It's Been A While

Hmmm, what a week. I guess any of the teachers would know that Halloween time in the school is a very very hectic time! I don't even know where the last week has gone, but c'est la vie!

So, with the end of Term 1 last week, everyone has been rather frantic putting the finishing touches on their marks. I always start with the classes I teach for other homeroom teachers, and then do my own classes scores. however, I have only received 2 sets of marks from the others to date, and hope they don't pull a "last minute" hand in job the day of our parent-teacher meetings!

Then the Saturday was the night of the annual staff halloween party. It was a riot! April hosted (after I sucked her into the job one other party night her first week in the north... she didn't know what she was getting into!! hahaha, but that was the last time I have been able to convince her to do anything, so it was a small victory in my mind. LOL!) What a great spread, decorations everywhere, and a table FULL of snacks... Boy, is she ever a hosting genius. I won't tell you about my costume until I have a picture to go along with it. It was definately out of the box, but gave everyone a laugh when they saw me!

Sunday, was a lazy day. There was a flu bug going around and I think it must of hit me too. Oh well, I was told it only inflicted one as long as the stomach contents were still inside, but as soon as you emptied yourself, then you felt fine. Hope that wasn't too much information, but you know, I can concur that the flu ran exactly like that! I ended up watching 6 episodes of LOST season 2 and staying in my PJ's all day long! NICE!

Today was a crazy day at school, Halloween fever has hit and my students were SOOOOO crazy annoying!! Tomorrow we have a bunch of activities planned in school. Including an old scary movie in the morning(just for secondary), pumpkin carving, games for the whole school, etc. Should be an absolutely draining day! Yee haw!

My battery is running out, so I have to sign off, but watch for photos in the next few days, if I have the energy! haha!

Carnation Milk, Chit Chats and Cracked Glass...

What to say... Maybe this is not the best time to sit down and write a blog entry. I'm tired, just ate and am avoiding the new little clean up job that was forced upon me at about 6:30 pm tonight as I prepared my supper... Let's see if I can tell you about the good stuff before this mess...

Monday was a PED Day, and since nothing was planned for the day we were able to work on whatever we wanted to. I spent most of my day helping April out in her class, and helping Jean with a little job, helping Philip the new Secondary teacher setting up his homeroom's report cards, and then finally doing a bit of marking in my own class. It was a VERY productive day and I feel like I helped make a lot of good things happen. The day however went so FREAKIN' fast that I wish we could have another one soon.

Tuesday afterschool, walked April home and stopped in for a while for a tea with carnation milk. I have to say that I forgot how awesome tea tastes with it. My nanny used to use only canned milk with her tea so we would use it too whenever we were visiting, I especially think of the huge old house with the large verandah and droppy willow canopy over the street in Bay Roberts where my nanny and poppy lived when I was around 5. Funny how a can of milk can cause one to think of all of those things, but it does. The tea and chit chat we had for an hour or so before Trevor arrived home was nice. Once I got home I ate a late supper and watched episode 4 of LOST (season 2). It is SUCH an awesome show. If anyone is reading this and wodering what to get me for Christmas, it would definately be Season 1 of that show! (hint hint Mom!!) I am already getting people psyched up to do a marathon viewing to get all caught up...

Wednesday. Good day overall- it was my easy day as far as my students go. I only teach 4 out of 7 periods. After school, I did a bunch more marking and around 5, two of the cops and a nurse showed up eager to play badminton so I jumped in for a few games and it was a good time. Amele (sp?) the nurse is very energetic and has a great sense of humour so it made it more fun. I like to be able to joke and egg my opponents on a lot, so I don't really enojy if people are too serious...

THEN I got home and started to heat up my supper. I had cooked beef medallions Tuesday night and waited to make gravy tonight. I guess I should do more research on cookware, but I thought, well, I should be able to put the Pyrex dish on the element and heat the gravy enough to thicken it. In my mind, this seemed like a flawless plan and in a few minutes I had perfectly glossy thick gravy. It was getting pretty hot so I moved the dish off the heat, and zapped the leftovers. SUDDENLY *BANG*. It sounded like a gunshot and I yelped a little bit, turning around to see my pyrex dish in a million zillion billion pieces all over the stove, floor and adjacent counter. The gravy was oozing into the elements and down over the front of the stove and was splattered all over my pants. Shards of glass were everywhere, embedded into my clothing, in the cracks between the stove and counter, between tiles on the floor and all over the little rugs... AND all I could think was, "so much for a relaxing evening of marking and watching LOST..." And my mind starting craving the soothing of a warm tea with carnation milk....

