Canada Report: Take #3!

Call it Take #3, the 3rd step or another story from my Canadian adventure, no matter what you would like it's here and very real. It's been some time since I last wrote and sincerely there have been so many things happening all at once that sometimes I get the impression the past month was a whole year beginning-end! IF that's the truth then I'll be 11 years older when I see you next year... frightening thought!

This is a glimpse from what I have been experiencing so far... whatever could not find space in these lines... no worries, they will be in my eyes to see :)


1. All new: Room- Team- Responsibilities

July 25th was the date when I officially became Ontario Regional Vice-President for AIESEC Canada; the date may vary according to who you might be talking to, but that was the date when Carolyn and the rest of the old team closed the office door behind them... With the shut of the door I suddenly found myself richer with a new room, new desk, new team and new responsibilities... never thought a simple action like that can have such an impactful effect....

New Room
For a whole year I will be living in a squeaky, old but wicked house... next to colorful China Town and close to the University of Toronto. I live with 6 other people who happen to also be my team mates... heeh... totally coincidental... NOT!!!
My room is in the attic, it's blue and has a funny looking shape; half of the window is blocked by this huge AC gadget that makes more noise than cold air.... but I love it!

New Team
I am working together with 7 other people (Isabel, John, Michael, Nicolas, Puneet, Sasha and Talicia). If I were asked to describe us as a team, I would say we are like SOUP ingredients... every ingredient matters for the overall good taste but has its own contribution for the end result! Bon appetit!

New Responsibilities
Becoming Regional Vice President (RVP) , I "suddenly" became responsible for the largest AIESEC region- Ontario (11 Local Chapters). Every single one of them is extremely different and requires totally different ways to approach, coach and support; if, in the past, I have ever said that I need more diversity in my life... well... this is definitely a dream come true :)
If you are wondering what and RVP does, well... supports the local chapters in their region in all areas, drives one tactic from the business plan, manages several members of the National Development Team, is a member of the MC team with all administrative things included here and also supervises one of the 6 portfolios during conferences. Piece of C-A-K-E!

So far what I can tell you is this: never felt more excited, passionate, tired, challenged and absolutely blown away by the diversity and skills this job requires. I have learned a lot in the past month and it's incredible as I have 11 more to go! Baldabac inainte!!!!


2. Old habits stick! Traveling again...

$6, Sun Lotion, Some Friends & a Free Day
If you take the ferry to the Toronto Island (http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/) once you step on the other side something magical happens- you cross into another dimension and I am telling you it's all real! You instantly feel like you are on vacation... cheerful and loud people going around biking, roller blading, laughing, liking ice cream or enjoying their friends company... green spaces, several beaches, goody huts and the feeling of relax and relaxation! Only the sight of the CN Tower, the yellow algae and warning signs about the polluted waters remind you that you are still in Toronto...


The Teaching Rocks- Peterborough Petroglyphs (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/canada/peterborough-petroglyphs.htm)
Two weekends ago Nicolas, Michelle and I decided to do a rather different kind of traveling- we went to see an inspiring ancient place that holds great spiritual meaning and learnings. The Petroglyphs near Peterborough are a remarkable collection of over 900 ancient images carved into crystalline limestone by the Algonkian people between 900 and 1400 AD. Today, the First Nations people of Ontario call the carvings Kinomagewapkong, meaning "the rocks that teach."


Niagara Falls or Another Dream Come True
The thorn in my back ever since I left the US in 2004 has been my failure to see Niagara Falls... well, I am proud to report that I managed to operate quickly and without any pain and successfully got the thorn out: WOOT WOOT! Last weekend Stephanie, Michelle and I jumped in the car and spent an amazing weekend at Niagara Falls. We experienced a lot: walked along the falls for the entire day; got into the mids of the fall by boat (Maid of the Mist) AWESOME!; got rained from head to toe; wore the blue bag-like raincoats; visited the 2 Casinos, slept at a happy hostel, visited 3 wineries and learned how to taste wine! All in all: KICK BOTTOM weekend! :o)


Work & play, play & work and all the rest in between such as feelings, thoughts, fears, hopes... I will repeat myself: my life is beautiful and I am lucky... for all my friends far or close, for all the experiences that I am allowed to have, for all that stands ahead and is still a draft... how exciting!

Miruna- in the mids :o)