Tim's big news

Yesterday, my sweet baby brother took a special girl for a hike.
Then, they dined in high style in a classy little rural town.
After, he hired a plane to tour her around the area where my family farms.
When they landed, they went to a quiet country church where they lit some candles, sang some worship songs and talked.
Tim sang a song he wrote for her.
Tim asked her a very important question about their future.
She said YES!

Tim and Karri are getting married.
YEAH!

Double date

Saturday afternoon, I got a call from my Grand-ma and Grand-pa. They wanted to go to the mini-golf place in the North end with us.
Trevor and I couldn't pass up on a chance to have a double date with my grandparents.
That night, Grand-pa won. He was one stroke ahead of Trevor. I got a hole-in-one so, I was happy.
It was a good night. We laughed a lot.
Thanks for the date Grand-ma and Grand-pa.

Ethics

Three months ago, my school secretary was "giving away" the whiteboard/flipchart that was in the hallway. I jumped at the chance to have it in my room. Now, my students and I have this cute little calendar to keep track of major school/life events that affect us.
Today, I received an email from the Student Services office asking about a missing whiteboard/flipchart. I think it might be the one I've been "given".
What do I do?
I like my whiteboard/flipchart. It's really useful. It's taken Student Services 3 months before they "missed" it.
I think I need to be a good person and return it.
Sigh....

Interviews

I was able to wear cute spring skirts to my interviews which made me happy.
The sun was shining on the drive over to the unfamiliar schools on both days.
Both the gentlemen I met with for the interviews were kind.
Only one asked me about my best/worst teaching experiences.
The other one asked me what I could contribute to extra curr.
I wasn't stumped on any question.
My years of experience and amount of subjects taught were really valued.
It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
I actually feel affirmed as a teacher.
Now, I wait to see what happens...
(it could take until the end of August... sigh)

...for tomorrow will take care of itself

This morning, in Sunday School, we were continuing our study re: the Sermon on the Mount. We arrived at the passage where Christ reminds us that we are His, He cares for us and that we need to trust Him (Matthew 6:25-34) with everything. We discussed how, in the culture we live in, we are prone to worry. We worry about our houses, our cars, our jobs, our money, our future, etc.
This struck a nerve.
Currently, I am worried about my job and next fall. I only have temporary contract that will end on June 29th. This scares me. The school board has handed out some permanent contracts already... just not to me. This makes me sad. This week, I have 2 interviews so that 2 more principals in our division know who I am. I keep having bad dreams about these interviews.
This morning, I was reminded that God does have a place for me. Last year, He provided a job when I fully expected to be subbing. Whether I'm to be at the school I'm currently at or if God has a whole other plan for me that doesn't involve full-time teaching, I need to trust.
Of course, this is easier said then done.
This morning was a good reminder.
I think I need to give some worry up in prayer during my run today.

Fairy Godmother

Tonight is the school dance.
Today, I went through the drama costumes and let my drama girls pick out fancy dresses to go to the dance. They "oooohhhhed" and "aaahhed" over the silk, bows and crinoline. They called each other beautiful. They giggled and twirled. They were my sweet little Cinderellas. I hope they have a great time tonight at their ball.

We're Back!

Well, we're back. The pictures are all out of sorts but, it'll give you some idea of what we've been up to.
The first picture is a Mayan temple located at Chichen Itza.
The second picture is us at Playa Delphines where Trevor loved jumping in the waves.
The third is a view from our balcony. We spent a lot of time on this beach. The waves were calm and the sand was like white talcum powder.
The fourth picture is us at an underground river on our way to Chichen Itza.
The fifth picture is a very excited Trevor about to get on the plane in Toronto.
The last picture is from our balcony again.

Cancun, Mexico

For the next week, we will be here.

Let them eat cake...

Open Letter to Drama 10 students from Quarter 3,
Congratulations to my 4 wonderful Drama 10 students who have successfully completed (or at least the majority) of learning objectives I have put before you this quarter.
You have written and performed an entertaining Reader's Theatre about Romeo and Juliet in the 'Hood. You have created and enacted your Mime to Music as a convenience store heist. You have read poetry to your fellow students. Also, you have endured many hours of silly improv games.
I don't know what happened to your peers. Seven out of eight of them have at least made it to class. It would have been more fun if they could have come more regularily. Oh well, it is your success that we are celebrating today. This is the last day of Quarter 3. Let's eat cake!

Moose Jaw Holiday

This week-end, Trevor had a union meeting in MJ at the spa. Poor little me got to tag along as his trophy wife. My mom came up on Saturday and we shopped all day long. It was a fabulous SK holiday. We made sure to soak in the pool both Friday and Saturday nights. I made sure to run in Crescent Park. I also made sure to eat some gelato. We finally found a piece of art (Christmas gift from Trevor's parents) for our bare walls. Trevor spent his week-end with a variety of union reps. They talked about fun things like the croissants they were served, occupational health and safety and equity. It's good HR experience for him.

I'm also pretty excited about a new addition to my little world. Yesterday, Trevor bought me an Ipod Nano. I'm pretty excited about it. I've only ever had cheap walk-mans and running radios before. I named my little silver Nano Stella. We've become fast friends. She likes all the same music as me. We're looking forward to our first run together. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you Trevor!
Ah, life is grand...

My goose egg...

Our bathroom has a window in it. In 1951, our house was built without a fan in the bathroom. The original owners would just open the window for fresh air. Since 1951, no one has actually installed a fan. It's on our list of things to do.
Anyway, our bathroom has a window in it. It's located in the shower/bathtub area. I know, that seems weird to me too. Last night, I accidently banged my eyebrow bone on the window crank while shaving my legs. Owwwww! It hurt (like a banshee)! Now, I have a weird bump on my left eyebrow. I hope it doesn't bruise.
Tonight, Trevor and I are off to Moose Jaw for Trevor's first business trip. He's shop steward for his union and they're having a week-end meeting at the spa. Poor me. I'll have to go to the spa with him and not work. My mom's coming up for a girly shopping day.