Sitting on a comfy chair reminiscing...

One term done and it has been a great one. I feel as though I have had some truly hilarious and memorable experiences socially, at work and in the classroom. Thinking back even further, I can hardly believe that I have been working up her going on 4 years... My days of university in Ottawa are long since finished and THIS is now the new life I lead. I don't really feel much different than I did in university. I mean, nothing about me has really changed since then. I still am very involved and committed to everything that I do- back then it was the youth and junior high groups at church, now it is my class and the whole school. I am still single and childless- nothing to explain there, as Andrea (friend from Ottawa) ask everytime we talk, "has your hot mountain man future husband canoed into town yet?" No prospects yet even in that department. And well, my perspectives on life, faith, money, politics and work have not changed either.

I guess I have been challenged to think about this a bit having just come home from Mark's place where I helped Nancy make a little birthday supper for Mark who turns 36 tomorrow. And again, I was thinking about some of my buddies up here Nancy (who turns 30 in March) and April (who just turned 31 a couple months back). I mean comparatively, they are both at very different stages of life- Nancy with family, April with Trevor... and there is not many years separating us... I mean I am 27... on the downside of the 20's... 27 seems so far past 23, which still sounds young and vibrant... Now, don't get me wrong (I can imagine the groans and chuckles happening across Nova Scotia from my more senior blog readers...) but I'm just realising now that I am no longer the super young, active, "I've got lots of time to figure those things out" person that I was a few short years ago...

There's a song by John Mayer that talks about a "quarter-life crisis" hits around 25... maybe this is it... but where do I go from here... who knows? I am tired of living vicariously through my younger friends... but how to start this new leaf??

More concretely, had a great weekend. Friday night, games were fun. They flew together at the last minute and we had some great conversations to fill out the evening. Saturday morning woke up at daybreak... well, 7:30 or so, and did a few chores before chatting with April. She had been up (as she commented in my last blog) for quite a while, okay, she actually saw the sunrise I think... unlike me... Then after helping Trevor with picking up the cargo at the airport she dropped in for a few minutes to chat and enjoy the sun in my front porch. We planned to eat poutine and cheeseburgers (mmmm...) for supper otherwise nullifying any walking we had done this week, and then just see if anyone was up for anything. The consensus from most people was that no one had much energy but at about 9 or 10 it seemed like everyone got a second wind. Quite a few people dropped down to April's place and we staged a "Last Minute Birthday Festivus" for Mark. We even had some dancing, which surprised everyone since we had all been so exhausted earlier... Called it quits at 3:30'ish but it was a fully fun filled soiree...

This morning I slept in until noon waking to the warm, bright sun breaking through the blind of my window. It was almost like a late August day, not like the end of October. I straightened up a bit, watched only 2 episodes of LOST (which were SOOOO excellent) and at about 4 played some badminton at the school with my badminton arch nemesis, "Taylor", unfortunately, there were many people there today so we didn't get a chance to do a real, best of three tournament. We played one game. She won, but I was just getting used to the different racket so it TOTALLY doesn't count... As we played we were trying to come up with the excuse list for why neither of us were playing up to par... I think her best excuse was a potentially sprained groin?! She might have been telling the truth, we had her doing the splits last night on the dance floor so you never know! Hahaha!

Now it is 10:30 and I am happily thinking of bed and tomorrow's PED day... Yippee no students, so an easy start to the week. Hope to hear from all of you who read! Have a great week!

Weekend ALREADY?

This week was insanely fast for some reason. Especially for a week that was a full 5 days long. The reason escapes me. Maybe it was the "Judy-factor", since I was always fairly awake and eager for the evenings, since we went for a few walks, chatted and had sushi supper one night. I really enjoy talking to her, getting insights into teaching and bouncing thoughts and concerns off her. She is always a GREAT sport, despite it being often at the end of a LONG LONG day!!

Maybe it was also that April and I started our twice a week, "Drop Everything and Walk" program... So, on Tuesday and Thursday we went for walks. Thursdays was actually really nice, down past her house, past the beach and around the side of the George River. I LOVE the sound of the waves on the sand and despite it being dusk and a bit hard to see on the way back, it was SUCH a great backdrop for a walk! Days are getting markedly shorter and before long we had better have a frosting of snow everywhere or else I will feel like I have been ripped off royally! Short days and no skidooing?!?!? Hardly fair!

