Newlyweds....

Well, here as some of my favorite pictures from
Tim and Karri's awesome wedding.

The Adventure That Wasn't

Trevor and I had planned on going to visit Jared (Trevor's brother) who lives 8 hours away. We thought it'd be a great adventure in our new car. I had great visions of shopping (yeah IKEA) and Trevor had restaurants already picked out for our fine dining (Cheesecake Cafe and Olive Garden). We had a cat-sitter ready to look in on little Fergus from time to time. It would have been grand.
Except, Trevor got sick.
Last weekend, I had this terrible cold-flu that knocked me out for a good 3 days. This week, it was Trevor's turn.
Therefore, we are home. We've still had some sort of fine dining (Smitty's for brunch) and I've still gone shopping (finally bought myself some brown boots... to compensate for my sorrow over no IKEA). Fergus is happy to have us home during the day is is extra cuddly.
We're relaxing a lot.
It's not quite what we wanted but, it's still nice to have some time off work!

Civic Duty

I voted today in the provincial election.
I always get a little excited over elections.
I like the power of the little "x" in a box.
I know one vote doesn't feel like much but,
what if we were all apathetic?
Then, anyone
could get in.
People in the Weimar Republic (Germany, 1933)
felt disenchanted and apathetic about democracy.
They elected Hitler.
I know it's a giant leap... however, I take my vote
seriously.

3rd Season Blues

We don't really watch
a lot of TV.
Sometimes a little Heroes or Friday Night Lights.
I love the adventure of Amazing Race.

We found this crazy show that makes both of us laugh.
The characters are outrageously flawed.
We bought
ALL THREE SEASONS.

Definitely an impulsive purchase.
It's been worth it.

We've started the 3rd season.
We're a little sad knowing that it's coming to
an end soon.

What will we do without Buster, George, Michael, George-Michael,
Lindsay, Genghi, Gob, Tobias, Oscar and Maybe?
Sigh....

HALLOWEEN

Have a Spook-tacular Halloween!

Snip snip

There comes a time
in every young, house cat's life when
his owners decide he should never,
ever procreate.
Those said owners take
the wee house cat to the
vet and have him
fixed.

Sorry Fergus.
It kind of sucks for you
right now.

Bagged Lunch

I kind of get into a lunch rut. Sometimes, I pack the same thing over and over and over again. I have seen way too many bagels, granola bars and yogurts. I still can't bring myself to pack meat sandwiches after elementary school... blech! I went through a wrap phase. It was good but, too time consuming to prep.

I wish I just had a button that I'd push and an original, healthy, satisfying lunch would come packed and ready to go.

S-P-O-I-L-E-D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, we bought a 2004 fully-loaded Mazda 3. Yeah!
A nice, young U of R student bought the Mustang. She's equally ecstatic.
Our sales guy has only been in the business for 4 days. This was his first sale. He was thrilled.
He's also a bar tender. He bought Trev and I some fancy drinks after the sale.
Win-Win-Win
All is well in the world of Jill (could just be the fancy drinks talkin')

Mustang Sally

Above: For Sale

Below: In my dreams... here's hoping!

Anybody want to buy my Mustang?
That's the question of the day for me.
It's a really great car and I love it lots.
However, since I'll be commuting to work, I'd like something a little newer. And, if we're getting newer, we need to be practical.
I'm head over heels in love with Mazdas. I'm looking for a Mazda3. My other dream is a Tribute. We have friends that have one and I really like the look of it.
Yesterday, we did the car dealership thing. We didn't think it would be stressful but, the Honda dealership and the Toyota dealership were high pressure places. The Mazda guy talked with us, let us test drive and then left us alone. I preferred that.

A Touch of Random

1. I'm healthy again! No more late nights coughing.

2. The Ferg likes to eat red pepper. He goes nuts every time I'm cutting one for salad or stir fry.

3. Tim and Karri have been married for almost a week.

4. We're still trying to sell the Mustang. Know anyone who wants a sweet ride?

5. Trevor's curling again.

6. I am help with a musical called All Shook Up. It's like Mama Mia... just Elvis instead of Abba.

7. I miss having free lunch hours.

8. I do not miss hearing the "F-word" on a regular basis.

9. Our yard has a ridiculous amount of leaves that we need to deal with soon.

10. Tonight, Trevor and I are going to a Weakerthans' concert.

MR. and MRS.

