Here we are – at the end of another year. Standing on the divide reflecting on the last and wondering what joys and challenges the new will bring. In some ways, it is a bit melancholy – feeling time slip away with things yet undone. On the other hand, the feeling of moving towards the great, unknown future is exciting. What’s in store for me? Will I succeed? Who knows?
I'm having a grand time over here in Scotland – it’s so nice to be able to spend the holidays with family. We've having a nice, relaxing vacation... sleeping in till mid morning, puttering around the house before going off sight-seeing somewhere or visiting.
It is so beautiful over here. I can’t quite explain it, but the snow, the hills and the stone houses all work together to give the place a very traditional Christmas feeling. The town itself even reminds me a little bit of home. As my photo albums can attest, I can hardly look outside without wanting to take pictures. Every bend in the road shows another postcard-worthy vista.
The weather is quite snowy and cold (gets between freezing and -17C most nights)... they're calling it the worst winter in two decades. Although I mentioned how nice the snow was, the truth is that this country does not cope well with it (due to the infrequent winter weather conditions making it economically infeasible). I think my favourite story that sums this up was in the parking lot of a cafe we stopped in for lunch. The lot was covered in slippery snow and one of the cars after us got stuck. Apparently the young man had heard that you’re supposed to “rock the car” in these circumstances, so he began rocking himself back and forth while spinning his front wheels....
Anyways, Happy Holidays to my friends and family! I hope things are going well!
Thursday 31 December 2009
Sunday 20 December 2009
The Long Awaited Trip
... And I’m off! Good afternoon everyone, I’m currently blogging from the comfort of my train enroute to Scotland. I just think it’s so cool that my standard ticket allows free Wifi and a plug for my computer. My only complaint is that the window I'm sitting beside has no blinds and the sun is shining directly onto my computer screen making it a little difficult to see. Gotta do this travel thing more often. It started out auspiciously enough – running around at the last minute getting everything ready, then as I walk up the drive, I slip on a patch of ice and slid back down to the door. Don’t worry, nothing was hurt save my pride...
Before you ask, yes I did do all my wrapping and packing the night before (actually finished early this morning lol). Given my track record, what do you think are the chances that I left anything important behind or forgot to do something (I say “important” because I’m almost certain something is sitting in my room). I am quite pleased that I got my things and my gifts into a backpack, suitcase and computer bag (it was a bit of a struggle).
Speaking of home, my house is feeling kind of empty since my two roommates moved out yesterday. Not only will I miss their company, I’ll also miss their stuff! I didn’t realize how much of the cutlery and appliances were theirs – the most annoying is the lack of a kettle. Oh well, I wish them luck with their new jobs and new flat – a new start for the new year.
In terms of work, I’ve worked this past week as a nursery nurse in a nearby school and have just gotten another 7 day booking in a Year 2 class in January! I really love these long bookings... you really get a sense of continuity and relationship with the children and staff. This upcoming booking is one of the schools that has been calling me back quite often and from whom I've been getting great reviews. I think its a good sign and the bookings from them have been increasing in length... :)
Weather-wise, it was lucky that the school I worked at this was nearby, because we actually got a bit of snow Thursday evening. It wasn’t that much by Canadian standards (a couple centimeters I believe), but this is London. On Friday, I read in the paper about such things as massive school closures in the South-East (my area), London councils unprepared for more than 6 consecutive days of freezing, and cars being stuck overnight on the highway (8+ hours). Since I’m on a weekly timesheet, if my school was closed I would’ve had to wait until January in order to get it signed and paid... The snow is still on the ground, so it looks like London will have a white Christmas this year... the kids will be thrilled.
That’s all the news I have for now. Stay tuned for pictures!
Before you ask, yes I did do all my wrapping and packing the night before (actually finished early this morning lol). Given my track record, what do you think are the chances that I left anything important behind or forgot to do something (I say “important” because I’m almost certain something is sitting in my room). I am quite pleased that I got my things and my gifts into a backpack, suitcase and computer bag (it was a bit of a struggle).
Speaking of home, my house is feeling kind of empty since my two roommates moved out yesterday. Not only will I miss their company, I’ll also miss their stuff! I didn’t realize how much of the cutlery and appliances were theirs – the most annoying is the lack of a kettle. Oh well, I wish them luck with their new jobs and new flat – a new start for the new year.