The wisdom of our Elders

Every Tuesday, an older Ojibway woman visits our school. She is an Elder and she feels it is her calling to come and visit with our students. Every day she enters the school, she prays and then she tries to connect with kids as much as possible.
Yesterday, I invited her into my Drama 9 class. She didn't really have any specific place to be. She entered my Auditorium and sat with an angry young man who was refusing to participate. She shook his hand and talked with him for a bit. Her actions diffused the fury he was experiencing. She was amazing.
After class, I had the privilege of sitting and talking with her. She told me stories of growing up on the reserve. She told me about her worries for the youth today. She told me of her desire to pour herself into today's generation. I could have sat all afternoon with her and soaked up her wisdom.

Last night, in our Small Group, we studied about leaving a legacy. We talked about how every moment we live helps shape the way we will be remembered. I think about this joy filled, peaceful woman and the legacy she is shaping and the impact our short conversation had on my life. Then, I try to think about the legacy I am leaving behind. Somedays, it is so easy for me to fall into the sins of complacency, negativity and complaint. I'm reminded that I am blessed.

Ode to Spring

Shoes but no socks.
Waking up to sunlight.
Bare legs to church.
New spring skirts in stores now.
Trevor killing baby spiders (so they can't grow up and scare me).
Windows open - fresh air.
Running outside.
The plastic's off Tim's windows.
The creek is running on the farm.
BBQ
No urge to hibernate on weekends.
New friends.
Budding tulips.
Dreams of planting perennials.
Skipping students.
Nearing the end of Quarter 3.
Almost Easter holidays.
Almost in Mexico.
Renos - Phase #2 almost complete.
I love spring!

Craving a run

The windows are open in my classroom. The fresh spring air is tempting me.
I'm in a skirt (without pantyhose - yippeee!)! I want to lace up my runners and run. Soon, I'll be back in my dark auditorium entertaining my lovelies while daydreaming of the spring breezes and Wascana Park.

Canada's IQ

Last night, on CBC, was the very first live Canadian IQ test. Andrea and I took the test via the TV and a scorecard printout. Trevor took the online test.
We all scored in the above average intelligence category which was pleasing to know (although, I was lower then the two... figures!) However, what exactly does that mean? It means I could make educated guesses about proverbs, definitions and strange number sequences. Does that make me smart?
I actually scored higher in the Math and Logic sections then I thought possible. I was lower in perception then I thought I would be as well.
I'm still a little opposed to the whole IQ determining your life idea (not that I think this show was pushing that theory). I teach IQ vs EQ (Emotional Quotient) as well as Multiple Intelligences in my Psych class. I'm a firm believer that it is probably your IQ that gets you hired for a job but it's probably your EQ (how well you interact with others and how well you can read social situations) that gets you promoted.
Also, just because we scored above average intelligence doesn't really mean much for my sweet husband and I. Last night, after taking the test, we realized we had accidently bleached our nice navy blue towels when we cleaned the bathroom. This morning, I was almost late for work because I kept forgetting to put things in my school bag. Therefore, I've concluded that my IQ is my ability to write a test. As a teacher, I can do that just fine and dandy. When it comes to life in general... I still have a lot to learn.
To take the IQ test yourself, go to this link:
http://www.cbc.ca/testthenation

a little fuzzy

Have you ever had one of those days where you're just a little fuzzy? Have you ever woken up, packed a bizarre lunch, drove in a dream to work where you really didn't work and then bumble through your evening? Bah! It's a good thing it's Friday.
Trevor got called as a curling sub last minute tonight. For the first time, in a long time, I find myself alone on a Friday evening. I have no urge to leave my home in the foggy state that I am in. Friday night TV is BLAH! I've had a good cuppa tea. I've already done a bit of baking and cleaning. What did I do with myself before I was married? I s'pose I read a lot more.
Currently, I am reading Alice Munro's collection of short stories called Runaway. I just finished Jarhead.
Maybe I should just curl up early and go to bed.

Care Group

Tuesdays are one of my most favorite days of the week. The reason why is because that's the night Trevor and I have Care Group. Basically, this is just a group of a few of us from church who hang out, eat, pray for each other and study the Word.
My Care Group makes me happy. We have meaningful conversations and we really connect. It's really great to have such a good group friends.
Last night, friends of ours (J and C) brought their new baby boy. He's 16 months old. They are in the process of adopting Baby B from relatives in Alberta. He's adorable. He's also full of energy. He gets faster when he gets tired. That little guy can go!
J and C are AMAZING! I can't imagine a sleepy newborn in my life let alone a speedy toddler.
As a group of newlyweds, I'm sure that Baby B is only the first of many changes our little group will experience in the next few years. Gone will be the days of long, uninterrupted conversations and just hanging out. We'll become a group of very tired, kid-chasing, toy-toting parents who crave adult conversation. YIKES!

On a side note, Trevor and I have our very first tanning salon appointments today. We're going to Mexico at Easter and we both don't wish to have bad sunburns wreck our holiday. We're building up a base tan. However, I'm a little nervous. I've never fake and baked before. Neither has Trevor. Is there anything we should be prepared for or worried about?

Week-end

Smiles on the weekend:
1. Dinner party for 4 Friday. Hmmmm.... chicken cordon bleu
2. Pancakes for Saturday breakfast made by my sweet man.
3. Putting away winter decorations.
4. Long distance phone call from Hawaii.
5.Cleaning the house.
6. Re-organizing books.
7. A good long run outside in the puddles.
8. Puddles and wet shoes.
9. Hanging out with Tim and Karri.
10. Church and connecting with important people.
11. Walking down memory lane with Trevor.
12. Amazing Race with my amazing sister-in-law.

