Engagement Photos

We had our engagement photos taken at the end of October. We both consider ourselves to be rather unphotogenic, but were very pleased with how these pictures turned out. That in itself says wonders about the photographer we have hired. Kara of kara rhea Photography has been a pleasure to work with. We appreciate her laid back personality which allowed us to be ourselves. We received a cd with 112 photos and are having a very difficult time choosing our favourite. Here is a glimpse into our day.

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Dolphins are friendly

I've always wanted to swim with the dolphins. In 1993 when we visited West Edmonton Mall I got picked to "shake" the dolphin's flipper. Given the chance then I would have jumped in the tank. It took 16 years, but I finally got an opportunity to do just that. It was worth the wait.

The video was made in a hurry. I had to reduce the quality in order to maintain a file size within the limit. When I have more time I'll make a more polished copy.

A White Sand Christmas!

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4 more sleeps...sorta

At last the holidays are in sight. Me...the kids in my class...well we could all benefit from a break. After tomorrow I feel that the days will be manageable. Long but manageable. It's too bad I'm left to entertain myself the rest of the evenings this week. That's the story of winter thus far. You'd think I'd be used to it by now. Maybe by the time March rolls around...

I don't think I'll get around to packing. The itch to do so hasn't hit me yet. I think there is too much other stuff to think about.

I've been rather uninspired lately. However, I did finish up a university paper today. I feel much better about this one than the last. I am not a procrastinator when it comes to assignments, and waiting till the LAST day, almost the LAST hour on the previous assignment was more than I could handle.

I have no fun pictures to post as getting out of the house is a rather rare occasion. I suspect I will have more to post before the holidays come to an end.

It's been a long day, I'm exhausted....cold...and hungry. Time to take care of all three.

Busy!

Sometimes I'm unsure of whether I'm here or there, coming or leaving, caught up or behind. The mornings come too fast, the days sometimes drag on too long, and the evenings to unwind are few and far between.

Just 16 sleeps till we head south. At last a getaway.

Hard Work

Relationships require hard work. My natural tendency is to avoid relationships, especially with those around my age or older. Relationships with kids and students has always seemed to come easier for me. My experience as of late, however, is that even these relationships are requiring more work than I'm used to. Something must be wrong with me.

I consciously approach each new day as a fresh start. I continue to train myself to learn from "mini disasters" , release my frustrations, and come to class the next day with a fresh and positive outlook. I am beginning to realize that some days, despite the most noble of intentions, are going to remain a struggle from beginning to end. I still believe my actions have a lot to do with the dynamics in the class, but in order to sleep at night I have to convince myself that I did the best that I could do AT THE TIME any of the incidents did arise. There are almost always things I would change after the fact, but the moment I made each individual decision I did so with the best interest of the class in mind. I tell myself this often, but fail to believe. Something must be wrong with me.

I'm not a wedding person. It takes significant prodding for me to talk about the wedding let alone actually think that I will plan one. I have yet to tell a person face to face that I am getting married without first being asked. Does this mean I don't want to be married? Absolutely not. It simply means that something must be wrong with me. I am looking forward to being married, but I'm not into talking about, or bringing attention to the matter. (The ironic thing is that now I'm writing about it. But I'd rather write than talk).

I am selfish, unable to share my excitement of the wedding with others, and have allowed my short comings to ruin bonds between friends that were once strong. I feel as though I give nothing and take everything. I can't fathom why anyone would so much as want to marry me.

Students in my class have been working on writing memoirs. As I read I generate a list of "next steps" each student can take to revise their draft. I got to thinking that I needed my own list of "next steps." I decided that step one was to push myself out of my comfort zone and prove, through words and actions, that I am excited to get married. I convinced myself that writing it on this lonely blog page could be considered a proclamation.

I think writing this makes me vulnerable. People may think I'm writing to convince myself that I am excited. I trust that you will believe me when I say that is not the case at all. What hurts the most is knowing that I don't the ability to express all those wonderful feelings of excitement that are inside. It's not fair for Sean. It's not fair for me. I need to believe that I deserve to embrace and enjoy this moment.

Everyday I struggle with decisions regarding what to teach, what to say, what to eat, and what to spend my time doing. The one thing I have never struggled with is my decision to get married. As a chronic second-guesser, if there was any decision I was completely confident in, it would be the decision to get married. I know this because when my day is bad I can't wait to get home and see Sean because my day will become brighter. When my day is great I can't wait to be home and see Sean because I know we will enjoy it together. In a life that seems to get rough and bumpy, I am forever grateful for Sean and my family to lean on to get me through.

