It's the most wonderful time of year :D Wrapped up my second Fall season teaching and now I'm stocking up on Christmas goodies, presents and holiday plans - all on a budget of course. Settling into a cozy Christmas in Coventry.
I had a nice send off from school with our Wine & Carols concert on Wednesday. My choir sang O holy night, A Distant Shore, Happy Xmas (War is over) & Last Christmas. I Was even given several glasses of mulled wine and a bottle of champagne in thanks. Not too shabby!
My sisters in top form this year sending both a Birthday & Christmas card - Being my second year away I think I'm starting to identify all the things I've taken for granted living in Canada. Moving away from home has definitely opened my eyes to this. I wish everyone a merry Christmas!!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Feeling Better :-D
It's easy to rant - but I like to keep myself honest. This weekend feels a lot better and some time away helps put things back into perspective. The tough times make the good times look so much better. It is pretty cool to teach in a country where music is examined as part of the national curriculum. One thing's for sure - the British are great at organization and administration. All kids leave High School having studied Pop Music, Dance Music, Musicals, Electronic Music, Minimalism, Experimental Music, Serialism, Classical Music, Indian Raga, African Music and World Music. They've submitted two recorded solos and two compositions for external examination. I could even take a course and make extra money marking Music Exams for the National Exam board. After leaving my High School in Canada I could do the performance exam and that's about it. I think when I come back to Canada i'm going to take key aspects of the British Music Curriculum with me.
As for behaviour I just have to play by their rules. It's pretty much do as the teacher says or be removed from the lesson. After getting rid of a few crazies then I will have the keen ones left. Different mind set but comes with the new time zone I suppose.
4 weeks left until Christmas Break. I plan to see Wicked the musical next week and then the Lion King on December 12th; should be a pretty kick ass trip. Steadily paying off student loans as well - so I'm feeling good about that.
As for behaviour I just have to play by their rules. It's pretty much do as the teacher says or be removed from the lesson. After getting rid of a few crazies then I will have the keen ones left. Different mind set but comes with the new time zone I suppose.
4 weeks left until Christmas Break. I plan to see Wicked the musical next week and then the Lion King on December 12th; should be a pretty kick ass trip. Steadily paying off student loans as well - so I'm feeling good about that.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Frustrated!!! :(
GRrrrrrrrr!!! It's been a year and I'm still caught off guard by the culture shock in this country!!! When you talk to some British teachers they say this country is going to pot - Today the kids reminded me of this. There are just so many children that take things for granted and "can't be bothered". Even the nice kids have this school culture where they don't care if they get an education - they don't see education as something they have to work towards rather than be given. There's a thing about good teaching called motivation but I'm at my wits end with the majority of my kids. It really feels like school's compulsory here.
What I like about teaching is helping kids achieve their goals and motivating them to aspire for excellence. Here in England teaching is about making kids learn and forcing them to try new things... it's such a weird cultural norm. I think some of these rude, disrespectful hooligans should perhaps fall on their faces - and then when they see the unhappy alternative perhaps pick up their education once again. One problem I see is that too many people rely on government assistance - and this is the loophole for not having to make an effort in secondary school.... For example kids that don't do well in class don't want to get extra help or one to one tuition outside of the lesson - even when it's free and I'm giving up my free time. They refuse to come or just don't show up. What a fair trade to give give give only for students to treat it like a chore or be rude about it????
I just don't get this place!
What I like about teaching is helping kids achieve their goals and motivating them to aspire for excellence. Here in England teaching is about making kids learn and forcing them to try new things... it's such a weird cultural norm. I think some of these rude, disrespectful hooligans should perhaps fall on their faces - and then when they see the unhappy alternative perhaps pick up their education once again. One problem I see is that too many people rely on government assistance - and this is the loophole for not having to make an effort in secondary school.... For example kids that don't do well in class don't want to get extra help or one to one tuition outside of the lesson - even when it's free and I'm giving up my free time. They refuse to come or just don't show up. What a fair trade to give give give only for students to treat it like a chore or be rude about it????
I just don't get this place!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Portugal Pics :-)
I'm back in Jolly 'ol England safe and sound here's some pics from my holiday. I'm spending the rest of my half term break getting rested up and doing nic-naks for work. Nothing too spectacular.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6162&l=70303&id=503523678
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6162&l=70303&id=503523678
Monday, October 22, 2007
The last few hours of being 25...
OLÃ from Portugal!!! One positive thing about global warming is I get a great vacation prior to the melting of the Polar Ice Caps and extincsion of man kind :D he he.... eh.....?
The weather here has been phenominal - and I have to keep on reminding myself it´s October because I´m wearing shorts and getting a kick ass tan. The GREAT thing about England is its convenient proximity to other fantastic holiday destinations :P
So today is my last day as a 25 year old. For some reason I think this is a big step up the ladder from Finding yourself to becoming established. I´ve got a good direction in life including personal, professional and romantic ties. I´m ready to take charge this year and kick some serious posterior. Tomorrow will be a full day at the beach enjoying the surf, sun and sand. I´m sporting some sexy European trunks and letting any cares and concerns drift away with the sea breeze. Just wait until I post the photos!!! Thanks for all the birthday wishes in email and on facebook! Turning 26 finds me on top of the world!!!!
The weather here has been phenominal - and I have to keep on reminding myself it´s October because I´m wearing shorts and getting a kick ass tan. The GREAT thing about England is its convenient proximity to other fantastic holiday destinations :P
So today is my last day as a 25 year old. For some reason I think this is a big step up the ladder from Finding yourself to becoming established. I´ve got a good direction in life including personal, professional and romantic ties. I´m ready to take charge this year and kick some serious posterior. Tomorrow will be a full day at the beach enjoying the surf, sun and sand. I´m sporting some sexy European trunks and letting any cares and concerns drift away with the sea breeze. Just wait until I post the photos!!! Thanks for all the birthday wishes in email and on facebook! Turning 26 finds me on top of the world!!!!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Term Break ---> Heading for Portugal!!!!!
Yipeeeeeee!!! It's half term break and a glorious week long holiday to refresh!!! AND guess what my students got me for a present??? Period 5 out of 6 on the last day before break ------> Cameron decides to punch Joao in the face while I'm giving end of term recorder playing tests at the front of the room. WTF??? 35 minutes into the lesson - ultimate fighting challenge between two Grade 7s. I run over - Fling Cameron off Joao and use some serious WWF referee moves. I thought the crossword puzzle with chocolate prizes would be more entertaining: I guessed wrong. Luckily there were no bloody noses and I got to send them far far away... How messed up - AND seriously had no warning or build up.
Well now i'm off to Portugal :-) Flight leaves tomorrow morning at 5am: aka leave for the airport around 3:30 am... a bit sucky but how much fun is plus 20 weather at the end of October?? I shall have to post my Portuguese Top Model Photo shoot upon my return. When I come back I'll be 26 years old... The plan is to buy 26 shots and toast to 26 of my all time favourite things starting with every letter of the alphabet (go figure 26 letters in the alphabet) - I even came up with the idea myself :D There's a checkmark for creativity!!! yeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaa
Well now i'm off to Portugal :-) Flight leaves tomorrow morning at 5am: aka leave for the airport around 3:30 am... a bit sucky but how much fun is plus 20 weather at the end of October?? I shall have to post my Portuguese Top Model Photo shoot upon my return. When I come back I'll be 26 years old... The plan is to buy 26 shots and toast to 26 of my all time favourite things starting with every letter of the alphabet (go figure 26 letters in the alphabet) - I even came up with the idea myself :D There's a checkmark for creativity!!! yeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaa
Monday, October 15, 2007
Free writing
I didn't want to leave it too long for my next entry. It's crazy how life always keeps you busy - the last time I wasn't busy was probably that small transition after university for about a month when I was waiting for my teaching license in the mail..... I don't miss those days - but I'd like to find some laid back time without worry. I'm not too sure that's possible unless I found a sugar daddy. Today's entry is completely unplanned where I just keep typing and whatever comes out is what I publish. A bit sporatiac but keeps me fresh I guess. Teaching is pretty exhausting - and for an on again/off again perfectionist my mental sanity is somewhat in check. This weekend I'm headed off to Portugal for a trip with my Brass Band - sounds like fun except the fund'age is getting low so I don't know how cool it will be hanging out in the hotel lobby.... but budget traveling involves many survival techniques - many of which I hope to discover out of necessity :D I only have 4 more teaching days left until it is half term break: a glorious week away from school where I get to recharge my battery and feel good about sleeping in.
Sometimes I find time off is wasted. I feel too exhausted to do anything above and beyond and then when I look back at what I accomplished I feel a little disappointed. I don't seem to be making time for any projects. I hope I don't loose my creative bug. I was on the phone last night with Krystal from UVic. It was crazy how much we've grown up in the past two years. I don't feel as free spirited/king of the world anymore. It sucks when you realize your feet are back on the ground beside everyone elses. Not a slag towards them, but I always had this heightened sense of endless possibilities. I wonder how I can rediscover those inspirations? I wouldn't say that reality is far less dazzling then one imagines it to be, but I do feel like it's easy to get distracted by the little stresses and get sidetracked from your potential.
I partially link my feelings to paying off student loans - and I think once I'm controlling my disposable income I'll be a little less concerned with these matters.
A picture from my office window - the final wall came down and once the ground work is laid our new school will be built.
Sometimes I find time off is wasted. I feel too exhausted to do anything above and beyond and then when I look back at what I accomplished I feel a little disappointed. I don't seem to be making time for any projects. I hope I don't loose my creative bug. I was on the phone last night with Krystal from UVic. It was crazy how much we've grown up in the past two years. I don't feel as free spirited/king of the world anymore. It sucks when you realize your feet are back on the ground beside everyone elses. Not a slag towards them, but I always had this heightened sense of endless possibilities. I wonder how I can rediscover those inspirations? I wouldn't say that reality is far less dazzling then one imagines it to be, but I do feel like it's easy to get distracted by the little stresses and get sidetracked from your potential.
I partially link my feelings to paying off student loans - and I think once I'm controlling my disposable income I'll be a little less concerned with these matters.
A picture from my office window - the final wall came down and once the ground work is laid our new school will be built.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Being Organized really does help!!!??
