Well, it's that time of year again. The time where I write a bunch of year-end posts where I borrow the title from a favourite Los Campesinos! song.
As always, I like to make a list of my favourite albums from the year. Since I don't have time to listen to all of the albums, this is no best-of list, but just the favourites of one part-time music obsessive.
2012 was a strong year for albums. There are great albums by Patrick Watson, Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds Five, and Serena Ryder that I really enjoyed, but they didn't even get to crack the top ten. As always, my list is made up of mostly Canadian artists. I think Fiona Apple is the only non-Canadian on my list... I listen to a lot of home-grown stuff. Anyway, let's get to it!
10) Celebration Rock - Japandroids
The name of this album describes it perfectly. You need rock music that you can sing-along to and pump your fist with? It’s here. One of my favourite defunct rock bands is The Constantines, and I feel that Japandroids are definitely in the vein of The Cons, but they are definitely more accessible. Each of the eight tracks is a great rock anthem, and if you need some good loud music, get this album.
Favourite Songs: The Nights of Wine and Roses & The House That Heaven Built
9) Scrappy Happiness - Joel Plaskett Emergency
“Let’s make a record for the old and young” declares Joel Plaskett on the song You’re Mine on this super fun rock record. Scrappy Happiness is an experimental record - the JPE recorded one song per week for CBC Radio, and then released the songs as the album Scrappy Happiness at the end of March. This song has some amazing rock moments that won’t disappoint any Joel Plaskett fans: the song Lightning Bolt is a rock epic. There are some sweet moments here too. Harbour Boys is one of my favourite songs ever, and I’m Yours is sweet campfire singalong. Joel Plaskett is a Canadian treasure, and he continues his streak of great albums with Scrappy Happiness, which will bring more than a scrap of happiness to any listener.
Favourite Songs - Harbour Boys & Lightning Bolt
8) I Predict A Graceful Expulsion - Cold Specks
Al Spx, the singer-songwriter at the helm of Cold Specks, has a powerful gospel-style voice. Her songs are absolutely beautiful, and invoke cold, northern imagery with shout-outs to her hometown of Toronto. I was trying to figure out how to describe her music, and Wikipedia used the term “doom soul” which I think is perfect. This album is dark, soulful, and absolutely beautiful.
Favourite Songs - Elephant Head & Winter Solstice
7) Bodyparts - Dragonette
This is probably the first electronic/dance record that’s ever made my favourite albums list. Perhaps this speaks to the fact that I’ve committed myself to running, and finding a great running album is such an awesome thing for me. I also have a really personal connection to Dragonette: I used to follow lead singer Martina Sorbara in her singer-songwriter days, so I think it’s great that her band has gotten some international acclaim. Anyway, Bodyparts is made up of mostly fun electronic dance-pop songs, and is great to have on when you need energy or fun injected into your day. This is pop music that’s not a guilty pleasure in the least.
Favourite Songs - Let It Go & Run, Run, Run
6) The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do - Fiona Apple
Who doesn’t love it when an artist from the 1990s comes back with an awesome album? Incidentally, I wasn’t the hugest Fiona fan back then. I only picked up this album because she was playing The Chicago Theatre when I was in Chicago this summer and I wanted to see a show there. It turned out to be extremely lucky, not only did I see one of my favourite shows ever, I discovered this lyrical album highlighted by Fiona’s soulful voice.
Favourite Songs - Werewolf & Every Single Night
5) Synthetica - Metric
“I’m just as fucked up they say” (from the song Artificial Nocturne) may be one of my favourite opening lines to an album ever. With this album, Metric continues their streak of creating awesome rock albums. Emily Haines is one of my top rock ‘n roll crushes and when she sings “have I really helped anybody but myself believe in the power of songs, believe in the power of girls?” I want to raise my hand, as completely corny as that gesture may be. This is a great album, and if you’ve never seen Metric live, you must. They are a consummate rock band.
Favourite Songs - Dream So Real & Artificial Nocturne
4) Provinical - John K Samson
When I went to Winnipeg this summer, I came home with a copy of John K Samson’s collected poetry and lyrics from 1997-2012, including those from this album. John K Samson’s music is poetry, and each of his songs invokes a story, a place, or both so vividly that it sticks with me long past when I turn the album off. The Last And is especially beautiful; the sad school-teacher in her classroom lamenting her ill-fated affair with her principal is the stuff of dark Canadian novels that I so adore. Another standout on this album is the song that’s a URL address www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle which is a petition to get an Aboriginal hockey player into the Hockey Hall of Fame; not only is it an interesting story, the vocals of John and his wife, Christine Fellows, are in perfect harmony. Of course I went and signed the petition.
Favourite Songs - The Last And & www.ipetitions.com/petition/rivertonrifle
3) The North - Stars
This album contains my very favourite song of 2012: Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love. The North is a collection of songs centred around the themes of love, friendship, death, politics, and, well, the north. As with every Stars album, I fall in love with how Torquil and Amy share singing duties; each voice is beautiful and interesting each other and support the other one. I think that deep down in my soul, I am an absolutely incurable romantic, and that’s why I love Stars so much.
Favourite Songs - Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give Love & The 400
2) We Have Made A Spark - Rose Cousins
Rose Cousins first came to my attention as one of the supporting vocalists on Joel Plaskett’s 2009 album Three. I read good things about her latest album, and I’m so glad that I picked it up. Rose has a lovely voice, and her songs are heartbreaking and beautiful. This album centres around a failing relationship, and Rose perfectly describes all of the emotions that go along with realizing it’s time to let go. One of the silver linings of heartbreak is that it produces great art.
Favourite Songs - The Shell & All the Stars
1) Voyageur - Kathleen Edwards
This is Kathleen Edwards’ fourth album, and it's amazing that each of her albums just gets better and better. This one’s very close to perfection. I’ve always been a fan of her pretty, yet gritty, singing voice, and her songs on this album are very personal, since it’s her post-divorce album. Songs like House Full of Empty Rooms, and Pink Champagne frankly describe the emotions that come with a failed marriage. Despite the subject matter, this album isn’t overwhelmingly sad - there are lighter moments with songs like Empty Threat and Sidecar. Overall, this is a collection of beautiful and truthful songs with outstanding musicianship. On For the Record, Kathleen sings “for the record, I only wanted to sing songs” and I am so glad she did that. This is such a special album and my very favourite of the year.
Favourite Songs - Change the Sheets and A Soft Place to Land
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
It's Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas everyone! It's so amazing that I didn't have to work today. I made it to Stratford last night. My train was delayed by over an hour so oh-well. This morning I finished book #52. I can't believe I met that goal.
Hope you all have the merriest of Christmases.
Hope you all have the merriest of Christmases.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
You pull me out of the dark and now it's light.
I am so busy these days. I have so much going on at school it's not funny. The talent show, student council dinner, a toy drive, and being a Secret Elf are taking up my time. It's insane. On Friday after school I'm going to come home and collapse I know it.
You might be wondering what being a Secret Elf entails. This year as a staff Christmas Cheer initiative, we could put our names in a box and take someone else's name. This week, we would have to do something nice every day for our Secret Elves and ours would do the same for us.
I actually pulled a good friend's name out of the box, so I'm having extra fun with it.
On Monday, I sent a dance crew of kids to his room to dance for him, but he was stressed out and sent them away. (They were pretending they had to borrow something and I think he threw them off.) So instead, I wrote him a poem, and ran to Starbucks to get him his favourite Christmas drink.
On Tuesday I wrapped his classroom door in Christmas paper and put a big bow on it.
Today I took the Secret Elf award, I think. I rewrote the lyrics to "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" with his name in the titles and with lyrics referring to him. My period one class practiced singing these songs for three days, and today I sent them (wearing mardi gras masks to protect their identities) to his room to sing the songs for him. For the second song, I provided antlers and a flashing nose to put on him as they sang the song. One kid videotaped the shenanigan for me, so I got to see afterwards. It was hilarious. I win.
For tomorrow I found a huge cardboard box that used to hold water canteens and has 36 compartments in it. There is a small gift in one compartment (covered in newspaper) and the rest of the compartments are filled with newspaper with messages like "Epic Fail!", "You Lose", "Try Again" and "Bonus Candy Cane!" in them. I have wrapped up this box in pretty paper and I'm sending a kid dressed in a Santa Suit to deliver it.
On Friday, I've giving him a framed picture of a bunch of us in our Halloween costumes.
I think I'm a good elf. It helps that I have an army of students behind me. You can tell I have connections among the kids, eh?
Anyway, in amongst this, I also decided that for 2013, I'm getting a personal trainer. I've put down the down payment for six months of sessions. It's costly, but I really want to build muscle and kick ass, and I know I need someone kicking my ass to accomplish this. I'm rather excited but I'm going to enjoy a lazy holiday with lots of unhealthy food before the program starts.
Random - this is one of my favourite Christmas songs.
You might be wondering what being a Secret Elf entails. This year as a staff Christmas Cheer initiative, we could put our names in a box and take someone else's name. This week, we would have to do something nice every day for our Secret Elves and ours would do the same for us.
I actually pulled a good friend's name out of the box, so I'm having extra fun with it.
On Monday, I sent a dance crew of kids to his room to dance for him, but he was stressed out and sent them away. (They were pretending they had to borrow something and I think he threw them off.) So instead, I wrote him a poem, and ran to Starbucks to get him his favourite Christmas drink.
On Tuesday I wrapped his classroom door in Christmas paper and put a big bow on it.
Today I took the Secret Elf award, I think. I rewrote the lyrics to "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" with his name in the titles and with lyrics referring to him. My period one class practiced singing these songs for three days, and today I sent them (wearing mardi gras masks to protect their identities) to his room to sing the songs for him. For the second song, I provided antlers and a flashing nose to put on him as they sang the song. One kid videotaped the shenanigan for me, so I got to see afterwards. It was hilarious. I win.
For tomorrow I found a huge cardboard box that used to hold water canteens and has 36 compartments in it. There is a small gift in one compartment (covered in newspaper) and the rest of the compartments are filled with newspaper with messages like "Epic Fail!", "You Lose", "Try Again" and "Bonus Candy Cane!" in them. I have wrapped up this box in pretty paper and I'm sending a kid dressed in a Santa Suit to deliver it.
On Friday, I've giving him a framed picture of a bunch of us in our Halloween costumes.
I think I'm a good elf. It helps that I have an army of students behind me. You can tell I have connections among the kids, eh?
Anyway, in amongst this, I also decided that for 2013, I'm getting a personal trainer. I've put down the down payment for six months of sessions. It's costly, but I really want to build muscle and kick ass, and I know I need someone kicking my ass to accomplish this. I'm rather excited but I'm going to enjoy a lazy holiday with lots of unhealthy food before the program starts.
Random - this is one of my favourite Christmas songs.
Monday, December 17, 2012
I'm yours to keep, oh won't you keep me, I'm a keeper.
Last night, I went to the final of Joel Plaskett's five shows at the Horseshoe Tavern in honour of its 65th birthday.
I am very tired this morning. You know, I'd like to think that I could do five shows in a row, but after how sleepy I'm feeling this morning, I don't think I could. Well, not during the school year. Maybe during the summer.
Anyway, it was a great show. Plaskett and his Emergency Band never fail to put on an amazing rock show. That man is a national treasure.
I hadn't been to the Horseshoe in years. It's a great venue, but for some reason it never seems to match up with my concert schedule. I am pretty sure the last time I was there was in university to see a younger Joel Plaskett Emergency.
The rest of this weekend was chill. I slept, did laundry, worked on a pair of mittens that I must have finished for Thursday (I now have 1.5 mittens done), and ran a couple of Christmas errands. I also went to the spa for a facial.
I didn't do it on purpose, but the kids are writing a quiz. And I didn't even schedule it purposely because of the concert! Normally I'd be marking while they write, but the brain doesn't work so well on a Monday morning following a Sunday night rock show.
I am very tired this morning. You know, I'd like to think that I could do five shows in a row, but after how sleepy I'm feeling this morning, I don't think I could. Well, not during the school year. Maybe during the summer.
Anyway, it was a great show. Plaskett and his Emergency Band never fail to put on an amazing rock show. That man is a national treasure.
I hadn't been to the Horseshoe in years. It's a great venue, but for some reason it never seems to match up with my concert schedule. I am pretty sure the last time I was there was in university to see a younger Joel Plaskett Emergency.
The rest of this weekend was chill. I slept, did laundry, worked on a pair of mittens that I must have finished for Thursday (I now have 1.5 mittens done), and ran a couple of Christmas errands. I also went to the spa for a facial.
I didn't do it on purpose, but the kids are writing a quiz. And I didn't even schedule it purposely because of the concert! Normally I'd be marking while they write, but the brain doesn't work so well on a Monday morning following a Sunday night rock show.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The darkness defines where the light is.
Tonight I went to see one of my long-standing loves, Hawksley Workman, play in the gorgeous (both aesthetically and acoustically) Trinity-St. Paul's United Church.
It's been about a year-and-a-half since I've seen Hawksley live, and wow, I've missed him. How my heart swelled when he first took the stage.
He played an awesome variety of songs. His songs are definitely part of the soundtrack of my life, and I can't help but be nostalgic during one of his shows.
"You, Me, and the Weather" brings me back to the first time I saw him live with Becca T at the Rivoli when we were in university. He was debuting his album "(Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves" with a string quartet and his piano player, Mr. Lonely. That was the first indie rock show I went to in Toronto, and well, as you all know, it started a habit for me.