Why is it that week-ends are so darn short?

Romeo and Juliet....

My students are preforming their Readers Theatre titled: Romeo and Juliet: In Da Hood.
I'm killing myself laughing. It's quality grade 10 stuff. They're killing each other off gansta style. My silly little hoodlums!
Almost a weekend... I can hardly wait. It feels like spring out and soon I can run outside again. The gym is okay but, I can do without Mr. Short Shorts (no Amanda, he is not your Dad).
Tonight, Trevor and I are hosting a dinner party. We love having people over to our little home. It should be a blast!

Happy B-Day Daddy!

Aloha to my wonderful father who is now 53. Poor guy has to celebrate in Maui far from his children. I think my mom is taking him to a luau to help ease the pain of separation.
My Dad is the best Daddy ever. I've always been so thankful for his big heart. Even though he was away working a lot when I was a kid, I never doubted his love. I hope he has a fabulous beach/snorkle day and a wonderful luau!

Comfort Food

Today was a school holiday. I have no idea why but, I'll take it.
Trevor's home sick. He has this awful cold that I'm sure I will catch in the next few days.
The weather was yucky all day. I wanted to go for a walk around the park but, the best I could
manage was the walk from our car to Walmart.
I painted trim again to day. Someday our house will be done.
Tonight was comfort food night: tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Hmmm...
I'm convinced that this is the ultimate comfort food. What are your comfort foods?

Stuck on a PD day.

Today is a PD day. High school teachers are all over the city "refreshing" in their subject areas. As the sole Drama teacher at my school, I went off the university for a "Movement in Drama" seminar. It was FABULOUS! We worked in the Theater Dept. studio. That required us to remove our socks and shoes and just move. We did tons of fun, challenging and risking activities. I had a blast. As I reflect now on my experience (a good teacher practice), I'm sad that some of my students will never feel comfortable enough with themselves or each other to ever try something so freeing.
After my morning of movement, I did some grocery shopping and spent some quality time in Dollarama. That is my dream teacher store. 12 pencils... for a $1.... who can beat that???!!! I headed home to continue my PD. I have to do some online course about work safety. The course itself is dull but, the fact that I can do it from home makes my day!
I noticed that the city had cleared our back alley (the perk to paying high, LV area city taxes) so, I thought I'd try parking in our garage. We've had a lot of snow lately! I got stuck. I'm actually still stuck. After 40 minutes of shoveling, some help from my neighbour and some frustration, I gave up. Hopefully, Trevor can push me out. If not, I have to shell out $ for a tow truck!

Is IB for me????

After school today, I went down to the Board Office to investigate the IB program and my chances at teaching it. The IB (International Baccalaureate) Program is a world-wide, high school program that is academically challenging. It usually draws in highly motivated students who either take some courses in IB or the full IB diploma.
My teacher self is drooling over the possibility of working with students who are more then just physically present in the room. I miss having engaging conversations with our future leaders. Teaching IB History is my ideal teaching career goal. Getting there is tricky. I am only on a temporary contract. I need to make the right connections fast. We'll see how this progresses.

P.S. I did accept the grad speaking engagement at LCHS. I'm really honoured and equally daunted by the request. Ultimately, I'm really proud of those kids and I am so excited to see them succeed.

100 million dollars

Yesterday, the SK premier announced that he was giving some budget attention to poverty in SK. He announced that there would be 100 million dollars of the budget put towards more affordable housing (North Central will be an area that receives this money), education and other poverty related programming. This is AMAZING! I really hope that my students will benefit from this.

I was in Ft. Qu'Appelle for an Anti-Racism retreat this week. It was the most uplifting non-Christian retreat I've ever been to. It was definitely what I needed.

This weekend, Trevor and I are continuing with this house reno hobby of ours.

My parents are living it up on the Big Island of Hawaii. We need to shovel snow. My parents will go to a fancy luau. We'll put on our parkas and maybe head out to buy groceries. Ah... my lucky parents! Good for them!

Worst Teaching Day Ever!

In my 4 1/2 year career as a teacher, my worst teaching day had been finding some of my Lanigan lovelies drinking in Greece. That really was awful!
Yesterday topped that sinking sensation. My lovely colleague J.D. and I were brave and decided to take our little grade 9s to a play at Sheldon. The kids were awful. They defaced the chairs they sat on, they threw pennies and dimes into the crowd (some poor elementary kids were pegged). They swore and cursed and talked loudly and were disobedient. They kept flicking their lighters and trying to start things on fire. They lit cigarette papers and tried smoking them. I spent 2 hours in torment. J.D., the wise lady that she is, went to the Sheldon office and called the bus back early.
We bought the kids pizza and took them out of classes. The school paid their admission into the play and paid for the bus.
In the end, the kids called J.D. a racist and I'm sure we heard the b-word again.
I'm tired of this.

Tagged...

We live in LV. I work in North Central. Everyday, in North Central, I see graffiti. In my mind, it is a North Central thing, not a LV thing. However, this morning, as I backed out of my garage, I noticed that the garbage cans in our back alley had been "tagged". Grumpy morning Jill was not impressed.... until I read the graffiti. On our garbage can, the little perp wrote "Profanity" (the actual word and not swears). On the garbage can a few houses down, the little perp wrote "Great Recycling". Finally, a few houses further down was the typical name signature. Cheeky clever little delinquent made me laugh the whole way to work!