Wow! this year is off and running to a great start. It's been crazy, I don't think i'm doing anything that different from my first year of teaching, but what a difference - subtle changes yet highly effective. I've set up a couple routines - 1st off I'm keeping classroom discipline short and sweet. Work smart not harder. It goes - warning, moved/Sent out then SSD (ssd is removed for the rest of the lesson and sent to senior administration). Sounds harsh but when you set the bar high - kids will test the boundaries and then get on with it. Also you've got to crack the whip with british kids. I've only sent two kids to SSD thus far so it's been effective. My other big saviour on discipline is phoning the parents. I hate doing it, but every kid this year who's been sent out I've phoned home after school. Last Tuesday I phoned 13 parents after school... this week only 3 in total!!!! yippeeee! Lastly, i've been tracking all bad behaviour (any kids sent out or getting detentions with me for forgetting their recorders) in my Discipline log. This I use as proof when explaining to parents why their child was sent out of my lessons and tracks any repetitive behaviour.
On the good side, i've been planning a lot of games and competitions into my lessons. This gives students something to aim towards for the last 15 mins of the lesson and I achieve so much more in the beginning of the lesson than I was during entire lessons last year. I guess this goes with the saying "getting more bees with sugar than vinegar". I've also established routines for entering and exiting the classroom. I've found this really asserts your authority as a classroom teacher otherwise students start and finish lessons in a free for all. I guess the more organized you get the less stress you feel in this profession. I haven't lost my cool on a class yet and haven't had to freak out to get a group under control :D I must be doing something right!!!
Our school is tearing down one building and then building our new school site in its place including the playing field in front. Here's a picture from my office window of the construction sight looked like at the beginning of the school year and after the first week of construction... Crazy eh???
I'm sure there will be major curve balls on their way this year of teaching but this first month back has sure been nice. Luckily enough the brits don't know much about baseball... so maybe there won't be as many curve balls as anticipated??? lol
On the good side, i've been planning a lot of games and competitions into my lessons. This gives students something to aim towards for the last 15 mins of the lesson and I achieve so much more in the beginning of the lesson than I was during entire lessons last year. I guess this goes with the saying "getting more bees with sugar than vinegar". I've also established routines for entering and exiting the classroom. I've found this really asserts your authority as a classroom teacher otherwise students start and finish lessons in a free for all. I guess the more organized you get the less stress you feel in this profession. I haven't lost my cool on a class yet and haven't had to freak out to get a group under control :D I must be doing something right!!!
Our school is tearing down one building and then building our new school site in its place including the playing field in front. Here's a picture from my office window of the construction sight looked like at the beginning of the school year and after the first week of construction... Crazy eh???
I'm sure there will be major curve balls on their way this year of teaching but this first month back has sure been nice. Luckily enough the brits don't know much about baseball... so maybe there won't be as many curve balls as anticipated??? lol
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Back to School
I've been back to my school for one week and a day - it's surprising how different things are. I don't feel like my teaching has changed that much, but my younger groups seem to be listening and following rules better.... it's a little eerie. --------> I'm so knocking on wood because this could be what they refer to as the 'honeymoon period' before classroom discipline goes manic... lol. I do feel the label of being a "responsible adult" makes a bit more sense to me now. Nothing really felt real last year - i'm starting to see things more clearly this year and have a better grip on the reality of teaching.
It always feels like there's so much to be done that I can get overwhelmed with work stuff... I've noticed that my sense of adventure has been slipping a little bit and I need to reign that aspect of my life back in. Spending money and Paying off Student Loans/Visa bills doesn't always mix... but we're only young once right??? I was reading up on my friend Shannon's working travels in Korea and she seems to be traveling & partying while teaching English: this balance sounds good to me:) I guess when I look at it, I'm not here to become super star responsible teacher of the millennium right?
I should take things as they come, but a couple more nights out each month are well in order for this guy :) Looking forward to it.
It always feels like there's so much to be done that I can get overwhelmed with work stuff... I've noticed that my sense of adventure has been slipping a little bit and I need to reign that aspect of my life back in. Spending money and Paying off Student Loans/Visa bills doesn't always mix... but we're only young once right??? I was reading up on my friend Shannon's working travels in Korea and she seems to be traveling & partying while teaching English: this balance sounds good to me:) I guess when I look at it, I'm not here to become super star responsible teacher of the millennium right?
I should take things as they come, but a couple more nights out each month are well in order for this guy :) Looking forward to it.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
YEAR 2
I've officially made it to round 2 - Year 2 "Ding Ding, Ding Ding" sometimes it feels like a boxing match half physical fatigue and the other half mental exhaustion..... but the thrill of the win keeps me going!!!! I'm well rested from the summer - and I feel a bit more organized.
1 year ago I said: This blog will describe my first year of teaching and living in the UK. I hope my Canadian roots and experiences will help prepare me for what lays ahead... This ain't Western Canada anymore;)
It feels really long since I wrote that....... almost naive but that was first year optimism and bewilderment about the teaching profession. Now i'm in Work Smart and stay afloat mode. I still feel like I'm a bit hit & miss with Discipline and Delivery but have good support at my school and a year under my belt. I do miss Canada - and the longer I teach away from there the more I feel like i'll have to catch up when I return - the worst part is that Salary for teachers in each province appears to start at Zero if you move there even with 5 years+ experience... not so cool in my opinion. I'll have to carefully consider how long i'll stay here. For now my goal is until I pay off my student loans - then I can make my next goal :D
As for this year:
This Blog will describe my 2nd year of teaching in the UK; the ups and downs; my traveling adventures, and personal growth. Watch out England - what hasn't killed me only made me stronger!!!
1 year ago I said: This blog will describe my first year of teaching and living in the UK. I hope my Canadian roots and experiences will help prepare me for what lays ahead... This ain't Western Canada anymore;)
It feels really long since I wrote that....... almost naive but that was first year optimism and bewilderment about the teaching profession. Now i'm in Work Smart and stay afloat mode. I still feel like I'm a bit hit & miss with Discipline and Delivery but have good support at my school and a year under my belt. I do miss Canada - and the longer I teach away from there the more I feel like i'll have to catch up when I return - the worst part is that Salary for teachers in each province appears to start at Zero if you move there even with 5 years+ experience... not so cool in my opinion. I'll have to carefully consider how long i'll stay here. For now my goal is until I pay off my student loans - then I can make my next goal :D
As for this year:
This Blog will describe my 2nd year of teaching in the UK; the ups and downs; my traveling adventures, and personal growth. Watch out England - what hasn't killed me only made me stronger!!!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Oh Canada!! my home and native land
Hulllo everybody,A quick shout out and thank you to everyone I got to visit (and couch surf) on my "Tour d'Alberta Ouest"!! I've arrived back safely in England and can now function after minor jet lag :-) It was a great time seeing family and friends. Since friendly competition is always a treat - i've decided to give out some awards for my Sejour (Holiday).
1. Person who changed the most in a year: My Mom - she's look'in really hott in a non Oedipus way
2. Person who changed the least: Laura Hickman - she's always been pretty hott
3. Cutest pets: Grandma - come on Pure bred terrier puppies... who could resist
4. Best Dinner date: Erika - beautiful and engaging as always and come on those cakes were amazing!!!
5. Best cook: Me!! Kababs & Lasagna connaisseur
6. Most comfortable Hidabed: Bryan & Kyle - too bad your mom's a lasagna thunder stealer!!7. Least comfortable Hidabed: Mike & Jason - except for the one 'sweet spot'......I just couldn't find it :P
8. Shortest visit: Tricia Gill in person - Roz Smedley on the phone
9. Longest Visit: Dad & Sandy - they seemed to have been the travelling Hub this visit with a total for 3 stops
10. Most likely to run away to England with me: Leah Stone - if PGC or Down Under don't distract you first
11. Least likely to get married anytime soon: Tanya & JC... heh heh they already did :P
12. Most likely to get married anytime soon: Tricia & Dave ----> how many days left?? :P
13. Friend of a Friend who I could easily sleep with: Male contestant - Chad (Laura's new boyfriend - yum); Female contestant Kim (Tanya's bridesmaid - oh wouldn't grandma be proud)
14. Friend of a Friend who I couldn't easily sleep with: Male contestant - Danny (JC's groomsman); Female contestant - Gayle (crazy hippie friend of the parents)
15. Best Hair doo: Kieran - even if the hat covers it up
16. Best Hair don't: Jason - but don't worry, it's not your fault - it's the doctors and his use of forceps on delivery (J/K)
17. Most likely to make me take the bus: Kris - even if you didn't know I walked the river valley to catch the movie... lol
18. Least likely to make me take the bus: Pam - her new car's pretty
19. Who I'm most likely to come visit: Thomas Rogers - come on NYC... it's closer than Calgary!!!
20. Friend I'd love to travel with: Harp - You can do anything - plus you've been everywhere and can speak 3 languages (total no brainer) !!
21. My hero award: Mike Cousins - many reasons but check out his webpage www.teriba.com who knows where his next shoot will be? perhaps lawn bowling or the next Pride Parade ;)
22. Most unexpected reunion: Gail - aren't you suppose to be in Ireland :P
As I said on many a departure - Thanks for hosting me & I hope I can return the favour one day.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Canadian Bound
O'Canada!!!
i'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.....
July 13-15 Lethbridge
July 16-25 Canmore
July 26-30 Brooks
July 31-Aug 5 Edmonton
Aug 6-11 Vancouver
Aug 12-14 Victoria
Aug 15-17 Calgary/Canmore
Flight back to Jolly 'ol England -------> Aug 17 - Arrive on the 18th :-)
So many faces to see - so little time!!!
i'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.....
July 13-15 Lethbridge
July 16-25 Canmore
July 26-30 Brooks
July 31-Aug 5 Edmonton
Aug 6-11 Vancouver
Aug 12-14 Victoria
Aug 15-17 Calgary/Canmore
Flight back to Jolly 'ol England -------> Aug 17 - Arrive on the 18th :-)
So many faces to see - so little time!!!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Summer BBQ
Yippeee the sun has finally come out to play - this is honestly the 2nd day of proper summer this year - it's been raining like mad so the sunshine is a welcomed change :-)
I've been busy over the past few weeks with the school musical, submitting marks, planning schemes of work for next year, planning to fly back to canada, sisters wedding... it's been none stop!! On top of that it was Canada Day last weekend and a UVic friend Pam Gerrits flew into london - I had the pleasure of visiting with her along with my Very Sexy london contacts such as Avril and Heather; I also went wind surfing - kick ass, attended a music technology workshop, watched Savage Garden amongst other performers at London Pride, AND hosted a BBQ in my backyard for Wayne's Birthday. I'm nackered! Before I cross the atlantic I still need to pack, set cover work for the last week of school in lieu of attending Tanya's wedding, and somehow find a wedding present & birthday present because she's getting married on Saturday and turning 28 on Sunday.... whewwwwwww I'm not sure when I'll catch my breath.
