Nothing's Gonna Change My World

we all float on

2011-08-17T12:14:00.013-04:00

I want to float on these last bits of summer for as long as I can. I am in between, that place right before the change, before the priorities are re-aligned. It's coming, there's no doubt, and soon. The first stage is already here, but more on that later. Right now, I still want to lie on my back in the pool staring at the light, fluffy clouds above me, my only worry what we will eat for dinner or finishing another chapter in my book. I want to feel the freedom of the whole day, the whole week stretched out in front of me, countless possibilities to be had. I want to wake slowly on the trail of dreams, when I feel good and rested. I want to sip my coffee as I visit my favorite sites, inspiration swelling inside of me and spurring creative projects that can all be realized. I want to eat melon and corn, cheeseburgers, roasted pepper, onion and zucchini. I want to try new recipes every week, with all the time and patience I need to devote to them. I want to kneel and dig in the dirt, pulling weeds, planting flowers, re-arranging a garden that will take form as the years go by. I want to drink Pina Colada on my parents' deck with the sun rays streaming in through the branches of the maple that has grown towering over the backyard since the days I was a little girl. I want to eat food from the BBQ. I want to watch fireworks, I want to bike ride and roller blade, take drives down to the countryside. There is still some time. If only this last little bit of August could last forever... Holding on to these glimpses...

time keeps on slipping into the future

2011-08-13T11:55:00.013-04:00

Here we are mid-August, a few days away from the famous "call". Trying not to be stressed about that; trying to enjoy the last little stretch of summer before school starts up again. Trying not to freak out about the unknowns - which school, which grade, for what length of time... What will be will be, so no sense stressing over things you can't really change.Right? I will try to suck it up and make the best of whatever comes my way.

I feel like I need to recap the summer. I've been really crap at blogging. Here are some things that have been happening around here. Sadly, we'll have to go way back to June for a full-fledged summary.

Behold, Patrick's birthday:

First we had a brunch with his family, and we celebrated Father's Day at the same time. The following weekend we had a dinner with my family, which was also a sort of housewarming. We got my parents tickets for the Beatles' Story to make up for the fact that we hadn't really done anything for Mother's Day or Father's Day since we had been so busy with the move and the end of the school year. My family also surprised us with a new BBQ!

I was pretty stressed about cooking for both families for the first time, but it all went pretty well in the end. Patrick and I are refining our cooking/team skills, so it's working out nicely. It is so great to have our own kitchen with a huge island. I must say, it makes all the difference. Now I just need to learn not to freak out about having everything perfect.

Ah yes, during all this time, Pat was also taking an yoga/massage course which came to an end that weekend. An amazing perk to all this is that he must practice giving massages to a certain number of people before he gets his official certificate. Guess who has been volunteering lots of her time towards this goal?! Yup, I'm cashing in on it people. It's great. It's really relaxing now that we have a massage table in the basement. I am spoiled, I know.

Hmm, what else.... Well, we adopted a kitty. She belonged to our friend Dave, who will be moving to Dubai shortly to work for an undetermined period of time in the construction business. Although he wanted to bring her with him, he would have had to pay a ridiculous amount of money to have her quarantined (think $3000) and even then, there was a chance that they might have killed her if they didn't like the look of her, even if she was perfectly healthy. Seeing as he did not want to take that risk, we volunteered to take her in. We've had our ups and downs with her over the past few months. She is needy, she meows a lot for attention, and she has nibbled at some of our curtains (thankfully it's not that noticeable). But overall things are going well and she has her "cute" moments that makes her irresistible, as seen here.

Dave was also staying with us for a few weeks when the lease to his apartment was up. We were glad to help him out as he got his shit sorted out. He's sort of been in limbo for the past little while as he waits for the official okay to sign his contract and begin his new life abroad (which he finally found out should be this September if all goes as planned). Our basement was a royal mess since we hadn't even cleaned out all our boxes from the move, then we needed to find space for Dave and his things. I was getting a bit antsy because my mom was having new couches delivered around that time, and we were going to take her old ones, which we would also have to put in the basement. I also really wanted to paint over the atrocious orange colour that was gracing the walls down there... All this to say that Dave ended up moving in with some other friends so that we could continue sorting out/renovating over here and to accommodate the donated furniture that I wasn't willing to pass up.

Shorthly after, we got into the painting, adn that is when the fun really began. We noticed a little chip in the wall, and upon closer investigation, we discovered that the paint was peeling right off in the same fashion as wallpaper. Then the little hole became a gaping, scary hole.

The real party came when we found about 4-5 different layers underneath with some really sketchy type of plaster that had never dried properly, so it started coming off like sand when we touched it. Here is what the basement looked liked when we thought we would never see the end of it. Depressing, isn't it? Doesn't it look like a DIY project gone terribly wrong?!

I am very happy to report that after a few weeks of peeling, priming, plastering, re-priming, re-plastering, three coats of paint and 2 coats of touch-ups, it is complete! What a fantastic day when we were finally able to vacuum and mop, and start to place furniture the way we wanted. I am so glad that it's over. Oh how rewarding it feels! Here is what it looks like now.

Anyways, I have been rambling for long enough now and I want to go enjoy the sunshine before this evening since we have a going away dinner to attend :) Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

he is here!

2011-07-24T10:07:00.002-04:00

My best friend has had her baby! The whole family is doing extremely well. I am impressed with how calm and easy-going they have been about the whole thing - they are naturals!

Julie and Ken kept his name a surprise until he was born, can you believe it?! The curiosity was killing me, although I think it was a cool idea in the end because it made his birth that much more special. Julie called me late one Tuesday evening as Pat and I were peeling paint off of our basement walls (a lovely story for another time). Pat said that he didn't even recognize her voice over the phone because she sounded so chillaxed (though she claims it was pure exhaustion). She just wanted to let us know that we had a new baby friend, and everyone was doing well. We were soooo happy to hear the news and couldn't wait to meet him!! We went to the hospital on the following Thursday morning, on literally the hottest day of the year. Just walking outside was like melting into a steam bath, it was that drastic. We drove out to Chateauguay through the road work and traffic, but we didn't mind because we were going to meet Joshua (yes, I had caved and asked Julie to tell me his name over the phone because I couldn't wait any longer)!!

We were impressed with how nice the hospital is, not dreary and hospital-like at all really. It looks more like a strip mall when you first walk in, and light streams through the skylights in the main hallway. We tracked down the "pavillion des naissances" and found room 21, the second-to-last room on a long corridor, but very nicely and privately located. We knocked on the door and a few moments later, out came Ken with little Joshua resting in the crook of his arm. How precious and miraculous a newborn truly is. It's stunning at first to see them, you can't believe that they are finally here after a long journey from beyond. But there he was, tiny and adorable, swaddled in his blankets.

After a quick visit from the nurse, we were able to go in and see Julie, who looked fabulous for a lady who had just given birth. And no, I'm not only saying that because she's my friend. She had already lost so much of her weight and looked comfy and well-adjusted. I found myself hoping that I will look that good when I give birth. I hope I can be that "together".

The private room they were staying in had a nice large window overlooking a green space with tall trees and sprawling hills. Another nice feature was the double bed they got to share. I must say we will definitely consider this hospital when it's our turn, although it won't be for another long while, don't you worry.

Patrick and I took turns holding Josh while Julie and Ken recounted details of the journey they had just experienced, each adding dimension to the other. I am so glad we were able to visit and be part of Josh's first few days. I can't wait to watch him grow.

Congratulations on your beautiful boy my dear friends!

2011-07-11T09:24:00.006-04:00

Just a quick post to mention how cool our weekend was. It was my third time seeing U2 and I must say it's impressive how massive their concerts still are (this one in particular). Despite the disgusting crowds and the drenching rain at the end of the evening, we had a great time.

In store this week: painting the basement, receiving couches, finishing the grout sealer in the kitchen and bathroom, hanging more pictures, garden work in the backyard, hopefully finding a TV unit and starting my photo wall.... We'll see how productive I actually am.

I know I am due back with a "part 2" of the last few months. I'll add it to the list of things to do.

The last few months - part 1

2011-07-02T08:54:00.015-04:00

Why hello, its been a while, no?! I'll be honest, there were some times that I contemplated whether or not I really felt like having a blog anymore. For the last few months, there has been so much going on that I never found the time or motivation to document because there was always something else to take care of. I haven't written for myself in ages, and am feeling quite stunted and uninspired and incapable in that department. With summer here, though, I really want to get back into it. I am disappointed that spring 2011 is a blur in my mind, uncaptured in words and in very few photos. So I will try to go back and fill in the missing pieces, try to tell this story of our move, of the end of the school year, of big life changes and little adventures.

If I take you back to early spring, I was an MLS-addict, obsessed with checking properties for sale, either hunched over my computer or oh-so-conveniently, pretty much anywhere I went with my Remax app on the iPhone. We racked our brains over tons of possibilities, looked into condos, made check-lists and jotted down calculations over and over, tweaking variables to find out what would work best. It was so draining and stressful for a long time, with so many unknowns and what-ifs. You can really get lost and discouraged in the process. But I am happy we toughed it out and did our homework, because it paid off.

Thankfully we found a great agent who understood our needs and eventually helped us find this place. We visited it on a Thursday evening and the following day, she managed to negotiate the price way, way down with the seller's agent. We were surprised and a little overwhelmed at how fast it started to roll from that point on. She stressed the importance of us making an offer right away, before the weekend and the possibility of an open house which would attract more people and offers. We were stunned, I think, when we went to her office that Friday afternoon, not fully aware of what we were launching ourselves into. We told her that we wanted to visit one last time before making an official offer. It was supposed to be my birthday supper that evening, but I dragged my mom away from cooking duties so she could come by again for some advice. All along I knew that I didn't want to let this place go, so after an hour or so of debating, of inspecting the place, of dreaming of the future, I filled out the paper work for the first offer and oh my lord what a feeling...
The next day, on my birthday, we received word that our offer had been accepted!! The only thing they didn't agree to was giving us the table (seen here) and chairs that they had been using to stage the place. We were disappointed at first, but we had already bought chairs a few months earlier and were going to be refinishing my parents' old kitchen table, so it wasn't really a loss. Also, the chairs were fabric, which wouldn't have stood the test of time or dealt well with spills and stains. The table was also glass, and although it was gorgeous, I think it would have been a pain to clean, not to mention that it wasn't the most child-friendly type of material, which would be a concern in the future.
So the next few weeks involved lots of calls, sorting, planning, organizing, and finally packing. Without including any of Pat's things or the kitchen items that were stuffed under the stairs in my bedroom, here is what my parents' basement looked liked (eeek!):

Honestly, looking at this, it still feels surreal. The amount of time that went in to coordinating all of this was monumental, but we did it! I am so glad that I moved in the month of May, before the last month of school and the need to move all the boxes from my classroom back into storage at home... Anyways, we were really lucky to have family and friends helping us a TON. Here we are on moving day:

Everything went pretty smooth overall, and although it was exhausting, it was exciting and fun at the same time. My mom and my uncle were especially helpful over weeks and countless projects, and we are forever indebted to them for all their hard work.

The last little while has been all about settling in, organizing, making it our space, decorating, and getting into a groove together. It has been a learning process. It has been a bit crazy at times. We have learned that a house will always be a work in progress, and that's okay. It was hard for me to accept at first, but I am coming to understand that I need to just let things be and appreciate what we have. I think we have done quite well for being here for two months.

There is much more to tell, but I have to get ready for work at the library. One more day before my vacation time. I will be back sometime soon to fill in part 2.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Big Changes

2011-04-24T11:19:00.003-04:00

So I've been a terrible blogger, I know, I know. But I have good reason, trust me! After a long search of condos and houses, we have finally found "the one". Thankfully we're through the worst of it (financing, inspection, pyrite, etc) and all that's left is to sign at the notary's office in a week from now. Then of course there will be the move and everything that comes along with it... but thankfully the place is newly renovated which means that we won't have to do any remodeling or repair work aside from some landscaping and repainting an ugly color in the basement. It is pretty much ready to go!

We are finally starting to allow ourselves to be excited after a very long, stressful period of searching. We originally almost bought a condo, went to sign for it and everything, but then realized that it was incredibly noisy and we couldn't envision ourselves being happy there. That's when we began a house search with a real estate agent that my mom knew from the gym, who helped us to find our house and turned out to be a great match for us. We actually ended up signing the acceptance offer on my birthday two weekends ago, and everything has been a crazy, stressful blur since then. Now that everything is in order financially and with the notary, we can relax a bit and begin the next phase of planning of the move, which will happen in two weekends from now. Everything is rolling so fast, which is a bit overwhelming, but at the same time exciting since we have been waiting for this for a long time. Also, Patrick needed to be out of his apartment by June anyways, so the timing works out perfectly.

It still hasn't sunk in that I am leaving here, the place I've called home for most of my life. I think it will be bittersweet in many ways. I am stoked to live with Pat in our own environment (soooo needed after almost ten years together) but at the same time, I think I will miss my parents and this house.

Anyways, there's more I could go on about but we're having an Easter brunch and grandmother duties call. Have a great weekend everyone!

Currents + Another Page

2011-03-04T10:09:00.003-05:00

listening to: the sounds of my house. The new Radiohead.
eating: nothing yet, but craving some cereal.
drinking: again, nothing yet, but coffee very soon.
wearing: pink PJ bottoms with cupcake designs, and Pat's Niagara falls sweater. Very stylish combo.
feeling: worried about my uncle (operation is today).
weather: still cold, with a deceptively bright sky. When will blasted Winter end already?!
wanting: to get a good phone call from out West at the end of today.
needing: to fully appreciate my last day of March Break.
thinking: it's time to start breakfast!
enjoying: scrapbooking!
wondering: what workout should I do today?

I was flipping through this book and decided to randomly choose one topic to scrapbook about. I looooove this book. It gets my creativity flowing almost every time. Here is what I made this morning. I am quite pleased. These were some feelings I've had for a long while and it felt good to put them into words. Man did I hate hate hate that class.

Happy Friday everyone :)

A new digi-page

2011-03-02T17:59:00.001-05:00

Patrick will probably kill me for using this picture, but I like it!

Winding Down

2011-03-01T18:28:00.006-05:00

With March break comes the realization that I have not be nurturing the things I love nearly as much as I should. I have been shoving things, both figuratively and literally, into crevices with the thought that I will get to them in time, but all that has amounted to is a lot of clutter. I have been living in this vision of the future, putting things on hold because it's not the time quite yet. But this has drained me more than I realized and is no real way of living. So for the past few days, I have been slowing down in the now.

This past weekend we went to Burlington. We browsed the shops a lot. We tried on nerdy glasses just for a laugh.

We discovered that snuggies exist in various forms. Disturbing, yet highly amusing.

We ate a lot - far more than we should have. One night we went to the Pub and Brewery and the other night we went to the Olive Garden with Julie and Ken. The calorie intake was probably over 2000 per person. Debauchery I tell you, but it was soooo good.

We then decided to go swimming even though we all felt like we were going to explode. The water was positively freezing... We avoided the hot tub with its murky brown water and group of very noisy Quebecers. All this made us laugh almost uncontrollably, which we hadn't done in a while.

Later, Pat and I snuggled on a king-sized bed and watched movies. We browsed the charming downtown square and went to a few antique places, although found nothing worthwhile. That's okay because just looking was more than half the fun anyways.

We drove home in a rain storm on a nearly empty highway. Just us in our tiny car, moving through space and time, the sound of slush and wipers and faint music playing in the background. There is something about the open road that is so hypnotic, so all-encompassing and soothing to me. Maybe it's because I traveled a lot when I was younger and there was nothing I loved more than watching the world zoom by, reading license plates and checking off all the states and provinces we passed through. In any case, the feeling is still there for me as an adult driver - I love the highway just as much as passing through all the little towns along the way.

In the end, our shopping spree was not very successful, but I am fine with that. In fact, I'm a bit relieved since I just had to fix my car brakes before leaving and that was a huge amount that I wasn't expecting. We are happy we were able to get away for a few days. We needed some down time together and it has allowed me to feel calm and peaceful.

Now I am back home and have been taking care of a few necessities, like laundry and organizing files - getting income tax papers ready to go. I actually made a digital page today, which I will share soon. I felt very rusty while making it, but in the end, am pleased with the result. I need to force myself to get back into it and I know the joy will come.

I feel the urge to take pictures, decent-looking pictures, as it has been far too long. Maybe a walk tomorrow will expand my horizons a little bit...

Anyways, I have to go pick up my man after his long day with clients. More tomorrow. Cheers!

100th Day

2011-02-22T16:12:00.005-05:00

Guess what? We celebrated the 100th day of school today! I wanted to share some art that my students made. The task was to draw what they look like today and then imagine what they'll look like at 100. I was very pleased with the improvements they made with their self-portraits, since at the beginning of the year it was quit a challenging task. I made a template first, and then modeled how to draw each feature, one at a time. If you let them do it completely independently, in whatever order, I find they tend to make the head way too small and then forget to add detail. We went verrrry slowly. I think they did an amazing job, if I do say so myself. I find them hilarious, actually. The cotton adds a certain charm, no? Ahhh, nothing like kinder-art!

We are more than half-way through the year, which I find hard to believe. 100th day of last year literally feels like it could have been a week ago. Am I in some kind of time warp!? Time really flies. March break is looming in the distance, not far off now... Only two more teaching days, parent-teacher interviews and a Ped-day until my brother's birthday and then a mini -trip to Burlington. So very psyched. I am pretty drained lately, fighting off colds constantly and really busy with both jobs... Some R&R is definitely just what I need. And shopping of course ;) Hopefully even some antique hunting, just for fun. It's not like I have anywhere to store it, but I would resort to cramming something in the corner of my bedroom if I found "the" piece. So if you know of any good places around the area, please let me know!

What else, what else? I bought these boots:

I waited for them to go on sale and they were so worth it. I was doubting myself a bit right after my purchase but since then, have gotten tons of compliments at work. I guess I made the right choice after al. Funny how I am so influenced by external feedback. Silly, really, but I can't deny that it helps to solidify decisions.

I had every intention of writing a longer post but it's 5 pm already, so I need to force myself to workout or else I will crash very soon. Have a good night!

Winter in full swing

2011-02-06T19:10:00.005-05:00

So much for my resolution to update the blog once or twice a week. I think I was just a little gung-ho when I put that list together. Ahh, good intentions. I guess I have been pre-occupied with other things, such as:

- Getting financial stuff organized (new accounts, transfers and such... fun stuff)

- Replacing my car battery

- Working a lot (report cards, k screening, and portfolios all due soon)

- Obsessing about finding a house/condo (MLS every night)

- Watching the Pacific (as usual, HBO does not disappoint)

- Hunting down and finally purchasing our perfect dining room chairs (ignore all the crap in the background)

- Attempting to find a new winter jacket (no luck so far)

- Shoveling a crap-load of snow
- Sending lots of positive energy to my uncle who is battling pancreatic cancer :(

- Going on field trips with my class, like this place

- Reading this book

- Having drinks with colleagues

- Going to Darla and Pat's wedding (so much fun)!!

So there you have it, a brief peak into my world at the moment. I am going to unwind now, maybe watch a movie or catch up on my book. I need lots of rest for the upcoming week as another field trip is in store! Cheers.

Currents+Brain Stew

2011-01-16T10:51:00.003-05:00

listening: the sound of my printer
eating: nothing yet today
drinking: OJ and coffee to come
wearing: sweats and a roxy sweater
feeling: groggy, confounded, apprehensive
weather: light snow and sunshine
wanting: to stretch my sore muscles
needing: a new pair of winter boats if I can't fix the zipper on my old ones
thinking: about too many things at once
enjoying: having today off
wondering: will we get approved for a mortgage? how much can we really afford?