Another one bites the dust...

Another month behind us. The hectic season has begun and I'm beginning to feel the effects. I'm not sure if it's a good thing that the calendar seems to be flipping pages at the blink of an eye. Part of me thinks June will be here before I realize and then I'll scrambling to get things accomplished. Could be a scary time...

School continues to be a struggle. The adjustment hasn't been the most flawless of tasks. Every day I'm presented with an equally difficult challenge and each day I leave with an outlook that is tinted with frustration. If one class is successful the next seems to be a disaster. Unfortunately at the end of the day it's those disasters that seem to stay clung to my mind. I need to find a way to focus on those successes, small as they may be. It's possible...but I have to work at it. Short week after short week, although refreshing, proves to be quite the struggle. It just so happens that, for the most part, a "good" day is followed by an extended weekend, leaving the same footwork to be done the following Monday. It will get better as the year goes on...I believe it will.

School life is normally hectic. It's the evening and weekend busyness that make for a difficult adjustment. There aren't too many spare evenings, perhaps one or two a week, to get out, relax, and enjoy company. It has taken me some time, but I've now accepted the schedule for the next few months will be crazy. This just means there is more "me" time that I can use to focus on being a teacher, a student, and hopefully a better person. Spring will be a welcome sight.

I am set to board a plane for the first time in my life on December 19th. My parents (too kind) are taking us to Mexico. I don't know what to expect, but I am looking forward to it. What a great way to start off the holidays. It's nice to have that destination stored in the back of my mind, as sometimes knowing there is a break in sight makes the present more tolerable and enjoyable.

As far as this weekend goes, not only is it halloween, but it's picture day on Saturday. The camera hates me. It could be a very interesting turn out.

Time to unwind.

A spare minute

It's about time I get around to this. Unfortunately I only have 10 minutes....Dinner:Impossible starts at 9, and I must have that hour of tv if I have any hope of shutting of my mind before bed.

The last few weeks have passed in somewhat of a hurricane fashion. I've felt like I've been on the go a lot. It has been quite the adjustment and a lot has happened. Let me try and do what I can to keep this brief and to the point.

What the past month has taught me:

• Living in the same town as where you teach has its perks. It takes 4 and a half minutes to reach school and if I really need to escape during noon hour, the option is there.
• Living in the same town as where you teach has its downfalls. I visit my classroom 7 days a week and can't seem to escape the world of school. When I think I've had enough I pass kids on the bike ride home and am forced to smile and pretend my day was just "awesome."
• Teaching is demanding. I demand a lot from myself. I feel under significant pressure.
• Spending the first three afternoons in 3-way conferences with students was a wonderful way to transition into the new school year.
• When I was in grade 8 I don't remember the boys being this lazy when it came to PE.
• Although I thought I was capable, I accepted the fact today that I am not capable of navigating my way through this new teaching position while taking 2 university courses and still managing to preserve my sanity. I feel relieved that I now dropped one.
• I miss my students from last year tremendously. They will never be replaced. No matter what people say, you can't find "those" kids in any school.
• I got to watch the Grunthal girls play volleyball this weekend. It was exactly what I needed.
• Our dog got put to sleep. Although I haven't lived with her for years it makes me sad.

The start of a new week opens the door for more lessons to be taught and realizations to be had. Time to have at 'er.

I'm a slug.

The following passage is from the book I just finished, Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. I am not always one to finish books, so that tells you that it must've been good. Being a teacher, as I read the passage I couldn't help but wonder how many kids have felt the same way? How many of those kids have put on a front, hid it all inside for so many years that it seems natural? I think we've all had days where we've been "there", but I'm certain "there" is where some people, and chances are students in my very own class, spend a majority of their lives.

"When I was little I used to pour salt on slugs. I liked watching them dissolve before my eyes. Cruelty is always sort of fun until you realize that something's getting hurt.
It would be one thing to be a loser if it meant no one paid attention to you, but in school, it means you're actively sought out. You're the slug, and they're holding all the salt. And they haven't developed a conscience.
There's a word we learned in social studies: schadenfreude. It's when you enjoy watching someone else suffer. The real question, though, is why? I think part of it is just self-preservation. And part of it is because a group always feels more like a group when it's banded together against an enemy. It doesn't matter if that enemy has never done anything to hurt you - you just have to pretend you hate someone even more than you hate yourself.
You know why salt works on slugs? Because it dissolves in the water that's part of a slug's skin, so the water inside its body starts to flow out. The slug dehydrates. This works with snails, too. And with leeches. And with people like me.
With any creature, really, too thin-skinned to stand up for itself."