Last night was pretty fun. We had the garden all decked out - I was the master chef and cooked some well received shishkababs & BBQ chicken. We ended up partying until 4am... but todays clean up was surprisingly painless.... England also went 100% smoke free so coming home from the club no longer involves smelling like asstray :P I think cigarettes contribute to at least 60% of the awful hangover you get from the bar.
Works still a kick in the bollocks - i'm slowly learning but at this time of the year it's just overload with the everything coming to an end. I had my music clubs record their CD as well. It was an impressive attempt but the 5 & 6 yr olds were more cute than musical... Betty Hanley wouldn't have approved... lol. As for now - i'm off for a planning date with Sarah - we're overhauling the curriculum for Yr 7-9.. it's a huge task but must be done - hopefully in time. Atleast i'm too busy to realise how tough this teaching gig really is... BRING ON MORE SuMMER!!!
I've been busy over the past few weeks with the school musical, submitting marks, planning schemes of work for next year, planning to fly back to canada, sisters wedding... it's been none stop!! On top of that it was Canada Day last weekend and a UVic friend Pam Gerrits flew into london - I had the pleasure of visiting with her along with my Very Sexy london contacts such as Avril and Heather; I also went wind surfing - kick ass, attended a music technology workshop, watched Savage Garden amongst other performers at London Pride, AND hosted a BBQ in my backyard for Wayne's Birthday. I'm nackered! Before I cross the atlantic I still need to pack, set cover work for the last week of school in lieu of attending Tanya's wedding, and somehow find a wedding present & birthday present because she's getting married on Saturday and turning 28 on Sunday.... whewwwwwww I'm not sure when I'll catch my breath.
Last night was pretty fun. We had the garden all decked out - I was the master chef and cooked some well received shishkababs & BBQ chicken. We ended up partying until 4am... but todays clean up was surprisingly painless.... England also went 100% smoke free so coming home from the club no longer involves smelling like asstray :P I think cigarettes contribute to at least 60% of the awful hangover you get from the bar.
Works still a kick in the bollocks - i'm slowly learning but at this time of the year it's just overload with the everything coming to an end. I had my music clubs record their CD as well. It was an impressive attempt but the 5 & 6 yr olds were more cute than musical... Betty Hanley wouldn't have approved... lol. As for now - i'm off for a planning date with Sarah - we're overhauling the curriculum for Yr 7-9.. it's a huge task but must be done - hopefully in time. Atleast i'm too busy to realise how tough this teaching gig really is... BRING ON MORE SuMMER!!!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The Final Count Down - digga duhn dun, digga dun dun dun
Wowsers!! Unlike my Canadian friends back home - it is not quite summer holidays in this neck of the woods :P I am very excited for the prospect of only 20 more teaching days!!!!!! AND to be clear it's actually only 16 teaching days, 1 professional development workshop, 1 Dept planning day, and 1 Arts College planning Day before I sneak off and fly out on Friday the 13th back to Can-adia... (that's how some of the less informed youth at my school refer to Canada.... hah hah!) I've actually almost survived. AND my school still has another week of classes after I flee the country before the little monsters - I mean darling pupils are set free to the summer wind.
The worst of it is I found my cracking point/first ever teacher melt down in the past two weeks - so this final term has been a rough start. I think the finish line in sight is what keeps me going. I hear first year teaching is all about bearing down and getting'r done - so put on the tunnel vision goggles and prepare for impact! The good news Is I still recieve a salary over the summer months.. so it's paid vacation (well actually a percentage taken from the other 10 months of the year when I'm teaching)... but still super sweet.
What have I been doing?? well this months all about balancing my budget. I'm the first to admit I'm aweful with money - so tackling Student loans and a Visa bill should give me some perspective on effective money management right!? the jury's still out on that one although i've effectively made all Student loan payments to date :-) that's more than $500 canadian a month eh! I deserve a pat on the back or something lol.
My last three weekends should be sweet, next weekend is wind surfing on a lake, followed by Canada Day carnage in london the weekend following, and finally a Birthday BBQ
Bash in Coventry the final weekend before I fly home on the Friday after that :-) :-) :-) I just can't believe it's all starting to come together. This year's been quite the escapade - AND i'll sooooo take some life lessons into next year's Academic year :P
In a festive spirit i'd like to end off with a Congrats Haiku for everyone who is wrapping up their first year of teaching. It's been hard work and feels like running a marathon where you'd like to cheer but are too busy dealing with the double vision and lactic acid.....
First Year Teaching Done
Children laughing; marking ends
Teachers are set free
The worst of it is I found my cracking point/first ever teacher melt down in the past two weeks - so this final term has been a rough start. I think the finish line in sight is what keeps me going. I hear first year teaching is all about bearing down and getting'r done - so put on the tunnel vision goggles and prepare for impact! The good news Is I still recieve a salary over the summer months.. so it's paid vacation (well actually a percentage taken from the other 10 months of the year when I'm teaching)... but still super sweet.
What have I been doing?? well this months all about balancing my budget. I'm the first to admit I'm aweful with money - so tackling Student loans and a Visa bill should give me some perspective on effective money management right!? the jury's still out on that one although i've effectively made all Student loan payments to date :-) that's more than $500 canadian a month eh! I deserve a pat on the back or something lol.
My last three weekends should be sweet, next weekend is wind surfing on a lake, followed by Canada Day carnage in london the weekend following, and finally a Birthday BBQ
Bash in Coventry the final weekend before I fly home on the Friday after that :-) :-) :-) I just can't believe it's all starting to come together. This year's been quite the escapade - AND i'll sooooo take some life lessons into next year's Academic year :P
In a festive spirit i'd like to end off with a Congrats Haiku for everyone who is wrapping up their first year of teaching. It's been hard work and feels like running a marathon where you'd like to cheer but are too busy dealing with the double vision and lactic acid.....
First Year Teaching Done
Children laughing; marking ends
Teachers are set free
Monday, June 04, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Scotland Haggis Tour!!
Scotland - Ackkkghhhh what an adventure. 
My friend Sebastian (from Germany as pictured in the kilt) and I went on a guided tour over the weekend to discover Scotland and it was manic. Our Adventure began Friday night in Edinburgh (I still don't know how they get away with spelling it that way) where we met up with my mate Allen for some drinks. 
Allen lives/works in Edinbourough.... [heh he he] originally from South Africa who I met on my previous travels through Wales. After a night of drinking in one of the best UK party towns, I was in tip top shape for an 8:30 Saturday morning start LOL :P We travelled over three days from the south of Scotland into the North, through valleys, mountains and lakes (lochs) and across to the island of Skye before returning to Edinburgh Monday evening.
Our tour group was made up of 95% commonwealth, 0% British, and 5% German (Sebastian). It was a right riot hanging out with Aussies, New Zealanders, South Africans and Canadians all weekend :-)I got to learn all about Scottish history: Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobite uprising, battle at Culloden, and the highland clearances; go to a tartan pub night, visit the Glencoe valley, Search for Nessie at the famous Loch Ness, Dip my head into a river with mystical powers, see many a castle, travel across
to the isle of Skye, see
hairy coos (or cows as we pronounce them here), see rock formations believed to summon energy forces from the earth, avoid haggis AND hear multiple stories about Scottish paps... Lastly, I spent most of the journey moving about on a wild and sexy yellow tour bus with uncle Fargus the tour guide.. When I wasn't listening to entertaining stories in a Scottish dialect or looking at the beautiful scenery... I took a couple photo ops to entertain myself Lol!! Here's some photo highlights for viewing pleasure (or pain :P).
As for the rest of my week, I'm off work as it's our final 1/2 term break. Only Six more weeks of teaching before I can call it wraps on my first year!! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can :-) I just got promoted at work to 2nd in department as well so that means a bit of a pay raise (yippee) should help in covering the costs of flying into Calgary on July 13th - far too expensive but i'm totally stoked to see everybody again!!!
PS. My last photo is Outta Control Gummy Worm Eating or "OCGWE" :-)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
1st Brass Band Rehearsal ~ blowing out the dust!!!
Wowsers - I have a music degree - and haven't played proper music since my days at UVic in the Wind Symphony. It's embarassing to say but... that was April 2005. It's been two years since i've legitimately had any claimed to being a Euphonium (small tuba) player..... nix a quick summer at band camp but I mainly taught kids how to play and didn't do anything very prolific myself.... so I blew the dust out of a borrowed horn and rehearsed with the City of Coventry Brass Band :)
It was awesome :-) I got to play a piece by Gustav Holst 1st suite in Eb!! Top notch tune and then the rest of the evening was sight reading eighth note and sixteenth note runs. Couldn't believe how fast pace brass band music is. I guess there's no flutes and clarinets to steal the spot light!!
Somehow a rumour went around the group before I came that I had played with the Canadian Brass... lol they're like the wayne gretsky of band geeks. So when I got there everyone was very interested in hearing me play... the worst part was I didn't have a mouthpiece and they were all flabergasted that a brass player doesn't bring his mouthpieces with him.... I guess I never was that hard core about mouth pieces to begin with lol.
The groups getting ready to record a CD in July so that should be a lot of fun!! and now I have regular drinking budds for a thursday night!!!
It was awesome :-) I got to play a piece by Gustav Holst 1st suite in Eb!! Top notch tune and then the rest of the evening was sight reading eighth note and sixteenth note runs. Couldn't believe how fast pace brass band music is. I guess there's no flutes and clarinets to steal the spot light!!
Somehow a rumour went around the group before I came that I had played with the Canadian Brass... lol they're like the wayne gretsky of band geeks. So when I got there everyone was very interested in hearing me play... the worst part was I didn't have a mouthpiece and they were all flabergasted that a brass player doesn't bring his mouthpieces with him.... I guess I never was that hard core about mouth pieces to begin with lol.