When words are slow and clumsy (though my mind is racing a million miles) I turn to this quick and simple list to capture the moment.

We have been looking at condos, townhouses, houses.... we have been dreaming. We have been making budgets and check-lists and overwhelming ourselves just a tad (okay, it's more me, not him). We are conjuring up scenarios, tweaking different variables, all to see what is do-able, what is comfortable and affordable. It is so very scary to think that all the savings I've worked so hard towards will soon be "gone" and then we'll be locked into a long period of debt. I know I can't think like that. Everyone is in the same boat, everyone has to tackle it. Gotta shift the frame of mind and accept it. Just do it, just give in and know that it's okay.

I know I need to slow down, take breaks, pace myself, and then it will seem more manageable.

Today I would like to go outside and take pictures of the way the sun is reflecting off the snowbanks. I would like to take a walk. I would like to scrapbook. I would like to spend fewer hours in front of this screen.

Happy Sunday!

Back in the Groove

2011-01-09T09:49:00.003-05:00

It's Sunday morning and I'm just about to finish an over-sized cup of coffee. It's regular, not vanilla hazelnut, which means I have officially bid farewell to the holiday season. I'd been clinging to its allure for a few days (okay, a week) longer than I should have, but really now, the gingerbread people were all eaten last night so there's no going back. We will have to wait another 11 months before the most wonderful time of the year.

Trying to adjust to the 6:15 wake-up call has been brutal this week, especially since I was unable to fall asleep before 2 am most work nights. Ickiness... I am going to try to stretch my sleep time until 7 am and see if I can pull it off. It means I would have to get ready in about 20-25 minutes flat, but I think it could be accomplished if I shower the night before, have my lunch prepared and my outfit picked out. The extra 45 minutes of sleep would be awesome. I'm going to test my plan tomorrow, so let's hope for the best.

My students did not forget everything over the holidays, thankfully, although on the first day back I had the impression that they were incredibly demanding of my immediate attention. Was this attributed to them all being the center of attention over the holidays, or was it my lack of sleep coupled with the fact that I had adapted to almost two consecutive weeks sans enfants? Maybe a bit of both. After much repetition and modeling, I'm hoping that they will soon fall back into a more self-sufficient pattern. I know they are able to, but just need seem guiding.

It's also a library weekend for me, and an incredibly busy one at that. The one advantage is that my shift passes in a blur. I also needed to stock up on must-read books for myself, and some books for my class, so I'm glad to be able to get them while working.

We hung out with Cindy and Jason last night. Ate all-together too much, played Clue, Scene It and tried their Xbox Kinect, which is highly entertaining.

Alright, time to get on with my day. I'll share a layout that makes me laugh. You have to say the title with a Ricky Gervais accent and it will make it that much better. Cheers!

Shift and Begin

2011-01-04T11:46:00.005-05:00

The new year has come and gone. It is my last day of vacation. I have toyed with the idea of a trip to Plattsburgh with mom but the specifics have failed to materialize. We like the idea of going, perhaps, more than the actual act of going. Why is that? There is some excitement in various possibilities all at once; an open road ahead and so much to explore. Then again, there is also the danger of dreaming too much and getting tangled in what-ifs and could-haves and far too many variables that it becomes crippling. I have been known to be deceived by this habit. Indecision is my one of my biggest shortcomings. To resolve this issue has been on my self-improvement list for some time. It tends to improve when I make lists with precise details, or when I play out full scenes in my mind so I can watch how it will all pan out if only I make the choice. Imagery can be so powerful. I know I also need to own my choices and show more conviction; only then will more meaning be brought forth. It sounds so ridiculous on some level, to be pained to decide whether a day of shopping or a day of hobbies is more appealing, but there you have it. I have been following a script that says I must carefully choose one or the other, and wisely, or else I will miss out. Since I have very few days off, it seems even more crucial to make the “right” decision. A whole day could be wasted; inspiration, excitement, happiness, or more. What I have failed to realize is that I create all these emotions myself depending on the attitude I have when living these events. I can make anything enjoyable or miserable. Why do I forget this? Why do I forget that everything happens in good time, all things can be realized, just not all at once? Again, I come back to the need to be more present instead of living in the headspace of my future or past.

I will spend my day doing things I love and catching up on some small tasks that can no longer be neglected before the return to work (laundry, tiddying, etc). My Bahamas mini-album is more than half-way done thanks to a get-together with Julie yesterday afternoon. I can be close to finishing it today! But it shouldn’t only be about finishing; it should be about enjoying the process and reliving our trip as I flip through the pages. Need to shift the focus here and it will probably be a lot more fun.

I would like to drink tea from our new glass tea kettle, the one designed to hold fancy flower teas that slowly unfurl as they steep. Some energize, other calm, depending on your needs that day.

Curling up with a book in late afternoon would also be a nice, relaxing way to end my vacation. I am at the ¾ point in one book; that part when you become fixated and can't put it down, and though you know it’s about to end, you don't quite want to leave the characters yet.

Speaking of good books, I have been meaning to mention this one. I read it a few weeks ago in the span of about 4 days. It was so good it kept me up until 3 in the morning one work night. I brought it with me to the staff room on several occasions and raved about it to colleagues, it's that good. It is told through the eyes of a 5-year old. It is haunting and beautiful and hopeful; it made my heart ache. I highly recommend it.

I have somewhat revamped the ol’ blog. It is a bit more “me” right now. I was so bored of the old look; it was so blah. I much prefer this. The font has also changed and I find it more enjoyable. I hope you will too. If this is your last day or week of vacation, do the things you love!

what i really wanted to say

2010-12-31T17:26:00.006-05:00

I have been struggling with voice the past little while. Every time I go to put words down in cyber-space, I choke up; I type furiously and then erase. It seems when blogger is open, I alter my words for some audience outside of myself. I get frustrated. It feels contrived. I feel like I may never write truthfully, for the heart, ever again. And then I make my way to this blog, and suddenly all things are more meaningful again. I am reminded of the life that I want to lead. I am inspired by the future, of how things might be in our very own home, and eventually with little ones running around. Such soulful words and images, always, that fill me with compassion. That is where I want to be. And so I open a word document and I begin, no pressure.

Yesterday we drove home from Ikea and the late afternoon sky was bright pink, the kind that makes you want to stare in amazement. You noticed it, not I. I was clutching the steering wheel, letting the stress of winter driving and traffic creep up my rigid spine. The bitter part of me was frustrated that you would want me to turn my attention away from our safety to observe something for a fleeting second. How ridiculous of me. I see so clearly now that I was looking for an argument, frustrated about being sick, about the blah-ness going on with my family, about crowds of pushy people and the kicker as always, not having our own space yet. Why would I choose to take it out on you – you, the only person who fully listens to me and is compassionate and giving and true and loves me when I’m coughing and congested and feeling disgusting. Why couldn’t I just give in to that sky and acknowledge its beauty rather than mumble some half-assed “hmm” probably too low and monotone for you to have even noticed. Upon reflection, I can see quite clearly those moments where the rift widens if we’ll let it. Imagine 25 years of this game? Please, let’s not.

A few minutes later, I told you how lucky I was to have gotten a contract in Kindergarten for two years in a row. You asked me with a sly smile if I really thought it was luck. I shrugged and said I think so, plugged into the thoughts of others and letting them influence me, as usual. The truth is, how I really feel is right here, in these words from my favorite blog. This is what I know you meant and how I truly feel but was unable to put into words…

(from my topography)
What do you want to manifest?
I believe in this. I believe in it deeply. I have found again and again and again that the things I ask for manifest when I ask clearly, when I put my greatest, deepest wishes into the palms of the universe to hold.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and endless plans.
That the moment one definitely commits oneself then providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred.
A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now. ~Goethe

So. What do you wish to begin this year? What is the wildest, truest thing that you want to have happen?
….

Well my dreams for us this year are as follows:
To continue creating, day in and day out. Scrapbooking, writing, DIY projects, jewelry. We need to get back into jewelry, just as soon as the space permits. I am most inspired and alive when doing these things.

I want to capture our journeys through photographs, scrapbooking, journaling, blogging.

Job-wise, I will continue this contract until the end of the school year, and then come late August, I will be on the call-back list, of this I am sure. Of course we don’t know what grade or what exact percentage I will be offered (I am confident 80-100) but my greatest wish is to stay right where I am (grade-wise, or at least cycle 1). I know I am mean to be here. I am hoping the connections I have made this year will be a huge help in that department.

For you, I wish you continued success in your practice. I believe in you from the bottom of my heart and know you are amazing at what you do. Sometimes I don’t always express this, or I let the doubts of others creep. I know that this is the most counter-productive thing possible. Your clientele is growing, always, and that is no small feat. I am proud of you for making a choice to get out of a job you hated and start something incredibly meaningful from bare bones. I know that you love it, too, and that is more valuable than anything. Your journey continues in the right directions. Think of all the people whose lives you have shaped for the better.

We will have our house this year, there is no doubt in my mind. And we will make it work for us, whatever way possible. I am tired of stressing over dollars and cents. It’s so ridiculous to me really. Yes, finances are important, but we will not let them rule our lives. It breaks my heart to think of how much we all let money influence us when in the end it will not matter.

And I come back to this poem again and again, that I wrote over two years ago. Time to change my perspective.

Air traffic control, hello?
ADD brain
Soaking the sun rays
Failing to live here, now.
Stressing over nothing
projections in my head.
Projects and ideas, ideas, ideas
That never materialize
Failure to prioritize
Lacking the clarity, depth, reflection
That would make me feel. more.
Second guessing.
Indecision.
Time slipping away…

Why is it not okay
to just slow down with the day?
Appreciate small wonders
Let go those impulse dreams
Of things, things, more things
For happiness and
self-esteem

no wonder your frustration,
so clear in these glimpses
You are all that is true and yet
Sometimes I feel such fury.
My catalogue self screams:
“AND WHY NOT?”
like the tropics can just
Absolve it all

You are so right in
How I’m so wrong.

And yet I still long for the salty calm of the ocean
“because people believe that they’re gonna get away for the summer”

But the time is whenever you are right then,
When you have all the world piled on your shoulders
And corrections up to your ears.
That is when you’re most alive,
When you will stop dead in your tracks one moment
And think how whole you’ve become, or rather
Have been all along and only just discovered.

Live for those rainy days
And quiet sighs
And priceless boring afternoons together.
And the lines on an insect’s back
And the purr of a kitten
And the wonder of your own creations
And all the things that make your soul
That have no price tag.
That can go with you, beyond.
Because all the rest just fades,
Remember?

And maybe all the stress you hold
In the small of your back
Is all the pent up anxiety of your own mortality
“Terror management theory”
And how you ought to smarten up.

....

May 2011 be the year of "smartening up" in the right ways.

scrapbooking reflections on a year gone by...

2010-12-31T09:35:00.006-05:00

It's the last day of the year. How is that even possible?! Time really flies. The fun thing about blogging and scrapbooking is that I can take a trip back in time whenever I want. It helps me build my time-line when reflection gets a bit blurry (which is often).

I scrapbooked last night and felt elated. The so-called mojo has returned, apparently, to the point where I feel like scrapbooking all day long today, which is unlikely to actually happen, but hey, a girl can fantasize. Maybe this sudden need to scrap is due to the fact that I realized that I have so many pictures for 2010, so many stories, and barely anything to show for it. Okay, maybe that's not quite true. Let me do a tally...

1 Mini-album completed (Trip out West)
2 Mini-albums started (Sweden - okay, barely; Bahamas - about half-way there)
21 Digital pages (many of which never saw this blog because I didn't like them)
14 Paper pages (none of which I have properly photographed or shared on the blog, ooops)

Not terrible. Mediocre, overall. I just wish that I didn't dislike so many of them. There are so many times when I felt like I was pushing things around on the page and then settling. The wow factor was lacking. And that's always why I become uninspired and unmotivated and end up leaving a huge mess on my scrap table only to be tackled weeks later. My seeming inability to take any decent pictures of layouts also needs improvement! Seems like a few resolutions are percolating here.

***

Well I just took a quick break to take some photos of layouts. It's a cloudy day, the light is not right, but I will make due. I can never take nice pictures of layouts - don't know what I'm doing wrong but will have to investigate. Lessons on how to use my camera to it's full potential would also come in handy here. That aside, and keeping in mind that the story is more important, here is the layout I made to summarize our year.

We are going to Pat's dad's place to welcome the new year. We are breaking our tradition for the first time in many years. We usually spend the evening with friends, but seeing as I am super sick (again - pitiful, no?) I wouldn't want to pass on the cold to Everett. I hope I won't fall asleep before midnight!

I may be back with some more year-in-review type posts if time permits. I wanted to make a list of movies, music, blogs and books that I have enjoyed this year.

Happy New Year everyone :)

Gym Dreams

2010-12-29T12:01:00.007-05:00

I have been dreaming up schemes for our future home gym. There seems to be very little visual inspiration for cool/stylish workout rooms out there, which is unfortunate. I guess we'll just have to come up with our own. Yesterday I was pestering Patrick about ideas for quotes for our gym wall, and he came up with a line from Dodgeball. Brilliant! Not sure how I forgot about that one. Anyways, here is a rough sketch of some print art that I came up with today using Photoshop. Oh how I amuse myself. I also figure we'll have to incorporate his autographed Canadiens jersey. I am drawing my inspiration from what I've seen at Mansfield. Something a bit like this (now just to find one that's a tad more affordable)...

I was also thinking it would be really cool to have some sort of chalkboard calendar/list to write our sets and reps and keep track of them each week. Drawing inspiration from this:

I have a growing folder full of images and links to home decor ideas. Cannot wait to have our own place and start DIY-ing. Sigh. Until then, I will just have to amuse myself with the plans.

Happy hump-day everyone :)

Post 25th

2010-12-27T12:08:00.006-05:00

The "big day" has come and gone for another year. It always seems to leave me in a daze, wondering how soooo much excitement and build-up can pass by so quickly. Left-overs are in piled in the fridge, boxes are piled on the basement floor. Santa, aka Mom, over-indulged yet again. To the point where I feel almost guilty for the amount of consumerism we succumb to during the holiday season. It's too much, really - I'm almost embarrassed. I feel like next year we should go the minimal route, like one gift each, max, or opt for home-made gifts only. But I am not here to complain. We are lucky to be able to give and receive. And that we did. And so here is a quick summary.

Pat and I got a lot of joint gifts from the family: an ottoman for our future bedroom, a coffee machine, a spice rack, the Magic Bullet, a set of knives, various utensils, a wok, and a Kitchen-Aid standing blender (so exciting!). See, I told you, we are overly spoiled. I am probably even missing a few items.

I got Patrick.... drum roll ... an autographed Habs jersey! My mom takes a spinning class with Gionta's wife and she asked if she wouldn't mind getting him to sign them. She said no prob. My brother got one too. Needless to say, they were two extremely happy campers. The only hitch was that on Christmas Eve, my brother got a Canadiens t-shirt from my grandmother, and as he was opening it, my dad asked if it was the signed one, thus ruining the "big" surprise that was only supposed to come Christmas morning. Patrick decided to open his gift right away, but my brother insisted he was going to open his the next morning only.

Pat also got some tools, other Habs stuff, and a glass tea pot so we can use our pretty flower herbal teas and watch them "blossom" as they brew. Now we just need a proper kettle...

Pat got me some Prada sunglasses and jewelery that come from a pretty turquoise box ;) Incredibly spoiled.

Anyways, more to come at a later date... If I don't get out of blog world soon I will not be productive at all today. I have some gifts that I need to return/exchange (wrong items and things that didn't fit people properly, sigh). I also want to find some ornaments on extreme liquidation since next year I will be decorating my very own tree!!

Hope your Christmas was special :)

Christmas Eve Eve

2010-12-23T11:19:00.005-05:00

The countdown is on! I am starting to feel the magic, mostly because my mom is home and baking up a storm. If it weren't for all the effort she puts in, I think Christmas would skip our house altogether, seeing as how the male half of our family could not be bothered. But I will not let the grinchy attitudes of some get me down. At least my man is really into it. He bakes with us, he is the perfect gift giver, he helps wrap and put up decorations, he lets me read him the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve, and he wears the Christmas pyjamas I bought him a few years ago. I guess I can't ask for much more in that department.

Oh, he even helped me to make snowflakes... We got a little carried away with that once we learned the technique to the 6-point star. It's really addictive. Plus, I just discovered an app called Snodoodle that lets you test out designs on your phone... pretty awesome!

Today I am putting together last-minute touches on home-made gifts, wrapping, cleaning and hopefully working out. Our tradition is going to be modified this year since we will be eating Christmas dinner at Cindy's and Jason's place rather than eating here with my family. Instead my family will have our turkey dinner tomorrow. I think this is a good compromise, and it will mean that Pat and I can more fully enjoy festivities with both families instead of the back and forth game, feeling guilty and rushed.

This year I am way more excited about giving gifts than receiving. I can't wait to see the look on everyones' faces when they open their gifts. I can't wait for Pat to open his gift - I anticipate he will freak out, it's that good.

I hope Santa is good to you all. Cheers.

Somewhere South?

2010-12-15T23:08:00.003-05:00

I'm dreaming of this place as I freeze my butt off in the negative double-digits. Where would you be if you could?

But no, in actual fact, I'm not sold on the idea of leaving home for Christmas. Not sure how I'd feel without the snow. Maybe I'll find out one day...

Some Everett Love

2010-12-11T11:46:00.004-05:00

Because his mommy said it was okay, I just had to share a picture of Alexandra and Ryan's little man, Everett. Is he not the most adorable bundle? Sooo very cute. I bet he's going to be an amazing boy.

in december drinking horchata

2010-12-06T19:28:00.003-05:00

I've been waiting all year to use that line. But I have yet to actually try horchata. All in good time my friends.

This evening it is snowing; snow-storming. I just shoveled the driveway and it felt good, although my back was a little stiff. I am hoping, fingers crossed, that enough white powder will accumulate to cause a snow day tomorrow. That would make me very, very happy. It is not very likely, but there is a chance. And if it means catching up on the sleep that I lost last night due to a pressure headache, I would gladly take it.

I have been writing letters to my students this evening, pretending to be Santa. Last year we sent out a batch and Canada Post totally butchered my students' names and gave them all generic copies - literally one-liners written in broken English. Teacher was not impressed. This year, my students had six-graders scribe their letters for them, so they are way more detailed and I have responded to them in detail. I am surprised by how amused it made me. I could bribe them pretending to be Santa, and make up stories about elf amusements parks and such. It's great. I hope they will get a kick out of it.

In other news, my good friends Alex and Ryan welcomed their bundle of joy into the world on December 1st. They named him Everett and he is so very precious. We met him yesterday and it felt surreal to hold an infant. Amazing, really. I took lots of pictures but I will wait for his mom to share on facebook and give the okay before I share on here.

We also started decorating the tree on the weekend while watching Home Alone. Those two factors combined have finally put me into the holiday spirit. I love putting up the tree and leafing through my box of ornaments that all have special stories and memories. This is possibly the last Christmas that I celebrate "at home", meaning at my parents' house, because if all goes as planned, Patrick and I will be settled into our home at this time next year. I'm trying to appreciate all the little things, the traditions associated with this season. I've also been inspired to craft. I am making a pom-pom wreath, and although it is a long process, it is very addictive. Here is where I found the inspiration and go this fab picture. Mine will be similar, I hope, except that I chose two shades of turquoise and purple. It's more challenging than you'd think to level off the poms but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it!

Well enjoy the rest of your week! Cheers.