"Oh You Delicate Heart" brings me back to this March, when I was walking around Paris, listening to a lot of Hawksley, and feeling sad. However, hearing this song in December made me realize that I am so over that sadness and that's a good place to be.
He played some Christmas songs from his great Christmas album "Almost A Full Moon". They brought me back to many Christmases, and a fun memory of driving around London ON with some of my high school friends, listening to this album, and looking for Christmas lights.
"Autumn's Here" will always remind me of my year teaching on a reserve in remote Northwestern Ontario. I would sometimes walk by the graveyard listening to this song (on my discman!) and I could just feel ghosts in the autumn air.
Pretty much every song he played tonight with Mr. Lonely (love the long-standing partnership) evoked memories for me. His songs are so special to me, and it was a great show.
I had thought it was going to be my last 2012 show, but as you guys know I booked Young Empires for Christmas Eve. Then, earlier this week, I spontaneously bought tickets to see The Joel Plaskett Emergency with my friend Paul on Sunday night. It's an all ages show (no beer!!!) but it'll still be amazing.
Oh concerts, you are my favourite.
It's been about a year-and-a-half since I've seen Hawksley live, and wow, I've missed him. How my heart swelled when he first took the stage.
He played an awesome variety of songs. His songs are definitely part of the soundtrack of my life, and I can't help but be nostalgic during one of his shows.
"You, Me, and the Weather" brings me back to the first time I saw him live with Becca T at the Rivoli when we were in university. He was debuting his album "(Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves" with a string quartet and his piano player, Mr. Lonely. That was the first indie rock show I went to in Toronto, and well, as you all know, it started a habit for me.
"Oh You Delicate Heart" brings me back to this March, when I was walking around Paris, listening to a lot of Hawksley, and feeling sad. However, hearing this song in December made me realize that I am so over that sadness and that's a good place to be.
He played some Christmas songs from his great Christmas album "Almost A Full Moon". They brought me back to many Christmases, and a fun memory of driving around London ON with some of my high school friends, listening to this album, and looking for Christmas lights.
"Autumn's Here" will always remind me of my year teaching on a reserve in remote Northwestern Ontario. I would sometimes walk by the graveyard listening to this song (on my discman!) and I could just feel ghosts in the autumn air.
Pretty much every song he played tonight with Mr. Lonely (love the long-standing partnership) evoked memories for me. His songs are so special to me, and it was a great show.
I had thought it was going to be my last 2012 show, but as you guys know I booked Young Empires for Christmas Eve. Then, earlier this week, I spontaneously bought tickets to see The Joel Plaskett Emergency with my friend Paul on Sunday night. It's an all ages show (no beer!!!) but it'll still be amazing.
Oh concerts, you are my favourite.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
She crows, "you want my happiness, but on your terms."
This weekend, busy as it was, gave me some time to think about my holidays. More specifically about:
a) what will be my New Year's Eve plans? (i.e send this em-effing roller-coaster of a year out in style)
and; b) where oh where will I get away to at the beginning of January?
I figured out my trip first. After doing some research on the cost of tropical getaways (far too much during peak season when I'm off work), my pal Heather and I settled on Washington DC since neither of us had ever been there. We booked a flight on Porter airlines which I'm excited about. Porter flies from the Toronto Island Airport, and I've never flown from there before. My friend Fea, who is an avid traveler, loves Porter and assured me that this is going to be a life-changing experience for me! We also booked a super-nice hotel, and now all that's left to do is to figure out what to do while we're there. (Flight + hotel ended up costing me about a third of what a tropcial getaway would! I feel entitled now to some fine dining + shopping!)
After booking my trip, I ended up making my New Year's Eve plans. I've never really enjoyed NYE because, ugh, I don't know, I just feel too much pressure to have an amazing evening. I was talking to my friend Vern about doing something, and I figured out why not do what I love most? And you all know what that is: a concert, of course.
I was hoping that the band Elliott Brood would be playing Lee's Palace as they had for the past few years (I went for NYE 2010), but they aren't. A band called Young Empires are playing instead, and I'm pretty I was introduced to them in Kingston this summer when my friend's friend made her a CD with some of their songs on them. I decided to check them out. They are super fun synth-y dance rock and perfect for a NYE show at my favourite venue in the city! Tickets bought!
With that show, I'll have gone to 28 shows in 2012 which is my all-time record. I've seen most of my very very favourite bands/artists this year: John K Samson of the Weakerthans, Sloan, Stars, Los Campesinos!, Metric, Ben Folds Five, The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Hawksley Workman, Feist and Kathleen Edwards. Seriously, that's pretty amazing, and I doubt I'll ever be able to top this year concert-wise.
In other weekend events, I saw a lot of friends this weekend and had some downtime too. I feel that I'm in no way ready for Christmas yet, but I'll work on that.
Also, I'm now on book #51 of my book-a-week challenge for 2012. I can't believe I'm going to make this happen!
Hope you all have pleasant Mondays.
a) what will be my New Year's Eve plans? (i.e send this em-effing roller-coaster of a year out in style)
and; b) where oh where will I get away to at the beginning of January?
I figured out my trip first. After doing some research on the cost of tropical getaways (far too much during peak season when I'm off work), my pal Heather and I settled on Washington DC since neither of us had ever been there. We booked a flight on Porter airlines which I'm excited about. Porter flies from the Toronto Island Airport, and I've never flown from there before. My friend Fea, who is an avid traveler, loves Porter and assured me that this is going to be a life-changing experience for me! We also booked a super-nice hotel, and now all that's left to do is to figure out what to do while we're there. (Flight + hotel ended up costing me about a third of what a tropcial getaway would! I feel entitled now to some fine dining + shopping!)
After booking my trip, I ended up making my New Year's Eve plans. I've never really enjoyed NYE because, ugh, I don't know, I just feel too much pressure to have an amazing evening. I was talking to my friend Vern about doing something, and I figured out why not do what I love most? And you all know what that is: a concert, of course.
I was hoping that the band Elliott Brood would be playing Lee's Palace as they had for the past few years (I went for NYE 2010), but they aren't. A band called Young Empires are playing instead, and I'm pretty I was introduced to them in Kingston this summer when my friend's friend made her a CD with some of their songs on them. I decided to check them out. They are super fun synth-y dance rock and perfect for a NYE show at my favourite venue in the city! Tickets bought!
With that show, I'll have gone to 28 shows in 2012 which is my all-time record. I've seen most of my very very favourite bands/artists this year: John K Samson of the Weakerthans, Sloan, Stars, Los Campesinos!, Metric, Ben Folds Five, The Joel Plaskett Emergency, Hawksley Workman, Feist and Kathleen Edwards. Seriously, that's pretty amazing, and I doubt I'll ever be able to top this year concert-wise.
In other weekend events, I saw a lot of friends this weekend and had some downtime too. I feel that I'm in no way ready for Christmas yet, but I'll work on that.
Also, I'm now on book #51 of my book-a-week challenge for 2012. I can't believe I'm going to make this happen!
Hope you all have pleasant Mondays.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
I don't need my old dreams.
I just realized that I'm going to be super busy until next Thursday with two concerts (Patrick Watson and then Hawksley Workman), birthday parties, a Kenya meeting, friends in from out of town, talent show auditions, and more. So, I'd better get a random blog post out while I still can.
1) Hayden
Is anyone else here a Hayden fan? He's a Canadian indie rocker best known for his mid-nineties song "Bad As They Seem" which is such a delightfully depressing song. This song can make me a little bit teary on the best of days (and the past couple of days haven't been the best of days).
Anyway, even though many people forgot about him, he put out a few really good albums after the nineties. His last album came out in 2009, so it's been awhile but a pleasant surprise when I got an email from his mailing list today announcing a new album in 2013 along with this gorgeous teaser video.
Even better, you can download the whole song for free at rollingstone.com!
So I've been having a Hayden evening. I have a friend at work, an awesome lady in her late forties with a love of indie rock, who loves Hayden so I sent her all this info. She wrote back saying she's been watching some of his recent videos from some shows in Europe on YouTube where he's got a bit of gray in his hair and less of a beard and looking better than ever. I agree.
Anyway, the point of this is that it's nice to re-discover old favourites.
2) Students
Today was one of those days where my students really lifted my mood just by being themselves. I spent my lunchtime with some of them who had to finish up an assignment, and we had a lovely chat about humans colonizing Mars. There is a plan for that, did you know? I did not.
3) Friends
I have awesome friends. That is all.
4) Non-depressing book for a teenage girl
Student council does a Kris Kringle gift exchange yearly. I picked the President's name, which I am super happy about, because I've known her for three years and I thought she'd be easy to buy for. I'm knitting her mittens with a gorgeous blue-green wool, and she likes to read, so I thought I'd get her a book.
One of the teenagers going on the Kenya trip mentioned she really liked the book "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green. I thought this would make a great gift, but I decided to read it first before I bought it as a gift. It's a great book, but a little bit depressing. It's about a teenage girl who meets a boy through her cancer support group (he's a survivor) and they fall in love. It's a nice love story with great writing, but not a happy ending. It's the kind of book that I'd recommend, but not give as a gift.
I still want to give her a book, but all of the books that I read are depressing. The book doesn't have to be YA, but something uplifting. Any suggestions? Jabba? Claire? Siobhan? I'm looking at you!
5) Nice girls finish last.
That's what I'm feeling these days. Seriously. I feel like being a nice, kind person is often my downfall. Blergh. Inspirational messages regarding this are welcome.
6) Impromptu Vacation
So, I was planning on sticking around Toronto and Stratford for my Christmas break but as there have been some recent changes in my life, I realize that I need to escape. I messaged my friend Heather, who is always up for a trip, to see if she'd like to go somewhere. And she would. But where?? I'm not sure. These are my ideas:
a) Boston - I've been to most awesome and accessible US cities (Chicago, NYC, San Fran) and Heather was just in New Orleans so those are out. Okay, I was even in Boston a couple summers ago. But I feel I'd like more time with that city. It might be cold though.
b) Montreal - I've really only been to Montreal for a weekend. Shameful.
c) Quebec City - I just thought of this one!
d) Since a) through c) will be cold, there's always the possibility of a warm destination. Maybe Mexico? Who knows!
Anyway, I'll keep you updated on those plans, and suggestions are welcome.
Random post out, and I'll hopefully check in during my week of busyness.
1) Hayden
Is anyone else here a Hayden fan? He's a Canadian indie rocker best known for his mid-nineties song "Bad As They Seem" which is such a delightfully depressing song. This song can make me a little bit teary on the best of days (and the past couple of days haven't been the best of days).
Anyway, even though many people forgot about him, he put out a few really good albums after the nineties. His last album came out in 2009, so it's been awhile but a pleasant surprise when I got an email from his mailing list today announcing a new album in 2013 along with this gorgeous teaser video.
Even better, you can download the whole song for free at rollingstone.com!
So I've been having a Hayden evening. I have a friend at work, an awesome lady in her late forties with a love of indie rock, who loves Hayden so I sent her all this info. She wrote back saying she's been watching some of his recent videos from some shows in Europe on YouTube where he's got a bit of gray in his hair and less of a beard and looking better than ever. I agree.
Anyway, the point of this is that it's nice to re-discover old favourites.
2) Students
Today was one of those days where my students really lifted my mood just by being themselves. I spent my lunchtime with some of them who had to finish up an assignment, and we had a lovely chat about humans colonizing Mars. There is a plan for that, did you know? I did not.
3) Friends
I have awesome friends. That is all.
4) Non-depressing book for a teenage girl
Student council does a Kris Kringle gift exchange yearly. I picked the President's name, which I am super happy about, because I've known her for three years and I thought she'd be easy to buy for. I'm knitting her mittens with a gorgeous blue-green wool, and she likes to read, so I thought I'd get her a book.
One of the teenagers going on the Kenya trip mentioned she really liked the book "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green. I thought this would make a great gift, but I decided to read it first before I bought it as a gift. It's a great book, but a little bit depressing. It's about a teenage girl who meets a boy through her cancer support group (he's a survivor) and they fall in love. It's a nice love story with great writing, but not a happy ending. It's the kind of book that I'd recommend, but not give as a gift.
I still want to give her a book, but all of the books that I read are depressing. The book doesn't have to be YA, but something uplifting. Any suggestions? Jabba? Claire? Siobhan? I'm looking at you!
5) Nice girls finish last.
That's what I'm feeling these days. Seriously. I feel like being a nice, kind person is often my downfall. Blergh. Inspirational messages regarding this are welcome.
6) Impromptu Vacation
So, I was planning on sticking around Toronto and Stratford for my Christmas break but as there have been some recent changes in my life, I realize that I need to escape. I messaged my friend Heather, who is always up for a trip, to see if she'd like to go somewhere. And she would. But where?? I'm not sure. These are my ideas:
a) Boston - I've been to most awesome and accessible US cities (Chicago, NYC, San Fran) and Heather was just in New Orleans so those are out. Okay, I was even in Boston a couple summers ago. But I feel I'd like more time with that city. It might be cold though.
b) Montreal - I've really only been to Montreal for a weekend. Shameful.
c) Quebec City - I just thought of this one!
d) Since a) through c) will be cold, there's always the possibility of a warm destination. Maybe Mexico? Who knows!
Anyway, I'll keep you updated on those plans, and suggestions are welcome.
Random post out, and I'll hopefully check in during my week of busyness.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
All I Want is Nothing More.
One good thing about having friends in various time zones, is that when you need to talk to someone at 2:30 am, you can find someone. And they can even point you to this cute little video with heart-breaking song, which makes you both happier and sadder at the same time.