The groups getting ready to record a CD in July so that should be a lot of fun!! and now I have regular drinking budds for a thursday night!!!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Wales Weekend Weeturn:P
It's as though I was just in Wales.. but this weekend I went on a camping trip in the small Welsh town of Porthmadog. Our camp site was on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. Highlights include tanning, rafting in the surf, bbq, beach fires, caving exploration, huge ass tents and flying a stunt kite. The downside was traversing the windy welsh roads - they're worse than the highway out to Tofino BC if you've ever had the pleasure. There's no such thing as a patch of straight road - talk about car sickness to max... uhhhh spin me around in a swively office chair 50 times and then you'll share me passenger seat experience!! I'm back in Coventry today - the nice part is I get Monday off as well due to the festive "bank holiday" - Britons need to celebrate other things besides financial institutions eh???? lol ~ and to think I made fun of Alberta's "family day" holiday!!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Phantastic Phigure Ckates
What's up with England, for a football fetish nation they sure discriminate against large feet. All footwear stores only carry up to size 11... and at the ice arena they only rent out hockey skates up to size 10.... so tonight for the very first time I had to participate in "Sunkiss Beastley on Ice" while all the little girlies around me sped off like Wayne Gretzky in person!!!
April's wrapping up in two hours. I can't believe the weather, barely any rain and super warm... I wonder if the summer's going to be a heat wave followed by draught?? scary stuff!! I booked my Scotland tour this weekend. May 25-28 I'll be in Edinburgh!! yayy finally after hearing so much about the place I can experience it for myself :) As for work, School's the same old stuff.Only three more weeks until our senior grades go on study leave hooray!!! life as I know it will soon become much more easy!! That is all to report for now - high five for end of the month pay days :-)
April's wrapping up in two hours. I can't believe the weather, barely any rain and super warm... I wonder if the summer's going to be a heat wave followed by draught?? scary stuff!! I booked my Scotland tour this weekend. May 25-28 I'll be in Edinburgh!! yayy finally after hearing so much about the place I can experience it for myself :) As for work, School's the same old stuff.Only three more weeks until our senior grades go on study leave hooray!!! life as I know it will soon become much more easy!! That is all to report for now - high five for end of the month pay days :-)
Monday, April 16, 2007
Bright Sunlit Brighton
New Beach Dawning!! :-)
Just had a wonderful weekend in Brighton on the southern coast of England. My housemate Adrian and I packed the caravan (British word for camper) met with some friends and spent a sunny couple days on the beach, in the shops and at the night clubs. I wouldn't say cover charge of £9 is a all that flattering for a night club, but the food and company was good so who's complaining? I even went in the buff on the nude beach, although there were about 300 other naturalists in the vicinity so I definitely wasn't the only nudie patutie :P
I'm back to work today and continually floored by the lack of ambition in England - so many students don't want to learn new things, and would rather chit chat than acquire new skills. I'm starting to believe full social funding leads to lazy citizens. My students know that if they fail school and never get a job, they can go onto gov't benefits for the rest of their lives, live in council housing and receive free monthly living allowance. Do they ever take responsibility or hit rock bottom? Somehow Kids can fail a subject and get moved into the next year level regardless... Lame indeed. It seems like students need more education in self motivation, ambition, and pride than anything else!? Because I'm so crazy, I spoke with our Head Teacher, and it looks like my contract will get renewed for next year. This means I'll have a job and a Pay raise!!! yippee (the pay raise is standard for every year I teach, but a £100 more per month isn't too shabby!?). Teaching here is most definitely challenging and I've got plenty more to learn from these British Hooligans - the traveling is such a great opportunity how can a guy resist!!!
I've got two 6 week 1/2 terms left before summer break with a week off in between. It's all down hill from here, and i'm very excited about the experience I'm gaining. Somehow i've managed to keep my head above water and it can only get better. It's been great hearing from everyone back home and around the world; So amazing how many different paths there are to choose from in life - I just hope some of these paths start to cross again in the not so distant future. Until then, x
Just had a wonderful weekend in Brighton on the southern coast of England. My housemate Adrian and I packed the caravan (British word for camper) met with some friends and spent a sunny couple days on the beach, in the shops and at the night clubs. I wouldn't say cover charge of £9 is a all that flattering for a night club, but the food and company was good so who's complaining? I even went in the buff on the nude beach, although there were about 300 other naturalists in the vicinity so I definitely wasn't the only nudie patutie :P
I'm back to work today and continually floored by the lack of ambition in England - so many students don't want to learn new things, and would rather chit chat than acquire new skills. I'm starting to believe full social funding leads to lazy citizens. My students know that if they fail school and never get a job, they can go onto gov't benefits for the rest of their lives, live in council housing and receive free monthly living allowance. Do they ever take responsibility or hit rock bottom? Somehow Kids can fail a subject and get moved into the next year level regardless... Lame indeed. It seems like students need more education in self motivation, ambition, and pride than anything else!? Because I'm so crazy, I spoke with our Head Teacher, and it looks like my contract will get renewed for next year. This means I'll have a job and a Pay raise!!! yippee (the pay raise is standard for every year I teach, but a £100 more per month isn't too shabby!?). Teaching here is most definitely challenging and I've got plenty more to learn from these British Hooligans - the traveling is such a great opportunity how can a guy resist!!!
I've got two 6 week 1/2 terms left before summer break with a week off in between. It's all down hill from here, and i'm very excited about the experience I'm gaining. Somehow i've managed to keep my head above water and it can only get better. It's been great hearing from everyone back home and around the world; So amazing how many different paths there are to choose from in life - I just hope some of these paths start to cross again in the not so distant future. Until then, x
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just got back from a brilliant 3 day tour of Wales!!! Let's just say that some of the places I visited (such as the title for this posting) were a bit hard to pronounce lol. Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is the longest place name in the world and exemplifies the triumphs of Welsh spelllling:)
Here's more about the itinery we followed: http://www.haggisadventures.com/HTML2/RTG-GB-337.aspx
We Departed from London bright and early at 7:30 am; for a British Tour company, there wasn't a single british person on the trip lol!! I made friends with three South Africans and an Australian. The tour group also included New Zealanders, a couple Japanese and two couples from India. In total there were 20 of us plus one Crazy tour Guide named Gary.
They try to organize hostel roomings based upon who you book with - I was the only single guy on the trip AND let's just say that there were about 10 single women. After organizing the roomings, our tour guide announced to the bus
"Where is Steven Beasley??" I put my hand up. "Steven with the numbers we have on the trip, I'll have to room you with 6 lovely ladies. It appears you're the only single eligible bachelor for this entire Easter Tour!!" My face went a little red as the bus went 'oooooooo' - but of course I had to play it up (just a little). He then said "Any lovely ladies who'd like to share a room with our eligible bachelor let me know at lunch - Steven stand up and give the ladies a taste of what they're in for" So as I stood up, I had about 20 w0men checking me out. I did a little speal about myself and then for some reason ended by saying "I look forward to an evening of magic in the Beasley Boudoir"..... Some how I became the subject matter for just a few tour guide stories and jokes throughout our Wales Tour....
Each Day was jammed packed with 4-6 venues, so there wasn't much time to get bored or sleep on the bus. In our first day we saw the Severn River dividing Wales from England, Tintern Abby destroyed after the Church of England was established, had lunch at Europes Largest ruined castle Caerphilly where one of the pillars looks like it's going to fall on you, and then hiked Brecon Beacons National Park full of water falls and thick forest.
En route to our Welsh pub and hostel, the bus slipped into the ditch on one of the extremely narrow country roads. We were told there was a pub 40 minutes up the road..... let's just say an Hour and a half hike later, I was enjoying a couple pints of Brains (Welsh beer) before the tour bus caught up with us!!!
Wales is definitely much greener than England - they say your boogers don't turn black here like they do in the London smog ewwwww. We learned a lot about Welsh history, their struggle for independence and how the Welsh princes and royalty were killed off by the English. This prevented Wales from ever becoming an independant Nation and forcing the Welsh people into second class citizenship right up to the 20th century. It was cool traveling through the country as we learned about its history.
That night we stayed in a hostel where they were showing a boxing match and all the locals were routing for the 10 year undefeated Welsh champion... What a rowdy crowd!! After a night of shouting and dancing I retired to my Boudoir.
DAY 2
The second day we headed into Northern Wales - at this point 80% of locals spoke Welsh as a first or second language. When we went into the pubs, we could really feel the Welsh vibe but once they realized we weren't English their attitudes definitely warmed up to us :) We got to see Castel-y-Bere the last strong hold of the Welsh Princes, stunning welsh countryside with beautiful valleys, gorges, hills, lakes and stunning greenery, and many beautiful towns - one of which was hosting a rugby tournament and all the athletes dressed up as Pimps when they weren't competing!! When we first arrived into the town we just thought the locals were a bit crazy or taking the "Chav" culture a little too far!!! That evening we stayed at a hostel within the castle walls of Caernarfon - What a night of drinking indeed!! I introduced the drinking game "Never have I ever" to my international friends - what a blast.
Day 3 & Wrap up
Our final day we headed from the North of Wales back to London. We hiked up a mountain to the ruins of Dinas Bran (where some say the Holy Grail is buried), saw the worlds longest place name, went to a book town full of 20-30 book stores and did some tacky tourist Welsh shopping. It was really nice having everything planned and enjoying the culture/scenery. I've definitely made some new friends in the UK and plan to take another Haggis adventure in the future. I'm back in Coventry now but not for long, as I head down to Brighton this weekend before starting up work next Monday..... I love school holidays!!!! :-) :-) :-)
PS: Wales has millions of sheep!!!!!!
Here's more about the itinery we followed: http://www.haggisadventures.com/HTML2/RTG-GB-337.aspx
We Departed from London bright and early at 7:30 am; for a British Tour company, there wasn't a single british person on the trip lol!! I made friends with three South Africans and an Australian. The tour group also included New Zealanders, a couple Japanese and two couples from India. In total there were 20 of us plus one Crazy tour Guide named Gary.
