Hello 2010

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.

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 :)

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...

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

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.

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

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.