TGIF

2010-11-26T10:17:00.006-05:00

Currents
listening: to an old playlist I made and I'm loving it (anyone else but you is playing right now)
eating: just had oatmeal with peach yogurt and raisins
drinking: just finished an extra large coffee; two creams, two teaspoons of Splenda
wearing: jeans, Roxy shirt with hearts and pink slippers
feeling: inspired (to do something creative today) and hopefully productive (to finish up my report cards and portfolios)
weather: freezing rain (yuck) but some white sunlight is shining through the clouds
wanting: to re-do my blog design. I'm so bored with it.
needing: to fold laundry
thinking: hmmm, maybe I should go in to work in my classroom a bit? (it's a ped day/convention day, so a lot of coming and going)
enjoying: my teacher friends. Clarissa, Jill, Jackie, Audrey, Cindy - you girls rock. Thank you for making work not feel like work. (And Stacy, I miss you sooooo much)
wondering: when will it snow? when will Alex have her baby?!

Time wastin' and compiling x-mas lists

2010-11-22T19:40:00.017-05:00

To break up the terribly long and boring task of writing report card comments, I will amuse myself by posting on my blog. A small reward for completing ten mega-packed paragraphs pertaining to my students' progress, with five to go. I should be able to get them all done tonight. Patrick is gone to a presentation downtown, so I might as well be productive at home. But first, some fun.

With December right around the corner, it's almost time for my Christmas movie-marathon. Each year I rush around at the last minute trying to think of all the movies I want to watch to put me in the holiday spirit. This year, I figured I would make my list nice and early so that I can actually rent/download them all, then find time to fit them into the schedule. So here we go, in no particular order.

Classic. Brings me right back to elementary school. "You're what the French call les incompétents". They were so mean to poor Kevin.

How could you watch the first without the second?

You can't really go wrong with Will Ferrell in an elf suit. A little on the light-hearted side, but still really funny and charming.

We discovered this movie as a happy accident last year and man was it good. Vince Vaughn does not disappoint. And, Patrick can practice being a Vaughnabie. Yes, he coined that phrase.

Perhaps my favorite childhood Christmas movie. I cannot do Christmas without watching it. And, I have the singing Rudolph to go along with it ;)

I have to confess, I've never watched this one. I was highly reprimanded for that last year. I intend on remedying the situation come December. I hear it's the Christmas movie.

Swoon. How can one not love this movie?

"In God We Trust".... That line really stood out for me apparently. It's a feel-good, happy ending sort of deal. Maybe I should check out the original as well.

I sorta forgot about this one, but it's a good one, isn't it? Need to watch it again.

So there you have it. My feel-good, get-you-in-the-mood-for-Christmas list. Any other suggestions?

Is it Friday yet?

2010-11-18T18:24:00.004-05:00

Man I'm looking forward to the weekend! I've been getting pressure headaches for the past few days and they are draining. I have such a hard time to focus, but I'm plowing on. Surprisingly, I've been inspired to spruce up my classroom a bit more, even though we are right in the thick of portfolios and report cards. We have started the five senses and the body, so I finally made a "theme" area in the room, complete with posters, vocabulary words, and information texts on the topics. We also started our full-body portraits - no small task I tell you! At first we were going to color them with wax crayons, but at the last minute I thought we could experiment with paint... So yeah, there's a big mess waiting to be cleaned up tomorrow morning. I had no energy to do so after our super long staff meeting after school. Thankfully I don't have to work this weekend so I can do whatever I want!!

I am going to scrapbook soon, since Patrick has a later client and I'm waiting for him. I have been working on my Bahamas album. I've also started a digi project that is top secret at the moment, just in case my mom reads my blog. I will have to really get moving on that if I want it to be ready for Christmas. I'm not sure how feasible it will be, but at least I can give it to her as a work in progress.

Anyways, I will leave you with a layout I made a month ago. Brings me right back to my high school days. Hmm, maybe a new playlist is in store. Some of the songs from these albums are still my favorites.

Halfway through November...

2010-11-15T17:23:00.003-05:00

And time keeps rolling by. It seems crazy that we're almost a month away from Christmas. The days go by sooo quickly as a teacher. It's one of the perks I guess! I'll take 'em where I can get 'em as they can feel really scarce some days. No, but in all honesty, things are looking up. My students are in a groove, they are picking up on things much better overall, aside from the few moments here and there when they become extremely distracted. I have started a student of the week award and that seems to be keeping them motivated to do well in general. Rather than highlight what they're not supposed to be doing, I just keep giving praise to the ones who are doing what they're supposed, and magically, in most cases, the other students follow soon after.

This weekend was busy. I worked at the library and there were crowds. Annoying crowds. But I did get some new books for my class and magazines for myself, so that's good. On Friday night, I went to Jack's for drinks with my teacher friends, which is always a good laugh (especially when Steven is there - that's so camp ;). Afterwards, I went for dinner at Carmine's, which was way better than I expected. Like way better, and for a decent price! I will definitely be going back there. It's more on the fancy side without being too overpriced. Our friends Ben and Stephanie know their restaurants so we were pleased to be introduced to this place.

On Saturday night, Ben came by the apartment to cook us tacos while we watched the game. The boys were quite pleased about the 7-2 win over a team they apparently hadn't beaten since 2004 or something of the sort. I'm glad that Pat was able to watch the game with some real fans for once, since I tend to zone in and out of periods. Watching with die-hards is so much more exciting for him.

Since I am sooo behind in updating my blog, I should also share what I did on the weekend before last. On the Friday, I had a ped-day, which my amazing principal told us we could spend as we liked in payment of all the hard work we put in at the beginning of the year (ie coming in on the weekend and staying super late every evening before the students arrived). I chose to spend it on a shopping spree to Burlington with my mom! We had some good finds (mostly Christmas-gift related for myself), ate at the Olive Garden, and then made it back through the border without having to pay duty yet again! They seem really lax lately, but I will take the good luck when it comes.

On the Saturday it was Alex's baby shower! Her little guy is due very, very soon so we had to celebrate and help her prepare for his arrival. I think he will be very pampered with all the generous gifts she received. Her family did a great job with all the planning - the decor, the treats and the games were great. Here's a little peak into that day. Can you tell what the theme was?!

Alright, well time to go eat supper. I hope you all have a great week. Cheers!

to keep on the Halloween theme...

2010-10-26T17:26:00.003-04:00

I never really got around to documenting last year's costumes. We went for humor last year. We scoped out our wardrobes at Village des Valeurs, and they came together quite nicely with a little creativity, a fabulous wig, and some pillow-padding. I think we pulled it off. The shock-value is definitely there last year as well. Our friends thought we were crazy, but we thought it was sooo funny. Thanks for capturing these shots Alex!

With Halloween coming up, I figured it was about time to scrapbook these photos. So here you have it... yes, we are nuts. The expressions on Pat's face are really too much. He got right into his role as you can see.

I'm kinda inspired to make a book of all Halloweens past. My mom was talking about all the costumes she's made for us over the years, and all the baking and parties she threw for us. I remember some of them, but not all. She was so crafty for her time, before blogs, before scrapbooking, before it was the "in" thing to do. I'm grateful for all that she did for us when we were growing up. She is so creative. Maybe I can dig out the old boxes full of photos and see what I can do. It might be a nice Christmas present.

Anyways.... I'm going on a field trip tomorrow, wish me loads of energy and patience!

Halloween Celebrations Begin

2010-10-24T16:49:00.005-04:00

Checking in on an "off" weekend, meaning no work at the library. I have had two days off and it always surprises me just how much I needed them. To sleep in until 9:30, even 10 am, is sooo lovely when you're used to your dreams being interrupted at 6:15. I still can't get adjusted to the earlier school schedule. I hate waking up in complete darkness and fumbling around. I need scolding hot water and extra large coffee and design shows to wake me up and get the happy thoughts flowing.

But I digress.

The real point of this blog entry was to say that we went to a Halloween party last night and it was so much fun. Our costumes were a hit, although very uncomfortable to do anything in!

Yup, so we went all out and made these babies from scratch. We used boxes and covered them with housing insulation, and dryer vents for the arms and legs. We were pretty happy with how they turned out, especially after all the time and effort we put into them. We couldn't stop laughing once we got them on and walked out to show Cindy and Jason. It was worth it, even though we only wore them for about 2 hours, max. I will most likely make a scrappy page soon of the entire event, since I am in a groove lately.

PS - they were based on this. Love me some Flight of the Conchords.
Hope your weekend was fun!

Only Tuesday?

2010-10-19T16:32:00.005-04:00

Greetings all. I'm in need of a little pick-me-up, so figured I'd spruce up the blog front with this digi page I made on the weekend. I used a mix of products on here, some from this cool blog, twelvebytwelve designs, which has free (and super nice) kits. Other bits were freebies from 2peas I think.

Anyways, these sneakers have been hanging from a telephone wire near my house for the longest time, and they just get me every time, don't ask why! They make me think of happy things. So there. No other reason.

I am tired, but happy I'm not as sick anymore. I am hangin' in there until the weekend. I am dreaming of Friday. The behavior of my students often feels like a roulette spin, you just never know where it will land... I can't seem to figure out what makes them tick, and it's really getting under my skin. It's a challenge, epseically since last year, though I did have a few behavior cases, they were really mellow compared to some I have this year. It can be very draining at times, but I am trying to be flexible and think of positive solutions. We'll see. One day up, one day down. What can I say?

Other than that, Patrick and are hard at work on our Halloween costumes. We are gonna "rock the party" this weekend. That was a hint by the way, a very vague hint, at the genius behind the design this year...

Cheers maties

slow start Sunday

2010-10-10T11:51:00.012-04:00

Slowest start ever this morning. I am sick, oh woe is me. I have a head cold and congestion and sore throat. Just when I thought I had shaken it a few days ago, it's back with a vengeance. Why must I be sick on my only few days off in the entire month? I guess it's my body's way of making sure I get some downtime.

Good thing there isn't much on the agenda today aside from typing a few things for work. I guess I will be in pj's and drinking warm stuff. I'm really glad that I was able to get in our activity yesterday because it was so worth feeling drained today.

jumping into a long weekend

2010-10-08T16:57:00.005-04:00

It's finally Friday!! I could not be more exited. My boss at the library called last night to see if either my mom or I wanted to work this weekend - hahaha! Was she joking? That's just about the last thing on earth I want to do. No, I am going to enjoy my time, 3 whole back-to-back days in fall, lovely fall.

We are going to eat at Cindy and Jason's this evening. I have made the strawberry onion salad, yum! Tomorrow we are going to explore Finnigan's market for the first time. It's a giant farmer's/flea market that I've heard great things about. Looking forward to some good finds, fingers crossed. What is it about flea markets - a world of possibility?! Even more exited about the open road with my man. He will make me laugh, and I am in need of some good laughs, just like on this occasion:

Okay, so it makes it waaay funnier if you watch this clip. Oh my how I love the Office.

"This is parkour. Internet sensation of 2004. And it was in one of the Bond films. It's pretty impressive. The goal is to get from point A to point B as creatively as possible so technically they are doing parkour, as long as point A is delusion and point B is the hospital."

Happy Thanksgiving!

one of those days

2010-10-06T16:34:00.007-04:00

it's one of those days. one of those no good, very bad days. and i am in no mood for capitals. it started with wanting to cling to covers for sleep, then led to trying on literally ten or more outfits, in complete slow motion, before settling on hoodie and jeans, something to give me some cozy feelings at least. i needed an extra large coffee and drank it all. i was late. i was rushing to pack things for school projects. i had to bring an iron to make wax place mats with my students, and stupidly put it sideways into my bag. about ten minutes later, i discovered a giant puddle on my front bench, right when i was ready to leave. it was the water from the iron, duh, which had soaked all my notebooks and the edges of three library books. great.

i got to work with five minutes, not even, to spare. i realized i had forgotten the leaves for the place mats, which just happens to be the main focus of the art project. needed to improvise all day long. and i won't even get started about the behavior of my class today. they were way, way off, to put it nicely. soooo very draining. some days i feel like i can barely hear myself.

at lunch, the monitor showed up late, so i had to rush to my doctor's appointment (yup, i scheduled it at lunch time so i didn't have to miss work). i waited for 45 minutes and there were STILL three people in front of me - absolutely ridiculous. i had to reschedule my appointment yet again, now pushed to late November. i might as well just not see her at all.

i am so happy to just be in my bedroom now, listening to music and browsing websites and blogs i love. i am in major need of downtime. i am so thankful for my lovely teacher friends - Audrey, Clarissa - for listening and understanding. at least we are all in it together, and it's a big pick-me-up.

i am too tired to workout and have zero motivation, so trying not to feel guilty about that. i will scrapbook instead. i will hope for a much better day tomorrow. i am soooooo looking forward to the long weekend. it's like the best thing i've ever heard right now.

don't worry, being with this guy will make it all better.

2010-09-29T16:11:00.002-04:00

SOooo..... I've been rather slack in the blogging department. Well that's because I'm completely obsessed with my new toy, the iPhone 4. Yup, I caved and bought it. So did Patrick. We have joined the cult. And I daresay, it's dangerously fun. There are so many apps out there, it's insane.

I've been taking tons of photos for a change thanks to how accessible my camera now is! It's especially practical for the classroom, since I can just snap and then store. It's great.

Fall is in full swing - proof here in my nanny's backyard. There is something to be said about old trees in the fall, particularly neighborhoods lined with tall old trees. Their presence is so commanding, so beautiful. Although I am a summer girl through and through, fall is growing on me, more and more each year. I like the crisp air and sweaters, and the brilliant color everywhere.

What I'm not liking right now is the early hour at which the sun sets. It is making me so very tired lately. I'm resorting sometimes to early evening coffees for the extra pep, but the extra caffeine risks keeping me awake. Arrgh! I'm hoping to adjust soon.

On the weekend we visited with Julie and Ken as it had been forever since we'd last seen them. We went for supper and then took a walk. Later we had drinks and played the weirdest Wii game ever. It was Wario something, where you have to do all these random little tasks holding the control panel in weird ways. It was a good laugh. We weren't expecting it, but it was funny as hell!

And now we are already more than halfway through the week. Sometimes I don't know where the times goes. Patrick has been busy with presentations, clients, making videos, and so forth. I have been busy with my class, as always. We are adjusting, we are getting it, finally. I am no longer missing last year so desperately like I was at the beginning. This year has good stuff to offer too, I'm starting to realize.

Well I do hope you are having a good week! I'm off to collect leaves for an art project. Cheers.

Mid-week update

2010-09-15T20:58:00.007-04:00

Here's what I've been reading for the last week or two. I would have finished it all at once if I had more moments of solitude, and if I could keep my eyes open for longer before passing out so completely, book tumbling to the floor. And also because I feel like I shouldn't rush through it because it's that good. I need to stretch it out, appreciate it in small doses before that bittersweet realization that I've only got a few pages to go before finishing something that feels like conversing with a cool new best friend. The characters are so wonderfully unique, multi-faceted, endearing... The prose just feels like home to me, I relate so well. It makes me think - hey, wait a second, I could write something like this. So very inspiring. I don't want it to end! Although, it's reassuring to know that there's another book by the same author that I have yet to check out. I love me a good book. I may very well take a bath soon with said book in hand (very carefully, mind you, so as not to damage it). I've got years of experience in that domain.

Tonight was the "Open House" at the school I'm working at. I was a little nervous about the whole ordeal, even with a year under my belt, and even after having met the parents before. It went really well. I was so reassured, and so happy to have such positive feedback from parents. It makes me feel so validated, like it's all worth-while. Things are beginning to fall into place. Yes, certain moments each day are a test of patience, but I need to look at the whole and see the good in it all. It's so worth it. I would never have pictured myself talking in front of a group of adults (the thought of it just eeks me out), but every time it goes well, and every time I feel so grown-up, professional, accomplished. So for all the complaining I might put Patrick before-hand, in the end, things work out well. Need to keep that in mind for future reference.

Anyways, I'm going to attempt some digi-scrapping before bed! Cheers all. Hope your Wednesday was good.

The iPhone dilemma

2010-09-12T08:45:00.003-04:00

To buy an iPhone, or not to buy an iPhone?

I know, I know, it's so ridiculous to be pondering this. But you know when you just really, really want something and you can't justify it for reasons other than pleasure ... that's what's been going on for the last little while. Every weekend I casually stop by the cell phone booths at the mall or at Best Buy to tantalize myself, to make small talk with the sales people to see if perhaps there is some amazing plan that I have not yet learned about. I haven't discovered one. The price for a monthly plan remains ludicrously high. Yeah, I can afford it and it's completely doable now, but the 3-year contract bit just eeks me, considering that we'll be looking to buy a house within a year or so. And what then? I could probably still afford it, but it would be harder to justify. But Apple's hypnotic selling points are apparently quite deeply routed in my subconscious. Arrrgh! I am still undecided. I am researching other options and making a pros/cons list. We shall see...

Otherwise, it's Sunday morning, I don't have to work at the library, and I am happily sipping coffee in my pjs, listening to some Chilli Peppers, and feeling like I might to something creative today. I have some planning to do for school, but that shouldn't take too long and besides, I like to do it. Sounds so very nerdy to admit to, but it's true. My students are coming along quite nicely. We have been practicing our routines and I have been very strict with the rules, which is starting to pay off. They are sooo good in the morning - things run smoothly. In the afternoon things are more difficult. They are ansy and tired. Their attention spans are shorter. It's completely normal. Thankfully our afternoon consists of free-play and story, so it's manageable for us all.

Yesterday we went out for supper for my friend Audrey's birthday. Although I was worried it might be awkward because I didn't really know many people going, it was fun. Another co-worker ended up being there, and we had the chance to get to know each other better. I am trying to be more open-minded about new circumstances in general - meeting new people, developing new friendships. The results have been interesting and refreshing.

Anyways, my attention is becoming choppy. I'm browsing other pages and thinking of other things that need to be done. I have no photos to share because I have not taken any photos since we went to Ottawa. It's really sad - I have no desire to take photos lately - what's up with that? I think part of the reason why the iPhone is so appealing to me is that I can snap away instantly and store them in a wonderfully organized manner. But I digress again... time to go be more productive! Cheers.

Vampire Weekend!

2010-09-09T17:33:00.005-04:00

Last night Pat and I went to see Vampire Weekend at Metropolis. They were fantabulous. You can read more about it here. If you have not heard of this band, you NEED to check them out. Total feel-good music that will have you grooving along. It is rare that I can listen to an entire album without skipping a few songs, but I can listen to both of their albums straight through - again and again and again. Seriously, I could have them on repeat for hours.

Photograph by: Pierre Obendrauf / THE GAZETTE

Anyways, the vibe was great. However, we did have to wait until 10:20 for them to come on... There were two opening acts - The Dum Dum Girls and Beach House. The first act was so-so, kinda bland overall, and the second was majorly trippy but very catchy. I will have to check them out in more detail, as I've heard of them before. Of course, both acts paled in comparison to the opening! They were soooo very good, so involved with the audience, charismatic and energetic. They switched up a crap load of instruments, and sounded exactly, if not better, than their recordings.

We also met some pretty cool people there, which made the long wait in between sets that much more entertaining. Overall, though I'm exhausted today and am probably writing incoherently, it was really worth it. I need to see cool indie groups more often, at smaller venues. Really worth the money.

Aside from that, have been very busy with work. Sooooo busy. A good kind of busy that makes the day fly by and makes me feel accomplished, but still, I need to remember to take breaks and down-time for myself. Which I am going to do right now..... peace out.

All is new

2010-09-05T09:28:00.003-04:00

Okay, okay, time to update the old blog. I promise I have a good excuse as to why I've been MIA for the past little while. Last time I checked in, I was in the full-swing of job hunting, which amounted to a very stressful, intense period. On the fateful date of August 17th - the day of the call-backs for teachers on the priority list - I waited and waited and waited by my phone ALL DAY LONG, to no avail. I decided to go to the gym in the evening, thinking that no principal would call me past 5:30 pm... But guess again! I got several phone calls that night, but the offers weren't great. I was in despair, thinking that I'd have to except scraps, partial percentages here and there, and try to piece them together at several different schools. I lamented and longed for my good fortune of the year before. I made a big stink. I imagine I was rather unbearable for a good few days, and poor Patrick had to put up with me whining constantly. (Let me just say how amazingly supportive he is - I am soooo lucky!).

