Weekend meanderings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.