This sister and her husband...
were happy to witness the marriage of Tim and Karri.
Now, we're happy to be done.
I need a nap! :)
Happy Thanksgiving!

3...2...1

In just 3 more sleeps,
this guy
will
marry
this girl!
YEAH!

Predator and Prey

I am being stalked.
I can see his ears peeping around the corner.
I know his bum is wiggling as he is about to pounce.
He attacks everything and anything that moves.
The straps on my school bag are not safe.
Pounce! He's on my lap begging for attention and swatting at my necklace.

I can't imagine my life without him.

Can I Do This For Homework?

When I left my small town teaching post to pursue a city teaching job, I really thought it would be the same. Instead, I ended up in school that was located in a very poor area of the city. My priorities fast shifted from academics to how to give my students skills to survive in the world. I got used to late students and missed assignments. If you'd heard some of the things that were going on in those kids' lives, you'd understand why I was just proud of them for showing up and trying. I learned to be a little more flexible.
Now, I'm thrown back into the academic whirlwind. All my students are seated and ready to go by the time the class bell rings. All of my students have handed in all their assignments. I haven't worried about the health and social welfare of any of my students to date. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor today when one young man asked me, "can I do this for homework"?

Tim and Karri's wedding is coming up in a week and a half. Trevor and I are in the wedding party and we're in the middle of preparing the powerpoint. Things are getting a little busy around our house. Poor Fergus doesn't get the play time and the cuddles he was used too. I'm looking forward to the wedding and I'm really looking forward to all these preparations being done. I'm tired of my homework!

Voiceless

Laryngitis.
Definitely not how I would normally choose to start a new job.
My coughing keeps me up at night.
I'm really rather pathetic.

The new job is going well. I have 2 Psych 20 classes in the afternoon. I love Psych 20. It's a really great class and I'm excited about it. I will be working for Student Services in the morning. There's a plan but, no one's really informed me what it is yet. Ah well... it will happen soon enough.

An abrupt change...

Last Wednesday, I sent in my resume to a division outside the city. I had an interview on Friday and this morning, I found out I have the job.
So, I'm leavin' the hood and heading to Bedroom Community. Today, during Foods, one of my students was hauled out of the classroom and arrested for auto theft. The police cuffed him right in the hall. We could hear everything. I guess I'll have a little culture shock again. I doubt that will happen in Bedroom Community.
I'm taking on a different kind of teaching job. I'll be working with Student Services and I will be providing guidance to teachers. I really have no idea what that means yet. I'm still excited that they think I have the ability to help troubled students.
I'm taking a few days off first. I need to get things sorted out for Grandpa's Eulogy and powerpoint. I need some time breathe and process all the changes in my world. The loss of Grandpa hits me at weird times. I cry a lot right now. It was kind of strange to say good-bye to my hood school when I was so upset over Grandpa. It felt kind of unreal.
Well, this job is an answer to prayer. I'm excited to go back to where I interned. I'm excited to be challenged in my professional development. I'm excited to teach in an academic setting again and in my subject areas.
I just need to get through the next couple of days and get my feet wet and Bedroom Community school and I'll be back into the swing of things.

Grand-pa

My Grand-pa passed away last night.
Trevor and I went to visit him in the hospital. We had a good long talk. I thought he'd be released from the hospital after the weekend.
I'm really sad. I loved my Grand-pa a lot. We liked to tease each other. He always had time to talk football with Trevor. He was my co-worker at Gov't House where we took our breaks together. He's always been in my life.
I'm glad that he knows the Lord and is in Heaven. I'm glad that he is free from pain.
I really miss him.

a blur...

At the end of every teaching year, I try to look back and reflect on what I've been up to with students, with lessons and with my own growth as a professional. Strangely, during those reflection periods, I usually get stumped when I try to remember what I did in September.
Now, I remember why. September is a nutty month. My classes are new and are keeping me swamped.
I'm proud to say that my students have successfully completed 4 cooking labs. We haven't burnt a thing and all the the food has been tasty. It's also really fun. I like the hands-on learning aspect.
I'm also really excited that I am no longer intimidated by fractions, long division, decimals or exponents. By teaching these concepts to kids who are really struggling, I've been able to figure out a lot myself. I also can empathize with them when they think math sucks.
I'll be subbing (with a temp. contract) at this job until Oct. 23. Then, I'll try my hand at subbing... unless anything else comes up.