happy happy happy

Happy Valentine's Day! To celebrate, I wore pink and gave my little monsters sugar. Tonight, I'm cooking a nice supper for Trevor and we'll dine by candlelight. No going out, no roses and no gifts over $10. Valentine's Day is a little too commercial for us. We prefer "non-forced" romance.
My grade 9s are settling down. Either that or I'm getting used to the swearing and the lack of maturity. These kids lack the confidence to do anything. We played "Honey if you Love Me" today. They could barely handle it. Most were too scared and just wanted to chicken out. I had 5 kids sit like lumps when all we were doing was acting out kids stories. I'm so mean... I actually expect them to do things...
I took my grade 10s the university for a Shakespeare play (Merry Wives of Windsor). They were pretty entertaining to take out. They really didn't get the play but, they were enchanted with the costumes, the set and the special effects so all is well.
Last night, we had our Care Group over. Trevor and I are really blessed to be in a group with 4 other couples. We're a really new group but, I'm impressed with the depth and honesty that's going on. I look forward to every week and I'm looking forward to getting to know each of the couples better.
I have a Teacher Convention on Friday so tomorrow is my last "kid day"! Yeah! That is why I am happy, happy, happy! :)

Alchemy... my computer game addiction

I grew up never playing video games. I am not a vids kid. My best game ever was getting to the 4th level of Mario on the original Nintendo. I also did okay on my black and white GameBoy. However, just when I was getting places, my Mom would tell me my one hour was up.
Trevor grew up in a different world. He was a vids kid. Actually, judging by the fun he's having with the new Zelda game, he's still a vids kid.
This summer, we had no TV or internet. This was the summer I discovered computer solitaire. Who knew that a world of fun awaited me. Anyways, after a few months of solitaire, I was bored. I still wasn't winning lots but, solitaire had lost it's excitement. That's around the time that my sister-in-law, Andrea, introduced me to Alchemy. It's an internet game but, I became so hooked Trevor actually downloaded it for me to play. It's a matching game... like advanced Tetris (like what I had on my GameBoy). I still haven't beat the thing. I don't even have the highest score. That belongs to my husband who rarely plays (it's infuriating).
So, gamer or not, I highly recommend Alchemy. I'll probably be giving it up for Lent.
PopCapGames site

LaLaLaLanigan

Last night, I went out for supper with some wonderful Lanigan teacher friends. It was so good to catch up on school news and kid gossip. I miss teaching there. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE living in the city and being married to Trevor and near my family. It's just that, professionally, I miss being in the kind of community that we as a staff at LCHS had. Transient students, like the ones I teach, are a little harder to build relationships with also.
I woke up this morning a little jealous. My friends were all in town because, they flew out this morning to the Dominican Republic. I awoke to a chilly -28C. I miss the warm sun. I miss my freckles! I miss spending time outside. Good for them though. I hope they have a fabulous time soaking up the sun.
Also, on a Lanigan note, one of my students called me up and asked me if I wanted to be the grad speaker this year. I was really touched that they wanted me to speak however, it's a really daunting task for me. I love talking in front of kids but, Lanigan grad happens to be in front of the whole town. Eeeek! That means talking in front of grown-ups! I told her I'd consider it. I need to make a decision soon and get back to her.

Super Bowl Sunday

VS.



Who won the SuperBowl? I'm a little foggy. For all the football I've watched since I've been married (which is more then ever in my life), you'd think I'd know. Ah well!
Trevor went to the Science Centre IMAX party and watched the game (and American commercials) in HD. I, went to some of our friends' SuperBowl party and made cards with the ladies and babies in the basement. We had such a good time, we didn't even watch the half-time show.
So thanks Michelle and Dwayne for hosting a FABULOUS party that did not involve me having to watch football!

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Trevor

Lately, my job has been getting to me. Trevor has been such a support. I love him so much. This morning, as we awoke (late) to -30 and bummed around in our pj pants reading comics, I was reminded of how much I love him! So Andrea, begin eye-rolling now. :)
10 - He makes great pancakes and a mean tuna casserole.
9 - He's soooo handsome!
8 - He can make me blush!
7 - He has really big muscles!
6 - He's gentle and patient with me!
5 - He gives the BEST hugs ever!
4 - He desires and seeks to know the Lord!
3 - He's a home-handy man! (HA! RedGreen - he's handsome and handy!)
2 - He's adorable to watch with kids!
1 - He makes me the happiest girl in the world!

The "b" word

The first day of classes went swimmingly. My crazy group of grade 10s has turned out to be a bunch of lovely ladies and a very sweet gentleman. All fears alleviated. They're a little shy but, I can work with shy.
I have 3 groups of grades 9s that I rotate through. Day one was fabulous. Day two, I was called the "b" word. I'm not altogether sure why either. I just met the kid. It took him 3 minutes until he and his little friend were down in the office. I see them again today. Please pray for me...
I've never really encountered this kind of situation before.

Drama teacher with stage fright...

I'm at school on my prep. I'd be working but the photocopier is broken... blech! Therefore, I'll be talking lots in my first day classes and not giving them much. Yikes.
First day of classes always freak me out. If kids think it's a little nerve-wracking, they have no idea the stage fright that I go through. This is rather ironic because, this Quarter, I am a full-time Drama teacher. It's just weird, because I don't know the kids yet and they don't know me and first-impressions are so crucial.
The other weird thing about today (besides no photocopier) is that in my Drama 10 class, I only have 4 students registered so far. In a normal school, that would be completely irregular. Here, this is "normal". Strangely enough, my Drama 10 class will be full. My V-P will stick kids in at random. I will have no idea who to expect, when, or what to do. Yeah, an hour and 50 minutes of confusion, me being super-nervous and kids not really sure why they are taking Drama. Ah yes, all those little eyes looking at me to know what I'm doing and I'll be wingin' it. Not on purpose but due to the circumstances. Yikes, my tummy's churning at the thought!
Sorry if I sound a little grim...
Trevor and I had a marvellous weekend filled with a combination of bumming around and painting. We're almost done the painting... just one more coat on the hall walls.

Changes...

Tomorrow is my last day with my Quarter 2 classes. When I started with these kids, I wanted to strangle them. We've been through a lot together. Now, when I really like them and we've got a great routine set up, we're done. The new bunch is moving in. Yikes! What crazies will Monday bring and how long will it take until I've established simple Drama routines with them?

