Christmas is coming!

Now, I may be working every day but one from now until Christmas, but I'm really looking forward to spending time with family and friends between now and then, and afterward, too. It's been a long month and a bit since starting to work full-time, and it's definitely had its ups and downs... so to find time to relax this season will be quite wonderful.



And this is my newest nephew, Noah (born October 16 at 31 weeks), about two days before his actual due date (which was December 14/15)... the spittin' image of his Papa, Eric! Can't wait to meet him in person!

Working Full Time

So, I accepted a 0.8 position with the same employer I worked for part-time during my most recent three years of schooling. It's bittersweet. I'm happy to have a job and doing it well, but I'm frustrated with being unable to get a teaching position. I went back to school for that sole reason, and well, it just hasn't happened yet. Perhaps a test of patience? My Lazarus moment? God is never late, just on his own time line, not mine. But trusting and being patient is tough.

New Nephew

:D

After a rather stressful pregnancy and an emergency C-section at 31 weeks and 5 days, my sister gave birth to her first child, Noah John. :D He is tiny - only 3lbs 2oz, but being cared for by awesome NICU folks in Quebec City. Can't wait to meet him!

Auntie to 11,
Stephanie

Working again... and thoughts about Ty

Well, I've gone back to work - almost full-time - working with my two lovely ladies in their group home. Benefits start on the 21st, and so does my fairly predictable 4 week shift rotation. I'm happy to be working and even though it's not a teaching job (which are few and far between in BC) I'm sure I'll have a good time. It's all about attitude, right? Right. I love the ladies and my co-workers, so that makes it enjoyable... plus, it's nice to have a somewhat stress-free job for a bit. It's the type of job that I can leave at work - I don't come home with piles of homework or marking or planning to do... but that will come, one day! :D

Still no sign of Tyler - we've now hit the two month mark since he first went camping in August... and we will hit the 'missing' two month date in a matter of days. Hard to believe he's gone. I hope we find him before the snow starts falling, but now that it's autumn, searching for him gets trickier than it was before. I miss him. I sometimes have dreams about him - seeing him happy and smiling, but also seeing him waving. I could read a lot into these dreams, but I know he's on my mind so it only makes sense that he's in my dreams.

When I think of words to describe Thai (as he sometimes signed his notes to me - that along with a cartoon sketch of a man's tie, or Ty, or Tai, or his four initials...) I think of passion, energy, creativity, compassion, genuine, excited. His mind worked fast and even though his bursts of creativity seemed scattered to me, they were surrounded by an intense focus.

Working with him I found myself both frustrated and inspired - he constantly challenged me to think bigger, work harder, be more efficient, and although I was often mentally and physically exhausted at the end of it all, there was rarely a day that he didn't have an encouraging word to say. His curiosity was contagious, too - questioning me, ideas, and the like. We'd talk about family, having kids one day, being an auntie/uncle, our current relationships - you name it. When you work with someone ten hours a day, with no radio, you find stuff to talk about. Plus, since the truck had no radio, he put up with me and my singing of childhood songs. Then again, I put up with his, too. And his sporatic driving when a cute girl walked by. And once we got a tape deck, he shared his love of House music with me and those close enough to the truck when the windows were down. And Mount Royal Bagels - a favourite stop of ours. We seemed to live off of bagels and water. When I had a rough day, he was quick with a hug or a neck rub. A lot of memories, and I'm grateful for each one.

I remember one day we had a job at a house up on a rocky hill in Victoria, clearing away someone's soil... when suddenly we heard a beautiful voice singing. Our client was standing in a sunlit window above us, singing an opera piece, wearing a flowing yellow dress... completely out of some sort of fairytale. We paused, sweating in the summer heat, listened, and she looked down and waved. Moments later she came outside with a tray, on which a pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade was sitting. We just grinned at each other, plopped outselves down on the pile of dirt we should've been moving, and drank, smiles on our faces.

These past couple of months have gotten me thinking a lot about friendships, and I truly believe that God sent Tyler to me at that particular time in my life - to make me question what I believed, to learn to defend it, to learn how to be a better friend, and to appreciate what I have (friends, family, God, love). I hadn't seen Tyler that often in the past few years, due to my move to the Fraser Valley, but he was often on my mind... and he probably always will be.

I miss you, Ty. And I hope these next days/weeks bring closure, in whatever form that takes, for your family and friends. But for me, this isn't goodbye.

Thinking of you, Ty

Praying you're okay.

Missing Tyler Wright

Please continue to pray that they find Ty... he's now six days overdue - he left August 10th, was supposed to meet up with his family and friends on the 16th, and recently RCMP found a footprint (he's got size 15) and a tamped down day bed where they think he had been... the weather is cooperating up in Squamish - no rain, lots of sunshine - so hopefully that'll help, too. He had planned on doing a 26km hike and seems to have gone off the radar.