On a whole other note, Fergus is growing fast. Our vet thinks he'll be a big cat... Garfield here we come. Trevor and I spend a lot of time being stalked, pounced upon and cuddling. He's a pretty social kitten. He's been a good addition to our little family.

Male Bonding

Trevor, Jared and Ken took a trip to Yoho National Park this past long weekend. They hiked, they scrambled, they cooked on a camping stove, they backpacked and they tented. It was a full weekend full of many memory making moments.
Here are a few snapshots to show you the fun.

100th Post - A Long-Weekend Mishmash

This morning, as I crawled out of bed late, I realized that my summer was over. I taught 3 days at my inner-city high school and I am tired. I'm trying to wrap my head around how to cook in a very old facility with some pretty wild kidlets. I'm also trying to remember how to do improper/mixed fractions and long division. (Man, I suck at long division).
I love being back to work. I love learning new things and conquering new challenges. I love hanging out with kids. They keep me on my toes! I have no idea how long this subbing gig will go. Hopefully, I'll be able to wrangle a contract out of the School Division (cross fingers ... they are difficult about these sorts of things).
Trevor's off on a long weekend trip with his little brother and dad. They're back-packing through Yoho National Park. I'm a little jealous of his adventure but, I'm also really excited for him. Right now, he should be scrambling some mountain. :) It's weird to have all this time at home without him. I've rented some movies that I know he would never want to watch. Our moms have also taken it upon themselves to make sure I don't have many meals alone. My biggest problem is sleeping. I am startled awake every 3-4 hours wondering where Trevor is. I miss him lots!
This is my 100th post on this blog. I've always been a little curious about who reads this blog besides the lovely Jen, amazing Amanda F., sweet Sue and the notorious Edward. Please de-lurk. I've taken off my anti-anonymous post security just for this blog. Tell me who you are. Thanks!

That's what I get...

After spending a good little bit feeling sorry for myself, I wind up with a job... kind of.
I'll be back to my inner-city high school filling in for a lady who is out recovering from surgery.
It'll be maybe a month of subbing for her. That'll be way nicer then just showing up at random schools pretending to know what I'm doing.
Except... I won't really know what I'm doing.
My assignment is to teach Foods 10 and Re-Entry Math 9 (don't ask... let's just hope that means we'll be at the same level in math).
Hmmm... my week just became a little more adventurous.

Sulky

Today is the first teacher prep day of the school year. This is the day teachers across our fair city "officially" (meaning they get paid for it) go back to their classrooms after a peaceful summer.
Normally, I like spending this day cleaning, re-arranging posters and desks. I also like to go over curriculum and photocopy like crazy.
Sadly, I am at home... feeling sorry for myself.
I'd really like to be teaching. It's sort of my thing. I get pretty feisty about the causes of the First World War. I miss looking up French Top 40 songs. I really like trying to imagine what kinds of drama games kids in the hood would actually want to play. I miss my fill-in-the-blank lecture about the history of psychology (I always got a kick out of showing kids pictures of trepanning).
Maybe somebody will hire me yet.
If not, I'll try hard to be the best darn sub in the city.

Eeeek!

Eeeek! I was outside, watering my compost (like a good little compost geek) when I felt something scurry by my feet. Thinking Fergus had escaped, I looked down. To my chagrin, there was a little brown mouse running under my compost. Eeeek! In a moment of panic, I watered him with my hose.
I feel betrayed. I love my compost. I am close to ridiculous about it. I have followed all the rules about what foods to include and what foods not to include. My compost eats a lot of kitchen scraps, baby weeds, grass clippings and other good things approved of my handy-dandy compost book.
I looked up "trouble-shooting" in my little book. The only way that my compost should be attracting vermin is if I put inappropriate foods in it. Foods like meat or dairy products. Blech! I have not done that.
My brother-in-law had a good idea. He thinks I should release Fergus. Fergus is very adept at killing his toy mouse. That thing has died a million deaths already. I'm just not ready to let my little cat outside yet. I'm afraid he'd run away and become one of the strays the Humane Society picks up.
I think I'll look for those mouse traps we got as a wedding present. We giggled nervously then and commented on the oddness of the gift; but, here I am, one year later, "eeeeking" over a mouse.
Fortunately, this thing is in my yard and not my house.

Below Ground

I've been putting it off all summer.
I have pulled weeds until my fingers were blistered to get out of doing this.
I'm afraid of what's down there.
Today, I started to sort my basement.