Tonight, Trevor and I are starting our new Care Group. Our other group grew to be too big and now, Trevor and I are starting a branch off group. I'm really going to miss the people from our other group. However, I really excited about a new beginning. I have this vision of a group where people can come, feel safe to learn and grow, will challenge each other and above all, care for each other. I hope I can communicate that tonight.

Yesterday, I put the first coat of paint on our walls. The computer room is AWESOME. The spare room is a little dramatic. I loved looking at it in the morning light. I hope it grows on Trevor the way it has been growing on me. Our house is getting closer to the way we want it.

Happy B-Day Shiya!

Happy B-day to beautiful Shiya who is now 28. Hope your day is FABULOUS!

This week end, Trevor and I went to a Promise Keepers "Building Marriages of Integrity" weekend. It was really good. Here were some highlights:
-Remembering to pray for each other.
-Praying together and getting into the Word together.
-Allowing the other person to look after us and pray for us.
All in all, it was really good.
We went with Tyler and Charisse. :) It was good seeing them again.

We're also in the throes of reno disaster. Lee (our fabulous contracter) has mudded, tapped and sanded our drywall (a necessary evil to definitely hire someone else for). He also redid some ceilings. Trevor and I primed yesterday and we'll be priming again tonight.
Soon, I'll be able to start painting colour.
Bradbury Beige for the hall
Baffin Island for the Computer Room
Dijon for the Spare Room
Benjamin Moore, I love you!

Open Letter to Bright Legs

Dear Mr. Short Shorts,
I am just writing to thank you for motivating me yesterday at the gym.
It was cold outside and I had to use a lot of positive self-talk to get myself to the Fieldhouse after school. I was feeling lousy when I started a slow jog around the track. Then, I saw you. The glare of your bright legs beaming up ahead for all to see.
As a fellow runner, I too appreciate the aerodynamic fit of shorter shorts. However, I am a woman. In our society, I can get away with short shorts. It helps that I shave my legs. You Sir, are obviously not a woman. Therefore, you do not shave your legs. I noticed that from about 100 metres away.
No matter what I tried thinking about, my eyes would always wander back to your absurdly white legs. They were distracting (and not in a good way). I felt compelled to pass you. I sped up. I ran faster then I normally do. Finally, after 9 laps of the glare, I was successful. I managed to keep my speed up and I finished my 4 km in record time.
Thank-you!

Baby it's cold outside...

All I want to do is snuggle up in a big quilt, sit on my couch, read and sip tea. It's freezin' out.
So, I'm working part time for the next week and a half. It's a bit weird but, I know I'll be full time again and the beginning of the next Quarter. I'll be a full-time Drama teacher.
I think it's a little funny that I've ended up teaching Drama after all my years doing History, French and Psychology. Ah well, nothing funnier then these little hood kids doing the Hokey Pokey with me.
Top 10 Strange things I've seen at school:
10 - Baby parade every lunch hour
9 - "Good Samaritan" mime
8 - grade 10 essays (any sophomore essay is funny)
7 - cell phone being answered from a girl's bra
6 - grape flavoured condom on stage (fell out of someone's pocket) - the kids blew it up and played volley-ball with it
5 - ramdom kids wandering into my class 2 weeks before the end of term (on my list but have never shown up until that day)
4 - lesbian anime comics (AHHHH!)
3 - Drama 10 begging to do the HOKEY POKEY today!
2 - Hall passes - I make my kids carry around this HUGE wooden bird house when they leave my class... (other people have a plastic pig, a life preserver, a large dream catcher, a toilet seat, a bendy flower, etc.)
1- a gang enforcer acting like a penguin

Ah, life here is always an adventure in teaching. :)

Maclean's article

According to the Jan. 8th edition of Maclean's magazine, I work in the worst neighbourhood in Canada. I cried last night when I read the article. I'm sad. According to this article, my students, per capita, live in a community that is similar to a 3rd world country.
Some of the things I see in thier lives are shocking. I hear about violence, drugs, gangs, pregnancy and poverty all the time. I teach so many teen moms. I'm sure that some of my students have come to my class high (really, I'm not the best judge).
However, I also see some real lights. I've seen students fight hard to get to school. Some of them walk over an hour just to get to class. Right now, in Drama 10, I am watching beautiful mime. Their story lines are rich, humourous and my students have such talent.
I hope that this article might finally get my school some extra funding. Maybe we'll finally have access to text books, equiptment, extra teachers and EAs (as of right now, there is no teacher-assistant at this school) like other schools.
I want so very badly for these kids to thrive and grow and learn.

Happy New Year

Grant and Jared.... going out for a walk
Tim and Karri play cards
Dutch Blitz marathon

We had a blast at our New Year's Eve Party. We had ~22 people and a baby. We played games until midnight, opened our fortune cookies and played on.
I'm sick. I guess it's better to be sick on my holidays then to be sick while teaching. Silly cold. Ah well, some couch time just reading will be good.

The realities of an inner city school

This Christmas, Kyle gave me Teacher Man by Frank McCourt ('Tis and Angela's Ashes). He's a fabulous author. The main gist of this book is to basically paint a portrait of the art of teaching high school. I love it!
One thing I really miss about LCHS is actually teaching academically. I loved having deep discussions with my lovelies about anything and everything. I have to remember that, for most of my students, coming to school is an achievement by itself. None of my LCHS kids had to navigate the city bus system for up to an hour. None of my LCHS kids were responsible to get their babies fed and ready to go off to daycare. These inner-city kids have some gumption. However, how do I teach them??? Do I just pass them for showing up? One of my students is under that impression because she's at school every day but, she doesn't do a stitch of work. She's in grade 12 so, this type of behaviour has obviously worked for her. Or, what do I do with the 17 year old single father who was raising his one-year old until their social worker took her away because he can't seem to let go of his drug habit? He spends his days being mopey because he's missing her or partying because he's free from the adult responsibility that was weighing him down. How do I make curriculum connect with him?
I'm being challenged as a teacher. It's good for me. This year is character building.
I have also realized that I live a charmed life... maybe this is my way to give back for having it so good!

