I have vanished....

School started exactly one month ago today...and this may have been the FASTEST month of school I have ever experienced. Guess that gives you the indication that my year has been going great. I'm loving this grade 7 ordeal, which is mostly due to my class. They are quite wonderful. It is one of those classes that inspires you to try new things because they are appreciative, willing to take risks, and eager to be involved.

You know it's been a great start to the year when:

• You are sad that it's a short school week (and it seems like September and October are full of "short" weeks)
• You wish assemblies wouldn't last quite as long because you are waiting to get back to class and try something new...
• You are able to relax just a tad on Sunday evenings
• You can leave for lunch and return knowing you will return to a class that is neat and tidy
• Working all night on Friday almost seems like a treat

While I haven't been updating this page, I have been working on our classroom website. It has been my priority almost every night.

Other than school there isn't a whole lot going down. Soccer is almost to an end (and I am thankful for that) only to have Volleyball start up a few days later. Highschool hockey started tonight (explains my sudden time and ability to update the blog) which doesn't really cause me to jump out of my socks with excitement. I am thrilled that this year (for the most part) only my Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights will be taken from me instead of virtually the whole week.

Time to get back to my school duties. I have 13 things going for me at once - the right side of my brain is getting quite the workout.

Pictures and stuff...

We got our wedding pictures. Our photographer (click here) has a little write up, a few pictures, and a slide show. I also put all 500 wedding pictures, trip pictures, and other "us" together on a share site, click here.

Almost time for the start of school. I'm excited!

Countdown...

This is the second summer in a row where I haven't been getting a paycheck. This whole permanent contract thing should make next summer a little more enjoyable...

The Days Keep Rolling...

It has reached the point in summer where the days just seem to blend into one another, leaving me confused as to what day of the week it actually is. What's worse is that I'm having trouble recalling what I did just a few days earlier.

Relating this to my summer mission...the huge challenge that has loomed over the past week and a bit has been the challenge to keep myself occupied. I believe I have done quite well. For those people who REALLY know me, you know I get bored easily. When I am bored I am not always the most cheerful person. Thankfully I'm getting better at dealing with free time.

Day 42 - Thursday, August 12th

Challenge: To bake an apple pie from scratch.

Results: It was fun and tasted pretty good too. Even Sean thought so (but he may sometimes feel the need to lie to me). What was most important is that it occupied my time for a good chunk of the afternoon.

Day 43 - Friday, August 13th

This is one of those days which I have forgotten...but I do remember that I was busy for most of day.

Day 44 - Saturday, August 14th

Challenge: Play a game and if you lose (or start to lose) don't be a sore loser.

Results: I didn't have to deal with the losing part because I just so happened to WIN every game we played. GOOD DAY!

Day 45 - Sunday, August 15th

I went to Winnipeg but didn't really stretch myself too far.

Day 46 - Monday, August 16th

Challenge: Bake ALL afternoon and then give it all away.

Results: I managed to muddle my way through plenty of recipes...most of which turned out well. We got rid of most of it, but couldn't quite cut all ties, and managed to keep some samples for ourselves.

Day 47 - Tuesday, August 17th

Challenge: Make some plans to get out of the house...it's time!

Results: Next week is shaping up to be an awesome looking week.

Day 48 - Wednesday, August 18th

Challenge: Spend some time at school and get a solid plan for the year in mind.

Results: I have been doing lots of thinking about math (what could be better) and really like where things are going. I am excited!

Day 49 - Thursday, August 19th

Challenge: School supply shopping.

Results: Well this is one of my favourite things to do - so it really wasn't a challenge at all. Guess I fail!

Settled Back In..

We have been home for a while now and I notice myself saying the phrase "I'm bored" more frequently as days go by. The monotony of the past few days has been broken up thanks to having the privilege to do some babysitting and some lawn mowing. Being alone all day through the week does leave me with a new appreciation for weekends. Hopefully that appreciation continues when school begins in just under a month's time.

Day 41 - Wednesday, August 11th

Challenge: Get my "Welcome Back to School" letter written so that I can have them mailed before the weekend.

Results: It's a hard letter to get started - if only I could find last year's copy to give me some guidance. It will get done.

Day 40 - Tuesday, August 10th

Challenge: I used to play "BrainAge" on a daily basis and I truly believe my simple mental math calculations got quicker as a result. It's time to dig out the game and start the training process again.