My mother was thrilled when we got a house because then, all the weird stuff I've accumulated over the years and have stored in boxes in her basement, will move to our basement.
Porcelain dolls (that I hated even when I was little and felt guilty about not playing with).
Old Archie comics.
University textbooks.
Weird, smelly stuffed animals (that I felt guilt not playing with because I thought they were ugly).
Ceramic Andy and Annie dolls, ceramic clowns and ceramic cows???? What kind of kid was I?
Books galore.
Wedding presents that we're still unsure of.

The list goes on.

We'd like to move Fergus' food and litter box downstairs. We'll have to wait until he can handle stairs. I'd kind of like to have some organization down there before it becomes a cat lair.

Good thing it's been a rainy day. I'd hate to be below ground on a sunny day.

Welcome Fergus

Late last night, we took a drive out of city to a friend's farm to pick out a kitten. Yes, I said a kitten. Finally, I am allowed to have a kitty. It took a year of convincing Trevor but, we've got the kitty now and there's no going back.
Fergus is a little ball of orange and white fluff. He thinks we're scary and he acts tough by hissing at us and burrowing himself into a corner. However, he purrs really well when we pick him up and cuddle. Last night, he meowed for his mommy pretty much all night. I felt guilty and sad for him. Fergus just learned how to drink from a bowl. He's litter trained (cross fingers) and he's starting to be playful. Today should be adventurous for us.
I have about a week and a half until school starts again (still no contract... eeek...) and I hope that will give him enough time to get used to life in our world.

Back from Menno-toba

Last Tuesday, Trevor and I packed our bags and headed east to visit Trev's relatives in Manitoba.
In my family, when my mom, her sisters and their families get together, it's usually been so long (22 years) that we hire a photographer.
In Trevor's family, visiting and keeping in touch is important.
We spent a few days with Oma and Opa living the retired lifestyle. We slept in, read, played games, walked, ate, ate and ate some more. We were able to visit 18 relatives in just 3 days! I'd say that's pretty impressive!
Friday, we jumped in our car and headed to Clear Lake. It was such a gorgeous location. The first night, it poured rain. Our little tent stayed dry. Saturday, it rained off and on. We still managed to hike and tour around a bit. We were a little sad not to swim and be beach bums.
Yesterday, we drove home.
I feel a little sick. I'm not quite myself right now. Too bad I'm a guide at VBS this week so I can't sleep in or slack off too much!

Attack of the Maternal Aunties

This weekend, both of our mothers' sides of the families decided to have family gatherings. This meant a little coordination on our parts. We managed to make it to the bulk of both (and a wedding). We thought it would be a little stressful and perhaps somewhat awkward but, after having survived, we've decided that this weekend was a blast.
I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Trevor's family. They are lots of fun and they are very caring.
It was good to introduce Trevor to my elusive cousins who I haven't even seen in the past 10 years. There was lots of catching up!
Family is good.

A summer memory

Dallas Valley Ranch Camp - 1998
Jill, a 19 year old counselor, Tyler, a 16 year old wrangler and Christopher, a 10 year old staff kid are sitting on a hill on a starry summer's night. We're waiting for the campers to come and play Mission Impossible (a great game where staff gets to torment kids with flashlights). We love just sitting and hanging out. We catch up on our weeks and we talk about what qualities we'd be looking for in a person to marry. Tyler and I are always good for secret sharing and we promised Christopher a pummeling if he revealed anything we said. Week after week, summer after summer the three of us did that.
Five years ago, Tyler married the girl of his dreams who moved down to his area of the world to ranch.
Last year, I married the boy who always made me laugh and told campers his version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
This Saturday, Christopher will marry his beautiful blond. I can't believe how grown up we've all become.

Our version of Club Med

The water was a little green as opposed to turquoise. However, the couples were still hot, the water sports were still happenin' and there were definitely some good times had by all.
I spent some quality time this weekend lounging and reading about celebs and their fabulous vacations. I was a some friends' cabin in SK thinking that somehow, I had it better then those famous few. We had glorious sun, no paparazzi, a sweet cabin, lots of food, a boat with all the toys and some great friends. I love summer!

A Healthy Glow...