As a new school year approaches I'll strive to be more cognicent of the slugs and those who hold the salt. Sometimes the ELA, math, and science lessons will take the back seat. What's truly important is for those who hold the salt to accept themselves and feel less inclined to use it. As for the slugs, they need to be given the opportunity to be accepted, thicken their skin, and gain the confidence needed to stand up for themselves, believing in what they truly represent.

One of those days

You know that you are struggling when the trip to the dentist is the highlight of the day. That's how today started, with a visit to the dentist. It was only a year overdue and figured getting those fillings before school started was probably in my best interest. Things went smoothly and the process is essentially pain free. I always psych myself out more than necessary. The dentist is a good place for me because I focus my mind on sensation, making absolutely certain that the freezing is in full effect and my mouth is completely frozen. There is no time to worry about the future cause I'm fixated on the moment.

It was when I lost that focus that the day started to unwind. Writing this is an attempt to remain stable, keep things in perspectives, and contemplate an appropriate response to the feelings that are swirling about inside.

I feel like I have this school thing under control, but then even the smallest of unexpected events sets me off. Today that even was the damage deposit (or lack of) that I got back from my apartment. It's frustrating knowing that there are people who take advantage of situations. On a normal day, when I am capable of rational thinking, I wouldn' t have been bothered by the situation. That, however, was not the case today.

I have no reason to feel like the odds are stacked against me, yet somehow I have convinced myself otherwise. I can't bring myself to plan for school. It's a situation where I feel like I know so little that I can't even pinpoint a place to start. I then begin to avoid my fears hoping that they will magically dissipate (just like summer). I don't feel I am capable of teaching English, and two weeks is not enough time for me to learn. I have no vision of what I want my class to look like or what types of procedures are essential and effective. I am longing for that feeling of confidence, knowing that I have a grasp on something. Anything really. I wonder how long it will take to find that comfort. I wonder if somewhere inside I really do feel it, but am not letting myself see it. When I do get the courage, I check my school e-mail, and I am immediately sent into a downward spiral. As I am one of the two PE teachers they are asking for guidance as to how to prepare for health this coming year. I immediately close the message window because, once again, I'm reminded of all the things I don't know. I managed to allow myself to forget the fact that I have no clue how to teach PE, and now, I am being asked questions as to what to teach? I am the one who needs help, and lots of it. I don't want to be asked questions, I want to be given answers. I want to be at peace, if even for a little while. I want to be reassured that everything will be okay.

I want the kids in my class to grow, feel safe, and be given opportunity to step out of their own comfort zone and try something new. I want to equip the kids with the strategies necessary to face the fearful unknown and persevere (I think I can relate...). I want to build the trust that is necessary to develop meaningful relationships with these kids so we can truly enjoy, and learn from, each other.

I know...I know...it will all work out...right? My fingers are crossed.

Time to face those fears and seek guidance.

We can all use a little inspiration

I have now reached the point of summer where my primary focus is on that of the new school year. Teaching a different grade level, at a new school, I find myself uncertain of how and what to feel.

My nights are filled with dreams that illuminate the stress of this transition. It is actually one of those re-occurring dreams. Here's how it plays out. It all starts with me realizing that the first day of school has magically arrived. I head to my class with no plan in mind. The desks are in lumps, I have no vision of what to do, where to go, or how to be. I muddle my way through the morning, my primary concern is to keep the kids "corralled." After being pushed to the limits, the bell rings for lunch. I then manage to hop on my bike, driving only a short distance down the road to find Green Valley School. I am put at ease seeing the kids that I have dedicated my time to over the past three years. They greet me with somewhat of a cold shoulder, as they still feel that they have been betrayed. Spending my lunch hour in my comfort zone, I then find myself peddling back at a frantic pace only to realize that I have missed that afternoon with my new class. At this point, the feeling of failure is generally enough to draw me out of my restless sleep.

It is fascinating how dreams bring to life the worries that consume my mind throughout the day. Although it leaves me feeling lost, it has encouraged me to plan for the challenge ahead. I am thinking about school. I am getting some planning done. This is one dream I am NOT going to live. I will be ready for that first day of school and when the lunch buzzer rings I will not be looking for the nearest exit.

Speaking of the first days of school, they will be different than what I have become accustomed to. For the first three days, the students will be at the school in the morning. Time will be spent establishing the homeroom procedures, and getting to know the students. Each student and his/her parent(s) have been scheduled for a 30 minute interview during the afternoon of one of those three days. This will allow us to plan and communicate our goals for each particular student. I love this idea, and I think that I Can Do It!