Today was a rainy warm December day. Record-breaking even. Toronto hit 16 degrees Celsius. The rain suited my mood. I'm ready for 2012 to be over, even though the new year is a random construct. There have been too many ups-and-downs in this calendar year for me. I'm left feeling exhausted and worn. My optimistic self, who chirps up even in the darkest of times, reminds me that I did some kick-ass things this year like run my first 10K race, go on some great trips, climb Grouse Mountain, connect with countless good people, see some really great rock shows, and it looks like I'll make my goal of reading 52 books in a calendar year (I'm at 49).
However, my realist self wonders if I'll be able to remember those peaks when the troughs have been so low. But, I do know that I have the type of memory that tends to hold onto the good times, and lets go of the bad times, so maybe when this year gets far enough away from me, the lows will be forgotten.
Today was a rainy warm December day. Record-breaking even. Toronto hit 16 degrees Celsius. The rain suited my mood. I'm ready for 2012 to be over, even though the new year is a random construct. There have been too many ups-and-downs in this calendar year for me. I'm left feeling exhausted and worn. My optimistic self, who chirps up even in the darkest of times, reminds me that I did some kick-ass things this year like run my first 10K race, go on some great trips, climb Grouse Mountain, connect with countless good people, see some really great rock shows, and it looks like I'll make my goal of reading 52 books in a calendar year (I'm at 49).
However, my realist self wonders if I'll be able to remember those peaks when the troughs have been so low. But, I do know that I have the type of memory that tends to hold onto the good times, and lets go of the bad times, so maybe when this year gets far enough away from me, the lows will be forgotten.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Nice little story.
On Monday, the day of a test no less, a really nice kid in my class told me that someone had broken the windows of his family's car, and stole his backpack which contained his science notes and textbook.
This evening I got an email from a lady about a found student binder. She must have gotten my email address from the course policies page. She had found the binder in the alley behind her store in Kensington Market, and will hold onto it until the student can pick it up. How nice of her to care about such a found object and to email me and hold onto the binder! I can't wait to tell the kid about it tomorrow.
I like nice people.
I remember when I was a kid, maybe in the summer in between grades 6 and 7, my parents and I went on a road-trip to Chicago. I bought a postcard for a friend, addressed it, and then lost it somewhere along the way.
After we got back my friend called me and thanked me for the postcard, which surprised the heck out of me. Some lovely person must have found it, put a stamp on it, and mailed it for me. Awesome.
Kindness rocks. It's a fact.
This evening I got an email from a lady about a found student binder. She must have gotten my email address from the course policies page. She had found the binder in the alley behind her store in Kensington Market, and will hold onto it until the student can pick it up. How nice of her to care about such a found object and to email me and hold onto the binder! I can't wait to tell the kid about it tomorrow.
I like nice people.
I remember when I was a kid, maybe in the summer in between grades 6 and 7, my parents and I went on a road-trip to Chicago. I bought a postcard for a friend, addressed it, and then lost it somewhere along the way.
After we got back my friend called me and thanked me for the postcard, which surprised the heck out of me. Some lovely person must have found it, put a stamp on it, and mailed it for me. Awesome.
Kindness rocks. It's a fact.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
No one's getting out without stadium love.
Toronto is such a great city for arts and culture. Toronto also has a weird psyche. It wants to be a "world class city" (whatever that means) and constantly wrings its collective hands about its world-classness. However, maybe those were the good old days, because now I think most of the hand-wringing revolves around our joke of a mayor. But hey - he might be removed from office on Monday by a judge for conflict of interest, so that could be interesting, hey?
However, my point is after my last four days of city fun, I'm left reflecting on how Toronto is a really great place if you are a fan of the arts, like I am. There is so much great stuff to do all the time!
On Thursday, as you know, I saw Sloan, who are now a Toronto band (via Halifax) rock the Phoenix. It's cool that they moved here, and their Toronto shows definitely have a bit of a hometown feel.
On Friday, I went to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema to see the film "Ping Pong" which is about octogenarian ping pong players. It was really fun, and funded in part by TVO (TV Ontario), so it had a Toronto connection as well. I love that the city now has a beautifully restored cinema devoted to documentaries, as well as an awesome documentary film fest. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to film in Toronto, since we've got the neat-o Bell Lightbox (the headquarters of TIFF). If you love film, Toronto is one of the best cities to live, hands down.
On Saturday, I went to see two Toronto bands, Metric and Stars, play the Air Canada Centre, our ginormous hockey arena. It's pretty special to see two hometown bands make it to the point where they can nearly sell out an arena (and have been doing so across the country). Stars live in Montreal, but they grew up here, and their affection for the city is always evident. I was surprised that Torq didn't made any remarks about the mayor, as he did when my pal AlieMalie saw him in Missouri, but why ruin a nice night?
Stars put on an amazing opening set. My only complaint was that it was way too short (only 45 minutes) so I really hope they'll do a proper headlining tour soon.
Metric have definitely evolved into an arena band. Emily Haines looked amazing in a short sparkly gold skirt, gold top, lots of gold necklaces, dark blue eye shadown, blonde hair and a beige leather jacket from the 70s complete with tassels. She's an amazing performer. Their set was killer, with my favourites being the songs "Empty", "Gold Guns Girls" with amazing guitar work by Jimmy Shaw, and a crowd singalong of "Gimme Sympathy".
Toronto is a great city that breeds/houses awesome musicians. And if you live here, you can see show after show after show that range from little bar shows, free outdoor shows, mid-sized theatre venue shows, and arena shows. When it comes to my, okay let's face it, addiction to live music, I couldn't live anywhere else. Well, maybe NYC. But there would be fewer Canadian bands there!
Today I'm going to check out the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit at the AGO. Again, more access to great art.
Anyway, I've just had one of those weekends where I was left thinking "hey - Toronto is a great city for art! I'm a lucky girl to live here!" and thought I'd write about it. Seriously, I love this city. I feel so lucky that I was able to make my life here. I always dreamed of it as a kid, and I'm always amazed that I actually was able to escape the small town, and make it here.
However, my point is after my last four days of city fun, I'm left reflecting on how Toronto is a really great place if you are a fan of the arts, like I am. There is so much great stuff to do all the time!
On Thursday, as you know, I saw Sloan, who are now a Toronto band (via Halifax) rock the Phoenix. It's cool that they moved here, and their Toronto shows definitely have a bit of a hometown feel.
On Friday, I went to the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema to see the film "Ping Pong" which is about octogenarian ping pong players. It was really fun, and funded in part by TVO (TV Ontario), so it had a Toronto connection as well. I love that the city now has a beautifully restored cinema devoted to documentaries, as well as an awesome documentary film fest. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to film in Toronto, since we've got the neat-o Bell Lightbox (the headquarters of TIFF). If you love film, Toronto is one of the best cities to live, hands down.
On Saturday, I went to see two Toronto bands, Metric and Stars, play the Air Canada Centre, our ginormous hockey arena. It's pretty special to see two hometown bands make it to the point where they can nearly sell out an arena (and have been doing so across the country). Stars live in Montreal, but they grew up here, and their affection for the city is always evident. I was surprised that Torq didn't made any remarks about the mayor, as he did when my pal AlieMalie saw him in Missouri, but why ruin a nice night?
Stars put on an amazing opening set. My only complaint was that it was way too short (only 45 minutes) so I really hope they'll do a proper headlining tour soon.
Metric have definitely evolved into an arena band. Emily Haines looked amazing in a short sparkly gold skirt, gold top, lots of gold necklaces, dark blue eye shadown, blonde hair and a beige leather jacket from the 70s complete with tassels. She's an amazing performer. Their set was killer, with my favourites being the songs "Empty", "Gold Guns Girls" with amazing guitar work by Jimmy Shaw, and a crowd singalong of "Gimme Sympathy".
Toronto is a great city that breeds/houses awesome musicians. And if you live here, you can see show after show after show that range from little bar shows, free outdoor shows, mid-sized theatre venue shows, and arena shows. When it comes to my, okay let's face it, addiction to live music, I couldn't live anywhere else. Well, maybe NYC. But there would be fewer Canadian bands there!
Today I'm going to check out the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit at the AGO. Again, more access to great art.
Anyway, I've just had one of those weekends where I was left thinking "hey - Toronto is a great city for art! I'm a lucky girl to live here!" and thought I'd write about it. Seriously, I love this city. I feel so lucky that I was able to make my life here. I always dreamed of it as a kid, and I'm always amazed that I actually was able to escape the small town, and make it here.
Friday, November 23, 2012
That's the best thing that I ever heard.
Wow, #TR2012 was pretty amazing last night. Sloan came on and played the album straight through with virtually no banter in between songs. Even though I've been listening a lot to Twice Removed lately, I never truly realized how truly awesome the first four songs (Penpals, I Hate My Generation, People of the Sky, and Coax Me) are when played together. It was a 1-2-3-4 punch of awesomeness.
Of course, the highlight for me was track #9 - Deeper Than Beauty, which is probably my favourite Sloan song, and one that I've heard live only twice. Patrick and Jay left the stage for the song; it was just Chris on guitar, Andrew on drums, and their extra percussion player. It was a great crowd sing-along. As my pal Eric observed "that song seems to be everyone else's favourite too!"
A great bonus was that Jennifer Pierce, of the Halifax band Jale (obscure East Coast indie rock reference FTW), was on hand to sing vocals on the final TR track, "I Can Feel It". That song is incredibly sweet.
After the TR set, the band took a break and came back to play a second set. I felt the second set was a great Sloan set with lots of songs from 2011's "The Double Cross", the big three singles from 1996's "One Chord to Another", "The Other Man", "Who Taught You to Live Like That", "Money City Maniacs", "I Am the Cancer", and "Underwhelmed" as the finale.
I went to this Sloan show with three people who had never seen Sloan live before, and they all had a great time. I think everyone that I've ever brought to a Sloan show have quickly become converts to the experience. I've lost count of how many times I've seen Sloan, but I look forward to their next tour. Apparently they are going to make a new album in 2013, and they also want to re-release 1996's "One Chord to Another", so perhaps there will be another album tour next year!
Of course, the highlight for me was track #9 - Deeper Than Beauty, which is probably my favourite Sloan song, and one that I've heard live only twice. Patrick and Jay left the stage for the song; it was just Chris on guitar, Andrew on drums, and their extra percussion player. It was a great crowd sing-along. As my pal Eric observed "that song seems to be everyone else's favourite too!"
A great bonus was that Jennifer Pierce, of the Halifax band Jale (obscure East Coast indie rock reference FTW), was on hand to sing vocals on the final TR track, "I Can Feel It". That song is incredibly sweet.
After the TR set, the band took a break and came back to play a second set. I felt the second set was a great Sloan set with lots of songs from 2011's "The Double Cross", the big three singles from 1996's "One Chord to Another", "The Other Man", "Who Taught You to Live Like That", "Money City Maniacs", "I Am the Cancer", and "Underwhelmed" as the finale.
I went to this Sloan show with three people who had never seen Sloan live before, and they all had a great time. I think everyone that I've ever brought to a Sloan show have quickly become converts to the experience. I've lost count of how many times I've seen Sloan, but I look forward to their next tour. Apparently they are going to make a new album in 2013, and they also want to re-release 1996's "One Chord to Another", so perhaps there will be another album tour next year!
Sunday, November 18, 2012
You are surely special, I like you, I like you, a-la-la.
Last week was dull, but the weekend was fun. After a twelve-hour day at work on Thursday (followed by drinks thankfully), we had an uneventful PD day on Friday. I'd been fighting off a cold all week, and even though Friday was a beautiful day, I came home and crashed for awhile but managed to get some much-needed laundry done. Friday wasn't much of a party.
HOWEVER, I think after that restful Friday, I was rejuvenated for the weekend. On Saturday, I slept in, met up with my friend Flora for a sushi lunch, then did a little bit of shopping with her. After that, I killed a 4-mile run at the gym, then came home, cleaned many of the things, put up my Christmas tree, and baked muffins. After that, I went out for dinner to a Neapolitan pizza place that I'd been wanting to try. The pizza was delicious, and I had a sparkling *red* wine which was really different and good. After that, I ended up drinking wine and watching The Exorcist at home, which was supposed to happen on Halloween but didn't. Well, we were gonna have champagne with The Exorcist on Halloween, but the champagne got consumed, but The Exorcist was not watched, but November's still spooky enough for horror movies, right? Watching movies from the 70s is pretty trippy, because movies are so much different now. They actually would take time to develop stuff.
After my epic Saturday, I had to wake up early this morning to go to a meeting for my Kenya trip. I'm enjoying the process so far, and getting to know the students and staff I'll be traveling with. I know this is going to be a great experience for me.
I came home to a couple slice of left-over pizza for lunch, then I headed off to the Eaton Centre to do some shopping. It was pretty crazy busy, what with the Santa Claus Parade going on. I think everyone migrated to the mall. I managed to hit a few stores that I had some good email coupons for. I bought a bunch of books at Indigo for 25% off. Christmas shopping well under way.
Anyway, this week promises to more exciting. I'm supposed to join a running club lead by my insanely-fit friend tomorrow, and then I have some really exiting shows coming up.
On Thursday, I'm going to see Sloan for their TR2012 tour, which is when they are playing the entirety of their 1994 album "Twice Removed". This is one of my favourite albums EVER, and I'm SUPER EXCITED for this show. In fact, my next post is going to be about that album and my favourite lines from TR songs.
Then, on Saturday, I'm seeing two of my very favourite bands, Metric & Stars, giving some stadium love at the ACC. I've seen both of these bands play in little bars, and now it's ACC time. Now, I'd rather still see them in little bars, but I'm super stoked to see them rock the ACC. It's going to be awesome.
