I really cannot believe that I'm already three weeks into my first placement. That means that I've only got one week left here!
Things have been going well. Last Monday I finally got security clearance and my pass so I've been able to come and go without having to inconvenience my preceptor with having to sign me in and out.
The module I've been working on has now become two. In presenting what I'd completed on Tuesday, both my preceptor and I could see that there was just too much material for it to work in one presentation. We decided that the best thing would be to divide the topics (emotional eating and then eating out and alcohol) into two separate presentations. I'm glad we decided to go this route.
This week is going to be action packed. In addition to trying to tie up loose ends with the presentations, we have planned a trip to Kingston to watch another presentation and get a bit of a tour of the base. Friday is CF Day and a run/walk is taking place. Much of our office is taking part and I'll be there too!
Cheers,
T.
PS: As you can see I'm almost up to date on my posting. I just got back from an amazing weekend of fun with an old friend. I will post on this shortly.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Poutine and Patty Boland's...
Friday night I was able to experience a little of Ottawa's night life.
The weekend got of to an excellent start with a barbeaue (can't get much better then that). While the weather wasn't entirely cooperating (cooler), we did manage to make it downtown to a popular pub called Patty Boland's. There was a live band and they played fantastic music.
T.
The weekend got of to an excellent start with a barbeaue (can't get much better then that). While the weather wasn't entirely cooperating (cooler), we did manage to make it downtown to a popular pub called Patty Boland's. There was a live band and they played fantastic music.
The band. You can clearly see everyone was enjoying themselves!
After dancing for a while, it was time to head out to find a late night snack before heading home. I was fortunate enough to be with some knowledgeable folk who knew all the best places for poutine and we found ourselves at Mello's Restaurant. Walking in it looks like the place hasn't changed since the 1950's!
The nice French man that made our poutine for us.
Mmmm, poutine.
All in all, a fantastic night!
Cheers,
T.
Museum of Civilization
Ever aware that my time here in Ottawa is winding down, I decided to head to visit the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau (Hull) this past week. The museum is open until 8 pm every Thursday. I was able to leave work at 4 that evening and made it to the museum by 4:30 pm.
I'd decided in advance that I was also going to partake in the IMAX experience while there (they have a deal if you purchase museum and IMAX tickets together). Imagine my surprise when I found out that entrance to the museum is FREE every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. Score! As a result, I decided to treat myself to a double IMAX feature - Mummies and Under the Sea. Being a student, the grand total was only $12. I'd highly recommend Under the Sea. The Mummies feature was good, but palled in comparison to the visuals of Under the Sea. I suppose that Under the Sea had a bit of a leg up as it used the IMAX dome technology (a huge dome screen moves in over the audience so that the images cover even your peripheral vision. Very cool.
The museum itself is very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
One of the very large totem poles on display.
A boat in the Tsimshian exhibit (from the Pacific Coast). Really well done.
A breathtaking mural painted on the domed ceiling of the museum.
One of the special exhibits was on ancient Egypt. They had lots of interactive activities for kids (both young and old) to do. One of them involved writing your name in hieroglyphics which obviously, I had to do!
Part of the display of the Canada Hall. This is located on the third floor! The church you see on the right hand side was donated by a parish in the prairies. It was dismantled and reassembled in the museum in it's entirety!
Walking through the exhibit. This is meant to mimic the streets of Quebec City in the 18th century.
Me inside the Merchant's House on Ontario Street. This is meant to represent a parlor in the later 19th century.
Mock-up of the Vancouver airport circa late 1960's, early 1970's. This little vignette was complete with overhead announcements for boarding. The phone booths in the back worked - you could dial a number and then hear accounts of immigrants' experiences on arriving in Canada.
Part of the Mythical Creatures Exhibit.
I'd decided in advance that I was also going to partake in the IMAX experience while there (they have a deal if you purchase museum and IMAX tickets together). Imagine my surprise when I found out that entrance to the museum is FREE every Thursday from 4 to 8 pm. Score! As a result, I decided to treat myself to a double IMAX feature - Mummies and Under the Sea. Being a student, the grand total was only $12. I'd highly recommend Under the Sea. The Mummies feature was good, but palled in comparison to the visuals of Under the Sea. I suppose that Under the Sea had a bit of a leg up as it used the IMAX dome technology (a huge dome screen moves in over the audience so that the images cover even your peripheral vision. Very cool.
The museum itself is very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
One of the very large totem poles on display. 