They try to organize hostel roomings based upon who you book with - I was the only single guy on the trip AND let's just say that there were about 10 single women. After organizing the roomings, our tour guide announced to the bus
"Where is Steven Beasley??" I put my hand up. "Steven with the numbers we have on the trip, I'll have to room you with 6 lovely ladies. It appears you're the only single eligible bachelor for this entire Easter Tour!!" My face went a little red as the bus went 'oooooooo' - but of course I had to play it up (just a little). He then said "Any lovely ladies who'd like to share a room with our eligible bachelor let me know at lunch - Steven stand up and give the ladies a taste of what they're in for" So as I stood up, I had about 20 w0men checking me out. I did a little speal about myself and then for some reason ended by saying "I look forward to an evening of magic in the Beasley Boudoir"..... Some how I became the subject matter for just a few tour guide stories and jokes throughout our Wales Tour....
Each Day was jammed packed with 4-6 venues, so there wasn't much time to get bored or sleep on the bus. In our first day we saw the Severn River dividing Wales from England, Tintern Abby destroyed after the Church of England was established, had lunch at Europes Largest ruined castle Caerphilly where one of the pillars looks like it's going to fall on you, and then hiked Brecon Beacons National Park full of water falls and thick forest.
En route to our Welsh pub and hostel, the bus slipped into the ditch on one of the extremely narrow country roads. We were told there was a pub 40 minutes up the road..... let's just say an Hour and a half hike later, I was enjoying a couple pints of Brains (Welsh beer) before the tour bus caught up with us!!!
Wales is definitely much greener than England - they say your boogers don't turn black here like they do in the London smog ewwwww. We learned a lot about Welsh history, their struggle for independence and how the Welsh princes and royalty were killed off by the English. This prevented Wales from ever becoming an independant Nation and forcing the Welsh people into second class citizenship right up to the 20th century. It was cool traveling through the country as we learned about its history.
That night we stayed in a hostel where they were showing a boxing match and all the locals were routing for the 10 year undefeated Welsh champion... What a rowdy crowd!! After a night of shouting and dancing I retired to my Boudoir.
DAY 2
The second day we headed into Northern Wales - at this point 80% of locals spoke Welsh as a first or second language. When we went into the pubs, we could really feel the Welsh vibe but once they realized we weren't English their attitudes definitely warmed up to us :) We got to see Castel-y-Bere the last strong hold of the Welsh Princes, stunning welsh countryside with beautiful valleys, gorges, hills, lakes and stunning greenery, and many beautiful towns - one of which was hosting a rugby tournament and all the athletes dressed up as Pimps when they weren't competing!! When we first arrived into the town we just thought the locals were a bit crazy or taking the "Chav" culture a little too far!!! That evening we stayed at a hostel within the castle walls of Caernarfon - What a night of drinking indeed!! I introduced the drinking game "Never have I ever" to my international friends - what a blast.
Day 3 & Wrap up
Our final day we headed from the North of Wales back to London. We hiked up a mountain to the ruins of Dinas Bran (where some say the Holy Grail is buried), saw the worlds longest place name, went to a book town full of 20-30 book stores and did some tacky tourist Welsh shopping. It was really nice having everything planned and enjoying the culture/scenery. I've definitely made some new friends in the UK and plan to take another Haggis adventure in the future. I'm back in Coventry now but not for long, as I head down to Brighton this weekend before starting up work next Monday..... I love school holidays!!!! :-) :-) :-)
PS: Wales has millions of sheep!!!!!!
Friday, April 06, 2007
April Fools :~)
Just got back from Drayton Manner - it's an Amusement Park 45mins from Coventry. If Disney Land's a 10, West Edmonton Mall's a 4, and Calaway Park's a 3, I'd say Drayton Manner's about a 5?? Wayne & I had a good time (as pictured) and I discovered crazy spider monkeys who can use their tails like hands, Nugget Candy and a human dryer after getting soaked on the log ride!!
The first two weeks in April are Easter holiday, so I'm now off to Wales for a 3 day tour. Will have plenty of photos to share and many more interesting adventure to report!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Back to the Grind:) or not :P an Impulsive crossroads
Well I'm back to work. (sort of ) lol. I've been off ill almost two weeks and today was my first day back - the crazy bit is that the school is shutting down for Term break Thursday so really I only have to teach 3 more days until I'm off for another two weeks!!
What ever - I can' t plan these things but I do feel well rested so it should be a proper holiday as the destress phase has been completed:~)
In other news I've had my first inkling of building a nest: GASP some may say, but after 6 years of student living I've decided I wouldn't mind having nice things. It all began sitting in my unpainted room, with my violet-oh-so-manly borrowed duvet, in the aftermath of my sister purchasing her first home that I realized I've become a squatter!! It's time to build up my sexy bachelor pad with a King size bed, leather seats and skylight!! Keeping my student loan in check might be a pain, but the seed has been planted. I've discovered how much I despise budgeting (thanks to generation want now pay later); the next few years will be a major balancing act between getting financially sorted and liberating my 20 something Mojo.... It's like Ying and Yang to the MAX:P I very much like the little man in the red suit, pointy forked stick and mischievous moustache sitting on my left shoulder these days when it comes to impulsive fun.... My budget conscience has some major work to do come April and beyond!!
What ever - I can' t plan these things but I do feel well rested so it should be a proper holiday as the destress phase has been completed:~)
In other news I've had my first inkling of building a nest: GASP some may say, but after 6 years of student living I've decided I wouldn't mind having nice things. It all began sitting in my unpainted room, with my violet-oh-so-manly borrowed duvet, in the aftermath of my sister purchasing her first home that I realized I've become a squatter!! It's time to build up my sexy bachelor pad with a King size bed, leather seats and skylight!! Keeping my student loan in check might be a pain, but the seed has been planted. I've discovered how much I despise budgeting (thanks to generation want now pay later); the next few years will be a major balancing act between getting financially sorted and liberating my 20 something Mojo.... It's like Ying and Yang to the MAX:P I very much like the little man in the red suit, pointy forked stick and mischievous moustache sitting on my left shoulder these days when it comes to impulsive fun.... My budget conscience has some major work to do come April and beyond!!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
I'd never believe it!
RE: swollen member posting
Last week had been a slow recovery - and this week is about the same really. I'm feeling much better but still not %100 - pain in the neck (or knee) virus!! I can walk around alright and sleep comfortably at night, but my left knee and forearm are still tender. Last week my doctor gave me a note to rest for two weeks. I thought this was a little excessive, so after taking last week off I went back to work Monday. At the end of Tuesday I noticed that my entire left leg swelled up - it wasn't extremely painful but was about 1 and 1/2 times bigger than normal. I went to the cover supervisor, and she said due to insurance reasons I have to take off the full time that my doctors note prescribed & I got sent home!!! So now i'm off for the rest of this week as well. I feel like such a slacker. I guess If I take the time to recover now - everything should be back to normal faster.
In the mean time - I celebrated St. Patties Days in proper Green style. Out came the food colouring and plenty of Shandies were celebrated:)
Last week had been a slow recovery - and this week is about the same really. I'm feeling much better but still not %100 - pain in the neck (or knee) virus!! I can walk around alright and sleep comfortably at night, but my left knee and forearm are still tender. Last week my doctor gave me a note to rest for two weeks. I thought this was a little excessive, so after taking last week off I went back to work Monday. At the end of Tuesday I noticed that my entire left leg swelled up - it wasn't extremely painful but was about 1 and 1/2 times bigger than normal. I went to the cover supervisor, and she said due to insurance reasons I have to take off the full time that my doctors note prescribed & I got sent home!!! So now i'm off for the rest of this week as well. I feel like such a slacker. I guess If I take the time to recover now - everything should be back to normal faster.
In the mean time - I celebrated St. Patties Days in proper Green style. Out came the food colouring and plenty of Shandies were celebrated:)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Dirty Dancing:)
I was recently given these photos from a school fund raiser I took part in for Children in Need. It's a big celebrity thing on TV where celebrities (generally not singers) do a cover of a famous vocal artist. They dress up like them etc. At our school we had the teachers put on a performance; Sarah Holmes and I did Dirty Dancing and WON #1st Place!!! I believe our school raised over £1000. It was a pretty fun event:) The days of Mr.Beardsley are long gone :P
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
TRICIA GILL
Biggest News on the Grapevine!! The very first person I ever met moving to Victoria and University life, is planning to get married!! I still remember arriving at Cedar House to the warmest smile of TRICIA GILL waiting to let me in.
And NOW she's getting Married!!!! The lucky groom to be is Dave Poilievre
This is such exciting news:) and so I've decided to pay tribute to a great friend via embarassing blog photos from the past!! I wish her and Dave all the best.
Mike and Pat (center white trash party photo) have missed their chance!!!
Trish and Dave in Love
It's now time to celebrate
many happy thoughts
Monday, March 12, 2007
Swollen Member!!
And I'm not talking about the R&B group :P
Friday my left forearm was very tender and sore. I didn't think much of it until Saturday when I woke up and my left knee was starting to flare up as well. Sunday morning I woke up with swollen joints in both knees, my right ankle, left arm and right pointer finger; it was extremely painful to move any of my limbs. I spent the day with packs of frozen peas everywhere and resting. What was going on here!? Sunday night I started to develop a fever and headed off to the hospital to get things checked out. Two hours later they gave me some anti-inflamatorys, did a blood test and sent me home. Tuesday I get to go back for a follow up appointment. It was really bizaar going from dancing up a storm on Friday night to barely walking on Sunday. It took me about an hour to walk to the corner store and sleeping at night has been very unpleasant when my joints don't want to move without major pain......
Today I took my first sick day of the school year and it hasn't been too bad. I've been popping pills every couple hours mixing it up between anti-inflamatories and pain relief tablets. Tiger Balm is the Bomb!!!! I'm not too sure what colour my pee's going to be, but the pill cocktail has made the day fly by a lot easier:) It's kind of annoying to have to send Cover work (lesson plans) on my sick days, but c'est la vie when you're a teacher. I just hope this is a one off experience because the last few days haven't been very much fun :(
Friday my left forearm was very tender and sore. I didn't think much of it until Saturday when I woke up and my left knee was starting to flare up as well. Sunday morning I woke up with swollen joints in both knees, my right ankle, left arm and right pointer finger; it was extremely painful to move any of my limbs. I spent the day with packs of frozen peas everywhere and resting. What was going on here!? Sunday night I started to develop a fever and headed off to the hospital to get things checked out. Two hours later they gave me some anti-inflamatorys, did a blood test and sent me home. Tuesday I get to go back for a follow up appointment. It was really bizaar going from dancing up a storm on Friday night to barely walking on Sunday. It took me about an hour to walk to the corner store and sleeping at night has been very unpleasant when my joints don't want to move without major pain......