Results: My "real brain age" was still 1 year younger than my real age. That's a good sign. What was better was this time I had a partner to compete against. I love competition. Sean's brain age was in his 60s (high 60s haha). I better use my days to train so I don't get beat!

Day 39 - Monday, August 9th

Challenge: Begin paying back my dad for all he has done on our yard and take time during the afternoon to mow their lawn.

Results: It was quite enjoyable (and quite hot). It doesn't take as long as I remember it taking. I had a great time listening to music and cruising along.

Day 38 - Sunday, August 8th

Challenge: Take a trip down memory lane and have supper on the field.

Results: Dad asked us to bring some chicken to the field and we willingly did so. It was quite fun, but I still struggle eating chicken without a fork and knife. Makes it harder to examine the mean...have to take the plunge by just biting in.

Day 37 - Saturday, August 7th

Challenge: Leave the dishes (and leftovers) after supper so that I can enjoy watching our wedding video (which we just picked up in its entirety) with Sean.

Results: I left the extra pizza on the island and stayed on the couch for the whole video. The video was very well done - interesting, emotional, perfect - so it was actually a pretty easy task.

Day 36 - Friday, August 6th

Challenge: Find a place to hang the pictures and bulletin board that have been sitting on the floor for a few months.

Results: They are up and I love them. We really need to decorate this house and make it our own - but that is more than I one day challenge. Perhaps that will be our winter challenge!

Day 35 - Thursday, August 5th

Challenge: Go through our trip pictures and upload them for a website so others can see.

Results: Done. I have to personalize the website yet...so far all it has is pictures. Although that may be all it needs.

Day 34 - Wednesday, August 4th

Challenge: Update this blog

Results: I outlined our daily highlights from the trip. It was a good feeling to know I had a record of it somewhere. I did keep a journal too - now to figure out what to do with it.

Day 33 - Tuesday, August 3rd

Challenge: Register for another university class in the fall, and when going for a pedicure with mom, get my toes painted a bold color.

Results: I got successfully registered without much of an issue. Come April I will be halfway done my post-bac. What's more important is I'll be done with my 15 extra hours to get my permanent certification. As far as the toes go. I picked the color "Who the Shrek Are you?" So yes...I think it's bold.

Day 32 - Monday, August 2nd

Challenge: Plan the physical layout of my classroom before the end of August.

Results: This hasn't been completely accomplished. I have an idea in my head...now I just have to execute.

Day 31 - Sunday, August 1st

Challenge: Begin some food detox. Start planning what to eat ahead of time so we can avoid going to restaurants regularly.

Results: We ate healthy today. I felt good about it. Did really accomplish the planning part of it all...

Day 30 - Saturday, July 31st

Challenge: Use the gift certificates we got from the wedding instead of feeling the need to save them for who knows when.

Results: We got a new set of bedding which we love. It changes the look of things which is kind of nice. After a slight panic attack of misplacing one gift card, we did locate it, and now have more to look forward to as we have just a little more left to spend.

Day 29 - Friday, July 30th

Challenge: Put together our video and photos from the trip on a DVD.

Results: It took all day, and I am not totally happy with the product, but it did get done. It is nice to show people as it is a lot more interesting that paging through a couple hundred (or thousand) photos).

Europe Pictures

More pictures from our trip....

Click here

Across the Atlantic and Back

Time to catch up. There is tons to say about the trip. We came home with tons of stories, memories, pictures, and videos. It is impossible to say it all, but throughout the trip we wrote down our "highlight of the day." I think that's what I'll record here. Ya I can do that.

My daily challenge took a bit of a different approach on the trip. I didn't start each day out with a challenge to accomplish. Instead I looked back on my day and identified the most challenging part. Maybe this is cheating, but I created the rules, so I see it as fair play.

I've only touched on what we saw, what we did, and what we experienced. Maybe I'll write in more detail later.

I put this in a presentation format as it beats waiting for all the pictures to upload directly into this post.

The Waiting Game

Fight 1, of what will ultimately be a 7 flight journey, was a success. We have spent the majority of today sitting and waiitng...but the end is in sight. Sort of. The day in Toronto has actually been more relaxing that I expected. We did some walking, figuring, reading, and got some good food. Both of us are ready to get the show on the road....

Till the next time...

Another

We got to see one more video before taking off...I love them all! I can't say enough about how much we appreciate Sean from A Moving Picture Studios has done for us! He captured our day and our memories will be forever preserved.

