And, the descent begins...

So, back to school is starting to creep into my mind... both through commercials and uh, it being August. Yay for me - I know where I'm going :) and I've been busy throughout the last two weeks, and have a few things lined up before I'm "back at it."
Fringe was this week. I am so glad I randomly decided to volunteer there last year... it is a blast! I get to see some plays, be with like-minded volunteers and talk with crazy-talented fringe performers. There were a few amazing plays this year, and talked a little with the performers of some of them. One was a song cycle called "Twenty-Five" (songs are connected but not overly related like a musical is), and all the people singing are just finishing their music degrees. We chatted about different requirements (thank goodness their piano wasn't portable... they were asking me to play my lefty stuff...), and a few actors once they found out I'm a teacher, had some great conversations! One man (jem rolls) talked about his experience in England schools to make sure that I wasn't like one of "those bloody imbeciles". Another (his play, Big Shot was probably the best of Fringe in my books), talked about how he related to his teachers, and was pumped that I do music and photo (and we have dance... and musicals).
Also saw a ton of students there - most of them went out of their way to say hi ;) I was wearing a strapless sundress on one of the days... I was frequently reminded that I was violating the dress code (bare shoulders). Easy reply: tell the VP when school's back in if I wear it on school grounds lol. I was also lucky enough to run into a guy I went to high school with during his brief trip back home from Korea, and although we only spoke shortly, it was good to see! (The assistant producer is also a high school friend) I just loved that environment. Maybe it's Broadway and my connection there, or the acceptance in the fringe, even with basically complete strangers.

WICKED is this week!!! Mom and I are going to a matinee performance. Super excited - haven't seen a musical since London with Les Mis (sorry, not counting TD's Little Shop...). Now, I realize these are completely different musicals, but nonetheless, it's a professional production. If I wasn't such a nervous performer, I would've loved to pursued that as a career.

And then it's the week of weddings - my cousin is getting married on Saturday here (to yet another WMCI grad - we're the best lol). Should be fun, and huge! Get to see some family that don't live here anymore, so that's a definite plus. Then, the next Thursday, it's a drive to BC so I can shoot another cousin's wedding, then drive home Sun/Mon... to be at school (shudder) on Thursday.

And, in there, I still have to finish my parents' deck/fence painting, do some January conference planning, and finish my prep for school! And of course a few unofficial staff gatherings better be in the works :)

Well, I can't say I'll be bored until school starts (or I give you permission to hit me...)

Tis been good this week....

So, Monday was my birthday - woohoo, here comes 28!! Last year rocked, so hopefully the trend continues.
   And, it kinda has. On Monday, a bunch of good things happened! First, went to lunch with a colleague, then drove home to find a contract for me to sign (I am super-officially going to teach again lol). Spent time with family, got WICKED TICKETS! Well, I paid for mine, but still. I've heard many good things, so I'm excited. And, another milestone (numbers again) in weightloss world. Major milestone hopefully hitting soon :D
   Mom and I drove to Calgary on Tues. Again, family time with people in Airdrie (without too massive of an asthma attack from the furry friends), and some shopping. First of all, I'm going to have to totally share a POSITIVE retail experience (and since I've worked retail, I'm overly sensitive to customer service). My iPod I bought in 2009 - refurbished - has been acting up for a while. Considering I almost always try to get to an Apple Store when we go to Calgary, I booked an appointment.
   Right away, they offered me a replacement (same model, which works perfectly if I get an iphone this year) at a ridiculously discounted price. So I jumped at it - really, I couldn't find one at one of those liquidation places for that price. Just before we do the paperwork, he decides to run a battery test on it, and my battery has been used enough that I could get a BRAND NEW (again, same model) iPod for $89... we're talking the 32G model, not a Nano. The only catch was I had to go to their other location to pick it up (and it was basically on the way to IKEA). When I get there, the people I talked to were awesome - there had been a glitch and they didn't actually have it. So as "apology" they offered to ship me the iPod, which I thought was decent (I mean, I know inventory glitches happen - and they were honest about it)... but they also waived the BATTERY charge!? So, I get a brand new ipod for FREE delivered to my house as an apology - all for an appointment I was fully expecting them to upsell me to a new model. No selling at all - just honesty. I know that it's a PR thing - I will go back the store if satisfied, yaddayadda... but seriously, I WILL go back. Being polite and honest and not a pushy seller make a great customer experience for me, and they did it to perfection. Proves that Apple really is better :)
     Realized I don't like Calgary traffic when there are accidents: twice this trip, I've been stuck. The first time, we were stuck on Deerfoot for 1.5 hours to get where it only took us like 25, and today, there was an accident with the Ctrain, and I was an hour late getting to my destination. And it's always been on the way OUT of Calgary... as if they're trying to tell me to stay (and find a teaching job? Ya, right).
  Today was the Photoshop seminar. The presenter is the leading authority on PhotoShop, as in all the training online (and official magazine) is edited/run/founded by him. He set up different shoots with different models, took us step by step, from shooting to final product. I learned some, reinforced tons, and have some ideas for both myself and for students. And I got to spend time with a few friends from university, which I love to do :)