But first, I gotta get through the running club and a few days of work.
HOWEVER, I think after that restful Friday, I was rejuvenated for the weekend. On Saturday, I slept in, met up with my friend Flora for a sushi lunch, then did a little bit of shopping with her. After that, I killed a 4-mile run at the gym, then came home, cleaned many of the things, put up my Christmas tree, and baked muffins. After that, I went out for dinner to a Neapolitan pizza place that I'd been wanting to try. The pizza was delicious, and I had a sparkling *red* wine which was really different and good. After that, I ended up drinking wine and watching The Exorcist at home, which was supposed to happen on Halloween but didn't. Well, we were gonna have champagne with The Exorcist on Halloween, but the champagne got consumed, but The Exorcist was not watched, but November's still spooky enough for horror movies, right? Watching movies from the 70s is pretty trippy, because movies are so much different now. They actually would take time to develop stuff.
After my epic Saturday, I had to wake up early this morning to go to a meeting for my Kenya trip. I'm enjoying the process so far, and getting to know the students and staff I'll be traveling with. I know this is going to be a great experience for me.
I came home to a couple slice of left-over pizza for lunch, then I headed off to the Eaton Centre to do some shopping. It was pretty crazy busy, what with the Santa Claus Parade going on. I think everyone migrated to the mall. I managed to hit a few stores that I had some good email coupons for. I bought a bunch of books at Indigo for 25% off. Christmas shopping well under way.
Anyway, this week promises to more exciting. I'm supposed to join a running club lead by my insanely-fit friend tomorrow, and then I have some really exiting shows coming up.
On Thursday, I'm going to see Sloan for their TR2012 tour, which is when they are playing the entirety of their 1994 album "Twice Removed". This is one of my favourite albums EVER, and I'm SUPER EXCITED for this show. In fact, my next post is going to be about that album and my favourite lines from TR songs.
Then, on Saturday, I'm seeing two of my very favourite bands, Metric & Stars, giving some stadium love at the ACC. I've seen both of these bands play in little bars, and now it's ACC time. Now, I'd rather still see them in little bars, but I'm super stoked to see them rock the ACC. It's going to be awesome.
But first, I gotta get through the running club and a few days of work.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
You gotta get up and try try try.
The highlight of the weekend was my 8K race in Grimsby, Ontario, about an hour outside of Toronto. I went with my friend who is super fit (she's the phys ed teacher at my school, but currently on mat leave). We didn't run together. I joked that I'd eat her dust, but in reality, she's probably too fast to kick up dust.
Anyway, it was a friend's birthday party the night before, and the party was all the way in Mississauga. I decided to go, and swore that I'd leave with the first car that was heading back to the city. I did, but I had more wine that I should have on the eve of the race.
However, I guess lots of wine, food, and fun on a race night isn't the worst thing because I did pretty well in the race. I looked at my time at the 5K mark, and it was my fastest time of the fall. I finished the race more than three minutes faster than my goal time and I was happy about that. Yay!
Today I decided to celebrate by joining a friend at a spa for a massage. It wasn't our usual spa (actually below our insanely high standards when it comes to pampering but whatevs... first world problems), but it really made my body feel better after yesterday's race. Then I did some shopping at the Eaton Centre. The Gap had a 30% off friends and family sale so I splurged and got bright red-orange cords (I wanted to join the coloured pants bandwagon), a navy blue cardigan, a cowl-necked striped waffle shirt, and a new super warm winter parka.
After the clothes-spree, I went to MAC for some new foundation. I also have been running low on eyeshadow, and have felt like a new look would be good, so I got an eyeshadow makeover and I'm pretty excited to master my new look. And I got new lipstick too.
I met up with my friends Fea and Paola for dinner at a cute diner in our neighbourhood. I totally splurged on a crazy grilled cheese sandwich with mac 'n cheese and meatloaf in it. It was insane. I would have had to run 3 x 8K to make up for that.
Anyway, somehow it's Monday again. I have a dull week coming up. No concerts, nothing crazy. Can you believe it? Hope the rest of you have great weeks!
Anyway, it was a friend's birthday party the night before, and the party was all the way in Mississauga. I decided to go, and swore that I'd leave with the first car that was heading back to the city. I did, but I had more wine that I should have on the eve of the race.
However, I guess lots of wine, food, and fun on a race night isn't the worst thing because I did pretty well in the race. I looked at my time at the 5K mark, and it was my fastest time of the fall. I finished the race more than three minutes faster than my goal time and I was happy about that. Yay!
Today I decided to celebrate by joining a friend at a spa for a massage. It wasn't our usual spa (actually below our insanely high standards when it comes to pampering but whatevs... first world problems), but it really made my body feel better after yesterday's race. Then I did some shopping at the Eaton Centre. The Gap had a 30% off friends and family sale so I splurged and got bright red-orange cords (I wanted to join the coloured pants bandwagon), a navy blue cardigan, a cowl-necked striped waffle shirt, and a new super warm winter parka.
After the clothes-spree, I went to MAC for some new foundation. I also have been running low on eyeshadow, and have felt like a new look would be good, so I got an eyeshadow makeover and I'm pretty excited to master my new look. And I got new lipstick too.
I met up with my friends Fea and Paola for dinner at a cute diner in our neighbourhood. I totally splurged on a crazy grilled cheese sandwich with mac 'n cheese and meatloaf in it. It was insane. I would have had to run 3 x 8K to make up for that.
Anyway, somehow it's Monday again. I have a dull week coming up. No concerts, nothing crazy. Can you believe it? Hope the rest of you have great weeks!
Monday, November 05, 2012
We'll collect the moments one by one, I guess that's how the future's done.
Winter is totally coming up on us, eh?
I left school today at 5:15 pm and it was getting dark already. That's the price to pay for that extra hour we got on the weekend.
I spent my evening baking and searching for new knitting patterns. I guess that's where darkness and cold is taking my mind these days: to warmth and coziness.
I left school today at 5:15 pm and it was getting dark already. That's the price to pay for that extra hour we got on the weekend.
I spent my evening baking and searching for new knitting patterns. I guess that's where darkness and cold is taking my mind these days: to warmth and coziness.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween
I'll admit it. I usually suck at Halloween. I leave my costume to the last minute, and end up being something lame (i.e. a witch) OR just borrowing something from the drama department at my school since I'm really good friends with the drama teacher. Last year I was a giant crab. It was all right but very noticeable since there was a giant crab in the previous year's school play.
The other irony of this suckage of Halloween is that in my role as a student council co-moderator, I help organize my school's Halloween activities, so people associate me with Halloween, and I feel kind of weird never pulling off an amazing costume.
Well, this year I finally pulled it all together.
As you guys all know, some of my favourite things in the world include science, cats, and jokes. This summer I was introduced to an internet meme called Chemistry Cat, and unsurprisingly, I really like it. Here's an example:
I have chemistry cat jokes posted all around my classroom, on powerpoints, on assignments, and on tests. Chemistry Cat has become part of my classroom's culture. This fall, I entertained the thought of being chemistry cat for Halloween.
Last Friday (last minute of course) I headed to Wal-Mart and picked up my necessary supplies: a cheap white hoodie and mittens, red ribbon, sewing supplies, and white face makeup. I couldn't find white fur in their fabric department and really didn't want to/especially have time to go to a fabric store. Luckily, I saw some fuzzy coloured pillows in their home decor department. I wandered over hoping they'd have one in white. They didn't, but I found a white fur rug. Perfect.
The only thing I was missing was glasses. I looked all over the mall but no luck. However, there's a dollar store in my neighbourhood that advertising a good assortment of Halloween supplies. I found $1.99 Nerd Specs. Perfect.
I started assembling the costume on Monday night. After 2.5 hours I was covered in fur, but I managed to attach fur to the hood of my hoodie, make ears using an old headband, and craft my bowtie. On Tuesday night, I made my paws and my tail.
Tuesday after school I stayed and decorated my classroom as close as possible to the backdrop in Chemistry Cat's cartoon. I was disappointed that the chemical formulas made no sense, but copied them anyway. I got all of the glassware I needed to mimic Chemistry Cat's desk and used food colouring to make my solutions. I noticed that Chemistry Cat has some mice on his desk so I borrowed some of Rilo's from home.
This morning, I got to school early, got into costume and made it into my classroom without any of my students seeing me. I covered the windows on the doors so they couldn't peek in. Normally, I have my door open as soon as I get there, but I left it closed. They knocked to get it, and I yelled "go away!" and had my student teacher let them in at the last minute so they could walk in and see this:
I think my project worked out pretty well, huh? They LOVED it. I had my picture taken about a million times today, even by random kids who didn't know me. It was so much fun.
Earlier in the week, when we were planning to decorate our homeroom pumpkin, I asked my class what they wanted to do, and they said "Chemistry Cat!" not knowing at all that was what I was going to be. Little did they know that I'd bring in my leftover supplies.
The other irony of this suckage of Halloween is that in my role as a student council co-moderator, I help organize my school's Halloween activities, so people associate me with Halloween, and I feel kind of weird never pulling off an amazing costume.
Well, this year I finally pulled it all together.
As you guys all know, some of my favourite things in the world include science, cats, and jokes. This summer I was introduced to an internet meme called Chemistry Cat, and unsurprisingly, I really like it. Here's an example:
I have chemistry cat jokes posted all around my classroom, on powerpoints, on assignments, and on tests. Chemistry Cat has become part of my classroom's culture. This fall, I entertained the thought of being chemistry cat for Halloween.
Last Friday (last minute of course) I headed to Wal-Mart and picked up my necessary supplies: a cheap white hoodie and mittens, red ribbon, sewing supplies, and white face makeup. I couldn't find white fur in their fabric department and really didn't want to/especially have time to go to a fabric store. Luckily, I saw some fuzzy coloured pillows in their home decor department. I wandered over hoping they'd have one in white. They didn't, but I found a white fur rug. Perfect.
The only thing I was missing was glasses. I looked all over the mall but no luck. However, there's a dollar store in my neighbourhood that advertising a good assortment of Halloween supplies. I found $1.99 Nerd Specs. Perfect.
I started assembling the costume on Monday night. After 2.5 hours I was covered in fur, but I managed to attach fur to the hood of my hoodie, make ears using an old headband, and craft my bowtie. On Tuesday night, I made my paws and my tail.
Tuesday after school I stayed and decorated my classroom as close as possible to the backdrop in Chemistry Cat's cartoon. I was disappointed that the chemical formulas made no sense, but copied them anyway. I got all of the glassware I needed to mimic Chemistry Cat's desk and used food colouring to make my solutions. I noticed that Chemistry Cat has some mice on his desk so I borrowed some of Rilo's from home.
This morning, I got to school early, got into costume and made it into my classroom without any of my students seeing me. I covered the windows on the doors so they couldn't peek in. Normally, I have my door open as soon as I get there, but I left it closed. They knocked to get it, and I yelled "go away!" and had my student teacher let them in at the last minute so they could walk in and see this:
I think my project worked out pretty well, huh? They LOVED it. I had my picture taken about a million times today, even by random kids who didn't know me. It was so much fun.
Earlier in the week, when we were planning to decorate our homeroom pumpkin, I asked my class what they wanted to do, and they said "Chemistry Cat!" not knowing at all that was what I was going to be. Little did they know that I'd bring in my leftover supplies.
I finally did not fail at Halloween. Good job me. It was nerdy, but nerdy awesome. :)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Postcards and daydreaming.
Holy heck I've had a really fun last four days.
On Thursday I went out with some fellow teacher ladies for dinner and drinks. It was totally warm that evening, so we managed to find a place on the Danforth with an open patio and took advantage of the last gasp of patio weather. Lots of laughs were had.
A couple of us continued on to the Danforth Music Hall for Dan Mangan with the Rural Alberta Advantage. I'm a huge Dan Mangan fan and he didn't disappoint. Since the show, I've had the song "So Much for Everyone" on constant repeat. It was his closing song, and he sang it from a piano stool that he had hoisted above the crowd while we all harmonized along.
On Friday, I spent my after school hours picking up parts for my Halloween costume. If my plan works out (still not sure it will), I will post more on that later. You could feel the warm weather turning that evening. I got home in time to have a little nap, then I met up with my friend Jane to see The Wilderness of Manitoba at Trinity-St. Paul's.
A band called Kite Hill opened for The Wilderness, and I really enjoyed them. I got completely lost in their music, and it's rare that that happens with a band that you've had absolutely no exposure to. I liked their set so much that I picked up their album "Rest & Run". The Wilderness put on a great show too, so I also picked up their new album. I was very pleased to get two albums, because I was just on the precipice of being in a music rut, but now that's solved.
I woke up on Saturday morning to a chilly, rainy fall day which was not really what I wanted considering that I had a 9:30 am start time for my 5K race at Sunnybrook Park. However, I put on my new warm fall running threads, a rain jacket, and hopped on the bus. I was glad to see other runners on the bus. I suddenly didn't dread the run so much seeing that other people were in the same boat. I actually really enjoyed the race. Once I started running, I wasn't so cold, and the rain wasn't too bothersome, other than I had to do some puddle-jumping. I felt that the race was a big improvement over the Night Race in September. I ran straight for the vast majority of the race, and I finished strong. I shaved almost a minute off my time, so I felt good about that.
After I got home, I spent my Saturday afternoon napping. It's pretty funny that the Kite Hill album I bought on Friday is called "Rest & Run" because that summed up my Saturday, but not in that order. In the evening, I met up with friends for sushi and a movie. We saw "Pitch Perfect" which was delightfully cheesy. I really liked it. If you need cinematic candy, go see it.