A boat in the Tsimshian exhibit (from the Pacific Coast). Really well done.
A breathtaking mural painted on the domed ceiling of the museum.
One of the special exhibits was on ancient Egypt. They had lots of interactive activities for kids (both young and old) to do. One of them involved writing your name in hieroglyphics which obviously, I had to do!
Part of the display of the Canada Hall. This is located on the third floor! The church you see on the right hand side was donated by a parish in the prairies. It was dismantled and reassembled in the museum in it's entirety!
Walking through the exhibit. This is meant to mimic the streets of Quebec City in the 18th century.
Me inside the Merchant's House on Ontario Street. This is meant to represent a parlor in the later 19th century. 
Mock-up of the Vancouver airport circa late 1960's, early 1970's. This little vignette was complete with overhead announcements for boarding. The phone booths in the back worked - you could dial a number and then hear accounts of immigrants' experiences on arriving in Canada.
Part of the Mythical Creatures Exhibit.Cheers,
T.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
One Night in Kingston...
Last Friday night I got a text on my phone asking if I was interested in a ticket to the Hip Concert in Kingston on the Saturday. I am a fairly big fan and so how could I say no?
I packed my bags and headed down the road to Kingston to meet up with some friends. It was an amazing concert followed by an even more amazing after party featuring the Trews and an 80's cover band called 80's Enuff (which by the way, were fantastic).
I packed my bags and headed down the road to Kingston to meet up with some friends. It was an amazing concert followed by an even more amazing after party featuring the Trews and an 80's cover band called 80's Enuff (which by the way, were fantastic).
The Hip doing what they do best.
The next morning we had a great greasy breakfast at Morrison's Restaurant (those who have been to Kingston will I'm sure be familiar with this establishment). Before I knew it, I was back on the road to Ottawa. I decided to the 1000 Islands Parkway and was able to capture some very nice photos (it was a beautiful sunny day). This road always reminds me of when I was a kid and travelled with my parents to visit our extended family.
View of the St. Lawrence River (I was trying to drive and take photos but soon realized this was dangerous and pulled over).
Chimney Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence. When I was small I would always look for the island. There is a story as to why the chimney is there, but unfortunately I can't remember.Cheers,
T.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Great Glebe Garage Sale
I apologize for the lack of updates. There is just so much going on (and so much that I want to write about) that I think I've been putting off writing an update. I think I will have to look at taking a different approach. Shorter posts with less detail may be my best option in ensuring more consistent posting!
Okay onto today's post topic - the Great Glebe Garage Sale. This is an annual event held in Ottawa in a neighbourhood known as (surprise, surprise) the Glebe.
The area is quite nice (I'd liken it Westdale in Hamilton and Old North London (by St. Joe's)) and there are a number of cute stores along Bank Street which seems to be the heart of the neighbourhood.
The event is HUGE. There were literally hundreds of garages sales going on and thousands of people walking the streets. It was really a sight to see.
Street Shot of the Garage Sale. This was taken mid morning.
I myself didn't purchase anything (save a hot dog from the boy scouts) but the two people who joined me pick up some really great deals!
Some tips for those heading to the sale for next year:
1. Get there early! Even though events do not officially start until nine am (when we arrived) there are hundreds of people there out at the crack of dawn scouting out all the deals. If you want some of the great furniture or really great deals, you have to get there early.
2. Parking is a challenge so be patient. Public transport is best. If you buy a large item, you can always come back and pick it up later.
3. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your money with you (small change!) The bank machines all have very long line ups and run out of money by mid morning (yes it's that busy)!
That's it for now!
Cheers,
T.
Okay onto today's post topic - the Great Glebe Garage Sale. This is an annual event held in Ottawa in a neighbourhood known as (surprise, surprise) the Glebe.
The area is quite nice (I'd liken it Westdale in Hamilton and Old North London (by St. Joe's)) and there are a number of cute stores along Bank Street which seems to be the heart of the neighbourhood.
The event is HUGE. There were literally hundreds of garages sales going on and thousands of people walking the streets. It was really a sight to see.
Street Shot of the Garage Sale. This was taken mid morning.
By mid morning it was even more packed!
I myself didn't purchase anything (save a hot dog from the boy scouts) but the two people who joined me pick up some really great deals!
Me with J showing off one of her purchases at the Great Glebe Garage Sale.
Some tips for those heading to the sale for next year:
1. Get there early! Even though events do not officially start until nine am (when we arrived) there are hundreds of people there out at the crack of dawn scouting out all the deals. If you want some of the great furniture or really great deals, you have to get there early.