I ended up saying no to a few less than stellar offers - a 40% at my old school which would have involved me teaching 5 different classes over 2 days. Don't get me wrong, I would have liked to have returned to my old school, but 40% is just not enough to carry me over financially, and it would have been very hard to try to find other small percentages to compliment it. I decided I would hold off in the hopes of something better turning up. When I thought I was out of luck, I was mighty close to excepting a job almost an hour away from where I live. But thankfully, something even better was just around the corner. Something that made all other offers pale in comparison. Something that coincided perfectly with the energy I had been throwing out to the universe all along...

In short, I was offered a Kindergarten class at a school less than five minutes away from my house. The catch is that I'm replacing somebody who is on medical leave indefinitely. That means that she could be back at any moment, and I would lose my class. The chances of that happening are not great, I'm told, but you just never know. I'm going to ride it out as long as I can, with the hopes that I can luck out the way I did last year. I feel like I will. I have invested time, effort and money as though it will all pan out, just as it did last year. I am so thrilled to be back in K, and in an amazing classroom on top of it. This room was specifically designed for Kindergarten and is all-equipped. It's like a dream come true, especially compared with the amount of flexibility and improvisation that was required to be comfortable in the room that I had last year.

I have been working like crazy for the last 11 days. I went in several days before our first ped-day even started, and I even went in last weekend. I had great helpers: my parents, Patrick and my wonderful friend Audrey, who is also working at the school with me!! I don't think people quite realize what goes in to opening a class at the beginning of the year. You are literally down on your hands and knees scrubbing and washing away all the dirt that has accumulated over the course of the school year and the summer. It is very time-consuming and exhausting, but at the same time exhilarating and exciting. When you have your own room, you can arrange it any way you like. You have to navigate the space, try to imagine what layout will work best. Then there are all the little details, like where bags, supplies, books, bins, toys and so forth will be placed. It is all-consuming at first. You need to force yourself to take breaks, or else you'd be working all hours of the day and night. But finally, a little less than a week into the prepping, the room starts to looks come together. It looks like an inviting, fun place to be. You can envision the lessons and the playing that will take place. It is soooo rewarding. And after all that, you need to do the planning, and decide what you'll be telling the parents when they come in to visit the class with their children. I think about what I've done in the last little while and it seems almost impossible - surreal in a sense. But I've made it. You'd think with a whole year under my belt it would feel like a piece of cake, but not quite. Though it does feel smoother around the edges, and though I do feel like I have more confidence and know-how, it is still a new journey that I have to learn as I go. But I am enjoying it.

So there you have it, the reason for my non-existence on here the last little while. I am adjusting to a new schedule, a new school, a new group, new colleagues and a new (AMAZING) principal. I really miss my old friends, but at the same time, I think I will get to know some pretty awesome people this year. I think it will be a great year.

Weekend meanderings

2010-08-22T10:55:00.004-04:00

I am going to avoid discussion of the extremely stressful, exciting, overwhelming week that just came to pass. I will put it on hold until more news can be shared, until this state of limbo clears.

It is Sunday morning, wet and dreary. The air is colder than it has been all season. The light feels like it is fading, along with summer. I am still hoping for a last little wave of heat, but some part of me knows that it is time to give it up. It is passing and new things are to come, appealing in their own ways. The time of year is not entirely unpleasant. I am reminded that we are fortunate to have four distinct seasons, each with different wonders to offer. How bland it would seem to have one continuous weather pattern for the whole year.

...

I am a few minutes away from a workout. I am not in the mood to do it, but I will. I know I will feel better afterwards. I am already sore from asking Patrick to train me yesterday; muscles I had not targeted in a good while are complaining. I am reminded how important it is to incorporate personalized workouts, accustomed to my strengths and weaknesses, rather than only doing generalized group programs. I keep telling Pat that he may as well be a personal trainer as well, he is so good at it.

It has occurred to me that I never shared photos of my adventures from last weekend. We had a nice time with Brad and Nadine - it had been waaaay too long! They were great hosts and their new doggie, Penny, was a real treat. It's too bad I didn't end up getting a picture of her. I did manage to snap a few shots while we were touring the Gatineau mountains and visiting the Mackenzie King estate. That was pretty interesting to see, especially the pieces of architecture that he managed to salvage and incorporate into the scene. Pretty avant-guard for his times.

Alright, well, I'm off. First Sunday I'm home in a while, so I'm going to appreciate it.

The waiting game

2010-08-17T11:12:00.001-04:00

I am sitting before my screen, still in pyjamas. No time to take a shower for fear I will miss “the” call. The call may or may not come. There are so many ways this day can play out. The varying degrees are all unknown. I try to tell myself there is excitement to be had in the waiting, but it is challenging. My heart is beating faster than normal. My right side has the familiar pinch that comes with over-thinking, over-hunching as I type, over-caffeinating and staying at my computer for far longer than is healthy. On facebook I have never had so many chat windows open at the same time. My cell phone is vibrating every few minutes with news from friends; news about how this year will take form. Even in the discomfort of the unknown, I am awed by the buzz that’s about, the fast-paced way in which information travels. I love the feeling that links us all together, to be part of this separate little club, this teacher bubble, this collective consciousness if only for a day. We will most likely go our separate directions, mostly with feelings of apprehension. But at least, if only in spirit, we are going through it together, on the same wave-length.

It’s a process of re-learning, of shifting the way you look at things, of being open to new experiences. It is always daunting, overwhelming at first. But if I could do it last year, there is no reason why I should not be able to conquer it all again. It’s not as if I had any friends at the time. I had to make them. I had to get to know my students, the staff, the school in general. I must remind myself of this. Sometimes I take for granted all that I built.

For the time being, I need to distract myself with things I love. All in due time…

Rambly Stuff

2010-08-13T11:44:00.006-04:00

So I probably should be doing productive things right now, such as printing out my CV and cover letter and planning the travel route to all the schools I will be visiting next week... BUT, it's so much more fun and inspiring to blog hop. I get lost in cyber-space for hours. I try to make it at least productive by saving all inspiring images to certain files (wedding, decor, etc) - I am amassing little bits as I go, for the future. I really do need to learn how to use Tumblr effectively.

I will get to that knitty-gritty stuff. It's almost done anyways, just needs to be tweaked once and for all. Made official, all spiffed up since last year, with the added info of the lovely job I've had for the past school year. Some days it feels like eons ago, truly. I wonder how my little ones are doing. I do miss them, when I let my mind wander back to teacher mode.

I told Patrick the other day that it's funny how I don't necessarily remember scenes from movies until I'm watching them again. I watched Bridget Jones on the plane last week, and though I hadn't seen it in years and wouldn't have been able to recite it very well to anyone, as it played I could recount full scenes, even dialogue very accurately. So strange. I kinda feel like I've forgotten how to be a teacher this summer as well, but Patrick assures me it's contextual, that it will all come back to me when I need it, just like with movies. I do hope so. I hate the anxiousness of not knowing where I will be in a few short weeks. I wish it was simple and I could just go back to the same grade, the same room, the same school, with the same lovely bunch of people. But all that will change.
Ah scrapbooking, what a lovely reflective hobby, is it not? Yesterday I hung out with my favorite girlies Julie and Alex. We had brunch out, then went to Julie's for some much-overdue scrapbooking time together. I worked on my mini-album from the trip out west. It's almost done. And, I finally got my camera back, so I might take some photos of it and share them. It's been so long since I've photographed any of my layouts.

This week I've worked out like a mad-woman and it feels great. I've done tons of spinning, heavy lifting in 5-fit, and yoga in between. There is nothing like the post-exercise endorphin release. I am glad that both Patrick and I have chosen to lead healthy, fit lives.

This weekend, tomorrow, we are going to visit some friends in Ottawa. I am looking forward to the open road with my man, the tunes, and spending time with good people we haven't seen in way too long. Last time we went, we had a great time browsing the market and stores, visiting the beach near their house, playing games, and just catching up in general. I know this time will be just the same.

This season has been wonderful, full, swollen with life. I feel incredibly satisfied, lucky. I love, love, lover summer. I am grateful for so much.

Oh Lovely Bahamas

2010-08-10T15:20:00.009-04:00

We are back from the gorgeous Exuma islands. What a place...

It is so hard to adjust after a week of lounging by the ocean and having a butler wait on every need (no, I'm not joking - each room at our resort had their very own butler, trained from the Guild of Professional English Butlers). Although it felt a bit strange at first, it was pretty sweet to have drinks and food brought to us whenever we wanted. The resort was beautiful; very well kept. Everyone on the island is so friendly and helpful. There was no fear or apprehension to travel off the resort. One day we rented a car to go exploring. There are so many deserted beaches with miles and miles of white sand... conch shells to find... calm, turquoise water. I am imagining myself back there now - at Tropic of Cancer beach, the nicest place I've been as of yet in this world of ours. I find myself returning there night after night in my dreams. The sunlight fills me up and make me whole.

It feels like such a bother to be back to reality. Just planning a meal or doing laundry is such a huge task. How ridiculous, but true. You don't even realize how relaxed and happy you were until you're back. While we were there, the most we had to worry about was what kind of drink to order --Bahama Luck, Chocolate Monkey, Swimming Pig, Blue Lagoon, Bahama Mama... mmm...

But to everything, a time, a season, and now it's time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer at home before the reality of late August sets in. I had my moments by sea, as I so desperately wanted, but now it's almost time for call-backs and cover letters. Eeek. I tell myself it will be easier this year, with a whole school-year of experience under my belt. I know it will. But still, there is a pinching in my chest at the thought of it all. How silly our systems seem sometimes, with all their requirements and red-tape. To think that we have created all this - cities, bureaucracy, society - when the purity of the ocean, the turning of the tide, is so much more grand and important. Why is it that people only truly loosen up while away on vacation? Why can't we reserve some little piece of that for back home, carry it with us all year long? I'd like to promise that I will, even as I scrape my car in the dead of winter in preparation for a long work day.

currents

2010-07-25T11:58:00.003-04:00

I'm borrowing this idea from girl loves friday

listening: yeah yeah yeahs.
eating: oatmeal, raspberries, yogurt. All mixed together.
drinking: extra large coffee
wearing: my pjs. Yes, still, at 11:42 am. So what? don't judge me :P
feeling: excited. inspired.
weather: overcast, with a chance of sun, perhaps?
wanting: to stop having what seems to be sinus pressure. Also, a very expensive watch that I saw the other day. And a trip to Plattsburgh.
needing: to finalize my CV.
thinking: about getting some new library books.
enjoying: endless summer.
wondering: should I buy a super cheap point and shoot from Walmart (available in pink!)?

Also, guess what? I am going to the Bahamas next Sunday! Hellz yeah! So excited :)

Some random tidbits

2010-07-22T10:06:00.005-04:00

Just finished this book, oddly at the same time as Ali. I started by devouring the pages a little over a week ago. Towards the last 3/4 I wasn't too sure what to make of it all anymore. It's eerie, strange, yet charming in it's right. At certain parts, the details felt a little contrived, but I plowed on regardless, hoping that the ending would satisfy me. It didn't completely. It felt a bit anti-climatic, yet also appropriate. It took the saying "be careful what you wish for" to a whole new level. It didn't tug at my heartstrings the way the Time Traveler's Wife did, and I guess I kept expecting it to. Don't get me wrong, there are certain very appealing aspects (the London setting, the paranormal aspect, the character development and exchanges, the flowing prose....) but some element was absent. It was still a good read, I conclude, but I am not remorseful to be finished - instead a bit relieved. It was rather grim and gothic towards the end, and becoming burdensome on a sunny afternoon by the pool! On to other reads... I'm still on the Sookie series, but it feels a bit junky and juvenile. Need to get me a real book soon. A trip to the library is in store. Oh yeah, that place. Haven't stepped foot in there for a good while as it is summer.

Of all the photos I took at Julie's cottage and Tremblant, not more than a handful turned out nicely. Since I am cameraless for the moment, we were using Pat's point and shoot, which seems to be having an issue with the flash. It only comes on when it feels like coming on (so annoying) and it's resulted in many blurry, dark nighttime photos. Rest assured, we had a nice time there. The blues fest was going on, so we had the chance to catch a free show by Angel Forrest, who I'd never heard of before, but was impressed by. The last song was a cover of Hallelujah and she did a wonderful job. Apart from that, we did a lot of drinking, eating and lounging. We also canoed and swam, but got caught in a thunderstorm while on the dock in the middle of the lake! Luckily it passed and we were able to resume our fun. Overall, it was a nice little getaway and we were lucky to be invited.

While browsing Etsy a little while ago, I came across this inspiring store. It got me thinking that maybe I could create my own digital art sort of thing, tailored to my style. So I played around and produced this:

I have the intention of adding some real embellishments to make it feel more complete as I think something might be missing at the moment. But overall, I got all excited at the thought of taking my favorite lyrics and making them into something that can be displayed in my future house. The words are from my favorite song by Edward Sharpe. I couldn't tell you where I got all the other digi stuff since I can't be bothered to keep track. Ooops!

Yesterday I went out for brunch with my friend Audrey. We ate at the Dix30 and then explored. I can't get over how nice the garden area is - there are benches, ponds, fire pits and gorgeous, lush plants right in the heart of all the shopping. Even though I have been there countless times, I never really stopped to appreciate the outdoor spaces. There is so much to do and see right in front of our eyes! I also did a lot of damage at the Tommy outlet. I don't normally shop there, but sometimes being with a friend can encourage you to try things out of your style/comfort zone, and the end results are pleasing. There are some really good sales - polos and shirts for 20$ and less.

Anyways, there is another big plan brewing which I will be happy to report once things are finalized. Hopefully all the kinks can be ironed out as I would love to shout this news from the rooftops.

Visitors lately

2010-07-16T11:22:00.003-04:00

My aunt and uncle were passing through the day before last, on their way to Nova Scotia. They are moving there from Calgary to try out the Maritime lifestyle. Lisa is not convinced she will like it, but Jeff is coaxing her. We shall see I suppose. They brought they doggies with them, Saydie and Ruby, who were very well-behaved and fit right in. It's surprising that my mom actually allowed dogs to sleep over in the house, but it happened! Being around dogs made me wish, for the billionth time, that she would let my dad get a dog.... but that is a fight I have given up in vain.

Jeff and Lisa happened to be visiting on my dad's birthday, so we had a mini-celebration. We hadn't bought a cake yet, so he had to settle for a banana-chocolate chip muffin. The jumbo candles looked ridiculously big on the muffin-top, so it was rather amusing.

Tomorrow, Patrick and I are going up north, to Julie's cottage. I am really excited for this mini get-away. Pat has been hard at work for the last two weeks and is well-deserving of some time off. I hope the weather holds up. I can't wait to go swimming in the lake, and visit Tremblant. Summer is grand.

Why not nothing?

2010-07-13T10:20:00.002-04:00

Just checkin' in on the blog front. I have been "busy" tanning, floating around in my pool, reading, scrapbooking, working out, relaxing, catching up on some TV, and working on some projects. Summer is the greatest. Being a teacher is the greatest.

I have started a mini-book about my trip out West and am feeling rather impressed with myself to have crawled out of my rut. I want to get some new supplies to motivate myself even more. There's always a reason to buy more scrap stuff ;) Not like I need a TON of things... just some paper and possibly embellishments. And whatever else catches my eye.

What sucks is that my camera is on fritz. I had to bring it to Future Shop. Thankfully I took an extended warranty, so it is still covered. They say it should be repaired in 4-6 weeks. I am secretly hoping that it will take 60 days or longer, in which case I will get a new camera. It's kinda time for an upgrade anyways. We'll see what happens. I do need to get a bit more serious about my photo skills though. I want to take a course, perhaps online, to teach me how to actually use all my settings. I need to gain more patience in that domain. I can borrow my mom's camera if need be, since she bought the same model as I have a little while ago.

Anyways, time to get on with my day! Enjoy your Tuesday.

hello scrapbooking!

2010-07-08T12:45:00.003-04:00

For the first time in months, I made a scrapbooking layout! Cue the applause track...

Yesterday I was editing and printing photos from my trip to BC while simultaneously downloading/sorting some digi scrap stuff (yup, adult ADD brain keeps me jumping from one thing to the next). I was pretty impressed with a free kit I'd downloaded from Sweet Shoppe Designs (found via Barb on Ali's blog a while ago - scroll waaaaay down to find it as I can't seem to link directly to the free download). I opened Photoshop and started playing around, until finally creating this. Feels good to get back into it. Maybe today I will attack my paper stash.

Hope you're all keeping cool during this on-going heat wave. The table revamping has been put on hold over here as we enjoy swimming and tanning. Summertime and the living's easy!

stuff right now

2010-07-07T12:47:00.013-04:00

Reading...

Watching...

Listening to...
Also, hoping to get back into the scrapbooking groove soon!! Why is it so hard to start? My desk is clean but I have no motivation to print photos... I'd rather be by the pool. What a terrible dilemma ;)

Back from the West

2010-07-05T10:01:00.012-04:00

Well, I have been back for several days now, but it apparently takes a while to decompress, recover and get organized!

I said goodbye to my little ones on the 23rd. That was hard times. They didn't quite get it. I actually got choked up in front of them at a certain point and they were looking at me, confused and unsure what they should do. It's the uncertainty of what will happen, of what will become of some of them - that was what really got me. It's tradition at my school for all the teachers to line up to see the buses off on the last day. I watched them all zip past one last time as we waved goodbye... I sucked it up as much as possible to not look like a complete idiot! At least my dear partner in crime was crying as well, so I wasn't alone.

Afterwards, we had an ice cream party in the staff room, where I spilled my drink all over the back of my pants. So typically clumsy, which was particularly funny after joking with the janitor that he'd better not spill his ice cream on me! The party committee gave out presents to the teachers who wouldn't be back next year, and I realized just how many of us will be going our separate ways. It's not to say that we won't run into each other again the future, but still, the chances of our group reconvening are slim. Such is the nature of this profession, though. I should at least be thankful for the friends I've made and the times we've shared.

The very next day, at the crisp hour of 4:30 am, we awoke to prepare for our trip to BC for my dear cousin's wedding. I was beyond tired, but also very excited for the road ahead. After a pretty smooth 4.5 hour plane ride, we touched down in Wild Rose Country. The beauty of the mountains for afar, juxtaposed against the city of Calgary... truly breathtaking. (I have been far too lazy to edit any of these photos very much yet).

We were greeted by uncles Jeff and Randy - gotta love them! The original plan was to take two vehicles, but due to an unforeseen doggy emergency that morning, we were one traveler short, and thus one car short... So we had the pleasure of cramming six people and mounds luggage into a Tahoe, which appears rather large but fills ups very quickly, let me asure you. We were four people in the backseat for 400+ km. Not the wisest or most comfortable move, but hey, whatcha gonna do? We made due, and it was still fun, albeit we were slightly grumpy.

We drove to Banff for some sight-seeing, but sort of ran out of time, so decided to return on our way back a few days later. The scenery is difficult to comprehend if you haven't seen it first-hand, but here are some photos to try to do it justice.

We also went to Lake Louise. Amazingly beautiful!

As for the wedding itself, I am so impressed by what Jessica and Andrew planned. It was perfect in every way - the setting, the music, the ceremony, the vows, the games, the people, the food... I am so proud of Jess's planning abilities. She crafted a lot of the things herself (center pieces, card box, and so forth) and also bought from Etsy (how cool). They danced to Weezer and concluded their ceremony with Arcade Fire - my kind of wedding! We were also beyond happy to finally meet Andrew, the groom. He is the nicest guy ever and I know that my cousin will be very content and well taken care of. Here are just a few highlights from the big day.