This morning I slept in, went for a warm dry indoor run at the gym (still gotta get ready for that damned 8K), had a lovely phone conversation with Claire, baked muffins, then had a nice rainy Sunday evening with pizza, movies, and great company.
So in summary, the last four days were lovely and action-packed.
Also, at some point today, the thought floated through my head that I'm happier now than I've been in a long, long time. I feel that my trip to BC this summer was a great turn-around point for me. I came back to Toronto feeling awesome and optimistic, and this feeling hasn't disappeared. I feel like I'm totally me again, and I had lost that for awhile this year, and I'm glad to be back.
And now for yet another busy week. Planning school Halloween festivities will keep me busy. And what the what - Frankenstorm? Eeep.
Happy Monday everyone.
On Thursday I went out with some fellow teacher ladies for dinner and drinks. It was totally warm that evening, so we managed to find a place on the Danforth with an open patio and took advantage of the last gasp of patio weather. Lots of laughs were had.
A couple of us continued on to the Danforth Music Hall for Dan Mangan with the Rural Alberta Advantage. I'm a huge Dan Mangan fan and he didn't disappoint. Since the show, I've had the song "So Much for Everyone" on constant repeat. It was his closing song, and he sang it from a piano stool that he had hoisted above the crowd while we all harmonized along.
On Friday, I spent my after school hours picking up parts for my Halloween costume. If my plan works out (still not sure it will), I will post more on that later. You could feel the warm weather turning that evening. I got home in time to have a little nap, then I met up with my friend Jane to see The Wilderness of Manitoba at Trinity-St. Paul's.
A band called Kite Hill opened for The Wilderness, and I really enjoyed them. I got completely lost in their music, and it's rare that that happens with a band that you've had absolutely no exposure to. I liked their set so much that I picked up their album "Rest & Run". The Wilderness put on a great show too, so I also picked up their new album. I was very pleased to get two albums, because I was just on the precipice of being in a music rut, but now that's solved.
I woke up on Saturday morning to a chilly, rainy fall day which was not really what I wanted considering that I had a 9:30 am start time for my 5K race at Sunnybrook Park. However, I put on my new warm fall running threads, a rain jacket, and hopped on the bus. I was glad to see other runners on the bus. I suddenly didn't dread the run so much seeing that other people were in the same boat. I actually really enjoyed the race. Once I started running, I wasn't so cold, and the rain wasn't too bothersome, other than I had to do some puddle-jumping. I felt that the race was a big improvement over the Night Race in September. I ran straight for the vast majority of the race, and I finished strong. I shaved almost a minute off my time, so I felt good about that.
After I got home, I spent my Saturday afternoon napping. It's pretty funny that the Kite Hill album I bought on Friday is called "Rest & Run" because that summed up my Saturday, but not in that order. In the evening, I met up with friends for sushi and a movie. We saw "Pitch Perfect" which was delightfully cheesy. I really liked it. If you need cinematic candy, go see it.
This morning I slept in, went for a warm dry indoor run at the gym (still gotta get ready for that damned 8K), had a lovely phone conversation with Claire, baked muffins, then had a nice rainy Sunday evening with pizza, movies, and great company.
So in summary, the last four days were lovely and action-packed.
Also, at some point today, the thought floated through my head that I'm happier now than I've been in a long, long time. I feel that my trip to BC this summer was a great turn-around point for me. I came back to Toronto feeling awesome and optimistic, and this feeling hasn't disappeared. I feel like I'm totally me again, and I had lost that for awhile this year, and I'm glad to be back.
And now for yet another busy week. Planning school Halloween festivities will keep me busy. And what the what - Frankenstorm? Eeep.
Happy Monday everyone.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Starts with them, ends with us.
The week's going well so far. Especially since it's 60% done. The end of this week/beginning of this weekend promise to be busy and incredibly fun for me.
Tomorrow night I'm going to see Dan Mangan with the Rural Alberta Advantage and the Danforth Music Hall, one of my favourite Toronto music venues. I'm a huge Dan fan. I think it's been almost a year since I've seen him, so I'm excited to be reunited with my bearded buddy.
I've seen the Rural Alberta Advantage a couple of times before too. I don't listen to their music, but I've enjoyed them each time I've caught them live.
On Friday, I'm going to yet another show: The Wilderness of Manitoba. Wow, two province bands in two days! That's pretty special, huh? My friend Jane likes them, and I'm joining her, even though I know nary a song. I'm sure I'll like them. I've heard good things!
On Saturday morning, I'm running a 5K race that I'm totally unprepared for. I was hoping this fall would be a great running season for me, and it's been all right, but I haven't gotten any faster. I lost speed over the summer, and haven't been able to get it back. I don't like running outdoors in cold weather, so perhaps the treadmill and I will have a nice winter together and I'll get my speed back. I'm also signed up for an 8K race on November 10th, and I won't lie: I'm kind of dreading that distance, but I've committed myself and I don't break plans. Although if my running buddy for that race bails on me, I dunno how committed I'll be...
After two concerts and a race, the rest of my weekend revolves around movie plans and should be relaxing. Howevs, I still have to work on my Halloween costume as well.
Busy fun times. Happy early weekend folks!
Tomorrow night I'm going to see Dan Mangan with the Rural Alberta Advantage and the Danforth Music Hall, one of my favourite Toronto music venues. I'm a huge Dan fan. I think it's been almost a year since I've seen him, so I'm excited to be reunited with my bearded buddy.
I've seen the Rural Alberta Advantage a couple of times before too. I don't listen to their music, but I've enjoyed them each time I've caught them live.
On Friday, I'm going to yet another show: The Wilderness of Manitoba. Wow, two province bands in two days! That's pretty special, huh? My friend Jane likes them, and I'm joining her, even though I know nary a song. I'm sure I'll like them. I've heard good things!
On Saturday morning, I'm running a 5K race that I'm totally unprepared for. I was hoping this fall would be a great running season for me, and it's been all right, but I haven't gotten any faster. I lost speed over the summer, and haven't been able to get it back. I don't like running outdoors in cold weather, so perhaps the treadmill and I will have a nice winter together and I'll get my speed back. I'm also signed up for an 8K race on November 10th, and I won't lie: I'm kind of dreading that distance, but I've committed myself and I don't break plans. Although if my running buddy for that race bails on me, I dunno how committed I'll be...
After two concerts and a race, the rest of my weekend revolves around movie plans and should be relaxing. Howevs, I still have to work on my Halloween costume as well.
Busy fun times. Happy early weekend folks!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
It was the opposite of Fire and Rain (you know, the song).
It's finally happened: I had a quiet weekend day! (Yesterday.)
On Friday, I went to see my friend Jane's friend play at a small cafe. It was a good time. I rarely go see local musicians doing their thing. I mean, everyone I go see has got a record, some buzz, a tour, and so forth. It's great seeing someone play mainly for the love of playing music. And it's fun to hear cover songs too! I enjoyed myself a lot.
My plans for yesterday got moved to today, so instead I watched the Dan Mangan documentary "What Happens Next?" on the CBC while drinking delicious tea from my Vancouver mug. After that I read and napped a bit, went for a run, tidied my apartment a bit, had a nice hot bath and finished my book, and then stayed up to watch SNL.
I also had an opportunity to take some time and just process. Think. Reflect. You know, all that stuff that I often keep myself too busy to properly do. However, I realized that I'm in a good place right now, and although things in my life haven't played out they way I wanted them to in say, oh, January of this year, I'm really glad they didn't. I tend to be a know-it-all when it comes to my life's direction, and this year has constantly proved to me that I don't know it all, and that I most certainly cannot predict the future. Thank goodness! I think things have turned out way better for me with the universe in charge of things, as opposed to me and my preconceived notions, and I'm thankful for that. I have to get better at living in the moment, and it's a work in progress, but it's progressing.
On Thursday, I had a fun impromptu after-school dinner & drinks, followed by some shopping. My friends the Alans (there are two of them and they are absolutely hilarious and there for you in a pinch) had helped me with a project at school so I told them I'd take them for coffee. However, we all were in agreement that something stronger might be in order, so we went to the new Bier Markt in Etobicoke. I had delicioius Leffe beer from Belgium (may be my absolute favourite beer) and mussels and fries. It reminded me of my day trip to Bruges in March.
After that, we headed to the mall to shop. I ended up splurging on a pair of amazingly cute boots. My calves aren't skinny, (I like to think they are muscular from running) so when the boot fits, I go for it. In addition I got some fall running clothes (long pants, long-sleeved shirt) for my upcoming races. I actually left my necklace, in the change room of Lululemon, but thankfully they held onto it, and one of the Alans picked it up for me. Also, the Alans are awesome dudes to shop with. They'll just sit on chairs outside the stores that I want to go to and happily play on their phones and then approve of my purchases when I come out. Everyone need Alans, I tell you!
Here's a shot of my new boots, complete with Ms. Rilo enjoying a new place to sit inside the shoebox.
So, with that I'm going to go for a run in the cemetery and try out my new running threads. Then I gotta go grocery shopping because I'm going to make chili for someone awesome who is not feeling so well. Then it'll be a movie night!
Happy Sunday everyone!
On Friday, I went to see my friend Jane's friend play at a small cafe. It was a good time. I rarely go see local musicians doing their thing. I mean, everyone I go see has got a record, some buzz, a tour, and so forth. It's great seeing someone play mainly for the love of playing music. And it's fun to hear cover songs too! I enjoyed myself a lot.
My plans for yesterday got moved to today, so instead I watched the Dan Mangan documentary "What Happens Next?" on the CBC while drinking delicious tea from my Vancouver mug. After that I read and napped a bit, went for a run, tidied my apartment a bit, had a nice hot bath and finished my book, and then stayed up to watch SNL.
I also had an opportunity to take some time and just process. Think. Reflect. You know, all that stuff that I often keep myself too busy to properly do. However, I realized that I'm in a good place right now, and although things in my life haven't played out they way I wanted them to in say, oh, January of this year, I'm really glad they didn't. I tend to be a know-it-all when it comes to my life's direction, and this year has constantly proved to me that I don't know it all, and that I most certainly cannot predict the future. Thank goodness! I think things have turned out way better for me with the universe in charge of things, as opposed to me and my preconceived notions, and I'm thankful for that. I have to get better at living in the moment, and it's a work in progress, but it's progressing.
On Thursday, I had a fun impromptu after-school dinner & drinks, followed by some shopping. My friends the Alans (there are two of them and they are absolutely hilarious and there for you in a pinch) had helped me with a project at school so I told them I'd take them for coffee. However, we all were in agreement that something stronger might be in order, so we went to the new Bier Markt in Etobicoke. I had delicioius Leffe beer from Belgium (may be my absolute favourite beer) and mussels and fries. It reminded me of my day trip to Bruges in March.
After that, we headed to the mall to shop. I ended up splurging on a pair of amazingly cute boots. My calves aren't skinny, (I like to think they are muscular from running) so when the boot fits, I go for it. In addition I got some fall running clothes (long pants, long-sleeved shirt) for my upcoming races. I actually left my necklace, in the change room of Lululemon, but thankfully they held onto it, and one of the Alans picked it up for me. Also, the Alans are awesome dudes to shop with. They'll just sit on chairs outside the stores that I want to go to and happily play on their phones and then approve of my purchases when I come out. Everyone need Alans, I tell you!
Here's a shot of my new boots, complete with Ms. Rilo enjoying a new place to sit inside the shoebox.
Happy Sunday everyone!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Whatever and ever, amen.
I just finished a string of five consecutive very busy days and I collapsed onto my couch today after school. I'd planned on going for a run this evening, but I was way too exhausted.
I'm feeling the need to slow down a bit. My friend Paul asked me to a couple of upcoming concerts, but I actually declined, can you believe it? My fall concert schedule has hit its limit. I need some evenings to chill, read, clean, run, etc. I hate saying no to anything but sometimes I have to.
Anyway, the Ben Folds Five reunion tour from Monday was amazing! They played so many Ben Folds Five songs from the 90s, plus a few (but not too many) new tunes, and just one lone solo Ben Folds song. It brought me back to being 17/18/19 that was for sure. I listened to so much BF5 back then and it's crazy how music can bring you back in time.
Also, Doc Martens are back, hey? I even see kids at school wearing them sometimes. I've brought out my old black Doc boots, which I'm pretty sure are from the days when I was 18/19. I'm glad I hung onto them! I wore them to BF5, and I'm pretty sure I probably wore my Docs when I saw BF5 play the same venue back in 1999. Deja vu AND deju shoe. (Okay that was bad! I'm sorry!)
I went on a tea shopping spree last week. David's Tea is amazing. I splurged on three 100 g tins of loose leaf tea: birthday cake, red velvet cake, and organic stormy night. They are all extremely delicious. My favourite may be the organic stormy night. It takes like a delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookie in tea form. It's amazing.
I'm also loving this dress that I bought at anthropologie back in September. It's made out of wool, and it's getting cool enough to wear it. :) I wish I had the cute shoes that this model has.
I'm feeling the need to go on a mini-shopping spree. I need some fall running clothes for my upcoming races (neither of which I'm remotely ready for), and some new comfy shoes for work. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. :)
And tomorrow's Thursday, right? These weeks fly by. I've got a low key weekend so far, which is great. I need it so I'm not passing out midweek like I did today.
