The closing door...

Trevor and I are working on doors this week. I've been busy painting and sanding. Trevor is working on hinges, hardware and hanging. It's been a little tedious at times but, the finished product is satisfying. It's nice to see a freshly painted, closed door that matches the rest of our house.

Today, I walked out of the school I've been temporarily teaching at this year. The door thudded loudly as I left. I'm left with a disconcerting feeling. I've been told by many co-workers that I'll probably be back... maybe. On one hand, that's an incredibly encouraging thing to say. I value that. On the other hand, it's easy to dismiss me that way. It's easy for them to say that as they sit in their classrooms with their permanent contracts. It's not their livelihood that has been affected. I'm glad the school year is over but, I'm sad that the door to that school is currently closed to me. Perhaps I will see a window open... or I will encounter a brand new door somewhere else.

Well, enough with the pensiveness. Today is the first day of my summer holidays. Yippeee!

Gowns and grey hair

Today was graduation. There's nothing more satisfying as a teacher then to see kids walk across that stage. Congratulations.
Today, I met my mother's Home Ec. teacher. She taught at my current school for 27 years. She was a teacher for as long as I have been alive. I was able to tour her around the school. I listened to her stories about former students and co-workers. I was reminded that, even after 5 years, I am still a baby teacher. I should hope, that when I am grey-haired and nostalgic, that I would be welcome to tour some of the places where I've invested my heart.

Last day of school!

I love my job.
I am passionate about lesson plans, objectives and goal setting.
I enjoy building meaningful relationships with students and guiding them as they make important life decisions.
I love all those "ah ha" moments students have when they make connections.

I also love the last teaching day of the school year!
Welcome summer holidays. Where's Mr. Stephen McKerracher to do the "we're free from kids" Happy Dance?

Open Letter to Those Who Rely on Cuss Words

Dear Chronic Cuss-Word Users,
I appreciate that you need to express yourself. I think it is "neat" that you feel comfortable to do so in front of me. Every now and then, you may hear a 4-letter word escape from my lips as well but, you probably won't. You see, I try very hard to take some thought in what comes out of my mouth. I actually have the brain power to edit my speech. Yes, I know that I still say some really stupid things. Yes, I also know that sometimes, when I'm nervous, my words get mixed up. However, I still have the self-control to filter my language use. If I'm using a 4-letter word, it's because I've chosen to. You too have the power of choice.
To my students who sometimes cuss, I don't bat an eye at it. Sometimes, you are angry and it slips out. You look at me and apologize. I can handle that. You are in the self-edit process. What I don't like is when I have told you six or seven times already to refrain from your use of the f-word and you continue. I believe you are intelligent. I wish you would realize how un-intelligent you sound when you keep saying the same word over and over. It loses the effect you desire.
To adults who swear around students and children, you need to realize that you are a role model. You don't impress me with how "real" and "tough" you are. You disappoint me with your lack of professionalism as well as your lack of respect for other people's kids.
Today, I am annoyed, peeved, ticked off, rankled, disgusted and unimpressed. There are swear words to describe what I'm feeling but, the English language has given us other options too.
Therefore, in today's world, know that I do not feel comfortable when you swear. I can tolerate it, to some degree but really, do I have to?

KARMA: what goes around, comes around

On Tuesday night, my senior Drama students presented their collective KARMA: what goes around, comes around. We had a teeny tiny audience but, it was amazing.
It's always one of my favorite things to stand on a stage just before the kids go on. I can hear them backstage behind me. I can hear their nervous voices and I can almost feel the tension that surrounds them. I get to go up on stage and introduce them. Then, I get to sit in the front row, on pins and needles for them, and watch them shine. At the end of the show, I get to go back onstage and listen to them as they run around with their first actors' high. They are full of pride and relief. It's a celebration! They are amazing and they know it!