There are many more stories to tell and photos to post, but the day is already getting away from me and there are other items on the famous to-do list. Patrick and I started refinishing a table and that's a huge (and gratifying) project. I also need to work-out very soon. Some cardio is in store. I should be back more frequently, however, now that I have all the time in the world...

Cheers!

Birthday Boy

2010-06-20T09:31:00.005-04:00

Celebrating my man's birthday this weekend. It's been sweet so far. Friday we had a family dinner. Yesterday, we went here. It was just what we both needed. Last night we went out for supper with friends and then had a Beatles Rockband marathon. And yet another cake, from here. Midnight Madness - awesomeness. Thank god we sweat so much at the spa...

Today is a packing and organizing day. Perusing the net for the time being. Slowly waking up. Need to get some coffee going. Need to stop drooling over the new iPhone...

Also, it is Father's Day! I made my dad a card and will see if he wants to go out for lunch. Sometimes I tend to leave my dad on the sidelines with all the stuff going on. But especially with all he's been through in the last few years, and how much he's supported me throughout my life, I need to treat him.

Love you Dad!

Have a great Sunday. Cheers.

The end is the beginning is the end

2010-06-18T00:29:00.006-04:00

I'm standing at the precipice. In a few short days, all will change. Boxes keep mounting around me. The walls are coming down. The kids don't fully understand. I hate feeling like I'm dismantling our little haven - for some, the only truly safe and comfortable place they have. It pulls at the heartstrings for me to wonder where they will be - who they will become - how I have influenced them, if at all. I hope - pray - that they will have happy, fulfilling lives. I hope their memories will take some small fragment of me with them.

The coveted month of June is finally here but feels surreal. I was thinking about it today - how children grow slowly, gradually, in our peripheral vision, somewhat out of consciousness, until one day we look at them full on and are blown away by the transformation.

The past few weeks, we watched our caterpillars ever-so-intently, magnifying glasses in hand, yet never caught the change. It happened over nights and weekends - in those little moments between all the rush, when we were too busy to pay attention. But surely, willfully, those butterflies emerged.

We let those butterflies go last week. It felt strange, having seem them through from tiny larvae. Some flew off, eager, strong - but a good handful clung to that damn box. They did not want to leave; I had to coax them. Only now, upon reflection, am I realizing the symbolism.

Oh man, it is going to be so hard to say goodbye. I know I have to let them go. I just hope they will fly.

June is the crazy month

2010-06-11T17:48:00.014-04:00

It's been a while and lots has been going down! I am gonna go ahead and launch myself into some random blathering. I apologize in advance for how ridiculously long this will be. I am taking a break from writing report card comments at the moment to record what's going on before this month is come and gone. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS ALREADY MID-JUNE!

Here is what's on my work to-do list:

1. Finish K reports

2. Enter marks for Grade 1

3. Finish photo-collages

4. Finish portfolios

5. Finalize Father's Day crafts

6. Buy giant bins and start packing my class

7. Make slide-show (if an ounce of time/sanity remains)
8. Photocopy books

9. Organizing K Grad in more detail

10. Student write-ups for files

Seeing it all written out like this, it doesn't seem completely terrible. It seems somewhat manageable, even, minus #7. I might not do that one. But I will probably succumb to it in the end, because I know it'd be worth it to have the memory. I have a sneaking suspicion that the scrapbooker in me will win.

Other than that, I am getting ready for my cousin's wedding. We leave for B.C. on the 24th. Between now and then, I need to get hair and nails done. Oh, and attend a house-warming party. And have Patrick's birthday. And Father's Day. And retirement and end-of-year parties. And graduations. LOL it's almost comical. I can't say I despise it. But I am looking forward to some down time in the Rockies, that's for sure.

This week has been super busy as well. Last weekend, we helped Cindy and Jay move into their brand-spanking-new (and super nice!!) condo.

Patrick was entertaining Jason's niece Heidi, lol.

And then there was Pat's dad birthday the next day.

We also went out with some work friends this week to this awesome live music show with reggae/jazz style of music. It was really fun and hopefully we'll make a routine out of it!

Even more exciting was the surprise Arcade Fire (FREE!!) concert on Wednesday in a parking lot nearby - totally wonderfully unexpected and random. But great :) Patrick and I have been huge fans since seeing them live years ago with U2.

You can't see much, but here they are:

There is so much more I could go on about but I really should try to get some work done! I have procrastinated enough. I was supposed to be getting right on all my tasks while Pat is with a client... but as usual, my Internet and photo obsession seems to have taken precedence. Aw well. Hope you all have a great weekend!! Cheers.

Weekend Recap

2010-05-25T17:02:00.008-04:00

Tuesday, 5:02pm. It is HOT, HOT, scorching hot. But I'm not complaining. Summer has arrived, or at least the illusion of summer until another cold front blows in. My shoebox classroom suddenly feels all the more stuffy. Patrick bought me a fan for school but I have yet to install it. It makes me think I have less time to endure there, somehow, if I leave it in my trunk. Dumb logic perhaps, and laziness. I am attempting to stretch my wardrobe to accommodate the school rules (no tank-tops or short shorts) but it's a pain. Nevertheless, I choose this weather hands down over snow. Hands-down. There is no question. I love summer.

This weekend was great... went to Ikea to dream and plot the future. Debated coffee tables, bedroom furniture and the likes. Ate in the cafeteria. Appreciated the intuitiveness of the Swedes. Reminisced about Patrick's time exploring there. Checked out the world map for quite some time, and wanted to buy it, but 200$ is quite pricey, no?! Nearly bought a cheese grater and lint roller until we saw the size of the line-up and opted out. Lip-synced some Yeah Yeah Yeahs into said lint-roller while air-guitaring it a bit, until I realized people were starring. Can't help it sometimes when a good song comes on. My bottom lip must have looked atrocious, as I'm told, but I'll go along with it to live the musical euphoria. It makes me feel good.

Also this weekend, attended a BBQ at Alex and Ryan's. It was nice to catch up with them - lots to share indeed!! On the menu was sausage (curved and spicy - LOL), zucchini and corn on the cob - my first this season and sooooooo good. Alex also made a super-duper fruit salad. And, I tried out some Vodka Mudshakes (or something resembling that name) which were like drinking chocolate milk. Need to be careful seeing how I'm such a cheap drunk! Also got to be in kitty heaven, seen here. I am sure a sucker for cats. I think I would be the crazy cat lady if Patrick didn't intervene.

Patrick and I went biking, too. Needed to get the bikes all prepped for the new season - tires were inflated, seats adjusted, gears set. We went to the lakes and back. We hung out under a tree on the crunchy grass. We eavesdropped on conversations and I plotted possible scenarios between characters. Then we rode home in time for a nap. Then pina coladas, burgers, and oh yes, a LOST marathon. My dear, dear show has come to an end, and I must say that I'm pretty satisfied. I know a lot of people aren't, but I felt like there was closure with the characters. I liked that they didn't answer everything for us, and respected us enough to use our own creativity to fill in the gaps. Well done! I liked the scene with Christian Sheppard, how he told us "there is no here, now". Powerful stuff. Need to re-watch, of course, before it all sinks in.

At least Lost finished nicely. Unfortunately, the Habs didn't. So disappointing. But I will say that they put in a great run. Where is this coming from? I'm surprising even myself by writing this or caring at all for that matter. But maybe, just maybe, a hockey fan has been created. And the fact that Patrick won (by dance-off, but that's another story, lol) season-opener tickets for next year does help.

We also went hiking and swimming yesterday. We climbed to the top of Mount Bruno, posed beside the ski lifts and then my camera died. But we did catch a few decent pics near the lake. It was nice to be away from the crowds. To take whatever path came to us. To have some interesting and heartfelt convos. I do appreciate these moments, even if I don't let on sometimes.

Wow, so proud of myself for getting back into writing and documenting mode. Sometimes it feels so contrived and annoying, but once you're in the flow, it's so rewarding. Now I must tackle something else on the list of things, on my way towards fulfillment: going to the gym. It's 5-fit this evening, should be unbearably hard and capable of producing several f-bombs, but enjoyable. Cheers.

FeeL Good Inc.

2010-05-20T17:58:00.004-04:00

Presently in love with these things:

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Pure goodness. Must have been a hippie in a previous life. They make me soooooo very happy.

Also, this book:

Circus Birthday

2010-05-11T17:18:00.007-04:00

We were here on Saturday. Great, great show, I must say. It was my mom's surprise birthday present, although I have a sneaking suspicion that she knew all along. I was surprised that the boys (my dad and bro anyways) wanted to tag along, but they actually had their minds blown by the whole of it, me thinks. There was some stellar acts, and the costumes and set design were out of this world. I highly recommend it to anyone in town.

The whole day was mom-centered. We made her brunch in the morning, then saw the show, then went out for dinner, and came back home for cake. I think she was happy with her double-whammy birthday/mother's day weekend. I hope so at least. It's hard to live up to her birthday party planning legacy. But I'd like to think I came close.

On another brain wave.... less than six weeks left before the end of the year and my big trip to BC for my cousin's wedding!! As grateful as I am for the experience I've had this year, I'll be looking forward to the break to recharge my batteries and do some more me-centric sort of activities. Instead of making portfolios for all my students, for example, I might get back into scrapbooking on a regular basis.... one can still dream.... I've been told by colleagues that this is a normal part of the year - feeling completely fed up and exhausted and such - so I'm trying to go with it. I still love my group but I'm so sick of having to make and plan everything from scratch day in and day out. It's hard to understand unless you're a teacher I suppose. It's just that the work never ends; it always comes home. I guess this year's been about learning to set boundaries and accepting to go with the flow a little more, or else I would have absolutely no life. I'm a little discouraged that this might get worse in the older grades with a larger class size, but I'm trying to not let it get to me too much. I think overall it's been a super positive experience and I've learned a lot - professionally, socially and personally. Can't complain, really.

Okay, well I've got a date with the BF and some Smallville to catch up on. Gotta love the cheesy goodness of the Kents. Come on now. Cheers.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-05-06T17:56:00.005-04:00

So, haven't been blogging... my priorities lie elsewhere at the moment and that's okay... although I would like to get back into the groove soon. I just stopped on quickly to share this little clip I made for my mom's birthday. Although it's annoying, you'll have to pause my playlist while listening. Cheers!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Easter and such

2010-04-04T14:11:00.008-04:00

Hello world - enjoying the glorious long weekend? I know I am. It feels so good to have four consecutive days off.

I feel like today I might get back into the scrapbooking groove. I've been completely uninspired the last little while. I think it's because I've been feeling cluttering and disorganized. And my basement is so damp and dark right now (due to Spring in general, and also because new lighting is going up). But today... I feel a change coming. I hope I will make something before our Easter dinner.

I have been preparing an Easter egg hunt! I know I am a big geek, but it's soooo entertaining! I think of all kinds of random/witty clues and send my family on a treasure hunt. Their prize is probably going to be lotto tickets. Gotta get on that before dinner as well. I am trying to build and keep up traditions other than just sitting down to eat supper. Yes, that's nice, but I like to have something more as well. Just because we don't have any kids in the family at the moment doesn't mean that we can't do something creative. I just might encourage everyone to decorate eggs this evening as well. We'll see. I feel like I'm prepping an activity for my class or something, it's funny.

Yesterday we took a trip to Plattsburgh. It was the perfect day all around. The weather was summer-like. The shopping deals were superb. The highly anticipated trip to Applebee's did not disappoint (except for my mom, who claimed she was sick of eating there). After searching many stores and debating long and hard over bedding choices, Pat and I finally found "the" set. It was the last one we looked at and we weren't expecting anything great. But alas, Ty Pennington saved the day. It's purdy, ain't it?!

It's a little hard to see the detail from this photo, but I assure you it is even nicer IRL. Also, we got a very good bargain. It would have cost 500$ plus here for the entire set, but we got it for much, much less. We did get hit with a large sum of duty, but it was still worth it.

The condo/house hunt continues as well, but I'm pacing myself a bit more. It's easy to get lost on the net for hours, but it's no good for my back/posture. I've discovered that I get a lot of tension headaches for not taking down time when my body is asking for it. I'm learning how to do that now, with help from Pat. It feels good to respect the little signs that I often take for granted. Trying to be more aware of the little things that accumulate into so much baggage.

Alright, well I'm gonna go enjoy the sunshine and get ready for the family dinner. Enjoy!

a poem for a year

2010-03-23T21:58:00.005-04:00

one year ago we lost you in the early morning hours
funny how time can project so far forward and yet fold in on itself
all in one breath; one thought
one raw emotion.

looking back at a blur that was
that nearly consumed us
i'm struck by your fearlessness in the face of it all
despite the haze, the drugs, the pain
your essence was altogether coherent.
constant.

stubborn, unyielding, as was your way
you clung to us - to life
in those last hours
until finally returning to
the salt of the earth.

the scar has healed but
still, a spec of pink
bubbled over a tingly core.

let's not pick apart
that last chapter
of calamity
night terrors and bile.

focus on the calm,
the normalcy that was
before it began.

I miss you showing me the flyers. I miss your calm, appreciative nature. I miss the shine of your rhinestones off the kitchen mirrors. Your laugh. Your quiet determination. Your willingness for peace. I even miss the way you always reminded me of the correct way to play with the kitty. I see hints of you everywhere and I am trying hard not to let the little, everyday details slip through the cracks of time. Please don't scare me in the dark, though. I know you would love a little trick like that.

We miss you Patsy and you are forever in our thoughts.

2010-03-18T18:10:00.002-04:00

Another post in the same week - yay me! I have been taking some time off from the gym to nurse this reoccurring cold, so I have had more scrapbooking time on my hands, seen here. I think I'm even going to clean off my scrap desk and pull out some stuff very soon while Pat is busy with clients. I have some new Dear Lizzy stuff, as well as some new K&Company. Oh, and a new scalloped circle bunch and a fresh stack of white cardstock. And, a new cutting mat for my Silhouette. Sounds like I could keep myself quite occupied. Man, it's crazy how much scrapbooking stuff I manage to accumulate... Terrible, terrible (but wonderful) addiction!

In different new, some players from the Alouettes visited our school today. They played basketball against the teachers (not me!!) while 400 students cheered them on. And by cheered, I mean screamed and yelled like frantic maniacs while flailing inflatable rods that were handed out by the Als. Hahahaha! Try keeping students tame... My poor little guys were complaining about how noisy it was! Still, it was a lot of fun and the guys were very good sports. They kept us quite entertained even though they completely creamed us! But Stace, there were really none that were appealing, so don't worry, you didn't miss much ;) In the same vein, what a complete turn-off to discover that a man who is seemingly quite buff on the upper portion actually has chicken legs. Ick. Big calves are totally sexy to me. Along with good pecs and lats. And we'll throw in some stubble and big-ass sideburns while we're at it. Voila.

Okay, time for me to go experiment with my new scrappy products. Enjoy your Friday demain!

Present Obsessions

2010-03-16T22:59:00.005-04:00

Hello y'all, how's it hanging? I'm a few minutes away from the covers and a good book. But right now I felt like depositing some thoughts, in no particular order. I'm a little spazy at the moment, so bare with me. I am currently quite entranced by the idea of looking for condos or houses. Like, possibly obsessed. I know that I'm just dreaming of possibilities in the future. But still, it's fun to imagine and then plot for hours on end... I am going to book a visit to one place in particular rather soon, just to get a feel for it in real life. I know that it would probably be wise to wait another year before getting our own place, but I really, really want to right now. We shall see how that works out in the next little while. Can it be attributed to spring fever? Not sure.

What else is going on? I have allergies or a cold of some sort. Yes, again. It's really sad, actually. I am assured by colleagues, though, that it's very normal for the first year of teaching. I'm toughening my immune system apparently. Well, I hope so. I thought that working in daycare for years was prep enough, but apparently not. What can you do?

I thought these pictures were the funniest thing ever. These two were getting rather cozy together whilst sharing some afternoon nappy time. Should I be jealous? (PS, nice butt crabby Patty).

Sagua, I love you and your ridiculous behavior. I'm not sure if I bug you more than you bug me; I think we have a nice little love/hate relationship going. But please stop trying to steal my boyfriend.... hahaha....

Alright, I said I would be in bed soon and I've wasted tons of time on here. So much for an early night. Cheers!

Hump De Bump

2010-03-10T20:45:00.005-05:00

Not really in the mood for blogging lately. I tend to get caught up reading other peoples' blogs and then have no motivation left over for my own words. Need to get back into the writing groove. March break has come and gone and already I am looking forward to Easter break! Don't get me wrong, I have a great job and I love my kiddies, but I am so very tired right now. I think the basement reno has really done me in, since it's infringing on my personal space and down time, you know? I cannot wait to have my own place. I am so, so ready.

I took a break from the gym this evening since my body had been complaining. I seem to have re-activated an old injury in the shoulder and it blows. I am so tense on my right side, and admittedly, tapping away in front of this screen is no help. But I was in the mood to get some thoughts down, and came up with a digi page. So alas, I am at least productive in one domain. I tend to focus on my long-lost hobby when Patrick is busy with clients, like he is this evening. Wow, my thoughts are really all over the place. I apologize.

I am starting to worry that LOST is going to be a major let down. I really, really hope they can pull it off, but with ten episodes to go, I'm kinda biting my nails. I know I should have faith, but it's kinda hard with so little info... I suppose they're doing it on purpose to make us feel connected to what the characters themselves are going through... I did enjoy last night's Ben-centric storyline. It felt a lot more genuine than any of the other bits and pieces they've been stitching together the last little while. I hate how they think they have time to delve into these new figures - they come off so flat!!! Ben's confession had so much sustenance, no? Anywho... I am nowhere near as obsessed as I know some are out there. I haven't invested as much thought or effort into trying to figure out the island's mysteries... but I do read this blog and it keeps me kinda enlightened enough.

Alright, well I just got a call from my man so time for me to peace out. Here's that layout I was talkin 'bout. Cheers!

March Break!!!

2010-02-28T19:54:00.005-05:00

Why hello - I'm on March Break! I finally get to appreciate of the huge perks of being a teacher, although I can't seem to get my teacher brain to shut off. Today I actually make posters for my class (full-on coloring on bristol boards) - I know, I'm completely nutso. But I enjoy it. Plus, my computer had crashed and my wonderful boyfriend was fixing it. So I figured it would be a good way to keep myself busy while he worked. Also, my basement is a complete disaster zone at the moment because my mom has decided to replace the tacky 80's wood paneling with some modern paneling. It's going to look great in the long run, but right now I have no access to my work-out equipment or scrapbooking stash, which sucks! At least now my computer is fixed so I can do some digi scrapping!

I am so excited to have a full week off. Here are some fun things that I'm gonna do:

1. Indoor swimming (finally gonna check that off the want-to-do list)
2. Trip to Burlington with the girlies (yes, shopping and Olive Garden coming my way)
3. Going to the Grande-Biblio downtown (I've been meaning to go for ages now)
4. Attend a Stampin'Up party hosted by one of my colleagues (and try not to spend too much $)
5. Treat Patrick to a Spa day

I'm liking the sounds of this itinerary. Anyways, I'm gonna get going but wanted to share a page I did a while back.

February Stars...

2010-02-17T23:04:00.010-05:00

Today was a good day. I got good news from the doctors (nothing to be worried about anymore), then spent some time scrapping. Patrick and I even went skating for the first time ever together. Pat just got some new skates - the kind that mold to your feet - and was testing them out. It was really fun, actually. I rented some men's skates, but I think I may invest in a pair. Here's something really funny: all of the children at the arena happened to be students at the school that I work at. I was a little nervous about that at first, but then I figured, what the heck - at least they can see a teacher having fun in a different context... They all seemed really happy and surprised to see me, so I guess I worried for nothing.