A few more words for thought before I head off to enjoy my lunch time cereal...

Courage to Relax

After a month of limited Internet I am now connected. There were a few things I managed to accomplish that I didn't think were possible without the convenience of the Internet. The bills got paid, e-mails got read, facebook got creeped, and managed to stay somewhat up to date on the local going ons. The biggest of those challenges, however, was completing my final assignment for the distance education class I was taking (and am now done). What I realized was that using people and books as resources works equally well. Instead of turning to google at my first thought of uncertainty (of which I have many) I resorted to browsing through past assignments, PD materials, and searching my own mind. It seemed to work out. In actuality I believe the assignment was quicker (if you call 40 hours quick) than when I have access to the net. I have a tendency to get side tracked and go off on tangents. If I begin searching for lesson plan ideas on multiculturalism I end up finding all these awesome lessons that I may "potentially" use, print out the lessons, and file them in some maniacal manner. They generally end up forgotten, surfacing a few years down the road when I happen to be completing another assignment (without the luxury of the net). It's a vicious circle.

Obviously I was busy working on a paper. That, however, had to be squeezed into the spare moments of the past few weeks. The challenge came in finding those spare moments. This summer has been hectic, busy, and full of transitions. I've enjoyed every moment, even though sometimes I've forgotten to show that enjoyment. Where to begin.

The calmness of July came to an abrupt stop around the week of the 12th. I don't generally procrastinate but apparently I am not immune to the syndrome. There were a few days of frantic packing. I think my belongings reproduced since my last move as it seemed that the piles were bigger, heavier, and more plentiful. My wardrobe went through a major overhaul. I seem to collect clothes, yet wear the same thing every day. I don't get it. I am "fashionably challenged" yet the amount of clothes would make one think that I like them. Upon closer inspection one can tell that I really have no sense of style. No style is my style. If it is soft, loose, and has a hood I will give it attention. Otherwise it gets put away (with the tag) and is lucky to ever see the light of day. I acknowledged my attachment issues and managed to collect a few bags of clothes to donate.

Finally, on the 18th, we were set to move. Thanks to a handful of strong men we were able to pack up a trailer and get my belongings to the house in Altona from the apartment in Winnipeg by noon. Must have been a combination of skilled movers and organized packing. Too bad my stuff was only the beginning. The rest of the weekend was sorting through stuff from the trailer, unpacking, and then packing as we were scheduled to leave for Rockford, Illinois on Monday morning. I was determined to be unpacked and settled before leaving. Dreams don't always come true. The kitchen, bedroom, and bathrooms got organized (sort of) but the rest would have to wait till we returned. Luckily I was able to tuck the full boxes into the "office" and shut the door to alleviate some of the anxiety of clutter and chaos.

Jumping ahead a couple of weeks (to yesterday). The office finally got unpacked. It happened to be the room that took the longest. Who knew I had some many pens, pencils, markers. That really got me excited to go back-to-school shopping. However, judging by what I have I am sure I could get by a year (or a decade) without shopping school supplies. Not sure I can lay off completely. I got this shelf that is meant for a garage, but it works perfect in the office. I spent hours finding a home for all the supplies and then labelling all the bins. So fun! (make sure you look at the picture!)

It feels much better to now have a place for everything. It is beginning to feel more like home. I now have to work on the process of sharing and being accommodating. Probably one of my major struggles and downfalls. This is not "my" space, it is "our" space. I have become accustomed to living with "me." Things are different now.















The move has been time consuming. I think the worst part of the process was having to clean my apartment in the city. The cleaning day was Monday the 27th. We had just come home from our trip and I knew that I had a paper due in a week. I could hardly afford time to clean, but it had to be done. My mom came to the city with me and we shifted into high gear and got it done. Then came the inspection. I won't discuss that. It doesn't make me happy. I'm curious as to the charges that will be deducted from my damage deposit.