In terms of work, I’ve worked this past week as a nursery nurse in a nearby school and have just gotten another 7 day booking in a Year 2 class in January! I really love these long bookings... you really get a sense of continuity and relationship with the children and staff. This upcoming booking is one of the schools that has been calling me back quite often and from whom I've been getting great reviews. I think its a good sign and the bookings from them have been increasing in length... :)
Weather-wise, it was lucky that the school I worked at this was nearby, because we actually got a bit of snow Thursday evening. It wasn’t that much by Canadian standards (a couple centimeters I believe), but this is London. On Friday, I read in the paper about such things as massive school closures in the South-East (my area), London councils unprepared for more than 6 consecutive days of freezing, and cars being stuck overnight on the highway (8+ hours). Since I’m on a weekly timesheet, if my school was closed I would’ve had to wait until January in order to get it signed and paid... The snow is still on the ground, so it looks like London will have a white Christmas this year... the kids will be thrilled.
That’s all the news I have for now. Stay tuned for pictures!
Monday 14 December 2009
Let the Countdown Commence
Here I am at the final week of the term – one more week and I’ll be finished teaching for the year. It’s a strange feeling – I’m happy to have a break and am looking forward to my two week trip to Scotland, but it’s tempered by the unknown. I don’t know what this new year is going to bring as I haven’t gotten any bookings or interviews in January. I’ve been working pretty consistently through the last two months though, so hopefully that continues.
My Christmas cards have all been sent out this past week, which means they’ll probably be arriving near the end of December (fingers crossed). Don’t think that they’ll be late, but think instead of how I am extending the magic of the season for you... that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! This isn’t the first Christmas where I’ve been away from home, but I still got a bit misty-eyed and sentimental while I was writing. I really will miss everyone back in Canada!
I’ve taken a few walks around town in the interim – Oxford Street really does look beautiful at night with all the Christmas lights. The best part is, partially due to the recession, all the stores are having fairly big sales. The shopping over here is wonderful and the prices are comparable to Canada’s! I know quite a few people who would be in heaven right now. So far I’ve gotten a new winter coat, a few shirts and shoes... next time I’ll bring my camera.
Last week, I was on placement at one of my usual schools (oooh, how I love to say that, it makes me feel so “established”) when I had an interesting conversation with one of the EAs at lunch. She had been to a Christmas party hosted by an American couple (and had a predominately North American guest list) at which they served chocolate covered pretzels and the bits ‘n bites. Apparently, she had never heard about this kind of food before and asked if it was normal party food. I just found this episode provided a humourous reminder of the differences between our two cultures – this is easy to forget since we have strong links and common language.
My Christmas cards have all been sent out this past week, which means they’ll probably be arriving near the end of December (fingers crossed). Don’t think that they’ll be late, but think instead of how I am extending the magic of the season for you... that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! This isn’t the first Christmas where I’ve been away from home, but I still got a bit misty-eyed and sentimental while I was writing. I really will miss everyone back in Canada!
I’ve taken a few walks around town in the interim – Oxford Street really does look beautiful at night with all the Christmas lights. The best part is, partially due to the recession, all the stores are having fairly big sales. The shopping over here is wonderful and the prices are comparable to Canada’s! I know quite a few people who would be in heaven right now. So far I’ve gotten a new winter coat, a few shirts and shoes... next time I’ll bring my camera.
Last week, I was on placement at one of my usual schools (oooh, how I love to say that, it makes me feel so “established”) when I had an interesting conversation with one of the EAs at lunch. She had been to a Christmas party hosted by an American couple (and had a predominately North American guest list) at which they served chocolate covered pretzels and the bits ‘n bites. Apparently, she had never heard about this kind of food before and asked if it was normal party food. I just found this episode provided a humourous reminder of the differences between our two cultures – this is easy to forget since we have strong links and common language.
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Late again...
Alright, I know this update is (again) very late... this past weekend has thrown my sleep schedule out of wack resulting in tiredness and a lack of motivation to do anything. It kinda feels like jet lag. Hopefully my body will readjust to my usual timetable in the next day or so. I've also started drinking tea instead of coffee in the evenings which may help.