Patrick took me to Alt hotel over the weekend for V-day. We had a fun/relaxing time. We watched our favorite movie.

We jumped on the bed.

We ordered in. And I captured my new favorite photo.

There are other happenings to be blogged about, but I'll save that for another day. Goodnight.

current TV addictions

2010-02-01T22:54:00.007-05:00

We're really into this right now. It's our new HBO obsession, although we take it in small doses (like, max two episodes per evening, or we regress too much). I recommend it if you're into that random, awkward type of humor, which we clearly are. The songs are incredibly catchy, in a Jon Lajoie sort of way. And the cute accents and mullets don't hurt either.

In other television news, my favorite show ever starts up again tomorrow night, except I can't watch it "live" since Pat has clients... So I will have to wait (shameful, I know). But if I've waited this long, another little while won't hurt, right? It will be very hard to block out the chatter in the staff room the next day, but I will resist all influences until I've witnessed the episode first hand. In case you're wondering what I'm referring too... hello!! I'm fully aware that this topic deserves a separate and sacred blog post on its own, so I will be back with that in few days, hopefully with at least some answers to the questions that have been intriguing us all.

Time for me to go to bed. I am still sick, this time with a raspy voice that is apparently sexy. I'm not too sure, but I'll take it. Goodnight blog stalkers.

January is so very long!

2010-01-27T21:50:00.007-05:00

I can think of a whole bunch of things I "should" be doing right now - like laundry, entering marks, making tomorrow's lunch, etc - but I am here, blogging. Because it's what I do and I haven't been doing enough of it. Because writing is good for my soul. And because I actually have photos to share!! I finally caved and got a year subscription to Picnik. There are lots of fun gadgets when you are a premium user, and considering how often I use this site, I figured it was worth the investment (actually, I found it very reasonably priced).

My superstar boyfriend had these sent to my work the week before last. I know, eh? Isn't he great?

The real story goes like this: I was coming down with a nasty cold two weeks ago (that I'm still not completely over) and I decided by Thursday that I'd had it. I figured it would be in everyone's best interest for me to take a sick day on the Friday to get better. I announced my brilliant plan to Patrick that evening and was met with a strange response. He seemed a bit annoyed/frustrated that I wouldn't be going to work, but he wasn't giving me any info. Finally, after a bit of digging, he revealed that he had ordered flowers for me online, and they were due to arrive the next day (yup, while I'd be at home in my pyjamas). After a bit of bickering on both our parts for the predicament (since we were afraid the flowers would die and they had cost so much money) I phoned my partner in crime, Miss Stacy, and since she's such a great person, she offered to pick the flowers up for me the next day and bring them to my place. Turns out, however, that the flowers were on back-order and only arrived the following Monday! So, I got my "surprise" at work in the end, and it was so fun to see the look on my students' faces when the bouquet arrived. Yes, I am quite spoiled, I am aware. He's very good at these things and I am very lucky. I sense a scrapbooking page on this topic, as soon as I find my groove again in that department.

This past weekend, I got to celebrate my friend Darla's engagement with friends! We had tons of fun and Cheryl and Vero did an amazing job organizing it. The food and games were sensational girls :) And her ring is lovely. I must say Pat did good. Her Pat, folks - We both have Patrick L's, funny, no?

Well, I could go on, but I will keep it short and sweet for now. I want to try to do some digi before bed. Hope your week has been good. The weekend is only two days away!

2010-01-17T22:47:00.005-05:00

Here's a quickie before bed and the new week that lies ahead. About the layout, Pat says "it's nice, but you didn't use the Habs colors". Ah well, what can you do? I happened to be working from his computer and I didn't have my full digi stash at hand, so this is what I ended up with. I actually did the journaling first - got the story down, then went to find a picture, then put the page together. It's my new approach and I quite like it. Makes the whole process more meaningful. I just picked up this book at Indigo, which is all about story-telling. Although it was published a few years ago and some of the layouts are a bit "dated", I still find it really inspiring.

I even got a new notebook that I think I will devote entirely to stories to scrap. I had so many ideas today after reading snippets of this book, so looks like I'm off to a good scrapbooking start so far this year.

Other than that... had a great weekend. So relaxing. Dave was spending the weekend at a hotel, so Pat and I had lots of alone time. With Sagua, of course - can't forget our dear little furry friend who cannot give us a dull moment, between eating bags, jumping on top of us when we least expect it, and crawling under the bed no matter how many times we scold her. Still, I love her.

I really don't want to go back to work tomorrow after three days off... Monday morning mini-meetings and bus duty are not ny idea of a fun time. But I do want to see my kiddies and I'm looking forward to our field trip to an indoor activity place this week, so at least there are fun things ahead.

Okay, time to hit the sheets and curl up with a good book. Cheers.

blog make-over and other stuff

2010-01-16T10:02:00.005-05:00

I am in the process of making my blog more pretty. I learned how to change the font on the side-bar and for the title and date of my posts. It was a super long process but well worth it I think. You can find out how to do that here if you have the patience and time to do so! I love Kevin and Amanda's site - they have sooo much to offer. I especially love all the awesome free fonts!

The playlist has also made a re-appearance on here as I just couldn't resist the iPhone widget. I mean, it at least makes me *sorta* feel like I have one, which is good to tide me over for a bit. I hate how hypnotized I am by the iPhone. I really, really, really want one. But they are soooo expensive and what is really the point?! I have this debate with myself daily. My alter ego has yet to win out - so sorry, I can't join the cool club ;) Anyways, I'll have to see about this widget because it seems to be slowing down my page - is it just me?

The reason I had so much time to kill on the Internet yesterday is because I took a sick day from work and stayed in my pyjamas until 5pm. There is no shame in that, haha. I actually was quite sick - sore throat, congested, headachy, etc. So I did sweet f**k all and it was nice and well deserved. I didn't really want to leave my class for a day (I'm so over-protective like that) but I think the sub did a good job according to my friend, so that's cool. I would hope so, after I left a sub plan that spanned 9 typed pages - hahaha! I am not even exaggerating. There is so much detail to go into for Kindergarten and I couldn't figure out how to condense it. Oh well, I figure it's better to have more than not have enough.

Even though I was sick, we went to the Comedy Nest last night for a fundraiser. We'd already confirmed we were going a long time ago, and since it was for such a good cause (the Marisa Palliotti Fund), we didn't want to disappoint. It was really fun - some solid stand-up acts and lots of friends there.

What else, what else.... Patrick is crazy busy with clients this week. I think I will go do some groceries for him today and then possibly cook for him this evening. He's been working so hard and he really deserves it.

Before I head out to face the day, here are some things that have been inspiring me lately, which I found at this awesome blog. I really want to do something like this in the form of a book. It's like a combo of Pat and I, which is why I am so drawn to it. Can you believe that the font is actually her hand-writing?! So cool. She needs to make it into a font!

Okay, well, time for me to get some caffeine in my system and start checking things off the to-do list. I have a 75$ Indigo gift-certificate with my name on it and that's making me very excited. Hope you have a great weekend too! Cheers.

Hello 2010

2010-01-03T10:39:00.004-05:00

It's pretty crazy when I think about the of the chunk of time in front of me: a new decade that will most likely see me buy my first place, get married, and have children. WoW!! It's pretty meaningful and exciting when thought about from that perspective. But for now I will take it one step at a time. Gotta focus on the moments as they pass.

So the new year is here and there is one day of vacation, sniff, sniff. I have done both a lot and very little. I feel well-rested and energized, although I still think it will be rough getting up tomorrow morning. I can't wait to see how many posters have fallen down in my classroom (note extreme sarcasm). It will be good to go back to routine, to stop eating and drinking in alarming proportions, and see my kiddies. I am also looking forward to working out on a more fixed schedule and hopefully getting over this little cold I can't seem to shake. It's nothing serious, but I feel like it keeps me from reaching my maximum work-out potential. Ah well, what can you do but keep at it, in the hopes it will improve gradually.

I know that everyone's into the resolutions and the word of the year. In 2007 my word was "steadfast", right after my dad's stroke. I think I stuck by that pretty well. Last year, I wrote a bunch of good intentions down, and then never chose a word. There was a lot going on, and I lost focus of a lot of things as certain events took precedence, most notably, the end of Patsy's battle against cancer.

This year, I haven't chosen a word, but I'm hoping that Patrick and I can finally focus on ourselves. Some words that came to mind were "grow", "mend", "accept", and "invest" just off the top. Mehh... Although I really like the idea of choosing a word, it's challenging to find something that sums it all up. So here is a random list of thoughts about the new year and things I would like to do, not necessarily in the order they appear.

1. Mend my relationships.
2. Cook with confidence.
3. Scrapbook the most meaningful stories.
4. Write more, from the heart.
5. Listen with intent.
6. Appreciate what I've got right in front of me.
7. Make my own space.
8. Travel.
9. Spend time with friends, no excuses.
10. Organize.
11. Feel okay with my best efforts.
12. Worry less about other's opinions.
13. Catch up on good TV.
14. Stretch more - do yoga once per week.
15. Take photos weekly, not just of my class.
16. Sing every day.
17. Enjoy small wonders.
18. Remember that life is fragile.
19. Talk to ghosts rather than fear them.
20. Let go. Enjoy.

Well, twenty seems to be a good number. My neck is stiff and I need to practice #14. But first, a layout I made last night. Peace out.

2009-12-30T13:34:00.005-05:00

Christmas was good 'round these parts. It came and went quickly, but it was nice. On Christmas Eve, we had the traditional tourtiere supper and then headed out to church. It's the one time I go to church all year, and it's mostly to please my nanny, who likes to show us off to the regulars. I must admit, however, that it probably wouldn't feel like Christmas without the candle-lit rendition of "Silent Night" - a classic every year. And there's something about hearing the choir sing that makes me all nostalgic. It reminds me of the building anticipation that would come at the thought of being home in my pyjamas, leaving cookies for Santa, and hoping to hear the sleigh bells ring. To put us even more in the spirit, this year I even read the Grinch and the Night before Christmas before bed, much to Pat's delight ;)

Christmas day, we got up early to open gifts, then had a brunch, and all too quickly, Pat and I had to rush off to his house to open more gifts over there. We were all very spoiled this year, but it was pretty bitter-sweet, since it's the first Christmas without his mom, and her presence was really missed. I didn't think I would be getting emotional just looking at some of her favorite items, but I did. It was weird, since nobody seemed very open to talking about how they were really feeling. Pat and I were at least able to talk to each other about it, and we remembered her in our own way. I felt her presence in some unexplainable way. I think she would be happy to know where most of us are now.

This year, his father's family came a little bit earlier because some of his uncles had to work that night, so we were able to see everyone before going back to my house for supper. We decided it would be easier to just stay at my place rather than rush back to his again afterwards. We could take it easy and drink without worrying about the consequences, and most of his family was leaving early anyways, so it would have been pointless to go back there. I know we probably let some people down in the process but I am trying to let go of that. I need to accept that we can't please everyone, and sometimes we just need to do what's best for us. Overall, Christmas was good and more relaxed than previous years, so I am happy.

In other news, Pat and I took a trip down to the Burlington and Plattsburgh over the last few days. We followed Ken, Julie, Will and Sarah down and got in some good shopping. We stayed a few nights at a hotel, and there was an indoor pool. I feel like I'm on a completely different wave length right now - work seems like some distant memory, which was well needed I think. I am reconnecting with some forgotten aspects and mending some things that need mending. I am working in slow motion and it's sweet. Anyways, I will try to get back here later with photos of our trip. Right now I need to sort out all the stuff that I bought and try to maybe get a tiny bit of lesson planning done so that I don't need to feel so overwhelmed with a new theme when I get back. I am just excited that I still have a job to go back to! Alright, well, peace :)

2009-12-15T17:34:00.005-05:00

Well, it's been a very long while! I really should get back into the blogging groove and be done with the excuses.

There are only a few days left before the holidays and I can't believe how quickly time is flying. I got some good news a few weeks ago: looks like I will be sticking around for a while longer in my class!! It seems like it will be the entire year, but she hasn't confirmed anything. Now she has to give a month notice before returning and everyone is pretty convinced that she wants to take time off with her baby. I am so beyond thrilled about that - I can't imagine what it would be like if I had to back everything up in three days and say goodbye to everyone.

I have been crazy busy getting ready for the holidays, at school and at home. We had a snow day last week, thankfully, and I had the bright idea to make chipboard ornaments for all my students, with personalized messages and all. I don't have many students, so it's not as crazy as it seems. It's kinda the same thing as making a mini-book very quickly, and I had very fun products to play with, so it worked out nicely. Here's a snippet of what they look like:

Tomorrow I will make a gingerbread house with them! It's the pre-baked one from Costco, so all we have to do is assemble. It should be loads of fun. Then we have Christmas concerts, a magician, Santa coming to visit, and pyjama and movie day to end the week. I really hope that everything is ready to be sent home by Friday!!!!

In other news, we had our staff party last Friday and that was really fun. It's nice to have hit it off very well with colleagues who have now become friends. After our extremely long dinner (that included sing-alongs and a crazy gift exchange where you were allowed to steal presents from each other), we went back to Chris's place for the much anticipated game night! We played a very competitive game of Cranium and my team kicked butt. Sorry losers ;) Kidding!

I have another staff party for the Library tomorrow night. I am going to be all staff-partied out I think. That's the price you pay when you have two jobs! A bit crazy, I know. That's why I am so looking forward to the 2 weeks off when I can just go with the flow, hopefully get some scrapping in, and maybe, just maybe, go away somewhere....

Also, on Saturday night, I made dinner for Pat and we had the place to ourselves because my parents went out to a party. I was surprised by gold earrings!! Wasn't expecting that before Christmas, but I am super lucky to have such a thoughtful man :)

Anyways, I'm off to eat supper and then we're going to decorate the tree ce soir. A little late, but better than never, right? Cheers.

A little space, a little time, see what it can do...

2009-11-22T13:46:00.006-05:00

Full blasting that song right now. "A Bell Will Ring" by Oasis. I'm always drawn back to their words. They've been keeping me on track since I was twelve. Seriously. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it's true in many respects.

It's been a crazy/busy week in more than a few ways! My uncle and aunt were in town from Monday to Friday. They were sort of in and out, staying at our place but always going out to see other friends and family members. I enjoyed having them, but found that the time was cut short! I didn't even manage to get a picture of everyone together, which is quite upsetting. We had a big family dinner on Monday night, and it was nice to catch up on their news and reminisce, as always, about the good old days. I love that. I love looking through the old photos. I just recently made this page about my mom and cousins, which coincided perfectly with my uncle's visit.

Throughout their visit, I was also rushing to get portfolios and report cards finished in time for parent-teacher interviews on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. We were all at school until 9:30pm on Wednesday, how crazy is that?! My interviews went pretty well, so I'm lucky. Afterwards I got to hang with my favorite teachers for a bit and then we had a little wine and dessert thingy in the staff room.

Thursday and Friday were ped days, so we used that time to go the teacher's convention. We had 50$ each to spend on school supplies, so I ended up buying a ton of posters that were on sale for 6$ each. That was pretty sweet.

Yesterday was Darla's birthday supper/party. We ate at a cool pizza place and then went back to Cheryl and Brent's new place for drinks, games, and general madness. It was SUPER fun and I'm glad that we got the chance to party. I won't go into too much detail, but the evening was very entertaining in more ways than one, lol. I will be back later with some pictures, since they are on Pat's camera and I don't have an XD slot on my computer, boo!!

Today we're going to April-Anna's book release party. Patrick is featured in the book, from the time that she did his body painting. That should be pretty interesting, but I can't really afford a late night after yesterday and with a mini-meeting bright and early demain matin.

Alright, I'm out. Cheers.

Monday, Monday

2009-11-16T17:41:00.005-05:00

I'm just stopping in for a very quick post before a big family supper. My uncle and his wife (well, common-law) are in town this week, staying at our place, so things are quite busy, but in a good way.

I wanted to share this amazing artwork that my students created. We've been learning about the body parts, so we made life-sized self-portraits. I am so pleased with what they came up with (with guidance, of course). Did I mention I love Kindergarten?! Check these out:

I am in one of those over-stimulated brain states where everything that I think about is super inspiring and I wish I could split myself into a thousand pieces to be able to do tackle it all at once. Did that make sense? It's just that I haven't downloaded music or scrapped or done anything creative for a little while, but have the overwhelming urge to do it all right now, during my busiest week!! I have parent-teacher interviews, detention duty, report cards, portfolios, and the teacher's convention this week, but I'm in a happy little bubble right now, so even that sounds kind of fun. I work with some pretty awesome people, all of whom are around my age, so that makes the day just so much more enjoyable and fun. And having a great class, for the most part, doesn't hurt either.

Alright, enough nonsense rambling for now. I am going to finish up some photo-collages for my students' portfolios. It's pretty sweet to just drag and drop their pictures into some templates that I downloaded from some scrap site a while ago, I forget where, and then add in a few digi-elements. The hobby can really come in handy in a number of ways.

I hope you're all having a good week! Cheers :)

Two posts in one weekend?! Shocker.

2009-11-08T09:46:00.004-05:00

It's Sunday morning. The sun is out. I do not have to work. Patrick and I are going on a "date" today. Life is good!

Yesterday, my mom and I went to a L'Oreal warehouse sale, which was absolute madness, but worth it for some very good finds. It was invitation only, meaning you had to have a card from someone or somewhere (normally a company, from what I understand). I hadn't mentally prepared myself for the crazy lines, however. It was like the La Senza sales, only more compacted. We waited outside in line for about forty minutes, and then pushed our way around once we finally got inside. I managed to get some makeup for very cheap (mascara and eyeshadow for 4$, lipgloss for 2$) and a huge bottle of cologne that both Pat and my uncle wear for only 18$. So that was very good. I had completely had it when we left that place, however. It's so draining to be in a huge, pushy crowd like that.

And a message to parents out there: please have enough sense to not let your toddler run up hills that are next exit ramps to highways whilst you turn your back the other way arguing on your cell phone! Thank you. What is WRONG with people? There was a man yesterday doing just that while we waited in line. The kid actually did dart out into the road, and only then did the man bother running to grab him and pull him by the arm down the hilll, then throw him into the car, all the while still talking on his cell phone. I really think people should have to pass a test to become parents...

Anyhow, we did make a quick stop at the scrappy store before going home. I wasn't going to go all the way out there and not stop for some tape runner and glue, which I really needed. Oh, and somehow, some Cosmo Cricket Christmas papers and chipboard ended up in my basket... It was this mainly that I couldn't resist.

I really wasn't really planning on spending 50$ but man does it ever add up fast. I can't get over what an expensive hobby it really is. I justify that I will make a very cute Christmas mini-album, so it's worth it. But I am so glad that I don't live very close to that store, or else it could be dangerous.

Anyways, I should get started on lesson planning for next week, and making sure I have all my marks together. I tackled most of the portfolio stuff already, because I actually find them fun. It's like making a giant scrapbook filled with my students' work, so right up my alley. I hope you all have a great day - enjoy the gorgeous sunshine. Cheers.

Poor little neglected blog

2009-11-06T09:25:00.004-05:00

My posts are becoming few and far in between. I've been considering whether or not it's worth it to keep the blog up... Also, I haven't been taking ANY photos lately. Okay, let me re-phrase: I haven't been taking any photos of my "social" life, but I have been taking a ton of photos of my students. The problem is that I can't share any of those on here, so it translates into a very boring blog... I haven't been documenting anything and it makes me feel like an aspect of my life is lacking. I miss doing photo challenges and scrapbooking. I think I might challenge myself to take a photo a day from now on.