I've known Ty since 1998 - we met in a Geography class at Camosun College in Victoria and then I spent the summer and fall working for the Rubbish Boys with him. We travelled a bit together, and then in 2000 we both ended up moving to Vancouver. He became a Christian around that time and we went to the same church until I moved from the west side of Vancouver. We have a lot of friends in common, both from church and from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? days, and this whole situation seems a bit surreal.

http://www.missingtylerwright.blogspot.com/ - or see my links to follow a blog that gives updates on the search and rescue efforts.

K, that's done!

Five weeeks later (well, a bit more) and I'm now finished my French EXPLORE program at the University of Laval in Quebec. Today I'm heading to Toronto to visit with my brother(s) and his (their) family(ies) and I'll eventually make my way back to BC on the 17th. It'll be good to sleep in my own bed again - that's one thing about dorm living that took a lot of time to get used to - single bed which was meant for a munchkin.

The five weeks at ULaval were pretty jam-packed and I feel like I learned a lot of French and just became more confident speaking with others. Am I fluent - by no means. However, I can grasp a lot more than I used to be able to and I can also see myself taking French conversation courses in the future. Being bilingual will open up a lot more doors, and could help immensely in this pathetic teaching job market.

The first week I was there we experienced un canicule - heat wave. For a week, due to humidity and heat, it felt like it was over 40C and to walk from building to building was quite the chore. I took so many naps and was extremely grateful for the fan in my un-airconditioned dorm room! That kind of heat and humidity was intense and when folks back home say the humidity is high I will now have to laugh - we get NOTHING like this in BC, even on a hot day! Humidity where a day at 33C feels like 42C just doesn't occur, and definitely doesn't occur for more than a day!

Anyhoo... I'll post some pics once I'm back in BC. Now that I'm finally on vacation, I've got to enjoy it!

EXPLORE - Live the Canadian Experience

I leave on Wednesday.
The program starts on Monday.
Goodness.
And I thought I was done school forever and ever.
Guess not!

5 Week French Language Bursary Program, here I come!

DONE

Convocation - been and gone
Graduation - been and gone

Life as a Teacher - just beginning



*eek!*

Crazy Days

This month is a whirlwind of activity and then I'm off to Quebec City and Ontario for 8 weeks total. Even though I'm practically done this whole Teacher Ed process, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm also sad (sorta) to be saying goodbye to my life as a student - but only in a weird, twisted way. I'm sad to be saying goodbye to some of my fellow TEPers, but the ones I hang out with the most will continue to be in my life in one form or another, so really, it's not a time of goodbyes, just 'good luck's.

So June sees me go to convocation, graduate, work a few of my last shifts with my two fabulous young ladies, try on a heart monitor for a 24hour period, visit the dentist and the chiropractor, go shopping, job hunt, learn patience, and pack for my July/Aug away... it'll be a busy couple of weeks! I'm exhausted already ;)

Holly Goes to Tanzania

Holly is off to Tanzania for a year and starts her journey there on Monday afternoon - 40 hours later should be somewhere near her destination. Crazy - so excited for her! Holly - you better be sure to update your blog on a regular basis..

May 17 - What?!

Practicums are done, and I'm about to start week 2 of 4.5... then convocation!

Spent some time walking around Rolley Lake today - such a lovely time. About a dozen of us, all ages, strolled around the lake, chatting about this and that. A very relaxing outing. I have been sick for the past two weeks and so it was nice to get out and do something and actually have energy and (almost) enough lung power to do it. Only a few coughing fits along the way = progress!

So, I'm currently taking Governance and Reform in Public Schools in BC and Mental Health Issues in BC Schools - two 3 credit courses, Monday - Thursday, six hours a day, Fridays for half a day. It's brutal and it takes more focus than I thought. After having a classroom full of students and a million of things to do at once, sitting for six hours a day is phenomenally difficult! This teacher doesn't make the best student at the moment. BUT, the end is in sight so I just need to buckle down and stubbornly work my way through the days. I can do it!



I did have a lovely poolside afternoon this past Thursday - with some lovely ladies from Teacher Ed program. We were working on a project... while drinking wine, eating amazing salads, floating in the pool and falling asleep in the sun. The last five minutes of our 5 hour work time saw us do something productive (if throwing some printed out articles on the burnt legs of a sleeping friend counts)... good times! It was good to relax. There was no actual break between practicum and being back at class, so we opted for a Thursday day off - and it was fantastic! :D

Two weeks left...

Of my long practicum and I don't want it to end!! I'm having such a great time and my kids - even the challenging ones - are ones I want to keep tabs on and continue to see how they excel. Some of them are going to be world-shakers!

So, May 7th is coming up quickly, then it's one month of courses (intensive - 6 hours a day, Mon-Thurs, and half days on Fridays) and then DONE DONE DONE. When I talk with other Student Teachers we kind of look at each other in disbelief - we're almost there! Then the fun job of finding a job really sets in.

Currently watching the Canucks play Game 5 against the Kings, Bieska just got a penalty. It's been a rather heart-stopping, nerve-wracking match-up so far, and tonight will probably be more of the same. Goodness, some days I just LOVE hockey.

