There. That has been my day. Make that noise out loud and that has summed up Wednesday for me.
Work was busy today and, for whatever reason, I was just off. Just not all there, in a bit of an alright mood, but I'm not really a fan of Wednesday's. I have a tough class to finish the day and this week has been quite busy at school as the Year 11s are starting their exams and 2 of the earliest were the 2 English exams that my class had to sit.
Going into the exam, my students were nervous. They were unsure of the content, they didn't know how to answer the questions and I hear a lot of "Miss, I just...can't." It's not for lack of ability or lack of knowledge...the kids know it. They just don't know that they know it. I had a boy come in for help after school yesterday and he looked so upset about the thought of the exam. But, looking at his behaviour in class and the way he carries himself, you'd never think he'd be rocked by the thought of an English exam. But, he was. I felt so awful, I wish that I could sit the exam with them, give them all the help they wanted.
I talked with a colleague of mine about how I was feeling and she was saying that if I was a good teacher (since when did that happen??), I would feel like this. I would genuinely care about the students as people, worry about their feelings, care about their success and want them to do well--not because it would look good on me, but because you want the students to feel proud of their accomplishments. I repeat...ugggggggggh.
Aside from stressing for the year 11s about their exams, it was just a hectic day overall. Glad it's over...and it's onto Thursday!
PS, a very happy birthday to my wonderful dad!! Hope that he has a fantastic day :).
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Hit the Dozen Mark!
In a fit of self-vanity, I decided to check my blog stats and I was pleased to see that my little blog has been read in 12 countries around the world :). Thanks to all who have read this blog and I hope that you decide to stick around for a few more (mis)adventures with me. This was the breakdown:
Thank you, dear Canadian readers, you were my top fans. Following...
United Kingdom (gotta have a home field advantage)
Norway
United States
Cayman Islands
Singapore
Denmark
South Korea
China
Germany
Australia
Indonesia
Sorry if I mistakenly left out a country or two :)...I'm going solely on the stats provided to me.
It's nice and slightly strange at the same time to think that my blog has been viewed over 1200 times. Either I have a very small, very dedicated fanbase, or my little blog is making its way out into the world. Still very little fish, big pond scenario going on but moving up in the world. Next target...20!
Thank you, dear Canadian readers, you were my top fans. Following...
United Kingdom (gotta have a home field advantage)
Norway
United States
Cayman Islands
Singapore
Denmark
South Korea
China
Germany
Australia
Indonesia
Sorry if I mistakenly left out a country or two :)...I'm going solely on the stats provided to me.
It's nice and slightly strange at the same time to think that my blog has been viewed over 1200 times. Either I have a very small, very dedicated fanbase, or my little blog is making its way out into the world. Still very little fish, big pond scenario going on but moving up in the world. Next target...20!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
What's Been Going On?
12 more days! Not very long until I head back to Norway for yet another trip. Nothing of much interest has happened in the last couple of weeks, aside from lots of school and WWRY. I went on a school trip down to the West End to see the professional production of We Will Rock You and it was amazing! I had so much fun and it was great to see the show live to give me something to go by. I'm hoping that the Malcolm Arnold production of WWRY lives up, even if its just a fraction, to its West End counterpart.
I went to a Eurovision party at a colleague's home last night. It was so cheesy and awful, it was deliciously good. Eurovision, for those unawares, is a singing competition between the European nations, where one group/singer is chosen to represent their country in order to win a prize. After lots of cringe-worthy songs and some shocking outfits, the noble nation of Azerbaijan took the top spot. (I already saved you the trouble of Googling where the hell Azerbaijan is...it's a tiny country located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Think Eastern Europe...you're getting close.) Following that, I met up with Aran's girlfriend, the marvelous Plamina, at a party hosted by one of her band mates. Tired as I was, it's always a good thing to meet new people.
On Tuesday, it will mark my 9-month anniversary here in England. I was told that it's at the 6-month point that a place really starts to feel like home. Does Northampton feel like that to me already? Not a chance. I've come to really enjoy being here, and I love living in Europe, but Northampton doesn't come close to home. Now that Aran (my new roommate) has moved in and settled, it's definitely better having him here and having someone to talk to and spend time with, but I still find that I see England as a temporary stay.