Not much on the go this evening, talked to Nancy who is very busy with a potluck at the Daycare and also a fundraising event at the school. April has been plagued with a persistent and annoying headache, which will HOPEFULLY go away tonight or else they might want to medivac her to Kuujjuaq to see the doctor. Krystal has a new room-mate for a month (a grad student who is studying climate change) but will be joining us later for a games night. And well, other than going to Pascal and Maite's for board games, I don't have much planned for the weekend. I REALLY hope April is feeling better tomorrow (so she doesn't have to be in bed all weekend!!) and also so we can maybe go for a walk if it is nice tomorrow.

Other than that, my only goal this weekend is to start watching Season 2 of "LOST". To give you some background, when I visited Andrea Gorsky this summer, and we were out shopping, she introduced me to "Season 1 of LOST"... We went on a Marathon and within maybe 5 days I watched 20 something episodes... It was SO exciting and I really got into it a lot. Unless you watch the series in order and see the first episode especially it can be confusing, so if you want to try to check it out, PLEASE invest in either downloading or buying the Season 1 and doing it in order like I am... You'll be happy you did! Anyway, enough of the commercial! I ordered the second season a few weeks ago from Amazon and it arrived two days ago. I held out for a few days and think I will begin with an episode tonight... or two... and will hopefully have completed at least two disks by the end of the weekend...

Can't wait to see Sawyer, and find out what is in the "hatch"... Have a nice Friday evening and Saturday!!! Oh and just to let you know, my class blog seems to be running pretty well. Getting the students to write (despite all of the errors) is a neat experience. They seem to enjoy it a lot!

Damn mini Halloween Chocolate bars!

So, the problem is that halloween candy is so darn expensive up here. So, I thought I would be proactive and do an order with my groceries of the very reasonably priced candy from Montreal. BUT it was too early I am now forced to confess. My box of candy is dwindling daily as I snatch one of those lovely little morsels of Wunderbar or Caramilk... I know this plague is common amongst us bloggers and other teachers that I have discussed this with, but I just hate it. I don't seem to be tempted by the chicklets, or the starburst, or even the gummy hot dogs and hamburgers, but it's just the yummy little chocolate bars that are too tempting.

Any kids who might be reading this, DON'T expect chocolate at my house. I think the stash will only last another three days at the rate I am going. Two after lunch, three after supper. They are so sneaky, they just call out to you as you pass...

On a more positive note, and as a direct result of the "mini choco devils" I went for two walks today. April, who is also struggling in the "Triumph das Willens" against the all powerful mini choco bars, suggested that we start our walking routine today so at 5 pm we dropped our work and went for a thirty minute loop around town. It felt good to get out of school and even though it meant going back to the class to finish prep, it felt a bit more productive than if i had kept going straight through. After supper, I also got a call from Judy, Special Ed. counsellor who is in town this week and who I completely adore, I had told her yesterday that I love to walk so call me whenever. So at 9'ish we went for another 30 minute walk. It was nice, I like the chance to chat about whatever comes up. Of course, walking in town means having many kids tackling you with hugs, high fives and mini conversations, but we managed to get some "kidless" walking time in too. It's funny but it is always the younger kiddos from K-7, who always yell excitedly "hi Gillian", and my students duck around corners so they aren't seen. LOL!

Well, I hope those walkie walks will help ward off the mini choco assault on my hips and love-handles. I'll let you know... actually to be honest, I'm not going to mention it again! haha! Have a great night, time for Prince Caspian and I to have some quiet time before bed.

Weekend is over...

Well, I had a good and relaxing weekend the past couple days. Weird thing is how much Saturday night felt like a Sunday night so it kind of messed up the old internal clock and made me feel like this was a four day weekend... Go figure?!

So, let me recap... Saturday, I was lazing around most of the day. Both of my sporty buddies on weekends were out for the count, Krystal had a tremendous headache and was in bed all day and April is still recovering for lack of sleep and was taking it easy most of the day. So, no badminton or walking up mountains. I was also feeling a bit on the lethargic side, so it was fine.

Saturday evening, I was invited for supper by April and Trevor. Yummy steaks, veggies, and all the fixings, plus dessert... Very delicious, and was followed by a bit of TV viewing and then a movie, "The Snow Walker", an arctic flick that April hadn't seen yet. It was fun.

Sunday, I was exhausted so I slept until 10 without opening my eyes once. Seemed like the sleeping bug was around so nonly got dressed and moving about at around 2:30 when April wanted to take a walk through the pouring rain. Met Krystal for a killer badminton tourney at 3'ish too, which we wil have to continue next weekend. We are fairly evenly matched (even though she won both games) and we had some intense rallies. Felt good to get active!