Today I took my first sick day of the school year and it hasn't been too bad. I've been popping pills every couple hours mixing it up between anti-inflamatories and pain relief tablets. Tiger Balm is the Bomb!!!! I'm not too sure what colour my pee's going to be, but the pill cocktail has made the day fly by a lot easier:) It's kind of annoying to have to send Cover work (lesson plans) on my sick days, but c'est la vie when you're a teacher. I just hope this is a one off experience because the last few days haven't been very much fun :(
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Canadian Teachers on the Rampage:)
The last week and a half I've been pleasantly distracted by the lovely presence of one Jaymi Daniels. One of my British colleagues has been off with a back injury since January. Count it - THREE Canadian Music teachers molding the minds of British Youth at North Leamington School!!! Completely crazy but when you have connections that's how cool things happen. Plus they're short on music teachers around here, so we're in high demand. 
Sadly Jaymi's headed back to Leeds today, getting herself packed and sorted before flying to Canada on Monday. We still don't have anyone to take over covering - Any other Canadian Volunteers in the area??? lol. I'm hoping my school gets Jaymi a new work permit and she can come back for round two:)
What have I been up to since Spain?? It's all about planning for Easter really!! lol. Under Jaymi's council i've booked my first Haggis Tour to see all of Wales April 7-9. The details are on the website: http://www.haggisadventures.com/HTML2/RTG-GB-337.aspx
how exciting!!! I've had a couple benders in Birmingham - I've got the worst of memories - but thanks to Jaymi's digital camera I had the pleasure of reliving each embarassing moment frame by frame - In my defense the Lemonade (british for gingerale) was out so I had to drink full pints to keep up with everyone else "that's my story"!
I had a good observation teaching a GCSE class a couple weeks back. It was nice to have some positive feedback with so much student disruption in the classroom. I would like electric collars placed around all students necks - numbered by student registrar with three levels of electric shock.
Level 1 - ZAPP I've already asked you kindly not to talk to your neighbours and to keep your hands to yourself
Level 2 - ZZZZZZZZZAPPPPPPPPP you're out of your seat again, paperballs are illegal and I'd rather see the front of your face instead of the back of your head
Level 3 - (the smell of smoke fills the room) James has disintegrated into a pile of charcoal.
How wonderful indead:) I'm off to volleyball practice and pray to all deities that Saturday can come faster than usual. All the best everyone:)
Sadly Jaymi's headed back to Leeds today, getting herself packed and sorted before flying to Canada on Monday. We still don't have anyone to take over covering - Any other Canadian Volunteers in the area??? lol. I'm hoping my school gets Jaymi a new work permit and she can come back for round two:)What have I been up to since Spain?? It's all about planning for Easter really!! lol. Under Jaymi's council i've booked my first Haggis Tour to see all of Wales April 7-9. The details are on the website: http://www.haggisadventures.com/HTML2/RTG-GB-337.aspx
how exciting!!! I've had a couple benders in Birmingham - I've got the worst of memories - but thanks to Jaymi's digital camera I had the pleasure of reliving each embarassing moment frame by frame - In my defense the Lemonade (british for gingerale) was out so I had to drink full pints to keep up with everyone else "that's my story"!
I had a good observation teaching a GCSE class a couple weeks back. It was nice to have some positive feedback with so much student disruption in the classroom. I would like electric collars placed around all students necks - numbered by student registrar with three levels of electric shock.
Level 1 - ZAPP I've already asked you kindly not to talk to your neighbours and to keep your hands to yourself
Level 2 - ZZZZZZZZZAPPPPPPPPP you're out of your seat again, paperballs are illegal and I'd rather see the front of your face instead of the back of your head
Level 3 - (the smell of smoke fills the room) James has disintegrated into a pile of charcoal.
How wonderful indead:) I'm off to volleyball practice and pray to all deities that Saturday can come faster than usual. All the best everyone:)
Friday, February 23, 2007
Spain 2007
Spain was quite the adventure over February break. I left Coventry on Friday the 9th and return on Sunday the 18th. My friend Stew flew in from Saskatoon during Spring Break to join me in London, Alicante, Granada and ending the trip back in London.
Friday:
Air Canada takes the cake on this one. First day of our trip and Stew's flight is cancelled due to mechanical failure. So he had a nice 27 hour lay over in Calgary while I roamed London Solo. I decided to go check out the London National History Museum and the National Portrait gallery. Even though i've been here for 6 months, the architecture still floors me every time. My favourite displays are the marble statues; every detail down to precise forearm muscles are captured in the stone: very impressive!! I headed to the Maple leaf Pub for dinner and caught up with my Canadian news - I had NO idea that Ralf Klein was finally finished being the Premier of AB!! I did a little dance in the pub and cheers'd a pint of Canadian in celebration. The night concluded watching Ugly Betty in my hotel room and getting well rested for the trip to come:)
Saturday:
Went and met Stew at Heathrow Airport. It's nice being in such a big city - the tube takes you everywhere a guy would want to be. Who needs a car!? I had to wait 2 hours for the late flight, but I was on holiday so there was no rush. Instead I snuck into the employees cafeteria for some cheap lunch and flight attendant eye candy, and then went off to relive some "love actually" moments as people reunited at Heathrow:) After Stew arrived it was our mission to kick his jet lag in 24 hrs. So lights out had to wait until at least 10 pm British time. We spent the afternoon roaming the big sites of London - Trafalgar Square, Soho, Big Ben, Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Canada gate, horse guards and ended up at a top notch Turkish restaurant - wasn't until then I discovered Stew's more conservative diet - but give him credit as he attempted most of the Amazingly Delicious Tapas (this also meant more for me to chow down!!!) That evening met up with my Friend Heather who used to kick some serious ass performing at UVic during our Music degrees - I guess that's why she was a performance major, now has her masters and is a freelance Clarinetist in London... (Heather rocks). With a night cap down the hatch Our first day of Vacation ended in a good nights sleep.
Sunday
Woke up and had breakfast with this lady from Sweden. (We stayed at a B&B). She was quite friendly and interesting, although totally a blueberry jam hoarder- leaving me only one packet... grrr lol. Flew out of Gatwick Airport and Arrived in Alicante. Full day travelling - before bed we had a wicked thin crust Pizza and Stew discovered his passion for Fanta pop. He states it's like orange crush but "better". I think upon returning to Canada Stew had to declare atleast 10 bottles of the stuff:P We checked in to our guest house in Alicante, but unfortunately the hot water was broke soooooo.... they moved us into the downtown CONDO!!! yipeeeeee. On the bus from the Airport we also came across 3 Canadian girls, one studying there and the other two visiting for Spring Break. What a small world eh?? Well not so small - since a bird also managed to crap directly on my suit case while waiting for the bus.... We ended up hanging out with the Canadian girls for the next couple nights and it was great to have a Canadian Tour guide as well:)
Monday - Thursday
These days mushed into one as days consisted of sleeping in and staying up late. Our first full day we went and explored the old Moorish Castle in Alicante. It was build out of the mountain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea - I kept wanting to say Ocean.. but really not a big deal. I guess there was an elevator that took you up to the mountain top - being adventurous Canadians we decided to scale the side of the mountain instead. he he he. I fondly remember telling stew that picking cactus berries might not be the best idea, as Stew was stabbed and prodded by the tiny little spines that dug into his hands and feet for the remainder of our climb.... At the top, which included serious navigation around crumbled walls and staircases - we had to scale the top wall - this involved me pushing Stew's feet over and then him pulling me up. Luckily we didn't end up in a body bag.
Another highlight of our Alicante stay was definitely the beach. We went skinny dipping here with the Canadian girls, played many hours of beach volleyball, worked the tan and even watched two Spanish girls hump each other in public?? The last point was a bit bizar - perhaps its a Spanish thing and what girls do when they're drunk in the sand?? I also truly realized what it's like not to be able to speak the language what so ever. I could always fudge my way through speaking french - Spanish showed me how to clearly make hand gestures, nodd intensely and smile. On Valentines day Stew and I had our Mid week crisis as he was pick pocketed by a local thief. All he had left was his passport... a bit of a down fall as we were also in the 4 day clause of overkill being around another person 24 hrs a day. So Valentines was sort of a day to cool off and discover quite time:)
Thursday
We headed to Granada Spain by bus. This was a 6 hour journey and initiated the end of the overkill clause previously mentioned. Luckily I had space on my Visa, and so in one way Visa became Stew and my Sugar Daddy. We arrived late into Granada but never too late for dinner. It was crazy how many African street peddlers are in Granada. During dinner we were asked Minimum 10 times if we wanted to buy stacks of Cds; they were unyielding.
Friday
We had booked our Skis, bus tickets and I even bought snow pants in preparation to ski Sierra Nevada - pretty much a crap version of Mount Norquay just outside of Calgary. Our bus arrived at the slope around 8am even before the lifts opened. Then at Nine o'clock they decided to postpone opening the lift until 10 due to high winds......... at 4 pm our bus picked us up and we never got to go skiing. This sounds pretty disappointing, but stew did climb all the way up the slope for one 45 second run - and after all the stress/intensity of Wednesday, it was kinda nice to just sit in the sunshine and relax. We went to the local grocery store, bought some cheese, bread and beer (very European) sat in the sunshine and had a relaxed day.