2. Parking is a challenge so be patient. Public transport is best. If you buy a large item, you can always come back and pick it up later.
3. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your money with you (small change!) The bank machines all have very long line ups and run out of money by mid morning (yes it's that busy)!
That's it for now!
Cheers,
T.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tulips, Tulips and More Tulips...
Tulips are one of my favourite flowers. There is something refreshing about their vibrant colours and how their appearance seems to signal the entrance of spring weather. I`ve always wanted to see the Tulip Festival in Ottawa and fortunately this past Sunday I had my chance.
It was a bit cooler than I would have liked, but I`m told that was better for the tulips as it keeps them from opening too much. I started my day off at Confederation Park where there was quite a display of blooms.
I made my way through the park and then took the path along the canal to my next destination – Lansdowne Park. On my way I happened across a mother duck and her ducklings.
Purchase mittens from the Ecuadorian display (It was CHILLY!) Check out the Turkish display where two ladies were making roti. I bought one filled with ground beef. Very Tasty.
Try on Korean traditional dress (Hanbok). Very cool!
The final stop on my tour was at Major Hill Park. There were some more tulips on display as well as a carnival for the children and a display of art made from canned goods (with donations going to the local food bank I believe).
I capped off my day with a trip to the parliament buildings. This is worthy of a post in itself and so stay tuned to hear more about this!
Cheers,
T.
It was a bit cooler than I would have liked, but I`m told that was better for the tulips as it keeps them from opening too much. I started my day off at Confederation Park where there was quite a display of blooms.
I made my way through the park and then took the path along the canal to my next destination – Lansdowne Park. On my way I happened across a mother duck and her ducklings.
Lansdowne Park housed the International Pavilion at the Tulip Festival this year. Over 20 different countries participated and of course, Holland was one of them. Many of the booths had traditional food and drink for sale and at some you could even dress up in national costumes and get your photo taken.
Here is a short synopsis of my time at the pavilion. Get poffertjes (little small pancakes) from the Dutch display. Mmm, lekker!
Purchase mittens from the Ecuadorian display (It was CHILLY!) Check out the Turkish display where two ladies were making roti. I bought one filled with ground beef. Very Tasty.
Try on Korean traditional dress (Hanbok). Very cool!
The final stop on my tour was at Major Hill Park. There were some more tulips on display as well as a carnival for the children and a display of art made from canned goods (with donations going to the local food bank I believe).
I capped off my day with a trip to the parliament buildings. This is worthy of a post in itself and so stay tuned to hear more about this!
Cheers,
T.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tulip Teaser...
What a busy day! Despite the cooler weather, I did manage to make it to the Tulip Festival today. To help tide you over until I have a chance to log my adventures, here's a photo.
Cheers,
T.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Rainy Saturday Well Spent...
I knew heading into the weekend that the weather was not supposed to be great for Saturday (today). Earlier this week Jo and I made of list of things I should do before leaving Ottawa. Included on this list were a number of museums. With today's forecasted rain, I thought this would be a great opportunity to check a museum off the list. I've already made tentative plans with Jo to see the Museum of Civilization next Sunday so this left The Canadian War Museum for me to tackle today.
I took the bus to the museum (it was great - I just caught it outside the house and it pretty much dropped me off in front of the museum) and was fortunate that the rain held off until I got inside the museum. The museum itself has quite a unique design. I'm told it's meant to mimic a ship.
I got to the front doors (just out of the photo to the left) and was met by a group of about 100 or so CF soldiers being addressed by their commanding officer! At first I thought, oh crap, I've totally come in the wrong entrance, but then realized that I'd just seen people go in the doors about ten or so seconds before me. It turns out this group was there to visit the museum (being part of the forces, they lwere all lined up all nicely to get their instructions).
Anyhow, after walking past these folk (and feeling a little self conscious) I went to pay my admission ($10 for students, $12 for adults) and then made my way into the museum.
WOW. In total I spent about three hours there and the time pretty much flew by. The museum is a nice mix of artifacts, displays and personal stories all wrapped up with a good dose of multimedia to keep both young and old interested. There are four sections to the museum which take visitors from first contact with Native Americans right through to Canada's peacekeeping work and the war on terrorism. I took over 100 photos and could have easily taken many more. I've chosen just a very small selection to show to you here.
