Skating at Nathan Phillips Square

Last week our class' wonderful sports coordinator Jordanna planned a skating trip to Nathan Phillips Square (an outdoor skating rink in downtown Toronto) for our Wednesday afternoon off. FYI we are all trying to fit more physical activity into our schedule this semester. Just ask our ABT (abs, but, and thighs) group! Between our figure skating lesson, stunt competition, and enjoying each others company we had a wonderful time! Dan and I have also been there skating at night, which is neat because the rink is all lit up. Not to mention, the plethora of yummy street meat vendors! Street meat dinner and skating- what more could a girl ask for! The not-so fun part was that on my way home I got lost for the first time in a while. I always use the CN tower as a landmark, but in the midst of all the tall buildings it was no where to be seen. Strangely I trusted my navigational instincts and found my way home.

My first placement....a truly multicultural experience!

I received my first placement yesterday and I must say I am very excited about it. I am sure it will be a truly challenging and learning-filled experience. I will be working at a school in the Toronto District School Board from March- the beginning of May. The school goes from pre-K to 5th grade and is one of the largest elementary schools in Canada. It will be a uniquely "Toronto" experience as the student population represents 47 different countries and 94% of the students do not have English as their first language. In the mornings I will be working with the KELI (Kindergarten Early Language Intervention) Program and in the afternoon I will be doing a field work position doing assessments, intervention, and teacher consultation for grades K-5. I can't wait!

Edmonton...here we come !

Good news everyone (in case you didn't already know) I was accepted to study for a clinical placement at the world-renowned Institute for Stuttering Research and Treatment in Edmonton this summer. I am really excited about this as it is a great opportunity and will be nice to be closer to home for a little over a month. Two of my classmates will be going too, which will be nice as I will find accommodations with one of them. My first real roommate situation...it should be fun! For more info about ISTAR check out their website at http://www.istar.ualberta.ca/html/home.html

Back at it!

Well...it was simply wonderful to be home for the holidays. I enjoyed seeing family and friends and a little bit of relaxation on the side. Oh yeah..and ALOT of good food! Although it was a little late, snow showed up for the holidays and we were able to enjoy some tobogganing at the Sugar Bowl! Here are a few holiday photos for your enjoyment...

Hailey the black-nosed reindeer

Dad and Nicole

Mom, Nicole, and I

I am also very excited for Danielle who moved to Vancouver over the holidays to start school. Good luck in the "big" city, I know you will do great!

Grandpa and his city slicker grandaughters

Unexpectedly, Dan ended up coming home...although not under the best circumstances. To all of the Romolliwas, you are in my thoughts during this difficult time (and always). I truly enjoyed spending time with you all. I can honestly say that I miss home more now than before !


The Romolliwa New Years

As a side note....I forgot how beautiful an unobstructed view of the horizon is. Luckily, I returned to Toronto with some of the comforts of home including a Scenic Alberta calendar to remind me of the scenery.

My travels were rather uneventful, despite my partial strip search on the way there. I was sure that I would finally learn a lesson when it comes to over-packing, but the fact that I could have had 10 more pounds in luggage just furthered my problem. How I left with 1 large suitcase and returned with 2 is beyond me (even despite the Chrsitmas presents).

It was also nice to return to TO, although cleaning our apartment (given Dan's sudden departure) invoked a few gags on my part! Let's just say that we had a few science experiments growing in the kitchen, but no critters...that is a good sign. My sealing of nooks and crannies was successful!

I had my first day of classes today and although it looks like an intense two months, I am looking forward to a semester that actually seems like a Speech-Pathology program rather than anatomy and physiology! It is hard to believe that in two short months, I will be training (working) as a real live SLP. It was good to see all of my classmates. It is crazy how we have all bonded, although I guess that is what spending everyday for 5 months together will do to a group!

P.S. You can now leave comments on my blogs without creating an account...so comment away!