish I could be so lucky), but as a companion to seniors with the agency "Home Instead."  I feel a whole lot better about staying in Halifax and continuing with the job hunt now that I have a source of income.  And they are giving me full time hours!  And they are also willing to work around my schedule so I can still interview for social work positions.  My supervisor Angie is incredibly sweet and so I think I've managed to find myself a nice little niche here in Nova Scotia's capital city.  So no worries Miss Melanie, it looks like I'll be around in September when you come to visit!

Speaking of visits, my field instructor and big sister extraordinaire Jan is coming to Halifax this weekend for the annual CASW conference.  I cannot wait to see her again!!  And on Atlantic soil!!  I have missed her so much since moving away from Winnipeg and I am looking forward to dinner and sight seeing with her.  And I can't wait to show her my ears - she will be so pleased to see that they have managed to stay healthy since their piercing.  Jan has been such a source of strength for me over the past year and still continues to guide me despite the many miles that separate us.  It is amazing how you can live so long without ever knowing someone and then they step into your life and you can't imagine how you ever got along without them. 

And on another happy note, my dear friend Michelle has finally returned to the east coast!  I know that she is dearly missed in Winnipeg but I am a selfish being and am quite content to have her close again.  Now if we could just get the Polluck out here, our little band of Maritimers would be complete!

Not much else to report.  It is another rainy day and I am growing weary of spending time indoors.  At least the Buddhists next door give me something to look forward to each day; they're always roaming about outdoors rain or shine.  Quite fascinating to watch.  Earlier this week they were outside drawing such pretty pictures on their walkway.  Too bad the rain washed most of it away.  Today they seem quite busy moving odds and ends into the centre - most likely clean-up from the wedding that took place this weekend. 

And so I think I will make a cup of tea and curl up with a book.  Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate my Sense and Sensibility hard cover edition.  There is a glaring hole in my bookshelf where it should be resting.  Sigh, Ms. Austen would be so disappointed by such careless behaviour - to lose track of a book is simply unpardonable to those who are true lovers of the written word. 

 

So it's not a social work job per se, but it will help with the bills and I get to work with seniors.  Keep your fingers crossed everyone - I have rent to pay!

So today was spent aiding my dear friends Alison and Hudson in the preparation and delivery of their six-year-old daughter Claire's birthday party.  The theme was a tea party and these little ladies certainly came dressed for the occasion; they looked so adorable in their party clothes, especially Claire with her new outfit.  The best moment of the day saw Hudson turning on C&C Music Factory and getting the girls dancing to "Everybody Dance Now."  I tell you, these girls had some moves!  I must say though that I had forgotten how exhausting little girls can be when you have so many together under one roof.  But I wouldn't have missed it for the world!  Everyone who knows me well, knows how important Hudson and Alison have been to me over the years, and it is so good to be reunited with them and once again sharing in with their laughter (and the occasional dishwasher mishap!).  And hats off to Alison for her amazing creativity - her cakes could rival anything put out by Martha!  Claire's cake was an actual teapot, complete with handle and spout!  And it sure tasted yummy!

And so I have applied for a social work position in Massachusetts and received a phone call today requesting an interview.  Can you imagine me in downtown Boston, working the beat?  I won't be interviewed until July, but the lady with whom I was speaking said that they were actively recruiting Canadian social workers and that I stood a very good chance given her review of my resume.  You have to appreciate my willingness to keep the options open!