I'm feeling the need to slow down a bit. My friend Paul asked me to a couple of upcoming concerts, but I actually declined, can you believe it? My fall concert schedule has hit its limit. I need some evenings to chill, read, clean, run, etc. I hate saying no to anything but sometimes I have to.
Anyway, the Ben Folds Five reunion tour from Monday was amazing! They played so many Ben Folds Five songs from the 90s, plus a few (but not too many) new tunes, and just one lone solo Ben Folds song. It brought me back to being 17/18/19 that was for sure. I listened to so much BF5 back then and it's crazy how music can bring you back in time.
Also, Doc Martens are back, hey? I even see kids at school wearing them sometimes. I've brought out my old black Doc boots, which I'm pretty sure are from the days when I was 18/19. I'm glad I hung onto them! I wore them to BF5, and I'm pretty sure I probably wore my Docs when I saw BF5 play the same venue back in 1999. Deja vu AND deju shoe. (Okay that was bad! I'm sorry!)
I went on a tea shopping spree last week. David's Tea is amazing. I splurged on three 100 g tins of loose leaf tea: birthday cake, red velvet cake, and organic stormy night. They are all extremely delicious. My favourite may be the organic stormy night. It takes like a delicious oatmeal chocolate chip cookie in tea form. It's amazing.
I'm also loving this dress that I bought at anthropologie back in September. It's made out of wool, and it's getting cool enough to wear it. :) I wish I had the cute shoes that this model has.
I'm feeling the need to go on a mini-shopping spree. I need some fall running clothes for my upcoming races (neither of which I'm remotely ready for), and some new comfy shoes for work. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. :)
And tomorrow's Thursday, right? These weeks fly by. I've got a low key weekend so far, which is great. I need it so I'm not passing out midweek like I did today.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
It's a strange paradise.
Today I had an excellent Skype conversation with my dear friend Becca T in Paris. We tried to Skype earlier in the week but we had a time difference fail. I thought she was five hours ahead of Toronto time, but in reality it's a six hour time difference, so she had to go to bed before I made it home for the call. Thankfully we could reschedule today.
This call was especially excellent because I couldn't help but remember that when I visited Becca T last Paris in March, both of us were struggling with things in our lives. However, we both had tonnes of great news to share with each other this time, and it was really nice. No need to drink wine along to Kanye West's "Runaway" these days.
The rest of my weekend was really fun too with parties, concerts (Beach House - awesome), and time for many friends. I even had time for a two hour nap today. Yay!
I'm really excited for tomorrow because I'm seeing Ben Folds Five for the first time since 1999. They were my favourite band in the world at that time, and they broke up after that tour. However, they've reunited and I'm so excited to see them again, and even at the same venue. (The venue's name has changed though. The Warehouse is now the Kool Haus. Lame, eh?) I'm so excited and spent some time thinking about what classic BF5 songs I'd like to hear tomorrow.
I know they'll play this one. But with the original swears.
Happy Monday everyone!
This call was especially excellent because I couldn't help but remember that when I visited Becca T last Paris in March, both of us were struggling with things in our lives. However, we both had tonnes of great news to share with each other this time, and it was really nice. No need to drink wine along to Kanye West's "Runaway" these days.
The rest of my weekend was really fun too with parties, concerts (Beach House - awesome), and time for many friends. I even had time for a two hour nap today. Yay!
I'm really excited for tomorrow because I'm seeing Ben Folds Five for the first time since 1999. They were my favourite band in the world at that time, and they broke up after that tour. However, they've reunited and I'm so excited to see them again, and even at the same venue. (The venue's name has changed though. The Warehouse is now the Kool Haus. Lame, eh?) I'm so excited and spent some time thinking about what classic BF5 songs I'd like to hear tomorrow.
I know they'll play this one. But with the original swears.
Happy Monday everyone!
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Sing, cry, or bang your head against the wall.
I wanted to write about how I've been feeling an overwhelming amount of positivity in my life lately.
BUT... I've been on the phone with a telecommunications company for over an hour and a half because I noticed that they combined my account with someone else's account. It's really messed up. AND I hadn't used my Kobo in awhile and it won't charge up. Grrrr....
Really though, these little things are not important and I have to get back to the overwhelming positivity that's in my life right now.
As my friend Nigel said to me as we were enjoying the outdoors at the leadership camp I was at on Wed/Thurs/Fri of last week: "in life, you have choices... either sing, cry, or bang your head against the wall." I think I'll sing. :)
I had a great time at this camp I went to. The kids were fabulous. Work-wise, it was a super-relaxing couple of days, except for having to stay up until 2:30 am at night ensuring no one sneaked out of their rooms. I had some good times with great colleagues, like during one afternoon when we sat on a porch overlooking a valley with gorgeous fall foliage and we all gasped because there was a SLIGHT breeze. Oh the humanity. Another time, I told my friend Nigel that I'd seen the kids mixing chocolate milk with orange/passionfruit juice and we dared each other to do it. It was rather nasty.
I also had a really nice long weekend. Well, when I got home from camp on Friday night, I was in bed before ten pm because I was exhausted. On Saturday, I took the train to Stratford for Thanksgiving. I had a nice dinner out with my pal Vern, and spent some nice time with my parents on Sunday, including winning two out of three cribbage matches with my dad. On Monday, I came back to Toronto for a nice fall run in the cemetery, and then I went to see Frankenweenie which was a great movie! I highly recommend it, especially if you are a big Tim Burton fan. It was goth-tastic.
I'm sitting here STILL ON HOLD with the telecommunications company. Going on two hours.
I've got some fun stuff coming up this weekend. A party, a baptism, a concert, and my first Kenya meeting. I'm looking forward to it all.
And yay for short weeks!
BUT... I've been on the phone with a telecommunications company for over an hour and a half because I noticed that they combined my account with someone else's account. It's really messed up. AND I hadn't used my Kobo in awhile and it won't charge up. Grrrr....
Really though, these little things are not important and I have to get back to the overwhelming positivity that's in my life right now.
As my friend Nigel said to me as we were enjoying the outdoors at the leadership camp I was at on Wed/Thurs/Fri of last week: "in life, you have choices... either sing, cry, or bang your head against the wall." I think I'll sing. :)
I had a great time at this camp I went to. The kids were fabulous. Work-wise, it was a super-relaxing couple of days, except for having to stay up until 2:30 am at night ensuring no one sneaked out of their rooms. I had some good times with great colleagues, like during one afternoon when we sat on a porch overlooking a valley with gorgeous fall foliage and we all gasped because there was a SLIGHT breeze. Oh the humanity. Another time, I told my friend Nigel that I'd seen the kids mixing chocolate milk with orange/passionfruit juice and we dared each other to do it. It was rather nasty.
I also had a really nice long weekend. Well, when I got home from camp on Friday night, I was in bed before ten pm because I was exhausted. On Saturday, I took the train to Stratford for Thanksgiving. I had a nice dinner out with my pal Vern, and spent some nice time with my parents on Sunday, including winning two out of three cribbage matches with my dad. On Monday, I came back to Toronto for a nice fall run in the cemetery, and then I went to see Frankenweenie which was a great movie! I highly recommend it, especially if you are a big Tim Burton fan. It was goth-tastic.
I'm sitting here STILL ON HOLD with the telecommunications company. Going on two hours.
I've got some fun stuff coming up this weekend. A party, a baptism, a concert, and my first Kenya meeting. I'm looking forward to it all.
And yay for short weeks!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
All I wanna get is a little bit closer.
I had a super fun weekend even though I skipped out on this year's edition of Nuit Blanche. I'm okay with it, there's always next year.
Anyway, since it's late and I wanna read a bit more of JK Rowling's A Casual Vacancy before I go to bed, I'll turn my weekend into point form.
- On Friday night, I went out for dinner at one of my fave restaurants in the city: The Ace. (Hey wigsf - you should go there and try the fried chicken, it's delicious. I'm curious to find out what a fried chicken connoisseur like you would think.) It was a fun time. I had some really yummy Belgian Bourbon ice cream, which was way more chocolatey than bourbony. Also, I think we had plans to go light on the wine, but then it turned out we should have bought a bottle. Wine by the glass gets pricey, yo!
- On Saturday, I procrastinated, read, ran, then FINALLY started my spring cleaning. (Don't point out it's fall, please don't.) I managed to get rid of two huge bags of clothing, yet I still am short on closet/drawer space. Still, I feel like I got a lot accomplished. During my next spring cleaning bout, I shall attack the bookshelf.
- Today I continued with the spring cleaning, then got a mani-pedi which was great. I got it a colour called Bad Romance - it's black with purple sparkles. Then I went to another fave restaurant, Tabule, for my dear work spouse's birthday. It was a good time, but a short time, as three of my pals have young kids and had to take off. Still, it's great to have a delicious meal with a bunch of great friends.
- I've also listened the crap out of this song this weekend. LOVE IT.
- I'm also really into the new Dragonette album Bodyparts. The above song and this album make for a fun fall soundtrack.
Anyway, that was my weekend. From Wednesday to Friday, I'm going to be out of town. I was invited to chaperone the school's leadership camp at an outdoor education centre so I figured why not? The kids are good and most of the activities are planned by the staff so I'm hoping I can sit beneath lovely fall foliage and read. (I'm sure it won't be the relaxing time I have pictured in my head.) On the bright side, it gives me an excuse to wear my $100 lululemon camping pants that I bought for my one and only ever camping trip in the summer of 2010. I knew they'd pay off.
Oh, and lastly, I contributed to my good friend Claire's I Love Your Blog series where she interviewed me about blogging! Check it out!
Happy Monday folks!
Anyway, since it's late and I wanna read a bit more of JK Rowling's A Casual Vacancy before I go to bed, I'll turn my weekend into point form.
- On Friday night, I went out for dinner at one of my fave restaurants in the city: The Ace. (Hey wigsf - you should go there and try the fried chicken, it's delicious. I'm curious to find out what a fried chicken connoisseur like you would think.) It was a fun time. I had some really yummy Belgian Bourbon ice cream, which was way more chocolatey than bourbony. Also, I think we had plans to go light on the wine, but then it turned out we should have bought a bottle. Wine by the glass gets pricey, yo!
- On Saturday, I procrastinated, read, ran, then FINALLY started my spring cleaning. (Don't point out it's fall, please don't.) I managed to get rid of two huge bags of clothing, yet I still am short on closet/drawer space. Still, I feel like I got a lot accomplished. During my next spring cleaning bout, I shall attack the bookshelf.
- Today I continued with the spring cleaning, then got a mani-pedi which was great. I got it a colour called Bad Romance - it's black with purple sparkles. Then I went to another fave restaurant, Tabule, for my dear work spouse's birthday. It was a good time, but a short time, as three of my pals have young kids and had to take off. Still, it's great to have a delicious meal with a bunch of great friends.
- I've also listened the crap out of this song this weekend. LOVE IT.
- I'm also really into the new Dragonette album Bodyparts. The above song and this album make for a fun fall soundtrack.
Anyway, that was my weekend. From Wednesday to Friday, I'm going to be out of town. I was invited to chaperone the school's leadership camp at an outdoor education centre so I figured why not? The kids are good and most of the activities are planned by the staff so I'm hoping I can sit beneath lovely fall foliage and read. (I'm sure it won't be the relaxing time I have pictured in my head.) On the bright side, it gives me an excuse to wear my $100 lululemon camping pants that I bought for my one and only ever camping trip in the summer of 2010. I knew they'd pay off.
Oh, and lastly, I contributed to my good friend Claire's I Love Your Blog series where she interviewed me about blogging! Check it out!
Happy Monday folks!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Maybe come September I will feel brand new.
I love when you randomly find an awesome thing on the internet.
I just found this. Kathleen Edwards. Take Away Show. In a Paris soccer field. Love.
I have to say that I'm really feeling her song Sidecar these days.
Also, I'm now craving Paris like anything. As I do most days.
I just found this. Kathleen Edwards. Take Away Show. In a Paris soccer field. Love.
I have to say that I'm really feeling her song Sidecar these days.
Also, I'm now craving Paris like anything. As I do most days.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Speak plain he said.
I liked this Monday, even though it was a Monday.
School was fine. Classes were good. Had a long student council meeting, but that's always OK 'cuz I like spending time with those kids.
After that I dragged myself to the gym and put in a pretty decent run. I have a 5K race coming up at the end of October and then an 8K at the beginning of November. I do not feel ready for either, but feel like I'll get there if I keep on running.
After I got home, I turned my computer to the MuchMusic stream of the 2012 Polaris Prize. The Polaris Prize is the Canadian version of the UK's Mercury Prize, and I enjoy it because it is an awesome celebration of great Canadian albums.
As I started watching the stream, I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich (best dinner ever always) and planned some espionage on the phone with a friend/former colleague as I made my dinner. That's talent.
I watched the duration of the award show and I really enjoyed the performances. My faves were Cold Specks, Kathleen Edwards, and Feist (of course). I also enjoyed checking out Grimes, because a few friends have been talking about her, and Cadence Weapon was pretty good too.
I was super happy that Feist won the prize! As you all know, her album Metals is one of my favourites, and I found that it has wound itself through my life in the past year, so I'm really happy that it won.
It's funny, when I started listening to Metals, I think my life was more like the first track "The Bad in Each Other" and now things have moved on to the final track "Get It Wrong, Get It Right".
Yay Feist.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
When they love you, and they will, tell them all they'll love in my shadow.
Right now I'm addicted to the Japandroids' album Celebration Rock. It's on the Polaris Prize short list, and I feel that I'm probably late to the party, but I'm glad I'm there. This album is eight gritty rock songs, and I love it. It reminds me of stuff I listened to eons ago.... perhaps Attack in Black or The Get-Up Kids or something. I'm trying to put my finger on it.