Wedding Highlights

One last challenge before we go...

Day 8 - Friday, July 9, 2010

Challenge: Trust what I have arranged for the trip and don't spend all day checking, re-checking, and re-re checking all the details.

Results: I only checked that we had what we needed (tickets, passes, etc.) once.

22 Hours...

Our European getaway begins in 22 hours. I'm nervous and excited. It is going to be amazing to get away and begin this new chapter of our life with a whirlwind tour. I keep thinking back to everything Sean and I have done in the few short years we've been together...I never thought I'd be this lucky.

"Challenge" update...

Day 5 - July 6th, 2010

Challenge: When spending the evening with the beautiful Callie I WILL NOT hand her off as soon as she starts crying. I will find a way to make her stop.

Results: Another challenge accomplished. I managed to stay relaxed and after some time she quieted right down and fell asleep. Wow is she adorable.

Day 6 - July 7th, 2010

Challenge: Be a domestic wife and make something new for Sean for supper. Requirements: It must be somewhat nutritious and light.

Results: The bread turn out wonderfully (thank you bread machine), the salad was refreshing, and the soup...well...it was HOT. I wasn't going to settle for another pot of bland soup, so after making my own seasoning mix I decided to deviate from the recipe and add 5 times as much as was called for. Maybe I should have had more faith in the power of this particular spice mix. My courage to alter a recipe left both our mouths burning, but after some serious diluting I managed to bring it down to a tolerable heat.

Day 7 - July 8th, 2010

Challenge: Pack. Remember to stick to the essentials because you only have one backpack in which to stow things.

Results: After reducing my load at least 3 times I managed to get the zipper closed. A few modifications will be needed today to ensure I have at least a little space for some small purchases. There are benefits to being a man with no hair...all he needs to pack is a bar of soap. I am pretty low maintence, but those few key items do take up some precious space!

Time to check, and re-check my list to make sure I have all the essentials.

Wedding Teaser and Photoshoot

How lucky were we to have the opportunity to have the greatest videographer ever film our wedding day?!?! We knew since our initial meeting this was gonna be good..Today we got to see a little preview from our wedding day - it's our first meeting. I love it!

Check it out:

First Meeting

Photoshoot

Day 4 - July 5th, 2010

Challenge: To go through today without having chocolate!

Results: Despite a trip to the city and passing Marble Slab Creamery a few times I was successful.

Hitched

8 days. Depending on the time, place, and situation 8 days feels differently to everybody. Anticipation can make time drag. I remember that as a child the 8 days before Christmas felt like an eternity. Those last 8 days of school, just waiting for holidays, never seem to end.

Pain and hurt can make the days pass slowly. Imagine 8 days of being sick, or 8 days waiting for to hear an all important answer.

Excitement can make time pass too quickly. 8 days in Mexico wasn't anywhere near enough time. The first 8 days of being married, all of which started with a wedding, are some of the best days of your life.

I have experienced 8 days in each of these capacities and consider myself blessed in that the past 8 days have been so wonderful that they have disappeared in the blink of an eye. There is something about waking up next to Sean that gives me butterflies. Two IS better than one!

The last week of June was a little crazy BUT I managed to get everything done that needed to be done. Report cards, end of year stuff, going to Grunthal grad, and wedding. It's not surprising that the end of all the commotion has left me in a state of boredom.

Summer Challenge!

Day 1 - July 2, 2010

Challenge:
As I think of June it was a month of challenges and accomplishments. To ease the boredom I've decided to keep the challenges going. It is now 69 days till the kids are back in school. I have decided to challenge myself to do at least one thing every day that I wouldn't typically do. I will blog my daily challenges and my success (or lack of) regularly. We will see just how much I can accomplish by the time school starts again on September 8th!

Results:
Consider my first challenge accomplished. I came up with the idea and it has been the focus of my mind the two days since. Even Sean is on board giving me ideas on what I could do each day.

Day 2 - July 3, 2010

Challenge:
Tonight, as I watch UFC, I will NOT fall asleep. I have a hard time staying awake past 10:00, but today I will do whatever is necessary to take it ALL in.

Results:
I made it! My strategy was to focus on the commentary and learn the technical jargo that accompanies the sport. I have always found UFC interesting and entertaining and after tonight, maybe others will believe me because I was awake to see it ALL!