This evening, I have been downloading halloween music for school, I am hoping the Spirit committee will plan an afternoon event for the whole school and thought the tunes could come in handy for background/atmosphere. Now I am about to go to bed but the Monster Mash is running through my head... 3-2-1, Nytol!

CRAZY pictures!

Kung Fu style face off! We were enjoying ourselves TOO much with this silly program!!







Chris was really getting into the photo booth...







Sapina also enjoyed our face morphing session!









After school there were some kids that I had a blast with, we couldn't stop taking silly pictures like this one of Joe...









April and I last night at her place on the cozy couch!





Some of my students in the afternoon afterschool! CUTEST!!




Nancy and I at April's being crazy and doing an ab workout!!! SO fun!

My brain, stomach and face are in pain from the laughter!

TGIF! Well, this was truly an interesting and hilarious day. I just got home from April's beach house with Nancy. We decided to drop in on her tonight just to hang out. And boy, did we ever have some laughs.

It all started a little earlier in the day. I received a most wonderful package at about 11 am this morning. My long awaited MacBook. My class thought I was very silly when I hugged the box and wouldn't lay it down for a while. During my last period Biology class, I was checking out the different programs while my students were working on a Carbs and Lipids worksheet. Suddenly I couldn't contain my laughter and I was literally crying and losing it. They looked with concern on their faces and I apologized for completely distracting them. But the cause of my laughter couldn't be ignored, so I called them all to the front to check out the zany pictures I had just taken with my built-in webcam using a program called "Photo Booth".

My oh my were we ever laughing. We took picture of them with weird warping effects and then as the bell to indicate the end of school arrived I was greeted by many others students curious about the crying and laughing. I had a crowd gather and take part in the picture taking frenzy. A few minutes and about 80 shots later, I decided to spread the wealth. I went to the primary end to look for Krystal and April and when they were gone I caught Marie, Chris, Manon and Anne, along with 5 or 6 other primary students who had not gone home yet. We took many many more pictures and laughed so hard that my abs were burning! Manon realized she also had the program on one of her new classroom computers and so she and a few kids started to even make some shots there. The janitors even dropped their brooms and dust pans to partake of the excitement.

When I finally tore myself away from the computer and school, I came home had something to eat and called to check in with April and Nancy. Nancy and I decided to crash April's place and on the way I packed the computer in to show her what she missed on the first day she has ever left school before 6 pm!! The laughs began again and at this point I have to admit I really do not know why I am not a size 6 yet, because those abs have been flexing!!! The three of us were huddled on the cozy new couch and taking turns making retarded shots of ourselves. We forced Trev to let us take a few of him when he got home and then we even tried to stage a couple shots with Nancy after she fell asleep on the truly comfortable sofa! We were so close to taking a shot of Nancy with a fake mustache and 60 oz. Vodka, but she scratched her nose just as the shutter was clicking... as April and I were keeled over laughing our brains out.

I WISH I had the shots on this computer right now, but you will have to be patient. My new MacBook is at the school hooked up to the super speedy Internet connection downloading some software updates. I hope you will enjoy picturing this teeny bopper, crazy stunts that I lived today, with some great accomplices!

Good Night, headache from laughing too much!!

I am soooooo boring!

I wish I could think of something interesting to blog about for my faithful readers. But lacking sleep makes it awfully difficult to keep a creative edge. Let me tell you about things that have been a real part of my life the past few days, keeping me alive, sane and happy but VERY tired.

1st- Nytol, my only coping device right now. (Every night my mind of whizzing a hundred miles and hour and about 45 minutes after taking a Nytol, I can actually sleep.)



2nd- I tried to take a warm bath last night to relax but to no avail, and I think my overactive imagination is to blame. Let me explain... See, I unfortunately started the fourth book in the Narnia series, Prince Caspian, and man oh man, I am not a huge fan of fantasy, but these books are full of rich descriptives, entertaining interactions between characters and fascinating fictional histories. I LOVE it, but love it to the point that when I lay down to sleep, I cannot allow my mind to rest until I read until my eyes are burning and my mind is DEAD! It's a curse!