I'm not sure what is to come in the next couple of years. I have been hired on, long term, at MAA, so I do have the option of staying on, if I so choose to do. If England is to become a more permanent home, I have lots of things to consider...moving into my own place (one I can comfortably afford), getting a car (learning to drive on the wrong side of the road!), applying for citizenship...learning to like Marmite? Just kidding. That will never, ever happen.
I went to a Eurovision party at a colleague's home last night. It was so cheesy and awful, it was deliciously good. Eurovision, for those unawares, is a singing competition between the European nations, where one group/singer is chosen to represent their country in order to win a prize. After lots of cringe-worthy songs and some shocking outfits, the noble nation of Azerbaijan took the top spot. (I already saved you the trouble of Googling where the hell Azerbaijan is...it's a tiny country located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Think Eastern Europe...you're getting close.) Following that, I met up with Aran's girlfriend, the marvelous Plamina, at a party hosted by one of her band mates. Tired as I was, it's always a good thing to meet new people.
On Tuesday, it will mark my 9-month anniversary here in England. I was told that it's at the 6-month point that a place really starts to feel like home. Does Northampton feel like that to me already? Not a chance. I've come to really enjoy being here, and I love living in Europe, but Northampton doesn't come close to home. Now that Aran (my new roommate) has moved in and settled, it's definitely better having him here and having someone to talk to and spend time with, but I still find that I see England as a temporary stay.
I'm not sure what is to come in the next couple of years. I have been hired on, long term, at MAA, so I do have the option of staying on, if I so choose to do. If England is to become a more permanent home, I have lots of things to consider...moving into my own place (one I can comfortably afford), getting a car (learning to drive on the wrong side of the road!), applying for citizenship...learning to like Marmite? Just kidding. That will never, ever happen.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
27 Days to Go!
Yes, dear readers (any readers??), another countdown has begun. Instead of a countdown to my return to Canada (less than 100 days to go!), I'm counting down my next return to Norway. I had a fantastic week in Norway and was sad to go home.
So, after our return from the mountains and back to Stavanger, it was a strenuous regiment of walking around the lake to throw bread to (at) the ducks, eating, eating, eating, going out for drinks and lots of hanging out and Wii. Tough schedule for sure. On Saturday night, Kristian's parents hosted Easter dinner which served up lamb, ham, scalloped potatoes, snow peas, asparagus and carrots...delicious! Jon Einar, Kristian's father, offered me a taste of aquavit, a traditional Norwegian liquor that is served with fatty foods. It's said that aquavit cuts through the fat and helps you digest the meal. Slightly misunderstanding Jon Einar telling me to take small sips throughout the meal, I took my serving as a shot. After some laughing at my facial expressions, Halvor (Kristian's brother) laughed and said "welcome to the family!"...I'm a viking now.
So, it was back to England and the countdown to the Royal Wedding was on. Wait--who am I kidding. This country has been counting down to the wedding for months. Either way, I decided to forego the insanity of London and watch the wedding from my own apartment. It was beautiful, extremely lavish and probably cost an astonishing amount. Annnd...then it was done. Done and over with. I was hoping to go to Scotland for the rest of the weekend but those plans fell through as well.
Now that this silly wedding has come and gone, the focus can really shift to the most important wedding that is still to come--Sarah's wedding in July! But, before that, another trip to Norway, some school mixed in here and there, so on and so on. Until next time..
So, after our return from the mountains and back to Stavanger, it was a strenuous regiment of walking around the lake to throw bread to (at) the ducks, eating, eating, eating, going out for drinks and lots of hanging out and Wii. Tough schedule for sure. On Saturday night, Kristian's parents hosted Easter dinner which served up lamb, ham, scalloped potatoes, snow peas, asparagus and carrots...delicious! Jon Einar, Kristian's father, offered me a taste of aquavit, a traditional Norwegian liquor that is served with fatty foods. It's said that aquavit cuts through the fat and helps you digest the meal. Slightly misunderstanding Jon Einar telling me to take small sips throughout the meal, I took my serving as a shot. After some laughing at my facial expressions, Halvor (Kristian's brother) laughed and said "welcome to the family!"...I'm a viking now.
So, it was back to England and the countdown to the Royal Wedding was on. Wait--who am I kidding. This country has been counting down to the wedding for months. Either way, I decided to forego the insanity of London and watch the wedding from my own apartment. It was beautiful, extremely lavish and probably cost an astonishing amount. Annnd...then it was done. Done and over with. I was hoping to go to Scotland for the rest of the weekend but those plans fell through as well.