Christmas renos

Hmmm, in order to work off the two days of family Christmases, Trevor and I have decided that, instead of signing up for a new gym membership, we'd renovate.
We loved the double days of opening presents, eating turkey and playing games with family. Now, we're down to business...
Home ownership means that holidays will never be the same again. Hopefully, we'll have all the drywall up by New Year's in time for our soiree!

Christmas is just days away...

Man, time sure flies when you're having fun. I can't believe how close Christmas is.
Trevor and I are flying through our "TO DO" lists. Soon we'll be able to relax.

A few weeks ago, I decided it would be great to wall paper our hall with paintable wallpaper. For those who don't know, our house is plywood and not drywall. Good idea, right? Once we stripped the vinyl off the walls, my Mom and I tried our darndest to hang this stupid paintable wallpaper. All the seams wouldn't line up. GRRRRR! Our plywood has bowed a little so no wallpaper for us. Trevor will be back to drywalling over the holidays.

I'm having a good time teaching. I'm teaching Psych and Drama this quarter. I've had some good times teaching single parents about human dev't in Psych and playing drama games with some gang kids. That probably makes my job sound bad but, it is actually really rewarding.

I went to the W's girls Christmas baking spree on Saturday (thus the pictures). It was grand. Now, Trevor and I have a freezer filled with jam tarts, short bread and other kinds of goodies. :)

We're really thankful that we'll be able to do Christmas with both our families this year. My family's Christmas will be on the 24th and the W's Christmas will be on the 25th. We were dreading having to do 2 Christmases on one day. This works out so much better.

Merry Christmas!

November

I feel like we've happily settled into married life. We're starting to connect more with other young couples at our church and I'm starting to get used to my new routine.
Teaching has it's ups and downs. I really miss my academic students from Lanigan (yep... I consider them academic) however, I really like the impact I can have in some of my students' lives. We're almost done our first Quarter and soon I will be teaching Psych 30 and Drama 10. Yeah... classes I've already taught before! :) However, the trade off is that I don't actually have my own classroom anymore. That's a little hard for me to swallow but, I'll make it work.
I'm coaching Improv and I have 6 amazing students. We're competing in the Canadian Improv games coming up in December. It should be swell.
Trevor and I are going on a family holiday for the Remembrance Day weekend. My parents are flying Trevor and I, themselves as well as my brother and his girlfriend up to Edmonton (on AirMiles) for a week end of silliness. I'm pretty pumped. My mom and I are pretty excited about IKEA. We'll have some fun makin' memories!
Well, the Riders are playing the Stampeders in the Quarter Finals and I'd better go watch. Go Riders! Go!

Married Life

Well, life in our little blue house is swell. Every morning we wake up, drink some coffee and head off to our jobs.
Trevor is still working for for the feds. Somedays it's a really fun job and he gets to "investigate" farmers and their files. Other days, he wishes he can find something in HR (the field he trained for). Trevor's also pretty busy teaching Jr. Youth Sunday School and working for Big Brothers as their volunteer HR guy.
I started my job teaching at the beginning of the school year. Even though I am busy with extra-curr, my own marking and prep work, I am technically considered a sub. I'm working at an inner-city school and my heart is always breaking for the students I work with. I have really led a charmed life when I look at the realities of my students'. The challenges of teaching kids who are lacking skills, who's basic needs have not been met and who are constantly being bombarded by life complications (gangs, domestic violence, crime, single parenthood, pregnancies, STDs, need for income) are great. Please pray for my students if you get the chance.
We love being married. It's so great to walk around the park together, cuddle in front of the TV with, share meals with and snuggle at bed time with.

Wedding Pictures

We finally got our internet hook-up so now we can do a wedding photo update.
We've been married for a month and a half now and it is the best thing ever. I love being married to Trevor. We are both busy at work and at home. Our house is a work in progress. We're really happy with the results so far. It'll be really great to see how the rest goes.
Well, here are some wedding photos:

The countdown is on...

Well, pretty soon I'll be a Mrs. I can't believe that it's happening so fast. It's so funny, I've been getting a lot of phone calls lately and the most common questions are: "Are you nervous?" and "How are plans coming?" The first question is simple: no! I'm pumped about marrying Trevor. He's my world. I can hardly wait until the wedding is over and we can work on our little house together and start our lives together. As to the second question, plans are going well. We're done the programs and the favours and what we can do for the centrepieces. We have church decorating day tomorrow and tent decorating day on Friday. My mom and Trevor's mom have been amazing designers and I can hardly wait to see the finished product.
Sadly for me, I woke up on Monday with this terrible cold and I can barely talk. It makes life a little awkward. Hopefully I'll be able to talk loud enough by Saturday to say my vows. Ah well, that's what happens to teachers in the summers (they get sick because they don't have to book subs).
Well, Trevor is making supper for my best friend Shiya and I. Lucky us!