Day 3 - July 4, 2010

Challenge:
Today I will book airline tickets so we have a tentative itinerary for Europe. Booking the tickets won't be the challenge, being content with the final decision will be.

Results:
Together we have decided we will be visiting London, Dublin, Rome and Switzerland. To be perfectly honest I didn't completely pass this challenge. It took a good couple of hours to make the decision and after all was said and done I still questioned what we had done. I am not going to loose sleep over it though, and in fact, I am going to find peace in the fact that we have an idea of what our next three week entails.

66 more days. 66 more challenges

Accomplishment

What a way to kick-off a week. Sean and I registered for the half-marathon a couple of weeks ago. It was something we wanted to accomplish together, and this year the opportunity was there. I knew everything was going to be okay when I saw the big smile on his face at 4:30 this morning and he was telling me how excited he was to get going. That look was reassuring. My parents were gracious enough to drive us in at 4:45 and hang around as we got it done. What a relief to cross the finish line 2 hours and 32 minutes later. We worked together, he encouraged me, and we our strides were in-sync as we crossed the finish line. I couldn't ask for our "wedding week" to start off any better. I also wouldn't have made it through the race without him.

This week will be a little crazy. Somehow I have to find a way to mark assessments, finish up reports, and do some of the fine detail Saturday. I know it will work out though, and I figure whatever doesn't get done isn't all that important. Saturday will be a good day however it turns out, and I won't let anything change that.

This will be a June I will never forget. Aside from the marathon and wedding, we have been blessed with the CUTEST, most adorable, niece. Callie Cori was born on June 3rd. We are in love with her and are excited to have the opportunity to watch her grow. Cory and Christine have taken on the parenting role with grace, dignity, and poise. That is one lucky little girl.

Think it's time to keep up the pace and get focused on the week ahead.

Happy Father's Day Dad! Thanks for all you've done, and continue to do. Can't wait to have you by my side as I walk down the isle in 6 short sleeps! Love you!

A Little Sunshine Please

The bell just rung to end the school day. It was not a typical Monday. Coming to school on Monday I generally except kids to be a little chattier than the norm - they have weekend stories to share and play the "catch-up game" with their friends. Today was one of those days where we needed padded walls. The energy levels were up at 9:00 in the morning and continued through the rest of the day. I'm hoping a little sunshine will help us all settle down. I smell something funky and am now wondering where I'll find the next little rotten food surprise.

That being said I really do love my class. As quirky as they may be, they do make me smile, laugh, and question what goes on in that adolescent mind of theirs. They are naturally curious and, when channeled positively, have an energy that can light up the class.

When not occupied by school, I'm keeping busy and noticing that the days are passing by way too quickly. I feel stretched in multiple directions and never quite accomplish what I set out get done at the start of the day. On the flip side, I am learning to put things aside, realizing that the work will still be there tomorrow. By the end of June I will be a Nicholson, an aunt, and final assessments will be over and done with. The only thing on my mind will be packing for the summer trip.

We are off to Europe on July 10th. We may not be efficient wedding planners, but when we get a travel idea in our mind, we find ways to make it happen. Sean and I are both rookies when it comes to international travel. I am a rookie when it comes to being spontaneous. For 2 weeks this summer I will have practice with both. We are flying into London and will spend a week there. Our hotel and a few attractions/tours are booked. The second week we hope to experience travel by rail, see a couple different countries, and in essence, play it by ear. We will do some planning ahead of time, but really just want to take in whatever we can. Two weeks won't be a lot of time, but we will take what we can get. If we don't jump on the plane now, who knows when we will have the opportunity to in the future.

It's Monday, and as easy as it is to distract myself with trip planning, there are school matters that do need my attention. I'll get to that right now...all while keeping my fingers crossed that we see some sunshine tomorrow!

Wow...

It has been a while. Things have been busy and I am sure that they won't be slowing down anytime soon. Just as soon as the week starts it seems like the next weekend is over. I haven't done anything that is anywhere near productive.

University class is over, which is a huge relief. I have never been much of a procrastinator, but apparently things change.

This is short. I am distracted and I have work to get done.

We crash when we race...

January ended with a bang. The storm that hit meant 2 days of no school. Sean and I braved the blizzard conditions on Monday and walked to work. He had no choice, after his attempt to get off the driveway failed miserably. I wasn't required to attend but figured it was time that could be well spent. I was productive. I came to realize that I'd be a much more successful and purposeful teacher if I had that one day every couple weeks to plan and prepare. This window of work time meant my feedback was more meaningful, and my planning more purposeful. I felt ready for school. I was excited to have class. I had the urge to teach. The week that followed, albeit short, was great. The start of this week followed much the same trend. I am now left wondering how I can infuse that same energy and focus without an extra day's grace to do so. That balance is hard, if not impossible, to find.