Canadian, I am! :D


I was at the game on March 20 -- when we lost with 0.1seconds left, but Luongo rocks, regardless!

Full Immersion

And I've survived the first week back after Spring Break and the first week of me teaching full-time. My poor teacher doesn't know what to do with himself - thankfully report cards are coming out in a week and a half, so he *could* be working on those, but otherwise he's feeling a little lost. I should get him to do some photocopying or something ;)

Our long practicum mid-term is also coming up this week - a reflection on our growth, areas of future growth and our areas of strength. Need to find time this week to do that, because...

I'm off to see the Canuckleheads! Canucks vs. Red Wings, 7pm, tonight. I won tickets a few weeks back, simply for being in the right place and at the right time, and now I'm off to enjoy that win! Here's hoping the Canucks play well tonight and bring us a win!

Ciao, my faithful/sporadic/non-existent readers!

Where'd February go?!

Today is the last day of Week 3 of my long practicum -- and ahead lays two weeks of Spring Break! These first weeks have been quite fabulous - with mostly 'ups' and a few 'downs' here and there... but I am very eager for a break. Time to refocus and maybe get some more lesson plans written up to go with the Units I created before knowing my students... some alterations are definitely needed!

The Olympics are now almost over, too... and I'm finally going to get downtown to see some of the free sites and get to feel the crazy vibe. Hopefully the rain lets off a bit, but regardless, I'm hoping to spend a good amount of time just enjoying it all!

Off to class I go - two formal observations today - first by my Teacher Mentor and then by my Faculty Mentor - here's hoping I know what I'm talking about ;)

January

January has been insanely busy. Five courses in one month plus unit planning for our long practicum has kept me up too late many-a-night. Stress levels in the group are skyrocketing (with some unexpected results!) and it seems some instructors are taking the time to rethink their expectations. Thankfully.

February 8th sees us back at our practicum placements and I, for one, am very excited about being back in front of the class. The learning that goes on (for me) during practicum is so much more beneficial than anything I learn in the UFV classroom setting. There I sit on my butt for 6 hours, sometimes struggling to focus on the topic at hand. It feels a bit backwards because teaching definitely does not involve teachers sitting on their ass for hours at a time. Regardless of the growth of my buttocks, sitting on it is my job for the next couple weeks. But then, oh glorious 'THEN'! I'll be learning and reflecting and becoming the teacher I know I can be!

(And I probably shouldn't have used the word ass... good thing I'm not a teacher yet! ;) )

Waiting for my students to catch me saying "I do do ...something" - "Ha ha - you said Doodoo!",

Stephanie

Ladles and Jellyspoons

Oral Reading - an essential part of any classroom, anywhere. Or so people say. I'd have to agree. Sharing a poem, or taking part in a Readers Theatre activity can be extremely rewarding and just as entertaining. Here's a poem I shared with the class - I remember snippets of it from my childhood, but was surprised to find one large poem instead of a few shorter ones I thought I had learned as individual poems. Either way - worth the read!

Ladles and Jellyspoons
Carl Withers, A Rocket in My Pocket (1948)


The famous speaker who no one had heard of said:
Ladles and jellyspoons, hobos and tramps,
cross-eyed mosquitos and bow-legged ants,
I stand before you to sit behind you
to tell you something I know nothing about.
Next Thursday, which is Good Friday,
there's a Mother's Day meeting for fathers only;
wear your best clothes if you haven't any.
Please come if you can't; if you can, stay at home.
Admission is free, pay at the door;
pull up a chair and sit on the floor.
It makes no difference where you sit,
the man in the gallery's sure to spit.
The show is over, but before you go,
let me tell you a story I don't really know.
One bright day in the middle of the night,
two dead boys got up to fight.
(The blind man went to see fair play;
the mute man went to shout "hooray!")
Back to back they faced each other,
drew their swords and shot each other.
A deaf policeman heard the noise,
and came and killed the two dead boys.
A paralyzed donkey passing by
kicked the blind man in the eye;
knocked him through a nine-inch wall,
into a dry ditch and drowned them all.
If you don't believe this lie is true,
ask the blind man; he saw it too,
through a knothole in a wooden brick wall.

Back to School

Hard to believe that my Winter Break is on its last legs... back to school tomorrow morning at 9am. I'm excited to see my fellow classmates, but I also know that going back to school indicates that I have a lot on my plate for the next four months or so. January will be busy with lesson/unit planning and regular class workloads, then February, March, April, and a bit of May will be practicum #2. I may have little to no life in a matter of weeks! March gives us a bit of a break here in Abby - we get two weeks of Spring Break (so, away from our practicum), but one of those weeks will see us back at UFV doing random classes and listening to different speakers and the like. Seems that the Chilliwack district only gets one week, so will be missing a week of their practicum to come to these random classes. I think they lose out more than I do -- the classes they're in charge of will be handed back to their Teacher Mentor for that week. My students will all be on holidays.

Anyhoo... lots to do. So today - relax and socialize.