Surprise, surprise! Since my man is watching the game as we speak, I had the chance to take a few photos of what's going on in our world. The first is a new book that I checked out from the library last week - it's sooo delightful. It's called Sweater Renewal - click on the link to see it in more detail. It has all kinds of fun projects you can make by recycling your old sweaters. I hope to have the chance to do one soon. I love, love, love getting the chance to go through new books. It's one of my most favorite things about working at a library. Every second Saturday, I bring home a new pile of goodies that keeps me entertained and inspired throughout the week. The best is late Saturday afternoon, when I can play my favourite music and just browse through all the print... ah, heaven...

This next photo just represents the highlight of my weeknights: quality snuggle time with Patrick while we watch TV or movies, or play xbox (when said item is not broken!). Love kissing those cheeks. a;beit they are rather prickly.

I have some Halloween party photos to post soon, but I haven't had the chance to edit them yet. Ken had his annual birthday/Halloween bash on Saturday night, and it was pretty fun. There were some original costumes this year. Patrick and Ryan actually ended up being the same thing, and it was a huge hit with everyone. If you're curious, I'll give you a hint by clicking here... you've gotta be up for a (18+) laugh though!

Since I haven't uploaded any pages for the longest time, I figured I was due. Here are the two questionnaires from September and October that were issued on the Scrapbook Centrale website. I am actually up to date with them, I'm just behind in posting pages. I have about 10-15 pages that I need to upload... but I just don't have the time right now. Maybe on the weekend.

Stage is going well - I'm really getting into the swing of it now. I've done a few Math lessons so far with them, and they've gone fairly well, but they need constant guidance. I need to get used to really filtering down information for them, and going over every single little detail numerous times. Overall, I'm enjoying it. I'm not enjoying driving to school while it's still dark outside!

Tonight I'm going to relax at Patrick's and watch some movies. My brother is having a bunch of guys over to watch the game, so I'm leaving... they'd better be gone by the time that I'm home and need to go to bed!

I've been a big slacker this week so far, haven't I? I'm just trying to get adjusted to my new schedule, and I haven't been on the computer much. I've been trying to keep up with my workouts, which requires much effort, and then I just feel like vegging with Patrick - I haven't been in much of a mood to write. Tonight I will make the effort! I confess, I haven't taken many photos either - okay, none actually since stage started. Tsk, tsk, shame on me. But there is very little light and motivation this week, especially since my concentration is elsewhere.


Stage so far has been pretty good. I have a delightful group of grade one students, and a really good cooperating teacher. The class follows a program called "The Daily 5" which encourages literacy independence. Essentially, students pick from five different reading or writing activities and spend two intervals of twenty minutes doing these tasks independently (or as independently as possible for their age and for this early time in the school year). They can read by themselves, read with a partner, or do writing, brain or listening activities. While all this is going on, a small group of students are conferring with the teacher, which is a time to check up on how everyone is doing and carry out assessment. It works very, very well, and the students are actually excited to read!! I am really excited about the program actually and want to do it in my classroom in the future. I'm just not sure if you have to actually apply to be a part of the program or if any teacher can do it - I still have to get a bit more informed about that. If you want to find out more information, go to the website and it will tell you what you need to know. I'm in the process of reading their book which my CT lent to me, but I will be purchasing my own copy shortly as it is an invaluable classroom tool.


Other than that, I am still in the early stages of the field experience, so I haven't started doing any teaching yet, although today I brought them to library by myself, and then read them a story. I find I need to work on projecting my voice more because they don't all immediately listen when I attempt to get their attention. The teacher obviously has a lot more experience in that domain... also, I find it's a delicate balance between shouting and being assertive, and I'm still trying to find the right mix. They are testing me big time, of course, as they know that I am not the real teacher and they don't take me entirely seriously yet. Overall, though, I think things are going fairly well and I am loving grade 1. They are not as "baby" as I imagined they would be. They are pretty good, in my opinion, but I guess it's all relative when you start comparing different grades and different schools.