I think I made a slight mistake while painting my bathroom. For the first time ever, I did not choose to buy the $5 paint pot from Benjamin Moore. I just wanted to paint and I didn't want to have to go back to the store to buy the gallon. I talked to the lady who has given me great advice before. I told her I wanted celery green that did not look old lady minty or look like a highlighter. I did forget to mention a nuclear glow... sigh.
Three coats of celedone green. I think I expected it to get a little creamier with each coat.
Poor Trevor patiently put the new vanity together and put the toilet tank on. I'm pretty sure he's not to fond of our new bathroom. I s'pose we'll live with it until I can muster up the courage to pick a new colour.
Bah... until then, our bathroom will have a healthy glow!

Moaning Myrtle

VS.



I'm trying to paint my bathroom. I'd like it to be celery green by the end of the week. So far, I've managed to get the white trim done. Strangely enough, this painting project will probably take me a while longer then some of the bigger rooms in the house that I have managed with ease. You see, when I was painting those rooms, I was not also trying to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
I am currently on page 460 of the book and it's really hard to put it down. I have no urge to do a single thing but read, read and read.
Rowling has outdid herself in the pace of the plot as well as adding twists and turns that leave me quite frantic for pretty much all of the characters. It's really hard to pick up a roller when somebody's fate could be determined in the next chapter.
Therefore, I am left like Moaning Myrtle. I'm stuck in the bathroom but, all the while, I'm dreaming of the adventures of Harry, Hermione and Ron.

P.S. The Outlander series is as equally intense as the Harry Potter series. I was lucky to finish just last week.

My green thumb???

It's beginning to dawn on me that my green thumb is a healthy shade of mediocrity.
I am aware of the obstacles against me. The weeds were allowed to rule my yard without question for many a year. The Virginia Creeper was encouraged to climb almost as high as our roof and make not so subtle attempts to creep inside our siding. The back yard was the very large toilet of a healthy chocolate lab. This, I was prepared for.
I am still sad that my Bleeding Heart seems to have bled to death. What the heck, all the research I did on this thing stated that Bleeding Hearts were foolproof. Don't I feel foolish.
I don't understand why I can get Edelweiss to grow and not poppies.
Why why why did the previous owner think yarrow was pretty? Now it's all over my front grass.
All the other hollyhocks I've seen have flowers by now. Somehow, mine are stunted. At this rate, I will have hollyhocks blooming for Labour Day.
My healthiest plants are petunias, impatients and pansies. These are happy little flowers. I'm thankful that they have the grace to grow in my yard despite the heat and my inexperience.
What do I do? I think I will continue to water my blooming mess, learn from my mistakes and try again next year.

By invitation only...

Yesterday, I helped Karri (my brother's fiancee) make wedding invites. It was really fun to work with her and her sister. It was a girly day followed by a good swim.
I love how happy my little brother is. It's a good feeling to know that he loves and is loved.

A Camping We Did Go...

Trevor and I awoke bright and early on July 15th to a thundershower. This was our 1st anniversary and we were in a tent, in the rain. Despite ground shaking thunder and an absolute downpour, we managed to stay nice and dry.









We went camping with our Care Group for the weekend. There's

something about the smell of campfire, the taste of toasted marshmallows and the sounds of
nature to bring a group closer. We had a good time. The boys bonded over fishing and beach volleyball while the ladies tanned and talked.

Edelweiss

I went to Austria when I was 20. I was tired of university and I needed a change of pace. I went to a Capernwray Bible School called Tauernhof. It was a little school located in a small town in the heart of the Alps. I hiked, I stretched myself spiritually, I met some really great people.
I went back to Austria with my brother the day after I convocated from university. 5 summers ago, I was back-packing in the Alps and sleeping rough. I was pushed physically and I came home in the best shape I have ever been in!
Looking back at my "mountain top" experiences makes me realize how important going away and trying new things was for me. I was forced to grow. I was challenged and in a strange country; I had no other choice.
I also fell in love with the Alps. I can close my eyes and still see the gorgeous peaks high above me. I can never recapture those times in my life but, I will always have such great memories.
I will water the little edelweiss I bought at Home Depot and I will remember my alpine adventures.

Kindred souls

Shiya arrived the day after school ended. Shiya has been my best friend pretty much all my life. She laughs at my jokes (she actually thinks I'm funny). She lets me cry on her shoulder. She is the best listener. She is really one of the only other women I enjoy shopping with.
There's nothing more wonderful then a friend who, even though she lives far away, can jump back into my life without any awkwardness at all. I am blessed.