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.

Time keeps rolling by...

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!

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.

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!