The trip to Rockford. The timing worked out, and it happened to be an excellent week to get away. They had some stuff to finish on the house so I was glad we were out not able to see what was going on. The trip was phenomenal. I am a planned and meticulous person, but this time was convinced to lay off the itinerary and enjoy things as they came. The only requirement was that we be in Rockford by Tuesday at 6 pm in order to watch Mamma Mia. It took courage, but surprisingly I was able to relax. All five days were amazing. A few highlights included:

• Deep Dish Double Deckeroni from Old Chicago (Roseville, MN). A heart attack on a plate, but it would be great right about now.
• Wisconsin is beautiful. Rolling hills, lakes, lush terrain. It was a peaceful drive, aside from the frequent downpour. One more than one occasion I visualized use going tumbling off the road deep into the ravine. The fact that we saw a car getting towed up from a ravine didn't help.
• Toll bridges. A new experience for both of us. Paid our dollar and merrily went on our way.
• Mamma Mia (Coronodo Theatre in Rockford). Awesome show. Even had intermission entertainment as an old woman almost jumped out of her seat when the music started. The show definitely inspired serious ABBA listening while driving.
• Noah's Ark Water Park (Wisconsin Dells). This was a spur of the moment decision. The billboards lured us in. I wish I could go back. I strongly recommend watching Sponge Bob in 4D! I love water parks. I had never been scared on a water ride but that all changed after this visit.
• Mall of America. It was much more pleasant this time around considering we hadn't celebrated New Year's the night before. Lots of walking, limited shopping. I learned my lesson after packing: no need to shop for clothes.
• Ikea. I found the perfect combination of bookshelves for my office. Sucks that I drive a car. Renting a U-haul would have been the only way to get the goods home. Needless to say I am still seeking bookshelves.
• The drive. A few scary experiences made for many laughs and memories. I learned to always wait till the GPS has acquired satellites before driving somewhere foreign. Driving the wrong way down a four-lane one way highway over a bride seeing oncoming lights isn't the most comforting feeling.

We made it back just in time for the Sunflower Festival with many stories to share. After enjoying the parade we were ready to settle in for an entertaining evening. We had a few guests that evening, which gave us the chance to catch up with Macy (Mary Poppins) and Cory.


After a week to unwind (sort of) it was time to host a grand get together with some of the students from Grunthal. I rented the pool and hosted a BBQ for those students interested in coming. After a day of prepping, which I couldn't have done without Nadine, the kids started to arrive. Either my directions weren't clear, or they got overlooked, but some students toured HUGE town of Altona for an hour and a half before reaching the intended destination. At first it may not appear as such, but these are some smart kids. They went to all lengths and exhausted all resources to get a hold of me. Although they were frustrated at the time, I think it made for some good stories. Once everyone was settled we had a BBQ and just had time to catch up. There was some DDR played (those who were late may have been lucky as they missed my SingStar performances). The unfinished basement seemed to draw interest. Apparently it is the perfect venue for spiking tennis balls at a poor victim protected by only a laundry basket. The rafters provided opportunity for chin ups. Their creativity never ceases to amaze me. I don't know what was enjoyed more, the food, or the pleasure they had from pulling all the tags and stickers from all the new stuff in our house. The house got broken in, and it couldn't have been done with a better group of people. I missed them, and will miss them come fall. The evening ended with a late swim at the pool. Climbing up the waterslide kept most of them warm enough to tolerate the below average temperatures that are seem to be par for the summer. Those kids have made my past three years a rewarding adventure. The trend continues and I owe them a huge thanks for a memorable evening!



It is that time where I need to start thinking about school. After having two days without an agenda or places to be (might be a record for this summer), I think I am ready to start thinking about the overwhelming thought of teaching grade 8 come fall. My mind needs to keep occupied. The last two days have shown me that it take more courage for me to relax than to keep busy. Unfortunately it takes a toll on those around me, as I am still learning on how to manage these frustrations in a productive manner. Focusing on school should keep things in balance.

July was a blast. Here's to August!

Waiting Patiently...

Hopefully with in the next week we have the internet. I've missed it dearly. Lots to update - Can't wait. Until then I'll keep waiting...

Time

The one thing that I don't deal with well is time. It's been a week since summer holidays "officially" started and I think it took a grand total of 12 hours until I found myself in a delirious state of boredom. Really there is no reason for that. I have now realized that I am surrounded by busyness, sometimes I just have to look harder to find it.

Fortunately the last 7 days have kept me hopping. Last week my parents invested a tremendous amount of time in our house by doing us the gracious favor of installing floor. The adventure started last Monday. The four of us all pitched in, but it was my dad who was the ring leader of the operation. Without him none of it would have been possible. The job came to an end on Saturday. It just adds another dimension to the house, making it all look that much more complete.

The tile has been installed, countertops put in, and the garage is being built as I sit here in the air-conditioning typing this update. Pictures can be seen in the post below. A week from now I will be frantically packing boxes and cleaning out my apartment, saying farewell to life in the city.

