Learning... and churning... and yearning...

Big month so far! August came in like a lion, and at this rate I guess I wouldn't mind if it went out like a lamb with my luggage and flights going very smoothly.

I've enjoyed relaxing and spending time with friends and family much longer than I normally would. Right now I would have likely been flying back to the North, boxes packed, shopping complete, lesson plans spinning around my head, excitement to get started with my new students whirling around in the pit of my stomach... But nope, instead I am revelling in the knowledge that I have another two weeks of summer and sun and relaxation and... house repair planning?

Yeah, did I mention I bought a house? WTF! I KNOW, I really am kind of surprised that I did it. I mean, I have been thinking and talking to Dad about investing in something a little bit bigger than what I have been doing so far. But it does seem a bit like a blurr now that there is a property in Yarmouth that I own...



It's kind of freaking me out because it is such a serious move. It's going to affect the way I think about my finances, my social life, etc. Although most people are asking if it means I am staying in NS, no it doesn't. This will always be considered home, but I am not yet ready to live and work here. I have too many things that I still want to do up North. I really want to see certain kids make it through, graduate and become well established members of the community. I owe it to them, I owe it equally to myself. Melissa, for example, I need to see her make a run at graduation. I need to see her not get mixed up with the usual trash. And Wayne. I don't want him to be shot down, so close to the end.

It also makes it easier to know that there is no one here that is making me tossed up on that either. I love the family, but know we will be close near or far. So far this summer in the "love interest" department there's not been any series contenders appearing. Lots of flirts but nothing that seems like it will be anything more than that. Problem with flirts is I realize that I have a very, uncontainable imagination. I can imagine a very long and happy future with flirts FAR FAR FAR too easily. It makes my heart flutter in that realm of possibility and sadly, flirts are often already in long term relationships, which you only find out after you have some well laid plans of how you will get together...

Likely the problem is also that I am a chicken to do much straight-forward flirting back when the flirting is initially happening... Then I regret the lack of laying it on the line at the time and plan how it might happen to redeem myself. Maybe the timidity has saved me face? Depends on how you look at that one...

Let's see what the rest of August holds... Hope you enjoy the rambling! Time to get myself going...

Summer's NOT over!!

So, if this had been any other year I would likely be taping up my final boxes, doing final family and friend dinners, packing bags that are already over- sized, and thinking through the planning things I have to get ready for my class... BUT NO. That is not my plight this year and it is SO refreshing! Instead, I am enjoying the sun, books, nephews (and family), house hunting, lounging in the mini pool, travel planning, music, my new sparkle pink bass, ummm, and just relaxing!

I have been taking as much time as I can over the last couple weeks to read my book(which sadly has not been much time with house hunting, cleaning up/cooking for the 'rents and general entertainment). This book is awesome, "Dreams from my Father" by Barack Obama. Needless to say it was published before he was in the Presidential race, so it was somewhat before he was famous, but boy does he ever have a way with words. I feel like I know him from this book- he is SO candid, open and shares his thoughts and experiences of his childhood, teenaged insecurities and young adult decisions and pathways. PLEASE check it out!

So, I have less than a month before my California/Hawaii/Calgary trip takes place and I am getting super excited! Lots to do before then and I hope I can figure out a way to pack super light... which I think will be a challenge since I am a "sweater" and go through a lot of shirts in the course of a week. West coast launderomat visit, hmmm, don't know if I scheduled for that!!

I am also including some pictures from my first few weeks home. My family, Seafest activities, concerts and of course a few fireworks too!

Plans are big, but action little...

So, holidays are actually ALMOST over and I have not spent as much time and I had PLANNED at the starts of the break. Blame it on Facebook, it's such a tangled web of people and pictures and news and updates and snooping... It's just hard to keep both places up and running, and sometimes I am doubtful that many people are even checking out this blog as there are not many comments nor posts...