I like this video of their because it was filmed at one of my favourite Toronto rock venues: Lee's Palace. In fact, I'm going there tomorrow night to check out Rich Aucoin, who blew me away this summer at the Wolfe Island Musical Festival. It's a late show (he comes on at 11 pm), but oh well. QUIZZES FOR ALL on Friday, I say! :)
I think I posted the above music video before but I think a repeat is OK because it is so freaking good.
I went to the spa today after school. I am so relaxed right now.
I have so many excellent concerts coming up this fall too. Fall is the best season for sweater-wearing and concert-going.
And it's the weekend in two more days. Mine will be fun I know it. Hope yours is too.
I like this video of their because it was filmed at one of my favourite Toronto rock venues: Lee's Palace. In fact, I'm going there tomorrow night to check out Rich Aucoin, who blew me away this summer at the Wolfe Island Musical Festival. It's a late show (he comes on at 11 pm), but oh well. QUIZZES FOR ALL on Friday, I say! :)
I think I posted the above music video before but I think a repeat is OK because it is so freaking good.
I went to the spa today after school. I am so relaxed right now.
I have so many excellent concerts coming up this fall too. Fall is the best season for sweater-wearing and concert-going.
And it's the weekend in two more days. Mine will be fun I know it. Hope yours is too.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Oh Monday, Monday I'm done with you.
One of this things that I did this weekend that I didn't mention last post was to change up my hair colour a bit. I felt that my hair got washed out this summer by the sun, and was looking a bit mousey brown. So, I bought a dark brown hair dye (one that I've used before), and used it on Saturday morning and was quite happy with the results.
Over the summer, I forgot how any sort of change in my appearance becomes a talking point for students. And not just those in my class... I got random comments from kids in the hall, former graduates back to visit, student council members, and staff members too. I rather felt exhausted about hearing about my hair by the end of the day.
Here are some of the comments that made me laugh a bit.
"Miss! You dyed your hair! Is that a physical change, or a chemical change? Or maybe a bit of both?"
"Holy shhhh... You dyed your hair this weekend!" (I appreciated the self-censoring here.)
"Miss, what colour was your hair before? I liked it then. It was nice." (Said by the sweetest kid ever. I kind of wanted to un-dye it.)
Interestingly, I think the boys noticed way before the girls.
Also, this makes me want to get my nose pierced or maybe a tattoo just for fun. I wonder what the reaction would be like for those.
Over the summer, I forgot how any sort of change in my appearance becomes a talking point for students. And not just those in my class... I got random comments from kids in the hall, former graduates back to visit, student council members, and staff members too. I rather felt exhausted about hearing about my hair by the end of the day.
Here are some of the comments that made me laugh a bit.
"Miss! You dyed your hair! Is that a physical change, or a chemical change? Or maybe a bit of both?"
"Holy shhhh... You dyed your hair this weekend!" (I appreciated the self-censoring here.)
"Miss, what colour was your hair before? I liked it then. It was nice." (Said by the sweetest kid ever. I kind of wanted to un-dye it.)
Interestingly, I think the boys noticed way before the girls.
Also, this makes me want to get my nose pierced or maybe a tattoo just for fun. I wonder what the reaction would be like for those.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Hold That Thought.
I had a really great weekend. It included things like:
- a marathon Friday night BBQ with the work clique
- two lovely runs through the cemetery on cool sunny fall mornings
- lots of social plans: afternoon parties, dinners, brunches, drinks, etc.
- lots of enjoyable conversation
- making sure I was awake by 10 am on Saturday to buy tickets to Toronto date for the Sloan Twice Removed 2012 tour
Suffice it to say, I'm pretty wiped from the weekend, as per usual. I could have totally used another weekend day to read, watch a bit of TV, knit, and figure out a new running playlist for the fall. I think "Summer Running 2012" might have to be retired.
Hope you all have great weeks! I'll leave you with a song from the new Ben Folds Five album that I particularly love. I'm so glad that the first album in 13 years from BF5 has not disappointed me.
- a marathon Friday night BBQ with the work clique
- two lovely runs through the cemetery on cool sunny fall mornings
- lots of social plans: afternoon parties, dinners, brunches, drinks, etc.
- lots of enjoyable conversation
- making sure I was awake by 10 am on Saturday to buy tickets to Toronto date for the Sloan Twice Removed 2012 tour
Suffice it to say, I'm pretty wiped from the weekend, as per usual. I could have totally used another weekend day to read, watch a bit of TV, knit, and figure out a new running playlist for the fall. I think "Summer Running 2012" might have to be retired.
Hope you all have great weeks! I'll leave you with a song from the new Ben Folds Five album that I particularly love. I'm so glad that the first album in 13 years from BF5 has not disappointed me.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Calling on the backlines.
Lots of nice little things happening in the past few days.
- Lots of nice emails from various sources. Most special = an email from last year's student council president wishing me a good first meeting of the school year. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the kids are all right. Thoughtfulness rocks.
- Skype dates with Becca T and Claire.
- Time to read. I finished the Great Gatsby! I no longer have that huge literary hole (but I do have many others). I liked it as I do any well-written tragic tale. Now I'm reading a dark thriller by Gillian Flynn called Dark Places. She wrote the current bestseller Gone Girl which I wish everyone would read so I'd have people to talk to about it.
- An advanced download of Ben Folds Five's first album in thirteen years: The Sound of the Life of the Mind. I'm on my third listen and I really like it. There are songs that break my heart with beauty and bittersweet lyrics. It's out on September 18th for those of the rest of you. (I'm special because I pledged this album on Pledge Music and will get an autographed vinyl copy of it soon.)
- Starbucks has brought back my fall favourite: the salted caramel mocha frappucino. Delicious!
- Today I was treated to a small Stars concert at the historic Masonic Temple Concert Hall (which is now an MTV Canada studio) thanks to my friend Karen. She got us on the guest list. I knew about the concert. My pal Mathew, who was there too, told me about it, but for some reason I didn't register that I should go. Anyway, I'm glad that Karen got us in because I got to see Stars play three songs from The North (Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Get Love, Backlines, and The North). It was really great and we were so close. Man, I love this band!
Anyway, I've got lots of good stuff coming up too. Remember how I thought this was going to be a quiet weekend? Nope. I've got plans every day (two on Saturday). Maybe a bit of quite next weekend?
- Lots of nice emails from various sources. Most special = an email from last year's student council president wishing me a good first meeting of the school year. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the kids are all right. Thoughtfulness rocks.
- Skype dates with Becca T and Claire.
- Time to read. I finished the Great Gatsby! I no longer have that huge literary hole (but I do have many others). I liked it as I do any well-written tragic tale. Now I'm reading a dark thriller by Gillian Flynn called Dark Places. She wrote the current bestseller Gone Girl which I wish everyone would read so I'd have people to talk to about it.
- An advanced download of Ben Folds Five's first album in thirteen years: The Sound of the Life of the Mind. I'm on my third listen and I really like it. There are songs that break my heart with beauty and bittersweet lyrics. It's out on September 18th for those of the rest of you. (I'm special because I pledged this album on Pledge Music and will get an autographed vinyl copy of it soon.)
- Starbucks has brought back my fall favourite: the salted caramel mocha frappucino. Delicious!
- Today I was treated to a small Stars concert at the historic Masonic Temple Concert Hall (which is now an MTV Canada studio) thanks to my friend Karen. She got us on the guest list. I knew about the concert. My pal Mathew, who was there too, told me about it, but for some reason I didn't register that I should go. Anyway, I'm glad that Karen got us in because I got to see Stars play three songs from The North (Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Get Love, Backlines, and The North). It was really great and we were so close. Man, I love this band!
Anyway, I've got lots of good stuff coming up too. Remember how I thought this was going to be a quiet weekend? Nope. I've got plans every day (two on Saturday). Maybe a bit of quite next weekend?
Sunday, September 09, 2012
I am so much better than I used to be.
Right now I'm catching up on emails, etc. after passing out on my couch for two hours. I have had an insanely fun few days, and I think the fun kicked my ass a bit. Actually, my first week back at work pre-kicked my ass, and all of the fun just added to me being completely shattered.
On Thursday night, I went for dinner and a JKS show with my friend Paul. He was running a bit late, and as I was waiting for him on the SE corner of Bathurst and Bloor, my friend R (super fit phys ed teacher) ran into me (she was mid-run), and then I chatted with a group of three former students. I guess that's the intersection to be if you want to see people!
The concert was awesome. I saw JKS (lead singer of my favourite band ever, the Weakerthans) back in March when he played with a full band. This time, it was just him and a back-up guitarist. It was a great show! He played lots of new stuff from his solo album, and many Weakerthans old favourites. I can't believe that some of these songs have been with me for so many years. I remember discovering them back in university. How times flies. But lots of things stay the same: like hearing the songs "Pamphleteer" or "Aside" live is always great.
For his finale, he stood on a stool and sang "Virtute the Cat Explains her Departure" out into the crowd. That song breaks my heart because it's about a lost cat, and well, if Rilo ever got lost I would be devastated.
On Friday, Mathew and I did go for Thai at a hole-in-the-wall place he loves and it was excellent. We then watched the Hunger Games, which was good, but not as good as the book, as is the case with movies.
On Saturday, Heather and Jolene came down for the Night Race, and we had a great morning/afternoon of wandering around the city. I splurged on a couple of new books, and got a great birthday present for my work spouse (a pin based on elements!).
The race was fun. The most hilarious part was this year's race shirts were NEON YELLOW and we decided to wear the ugly things. The race itself went well. I was slow, but at least I didn't score a personal worst. The lights we had to wear on our head had a battery life of 17 hours, so our joke was as long as we beat that time, we were good.
On the bus ride home from the race, we heard girls in their twenties planning on going out after the race. We were tired, but I insisted that we go to a pub in our race gear and have beers and nachos so that we could feel young too.
Heather spent the night, so today we did some shopping and lunch, and then caught a movie. I'd wanted to see the documentary "The Queen of Versailles" during HotDocs in May, but it sold out. It's now playing at the Varsity. It was quite good. It's about a really rich couple who started building the largest single-family dwelling in the US, but then got hit by the economic crisis. It's a great conversation movie, that's for sure.
After that, Heather caught her train, and I went home and baked some treats for tomorrow's student council meeting. After that I passed out on my couch.
And soon it's Monday.
Hope it treats you all well.
On Thursday night, I went for dinner and a JKS show with my friend Paul. He was running a bit late, and as I was waiting for him on the SE corner of Bathurst and Bloor, my friend R (super fit phys ed teacher) ran into me (she was mid-run), and then I chatted with a group of three former students. I guess that's the intersection to be if you want to see people!
The concert was awesome. I saw JKS (lead singer of my favourite band ever, the Weakerthans) back in March when he played with a full band. This time, it was just him and a back-up guitarist. It was a great show! He played lots of new stuff from his solo album, and many Weakerthans old favourites. I can't believe that some of these songs have been with me for so many years. I remember discovering them back in university. How times flies. But lots of things stay the same: like hearing the songs "Pamphleteer" or "Aside" live is always great.
For his finale, he stood on a stool and sang "Virtute the Cat Explains her Departure" out into the crowd. That song breaks my heart because it's about a lost cat, and well, if Rilo ever got lost I would be devastated.
On Friday, Mathew and I did go for Thai at a hole-in-the-wall place he loves and it was excellent. We then watched the Hunger Games, which was good, but not as good as the book, as is the case with movies.
On Saturday, Heather and Jolene came down for the Night Race, and we had a great morning/afternoon of wandering around the city. I splurged on a couple of new books, and got a great birthday present for my work spouse (a pin based on elements!).
The race was fun. The most hilarious part was this year's race shirts were NEON YELLOW and we decided to wear the ugly things. The race itself went well. I was slow, but at least I didn't score a personal worst. The lights we had to wear on our head had a battery life of 17 hours, so our joke was as long as we beat that time, we were good.
On the bus ride home from the race, we heard girls in their twenties planning on going out after the race. We were tired, but I insisted that we go to a pub in our race gear and have beers and nachos so that we could feel young too.
Heather spent the night, so today we did some shopping and lunch, and then caught a movie. I'd wanted to see the documentary "The Queen of Versailles" during HotDocs in May, but it sold out. It's now playing at the Varsity. It was quite good. It's about a really rich couple who started building the largest single-family dwelling in the US, but then got hit by the economic crisis. It's a great conversation movie, that's for sure.
After that, Heather caught her train, and I went home and baked some treats for tomorrow's student council meeting. After that I passed out on my couch.
And soon it's Monday.
Hope it treats you all well.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Good luck, bad luck, survival. Sleep is my friend and my rival.
I thought that I'd be slowing down in September. It's a loaded statement for a teacher to use the words "slow down" and "September" in the same sentence, but you all remember the summer I had, right? There was no slowing down there!
Tomorrow night, I'm going to see my dear John K Samson (lead singer of the Weakerthans) play somewhere on Bathurst.
Friday I have plans with my dear friend Mathew. We're playing it by ear, but I'm hoping our ears will bring us to Thai food.
On Saturday, my friends Heather and Jolene (both from high school) are invading my place and we're doing the Energizer Night Race (5K). That's the night-time race I did last year where I had to wear a light on my head. It was super fun so we're doing it again. I'm so out of good running shape (too much eating and drinking this summer and not enough exercise despite the Grouse Grind) but I figure this will set a good time to obliterate when I do another 5K at the end of October.