This painting is of the Second Battle of Ypres (22 April-May 25, 1915). Apparently there are no photographs from this battle as soldiers were not permitted to carry cameras into the trenches. To document the war, an official war art program was established in 1916. The museum has a number of stunning war paintings. I would estimated this photo to be at least 12x15.
This photo shows an interactive display of a First World War trench. Visitors can walk through the trench and feel what it may have been like. The flash distorts it a bit as normally it's much darker (the first shot I took without a flash was completely black). They also have sounds of guns firing to enhance the experience).
This is an actual Mercedes Benz parade car that Adolf Hitler used. It was captured by the Americans in 1945 and a few years later brought to Canada.
Example of one of the displays. This one is showing a tank from World War Two. (NB: The CF guys are not part of the display).
Lebreton Gallery houses a number of different military vehicles (both new and old).
A photograph of a Cougar armoured vehicle which was driven in Bosnia by Canadian Peacekeepers. Dents and scars on the vehicle are a result of exploding mortar shells.
Just in case there was any doubt, a photo of me in the Lebreton Gallery to prove I was actually the one taking the photographs!
If you are in Ottawa, I would definitely recommend that you take the time to go through the Canadian War Museum. It has left me with a profound respect for the sacrifices that Canadians past and present have made to ensure that we may all continue to live in freedom and safety.
I will be sure to sport my red to show my support for Canadian Forces every Friday from here on it!
T.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
And just like that, everything changes!
I came into work this morning ready to really start to tackle the project I've been assigned. This project is a social marketing campaign on increasing vegetable and fruit consumption. For the past two days I've been trying to wrap my head around the population I'm going to be targeting.
The organization is very keen to incorporate the five pillars of health promotion from the Ottawa Charter [creating supportive environments, develop personal skills, strengthen community action, reorient health services and build healthy public policy] in all their programming. It's actually refreshing to see something I've used in classes actually being put into play in the real world! Anyhow, I had been thinking about what areas I wanted to focus with the campaign and had actually started to put some ideas to paper when my preceptor came to talk to me.
The project that she's been working is on a rather tight deadline and she approached me to see if I would be willing to step away from my assigned project and instead help her with hers. Her project is a program on weight loss/management offered over an eight week period. I told her no problem, I'd be more than happy to switch and so, just like that I'm no longer working on the vegetable and fruit campaign!
My focus now will be to develop a module (one of the weekly sessions) on three areas: eating out, alcohol (and all the calories associated with it) and how mood and environment can affect eating habits. I'm actually quite excited about this and can't wait to get started on researching these areas!
I am also a bit relieved. While I was excited to work on the social marketing campaign, as I started to read more into the population and speak with individuals more familiar with the organization, I couldn't help but feel that the project was larger than I could handle in just a four week time frame. I could have come up with some nice handouts and perhaps an informational poster or two, but I don't really think that would do the program justice nor would it be a good use of resources.
Tomorrow I'm going to watch a session from the current program so that I can get a better idea idea on how sessions run and to perhaps have a chance to pick the brain of the facilitator on her views of the program and any suggestions that she may have on the module I'm working on.
Alright, enough shop talk for now. I'm currently watching the playoffs (it's 5-1 for Boston) - gotta love Don Cherry's jacket!
Getting excited for the weekend so that I can start to explore the city!!!
Cheers,
T
The organization is very keen to incorporate the five pillars of health promotion from the Ottawa Charter [creating supportive environments, develop personal skills, strengthen community action, reorient health services and build healthy public policy] in all their programming. It's actually refreshing to see something I've used in classes actually being put into play in the real world! Anyhow, I had been thinking about what areas I wanted to focus with the campaign and had actually started to put some ideas to paper when my preceptor came to talk to me.
The project that she's been working is on a rather tight deadline and she approached me to see if I would be willing to step away from my assigned project and instead help her with hers. Her project is a program on weight loss/management offered over an eight week period. I told her no problem, I'd be more than happy to switch and so, just like that I'm no longer working on the vegetable and fruit campaign!
My focus now will be to develop a module (one of the weekly sessions) on three areas: eating out, alcohol (and all the calories associated with it) and how mood and environment can affect eating habits. I'm actually quite excited about this and can't wait to get started on researching these areas!
I am also a bit relieved. While I was excited to work on the social marketing campaign, as I started to read more into the population and speak with individuals more familiar with the organization, I couldn't help but feel that the project was larger than I could handle in just a four week time frame. I could have come up with some nice handouts and perhaps an informational poster or two, but I don't really think that would do the program justice nor would it be a good use of resources.