I did get a bit of inspiration to share my thoughts on my newest Frenchys book. I bought it last week and just started reading it a couple evenings ago. Since it was kind of cool outside, I decided to read on the deck after supper before heading to a bonfire and kite flying session. So, I read a few pages and it was really quite interesting. The book is called, "Eat Mangoes Naked" by Sark, and I really don't know much about the purpose of the book. I mostly picked it up because it is FULL of pretty, bright colours, and instead of typed, it is actually handwritten, or a copy of the authors handwriting to be more specific. It was different and something told me it would be memorable and thought-provoking. It is non-fiction and is kind of a narrative of the authors thoughts on "pleasure".

Now, before you get all excited, it's not a sexy tale, but about having pleasure and recognizing the things that bring pleasure or joy to our lives. Some of her ideas I find a little "out-there" but some of her ideas are ones that I have thought and contemplated, but am encouraged to hear them from her "voice". the pages that stood out to me this session were all about being good "receivers". It's something that I know I am NOT very good at. She started with a short page about being givers, but made the comment that giving is easy, it's fun. it's satisfying, it's an enjoyable thing to do, and most of us really are good at it. We don't do it to get things in return but because it makes us feel good to do good for others. BUT we are, in many cases, excluding those who are takers and greedy people, most often poor receivers, we don't like to ask for help or "inconvenience" people, but within 5 or so pages she shares her really interesting thoughts on that... how to be a good, positive receiver.

I think it is something powerful. I am actually challenged myself to try and become better in this area. I could explain more, but you know what- I think you should actually read the book, it's worth it! So, go to the library and borrow it, and if they don't have it, tell them it worthy! Or if you want to borrow mine, let me know, I might have somebody already in line, but I don't mind sharing...

I hate to make empty promises... but sometime in the future, I WILL add pics from this summer... but I won't give a timeline... so, just check in from time to time... OKAY??

I couldn't resist... "The Generation Gap"

Something just happened to me as I finished making my breakfast and it's kind of funny... We have two guys here this morning, who are replacing the backdoor, eavestroughing(sp?), and the facia boards. The sounds of tearing rotten frame off woke me up so I got up, inspected the large open hole where the door used to be and decided to splurge and make a full breakfast- egg, bacon, and cheese sandwich in toast. This is not an overly fancy dish, but it's tasty and good when you wake up and have the time. So, as I was finishing one of the guys, who is probably my dad's age (early 50's), is clearly a "local" guy- and by that I mean, a simple, easy-going, relaxed, small town, "East-Coast" person- well, he offered a compliment, "You'll sure be married soon, a woman who can cook!"

Hahaha, I actually didn't know how to take that at first. I mean, why did he assume I wasn't ALREADY married, why does he think that is a goal I have, and wait, did he REALLY believe cooking is one of the most important skills to be considered... Then I reminded myself that he was probably giving me a clear picture of the way things used to be, when life and relationships were the common life path and when they were SO much simpler. Not as much focus placed on sexual compatibility and sexual chemistry, and more placed on attraction, meeting of needs and emotional compatibility. Today people make decisions on partners more often based on their partner's "sexiness" and what they can do in bed than whether they can manage a home, have a successful career, balance a checkbook and cook a toasted egg, bacon and cheese sandwich for breakfast.

Part of me wishes I was around when people, like my construction man, were in their 20's. I probably would have found someone by now if that was the case! Hahaha!!!

On that note, time to finish packing my boxes- mover SHOULD be here after lunch to pick them up. Hope they make it in a week to the North so I won't have to be unpacking and teaching simultaneously... Time will tell! Have a WONDERFUL day!

Kejimkujik National Park- Aug. 3-5th

So, Dad, mom and I went camping at Keji. It was my first time sleeping overnight at this camp and it was truly awesome. I won't tell you my favourite campsite for my next visit since you might take it from me. But needless to say, it was SO quiet, relaxing, and peaceful. Very nice qualities for a mid-season holiday for Mom and Dad especially!

Here are the pictures to give you a tiny glimpse into what we enjoyed!































































I have added the link for Keji if you would like to check it out for yourself!! http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ns/kejimkujik/index_E.asp

Next update: Dinner Theatre for Kenneth's 24th and Jessica's 25th Birthdays...