Now that this silly wedding has come and gone, the focus can really shift to the most important wedding that is still to come--Sarah's wedding in July! But, before that, another trip to Norway, some school mixed in here and there, so on and so on. Until next time..
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Did You Know?
In Norway, you are only allowed to fly the traditional, rectangular-shaped, Norwegian flag in hours of daylight, as long as it is between 6AM and 9PM. However, the pennant-shaped Norwegian vimpel can be flown at any time.
Take that fact and stick it away in your 'Must Remember for Jeopardy! Category'
Take that fact and stick it away in your 'Must Remember for Jeopardy! Category'
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Northampton to Notre-Dame to Norway
And here I am, sitting in a beautiful mountain-top cabin, looking out over an amazing view. Sarah, Kristian & I came up to Kristian's cabin in Sirdal for a night and, despite that walk that almost sent me to an early grave (good thing I had lots of lefse to resuscitate me), it's been great so far. To catch up...
End of term came and, with it, beautiful weather arrived in Northampton. Sunny, blue skies and 20 degree weather in early April? I'll take it! I flew out to Paris the Sunday evening after mid-term started and Heather, Angela & I were so excited to see the Eiffel Tower, lit up and looming in the near distance. Our room was on the top floor of the hotel, looking over the River Seine and the original Statue of Liberty with an amazing view of the city spread out below. We dumped the bags and went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. The rest of the week..
Monday--First stop: back to the Eiffel Tower and up to the top observation deck, almost 1000 feet above the street. As high as it was, I wish there had been a glass observation deck to step out onto to really get the full effect of the height. After that, a walk through the Tuileries, and we arrived at the famous pyramid in front of the Louvre. Deciding to come back later in the week, we headed to Notre-Dame and walked up the 400 steps to the top of the towers to see the gargoyles up close and another amazing view of the city. The inside of the cathedral was beautiful beyond description. A quick supper and back to the hotel to nurse my flaming sunburned skin.
Tuesday--A day-long trip to Versailles and my being a resident of an EU country meant free admission...I'll take it! The Palace and gardens were so beautiful and I had one of those 'woah' moments where I realized I was walking through the buildings and grounds that I had studied throughout high school and university. It was great. Back to the city, some more wandering and eating (I suspect that crepes are infused with cocaine, they are that addictive) and to bed, to bed.
Wednesday--A road trip today! We drove to Pierrefonds, a beautiful village about an hour outside of Paris, where the TV show Merlin is filmed at an amazing castle. Lots of wandering around and pictures taken. It was neat, too, that the entire TOWN shut down between around 1-4. Seriously...restaurants, hotels, stores, gas stations...everything was closed! It was kinda neat. However, despite the beauty of the castle and village, it wasn't worth the drive that included several extremely close calls that would have given me a first-hand experience of the French health-care system. Note to my readers out there: NEVER assume that you can drive in Paris without several strokes and a heart attack or two from the stress. I was a passenger in the car and that was bad enough.
Thursday--Our last full day in Paris. Woke up and walked to the original Statue of Liberty and then the Arc d Triomphe. I wasn't feeling too good, so I figured I'd go easy on the crepes for the morning. We walked to the Louvre and, by that time, I knew it was more than crepe-overload. I tried standing in line, twice, for tickets (another place where I would've gotten free admission) and had to bolt, twice, for the bathroom, thinking I was about to heave all over the pristine floors. The rest of Thursday, my last full, beautiful, afternoon, saw me sleeping off a 12-hour stomach flu.
Friday--Up, pack, airport. Take off, land, coach, another airport. Take off for Stavanger! On the flight, I met a guy who is from Stavanger and studying in the UK. He gave me some travel tips for other trips...next vacation!
My visit here so far has been amazing. Went out to watch the Madrid-Barcelona football match on Saturday and the rest of the time has been spent keeping up with our hectic schedule...up around 10, lazy breakfast, out with friends for shopping, eating, etc, some serious Wii marathons, BBQ for supper...
What a tough life I live.