I love my job. It's not a guaranteed thing next year. I might be back to slogging substitute business cards and walking into random classes hoping kids tell me their real names and don't play "sink the sub" games. (After my grade 8 year, I'm sure that would definately be Karma.) I might be ramdomly given a contract somewhere new with new subjects, new extra curr and a new culture of kids and staff to figure out. I do believe that there is a time for everything. This summer, it will be a time of waiting for me. I'm working to accept that. It's hard. My pride hurts. I'm used to getting what I want right off the bat. I have a week and a half to continue loving the kids I have. I think we'll continue their celebration and enjoy playing in Drama for the next few days.

Give to Get...

Last Thursday, our school spent the afternoon outside re-vamping our student entrance. We had the help of our business partners. They came and put on a BBQ, hired a DJ to entertain us as we worked and helped with the funding.
We planted a strawberry/saskatoon berry patch, 2 huge flower beds with a school logo and a Medicine Wheel and a natural prairies grass bed. A few weeks before, the students had created tiles. We put them onto three benches. This way the kids have a cool area to hang out.
It was such a fun day. I loved playing in the dirt. I loved teaching my students how to break apart a little root ball so that it's happy in the soil. I loved watching them work hard for themselves and for the school. I loved seeing their smiles when they realized that this was all for them.
Education is sometimes about classroom and books. Last Thursday, education was about giving a little and getting a lot.

TREVOR!

Happy Birthday Trevor. You are my world. I love waking up beside you. I love talking with you about our days when we get home from work. I love everything about you!

28

Today, I am 28. I'm borrowing a Jean Little poem to celebrate taking it easy on my B-day.

Today

TODAY I will not live up to my potential.
TODAY I will not relate well to my peer group.
TODAY I will not contribute in class.
I will not volunteer one thing.
TODAY I will not strive to do better.
TODAY I will not achieve or adjust or grow enriched
   or get involved.
I will not put my hand up even if the teacher is wrong
   and I can prove it.

TODAY I might eat the eraser off my pencil.
   I’ll look at clouds.
   I’ll be late.
   I don’t think I’ll wash.

I NEED A REST.

[from Hey, World, Here I Am)

Happy Birthday Little House

Last year, we moved in to our cute little house.
We moved in boxes and furniture. Trevor and I fought fur and grime in our first official clean sweep. We invited family over to celebrate with ice-cream cake. We all got dirty feet because of the disgusting carpet. We finally had our own little home.
I'm pretty proud of our little place. We've done a lot of work to it. The inside renos are nearing completion. Just the bathroom, back entryway and re-painting the doors. Soon, we will have the stucco vs. vinyl siding debate as we re-do the outside. The yard is starting to come along just fine too.
Happy Birthday little house!

Seriously... I can't put it down

Before Trevor and I jetted of to Mexico, a co-worker fo mine lent me a book called OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. She told me it was historical fiction, with a twist. Now, my first literature love is historical fiction therefore, I was completely excited to read it on the beach.
I literally devoured the first book in the series. I had the second book on hold at the library and it felt like I waited forever until I could dived into it. I'm in the middle of the 3rd book and I can't put it down.
-I've given up watching Canada AM in the mornings so I can read.
-I read while brushing my teeth.
-I'm contemplating buying the series just so I don't have to wait for the libary holds.
-Trevor tries to talk while I'm reading and I mumble vague "uh huhs" and "yeahs" at him (he could probably get away with saying anything....)
-I'm learning to cook with one hand so that I can hold the book in my other.
My goodness... here I am at work wishing I could find out what exactly such and such characters are up.
I've always been a book-worm but, this is even a little extreme for me.

Ladies' Night

This weekend, Trevor was away at a Men's Retreat with guys from our church. They had plenty of fun playing ultimate, ping pong and diving deeper into the Word.
I really wanted Trevor to go and have a good time but, I was sad that I'd be all alone on the weekend. Friday, I ate a Blizzard for supper and watched a movie with my sister-in-law.
Saturday, I had a bunch of girls from church over and we had a wild and wacky Ladies' Spa Night. We treated ourselves like the princesses that we are. It was fabulous. We had tons of wonderful food as well. Here are some great snaps from our evening of decadence.