Tomorrow I'm going to watch a session from the current program so that I can get a better idea idea on how sessions run and to perhaps have a chance to pick the brain of the facilitator on her views of the program and any suggestions that she may have on the module I'm working on.
Alright, enough shop talk for now. I'm currently watching the playoffs (it's 5-1 for Boston) - gotta love Don Cherry's jacket!
Getting excited for the weekend so that I can start to explore the city!!!
Cheers,
T
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Great Internship Adventure Begins...
And just like that almost one year passes! Eight months ago I was unsure of what to expect with the year ahead. Now officially completed the classroom education of my Masters, the real learning begins! For the next year I'll be trading my backpack for a briefcase and heading out as an intern...working like a real grown-up save one small detail - I do it for free.
I'm okay with this. After all I knew what I was getting into heading into the program so really there's no use complaining as I am a willing participant!
This past Saturday I made the trek from London to Ottawa for my first placement. The drive itself was uneventful. On Sunday Jo and did a dry run of my drive to where I'm working. This was no problem thanks to Jo's expert knowledge of Ottawa (and perhaps a little help from the GPS). That afternoon Jo, her sister Julie, and I headed to Wakefield, QC for dinner with some of their family. It was good times and good food and all in all a nice way to spend the Sunday before my big day.
On Monday I had to be in for 9 am. Not knowing how Ottawa traffic is (good, bad, ugly) I left an hour early (to travel about 15 km) just in case. About 30 minutes later I arrived at my destination and had some fun trying to find a parking spot (I had been warned about this)!
I was a bit nervous about actually meeting my preceptor but it turns out I had nothing to worry about! I think the fact that she had forgotten her keys that morning so she was locked out of her office (and hence my office) helped to break a bit of the tension and we had a good chuckle about it.
Much of Monday was spent acquainting myself with the orgainization I'm working with and the project I've been assigned.
I did a LOT of listening (and learning). I forgot how tiring this can be. I got home around 5:15 pm, had dinner and was asleep for the night before 8:00 pm!!! If asked how I felt after day one: overwhelmed (with knowledge) and excited (to delve into my project).
Today I had a chance to meet with some of the other people involved in our area at work. It was nice to hear a little bit about what others are doing and how they came to be where they are. We have people from all over Canada and there are a number of new employees (there are at least 5 people who have been there for less than 4 months) and so I'm not the only one who is getting to know the ropes.
Today I worked more on becoming acquainted with the organization and my project. Four weeks is such a short period of time to get things done and so I've really got to make sure I stick to the deadlines I've made for myself!
Cheers,
T.
I'm okay with this. After all I knew what I was getting into heading into the program so really there's no use complaining as I am a willing participant!
This past Saturday I made the trek from London to Ottawa for my first placement. The drive itself was uneventful. On Sunday Jo and did a dry run of my drive to where I'm working. This was no problem thanks to Jo's expert knowledge of Ottawa (and perhaps a little help from the GPS). That afternoon Jo, her sister Julie, and I headed to Wakefield, QC for dinner with some of their family. It was good times and good food and all in all a nice way to spend the Sunday before my big day.
On Monday I had to be in for 9 am. Not knowing how Ottawa traffic is (good, bad, ugly) I left an hour early (to travel about 15 km) just in case. About 30 minutes later I arrived at my destination and had some fun trying to find a parking spot (I had been warned about this)!
I was a bit nervous about actually meeting my preceptor but it turns out I had nothing to worry about! I think the fact that she had forgotten her keys that morning so she was locked out of her office (and hence my office) helped to break a bit of the tension and we had a good chuckle about it.
Much of Monday was spent acquainting myself with the orgainization I'm working with and the project I've been assigned.
I did a LOT of listening (and learning). I forgot how tiring this can be. I got home around 5:15 pm, had dinner and was asleep for the night before 8:00 pm!!! If asked how I felt after day one: overwhelmed (with knowledge) and excited (to delve into my project).
Today I had a chance to meet with some of the other people involved in our area at work. It was nice to hear a little bit about what others are doing and how they came to be where they are. We have people from all over Canada and there are a number of new employees (there are at least 5 people who have been there for less than 4 months) and so I'm not the only one who is getting to know the ropes.
Today I worked more on becoming acquainted with the organization and my project. Four weeks is such a short period of time to get things done and so I've really got to make sure I stick to the deadlines I've made for myself!
Cheers,
T.
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