Why am I home on a Friday at this hour, you ask? Because I am really sick and decided that it was better to stay home and rest. It's a ped day anyways, so I didn't have to bother with the sub prep, which would have been more of a bother than it's worth. Four students in my class were sick with "flu", "fever" and "illness" yesterday (as was written on their absence cards), so it's not looking too promising. Plus, there's a student teacher who comes to teach my students French with their regular teacher, and he was out all last week and claims that he had H1N1. I really, really hope that he didn't spread it around, but I guess there's just no stopping it at this point. I don't think I have H1N1, but I did start burning up yesterday afternoon, had a sore head, and felt extremely congested. I forced myself to make it through the rest of the day, left pretty much right at the bell, and came home to rest. I went to bed at 9:30 and woke up at 9:00. Almost twelve hours of sleep, how crazy is that?! I feel a bit better today, but I think I'm a little over-ambitious. I feel okay while sitting or lying down, but when I get up it seems to be a different story. I'm just taking it easy and working on a few things for portfolios from home. Hopefully I'll be all rested for Monday. Thankfully I don't have to work at the library this weekend.

That's another thing that's been on my mind lately: the library job. I feel like I'm really pushing myself more than I should be to keep it. Like Julie said yesterday, it's okay to be working there when you're feeling healthy, but the second you get run-down, forget it! It works out so that I only have 4 days off per month. It's pretty draining. I work every second weekend, so sometimes I work for 14 days straight without a break! It's starting to take a toll on me. It's not like it's completely unmanageable, and the money is good, plus I work with a good team, but when it's a busy weekend, I just wish that I didn't have to go in... I'm still debating what to do. My mom thinks I should keep it for the time being and see how it goes, especially since I don't know if I'll have a job in January. Maybe I will keep at it for now. However, there are going to be all kinds of changes by the new year, like a new front desk and a new Internet sign-up station, which complicates things for us and customers. I have to re-learn a ton of stuff and with lesson planning and everything else, I just don't feel like it. I'll let it sit for a little while and see how I feel by the new year...

Anyways, enough complaining! I did manage to work on a digi page a few days ago, and here is the final result. It's pretty funny, I know. Do I seem a tad bit desperate?! Hahaha. Thanks for the photos Michelle.

Time keeps rolling by...

2009-10-20T17:51:00.003-04:00

I actually gave my post a title today, yay me! Again, the blog maintenance is not up to par, but what can I say. I've been committed to other things, though, like working out a lot and doing lots of work after hours, so I have good excuses.

My mom bought the "10 minute trainer" series - the one advertised on TV with Tony Horton. Man, it's kick a**. It's rough, though, I admit, but so worth it and enjoyable for only 10 minutes! It comes with a meal planner and all, and the suggestions are pretty feasible too. A little low on calories, but it's not an actual diet - instead it's a way to kick-start your metabolism so that you lose weight in 10 days flat. Also, they suggest that you combine two or three ten-minute workouts per day for maximum results, which I've been doing. Half an hour is really nothing at all when you're used to working out for an hour plus each time. So it's pretty fun stuff, and really effective. Just did 30 minutes now, actually, and was sweating like crazy.

In other news... busy with work! Pumpkins, Halloween, Dental Hygiene... all the fun things associated with being a K teacher. I'm loving it, truly. I *wish* and *hope* I will be there until the end of the year, by some small miracle. We shall see.

Pat and I have started watched Smallville, finally. We only have about 10 seasons to get through. No problem. It's got a certain charm to it despite it's over-the-top cheese. Also, the main character is not too hard to stare at, either. I just can't wait until the newer seasons when his hair is a little less shaggy.

Scrap wise, I've been buying and downloading lots of digi stuff, but don't have too much to show for it in the last week or so. I do have a layout to share from a few weeks ago. So enjoy!

2009-10-10T13:57:00.005-04:00

A new post is in store I think. I haven't been a good blogger. I've been very busy working, and also, I'm wary of certain people stumbling upon my blog. It's not that I find I share a lot of super personal info, but you just never know, especially now that I'm a teacher. So for those reasons, I haven't been very motivated. But with the long weekend here and some extra time on my hands for once, I'm finally in the mood. Also, I apoligize for not leaving comments on blogs as of late. I will try to catch up. I am still your fan :) , but I am just lazy.

Here are some random things on my mind (because lists are just that much easier):

1. I am beginning to really love Fall. I never used to like it, mainly because I always felt it was sort of robbing Summer, my favorite season, from me. Now I find I love the crisp weather and putting on big cozy sweaters. I love the colors of the leaves. I'm beginning to notice a lot more little wonders about the season now that I'm around five year-olds all day. Everything is just that much more fascinating.

2. I went apple picking with my class this past week. I have to confess that I haven't been apple picking since I was a little girl. How sad is that? Despite a slightly chaotic bus ride and very hyper, excited children, we had a great time. I was completely exhausted by the end of the day, however, but in a good way.

3. We're having our Thanksgiving dinner tonight. My mom as made three desserts: cheese cake, apple pie, and pumpkin pie. Is that not completely exaggerated, and yet completely amazing? Yes, I know.

4. I wish I could be more involved in the whole cooking process, especially for holidays, but my mom has a way of taking charge of the entire kitchen and all aspects of preparation. Most of it gets done before I can even offer help. It can be frustrating at times. I know she means well, and she is an amazing cook/event organizer, but it leaves me sometimes feeling incompetent. I want to cook more, but I feel more like a spectator than anything else.

5. I love going in the sauna at the gym, especially when they put eucalyptus into the vapor - totally relaxing/rejuvenating experience.

6. I made apple sauce with my class yesterday - brought in the crock pot and had them chop pieces of apple and dump them in. Everyone kept walking by my class and wondering what that amazing smell was. It tasted pretty good, I must say, and it was very simple to do. I think we have exhausted all possible apple activities by now though... A new theme is in order for next week!

7. Pat got me flowers "just because" last week, and it happened to coincide with a day that I really, really needed them (I was worn down by my work load AND coming on my period, hence extremely over-emotional). Yup, I've got me a romantic one and it feels good.

8. Very minimal scrapbooking has been happening. My table is a disaster area. I started a mini-album about Pat's stopover in Paris, but so far only have a cover page. I seem to be lacking inspiration. I think Julie and I, maybe Alex too if she wants, might do some scrapping tomorrow. That is, if I don't give into my urge to take a drive down to Plattsburgh, which is growing ever-so-steadily at the back of my mind.

9. I miss writing. I need to do more of it. As in, more detailed than the million post-it notes left on various places of my desk, or those wonderful little nuggets directed to parents in students' agendas (the likes of: "Please send in more underwear for you child because he/she had an accident at lunch time today"). You know, real, heart-felt writing. For now blogging is quasi-filling the need.

10. I am so happy that I can just relax today after working for 12 days straight (a week of teaching, then biblio weekend, then another week of teaching). I sometimes seem to forget what it feels like to have a whole entire day free.

Okay, well, 10 seems like a good number, so I shall stop here. I need to do a bit of prep for my class. But first, as routine dictates, I should share a little sumpin' sumpin', so here's a digi page that I did a little while ago about Pat's roommate's kitty. Enjoy and have a great Thanksgiving weekend. Cheers maties.

2009-09-27T22:17:00.005-04:00

So, um... my blogging is getting a little sad, no? Since I have a bit of time before bed (and the coffee that I drank earlier seems to be keeping me awake) I figured I might as well grace you all with an update. I feel like I have so much time on my hands because I didn't work this weekend (yay, two days off in a row!).

I went to pick up Patrick at the airport on Thursday evening. I felt like a giddy 18 year old again to see him after our two-week hiatus. He made it back safely and very successfully, as he is now a meta-coach! I'm really proud of him for this huge accomplishment, especially considering how grueling the studying/training was. He had 12 hour days plus homework that had to be accomplished with group members after hours, and all this while staying in a hostel with people partying at all hours of the night. Needless to say, he was very drained by the end, and with all his travels, but it was so worth it.

We had a nice, relaxing weekend together. We went out for supper, went grocery shopping, cooked waffles and lasagna, finally watched the finale of True Blood (talk about a cliff-hanger), looked at tons of photos from the trip, and played Boggle, among other things. It feels good to get back into "our" groove.

While Pat was away, I had ambitious dreams of scrappin' up a storm, but sadly only produced four pages in total (2 digital, 2 paper). Now I'll at least have some more motivation to scrap with all of Pat's photos from the trip. He got some great shots, and everything has such a gorgeous backdrop in Europe, you really can't seem to go wrong even with a point & shoot. I will have to get on that shortly, in between forcing myself to go to the gym in the evenings and prepping for my class.

Speaking of which, I'm loving my job. Really, even the prep I do at home is still enjoyable, like ordering Scholastics, making worksheets, charts and vocabulary words of all sorts, and experimenting with different art activities. I can't complain. I can only cross my fingers that my contract will last longer than it's supposed to... maybe by some miracle...

Anyways, now I really should get to bed. But first, one of those layouts I was talking about. Goodnight!

2009-09-11T18:29:00.002-04:00

Patrick is safe and sound in Sweden. He emailed me the other day, thankfully, to give me a little update. I am starting to miss him a lot. I think the weekend will be the hardest, as it is normally the time that we spend together the most. However, I thought I would read some of his e-journal, if you will (his growing collection of thoughts) to make me feel closer, and it's comforting. I stumbled upon this gem:

When someone does something you appreciate, never lose the opportunity to let them know. It may seem awkward at first, but it is awkwardness that can be guided to comfort. Sometimes the alternative of not facing the awkwardness can lead to great sorrow, or regret, when that someone is no longer around.

Just a little reminder to appreciate those you love, and let them know, in the moment when they are close to you. Sometimes I forget to truly embrace what I have. Sometimes I am so caught up in the daily grind and all the crap going on that I actually vent for half an hour before remember to even hold Patrick's hand or notice that he's cut his hair or really look into his eyes. Sometimes I am going through the motions, my own emotions, totally in my own little bubble, and that is so not cool. I need to just let it go and shift gears, and listen to his insight. How can gossip or negativity ever be worth more than that? It can't. And so, if the distance between us at the moment has lead to this feeling, then it makes me think that I needed this little refresher.

Love you my lover like no other...

2009-09-09T21:59:00.009-04:00

I'm feeling very tired and low-key right now. I went to the gym earlier, and it seems to have zapped all my energy. I think it's because I'm still in the process of getting over my cold. Also, Patrick left for Sweden today, so I'm feeling a little down about our two week separation (sniff, sniff), but trying not to let it get to me too much. It is all for the best, of course, and it will be a wonderful opportunity for him. I'm just going to miss him a lot, and his extremely long red-eye flight over the Atlantic ocean makes me a bit uneasy as I slip under the covers tonight. I'll be glad to get an email or Skype message from him sometime tomorrow, although he will be six hours ahead of me! I can't wait to hear all about his experience :)

It's been a while since I've uploaded anything scrap related, so here is the mini album that I made after my friend Tania's wedding. It was very fun, quick and fairly easy to make. I just realized there are a LOT of photos, oops! I'm too lazy to make them into some cutesy collage, so you'll have to just tough it out. It just took me about 5 years to upload, so now I'm off to bed.

2009-09-06T09:10:00.003-04:00

Yes, yes, I'm still alive! I think this is possibly the longest that I've gone without updating my blog, but there is due cause. I have been insanely busy over the past few weeks because I just got my first teaching contract in a kindergarten classroom! I don't know how long it will be for (fingers crossed) because I'm replacing somebody on maternity leave who could technically come back at any time given two weeks notice, but hopefully I'll be there until December. And, with all the H1N1 business going on, it looks like most teachers will be able to stop working the moment they find out they're pregnant, so there should be plenty of jobs to go around once I need a new contract in the winter. All in all, it's a good year to be starting to work.

So I have been setting up my class (decorating, cleaning, cutting, pasting, coloring, printing, laminating, etc, etc) and I had lots of help from my mom and Pat during the four ped days before the kids actually got to school. Some evenings we stayed there until 8pm. Luckily the secretary is the sweetest woman on the planet and was always there to lock up after us and one of my colleagues who was doing the same thing. It's been quite the experience, I have to say, but a good one. I never imagined that there would be SO MUCH to do, but there is, and once you start to tackle one thing after another, it does feel rather rewarding. It's oddly satisfying to cut laminated posters for your bulletin boards, haha.

I met most of my students and their parents this week, and I am quite lucky to be working with a nice group. I am very excited to be starting the year with my very own class. All summer I kept hoping and wishing for Kindergarten, and I guess the universe answered my call... now here I am singing songs and playing playdough and teaching the ABCs... Fun times!

In other news, Patrick is going to Sweden this week for business. He leaves on Wednesday, and he'll be gone for two weeks!! I think I'll be getting a lot of prep done during the time that he's away. Anyways, I have to help him get packed and ready today and tomorrow, and then I think it will feel more "real", because at the moment, it feels a bit distant and hypothetical, I'm not sure why.

Okay, well, time to go make some coffee and eat my cereal. I have some scrap-related photos to share but am too lazy right now to get them off my flash card and go through them all, so hopefully in the next little while I will get around to that. Have a great weekend!

2009-08-18T12:17:00.005-04:00

This past weekend was a lot of fun. We finally met Cam and got to catch up with Alana. We had a nice supper on Friday night and got to hang out on the deck outside for hours and hours because the weather was perfect, finally. Cam is super nice and down to earth. He was really great with my grandmother as well, which was really cute to watch. So my cousin has done quite well for herself indeed. Your mama would be so proud Alana. The rest of the weekend was spent chilling and catching up. We were outside most of the time, lounging in bathing suits, swimming, drinking pina coladas, drinking, and so forth. Good times indeed. Here are some pictures... Patrick was there (just not in these pics) but my brother wasn't, since he was off on a canoe-camping trip that he had planned well in advance. He was disappointed he couldn't be a part of it all, but Cam did sign some things for him and promised to send him some t-shirts.

2009-08-14T12:40:00.005-04:00

We're getting ready to receive my cousin and her boyfriend! I haven't seen Alana in about five years, and I've never met her superstar man (no exaggeration), so it's all very exciting. It was very last minute, but they will be here today, and my cousin will stay through the weekend. We are so lucky that the weather is great, and we don't have to work at the biblio.

Here's what I've been up to this morning (I'm trying to get back into the groove of taking photos. I really miss it). I've been on strict orders from Martha (a.k.a. Marge) about what needs to be done to prepare for the guests.

So I assume I'll be back sometime early next week with some new photos of the family reunited. Have a great weekend!

2009-08-11T09:58:00.005-04:00

Another rainy morning - perfect time to get productive, when the sun is not calling you outside.

Here's what's on my to-do list today:

1. Clean bathrooms presently crusted over with ickiness.
2. Vacuum.
3. Update CV.
4. Draft emails to send to principals next week (you know, stating that I am looking for a teaching position and all).
5. Finish mini-album from Tania's wedding
6. Scrapbook other wedding albums.

I think that's all, actually. It's not as daunting as I thought it was. Actually, the last two items are leisure, meaning they're not really even on the list, so this is looking good. Time to go get busy! But first, another layout. (BTW, the person in my last layout is my brother in case you were wondering.)

2009-08-09T11:42:00.006-04:00

Sunday morning and the sun is bright. Just finished a yoga workout, eating honey bunches of oats, and sipping my coffee. Weekend summertime mornings are easy.

So, the spa was super nice. We went on a Thursday morning, so we practically had the place to ourselves. The hot-tubs and pools are all outside, and then you go off to the saunas in little separate exterior buildings, so that was interesting. The place itself is right in the base of a mountain so you are surrounded by giant pine trees everywhere, and you can see far-off lakes and other mountains. It was all very serene. Also, it started pouring while we were in the hot-tub. Everyone else ran for shelter, but we just stayed in the hot water while huge, cold rain-drops fell on our heads. That was pretty cool. We stayed at the place for a few hours, until we got nice and relaxed and wrinkly.

Afterwards, we found a Mike's restaurant in the neighboring town of Saint-Sauveur, had a really satisfying meal, and then, lo and behold, there happened to be outlet malls all around the area. Patrick was very patient as I tried on, no exaggeration, heaps and heaps of clothing at Dynamite. I ended up getting three pairs of dress pants and three dress shirts for 80$ - score!

When we came home, we went to visit Bailey (Julie and Ken's new baby). I didn't have my camera with me, so this photo is coming courtesy of Julie from facebook (hope you won't mind, but I couldn't resist sharing this cute face with everyone).

On Friday I went to Burlington with my mom, and we shopped for about 10 hours straight, then went to eat at TGI Friday's because the Olive Garden was way too packed. We were actually pleasantly surprised by TGI's - they had a really good selection, not to mention the coffee's are huge and amazing. Purchase-wise that day, I did well: roxy jeans, dress shirt, dressy flat shoes for work, purse (10$!!), scrapbooking paper pad (Amy Butler, super cute), chipboard albums for 1$ each, school books for 2$, picture frames, and cologne for Patrick (20$ for a Drakkar Noir kit that goes for around 50$ here). Also, we went through the border without needing to pay any duty, so that was an added bonus.

Overall, it was a good trip. Plus, brace yourselves, I even tried on a wedding dress (hahaha) on a whim, since we noticed that David's Bridal was right next to Michael's, so we figured we'd go take a look just for fun. I ended up seeing a wedding dress that I liked out of tons that were super ugly and over-beaded and laced, so I asked if I could try it on. My god, they make it all official - they wanted me to speak to a consultant and get info about my "wedding", lol. I was like, sorry but I'm not even engaged yet, this is just to get an idea. So I tried it on and it looked quite nice, even though it was about 2 sizes too big. My mom says that maybe when we go back next year it'll be on the sale rack, so we'll have to see. I told Patrick all about it, don't worry, and he was mildly amused. I even had him surfing the bridal website with me, looking at which color scheme we'd like to have. I know people, isn't it amazing? No, but in all seriousness, we are not planning on getting married until at least 2011 I would think. It would be a surprise to me if it came earlier, and that's fine. This year is going to be all about getting a job and saving money before I commit to anything else. We can still plan in good fun though ;)

Alright, well I guess I should go take a shower and take in some sun while it's still out. Oh, and here's another layout from the scrap vault, as Cathy Z would say. Cheers!

2009-08-05T17:38:00.007-04:00

Groom and bride!

Yup, another wedding over this past weekend! Ryan and Alex tied the knot at the very beautiful Gault House in Mount St-Hilaire. It was the perfect, sunny, hot day and everything ran very smoothly. The were wed by Alex's godfather against the fairy-tale backdrop of water and mountain. Here's what I'm talking about:

Overall, we had a great time - lots of good food, oh and did I mention the candy bar with all varieties of red candy that you could possibly imagine?! There was also lots of great dancing music and Pat was strutting his stuff yet again, although he had a bit of competition this time with the Y's dancing up a storm the entire night! They really kept the party going, I must say, and it was very entertaining to watch.

In other news, I am now an "auntie" to Julie and Ken's new pug Bailey, who is absolutely adorable, I can attest, after meeting him today. I will have to bring Pat to meet him soon and will remember to bring my camera next time.

Tomorrow Pat and I will be going to a spa up North for some much needed R&R (actually, more needed for him I would think after his very client-packed week and all the moving and unpacking that's been going on). Then on Friday I will most likely go to Burlington with my mom, possibly for a few days if we can get our planning act together. Entouka, the weather is nice, I am happy sunbathing and swimming in the back yard. No complaints here because it's summertime and the living's easy...

2009-07-27T16:26:00.003-04:00

Hmm.. Monday afternoon, weird weather going on - one minute it's sunny and hot, the next it looks as though a giant storm is about to break, but never does. I opted for drying clothes in the dryer just to be on the safe side.

