So, I am Big Bird!

Was checking out Tonya's blog, when I saw this link to a Sesame Street Quiz. Since I am big fan of the show, I decided to see who I would be if I lived on the infamous Sesame Street. Have a look - I think it's quite accurate!

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around. You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy. You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you. How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Try it out and let me know who you are! Do you know any Oscars or Grovers? I certainly do!

A School Without Students!

I was just getting out of the shower, thinking about what I was going to wear for punk day at school, when the phone rang. I always panic when the phone rings early in the morning - I immediately think that something bad has occurred. Anyway, I ran downstairs soaking wet and gingerly picked up the receiver. My instincts were correct - bad news - no school :( Apparently the building was flooded and closed for the day.

Ok, I can't lie, I wasn't terribly sad to hear the news. In fact I was just a bit pleased to hear the news - ok, ok, more than just a bit pleased!! You don't understand - a school without students is a wonderful place!! Not everyday, but once a year - it is paradise!!

So, did I stay at home, surfing the net, playing some good tunes and baking up a storm? No, I went where all good teachers go - to school, of course!! When I arrived at DSS I found all the other teachers there too - You just can't keep us away!

I had a glorious day - leisurely completing the NL, filing, organizing, choosing texts, cleaning up computer files and returning emails to colleagues - all activities I usually don't have time for because I am busy working with students. While I realize that my job depends on the presence of actual students in the class, imagine how much I would get done if the school was closed on a more regular basis!!

Christmas Travel

Hola! Just made plans to spend 10 days of my Christmas holidays in Ixtapa, Mexico. Doesn't it look fabulous? Can't wait to get on that plane and fly away to a land of sun and sand. Although I have lived in Mexico, I have never been to Ixtapa before. Should be fun exploring a new part of the world.

I'm meeting some good friends there - haven't seen them for 2 years, so am really looking forward to hanging out, catching up and making new memories.

Mmmm - Mexican food - enchiladas, tostadas, fresh mangos and papaya - maybe I'll spend my entire week in the restaurants!

Hopefully my passport arrives in time - just applied last week. I'm really cutting it close - if it doesn't get here, I'll be spending the 10 days in snow instead of sand! Keep your fingers crossed that I can get out of the country. :)

Wrong Time, Wrong Place

Ever try to do something funny and it backfires? That's what happened in English 11 today.

Some students thought that it might be funny to play a joke on me and hide. While I went to the office, several students ran outside - I think that everyone was supposed to go, but about 5 students decided to remain in class. Normally this wouldn't have been such a big deal - I would have just laughed and asked them to get back to class. Unfortunately, for both them and me, I was not in the mood to play games.

Just before I left class, I did a homework check and more than half the class did not do their work from last day. This upset me because I am very worried that a number of students are in serious jeopardy of failing. Quite a few students need to pass this class to graduate - am I the only one who cares? As I was walking back to class I was wondering how I could get the class to realize that they have to begin taking this class and their education seriously. That's when I saw students running outside.

I sent the "run aways" to the Connections Room - didn't wait for an explanation because, frankly, I was not in the right frame of mind to listen. In retrospect, maybe I did react harshly. But it is only because I was, and still am, very concerned with lack of desire and work ethic that is needed to get through English 11. I really can't understand why anyone would want to repeat a class - can someone please explain that to me?

Anyway, the point is, think about when and where you play a joke on someone. It may be the wrong time or place and maybe it will turn out not to be so funny. It wasn't for me.

Hanging with Wynter and Storm

Now, why can't I get a kiss like that?!! Had a fabulous long weekend visit with Wynter, Storm and Chris in Kelowna - lots of eating and chatting going on! Checked out the venue for the upcoming wedding - it's a beautiful spot. Don't get bogged down on the details, Wynter - stay focused on what's important!

Thought that I would get a lot of shopping done in Kelowna - but only found a few things. I hate it when I want to buy something, but I can't find what I want. What is that about?

Had a fun drive home, though. Made up for the lack of shopping! Sure love to motor in my Rav. Sunny day, dry roads and rockin tunes - what more could I ask for? Been thinking about a new car lately - but after such a great drive yesterday, I think I'll wait a bit longer.

Friday of Fun

Staff party last night - We started off playing a couple of games of volleyball. We played one bounce - it took me about half a game to figure it out! I found it hard to wrap my head around the fact that I could let the ball hit the floor. In the end I decided to just play the regular way - way too confusing for me!! Anyway, it was a really fun game - ask Mrs. Mann about it.

After the games, we headed to the Foods room to eat spaghetti, meatballs, ceasar salad and garlic toast - yum! Ate way too much and barely had room for dessert - just barely!

We then all waddled over to Mr. Agar's bonfire - sat around the fire, chatting until it got too cold to stay outdoors. A perfect end to a busy, but fun week.

Crazy Days

Ever feel like you are moving at warp speed and being pushed to go even faster? That's how I feel lately. So many meetings, planning and activities to go to - fun and interesting, mind you, but they seem never ending.

Wish that I had five arms - no brains - like this woman - then I could plan for my classes, mark, play VB, attend workshops and keep in touch with my friends without feeling that I'm letting something slide. The one good thing, though, is that if you are busy, you don't have much time to dwell on the negative things that happen. You have to keep moving forward because it's not all about you. That's what I tell myself, anyhow!

Exploring with the City Girls!

Took some city girls up to the Jesmond lookout last weekend - poor Mich and Amanda thought that we were taking them to the ends of the earth! They were pretty impressed with the views - as was I - and by Kelly's fancy truck that practically drives itself! We saw a couple of deer and a whole bunch of grouse - no bears, though.

Lots of pretty places around Clinton - made me realize how lucky I am to be able to just get out and explore - climb the nearest mountain, hike to a local waterfall, see some wildlife. Can't do that in the city - and while I'm here, sure want to take advantage of the beauty that abounds. Anyone have any suggestions for my next adventure?

I Miss Summer!

First time blogger - am I sure that I want to do this?!!

Decided that if I expected my Writing 11/12 class to do some authentic writing, I would have to model it. Not sure if this is going to be a lesson in writing, stupidity or just more work for me, but watch out - soon there will be a few more angst ridden teens expressing their thoughts and feelings on the net!

I love my job, don't get me wrong, but after a fun packed summer of canoeing, hiking, swimming and traveling, it is so difficult to make myself get excited about spending 5 days a week inside. After a month, I'm finally back into the swing of things - but on days like today, I would rather be out on the lake! I love you kids, but teachers have lives, too!