“Why am I tired?”, you may ask. Well, Friday evening was my first Christmas party held by one of my agencies. We went to The Opal Bar, an upper-scale club/bar in Central London. There was actually a dress code (business casual)! The upper floors were the restaurant and bar area where you could socialize (over the loud music) while the lower floor was a 70’s inspired dance club. Much fun was had. Saturday evening saw me stay up late to finish my novel (is anyone surprised by this?) and I met up with a couple friends at the market on Sunday.
As always, work is going well – I’m still working every day and being called back to nearby schools. This week I’m booked until Thursday.
One thing I am liking about schools over here (aside from the resources available) is the school dinners (or “lunch” in Canada-speak). There’s been a “healthy meal” initiative in the schools which means the meals they serve are balanced and at a reasonable price (couldn’t pack a lunch much cheaper). The only part I don’t like is that, because the meals are “healthy” and cooked for masses of children, the cooks do not use much salt or spices. In other words, they’re bland. Perhaps it’s my laziness talking, but I can stand a little blandness if it means getting a hot meal in the middle of my day that I don’t have to prepare lol.
Other exciting news: I’ve started my Christmas shopping! I’ve purchased cards and a present for myself... gotta love sales! I’ve missed the Christmas deadline for Canada, so the cards I send will be late (I don’t know how late though). Apologies.
Recently, I was asked to rate my experience here so far - I responded with “Good”. Now that I’m getting work and meeting people (and having the money to meet people), things are settling into a comfortable routine. There are two things that prevented me from answering "Excellent" - the temporariness of work and lack of travel. There still is some stress in the back of my mind regarding not having a permanent job but for now, I’m getting plenty of work. I think its this worry that’s holding me back from exploring outside London (well, that and finding someone to go with). Well, I’ll be able to rectify that in 12 days if not sooner! Scotland here I come!
Tonight I tried out some self-massage techniques and found my muscles extremely tense. My calves, neck and shoulders were so tight I could hardly do anything to them. Maybe I should start up a stretching regime again. Someone also suggested taking baths.
“Why am I tired?”, you may ask. Well, Friday evening was my first Christmas party held by one of my agencies. We went to The Opal Bar, an upper-scale club/bar in Central London. There was actually a dress code (business casual)! The upper floors were the restaurant and bar area where you could socialize (over the loud music) while the lower floor was a 70’s inspired dance club. Much fun was had. Saturday evening saw me stay up late to finish my novel (is anyone surprised by this?) and I met up with a couple friends at the market on Sunday.
As always, work is going well – I’m still working every day and being called back to nearby schools. This week I’m booked until Thursday.
One thing I am liking about schools over here (aside from the resources available) is the school dinners (or “lunch” in Canada-speak). There’s been a “healthy meal” initiative in the schools which means the meals they serve are balanced and at a reasonable price (couldn’t pack a lunch much cheaper). The only part I don’t like is that, because the meals are “healthy” and cooked for masses of children, the cooks do not use much salt or spices. In other words, they’re bland. Perhaps it’s my laziness talking, but I can stand a little blandness if it means getting a hot meal in the middle of my day that I don’t have to prepare lol.
Other exciting news: I’ve started my Christmas shopping! I’ve purchased cards and a present for myself... gotta love sales! I’ve missed the Christmas deadline for Canada, so the cards I send will be late (I don’t know how late though). Apologies.
Recently, I was asked to rate my experience here so far - I responded with “Good”. Now that I’m getting work and meeting people (and having the money to meet people), things are settling into a comfortable routine. There are two things that prevented me from answering "Excellent" - the temporariness of work and lack of travel. There still is some stress in the back of my mind regarding not having a permanent job but for now, I’m getting plenty of work. I think its this worry that’s holding me back from exploring outside London (well, that and finding someone to go with). Well, I’ll be able to rectify that in 12 days if not sooner! Scotland here I come!
Tonight I tried out some self-massage techniques and found my muscles extremely tense. My calves, neck and shoulders were so tight I could hardly do anything to them. Maybe I should start up a stretching regime again. Someone also suggested taking baths.
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