Soon and very soon

The countdown is on! Our wedding in less than a month away. Actually, in one month today, we'll be in BC on our honeymoon.
It was so exciting to begin wedding plans back in November. I had all these great and grandiose ideas. Now, I just want to be married!
School is almost over. I have 1 1/2 teaching days left and then finals, and then grad. Whew! On Canada Day, I'll be leaving little Lanigan. I'm getting sad to leave the kids and my staff. I'm really excited about this new chapter in my life but, I'm really going to miss things here.
Trevor is hard at work renovating our house. Buying an old house has its pros and cons. We've had some happy surprises (like finished hardwood floors under stinky carpet) and some little surprises that have been not so happy. It's hard being in Lanigan. I really wish I could help Trevor out more.
It's a little weird owning a house. As first time home owners (and people pleasers), Trevor and I are always finding that everyone who comes to our house has some ideas on what we should and shouldn't do. It's BIZARRE the amount of conflicting advice we've been given. It would have just been nicer if people asked us what our plans for the house were and then only given advice on things we were actually asking about. Ah, but I don't think life works that way. Oh well. This is just part of the home-buying adventure.
If you have had any good home-reno adventures, Trevor and I would LOVE to hear about them. We need other people's adventures to inspire us and to remind us that renos are always a gong-show. :)

When it rains... it showers

Happy birthday to us on this rainy day in June. Today, I am 27. Wow! Trevor's B-day is on Thursday. It's a busy time for us. On Saturday, we took possession of our little home. It's sooo cute and we absolutely love it. However, we have our work cut out for us. In the morning, we lovingly explored our new home and did little jobs like line shelves and look at paint colours.

In the afternoon, we thought we'd do a little cleaning (silly us, we thought people actually clean their houses when they move out...)! I started wiping down the baseboards and realized, to my horror, that what I had initially thought was a little dust was really animal hair. The baseboards were covered in thick dark animal fur (2 cats and 1 dog lived there before us). BLECH! I think that there have also been some "accidents" on our carpet... thus the odd odour. Trevor took out the central vac and started to vacuum up the the fur. As he was vacuuming, I started smelling a hot cat smell. It turned out that the central vac was full of animal fur. Ew! Trevor cleaned it out and we're thinking about replacing the filter. It's a good thing neither of us have allergies.

Although kind of gross, this is really a small thing. We're okay with some hard core carpet cleaning and maybe lifting some of the carpet. We're also picking out paint colours and we'll eventually start that process as well. I know that I'd love a "ready-to-move-in" home but, I also recognize that good things take time (that's why they are good). We're ready to learn to make our home our own.

Also this weekend, I had my second bridal shower. The first was really small and silly. It was my staff shower and I wasn't the only bride so it was pretty easy. This shower was at Parliament. It was really wonderful. The ladies who planned did such a good job and I felt so cared for and loved. My goodness, I was overwhelmed with gifts. I can't believe that people (some I barely know) were so willing to go out of their way to provide Trevor and I with some material things that we really need right now. It was really awesome.

So, it was a chaotic weekend. One of many so far. However, we're getting closer to being married. I hope that we'll have pictures of our cute house that we can show you soon.

Preparing for the big move...

Now that we have bought our house, we're waiting for our big move-in day. I (Jill) have started to slowly dismantle my classroom and my apartment. I officially resigned from Lanigan High (sigh). I s'pose I'll have to start letting go of life in LaLaLaLanigan. My kids and staff have meant so much to me; it'll be hard.
Trevor and I have been busy getting this wedding ready. I'm glad that the invites are finally out. We're starting to get a trickle of yes and no answers. Thanks. That's helping us figure out numbers.
Lastly, the play is a week and a half away. YEAH! The kids are doing a stellar job but, I'm tired. Poor Trevor has to deal with a Jill on the verge of breakdown every few days. I'm not keeping up with my school work as much as I'd like and I'm missing out on my runs. Ah, this too will pass.
Ciao!

The pieces are coming together!

Hi!
This is Trevor and I'd just like to clarify some things about this wedding blog. First of all, all of the entries below this one are written by Jill. So yeah, I haven't gone on a vacation to Mexico with a friend named Shiya or enjoyed wedding dress shopping with my mom (even though the entries have my name below all of them). Second of all, I'm excited that you've taken the time to come to this blog to read about myself and Jill.

This has been a very exciting week for Jill and myself. On Saturday we spent more money than any other day of our lives. We bought wedding bands for each other. (that was really fun, we customized them together and they're going to look great!) We also bought a house! The house is a 3-bedroom 1050 square-foot bungalow. It has a detached, insulated, two and a half car garage. And it's right near the Park. Jill and I are really excited about moving in together there. And we're both getting ready to be homeowners by visiting Home Depot at least three times a month! I'm also trying to learn about different colors like mauve and burgandy. And Jill is getting me really excited about doing "man things" like removing stipple and painting.

Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to check out this blog. Jill and I would really appreciate any comments you have about first-time houses, or anything else for that matter. If you leave a comment, I guarantee that you'll make Jill and myself very happy. And I promise to stop stalking other blogs and start leaving comments myself. I love you all. Have a great day!

Trevor

Wouldn't It Be Nice? - The Beach Boys

Wouldn’t it be nice if we were older
Then we wouldn’t have to wait so long
And wouldn’t it be nice to live together
In the kind of world where we belong
You know it’s gonna make it that much better
When we can say goodnight and stay together
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wake up
In the morning when the day is new
And after having spent the day together
Hold each other close the whole night through
Happy times together we’ve been spending
I wish that every kiss was neverending
Wouldn’t it be nice
Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray it might come true
Baby then there wouldn’t be a single thing we couldn’t do
We could be married
And then we’d be happy
Wouldn’t it be nice
You know it seems the more we talk about it
It only makes it worse to live without it
But let's talk about it
Wouldn’t it be nice
:)

Happily overwhelmed...

We're happily overwhelmed at this point. We're working out invitation ideas (of which there are plenty... yet nothing concrete), working on flowers, favours and rentals. Ahhh... if it were just the wedding.
I have committed myself co-directing a full length play that will take place the last week-end of May. There are 17 actors. It's hilarious. If anyone is around Lanigan around this time, I highly recommend a quality evening show. (I realize that most people reading this are far, far away for Lanigan. It'd be a cool road trip!)
Trevor and I met with a realtor this past weekend and we are starting to house hunt. I love it but it's scary. There's so many things to know (and we just don't... we are trying to learn quick). This coming Saturday, we're going on a parade of homes in our price range. Should be fun.
We're also trying to work full-time, coordinate family things, job hunt (ah yes, I'll be knocking on public school doors) and date long distance. On that note, if we seem like neglectful friends or, if you think we've fallen off the face of the Earth, sorry... we're just happily overwhelmed.
The picture is of us at Blue Mountain (North Battleford) where we chaperoned my Outdoor Ed winter adventure a few weekends ago.
If you have any house-hunting tips you'd like to share, leave a comment.