Last night I thought that I could pre-emp my need to read Narnia, by listening to another book that I downloaded from the iTunes Store. I sometimes really enjoy listening to someone read the story to me, and this is maybe my third audiobook that I have bought (also downloaded one of the Harry Potter books from Limewire, for all of you Limewire freaks, but I digress) Ok, so as I relaxed in the bathtub I listened to "Everyone Worth Knowing" by Lauren Weisberger. (Entertaining book so far, I am 2/5's through the book and it is typical "Brit Chick" novel, trendy Twenty/thirty something professional woman works through changing life goals and finding out what she really wants out of life, etc.)

3rd- So, having said all of that, it didn't work. After listening to a few chapters of audiobook, I laid down to sleep and all that was going through my head was... hmmm, I wonder what happened to Prince Caspian and his teacher...

No rest for the weary and active minded people of the world! G.

Fake Monday

Back to class today... It feels almost like August, since last week I was sick for two days, then we had the workshops Wednesday and Thursday, and on Friday, there was a track and field event all afternoon. So, today we were back into the grind of classes again. I was happy to see all but two of my students back, since many were missing for camping, babysitting and sickness during the last two weeks.

It was exciting to see my students today. I really love them to pieces and also, enjoy all of the creative things that happen with them during our classes. I was quite worried about one guy in particular, Thomas. He is over 17 years old and technically, he should be in adult education, since he has dropped out a few years in a row. I have taught him before and we've had some difficulties, but all in all, I find him super bright and kind. His mother used to help at the school years ago (before my days, but I heard from another teacher) but was killed when he was younger, in an vehicle accident in town. He has a tough life. Doesn't get along with his father, etc. and lacks support a lot of the time. But he came back to school in August this year asking to be allowed back in. For some reason, we clicked this time and things have been going really well. He is very smart and is actually working VERY hard, unlike other years. I was worried last week since he was not in school. But today, during my second period prep class, he made a point of sticking his head in my class and saying, hello, how are you? etc. (bit of small talk)... He was VERY upbeat, smiling and friendly. It was nice. Made my day actually, since often they are too moody, teenagey, and independent to stop in and say hi!

We are in our 8th week of classes for Term 1 (since I don't count the first registration week). It is hard to believe that in a little over a week, we will have to start preparing report cards. This year seems to be going by rather quickly, and this afternoon we had our first Geography Committee meeting. We watched an old movie from the first geo. week that happened at school around 5 years ago and then decided that it would take place the week of Feb. 26- Mar. 2nd. We had lots of ideas and really got a great start on the organization. I talked to a few teachers in the staff room afterwards and everyone was starting to get excited about it!. YEAH!! I can't wait! I only hope that I might have a chance to videoconference with the music teacher from Yarmouth Junior High so my students can learn a little about african drumming for their presentation.

Well, I am DETERMINED to go to bed and be asleep before 10 pm, so I had better sign off for now. Talk to all of you tomorrow!

MORNING HAS BROKEN!!!

No words to describe my joy!!!

Thanksgiving!

HAD to show you the persistance of the GORGEOUS white stuff. This is new from tonight. I wanted to get a full shot to show both the moon and beauty of the shine off the white ground, but my camera simply can't spread itself that much!!! LOL! I can't wait for there to be enough to drive my skidoo... At the end of the month, April and Trevor are supposed to get theirs on the sealift, so by then I really hope we have enough snow, since it is so much fun to go for evening drives or afternoon cruises through the trees and to "speed lake".

So, today, I woke up at around 10 or so... Last night was not super late, but late enough to require a bit more sleep in the morning than usual. I had a call from April around 11, and we decided that TODAY we would climb a mountain. You know because climbing mountains is just what you do when there are no shopping malls. You walk about mountains and talk about the shopping malls and grocery stores and the market... haha!

It was a very nice day though, chilly and there were a few flakes falling, wind cutting the skin of the face a little... The sun kept fighting to come out, and although it wasn't out very long it kept the day cheery enough to motivate us to walk all the way up to the water source lake. The end of the road that climbs the hill behind the school. At one point, my legs were burning from the hike, and I was SOOO happy when April said we should take a break... I was really feeling the burn but didn't admit that, kept telling myself, I can keep up, I will go go go... (I am only writing this now, since I didn't tell her today, and I know she'll read it so she won't think I am superwoman or anything!! haha) I love walking and I was feeling a little bit weary weather wise, but it turned out to be a great day. I don't even know how long we were gone, but it felt like maybe over an hour. We just talked and walked and talked more, it's such a good chance to get to know others, since it's not like you are busy doing something else.

I will see if I can drag her out tomorrow again, but might be tough with the turkey block sitting in our tummys and if our muscles give us pay back tomorrow for the workout today!! I think I am supposed to show her some of the ins and outs of blogs, and maybe also another computer program that she was thinking about using in her class. Better get up early tomorrow, lots of things on the agenda before we have to go back to work!!!