In between flooring shifts we did manage to sneak in a night of camping. I wasn't feeling it though. There were things that I needed to get done, and those who know me understand that I have a hard time focusing until everything is in place. One of those things was my third assignment for my distance education class. The daunting task of researching four different resources that included an Aboriginal perspective began on Friday. I'm happy to say that as of 10:00 this morning I finished the writing portion of the assignment. All that's left is some proof-reading, submitting, and keeping my fingers crossed that what I did put together was at least somewhat close to what the prof is looking for. The last of the tasks might be the biggest stretch of all!

Now let me go back in time. My teaching career at Green Valley School came to an end exactly one week ago. It didn't end without excessive tears and second-guessing on my part. In fact I'm still not done with the second guessing. I honestly mean every word when I say that I am leaving the best group of kids I have ever known. The parting words that the students left me with will never be forgotten. The memories with the students will never be forgotten. In fact, I am anxiously anticipating days ahead when I have the privilege of once again seeing the faces and visiting with the students whose company I had become accustomed to every morning, lunch hour, and afternoon. The sad realization is, that although there will be many students that I do see again, there will be some that I may never see again. For all the students I am thankful. They have opened up their lives and given me the opportunity to know the person inside. They have taught me more than I could have imagined. They are, and will be missed. New starts are exciting and healthy but visiting my new school today reminded me of what I am leaving behind.

Time to wipe my eyes.

Picture Update

My contributions to flooring installation...

Tile in the entrance

No bumming around...

Tile in the bathroom

Countertop on the island

Something's Cooking...

Another couple of days and more changes. Now we have cabinets. That may be the part I was looking forward to most. Can't wait to go back this week to see if there are counter tops. It's fun watching everything unwind.

The weekend was another busy one. Actually I just made it as such. I don't sit down well, never will, this weekend proved that. I love being so tired that it becomes impossible to stay awake past 9:00 in the evening.

My marking is done, except for the exam which is being written tomorrow. I'm really starting to get sad now. Especially today. I don't like leaving those kids behind and being replaced. I guess I'm possessive. I appreciate them to the point that I am really having a hard time leaving them behind. I can't believe that it's happening. I definitely deal better when it is them leaving me. Now that the tables are turned I'm having difficulty adjusting. It has to be done though.

Time to pack. It's off to Altona tomorrow. It's getting easier now that I don't have reason to be at school early. It's a welcome change. I wish I could get over feeling guilty laying in bed at the time when I used to be out on the road. I know it's okay, but for some reason have a hard time believing it.

More pictures to share!

This may have just been the highlight of my Saturday

What would I do without my dad?
Can't wait to cook!!
Can't wait to have a few drinks
Bathroom!

Progress..

Last day of class tomorrow! Can't believe it. I'm not sure what to make of it just yet. I am ready for a break though.

I'm tired, and not really in the mood to write. There is color in the house, and I think it's time for a picture update. Things are moving quickly. Can't wait to see it again tomorrow.

Water in the basement

Bathroom
Paint!

So the cleaning begins...

It is officially the last week of class. Only 4 days left. It is going fast, yet the days are dragging. I have kept up to date with my marking and seem to be fitting a lot in during the school day. It should make for extra time next week that I can use to pack up the stuff I have brought in over the past couple of years. I guess this is only the beginning of the packing.

I am already cringing at the thought of packing and cleaning the apartment. I don't think that there will be a spare day this summer. Slowly the days seem to be getting booked. The lists are growing and there won't be enough time to get it all done. I'll do what I can.

There was sun this last weekend. Sun and heat. It's the first time in a long while. It felt great. We got some serious biking in, watched a little ball, and kept busy. It feels good to be out and about. I am hoping for more weekends that are equally as satisfying and enjoyable.

We have stairs to the basement. I did some videotaping but I'll wait till next week to put it up. It's not exciting to anyone but me. A bunch of blank walls that have been taped, plywood floors, concrete basement, and dust. The process is fun to watch, and with every visit there are more and more changes. I'm now waiting for the paint. It will remind me which colors were chosen.

Not a whole lot else for excitement. Just doing what needs to be done to get by.

Unforgettable

This last weekend was one of a kind. Truly unforgettable. Those who know, understand. Those who don't will learn in time. A time like July. I'm happy. Really happy.

The weekend was great...but also busy. Friday the rain finally let up enough to allow the house to be plunked on top the basement. I didn't get to see the process, but the pictures gave me an idea of how it all went down. It all worked out so I'll call it a success. Things are quickly beginning to take shape. There will be a lot of changes happening in the next month. I'm so excited to see it all come together.




Had the chance to have a brief visit with Cory and Christine Friday night at the campground. I don't see them enough, and it sucks. When I do get to see them I'm happy.