I just found out that my friend Tania got engaged over the weekend!! I'm so happy and excited for her, and she might even get married next summer if all goes as planned. I will be very, very busy in terms of weddings next summer... Oh my God! I am booked as a bridesmaid twice, then Tania's wedding, and probably our friend Mike too (although I'm not sure if that has been confirmed). It will be a lot of fun I'm sure but I'll have some schedule arranging to do.


Alright, well, I'm going to have a coffee and unwind - catch up on some reading and scrapbooking. I'll leave you with a photo that represents what's on my mind lately (it's a section of the QEP, short for the Quebec Education Program)...

Here are the photos from our trip to Plattsburgh on Friday. It was a lot of fun, but not an entirely succesful shopping spree! I only spent around 20$ on some scrapbooking supplies at Michael's. My mom bought some onyx and gold earrings at TJMaxx, which might be part of her x-mas present from me (to help justify spending the money!). We ate at Applebee's as usual, and it was amazing, as usual. We both had cheesecake shooters for dessert; they are just the right size and really hit the spot. I wish we had that restaurant here. Anyhow, here are the pics:

And here is a quote I found on Ali E's blog which I really like:

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony. ---William Henry Channing

Well I'm going to attempt to scrapbook something and then go to bed nice and early because I have to be up around 6 for stage. I am excited! More to come tomorrow afternoon I would think...

The Office intro last night was so many shades of wonderful. There was so much packed into those first few minutes, it was blowing my mind. I couldn't even laugh at first, it was just too much for my brain to take in... but wow, that was amazing. Dwight gave birth to a watermelon, need I say more? If you're not into the show, I highly recommend it. It may seem stupid, but you need to give it a chance. So worth it!


Me and my mom have decided to take a trip to Plattsburgh today, whoot, whoot! The main reason: Target has finally been built. I have never been to a Target, but I have heard the tales of wonder. Today we shall experience that for the first time. And then there's TJ Maxx and Applebee's... a fun day. We haven't already left because my mom is working until noon-ish, and I have a few errands to do. But we shall hit the road shortly. It will be a nice little break before a weekend of work, and then starting stage bright and early Monday morning.

Here are yesterday's photos:

My scrap desk before I cleaned it. Messy, messy!

My little shrine to the ocean and serenity...


Have a great day everyone :)

Okay, so I'm a little behind on posting my photos for the challenge. I am falling into a bit of a rut, to be honest. Well, on Tuesday anyways. I took no photos at all, as I wasn't feeling very well, had to work, and then go to school to drop off a paper... so I had very little time and motivation. But yesterday I was feeling like I needed to catch up, so I did! I took my Rebel downtown, can you believe it - I actually wore it around my neck as I walked to school so I could capture some of my surroundings. I felt a little self-conscious but kept telling myself, who cares? So what if I'm taking photos? I'm glad I did too, because it was my very last day of school before my 8-week stage!!

Here's a picture of a waterfall in the building I walk through everyday...

Total eye-candy - the Simon's displays... Love how this one turned out with the reflection of the building in the background and the pretty colors.

My friend Kristin and I - actually, I think our first photo together. Man I will really miss my school friends when I go off on stage :(


Downtown life... I walk by here every day on my way to and from school.

No, I've never eaten here, but doesn't it just look so posh and cool?


And here is one of the few photos I took on Thanksgiving:


My mom and I worked on the turkey dinner and setting the table, Martha Stewart style. Yes, those are all her products...

***

In other news:

1. I found out that I'm going to a grade 1 classroom at school nearby. I'm very excited but as usual, nervous about going to a new environment. Somebody I know had this CT before however, and she is apparently really good, which makes me happy to hear.

2. Patrick has been super busy with clients this week, which makes me very happy and proud.

3. I just finished another book by Elizabeth Berg; this time it was Open House. Man, I love her writing style - I just can't get enough of it. Her characters and stories are so genuine.

4. I have no work or school tomorrow, but I do have to go get a blood test done to check up on my TSH levels again. I will get that over with in the early morning, then I have to go ship off the broken x-box and rockband game+ instruments at UPS. Oh, did I mention that a third x-box broke this past week. Know why? From playing a disk in it while it was in the upright position, which is apparently, according to the company, perfectly safe to do. Well, it's not! We are annoyed, but at least we have a guarantee on everything, so we can send it all back, get a credit, and buy the new rockband, which has wireless instruments - so much better!