Friday night:
Friday night gets it's own paragraph. After returning our ski equipment stew and I await the airport bus. It seems a bit late arriving but finally we get to the airport 30 minutes before our flight. We arrive at the Ryan Air terminal (Ryan air is like low low low budget West Jet to the max) where they say we've missed our check in time... Hellz NO with a bit of persuasion (I felt like I was on a episode of The Amazing Race) we get our bags checked late and ran to the security section, then booked it to our gate just to find everyone else waiting an extra 45 min for the delayed plane... arghhh so after sitting around for about an hour we finally depart for London Stansted Airport (this is our third different London Airport during the trip) At customs in London - I presented my passport and work permit. Now, when I arrived in the UK last Sept I came as a visitor because I didn't have my work permit on me and didn't want the hassle... WRONG MOVE..... So after checking my paper work and making me sit for about 2 hours - I was inches from getting deported back to Canada because A) I was deceptive coming to England the first time stating I was visiting when I had the intention of working, and B) my work permit was illegitimate because the Canadian Customs didn't stamp it into my Passport.. I had no Idea I was suppose to do this.... My only saving grace was that I had applied and received dual citizenship in November. So at 3 am they received confirmation of this and decided to allow me a 2 month grace period in which I could get my paperwork sorted... "insert headache here".... We finally get to our hostel at 4am to discover it's totally a rundown cesspool. As soon as my head touched my 'rolled up blankets in lieu of my non existent pillow', the fire alarm rang at 9am... what a turn of events eh!?? We decide to go for breakfast at the corner shop - guess how much two bottles of water and two pastries costs us................ £10 - that's like $24 Canadian for two bottles of water and two pastries!!!!!!!!! Some parts of London can be a total rip off. You just need to know where not to shop. We checked in early to another B&B and then spend the majority of Saturday sleeping.
Saturday night
Our trip wrapped up nicely with an excursion to the theatre where we saw Boeing 747 - starring Get this GET THIS Frances De la Tour (she was the super giant witch in Harry Potter) and Roger Allam who was the TV guy in the movie V for Vendetta. It was a great comedy and putting me back into a peaceful mindset.
Sunday morning I departed on the Train for Coventry and thus wrapped my Vacation. Stew Stayed one more night at a hostel in London before flying out Monday morning from Heathrow (no delays this time:)
It was a great learning curve first vacation - I've discovered it's almost an art to organize a quality vacation. I do like to think that practice makes perfect, and with that in mind I'll look forward to my next one!!!!
Friday:
Air Canada takes the cake on this one. First day of our trip and Stew's flight is cancelled due to mechanical failure. So he had a nice 27 hour lay over in Calgary while I roamed London Solo. I decided to go check out the London National History Museum and the National Portrait gallery. Even though i've been here for 6 months, the architecture still floors me every time. My favourite displays are the marble statues; every detail down to precise forearm muscles are captured in the stone: very impressive!! I headed to the Maple leaf Pub for dinner and caught up with my Canadian news - I had NO idea that Ralf Klein was finally finished being the Premier of AB!! I did a little dance in the pub and cheers'd a pint of Canadian in celebration. The night concluded watching Ugly Betty in my hotel room and getting well rested for the trip to come:)
Saturday:
Went and met Stew at Heathrow Airport. It's nice being in such a big city - the tube takes you everywhere a guy would want to be. Who needs a car!? I had to wait 2 hours for the late flight, but I was on holiday so there was no rush. Instead I snuck into the employees cafeteria for some cheap lunch and flight attendant eye candy, and then went off to relive some "love actually" moments as people reunited at Heathrow:) After Stew arrived it was our mission to kick his jet lag in 24 hrs. So lights out had to wait until at least 10 pm British time. We spent the afternoon roaming the big sites of London - Trafalgar Square, Soho, Big Ben, Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Canada gate, horse guards and ended up at a top notch Turkish restaurant - wasn't until then I discovered Stew's more conservative diet - but give him credit as he attempted most of the Amazingly Delicious Tapas (this also meant more for me to chow down!!!) That evening met up with my Friend Heather who used to kick some serious ass performing at UVic during our Music degrees - I guess that's why she was a performance major, now has her masters and is a freelance Clarinetist in London... (Heather rocks). With a night cap down the hatch Our first day of Vacation ended in a good nights sleep.
Sunday
Woke up and had breakfast with this lady from Sweden. (We stayed at a B&B). She was quite friendly and interesting, although totally a blueberry jam hoarder- leaving me only one packet... grrr lol. Flew out of Gatwick Airport and Arrived in Alicante. Full day travelling - before bed we had a wicked thin crust Pizza and Stew discovered his passion for Fanta pop. He states it's like orange crush but "better". I think upon returning to Canada Stew had to declare atleast 10 bottles of the stuff:P We checked in to our guest house in Alicante, but unfortunately the hot water was broke soooooo.... they moved us into the downtown CONDO!!! yipeeeeee. On the bus from the Airport we also came across 3 Canadian girls, one studying there and the other two visiting for Spring Break. What a small world eh?? Well not so small - since a bird also managed to crap directly on my suit case while waiting for the bus.... We ended up hanging out with the Canadian girls for the next couple nights and it was great to have a Canadian Tour guide as well:)
Monday - Thursday
These days mushed into one as days consisted of sleeping in and staying up late. Our first full day we went and explored the old Moorish Castle in Alicante. It was build out of the mountain overlooking the Mediterranean Sea - I kept wanting to say Ocean.. but really not a big deal. I guess there was an elevator that took you up to the mountain top - being adventurous Canadians we decided to scale the side of the mountain instead. he he he. I fondly remember telling stew that picking cactus berries might not be the best idea, as Stew was stabbed and prodded by the tiny little spines that dug into his hands and feet for the remainder of our climb.... At the top, which included serious navigation around crumbled walls and staircases - we had to scale the top wall - this involved me pushing Stew's feet over and then him pulling me up. Luckily we didn't end up in a body bag.
Another highlight of our Alicante stay was definitely the beach. We went skinny dipping here with the Canadian girls, played many hours of beach volleyball, worked the tan and even watched two Spanish girls hump each other in public?? The last point was a bit bizar - perhaps its a Spanish thing and what girls do when they're drunk in the sand?? I also truly realized what it's like not to be able to speak the language what so ever. I could always fudge my way through speaking french - Spanish showed me how to clearly make hand gestures, nodd intensely and smile. On Valentines day Stew and I had our Mid week crisis as he was pick pocketed by a local thief. All he had left was his passport... a bit of a down fall as we were also in the 4 day clause of overkill being around another person 24 hrs a day. So Valentines was sort of a day to cool off and discover quite time:)
Thursday
We headed to Granada Spain by bus. This was a 6 hour journey and initiated the end of the overkill clause previously mentioned. Luckily I had space on my Visa, and so in one way Visa became Stew and my Sugar Daddy. We arrived late into Granada but never too late for dinner. It was crazy how many African street peddlers are in Granada. During dinner we were asked Minimum 10 times if we wanted to buy stacks of Cds; they were unyielding.
Friday
We had booked our Skis, bus tickets and I even bought snow pants in preparation to ski Sierra Nevada - pretty much a crap version of Mount Norquay just outside of Calgary. Our bus arrived at the slope around 8am even before the lifts opened. Then at Nine o'clock they decided to postpone opening the lift until 10 due to high winds......... at 4 pm our bus picked us up and we never got to go skiing. This sounds pretty disappointing, but stew did climb all the way up the slope for one 45 second run - and after all the stress/intensity of Wednesday, it was kinda nice to just sit in the sunshine and relax. We went to the local grocery store, bought some cheese, bread and beer (very European) sat in the sunshine and had a relaxed day.
Friday night:
Friday night gets it's own paragraph. After returning our ski equipment stew and I await the airport bus. It seems a bit late arriving but finally we get to the airport 30 minutes before our flight. We arrive at the Ryan Air terminal (Ryan air is like low low low budget West Jet to the max) where they say we've missed our check in time... Hellz NO with a bit of persuasion (I felt like I was on a episode of The Amazing Race) we get our bags checked late and ran to the security section, then booked it to our gate just to find everyone else waiting an extra 45 min for the delayed plane... arghhh so after sitting around for about an hour we finally depart for London Stansted Airport (this is our third different London Airport during the trip) At customs in London - I presented my passport and work permit. Now, when I arrived in the UK last Sept I came as a visitor because I didn't have my work permit on me and didn't want the hassle... WRONG MOVE..... So after checking my paper work and making me sit for about 2 hours - I was inches from getting deported back to Canada because A) I was deceptive coming to England the first time stating I was visiting when I had the intention of working, and B) my work permit was illegitimate because the Canadian Customs didn't stamp it into my Passport.. I had no Idea I was suppose to do this.... My only saving grace was that I had applied and received dual citizenship in November. So at 3 am they received confirmation of this and decided to allow me a 2 month grace period in which I could get my paperwork sorted... "insert headache here".... We finally get to our hostel at 4am to discover it's totally a rundown cesspool. As soon as my head touched my 'rolled up blankets in lieu of my non existent pillow', the fire alarm rang at 9am... what a turn of events eh!?? We decide to go for breakfast at the corner shop - guess how much two bottles of water and two pastries costs us................ £10 - that's like $24 Canadian for two bottles of water and two pastries!!!!!!!!! Some parts of London can be a total rip off. You just need to know where not to shop. We checked in early to another B&B and then spend the majority of Saturday sleeping.
Saturday night
Our trip wrapped up nicely with an excursion to the theatre where we saw Boeing 747 - starring Get this GET THIS Frances De la Tour (she was the super giant witch in Harry Potter) and Roger Allam who was the TV guy in the movie V for Vendetta. It was a great comedy and putting me back into a peaceful mindset.
Sunday morning I departed on the Train for Coventry and thus wrapped my Vacation. Stew Stayed one more night at a hostel in London before flying out Monday morning from Heathrow (no delays this time:)
It was a great learning curve first vacation - I've discovered it's almost an art to organize a quality vacation. I do like to think that practice makes perfect, and with that in mind I'll look forward to my next one!!!!
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Ola ~ From Spain and Back Again!!
Wowzers!! What a week. First off southern Spain is a beautiful place for white sandy beaches and good company. Stew and I had a great time discovering Spanish Culture, Climate and Night life:)
I've just arrived home on Sunday night well tired but I wanted to put up some pictures to let everyone know I made it there and back safe and sound. Our trip did have its ups and downs, but I will leave that for a later thorough trip description.
Ola
Steve
Friday, February 09, 2007
Spain here I come!!!
I wonder if I'll discover true international champions of the Mike Cousin's Taco Bell challenge??
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Snow DAY!???