We were granted with another "break" this week. This time, however, we were the students. Today was a PD day. As usual, another challenge was presented. How can I make my units, and my instruction more meaningful? More purposeful? What are the essential skills and key ideas behind what I teach? What are those "big stones" I need to consider first? Most PD days leave me feeling overwhelmed and rather incompetent. Today I left feeling somewhat inspired. This is work I can do. This is work I will continue to try and incorporate in my daily practice. This is the type of work that I will never conquer for there is always more that can be done. I love that thought because I truly love to learn.

I would consider today a success, although it got off to a shaky start. My car, apparently, wasn't up for the trip to Vita. At around St. Joesph it decided it would begin flashing indicator lights, stop heating, and cease turning. My dad came to the rescue once again, promptly arriving with a vehicle I could use to continue my venture. Turns out it was just a belt. Could have been worse.

With February upon us we have been forced to consider the wedding with a little more detail and consideration than has been the case thus far. We got our social tickets printed up. They arrived in the mail today. It's exactly 2 months away so I guess it's time to start selling those tickets. Saturday, April 3rd in Altona. Although it stresses me out, part of me is excited. Guess we will see how sales go...

February will seem like a race. The weeks ahead are full of places to be and things to get done. Time to buckle up and avoid the crash.

I just heard a bang from the kitchen...gotta go!

Video!

We spent last evening with our videographer filming clips for a Save the Date video. We had a blast. 24 hours later and we were able to see the product! We love it!

The videographer (Sean Phillips of A Moving Picture Studios) created a website for us to host this, and future, videos.

http://www.melissaandsean.amovingpicturestudios.com/

A few more pictures...

I finally got around to uploading a few more pictures. I followed my mom's lead and put them on a shutterfly website, www.hangingwiththemayans.shutterfly.com.

PS - I am both blessed and spoiled.

It feels like a dream

After 4 long days back at school it feels like I never even had a break. I'm sure I'm not alone. The kids have the same amount of energy now as when they left. At times it overwhelms be, but I do appreciate being surround by those with energy and enthusiasm. It would be appreciated if more of that energy and enthusiasm would be directed positively.

To preserve my sanity I will try and escape to my "happy place." Mexico pictures are a good reminder of better days. In fact it doesn't even seem real. The week was exciting and high paced, yet relaxing at the same time. I'd do anything to go back.

My top fifteen moments from our trip (in no particular order):
1. Leaving cold Manitoba at 6 in the morning and arriving 5 hours later in sunny, warm, and beautiful Cancun. (Almost losing my dad to timeshare sharks shortly thereafter).
2. Walking through the hotel onto the white sand beaches and seeing the blue Caribbean Sea.
3. Listening to the tour guide at Tulum. There was a lot of talk about numbers and math. I was all ears.
4. Fascinated that I was able to wear shorts on what was being called the "coldest day of the year."
5. Snorkeling. We saw sting rays, barracudas, sea turtles, fascinating coral and lots of fish!
6. The boat ride of my life. 30 minutes of pounding waves and enormous swells. I felt fortunate to arrive at the snorkeling destination of Akumal safe and sound. The ride back wasn't much better.
7. Swimming with dolphins. I would have bought all the pictures they took if I could have afforded it. I have the memories which will last a lifetime. Wearing a bikini for the "foot push" is slightly risky.
8. Water aerobics, water polo, stretching, and the hours of walking up and down the beach and through the resort.
9. The night show at Xcaret. Unbelievable.
10. Spending the day zip lining and swimming at Xplor with Sean and my dad. The food their was awesome.
11. Being up by 7 every morning and taking time to enjoy breakfast. Mmmm waffles.
12. The sunset cruise on our last evening. And yes, I was risky enough to try lobster.
13. Watching the spray can painter work his magic.
14. Spending the day at Xel-Ha with Sean and my mom. Jumping off of cliffs, tubing, snorkelling, and swimming through underwater caves.
15. Having the chance to cross at least 4 things off my "bucket list" and being blessed with the opportunity to do so with Sean, my mom, and my dad. There was nobody better to share that experience with.