5. I had to say bye to my daycare sweeties today - I won't see them until Christmas time because I will be on stage for two months. When June told them all to say bye to me, they all shouted it in unison, but Victor can running over to give me a giant hug. Oh my, I nearly cried right then and there. I love that child, he is such a doll, despite all his pee incidents that he seems to do intentionally to manipulate us. I just can't resist his adorable little face and character.

6. I scrapbooked a page yesterday that I don't really like, but I just had to get it done and off my desk. On to the next thing. I really hope to make something I actually like tonight... I seem to have more inspiration when I whip up 8x8 or 8.5x11, so maybe I'll try that.

7. I went to Winners and bought a new hat and pair of gloves for winter. They are really cute and professional looking, but in a fun and modern way. Just the look I am always searching for.

8. I have been a little blah lately, and I think it's because the sun is going down so much earlier. Also, when I wake up to go to work in the morning, it's still dark. How depressing.

9. I love the Rolling Stones. Somewhat random, but I was listening to Beggar's Banquet on the bus the other day and couldn't help but want to burst into song and tap my feet... but didn't.

10. I need to stop wasting so much time on the Internet.

So, it's day three of the long weekend, well into the afternoon, and I haven't done much of anything, to be honest. I'm either sick due to something being passed around at the daycare, or from the wonderful female monthly experience. Either way, I've been on the down low! It always seems to happen that way: have some long-awaited time off, then come down with something. I'm not overly sick, but just icky enough to not be able to really do anything that requires much effort. I have very little appetite either, which is not convenient when it's Thanksgiving weekend and there is turkey to be eaten!

My dad has gone to Kingston, Ontario for the weekend, did I mention that? Alone, on the bus. Yes, he is a very determined man. I am happy that is starting to gain his independence back, but still, I feel like a worried mother watching her little one going off into the world. Bizarre how that works... anyways, I think it's done everyone some good to have a little time apart. I hope he's having a good time. He's visiting an old friend, and I know he's in good hands.

My photos have not been that great, I'm afraid, but what can you do? I'm hoping to come up with some better stuff in the coming days... we shall see. Anyway, here are Sunday's photos:

We played RockBand 2 for the first time together!

Cindy and the evil kitty Baby.

And these are Saturday's photos:

Hockey night in Canada!

Patrick sleeping on my couch, how cute and snugly :) He may kill me for posting this picture.

I'll be taking lots more pictures tonight during our Thanksgiving dinner, which I really hope that I am well enough to eat.

So I've been falling a little behind on the blog posts lately. I was super busy all week and now seem to be fighting off something this morning. I was feeling a little under the weather last night, so I went to bed early. I woke up feeling okay and did an hour of yoga, but now I'm feeling light-headed and headachy. Ugh! I am going to take it easy and rest for a little while. I should not have had any caffeine this morning as my body is acting ultra-sensitive to it at the moment. Anyways, I'll share some photos from the last few days and then I'm off to the couch or some other comfy area.

Patrick's desk.

Phoebe, June's cat.

The library in daycare.

The beads in the doorway between the library and TV room in daycare.


Magnetic boards for the kids to experiment way.

Here's yesterday's picture of a crazed Oasis fan... my camera battery died soon after, so I didn't have the chance to come up with anything creative.

Enjoy the sunny day!

I am just about ready to crawl under the covers, but first, today's photos:

A few from the Education hill, looking downwards (Leacock in the background). I'm loving the fall colors. I tried to get a photo of the mountain but wasn't successful. And I feel silly trying to get good photos in public.

My very inticing bathtub, which I indulged in this evening.

That's all for now. Two group presentations down, one to go... We're getting there and it's almost Friday.

I am so swamped with stuff at the moment! This week at school has been insane. I have three group presentations in one week, all of which require coordinating schedules, delegating tasks, written reports, and other such treats. I'll be SOOO happy for the long weekend. It might even involve some scrappy time, and for sure it will involve a yummy turkey dinner with family. Except that my dad has decided to go visit his friend in Kingston, alone, by bus. So be it. We shall not expand on that subject...