End of term came and, with it, beautiful weather arrived in Northampton. Sunny, blue skies and 20 degree weather in early April? I'll take it! I flew out to Paris the Sunday evening after mid-term started and Heather, Angela & I were so excited to see the Eiffel Tower, lit up and looming in the near distance. Our room was on the top floor of the hotel, looking over the River Seine and the original Statue of Liberty with an amazing view of the city spread out below. We dumped the bags and went to see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night. The rest of the week..
Monday--First stop: back to the Eiffel Tower and up to the top observation deck, almost 1000 feet above the street. As high as it was, I wish there had been a glass observation deck to step out onto to really get the full effect of the height. After that, a walk through the Tuileries, and we arrived at the famous pyramid in front of the Louvre. Deciding to come back later in the week, we headed to Notre-Dame and walked up the 400 steps to the top of the towers to see the gargoyles up close and another amazing view of the city. The inside of the cathedral was beautiful beyond description. A quick supper and back to the hotel to nurse my flaming sunburned skin.
Tuesday--A day-long trip to Versailles and my being a resident of an EU country meant free admission...I'll take it! The Palace and gardens were so beautiful and I had one of those 'woah' moments where I realized I was walking through the buildings and grounds that I had studied throughout high school and university. It was great. Back to the city, some more wandering and eating (I suspect that crepes are infused with cocaine, they are that addictive) and to bed, to bed.
Wednesday--A road trip today! We drove to Pierrefonds, a beautiful village about an hour outside of Paris, where the TV show Merlin is filmed at an amazing castle. Lots of wandering around and pictures taken. It was neat, too, that the entire TOWN shut down between around 1-4. Seriously...restaurants, hotels, stores, gas stations...everything was closed! It was kinda neat. However, despite the beauty of the castle and village, it wasn't worth the drive that included several extremely close calls that would have given me a first-hand experience of the French health-care system. Note to my readers out there: NEVER assume that you can drive in Paris without several strokes and a heart attack or two from the stress. I was a passenger in the car and that was bad enough.
Thursday--Our last full day in Paris. Woke up and walked to the original Statue of Liberty and then the Arc d Triomphe. I wasn't feeling too good, so I figured I'd go easy on the crepes for the morning. We walked to the Louvre and, by that time, I knew it was more than crepe-overload. I tried standing in line, twice, for tickets (another place where I would've gotten free admission) and had to bolt, twice, for the bathroom, thinking I was about to heave all over the pristine floors. The rest of Thursday, my last full, beautiful, afternoon, saw me sleeping off a 12-hour stomach flu.
Friday--Up, pack, airport. Take off, land, coach, another airport. Take off for Stavanger! On the flight, I met a guy who is from Stavanger and studying in the UK. He gave me some travel tips for other trips...next vacation!
My visit here so far has been amazing. Went out to watch the Madrid-Barcelona football match on Saturday and the rest of the time has been spent keeping up with our hectic schedule...up around 10, lazy breakfast, out with friends for shopping, eating, etc, some serious Wii marathons, BBQ for supper...
What a tough life I live.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Go Tell it on a Mountain...
I can finally announce it! And I am very proud and happy to say..
I GOT THE JOB!
As of next year, this little Canadian will be working at Malcolm Arnold Academy on a permanent contract! Looks like you're stuck with me now, England. You have no idea what you're gettin' yourself into.
Today was an amazing day at school. Rehearsals for We Will Rock You (Probably referred to as WWRY from now on as it's much easier that way) are going well, I'm loving being part of the show! I get to go see it on the West End at the end of April, can't wait! After rehearsal, I attended a talk given by Nick Mason, legendary drummer for Pink Floyd! I got to meet him and get his autograph...may have almost peed a little. Pretty exciting stuff for sure!
Heading to Paris in a few days, and then hitting up Norway shortly after! Can't wait for the holiday :)!
I GOT THE JOB!
As of next year, this little Canadian will be working at Malcolm Arnold Academy on a permanent contract! Looks like you're stuck with me now, England. You have no idea what you're gettin' yourself into.
Today was an amazing day at school. Rehearsals for We Will Rock You (Probably referred to as WWRY from now on as it's much easier that way) are going well, I'm loving being part of the show! I get to go see it on the West End at the end of April, can't wait! After rehearsal, I attended a talk given by Nick Mason, legendary drummer for Pink Floyd! I got to meet him and get his autograph...may have almost peed a little. Pretty exciting stuff for sure!
Heading to Paris in a few days, and then hitting up Norway shortly after! Can't wait for the holiday :)!
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