The pace didn't slow down much for Saturday. Was up by 5:20 a.m. on a weekend. After breakfast headed to the city. After a few stops I spent a couple hours getting pampered. Well actually just getting my hair cut, but anytime I get my scalp rubbed I feel pampered. BBQed for supper, went for some ice cream, and retired early.

Sunday was the dragon boat races. The morning was cold and chilly but all worth it. The best part is seeing how much fun the kids have. They make my job easy. They all got to the race site early, and were alert and punctual all day. What an amazing group of kids. The day was a success. It's too bad we only had 2 races. There is something special about getting a group of 22 people working together to achieve a common goal. Really Awesome.

The grade 12 boat. Look at those stylish t-shirts!

Synchronization...

I find myself trying to escape the busyness that surrounds me. I finished my first University paper the weekend of May 23rd. I was leery about it from the start. Got my mark, and wasn't impressed. I know I can do better. So my next paper is due on the 9th. I have been pushing myself all week to get it done so I don't have to worry about it on the weekend. Success was had. I finished today after school. After a few moments of relief I check my mail and find my first paper has been returned. I read the comments. The ideas of my paper were hard to follow. I guess I rambled and introduced new ideas when I should have focused on my main thoughts. That made me laugh. It's exactly what I said about it before I turned it in. I guess this means I should take extra time to make sure that my second paper is organized and easier to follow. I thought I was done.

This weekend is getaway time! I am uber excited. Tomorrow is a trip to Grand Forks for the night. I really need to get away. I want to forget about school, forget about writing papers, forget about moving, packing, and cleaning, forget about the new job. I want to get away and enjoy the day, with no worries. I finished the paper, am ready for Monday at school, and think I will be able to relax. Relax, eat, and have ice cream.

11 days of class left. The end is in sight...

The Countdown is On...

The students have started a countdown on the board in my room...only 30 days till grad. Wow. That also means 8 school days until the applied math 40S exam, 18 school days until exam week, 4 days until the big DragonBoat race, and perhaps most concerning for me, is 25 school days left until I have to really face the reality that I won't be back there next year. It's a bittersweet feeling. I have shed many tears over the reality of leaving the awesome kids in that school. Although I'm excited about the opportunity for next year, part of me hurts. Those kids have been the world to me, and the thought of leaving is hard to accept. Telling them was probably harder for me than it was for them. I am excited about seeing them on the rare occasion for sporting events and whatnot, but it won't be the same. I could say a lot, but I really have to avoid getting myself all worked up. The end of the year will run high with emotions of leaving and the fear of the uncertainty ahead.

I finished my paper. It was probably my least favorite part of the weekend. Actually...it WAS the least favorite part of my weekend. I hate the feeling knowing that I've done poorly. I did what I could, but it wasn't enough. Maybe the next assignment will be less taxing. Maybe I should try and stop feeling guilty.

As far as the status of the house goes, there is not much to report. It was supposed to get moved on Friday. It got loaded up, but that's where it stayed. The soggy grounds postponed that ordeal. I want it to dry up, and not for the house so much as for my dad to be able to resume seeding. That's more important. There is not urgency for the house. I do have my apartment until the end of July. Actually, I already forgot the colors that we chose for paints. It will be a surprise to walk in! A surprise I'm looking forward to!

Here are some pictures of the most recent work:

My to do list for the summer is quite expansive. I am thinking that it will fly by as I foresee myself being rather busy. I'm going to enjoy it though. Lots of things will change in the next few months and I'm looking forward to all of them with much excitement!

Time to unwind. It was a hectic day. This pace will continue for the remaining days I'm sure. The good thing is that it makes the time go faster and the weekends come sooner.

Overwhelmed

This week has been exhausting. It's one of those week where everything just piles up. I think it's a combination of having restless students who are waiting for summer, along with my own need for a long weekend. I have so much that I want to get done, and even more that I need to get down. Time for a slow down...but that won't happen for another 6 weeks. One day at a time.

I got my course materials in the mail. It came on a day I was already overwhelmed. I was excited, until I saw that the first assignment needs to be completed by May 26. I guess that gives me a week and a bit to find someone to interview and then write a 15 page paper on my insights regarding cross-cultural education. It's been a while since I've had to do that - could be an interesting transition. I'm scared.

Next Tuesday we start practice for Dragon Boat. It should be a good time - so long as it is a little warmer. I can't imagine it would be too much fun out on the water on days like today.

My mind is busy and I really have nothing to write. The real reason I even logged in was to post some pictures. The basement is dug! It's exciting! I climbed the ladder to see what I could see - and this is what I saw....