I am also falling behind in posting my daily photos, so I'm going to catch up here. I am being forced to be more reasonable in the amount of photos I take per day this week. That's fine, all things have their time and place.

Guess what? Patrick and I splurged on a 42" flat screen last night! There was an amazing sale on at Costco that we couldn't resist, so we bought it right then and there. We thought it would fit into the back of my car if we put the seats down, but turns out our visual/spatial skills are a little rusty. The giant box didn't fit in my mom's car either, so we had to call Uncle Timmy to the rescue. Thank God for handy-men with their big trucks, eh? Unfortunately no picture of the TV yet, but take my word for it when I say it's monstrously big in Pat's room.

Also, I drove my buddy Tania home from school today, and we had a great chat/vent about school – thanks for that hun! I love that I have been able to make such great friends in the Education program – Mallory, Tania, Kristin, you are the best. It makes it all so much more bearable to know that we can count on each other.

Okay, well, without further ado, here are yesterday’s pictures:

A view seen from the bus ride across the bridge. I love the streak of light in the sky!

Me and my boyfriend on the bus (one of the rare times we actually get to ride together...). I love the way his eyes are sparkling in this photo. I look like crap, on the other hand!

Bus graffiti with the sky in the background.

***

And here are today's pictures, taking right this evening.

A pretty decoration in my room. Love those crystals.

One of my stamps (still dirty!) with my scrap space in the background. I thought it was an interesting idea and goes with the whole theme of capturing the daily details.

Goodnight! (Yes, it's only 8:50 pm and I'm already in my pjs. SOO tired).

Here are yesterday's photos:

Basic Grey obsession!!

Morning: coffee, bed-head, pjs and no makeup!

Pat and I through his bathroom mirror.

The necklace that we made together on Friday night. It's still not finished. I want to add a "P" somehow and maybe curl the edges a little.


Pat and I in the car on the way to Sorel.


His and her bracelets and rings. Patrick made 3/4 (everything but the bracelet I'm wearing).

Patrick's ability to heat up any car he gets into!


On the road... beautiful sky and fall colors.

Jason and Cindy - they hosted their first dinner party with both their families. It was a really nice time and really well done. Thanks guys!!

Patrick's parents 'round the dinner table.

Okay, so maybe I'm going a little overboard with the photos? I really didn't think I would be this into it, but I am. So yay for me, I guess. Well, I'd better go relax now after work + supper prep with my mom and wasting time like crazy on the Internet. I might do a bit of scrapping before bed. Patrick is at another Reiki course so I'm all by my lonesome. Cheers!

Oh Noel, I love your humour! Here's a bit of a recent Australian interview:

How are you preparing psychologically for being on the road together for your upcoming world tour?

There's two buses - Liam's in charge of one, and I'm in charge of the other. My tour bus is very calm: card games, scrabble, a bit of knitting, maybe watch some old documentaries about whittling. Liam has drinking games on his bus, and people setting fire to their own farts. Our worlds don't collide on tour - I see him onstage and that's enough."

I am going to have yesterday's photos in two installments (is that the word I'm looking for?) because I have to leave for work very soon. I took a ridiculous amount of photos yesterday - it's like a bag of sour cream and onion chips - once you pop you can't stop! But it's all good because I'm all about documenting lately. I'm contemplating taking the Ali E challenge, a week in the life type of thing, maybe not this coming week but the next, because I have a bit of leeway time before stage starts. Anyways, these are the "work" photos I took yesterday. More later!

A picture of the reading room, where all the mags and newspapers are on display.

Miss Julie playing the stereotypical mean librarian. She plays the part rather well, no?

A shot of how messy the tops of our shelves have become (with some interesting depth...). We need to get rid of older volumes to make more room for new ones, slowly but surely.

Me at the front desk, pretending to work at the computer, with my mom in the background. It was an exceptionally slow weekend, very attypical for this time of year.



A close-up of some artwork on display by Lidia Vekshina, a local artist.



The stacks...