In between working in daycare (with only two kiddies) and going to the gym, I am amusing myself by checking prices of condos in Myrtle beach, my mother's latest vacation "hot spot" idea. I say this because for the past 2 weeks or more she has been checking deals of all sorts for a trip, but has yet to make up her mind on what she wants. Now she says that all the trips down South (as in Caribbean) are gone, so she's left with the idea of a southern US getaway near the ocean. I am more open to this sort of thing seeing as it would cost considerably less money and would be for less time. It's probably more of a fantasy than reality, but we shall see what transpires...

As promised yesterday, I figured it was about time to take some photos of layouts that I made over the last few months but have been either too lazy or too busy to bother with. This one is about an inside joke that Julie and I had in high school - don't ask, it's bizarro world and I'm not even sure I understand why it was so funny at the time. You can click the photo bigger if you're really curious to read what it's about. I made this page when I was going through a phase of not feeling like using actual photos as the story felt more important. I just printed the movie cover of Mr. Holland's Opus and went with it, and am fairly happy with the result.

Pat's move update: all the "stuff" is transported but it will still take some time to get all the boxes unpacked. He had a LOT of stuff. We threw out and donated a good 5-8 garbage bags full, on top of the 5-8 bags of good clothing that he brought with him. That's not including all the small-t0-medium sized boxes that he brought with him or to my place for storage. I am proud of him for finally deciding to cut back and move on!! It was a huge job but we did it in very good timing I must say. It's going to be an adjustment, but it's so worth it and for the best.

Anyways, I'm off, cheers homies.

2009-07-26T10:32:00.003-04:00

Hmm... been a while and lots has transpired since the last blog post. Pat is moving (or rather, has mostly moved) out with his pal Dave. Yay! It's been a long time coming and I think that the two of them in their "bachelor bad" will get along great and it will be good for them.

So ya, I've been carrying boxes and such up four flights of stairs for the last few days, which is doing wonders for my butt, back and arms, let me tell you! I don't know how the men did it lifting all the bureaus and 42 inch plasma... ouch! But it's all getting done and soon will be the fun job, or at least for me: decorating!!!

Anyways, I've gotta go get ready to help out some more. Hope you're having a great weekend despite the rain today :)

Cheers, and I will be back with some new layouts soon-ish, promise.

2009-07-19T16:40:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my friend Tania's wedding. I went to McGill with Tania and we became close after taking several classes together, then having stage together. Later on, we even worked together in the grade one class I was teaching for a few months. She is a great person - and I mean that in every way possible! I am so happy for her and Matthew. She actually toughed out living without him for over a year when he excepted a job in San Francisco, working for Apple. I really don't know they did it, I think I would go crazy. But now finally, they can be together again. She is going to live with him very shortly, after the honeymoon and all. Well, it's more like "visiting" until the green card is actually approved, which is a very long, complicated process, or so I've heard.

In any case, they had a gorgeous wedding - very posh. We were very well-treated, and I'm so happy that the weather held out and it was actually sunny, shock! I've never been to a Greek-Orthodox ceremony before, so that was pretty interesting. I didn't realize there were so many rituals and such. Even all the dances at the reception were so fascinating to watch. Overall, we had a great time, and I got to catch up with my other school friends Audrey and Mallory. Here are some pictures from the event:

Well, hope you're all having a great weekend... I'm taking it very easy today, seeing as how I only woke up at noon with an intense "blah" feeling. Not complaining, though. Just relaxing and hopefully going to do a bit of scrapping, if I can get inspired. Cheers!

2009-07-14T17:37:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday Dad! Not the best picture, but you get the idea.

2009-07-12T10:34:00.012-04:00

What a beautiful morning we're having here, which is very much appreciated after all the rain yesterday. We're celebrating my dad's 60th birthday today. I hope we are able to eat on the deck outside. We haven't been lucky yet this year (it's rained every time we've had guests over).

Lately I've been scanning old photos that I've found in various albums and boxes around my grandmother's house. It's always like opening a present when I sift through them all and realize how cool it is to see all my ancestors in their younger phases... I'm hoping to get some of these stories down in the form of scrapbooking.

My maternal grandfather on a boat, I think on his honeymoon.

My maternal grandmother and her father.

My nanny at the beach... possibly one of my favorite photos of all time.

The Wallace cousins (on my mother's side). Cand you guess which one is my mother?

I love these old photos and the glimpse they give you into another time. They are so romantic and perfect and I'm lucky to have access to them at all... okay, I'm getting all nostalgic and sappy about it. But, no, seriously, pretty cool, right? Anyhow... hope you're all having a great weekend!

2009-07-08T16:55:00.013-04:00

Okay, so I haven't been the best blogger in the last little while, but I have a very good excuse! Last week went by in a complete blur as we got things ready for Julie and Ken's big day. Here's what went down:

Monday: Bought super expensive makeup for the wedding. Went to the gym. Learned that Julie's mom was in the hospital!! freaked out a bit...
Tuesday: Learned that Julie's mom was okay, in fact, after a scare... she was out the next day, thankfully!
Wednesday: Canada day bar-b-q at Julie and Ken's.
Thursday: Nails, rehearsal dinner at Ken's parents'.
Friday: Last minute stuff, set up the hall with Julie, Ken, Alex and Ryan.
Saturday: Wedding!!

Here are a few of hundreds of photos that's I'm in the process of editing....

*edited to add: Okay, so I wasn't thinking before, but some of the photos that I posted were actually set up by their photographer, who is amazing, btw, so I shouldn't have put them up at all, especially without crediting her!! So I will have to sift through my stuff again to see what is actually "my" creation... this one is okay:

2009-06-29T21:03:00.004-04:00

Cuteness, right here...

Believe it or not, Baby is actually getting rather affectionate lately, and she is even going outside on the patio without completely freaking out. She is changing in her old age, I suppose, and she's also getting very fat because she is fed far too often. But you gotta love her.

This is going to be a short post because I have to go pick up my man shortly. Just wanted to share these pics before they get lost in the back of my hard-drive for while before finding their way onto a scrapbooking page.

2009-06-27T22:29:00.003-04:00

Some new layouts. Because, sadly, I have nothing better to do on a Saturday night since my boyfriend has gone to a friend's cottage!

2009-06-26T13:06:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share what my wonderful man made for me the other day. I was in the mood to create, so I started experimenting with letter stamping. I think I *finally* got the hang of it. Then I cut out the heart and filed it, and couldn't help but think how cute it would look on a bracelet. So Patrick dug out some of his scraps and got creative, and this was the final result. Isn't having a jeweler as a boyfriend the greatest thing ever? I think so.

2009-06-25T23:05:00.006-04:00

It's been a lazy few days for me! I've mostly been swimming, tanning, reading and working out. I really can't complain. The weather has been great and both pools (mine and Patrick's) are open, so we have our pick. His is hovering around 87 and mine just hit 80 today, so it's either bath water (good for night dips) or refreshing (good for combating the afternoon heat). I love, love, love summer.

I want to get back into the groove of taking photos every day. I think I will do the photo-a-day challenge for July. I've been taking some garden photos here and there and these are some of my favorites so far:

I also saw a free online photo-editing course offered with Jessica Sprague, so I think I might check that out. You can too, here.

I went to Julie's after the gym this evening, to help her tie bows on the wedding favors. I can't believe that the big day is only about a week away!!! The next little while is going to go by in a blur as we have a lot of events and such involving the wedding, plus Pat will be busy moving his friend Dave.

Anyways, it's getting rather late and I need to get to bed so that I can get up early enough to do the spinning class. I still need to get around to filling you all in on my book list! I'll try to do that tomorrow. I'll leave you with a page I did a week or two ago. Goodnight!

2009-06-22T15:43:00.006-04:00

Another busy weekend has come and gone. This one blew out his candles on Saturday (well, his actual birthday was on Friday, but we celebrated on Saturday with friends and family).

On Friday I took him to hit golf balls, and then we went out for supper and a comedy show at the AMC with Julie and Ken, which was really good! Then on Saturday we had a supper at my place with my family, his dad and brother, and Nick and Dave. The rain held off and we were actually able to eat outside. It was pretty nice, and we were even able to make a fire later in the evening. The boys were even practicing their superhero skills... they will always be kids at heart, I guess.

In between Patrick's birthday celebrations was Alex's bridal shower. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera battery in the wall charger.... so no photos :( It was super nice, however, and they worked really hard on all the intricate details. The presentation was very nice, and the food was delicious. It was hard not to stuff myself, but I had to save some room for the dinner at home.

Yesterday we went to the cemetery to visit my grandfather's grave. Little did we know that there was actually a celebration going on. There were soldiers and veterans and media people there - I think they said it was the 100th anniversary of the Last Post Fund... or maybe it was the 100th anniversary of the founding of the cemetery... in any case, there was a big thing going on and we happened to arrive at the exact same time. It was kind of cool, actually, because they had little flags over each gravestone in the field of honor.

Today has been a pretty low-key day. I am in much need of getting back to the gym. That's actually where I'm headed very shortly, for the Jukari class. I am feeling better this week, thankfully, so I want to make sure I work out properly. I always feel icky and sluggish when I don't make the time to workout. Anyways, off to do that now...

2009-06-16T10:27:00.011-04:00

Looks like it's going to be another really nice day, although I wouldn't be surprised if it rained again. I was actually happy that it rained yesterday evening, because I was getting to hot and bothered by the humidity. Normally I love the hot, hot heat, but I think because I'm sick right now, it was just making me irritable.

I don't know what I have, but I'm low energy, a bit out of breath, and generally "blah". I'm not overly stuffed up, and my throat is a little itchy. My eyes are also icky. And I have a lump on the side of my throat, which I'm assuming is a swollen gland. I'm going to visit the doctor shortly, so hopefully she can figure out what I have. I wasn't feeling well starting the weekend before last, but I pushed myself because there was so much going on. Then, I did quite a few rather intense classes at the gym last week, but wasn't able to keep up at the regular fitness level. That should have been more of a sign to me to stop, because now I feel like I'm paying for it. So I haven't worked out since Friday, which sucks, but I have to give my body a chance to heal.

It's Patrick's birthday of Friday. We might go to a comedy show, the one they have a the AMC. I think that should be pretty fun. I was going to plan something more extravagant, like a weekend getaway, but as it turns out, it's Alex's bridal shower the next day. It's going to be a busy weekend once again, but I don't mind. As long as it's well mapped out, then it should be a lot of fun.

At Pat's house, there is now an outside cat that I would gladly trade for his inside cat. Look how cute this is. The cat (named Henry 8 by Pat's sister, don't ask why) actually prays for you to give it food... it's the nicest cat ever, and he's always hanging around. He's actually taken to sleeping on their patio chairs. Baby, however, is not a happy camper. She sits at the screen door waiting to pounce. They hiss and attempt to claw at each other through the screen. I am so tempted to just let them go at it, but Baby could get an infection if she gets cut by the other cat...

Add to this excitement the family of 7 groundhogs that have made their home under his shed, and we have quite the animal fest going on! I haven't managed to get a decent photo of them yet, but here is an idea. Pat's dad says he has to find a way to get rid of them, but I'm not so sure he's looking for a humane way to do it :(

Well, I have to go get ready for my appointment, so more later. Have a great day.

2009-06-14T10:31:00.005-04:00

My parents are going to book their trip to Punta Cana and I am majorly, majorly resisting the urge to go along. We were very close to doing so, but Pat and I have decided to pass in order to save money, since we have both only recently started to more seriously save for the future. Since I am used to vacationing each summer, and am such a sucker for the ocean and the sand, it's proving harder than I thought. But I just rummaged through a forgotten folder on my computer, named "creativity", which includes all kinds of fun ideas, pictures, links, etc, so that has given me the needed pick-me-up. We shall make our fun here, in the pool, tanning on the deck, and having the house to ourselves for a week (hopefully, if my brother is gone to Carm's). Plus, I have all kinds of planning to do for the weddings that I have to attend this summer. Julie wants me to say a few words for her, so I want to make sure I do her justice.

It's a work weekend at the library. I enjoy having something to do, rummaging the shelves and finding books to bring home. I've printed my "must read" list that I'd been saving for the summer, when I have more time - well here is the opportunity! Also, I get to catch up with Julie, so that's always fun.

I was looking through some quotes before (part of the pick-me-up) and here's one I quite like. It's possible I've posted it before because its just seems to resonate with me:

"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 Ellery Channing

Well, I think I will do a bit of digi-scrapping before I go to work. But first I'll share a page I did a few days ago. I've been experimenting with different brushes, all of which I found for free (yes, free!!). I have not had the urge to buy any "real" scrap supplies for months now, so looks like I finally found something to treat the disease. Anyways, have a great day, enjoy the beautiful weather!

2009-06-09T13:31:00.008-04:00

I think I have adult ADD or something considering how many tabs I currently have open on my computer - I keep switching between windows and thinking "oh yes, and I should upload the photos and change my banner and check vacation sites and check my bank statement... and on and on and on..." I have a list, but I tend to get caught up doing several things at once, and I loose track of time. My brain tends to wander a lot. And it feels very weird to not have to do anything, officially, by a certain time. It's a bit unnerving, truthfully. I don't think I would be able to stay home full-time. I think I like being "booked", despite how much I complain about it in the moment.

Apparently, season three of the Tudors has already been filmed and aired in it's entirety. I had been anticipating it for so long, but then I guess I got busy with other things and forget to check when it was playing. Well, at least that will keep us busy for a while. I actually prefer to watch episodes back to back rather than waiting an entire week to see what happens next. That was quite torturous with Lost last season, and I presume it will be the same once True Blood starts this week. Bill seems even more sexy this season - I got a little sneak peak on a commercial. There's something about the pale skin, sunken cheeks and fangs that makes him weirdly attractive. And no, please don't compare him to the dude from Twilight. So not on the same level! Anyways, the actor who plays Bill is actually British, go figure, so you know what that means... yes, it just solidifies the new obsession even more... Patrick was complaining the other day that I find too many actors attractive. Sorry babe! You know that I find you the sexiest of them all, right?

My power went off for over an hour today! It's amazing how much we've come to depend on technology. It was actually kind of refreshing to just pick up my journal and my book and sit down to read and write. I was still in my pjs, and it was dark and rainy - the perfect weather to get cozy and do some reflecting. I don't write enough "privately" anymore, because I suppose blogging and scrapbooking have kind of filled most of the need. Whenever I read over things that I've written in the past, however, I am overcome with nostalgia and love for my life (reading good things and bad)... and it makes me long to start writing my story again. I had started writing a story about my high school years, I suppose it's a sort of memoir, but I never finished it. I think I just need to take it up bit by bit every so often, rather than look for big chunks of time where I just sit down and have in my mind that I will write a ton. I read somewhere that that is what a fairly well-known author used to do - she'd get down whatever she could whenever she had the chance in between all the things going on in life. I can't remember who it was - maybe Carol Shields?

Anyways, here is a digi layout I made a few days ago about a field trip I took to the Biodome with "my" class. I figure it's okay to post since you can't see any of the students' faces. I love the shot of all their hands reaching up to the glass to touch the sting-ray (I think it's a sting ray, but I could be wrong...).

2009-06-08T17:37:00.010-04:00

Okay, so where did I leave off?

Just after my last blog post, I spoke with the teacher I was replacing, and she informed me she'd be back June 8th (yes, today), which cut the time with "my" students a little short. There was always the possibility that she would return before the end of the year, but I figured it wouldn't be very likely. Well, turns out that she wanted to get re-acquainted with everyone since she plans to loop with them into grade two. It was so bittersweet to have to leave. I was really rushing to get everything organized and get marks in before the end of last week, which I pulled off, somehow, at the same time that I prepped everything for Julie's bachelorette.

We had a party on Friday afternoon - the kids brought in games and snacks, and the technician in my class was nice enough to get me a cake. Some students made cards and even brought gifts, which I wasn't expecting at all. It is the cutest, most precious thing ever, to get a hand-made and hand-written card from a six year old. The effort and love that goes into those is just priceless. I was pretty emotional the whole day - it started when I arrived to find a giant bouquet of flowers (really gorgeous white chrysanthemums) on my desk with the one of the most cherished cards I've ever received. The resource teacher, who has become somewhat of my mentor/the person that I look up to and respect the most of all the teachers I've known, got them for me as a token of appreciation - and that felt so good, let me tell you. It's nice to know I've made a positive impression on people at that school, especially people who are so highly esteemed not only within the school, but with important people at the board. Here's a picture of the flowers:

After that, one of my students came up to me, cocked his head to the side, and asked "will you dream for us Miss Ashley?" and I just about burst into tears because it was just poetic and perfect for a child who has various codes (not to mention has barely started to read and write). When he saw that I was a little emotional, he said "don't cry Miss Ashley"... and it was just one of those treasured moments when I thought to myself "this is it right here, this is the job for me".

So, needless to say, although the past two months were challenging, I really loved my experience. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work in a class that uses such great learning approaches, such as SoundPrints and the Daily 5. I really gained a lot of experience.

The weekend was also great! We had such a good time at Julie's cottage. We made her go to Tremblant wearing a tiara, veil, and sash that said "princess bride". She also had a flashing wand, and a blank t-shirt that she had to fill up by asking people to write advice about marriage. That was pure entertainment, I tell you! It was so funny to see the various reactions of people (some were laughing, others were nervously looking the other way, and a few were calling her over so they could get in on the fun). We also rode the luge down the mountain, which was super fun.

After all that excitement, we headed back to the cottage to have a more "private" sort of party. We saved all the really embarrassing games for then. I had made up a bunch of questions for Ken to answer beforehand, then Julie had to guess what his answers were... if she got any wrong, she had to draw a card and do something or have something done to her. That was a great success and we nearly peed ourselves laughing on a number of occasions. Memorable inside jokes include "I hate your family" and "I have a fiance and I'm in love" - hahaha, you know what I'm talking about girls ;)

We were also very lucky with how generous everyone was in the food department! We had awesome things to munch on, delicious cupcakes for dessert, a pretty yummy spinach lasagna (made by yours truly) and some pancakes and fruit for breakfast the next morning. Oh, and let's not forget the amazing artichoke dip! We always tend to eat too much when we go up north, but it's oh so worth it. The country air just makes you hungry and lazy. Anyways, I am really happy that the weekend went so well, and Julie was very happy!

2009-06-02T16:33:00.004-04:00

I'm taking a brief interlude from the 2-inch pile of papers that need to be looked over and marked. I decided I would bring the work home because I couldn't bear the thought of working any longer in the stuffy classroom. Now I am at least in the comfort of my room, in pjs (yes, at 4:30 pm, it's perfectly acceptable...) and the coffee is ready to go. I doubt I will make it to the gym tonight, but I don't feel so bad considering I worked out for about 1:45 minutes yesterday. I also have cramps, so that gives me another excuse.

This weekend went by in a blur... it was my uncle's birthday supper on Friday, and then Alex's birthday supper on Saturday. Also, I worked at the library and did a bit of prepping somewhere in there. I've also been getting ready for Julie's bachelorette party, which is coming up this weekend! It's going to be quite the time, I think. We're going up north, to her cottage near Tremblant, and we're bringing all kinds of concoctions with us to torture Julie with before she ties the knot. Hahaha! No, I'm only kidding Julie, no need to get alarmed...

I keep walking by my neat and tidy scrap space an fantasizing about three weeks from now, when I'll be able to walk over there and create at any given moment. It actually looks very inspiring when it doesn't have heaps of crap on top of it. Well, it might not be in three weeks from now if the teacher I'm replacing comes back. I have to find out about that today, actually. She might even come back next week, which would mean only three more days!

Alright, well I better get back to work. I did make a digi page a few days ago, so I'll leave you with that. Cheers!