Oh, and I forgot to tell you all about tonight. I had a very nice turkey meal with Anne, Yayi, Erik and Eileen. Then at dessert time, we were invited to join Rhonda and Charlie and some others down at their house. We went down around 7, I think, and then after a bit of dessert, we decided to play a round of Cranium. I am two for two, my team last night won and then tonights team won too. CLOSE game though!! They were ONE away from getting us. I still can't believe I messed up the spelling of lascivious |ləˈsivēəs| adjective (of a person, manner, or gesture) feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire

Maybe it is just my pure, clean, innocent mind that did not bother learning such an unclean word... haha... I am TOTALLY just trying to make a dig, at a certain mountain climbing friend of mine who knew that one right away!! LOL!! Human dictionary! (At least, April was on our team!! haha)

So, anyway, now I am home. Chatting with Heather and ready to head to bed!

Photos of Flurries

So, I don't know if I have mentioned this yet, but one day this week we had our first real snow. There wasn't much, but it was enough to stay on the distant mountains for a full 24 hours. Then the rain set in.

This is kind of the messy season. Weather is not the nicest, but it is exciting to know that the snow will soon blanket the tundra and allow our skidoos to frolic for a another year.

Tonight, I was at Pascal and Maite's for a games night. There were 6 of us and we had a very lively game of Cranium, there were a few highlights and one was certainly when Isa had to remember the ACTUAL name of "Skinnamarink", I mean she was dancing around singing the song and added a few syllables to it at first which made us all get the giggles... Boy our cheeks hurt from laughing, it was a great time! In the end, our crafty twosome came out on top! But we all won in a sense, since it was an absolute RIOT!

As I left, I was greated by full on winter style flurries! (see pictures below) Most of the town was probably already in bed, as I stood on my front step catching these shots at midnight. ENJOY!!! That is something I am thankful for! SNOW! It makes the landscape SOOOOO beautiful!

FRIDAY... Oh Friday! Something to be THANKFUL for!!!

Okay... it was about 7:30 when I began this post, with only the inspiration of the title. And now, it is 2:32:25 am, Saturday morning... Just back from a little party, and determined that alas, I will write a new blog entry before sunrise...

Hmmm, whenever I write these blogs at this hour it is filled with contemplative and usually emotional writings about the people and things that I really love where I am... Now I have to be honest, it ISN'T just the "southern comfort" talking, it really is honest appraisals of my feelings...

I have to tell you that I don't know what I would do each day without my bestest buddies up here in the North. Nancy and April especially this year. I love those two SO much!! They are like the big sisters that I used to always ask my mother for, which was scientifically impossible, unless via adoption. Let me brag about the two of them.

I will give both of them their own paragraph, Nancy. Nancy, why oh why did I not know Nance my first year here in GR. I feel as though that first year was a complete waste, since I missed out on making so many special memories with her. She is truly a woman after my own heart, her love for people and her active, alive faith in God are two things thnat we have in common and talk about quite often. She loves to help others and has a heart bigger than most other people I know. She gives some of the best hugs and constantly opens her life, family and heart to me. I don't deserve her, but am VERY thankful to know her.

April, I wish she had been around in my first year. I LOVE her personality, her openness to others and her aliveness. She is so vibrant, funny, caring and passionate about everything she feels and thinks and experiences. I hope that she stays here forever. April, has some insecurities in her classroom and in general, getting used to the North right now, but when I hear her expressing them, I am always surprised because when I look at April, I see a brilliant, expressive, confident, beautiful, friendly, did I mention brilliant, effective teacher and person that EVERYONE adores. She may not see it, but everyone wishes they were like her. Her personality is sparkling, and her heart is the BIGGEST ever! I really wish I was a lot more like her, willing to jump out on a limb, willing to tell it like it is... She is SO creative and hard-working, she has her class running much more smoothly than most first and even second year teachers! Can you tell I absolutely LOVE this girl!! SERIOUSLY!! (Since by now, I am sure she is saying, "C@*(&! Su(^@&^ F!@*, why is she saying those things about me!!!") Did I mention she is brilliant, oh yeah, and MODEST!! FOR NO GOOD REASON though!!! I seriously do not want to even imagine the NOrth without her, so APRIL, if you are reading this, DON'T leave me!!!! My life up here is so much more interesting and full of joy since she has arrived!!