Dance Dance Revolution

Once, when we were dating, Trevor and I randomly ended up in a Ruckers where we first encountered the Dance Dance Revolution machine.
Trevor and I don't dance. It's not a religious thing or a particular abhorrence to movement to music. We dance in our kitchen to our Ipods while doing dishes and we've been known as "that couple" at weddings when we've tried our stellar moves on the dance floor. We just know we're not that good. Our initial attraction to the DDR Machine therefore, is still a mystery.
Yet, it drew us in with it's flashing lights, computerized voice praise and catchy beats.
Last week, we went on a road trip with some friends to see Cirque de Soleil which, by the way, is completely mind-blowing. Before we went to the show, we ended up at a Ruckers where we tried our moves.
Of course, Mennonite-boy kicks my butt at grooving to the DDR machine. The machine rated him a B+. Pretty good for a boy who claims he can't dance. He's got the rhythm. I got the blues. The machine didn't even rate my moves. I actually used to take dance classes. I thought I had some moxie.
Here are some fun shots of our DDR experience.

Questions...

I have been sad recently. I've had a lot of questions for God. I want to know why bad things happen to good people. Oh, I know the theological and deep, intellectual reasons. I've heard enough sermons and led enough of my own studies to understand evil and free will. All of that is knowledge... maybe the absorption of wisdom. Unfortunately, my heart still hurts. I feel pain when I think of what has recently happened in my circle of friends. I am left completely confused and angry at my God. I think that I am allowed to ask these hard questions of Him. I think that is part of my journey. I still don't have answers though.
I'm taking comfort in the words my pastor shared. He used a poem written a long time ago to help us take perspective. It's not the answers I'm looking for but, it's giving me some peace.

Life is But a Weaving
My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colours
He weaveth steadily.
Oft' times he weaves sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forgets He sees the upper
And I the underside.
Not 'til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.
The dark threads are as needul
In the weaver's hand
As the thread of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned
He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leaves the choice to Him.

Most of my adult life...

Today is the 10th anniversary of Hotmail.
I think I have had an account for like 9 years... the same address and everything.
Crazy how dependant I have become on keeping track of people by simply typing and sending.
I remember in grade 10, when our computer teacher first introduced us to the concept of email. He told us that computers could "talk" to each other and send each other messages. My whole class thought he was trying to pull some elaborate prank. We totally didn't believe him. Then, we were so amazed when one computer in the lab sent a message to another computer in the lab. Who would have thought that emails could go global. This was around the same time that we had to sign out 1/2 hour blocks at the only computer in our library that had internet access. It was this amazing research tool but, it was so confusing.
I must be getting old. My students can't even imagine a world of not carrying a cellphone, not having a High-5, Facebook or Myspace account and not doing research on the world wide web.
Happy Birthday Hotmail.

My Mommy!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!
You are one of my best friends.
You sacrificed so much time for me when I was little.
You listen to all my secrets, gossip and worries now that I'm big.
You sewed clothes for me.
You bandaged cut knees.
You hugged me when nobody else could make it better.
I love you so much.

Curiousity awakened...

Every morning, on the way out the door to work, I take a brief detour around my back yard.
Every day, after work, I check out both my back and front yards.
I'm waiting to see what's popped up in my flower beds.
I planted some seeds and now, I'm waiting.
The people who lived at our house before planted perennials and I'm waiting to see what they are.
My tulips came up late and now, I'm waiting for them to bloom so I know what colour I planted.
My little flower beds have become this little place of wonder for me.
I love spring.

A treat...

Sometimes it's just nice to give yourself a treat.
Our appliances came with our house. That was great because neither of us had our own appliances stored in our parents' basements. We were excited that, on top of house buying and wedding planning, we did not need to think about Kenmore, Whirlpool or Maytag.
Our late 1980s, bisque fridge, stove and dishwasher were okay with us.
Except:
-I couldn't really cook anything in the stove. My cookies were usually burnt on one side and raw on the other.
-Our fridge made really weird noises... like a really grumpy old man.
Our dishwasher gave us no problems at all... until 2 weeks ago. A spring fell out of the door. Then, the washing wand fell off the roof.
While eating burnt and raw cookies that evening, we decided that now was the time.
Tonight the delivery guys put our nice, new, white appliances in our kitchen.
They're pretty.

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: