The First Week

As promised, here is a recap of my first week in this final teaching practicum....

-the staff is super friendly and helpful. Easy to get along with and so willing to help me with whatever and make sure that my time is as good as possible. I feel like I am welcomed and lunch times in the staff room are always fun, with lots of laughing which is a welcomed break.
-I've started making some connections with students and interacting a bit more with them. My German is still negligible, but you can still tell which students are the trouble makers, which ones are shy and which ones are talking when they should be working:) or listening
-There are several cultural differences that stand out, but most are not really an issue, just something different to get used to
-I haven't watched tv in over a week-and I'm surviving just fine:0
-I had a tour of all the vocational sites that students can go to as GVC students, so today was a field trip PD day. I visited Morris, Altona, Morden and the GVC sites in Winkler.
-I've had supper out one night with a camp friend which was lovely and a break from the constant noise at the house I am living in:)
-The sun was shining today and I got to go for a lovely jog and hear the birds singing.

So overall, things are going quite well. I start teaching on Monday, but only 2/4 classes. Wednesday I add a 3rd and I won't start my 4th class until after Spring Break which is just fine with me. My two EAL classes are going to be a challenge, but that's a good thing I think.

I know the rest of this month is going to fly by with all the school stuff going on. Tuesday is a spirit day (st. paddy's) and then we have early dismissal for parent teacher interviews, and the list goes on. Before I know it, Spring break will arrive and I'll be off for a little visit with friends in the East:) (you know who you are!)

My social life is definitely not be taxed in this practicum, but that means I have no excuse for not getting my planning and marking done. And that really is the plan for my weekend. Some relaxation, reading and enjoying of the outdoors but a good chunk of tomorrow will be spent working on school stuff, I really want to have everything planned out for the week so that I can be working ahead during the week and hopefully take off next weekend for Winnipeg (or home to switch cars-a long story that is best told in person).

Anyways, it's all of 8:45 on a Friday night and I am exhausted. Right now all I want to do is lay down, and watch a movie or read a book. SO I think that's what I'm going to do. Leave school until tomorrow and get some rest. It's Lame I know, but hey it's my life!

The Last Day

Today is my last day of class (as a student) perhaps forever! I still have an exam tomorrow, but officially this is the last day of 'class'. I have mixed emotions. Part of me is so excited, but part of me is kind of sad too. Saying good bye to friends that I may never see again, and just a farewell until later for others. That's all I have to say, but I wanted to make a post on this momentous day.

The other plus is the sun is shining and it's 'warm' in Branond (-10 C)!

Have a good day folks.

The Beginning of the End

Today marks the last Friday of no classes, probably forever in my life. I only have 2 more days of classes, and one exam before I finish my time as a student. I still have a 7 week practicum to complete before I graduate, but I have completed all my projects and presentations for class and only have a test left. It's exciting yet sad at the same time. The friends that I have made in these last 2 years are going to be spreading in many different directions, and we will have to say good bye, which is the sad part. The exciting part is that I am almost finished being a student, which means I am branching out to be a 'real' adult!

Fear and the scary part of venturing into this new part of my life also comes into my mind at times. The unknown of my future looms ahead of me. Even though I know I am going to China this fall, I really have no idea what that will bring, the adventures and new experiences that will come with that opportunity. Leaving my family and friends for a whole year, and many other firsts. I am pretty excited that I will be getting a pay check soon, for my teaching work, instead of paying for the privilege of working!

Today has mostly been a 'domestic' day as I like to call them. Baking, cleaning, laundry, you know what I mean. I need to do a bit of studying for my upcoming test and exam, but that's not too high on my priority list. I also need to get some planning done for my upcoming practicum, again not a lot of motivation but I will get to it!

Tonite is our grad social, which will hopefully be a lot of fun. My Baba is also coming out to spend some time with us which is nice. I am looking forward to some family time this weekend and a chance to read some of the books I borrowed from the school library.

Hope your upcoming weekend has some time of relaxation and fun!

China Here We Come

Well Folks, I promised that when there was news to share that I would share. So here it is...I am heading to China! I got my first job with an international school over in China!!!! I'm super excited about this adventuring opportunity. Southeast Asia will soon be on my continents experienced list.

The school is named Clifford International School. It is a private K-12 school that has 2 streams, the Chinese and English. The English program follows the Manitoba curriculum which is great for me. The school year is pretty similar to Canada, with the vacations in a few different spots. We still have 200 teaching days, but the breaks are at slightly different times than Manitoba schools. I will be signing on for a 1 year contract and then we'll see what happens after that.

I'm excited that I will be able to share some more exciting events on this blog again. The life of a student in small town Canada is usually not as interesting as a little Canadian girl exploring a big new country! I'm counting on some stories about new and strange foods, sights that are new to my eyes and a bit of culture shock! I'm supposed to be getting an apartment that is big enough to host people, so if you think it might be in your plans to come to China next year let me know:)

With the excitement of a job and travels in my life, it's been kind of hard to stay focused on these last days of classes and then an upcoming practicum. I only have 1 1/2 weeks of class left and then my 7 week practicum. CRAZY!!!!! I have a couple of big projects yet to finish but I'm confident it will all come together. It is the Education faculty after all:)

SO that's my exciting news. Hope your upcoming weekend treats you well. Mine will probably focus on homework and some relax time.

till later!

Raining Cats & Dogs

Hey FOlks. I just had to document the strange weather we've been having these past 24+ hours. It's raining, in Manitoba, in FEBRUARY! That's right, not snow, but rain! I still can't get past the craziness of it. This said rain is making things pretty slippery on the roads and sidewalks...skates would be a better choice of footwear than shoes these days:) I'm not usually one to write about the weather, but this is just too strange not to make a comment about.

Onto other things...school continues to zip along. Someone informed me that we only have 12 days of classes left this term. YIKES. Still a few big projects to do but things are feeling under control right now, which is a nice place to be. This weekend (assuming the roads get better) I will be driving out to Saskatoon to visit best friend...I'm super excited! It's Louis Riel Day on Monday, so we get a long weekend which will be great. I"m looking forward to having seemingly unlimited time to chat, hang out, eat delicious things and just enjoy being together. The past while we have only been able to hang out for short little blocks of time when she comes home to visit family so this weekend will be good. Here's to hoping for clear roads.

February!

Hi Folks.

February has arrived, which means lots of exciting things...only 4 more weeks of classes, Winter festival (a mini-folklorama for Brandon), the one-month Challenge (can you go for 1-month eating only fair trade chocolate and drinking only fair trade teas and coffees?), Louis Riel Day (which means a day off school and work), and lots of other things I"m sure. Oh, one other piece of excitement is that I will likely hear back from a school in China that has my application for teaching next year...I'll let you know what happens there:0

Life is moving along at a pretty quick pace these days. This last term of university seems to be flying by but at the same time there are so many details, assignments and decisions to make. At times it is overwhelming, but I try to take it one day at a time and keep things in perspective. (Easier said than done)

Thoughts of warm summer often flood my mind while I walk to school in yet another -40 morning...temperatures like that make it pretty easy to think about moving somewhere WARMER!

I have several BIG projects that need to get started, so I need to run. Till next time:)

A sad highlight

the highlight of my day...finishing a paper that's due on Thursday!  Now only 1 more paper due for this week and then I can get going on the assignments and presentations that will be due next week:)  Oh the joys of being a student...you're never done until the term is finished.  

Just thought I'd post with this sad reality of my life so you can all know what's going on around here.

Hopefully you've got more interesting things happening in your life these days.

On a more positive note, it's beautiful outside and walking to and from school is a joy.  I now wish my walk were a lot longer instead of wondering if I will be able to feel my digits by time I reach te building.  

Ok, since I've digressed to talking about the weather, which is not something I"m proud of, I'm going to sign off for tonite-1 paper down and now off to bed.

Food, Fun & Family

The 3 F's pretty much sum up my last few days. I was commenting with Kendelle the other day that our family's holiday traditions include a lot of food. We spend more time and effort and planning and preparing the food we will enjoy than the activities or people we will be with...it may be kind of a mixed up priority but it plays a huge part in our celebrations. Because Kendelle and I eat vegetarian most of the time we decided to make a special item to add to the Celebration dinners. The main meat for our family was roast beef one night and pork ribs another which didn't really interest me or Kendelle. We found a tasty recipe on the internet for something called Tobago Parcels. They were caribbean and delicious. The filling was made with sweet potatoe, onion, garlic, black beans and some lemon juice and thyme as seasoning. These were wrapped up in phyllio pastry and then we made a mango curry dipping sauce to go with. It was so good. They will be made again....

FUN-my family loves to play card games during the holidays so that's what we've done a lot of this holiday. Hand & Foot, steal, wizard are three of our favorites. Last night we also got out to the skating oval for the first time this year. IT's so beautiful out there with all the lights, music playing, and bonfires burning. I hope to get out there quite a few more times this winter. Today we're also hoping to pull out the cross-country skies for the first time of the season.

As the end of the year approaches, I've found my thoughts turning a lot to what's to come. 2009 is going to be a year of many new firsts in my life. My graduation from Education in the spring will be be biggest instigator of change in my world. It is mostly an open/empty canvas right now...but there are several ideas/possibilities working in my life...I'll publish them when things are officially decided.

I'm off to go and have some more holiday fun...take care friends.

Finished

That's right folks.  The school term is officially over.  I just got back from my last meeting with my prof to show him my project and now it's Christmas Break!!!  Yipee!  I know it will take me a few days to get into the relax and enjoy mode.  For now I'm still antsy about finding things to do.  I guess that's a good thing since I still have to pack up for my trip to Calgary and get some Christmas shopping done too. 

I'm pretty excited to enjoy this last LONG Christmas break...I realized that this is the last 1 month Christmas break that I will ever have since it's my last year as a student (at least as far as I know!) 

So to all of you who still have exams to finish...good luck!  

And to those who have passed that era in life...enjoy the day, whatever it may bring!

Student Life

I'm a student again, and I've decided that although the life of a student is more relaxed and laid back than a teacher, it's more fun being the teacher who gets to direct what's going on in the classroom.  In the past week I've felt like for the most part, all I'm doing is 'jumping through the hoops' of the education system rather than truly learning and moving forward in my 'education journey'.  It's been nice to connect with my school friends again.  I"m trying hard to enjoy my time back in school since I know the days are ticking down quickly until I will no longer be able to call myself a student.  

I've had a bit more time this week to visit with friends and try to get a hold on what life should be like which is good.  I've also got a long list of homework that needs to get done this weekend, so hopefully motivation will find me tomorrow morning when I sit down at my desk to get started.  

As to entertaining stories for the week...not many really.  I went to one of the middle schools in town to do a presentation on ethnobotany (study of how people use plants) which was pretty fun.  It was a group of students who are part of a program that focuses on helping mostly aboriginal students develop self-confidence along with helping to teach some of the cultural history that many children miss out on in their homes.  The kids were a handful, but it was pretty fun as well.

Another highlight was electrifying a  dill pickle in science class.  That's right...plug in a pickle!  It makes a bright yellow glow and I'm told that if you leave it plugged in for long enough the pickle will actually blow up!  (I still want to try that one day!)

Click on this link to see a youtube clip of a teacher electrifying a pickle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVkrs6&VNYo

I'm sure there are other random 'education' moments that could be shared with you but they probably would not be as interesting for you as they have been for me.

Hope you're all staying warm (it was almost -30C these past two days).  Winter has arrived!

Enjoy the weekend.

Practicum Complete

So I finished my placement on Friday, which leaves me with mixed emotions.  Just as life was starting to settle into a routine at school with me as the TEACHER, I return to classes on Monday as the STUDENT again.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, I know that the life of a student is generally easier, but at the same time it was nice being the teacher and being the one who TELLS the students what they are supposed to be doing-a power thing I guess.  I am looking forward to getting back to school and seeing my friends again and hearing everyone's stories from their practicums.  It makes it easier knowing that there are only 31/2 weeks of classes left until Christmas break so I know I only have to work really hard for a short period of time and then I get another break:)  

The snow has begun to fall again outside my window which helps make it seem like Christmas is all the closer which I am excited about.  I've begun burning candles in the evenings to help cheer up my room during the long winter nights:)

Back to talking about my placement (sorry for the random rambles folks), my co-op teacher was super nice and took me out for breakfast on my last morning.  She also gave me a gift (one that only fellow teachers/stationary fanatics will appreciate), an apple shaped paperweight that is magnetized so it can hold paperclips and also a package of apple shaped paper clips!  Yup, pretty exciting folks:)

In the middle of my practicum I was reconsidering why I was even in the teaching profession, but by the end I had come around and realized that I do enjoy teaching.  There's just times when it seems overwhelming and consuming which I do not enjoy!  There some things that would be easier if it were my own classroom, I guess I'll just have to wait till next year to test that theory out:)  I'm sure there are many things that just take time and practice/experience to make them easier.  I just wish I could be a fantastic/perfect teacher right NOW!  Forget this waiting and learning thing.

This weekend has been a lovely chance to have a mini-holiday before starting up a busy 3 1/2 weeks.  I did a bunch of baking yesterday-blueberry banana muffins, Reese's Pieces pie, chocolate-peanutbutter rice krispy cake along with tacos!  I also got a chance to go out and do some shopping with my mom and help her buy some new shoes:)  Girls, you'll understand the excitement of making sure your mom gets some nice shoes...shoes for myself would be even more fun but I'll have to settle for spending other people's money for now;)  And then to top off the weekend, my friend Julia, from Winnipeg came in for a visit.  Her family was staying up at Elkhorn for the weekend so she came down to visit me.  We ended up going for some delicious sushi at a new place in town (well not actually all that new, but new to me!) and I have nothing but good things to say about it.  Tokyo Zone!!!  What a friendly place with fantastic sushi (not that i"m really an expert, but it was fresh and super tasty).

And now a lazy Sunday afternoon that lets me catch up on emailing friends and writing on my blog!  Until later friends.

Cake Time

This past friday night, Kendelle and I decided that we wanted to bake something. We finally decided on a cake, but not just a simple cake. Kendelle wanted to decorate it. So after deciding on the kind of cake (a chocolate & white marble slab cake layered with homemade strawberry filling), we decided we would transform that boring rectangle into a delicious sailboat. It was quite an adventure with lots of laughs along the way. With only one little outing to Giant Tiger to buy some whipping cream and icing sugar we got the job done! We decided this cake would be made in honor of Kendelle's 21st birthday which was never celebrated with a cake. We did celebrate it during our canoe trip (with instant cheesecake parfaits) but not with an official cake. I think the cake looked pretty good. Decide for yourself with these pictures...

I'm hard at work decorating this little boat!

This is the finished product...we were sailing the Ethiopian Flag (that's why our little man aboard has chocolate colored skin!) I would like to point out that we even included coconut waves for our boat to sail in, a duck (in the bottom left corner) and a smiling sun! Even though it did end up with pastel colours because we didn't have any coloring paste, I think it looks pretty good!

Here's a close up of the little sailor in our boat!

Happy 21st Birthday Kendelle!

In other news, the strike is still on at Brandon University so there are no classes scheduled for tomorrow. I am taking advantage of this lack of classes to head over to my placement school and start teaching my Ecology unit tomorrow morning. I've designed a 3 week Ecology unit for my grade 10's and tomorrow's the first day. Originally m co-operating teacher was just going to teach the first week of my unit, but now that I don't have classes, I'm going to go in each morning ( it's slot 1) and teach my unit, until the strike is over or until I start officially student teaching after Thanksgiving.

My other weekend cooking adventure included making some delicious Indian Deep-friend onion rings...I don't remember their actual name but I know they were tasty. We made some yogurt & fresh mint dipping sauce to go with them too. Not healthy but rather tasty. We had to buy some chickpea flour and strange spices that I've never heard of before to create this little treat but they were good. BUT we had to buy 2kg of chickpea flour...any ideas of recipes that call for chickpea flour? I'm kind of at a loss of what else to make with the stuff. If you know of something good let me know!

So here's to another new week coming up!

BU on STRIKE

Hey Folks.

So the biggest news in my life these days is that my university faculty has gone on strike. That's right, no school all week! Which is exciting and great but at the same time getting kind of nerve wracking. Last night the mediation talks failed and now we wait to see if the faculty union will agree to the university administration's request for binding arbitration...the faculty union doesn't want anything but negotiations so it could be a length wait.

It's kind of interesting (though maybe shouldn't be surprising) that the story that comes from the administration people is vastly different from the faculty folks. If you only read one story you get a very distorted view...I guess that's probably expected seeing how they couldn't come to agreements in negotiations.

So yeah, I've spent this week trying to get ahead in my lesson planning for my upcoming student teaching placement and enjoying a bit more of a relaxed day.

Had a great phone call from a friend from camp this week which was so awesome. I'm not typically a phone person (but with a few friends it's different). Chatting with good friends that live far away is always good to reconnect but it makes me want to move closer to them even more. It still feels like I don't have any of those 'call them any time, do small little things with them' kind of people in Brandon right now. I've been having some lonely days and longings to just pick up and visit/move to where my friends are. I'm really trying to work on living contently with where I am and who I am with...it's hard!

blessings on you all.

The Latest-Fire 911

Greetings Folks.  

I know that a few people already know this story, but for those who don't, here's a bit of comic relief (hopefully for you!)

So the most entertaining/exciting thing that's happened to me in the last week and a bit (since last writing) is that I need to be re-educated in lighting a BBQ.  I lit my hair on fire!  That's right, I, the ever careful and cautious chemistry teacher who lights bunsen burners without incident, managed to catch my head on fire while trying to light the BBQ the other day.  Note to self...don't bend over the grill of the BBQ as you light a match when the gas has already been on for a couple of seconds...it's a bad idea!  Once I managed to pat out the fire I had to endure the lovely aroma of burnt hair on MY head for the rest of the evening.  Did you know that hair sort of just melts as it is on fire, like plastic strings?  Interesting, I didn't know that.  

So yeah, that's about the most exciting thing that's happened with me recently.  Just thought I'd share my little story!

In other news...

only 3 more weeks until I start student teaching.  YIKES.  IT seems like I have so much to do before then (a lot of unit plans and assignments to get done) yet I'm looking forward to it in a strange way.  I guess because then I"ll be in control again and people won't be telling me what to do as homework:)  I can tell the little ones what to do!  and that's the way uh-uh-I like it uh-uh! (insert music here)

I'm trying to figure out if logistically it would work, and whether I really want to go to possibly Kuwait or a city in China (with 33 million people in it, but I"ve never heard of it before) or even maybe Istanbul, Turkey for my final placement (Spring 2009).  So, if you want to, you could pray that things will come clear for me in that regard, as well as just general planning for my future after graduation.  There are a lot of options circling around but nothing too clear yet.

Just keepin' you in the loop.

Friends and Fun

So, I'm apparently having troubles keeping up with my promise to 'blog more often', but here's what's been going on in my life in the last 2 weeks.

1. I spent 4 days student teaching at the beginning of classes. I am teaching 2 slots of grade 9 science, a slot of grade 10 science and one of grade 11 biology. My co-operating teacher is really helpful and fun too. I'm looking forward to returning to that class in about 4 more weeks.

2. I completed my first week of classes back at University. I'm taking 3 different methods courses (Science, math and environmental studies) as well as an evaluation and assesment course. The good news this term, is that I don't have any textbooks to buy! Hooray. The other change from last year, is that I don't have any tests or exams in my classes. Instead, there are a bunch of assignments/unit plans/papers to write. I'm not sure which is the better evil, but whichever it is I don't really have any control over it SO I'm just going to get the work done and try not to complain about it:) It was really great to see my friends again and catch up on what happened in our lives over summer.

3. I went to a Starfied concert. The music was great, the other stuff incorporated with the concert was a little uncomfortable for me (I'd love to share with you in a more private medium).

4. I got my hair cut. It's nice and short now. All my artificial blonde is gone and I'm back to my 'natural' colour because it's been so long since I coloured my hair. I'm still deciding whether I want to add some blonde back in...probably I will:)

5. I got to travel into Winnipeg on a spontaneous Saturday. Ended up staying with a friend and enjoying some fantastic chats, sushi, hot-tubbing and movie watching. I love spontaneity!

Those are a few of the highlights/updates of what's happening with me. Transitioning and trying to decide what comes next in my life continue to consume a lot of mental space and energy. I'll keep you updated as to what those plans might look like. All I can say right now, is that my plans most likely will involve me getting on a jetplane sometime before next September:)

And now, I need to get back to trying to be a studious student and getting a bit of homework done. This has definitely been a procrastination break!

The first Day

Well I made it through the first day, and it wasn't all that bad!  In fact, it was pretty good.  Today wasn't the official first day of school, but all the teachers were back and we had an orientation time for the grade 9's.  It was kind of funny to watch all the 'little' grade nine students wander around the school looking terrified and lost, yet in a couple months they will march around the building as if they own the place.  Each year it happens, and the grade 9's look smaller and smaller, yet one day not that long ago it was me who sat in the bleachers nervously and wondered what this thing called high school would be like.  I guess it's not unlike what I will look like next fall as I start some sort of new job.  And the pros who have been doing it for years will look at me and think similar thoughts...oh the newbie! 

In other exciting news, I went clothes shopping today.  For those of you who know me, this may come as a surprise, because shopping isn't typically high on my priority list.  BUT, Value Village was having a 50% off sale, so I had to check it out.  I got 5 tops (that I can wear as a teacher) and a pair of cords all for $21.  PRetty fantastic eh!?  I also bought a new pair of runners at foot locker, but they didn't have my size, so I had to order them.  It's the second pair of footwear I've bought recently that I couldn't bring home and wear around the house.  (I bought a pair of birkenstocks earlier in the summer, but they're still on back-order so I don't get to wear them yet...but I'm eagerly anticipating the day they arrive!)

So yeah, that's pretty much my exciting life for now.  I'm sure there will be more interesting tid-bits to share in the coming days.

One more week

This is my last week in the classroom for the school year.  It's pretty exciting!  Next week is the big backpacking expedition and then it's off to camp.  It should be a pretty laid back week on the school front.  I've got lots to do to get ready for my backpacking and then camp, but that's mostly at home in the evenings.  

It is beginning to look like spring all around me these days.  The trees have buds that are about to burst which means that green will soon be upon us again:)  I totally missed spring last year during my travels, so I am soaking up the beauty of this season even more this year.  Last night Kendelle and I walked over to a park close by and had a good time on the swings.  It's really therapeutic to swing back and forth.  It's amazing how well conversation will flow when you are just relaxing and not staring right into each other's faces.  I would recommend a swing set for any type of serious conversation you want to have!

Anyways, just a few thoughts as I relax on a Sunday night.  Hope your weeks will be filled with joy!

Loving the Little Ones

Hi All. Well my spring break is just about over, and it's back to the grindstone tomorrow morning:) Well it's not really that bad, but I wouldn't complain if vacation time was a little bit longer. I think I'll be getting used to this Spring Break thing without too much trouble when I'm a real teacher.





So I had a great trip out to Calgary, visiting with old friends and their cutest son ever. I had so much fun just living with them and playing with the little guy. Spending quality time like that makes me want to be a mom sooooooo bad. I just need to find Mr. Right and then we can get going:) No seriously, even though I will be finished my schooling next spring, I would be so happy to just be a nanny or if it worked out, a real mom and not worry abou getting an official teaching job...don't tell my parents who have struggled along side me as I figured out what I wanted to do with my life:)- as it might cause them to pull out their hair! Anyways, it's not like becoming a mother is a possibility any time really soon, but the nanny idea has been percolating in my brain so you never know where that might lead.

Here is a picture of the little guy I spent time with in Calgary:)

It's kind of crazy with my teaching placement, as there are only 9 class days left with the kiddos for my term. I am getting excited and kind of nervous at the same time about the 5 day hiking trip that will end my placement with this class. I'm sure it will be fun, but at the same time I'm not sure how my body will hold up with such a physically demanding trip. I think the longest day is only 13 km but with a 50 lb pack on my back I'm sure that will be plenty! The whole dehydrated, limited variety of food is also something that doesn't make me too excited but I'll make it work, and it's not like I don't have a few extra pounds to lose:) Just think of it as training for the upcoming canoe trip season!



So yeah, that's my life. I don't anticipate anything too crazy happening this week but you never know!



One last thing, I am planning and participating in the 30 Hour famine this weekend...so if anyone still wants to support this amazing cause by sponsoring me (for a tax deductible receipt of course), send me a note or click on this link and donate online: http://www2.worldvision.ca/famine/20184881



Make it a great week!

Spring Break!!

Here's what's new in my life:

Well my 3rd week of student teaching is over half done and Spring break is only 2 sleeps away!!!  It's just as exciting as a teacher as when I was a student.  There's something about the anticipation of a holiday that is really great.  Some of the teachers at my placement school are going on a trip to France for spring break which is pretty great (for them at least).  The extent of my holiday time is to drive out to Calgary for a bit of a visit with some old friends.  That's pretty great too!!!  I'm really excited to get back together with Rayna, Michael and Rhys (their 2 year old son).  Rayna and Michael were my youth pastors way back in the day so I always love spending time with them.  I've even promised to make a batch of authentic Ukranian cheese & potatoe perogies while I'm out there so that should be fun too.  I will be driving out with my parents, brother and brother's friend (who's pretty much like a brother) so that drive shouldn't be too bad and we'll be there by supper on saturday night.  I"m excited:)

Besides the anticipation of Spring Break, school has been pretty fun so far.  It's really neat being in a class with such a different focus and style.  The students direct much more of what happens on a daily basis and it's all about experiential learning rather than learning the facts.  Trying to make the tasks and projects relevant to something the kids are interested in.  THere is usually a big range of topics to choose from (the kids actually choose for themselves).  The teacher has a very different style from what I experienced in my last placement but it's great to learn and observe in a new setting.  I am definitely seeing some things that I want to apply in my class one day but also some things that I won't do because they're just not my style.  It's been a good placement though so far.  I am learning lots just about the world around me too, not just teaching stuff.  The kids have a 'tree test' this week which pretty much means we'll go on a walk in the neighbourhood as a class and the teacher will ask the kids to identify trees as we walk by them (with the proper latin names).  Learning the latin names and being able to identify the trees of this city has been a highlight for me in the last week.

Those are just a few of the going-ons of my life.  Nothing too exciting or special but I'm okay with some 'status quo' living for now.  Camp is quickly coming up so that will be 4 months of adventure and new things:)

Take care for now.

Cravings

hello all: It's been a little while since I said hello...so here it is, HELLO!





Last Sunday afternoon I had this craving for pumpkin pie...it's probably my favorite type of pie and there are obviously none for sale at the store this time of year so I decided to make one. I even took a few photos along the way because i was so proud of myself for making a pumpkin pie from scratch. I didn't even use a can of filling...frozen pumpkin, home made crust all by myself!!! and in one afternoon. Here is a little photo map of the process:

Proudly showing you the bag of frozen pumpkin that will be transformed into a pie!



While I was making the pie crust I sort of missed the bowl and this was the result...did you know that if an egg hits the floor out of it's shell it won't stay in a nice oval shape!!?!?!

First, forgive my inability to rotate this picture for you...Next notice my enthusiastic expression as I roll out my pie crust!

As the pies enter the oven...yes there was enough filling and crust for TWO 2 pies...

THE FINISHED PRODUCT...So tasty, just add a bit of whipped cream on top!

That was my adventure last weekend. This past week has been busy as I start to settle into my teaching placement. It's a lot of fun and a lot different from my last student teaching placement in the fall. We spend a lot of time outside and just being active which is great for my health but takes a bit of adjustment after the lazy life of a student. Lets just say that I have been in bed by 10pm every day during the week and wished that it could have been sooner:)

This week holds new adventures and fun. We'll be travelling down to Boissevain to learn about organic farming, strawbale houses and how to safely use an axe to chop wood. We'll also be spending a day on the riverbank inspecting duck boxes and installing 8 new ones for Ducks Unlimited. It should be a fun week. I'll actually start teaching as well which i'm looking forward to.

Hard to believe how different my life is compared to 1 year ago when I was ini the middle of my time in Ethiopia. Wow. I'm excited to see where God will lead me in this coming year.

Until later,