On Sunday, I might get a chance to relax before another week. Next week/weekend seem quiet, and maybe it'll stay that way. I gotta get back to my knitting, reading, and watching of Breaking Bad.
Hope you're all enjoying September too!
Tomorrow night, I'm going to see my dear John K Samson (lead singer of the Weakerthans) play somewhere on Bathurst.
Friday I have plans with my dear friend Mathew. We're playing it by ear, but I'm hoping our ears will bring us to Thai food.
On Saturday, my friends Heather and Jolene (both from high school) are invading my place and we're doing the Energizer Night Race (5K). That's the night-time race I did last year where I had to wear a light on my head. It was super fun so we're doing it again. I'm so out of good running shape (too much eating and drinking this summer and not enough exercise despite the Grouse Grind) but I figure this will set a good time to obliterate when I do another 5K at the end of October.
On Sunday, I might get a chance to relax before another week. Next week/weekend seem quiet, and maybe it'll stay that way. I gotta get back to my knitting, reading, and watching of Breaking Bad.
Hope you're all enjoying September too!
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Well the only way I see this happening is in an extended ride north.
Made it through the first day. The first day is always a breeze. Well, not really this year, in that the AC in the school was COMPLETELY down (as opposed to a regular day when it's half down), and we were all melting. I wore pants. Big mistake. My mom told me a cold front is coming soon. I asked if it would be entering my school, because that's what that building needs. It retains heat like a mofo.
Anyway, it's too soon to tell if my classes are good. I am optimistic they will be. I've got all grade tens this semester. I like grade tens. They know what's the what, but are still humble and do their homework.
Now for some randomness.
I enjoy musicians who maintain really great mailing lists. Today I got an email from Hawksley Workman announcing his fall tour and it was beautifully written. Tonight, I got an email from Stars about their new album, The North, which came out today, and same thing.
I went on a mission to find a bag that will hold ALL of my stuff. I am tired of carrying a gym bag, a lunch bag and a purse and sometimes more to work. And I'm too old for a backpack. I found a tote that will carry it all, I hope. Tomorrow is its test.
I baked muffins for the science/math department at school as a treat for tomorrow since we have a morning meeting. I haven't baked in years. I don't know what came over me.
ANYWAY, the point of this blog post was to let you know I survived day #1.
Anyway, it's too soon to tell if my classes are good. I am optimistic they will be. I've got all grade tens this semester. I like grade tens. They know what's the what, but are still humble and do their homework.
Now for some randomness.
I enjoy musicians who maintain really great mailing lists. Today I got an email from Hawksley Workman announcing his fall tour and it was beautifully written. Tonight, I got an email from Stars about their new album, The North, which came out today, and same thing.
I went on a mission to find a bag that will hold ALL of my stuff. I am tired of carrying a gym bag, a lunch bag and a purse and sometimes more to work. And I'm too old for a backpack. I found a tote that will carry it all, I hope. Tomorrow is its test.
I baked muffins for the science/math department at school as a treat for tomorrow since we have a morning meeting. I haven't baked in years. I don't know what came over me.
ANYWAY, the point of this blog post was to let you know I survived day #1.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Inspiration.
As you all may, or may not, be aware, it's that time of year again: back to school. I gather that if you're a person in the rest of the world, without any school-aged children, you might not know that the school year is approaching. However, does anyone really forget the renewal that comes with a new September?
I have to say that I'm looking forward to the new school year. After a summer of travel and loads of fun, I'm feeling ready to go back into the classroom. On top of my optimism for a great new school year, the past couple of days have brought me some extra inspiration.
First of all, a colleague/friend lent me a book called "What Teachers Make" by the poet/teacher Taylor Mali. I purposely saved it to read at the end of the summer to give me some inspiration before a new school year. Mali is best know for the poem below:
I really enjoyed the book. Currently, Ontario's teachers are in the process of negotiating a new contract with the government, and with that comes anti-teacher comments following newpaper articles online. I've learned to stop reading comments following any newspaper story about teachers, however I made the mistake lately of skimming some, and I read a comment that described teachers as "under-worked, over-paid, and over-benefitted". GROSS. Luckily for me, Mali's book is a wonderful antidote to this attitude. It was a great reminder of how wonderful and important my job, and provided me with great inspiration before the new year.
Also, I have to comment that we are lucky in Canada: our teachers are fairly compensated. Often people complain teachers make too much money. One of the hallmarks of a good education system is that teachers are well-compensated and respected (eg Finland - the best in the world). If teachers aren't, you won't attract the best people to the profession, and students will suffer. You want great teachers? Pay them accordingly. Don't think it's a hard job? Come shadow me. I'll put you in front of my *best* class, and see how you fare, then ask you to teach one of my more challenging classes. Good luck.
Anyway, I think reasonable people will agree with me there.
I've spent the past two days at school working with 40 student leaders to organize and run an orientation day for our incoming grade nines. (This is just one of the many activities that I donate my own time to organize because I see the inherent value in it to students.) This has been another source of inspiration for me. It was an exhausting task organizing the day, but we got it done, and today the leaders did a fabulous job of running the day. Cue to me standing around, doing nothing for most of it. In education, you know things are going well when the teacher has nothing to do. After the grade nines left, I gave my best "you guys are amazing" speech to the leaders, and it felt good that the school year hasn't even started, but I've already had an opportunity to make students feel great about themselves.
One of my favourite moments was when a spunky grade nine tried to grab a basketball out of one of the leader's hands, and the leader said patiently "just hold on, you'll get to play basketball outside, okay?" and it really put the niner in his place (but very kindly). Afterwards, I told the leader that I thought the way he handled the situation was awesome, and you could see him just shine when I gave him praise. I'm so lucky to have this job.
Finally, I'm inspired to create a "Science Wall of Fun" in my classroom this year. I've been an itinerant teacher for years: jumping from this classroom to that one. This means that I'm never in one place long enough to decorate it, but this will change this year: I'm in one place for all of my classes.
The idea for the Science Wall of Fun, came from this quote that I came across on Facebook the other day. It made me really excited to share the amazing-ness of science with my students!
I've come across many nerdy science jokes on Facebook, and I spent about a hour last night printing out my favourites at home (so they'd be in colour). I can't wait to post them. I think this one is in the lead for my favourite!
So those are the three things that have left me inspired for a new school year. Tomorrow, I'm taking the train to Stratford, and my pal Vern is going to be kind enough to drive Ms. Rilo and I back to Toronto. I'm looking forward to having my buddy back!
Hope you all have great long weekends!
I have to say that I'm looking forward to the new school year. After a summer of travel and loads of fun, I'm feeling ready to go back into the classroom. On top of my optimism for a great new school year, the past couple of days have brought me some extra inspiration.
First of all, a colleague/friend lent me a book called "What Teachers Make" by the poet/teacher Taylor Mali. I purposely saved it to read at the end of the summer to give me some inspiration before a new school year. Mali is best know for the poem below:
I really enjoyed the book. Currently, Ontario's teachers are in the process of negotiating a new contract with the government, and with that comes anti-teacher comments following newpaper articles online. I've learned to stop reading comments following any newspaper story about teachers, however I made the mistake lately of skimming some, and I read a comment that described teachers as "under-worked, over-paid, and over-benefitted". GROSS. Luckily for me, Mali's book is a wonderful antidote to this attitude. It was a great reminder of how wonderful and important my job, and provided me with great inspiration before the new year.
Also, I have to comment that we are lucky in Canada: our teachers are fairly compensated. Often people complain teachers make too much money. One of the hallmarks of a good education system is that teachers are well-compensated and respected (eg Finland - the best in the world). If teachers aren't, you won't attract the best people to the profession, and students will suffer. You want great teachers? Pay them accordingly. Don't think it's a hard job? Come shadow me. I'll put you in front of my *best* class, and see how you fare, then ask you to teach one of my more challenging classes. Good luck.
Anyway, I think reasonable people will agree with me there.
I've spent the past two days at school working with 40 student leaders to organize and run an orientation day for our incoming grade nines. (This is just one of the many activities that I donate my own time to organize because I see the inherent value in it to students.) This has been another source of inspiration for me. It was an exhausting task organizing the day, but we got it done, and today the leaders did a fabulous job of running the day. Cue to me standing around, doing nothing for most of it. In education, you know things are going well when the teacher has nothing to do. After the grade nines left, I gave my best "you guys are amazing" speech to the leaders, and it felt good that the school year hasn't even started, but I've already had an opportunity to make students feel great about themselves.
One of my favourite moments was when a spunky grade nine tried to grab a basketball out of one of the leader's hands, and the leader said patiently "just hold on, you'll get to play basketball outside, okay?" and it really put the niner in his place (but very kindly). Afterwards, I told the leader that I thought the way he handled the situation was awesome, and you could see him just shine when I gave him praise. I'm so lucky to have this job.
Finally, I'm inspired to create a "Science Wall of Fun" in my classroom this year. I've been an itinerant teacher for years: jumping from this classroom to that one. This means that I'm never in one place long enough to decorate it, but this will change this year: I'm in one place for all of my classes.
The idea for the Science Wall of Fun, came from this quote that I came across on Facebook the other day. It made me really excited to share the amazing-ness of science with my students!
I've come across many nerdy science jokes on Facebook, and I spent about a hour last night printing out my favourites at home (so they'd be in colour). I can't wait to post them. I think this one is in the lead for my favourite!
So those are the three things that have left me inspired for a new school year. Tomorrow, I'm taking the train to Stratford, and my pal Vern is going to be kind enough to drive Ms. Rilo and I back to Toronto. I'm looking forward to having my buddy back!
Hope you all have great long weekends!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The tricky part is to come back home.
The above line is from the song "Sure Can Start" by Two Hours Traffic. It always goes
through my head when I return from a trip, especially one that precedes
getting back into the swing of things at work (I go in tomorrow for some
planning). Anyway, TO's been OK so far. I've been trying to get back
to Ontario time, visited my buddy down the street, and got my hair cut.
However, there have been a couple moments that have left me feeling
yucky. I guess that's just post-trip hangover.
Anyway, as a change of pace, I'm going to post pictures (!) instead of merely writing. Here are some pictures from the last part of my post. I'll go back in time and post some earlier photos another time.
Rawbean told me that I had to find this market on the Island that had goats on the roof. Luckily, it was on route to Tofino. We were driving and I asked Alison "what's the name of the market with the goats on the roof?" Before she could answer, the sign did the job. (I love that it's called what it is.)
And this is why we came! Actually, the market is pretty neat too. I got pressies for my parents there!
After the market, we stopped at Cathedral Grove, which is a nice little trail where you can see some of the biggest/oldest trees in Canada.
We spent the night in Ucluelet, which is described by my guidebook as "Tofino's ugly stepsister". I completely disagree. It had a couple nice small beaches, and we had drinks on a boat. The next day, we walked around part of the Wild Pacific Trail that brought us to a lighthouse. Here's a picture of the view:
Alison walking the trail:
The lighthouse:
After that, we drove to Long Beach which is in between Ucluelet and Tofino. It's a very long beach. :) It was pretty windy that day, so I had to walk down the beach in a hoodie.
It was a good day for para-surfing... I think that's what this is called.
My feet in the Pacific. (Note the nice pedicure I got in Vancouver... and my annual summer Birkenstock foot tan.)
After Long Beach, we drove into Tofino to see the town. It was your average beach town. We stayed long enough to visit an art gallery, take a picture of the sign, and have a quick dinner.
The next day, I drove to Victoria, and met up with Jabba for dinner. On Saturday, I spent a full day in Victoria with Jabba. Yay! We did high tea (with mimosas!) at the Empress.
Here's a picture of the BC legislature during the day...
... and at night. I love how it's lit up!
Well, that's a brief wrap-up of my trip with photos.
ps If you are a Stars fan, you can stream the new album here! I love it!!!
Anyway, as a change of pace, I'm going to post pictures (!) instead of merely writing. Here are some pictures from the last part of my post. I'll go back in time and post some earlier photos another time.
Rawbean told me that I had to find this market on the Island that had goats on the roof. Luckily, it was on route to Tofino. We were driving and I asked Alison "what's the name of the market with the goats on the roof?" Before she could answer, the sign did the job. (I love that it's called what it is.)
And this is why we came! Actually, the market is pretty neat too. I got pressies for my parents there!
After the market, we stopped at Cathedral Grove, which is a nice little trail where you can see some of the biggest/oldest trees in Canada.
We spent the night in Ucluelet, which is described by my guidebook as "Tofino's ugly stepsister". I completely disagree. It had a couple nice small beaches, and we had drinks on a boat. The next day, we walked around part of the Wild Pacific Trail that brought us to a lighthouse. Here's a picture of the view:
Alison walking the trail:
The lighthouse:
After that, we drove to Long Beach which is in between Ucluelet and Tofino. It's a very long beach. :) It was pretty windy that day, so I had to walk down the beach in a hoodie.
It was a good day for para-surfing... I think that's what this is called.
My feet in the Pacific. (Note the nice pedicure I got in Vancouver... and my annual summer Birkenstock foot tan.)
After Long Beach, we drove into Tofino to see the town. It was your average beach town. We stayed long enough to visit an art gallery, take a picture of the sign, and have a quick dinner.
The next day, I drove to Victoria, and met up with Jabba for dinner. On Saturday, I spent a full day in Victoria with Jabba. Yay! We did high tea (with mimosas!) at the Empress.
Here's a picture of the BC legislature during the day...
... and at night. I love how it's lit up!
Well, that's a brief wrap-up of my trip with photos.
ps If you are a Stars fan, you can stream the new album here! I love it!!!
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