So it snowed for the second time since i've been here. The first happened last month during period 2 when the kids were already in school - by period four it was all gone. It snowed last night - maybe 10 - 15 cms (if you're lucky) and school was canceled due to our "Foul Weather" policy. I'm not one to complain about a snow day BUT!!! I was feeling ill yesterday and last night it got a lot worse with a fever, chills, aching etc. etc. so I had to scramble this morning putting together cover lessons for my very first sick day teaching. This included about an hour of prep at 630am.... then after all the emails and attachments were sent off I get a phone call at 7:30 saying that school was cancelled anyways!!! Just my luck:P
Well Today is all about kick this bug because I fly out for Spain on Sunday - and there's NO WAY I can be ill for my holiday. Who would have thunk wearing your touque (which isn't a word in England they say hat?) and scarf in bed rather than outside on snow day?? I feel like a human furnace but I'm ambitious to get on the mend.
I'm heading to London tomorrow meeting up with Stew at Heathrow airport. Then Spending Friday/Saturday in London before flying to Alicante Spain on Sunday. From there it's 4 days on the beach and plenty of sun/surf/beach vball. Thursday we Head to Granada and Sierra Nevada for a day of skiing prior to flying back to England next weekend to catch a Musical and perhaps a couple pints in the Maple Leaf Pub. Hopefully my next blog entry will include "this guy" with an Euber sweet tan and sense of R&R.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Procrastinated Post!?
I've been putting off, putting off, putting off publishing another post until something EUBER exciting happened........
January's been a long haul:P
Perhaps the simple life is something to write about? Teaching in January hasn't thrown too many curve balls - only a couple snow balls. We had ONE snow day last week - when I say 'snow day' there were 3 cms of snow that lasted for the first four periods of the day.. a little mediocre in Canadian standards. Our Head teacher (principal) sent out an advisory email to discourage snowball fights within 50 meters of school buildings and the students went manic and would not concentrate what so ever during lessons. From my office window at break I witnessed one of our part time teachers getting pelted by 7+ snow balls trying to load his car with 3 boxes of supplies - arms full and defenseless.... So I charged out of the Music Suite to confront not only the 7 perpetrators but... roughly the 150+ student Mob witnessing the slaughter!! All I remember was going NAVY GI Joe ass kicking on the two ring leaders - both deviant students of mine. I single handedly cleared the Mob!!! woot woot how fun.. one student tried throwing a snowball at me but had poor aim and was escorted to the Deputy Head's office:~) I now know where my Navy Drill voice can come in handy! Students later commented I looked "well pissed Sir" - 'well' is a british substitute for very/really.
I've been struggling to organize music for my after school clubs - especially the yr 1-6 group (6 yrs old - 11 yrs old) UNTIL I thought back to my elementary days: So I whipped out two famous tunes care of Sharon, Louis and Bram. We rocked to "1 green jelly bean down in my belly bean" and "skinamarinky dinky dinky" WITH the actions: how stellar was that. I think I had more fun reliving the moment then they did performing. Life as a 25 year old primary school student is well awesome!!
Out side of school, I've been a bit of a lazy bum and need to figure out a fitness regime.. I can't make it to the rowing club using public transport.. so now I have to find another way to maintain my Adonis physique:P The only options are slave away at the gym, join a swimming club or take up a new sport. Vball's still on twice a week, so perhaps I should bite the bullet and get a gym membership?? Maybe seek out a trainer partner to keep myself motivated.. I just know I'm rubbish at hitting the gym solo.
Besides that, I'm really just getting on with my first year teaching. I've discovered that I can never really get ahead when trying to get organized. There's always a lesson that I end up planning the night before - i've almost become efficient at teaching this way? Not all is the same old; I'm looking forward to this Friday as I get to attend a music teaching workshop in Manchester. I plan to make a weekend trip out of it and frequent some famous night clubs. Then after next week, i'm off to SPAIN for my first vacation since before University. I've never traveled for the specific reason of having a holiday since we used to go to Calling Lake near Athabaska as a kid - and that was atleast 10+ years ago...
Sometimes I don't know how to sum up my feelings, but a great friend of mine Erika always mentions a song that reflects her mood. So for me today there's this snow Patrol Song that can sum up my feeling towards teaching, fitness and relationships. Sometimes the only way to descibe how life is going is to say the simple word "meh":)
"If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?"
~Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
January's been a long haul:P
Perhaps the simple life is something to write about? Teaching in January hasn't thrown too many curve balls - only a couple snow balls. We had ONE snow day last week - when I say 'snow day' there were 3 cms of snow that lasted for the first four periods of the day.. a little mediocre in Canadian standards. Our Head teacher (principal) sent out an advisory email to discourage snowball fights within 50 meters of school buildings and the students went manic and would not concentrate what so ever during lessons. From my office window at break I witnessed one of our part time teachers getting pelted by 7+ snow balls trying to load his car with 3 boxes of supplies - arms full and defenseless.... So I charged out of the Music Suite to confront not only the 7 perpetrators but... roughly the 150+ student Mob witnessing the slaughter!! All I remember was going NAVY GI Joe ass kicking on the two ring leaders - both deviant students of mine. I single handedly cleared the Mob!!! woot woot how fun.. one student tried throwing a snowball at me but had poor aim and was escorted to the Deputy Head's office:~) I now know where my Navy Drill voice can come in handy! Students later commented I looked "well pissed Sir" - 'well' is a british substitute for very/really.
I've been struggling to organize music for my after school clubs - especially the yr 1-6 group (6 yrs old - 11 yrs old) UNTIL I thought back to my elementary days: So I whipped out two famous tunes care of Sharon, Louis and Bram. We rocked to "1 green jelly bean down in my belly bean" and "skinamarinky dinky dinky" WITH the actions: how stellar was that. I think I had more fun reliving the moment then they did performing. Life as a 25 year old primary school student is well awesome!!
Out side of school, I've been a bit of a lazy bum and need to figure out a fitness regime.. I can't make it to the rowing club using public transport.. so now I have to find another way to maintain my Adonis physique:P The only options are slave away at the gym, join a swimming club or take up a new sport. Vball's still on twice a week, so perhaps I should bite the bullet and get a gym membership?? Maybe seek out a trainer partner to keep myself motivated.. I just know I'm rubbish at hitting the gym solo.
Besides that, I'm really just getting on with my first year teaching. I've discovered that I can never really get ahead when trying to get organized. There's always a lesson that I end up planning the night before - i've almost become efficient at teaching this way? Not all is the same old; I'm looking forward to this Friday as I get to attend a music teaching workshop in Manchester. I plan to make a weekend trip out of it and frequent some famous night clubs. Then after next week, i'm off to SPAIN for my first vacation since before University. I've never traveled for the specific reason of having a holiday since we used to go to Calling Lake near Athabaska as a kid - and that was atleast 10+ years ago...
Sometimes I don't know how to sum up my feelings, but a great friend of mine Erika always mentions a song that reflects her mood. So for me today there's this snow Patrol Song that can sum up my feeling towards teaching, fitness and relationships. Sometimes the only way to descibe how life is going is to say the simple word "meh":)
"If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?"
~Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
2007 ~ A Fresh Start
Out with the old and in with the new: it's time for a shave!!
Happy New Years Everybody!! Mr. Beardsley was soooo 2006;)
I must admit this year is full of anticipation and wonder. The first four months of teaching in England have flown by, and i'm headed into uncharted territory. This is definitley a much longer gig than my student teaching practicum. The next six weeks will be full of Recorder Concerts, Computer Based Compositions and a Percussion Ensemble from Hell.
The best part is that I've already booked tickets to Spain for Spring Break. That's seriously only 6 weeks away!! Crazy wicked:) Outside of teaching, I'm continuing to train with the Warwick Rowing club, and Riga Men's volleyball team. To make some extra cash, I've taken on some private music students. Lastley I hope to join a Brass Band. It's been 4 months sans Euphonium Magic... I must get on that. Leading full throttle into 2007 I've decided to make a top ten list of New Years resolutions. (in no particular order)
1. Keep in touch with home: get on the webcam and say HI:)
2. Join a Musical Ensemble aka Brass Band
3. Put together some kick ass music for my Sisters Wedding (July 14th)
4. Break 6:40 on the Erg (rowing machine) for 2000 metres
5. Win my Volleyball League
6. Eat Healthy - and take on another Rozzy recommended Detox:)
7. Pay off my Visa Bill before 2008
8. Discover British Fashion - get Euro GQ
9. Go on a week long Fishing Trip with My Dad this summer
10. Discover Romance in England
It feels like i'm so far away from everyone, but I've also had such great memories from back home - I know I can keep going. I was looking at pictures from Cedar House, University, the Navy, Sports Teams, Cadets and My Family in Alberta: I really feed from those positive experiences, and no matter what I face, I know I have their love and support to kick some Major European Butt in 2007!!
Happy New Years Everybody!! Mr. Beardsley was soooo 2006;)
I must admit this year is full of anticipation and wonder. The first four months of teaching in England have flown by, and i'm headed into uncharted territory. This is definitley a much longer gig than my student teaching practicum. The next six weeks will be full of Recorder Concerts, Computer Based Compositions and a Percussion Ensemble from Hell.
The best part is that I've already booked tickets to Spain for Spring Break. That's seriously only 6 weeks away!! Crazy wicked:) Outside of teaching, I'm continuing to train with the Warwick Rowing club, and Riga Men's volleyball team. To make some extra cash, I've taken on some private music students. Lastley I hope to join a Brass Band. It's been 4 months sans Euphonium Magic... I must get on that. Leading full throttle into 2007 I've decided to make a top ten list of New Years resolutions. (in no particular order)
1. Keep in touch with home: get on the webcam and say HI:)
2. Join a Musical Ensemble aka Brass Band
3. Put together some kick ass music for my Sisters Wedding (July 14th)
4. Break 6:40 on the Erg (rowing machine) for 2000 metres
5. Win my Volleyball League
6. Eat Healthy - and take on another Rozzy recommended Detox:)
7. Pay off my Visa Bill before 2008
8. Discover British Fashion - get Euro GQ
9. Go on a week long Fishing Trip with My Dad this summer
10. Discover Romance in England
It feels like i'm so far away from everyone, but I've also had such great memories from back home - I know I can keep going. I was looking at pictures from Cedar House, University, the Navy, Sports Teams, Cadets and My Family in Alberta: I really feed from those positive experiences, and no matter what I face, I know I have their love and support to kick some Major European Butt in 2007!!
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