Mom's Week

This week is about my mom. Aside from mother's day on Sunday, tomorrow is her birthday! Happy Birthday!

I'm sure I probably wrote some of the same words about a year ago. That goes to show that she is a pivotal and essential part of my every day. That doesn't change, it just gets stronger. The last year has been filled with curves, highs, and lows. Through it all my mom continues to be there offering support, encouragement, and her friendship, in any capacity possible. Her warm words encourage me, her expectation and standards challenge me, and her warm embraces comfort me. Her love inspires me.

My mom is a unique one. Her fascinations and infatuations with little things make me smile. Most recently it has been her dedication to the addicting world of FarmTown that has provided me with hours of entertainment. It's yet another place for us to interact while not always being able to see each other. I love it.

Mom, I love you lots, and couldn't ask for a better friend! Words don't express how thankful I am. Have a very happy blessed birthday and a wonderful mother's day!

Just this week she sent me an e-mail. With all that has been going on, it just seems appropriate. This is just a portion or an e-mail, but still the message is clear:

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

On a different note, well the paint issue is still stressing me. Not a major stress, but rather a "I don't know what to do" kinda stress. I'm still waiting for some grand inspiration. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

The school days are flying by. I believe we only have 22 more math classes left until the provincial exam. That's crazy and the deadline is pushing us to proceed at a fast pace. Soon things will slow down. Maybe.

I'm looking forward to a weekend....again. As the weather slowly begins to warm the days inside the school are getting longer and longer. Just a few more months (which will end up going way too fast!)

Time for some rest. Hump day tomorrow!

Numbers...Not Colors

The best two weeks have reaffirmed the fact that I have a love for numbers, and not necessarily colors. As a matter of fact, I realized that I am color illiterate. I generally like a challenge, but trying to choose colors for this house is not a fun challenge. Come to think of it, maybe it it were COLOR by NUMBER I'd be good at it. No decisions, just follow the recipe. I like a structured set of steps. Paint, and interior decorating mumbo jumbo do NOT assimilate well with my mindset. However, I do think that I am learning. Slowly.

What a nice change this weekend. My bag didn't need to get packed and it was a weekend away from decisions (for the most part). I've seen Altona a lot the past couple of months, and a weekend away was a nice change. The nice weather allowed for some relaxing walks. The malls were graced with my presence and my kitchen got some attention after being a long stretch of being neglected.

I cooked some BBQ chicken Sandwiches on Friday night. It was quite tasty. I love new concoctions. I'm back on a smoothie kick. Consumed a couple of booster juices on the weekend and made myself a few homemade smoothies. It's the warmer weather that makes them that much better! I should try a new recipe every week.

I think it's about time to go stare at more paint colors and become utterly confused and frustrated. All while still holding on to the tiny hope that, perhaps with the click of a mouse, or out of nowhere the perfect scheme will emerge. Fingers crossed.

Thursday!!!

The occasional trips to Altona have been different as of lately. The widespread flood waters have forced detours and new routes. The trips are a little less relaxing and a little more time consuming. It would be hard having to be one of the many people who have to boat to get to their property. I'm happy that all I have to worry about is find new routes. Things could always be worse.

Some exciting news. A new house! I think pretty much everyone knows already and it probably isn't because of me. Some people like to talk about such things whereas I like to keep things quiet until all the details have been worked out. Now that the papers have been signed I feel that it's appropriate to share my excitement. And I am exciting. I can share pictures. The pictures are dated, but still, they are pictures.

The past weekends have been busy making all sorts of decisions, like flooring and cabinets. It is lots of fun except for the fact that I really don't enjoy decisions. I wish that I had more time to enjoy the whole process, but it is all going so fast. I am, however, excited to see everything get put together. Excited to make the transition. The next couple of months will continue to be interesting. I'll take pictures as I learn more. Then I'll have something to share.

The past weeks in school have gone by quickly. I feel like I've been away a lot, and I really don't like that feeling. Things should settle down in the next little while. Report cards get sent out next week. I have completed my comments and a large majority of the marks. I am still in disbelief that the school year is 3/4 over already. Where does time go?

It's playoff time! My sharks are about to play in a matter of minutes. Playoff hockey is exciting, and it provides me with a guarentee that I'll have something to watch every night. It helps me relax, which is really what I need this week. Time for a slow down.

This weekend will be another exciting one. I think a majority of the decisions will be completed, and then what will I do with all my extra time (because I have soooooo much of it...). Go Sharks.