Caterer Debate - Your Feedback

Officially, we're at the 1/2 way point until we're Mr. and Mrs. YEAH!

We've decided to hire Charlotte's Catering for the reception. They have 2 basic meal choices: turkey dinner or roast beef. We still need to decide which people would like better. We'd really appreciate some feedback to help us with our decision. Leave a comment and let us know which you'd prefer.
Thanks!

Dresses and flowers and Dave... oh my!

Every week-end has become an opportunity to tackle a new project. Trevor's ingenius sleuthing helped us track down an awesome caterer and a very creative photographer (for a really great read, check out our photographer's bio at http://business.accesscomm.ca/oktoberrevolution/main.html).
This past week-end, I went material shopping for the girls' very elegant dresses. I think that a nice shade of periwinkle is divine. We're making the dresses in hopes to save our girls some moolah.
Mom and I checked out a flower shoppe. We wandered in on "bride-day". Yikes! Weddings can either be really elegant or really, really cheesy. My goodness! After sifting through some pictures of the "cheese", we had an idea of what would work.
Pastor Dave has been real swell to take pre-marital counselling from. He's so down to earth and practical and wise. We've really appreciated our sessions with him. We've learned our "love languages" (to find out more about your's, see http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/). We've also talked through some potential "issues" like family planning, individual time and couple time, finances and household chores. All in all, it's been very good.
We'd love to get any suggestions you have about cool invitation ideas.

Bridal Convention in Mexico

Due to the serious stress caused by all the wedding plans, I have decided to attend a relaxing Bridal convention in Mexico. No gentlemen allowed (sorry Trev) so, my best friend (and maid of honour) Shiya and I will have to go. We'll attend such sessions like:
1) lay on a beach and read novels
2) work on tans (remember those tan lines need to match wedding dresses)
3) plan the girly stagette
4) snorkel (to see if any of the tropical fish would make good centerpieces... or guests)
5) giggle
6) check out the local market in case I find the china pattern of my dreams and,
7) eat fresh fruit.

Ah, it is a rough life for this bride-to-be on her winter break. I hope that Shiya and I can survive our Mexican Bridal Convention.
Adios...

Bridezilla

Yesterday, I went to a Wedding Expo with my mom and my lovely bridesmaid Tif. It was a really good experience. I got some good ideas, picked up a few freebies and ate all the cake samples I could.
I also met my nemesis: Bridezilla. I knew that she was out there lurking. I just didn't know when or how I'd meet her.
In university, I worked in a floral store and I dealt with a lot of brides. Some were a little high-strung and others were down-right nutty. I made a promise to myself that when the time came for my wedding, I would be calm and focused on my marriage, not just the wedding day. No Bridezilla-Jill! However, walking through the bridal expo, I came up to a photography booth and she appeared in my head: Bridezilla. I was looking at this fabulous wedding book. It was a digitally produced album that was gorgeous. My scrapbooker's heart was in love with it. All these beautiful pictures done up as the story of Jill and Trevor.... and only for $3000. I didn't even choke at the price, I just ooohed and aaahhed. Sure sign of Bridezilla taking over. I realized what was happening and ate another wedding cake sample, took a deep breath and went over to a cheesy invitation printing booth to clear my head. Slowly, Bridezilla disappeared and my frugal self came back.
Of course, there will be no $3000 wedding book in my future and I am good with that (although, it was gorgeous). I'd love to think that that was my one-time meeting with Bridezilla but, I have this sad feeling she may be back... around the time of invitation creation or flower selection. Erg...

Christmas 2005

We had a busy Christmas. We managed to fit in 4 Christmas feasts as well as a trip to "Menno"toba to visit Trevor's family.
We're excited for what 2006 has for us! Next Christmas we'll be married!

Planning... and still planning...

As a teacher, I spend much of my life planning. However, a wedding is a little absurd in the amount of little details that need attention.
This Christmas, Trevor and I spent some time (while we were not feasting) getting some details organized. The guest list is a scary thing. 353 people on it? AHHH! I feel like I need a scalpel and a lot of morphine to make some painful cuts.
I also found a dress. My mom and I spent a few days shopping in town and then we were off to MJ with my Aunt Leone and we found the perfect one. It's really simple and elegant (yes Trevor, with poofy sleeves and a high collar and a hoop skirt).
As the six month mark draws closer, we're getting more and more excited. :)

Reception Site and Date

Nobody ever told me that planning a wedding would be such work. Some things are going to be a lot of fun because I really like creative things. However, finding a reception site was more of a challenge then I had anticipated.
It's my fault really. I want a really fun reception. I didn't want a classy hotel. I wanted something outside. Now, we have booked the Sherwood Forest Golf and Country Club's picnic site: Nottingham. We're renting a great big tent and we're dreaming of bonfires and fireworks and a big starry sky. If the weather cooperates, it should be gorgeous.
We finally have a date. We're to be married on July 15th. YEAH! Only 7 months away and counting.
So, if you have any "planning" advice, let us know in a comment. We'd love ways to hear how you avoided stress during your engagement.

Sherwood Forest website link:
http://www.sherwoodforestcc.com/

On Marriage

Then Almitra spoke again and said, "And what of Marriage, master?"And he answered saying:You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.But let there be spaces in your togetherness,And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.Love one another but make not a bond of love:Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.And stand together, yet not too near together:For the pillars of the temple stand apart,And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

We are in love...