Now, I forgot to mention that included in my high esteem of Nancy, is also a great love and appreciation for her hubby, Mark, the VP at the school. It's so funny, but Mark and I never really got to know each other, until the last year or so, when I would be out for a walk and just drop by when he was working outdoors. I would stop and if he was building dog houses, well, I grabbed a hammer and joined in, or if he was unpacking from camping, then I'd be lugging guns and gas to his sheds for him. During those times, we chatted and got to know each other outside of the context of school and work, where we had not really had much of a chance at becoming friends... Prior to the past year, Mark scared the crap out of me. I saw a MR. Macho tag unofficially on his plaid coat and we had one argument in my second year about the Science lab, that left me totally broken, "Mark HATES me" was the verdict, and from then on, I didn't have much hope of him ever seeing me in a positive light. But you know what, Mark and I are actually a bit more alike than I thought back then, and now, I LOVE Mark to pieces. Understanding has taken it's course and I relate so well to him. I can run ANY pedagocial idea across him and know he will be honest and helpful, and outside of school, if I ever EVER need ANYTHING, he would be the first to be on my step offering. What a great couple. I feel very at home with Nancy and Mark's! Phenomenal people!

Now in saying all of this, I KNOW I have excluded many close friends and superstars! (like Trevor, Anne/Yayi, Marie/Chris, Pascal/Maite, Isabelle, Krystal, Jean/Maggie, Melanie, etc., etc.) but I can't help but BRAG these three up! They are SOOOOOOO special to me, and I just wanted them to know that I have huge respect and love for each of them!

Sincerely submitted, G.

Back to Normal!!! WOW!!

So, today I am practically like normal, and frankly I am utterly dumbfounded!! No really, even last night when I called Mark to ask him about today's meetings, he was shocked to hear that I was feeling much better, since my voice was practically gone. But alas, la vita e bella!

So, today and tomorrow we are having meetings as a whole staff with a fellow named Jim Howden. He's such a dynamic presenter and I have to be honest, he has such a unique laugh that when he starts going you can't help but join in. (okay, if I am VERY honest, the laugh isn't unique, it's EXACTLY like goofy's from Disney! I LOVE it!!!) So, anyway, he is doing workshops on collaboration and in a sense discussing staff building since we are supposed to model collaboration to our students by collaborating amongst each other. Things are going quite well with it. We sat at the end of the day as "sectors", so I was with the other Secondary English teachers. It was good, I felt like some things were shared that kind of helped know where you stand.

OKay, it's two hours later, and I just got home from a wonderful supper. Nancy is so good to me. She told me a lunch that she had lots of charr chowder so I just HAD to come over for some of that at lunch, and now, she insisted that I go for supper of the most yummy lasagna tonight. She looks after me so good. I have lots of people like that up here.... I love them all so much!!! Sometimes people are just too good!!! Well, with a very full belly, and after a very enjoyable evening's company, I am back home, in just enough time for a little blogging and then BED!! YEAH!!

La vita e bella!

Feeling MUCH better!!

Well, after a couple nights and days of feverish, sweaty sleeps, and difficulty swallowing anything, I am feeling much much better. For anyone who knows me, I HATE being hot... I guess it is why I really really love living up north and also why I don't mind summers in NS compared to those I spent in Ottawa (of course no offense to my wonderful company during Ottawa summers, actually much credit to you because you were definately the ONLY thing keeping me there in summers!!!lol!!)

But it seems that hopefully cooler sleeps are ahead as the penicillin (Pen V, to be specific) is doing a wonderful job at attacking the bacterial colony in my throat. Now just to explain this speedy recovery, it was also complimented by regular gargling with warm salt water, as soon as my throat was not too sensitive (especially when I was feeling nausea, I avoided gargling for fear of it making me gag) I also had two warm baths with an amazing Aveeno Stress relieving Lavendar and Oatmeal Bubble bath, what a wonderfully relaxing scent!!! Oh and finally, regular doses of tylenol and Nyquil once every evening, to help a few hours or solid sleep take place. But I am happy that they seemed to work.

So, tomorrow back to work. I am very glad that we have two days of PED workshop with Jim Howden, who is visiting from the south. I am not sure what he is teaching about, but at least it won't be facing my class and being forced to talk, which is my only weakness still. I sound very hoarse, so I am TRYING to avoid talking as much as possible. SO hard for me, since it is my favourite pastime, but at least chatting online and blogging only tires the fingers, not the voice!!

I was chatting with one of the teachers kids this afternoon and he told me how to get these crazy weird pictures just by covering the flash on your digital camera... so here's one... CAN YOU TELL I AM BORED OF BEING HOME!!!! Kind of looks like I am really fevered!!

Tonsillitis: What a pain...

Just keeping this one short because I have no energy, but I am rather bored... Been home today sick, can hardly swallow anything and aches and pains all over, major fever, and chills... YUCK! Really started on Sunday, and I passed up a cooked dinner that Trev made, so you know how sick I was feeling!!

Today at one, I walked over to the nursing station and within 8 minutes, was checked (throat covered in white spots on both tonsils) and received some penicillin with instructions to come back in two days to see if they are working. (One of the great advantages of living in the north, there is almost never an insane outpatients wait like I experienced two summers ago- 4 hour wait for 5 minute diagnosis)

So, now I am trying to rest, inbetween bouts of the sweats, nausea, and other unmentionably gross symptoms... Hope I can shake this soon... I HATE being home...

Raclette Report

HI Everyone:

Writing this at a little past midnight, so technically it is Sunday now. What a fun evening! Had some of my absolute favourite people in town over for raclette as mentioned in a previous email. WHAT a feast, which is a typical error made at each raclette feast and one that I MUST share for any of you who are intrigued enough to try it yourself.

Actually maybe I should do a comparative analysis of the pros and cons to help you make an educated decision about the times and places in which to attempt to raclette…

Pro- the host does not need to spend the whole entire day slaving in the kitchen even if there are 10 people invited…. On the contrary I must confess I spent only about 2 hours, off and on in the kitchen, most of said time spent doing leftover dishes from the week which I did not want my guests to see… DON’t tell!!! The way it works, or at least how we do it up here, is that everyone chips in a little bit- for example, one couple brought sliced mushrooms, zucchini, peppers and a bit of chicken, another couple brought an amazing dessert (oreo cake, YUM!!!) and some marinaded chicken, and another couple brought cut up caribou, chopped onions, a few shrimp, and a couple sauces, and, I am sure you get the picture. They bring them chopped up so literally upon arrival the host needs to only toss them in a bowl and lay them on the table for cooking…

Con- Inevitably there is WAY too much food on site, with even the best planning, it is the hosts tendency to worry that “there will not be enough”, and likewise, guests tend to bring more than ever necessary, since they don’t want to look like cheapskates, even though such quantities are not needed to fill the group.

Pro- it is undaunting and quite easy to feed a HUGE crowd, without feeling the stress that one would normally feel if one were preparing a standard meal such as curry or lasagne…

Con- you tend to eat more food than you might need to consume in the course of an entire week… I mean, you throw a bunch of veggies, meat and things on the grill, and just keep picking at it over a VERY extended period of time. Not to mention, the side dishes, which I am realizing now, might not be so necessary at all. Sides are ready at the start, for example, scalloped potatoes which I prepared, and broccoli au gratin, are awfully filling and since you need not wait for them to cook, you tend to pig out on them at the start and then guiltily indulge in the rest of the tasty goodies over the following hour.

Pro- It tastes so good… You get a chance to try so many awesome treats at one sitting, often you eat things you haven’t had in a while, seasoned to your own liking… YUM!

Con- well, this is a complaint for the guys, they say it takes too long to wait for everything to cook. They like the instant gratification of a prepared meal sitting in front of them when they get to the table. No work, just eat and then unbutton the pants and snooze on the couch. Pro- It’s a very fun social activity. Tonight, we had all the girls around one table and the boys around the other one, while things are being cooked, you have lots of time to talk and bond, and just catch up with one another. The people I invited were many “older” teachers (not that they are elderly, but just ones who have been here much longer than me! I have to mention that so they don’t get mad if they are reading this!) and also a new teacher and boyfriend. So it was fun to help them all get to know each other...

Con- The bloated regret of after dinner… Now, I must admit, I didn’t think that I ate that much, I spent the majority of the evening serving and making sure everyone had what they needed, but man am I ever feeling full now!!! Not to mention, I have to avoid coffee after dinner and delicious chocolate cake, since I am so wired right now I can’t stand it!!!!

I am trying to drink down a neocitren to sooth my sore throat and also to conk me out, but heck, my fingers are typing a mile a minute and I can’t seem to make them stop… 12:46… I really should go… (to the tune of that song from the Sound of Music…) Good night, farewell, auf wiedersehn, Good bye, I wish you all sweet dreams and no more pie…

PS this was typed on my computer Saturday evening but the internet was down so I wrote it in MS Word and pasted it today.