   Now, home tomorrow... and more adventures I hope. Maybe I'll remember to actually take pictures... I've been busy and don't have much proof! Guess I'll just have to change that :)

So, summer holidays....

First off, I do love a good SK thunderstorm. However, I do NOT love living alone when the power's out! Thankfully I have an internet stick that runs off cell phone signals and a charged laptop. Way too dependant on technology. It's either blog, or start playing crib by myself, and lose...

Summer has been great so far! I've done a little work on the cabin (staining all the wood on the outside, as per Dad's request) and that's paying off some of my rent for the summer. Also have gotten to see a whole slew of people this time around - almost like I have a social life! (No, the earth didn't just end, but I hear hell may be freezing over!) I have got to have coffee with people I keep 'meaning to,' and next week get to see a few more once I hit Alberta! So many of the people I work with are great to hang out with during the summer too, go figure :) Seriously, I continue to love the fact I got that phone call last August.

And, I know most of you are avid Facebook users, so you've seen this in my status. During the strike days of school, I had to cancel my Photo 30 class trip. Not that it was something huge - just a few hours at the Berry Barn (local attraction with gorgeous grounds to shoot) and take pictures and help out. Some of my former students - now that they've officially graduated - organized a minifield trip this week to the barn! It was pretty cool... they wanted to do this, on their own time. It was so laidback and entertaining. They continue to make me laugh, remembering my own Photo 30 craziness and just being at the time of your life where you're not sure about the next step, just that you're doing it... The four of us had a blast, and judging by the photos on FB, some of their skills have stuck with them :) I know there were some that couldn't make it, so hopefully another opportunity arises.

Heading to Calgary/Airdrie again next week. There is a PhotoShop seminar held by the guys who run Photoshop, and the price was great. I'm super excited about it - get some tips and tricks for myself... and maybe even a few lesson plans. And of course, that also means seeing some good friends, and family. I don't have a lot of shopping plans (I'm not about to buy school clothes when I'm inbetween sizes...grrr I hate this stage), and really, don't have a lot of money. I can't get EI because I'm going to have work in a few weeks, and no paycheck. Don't you just love teaching salaries ;)

I've decided I really need to travel again. So many of my new Guiding friends from India are in Scotland right now for the World Conference. Because we have sooooo many members that should have the opportunity to go, I will only go on one trip as an adult, and India was it. I'm thinking I should do a tour of Europe, stopping at GG people along the way. That would cover Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Belaruse, Austria... I'd say that would be quite the couch-surfing adventure! Of course, I'd have to spend time in London again, probably Scotland, maybe a repeat to Paris... Seriously, I'm percolating it in my brain - I was thinking 2012, but that might be a stupid time to tour the UK thanks to the Olympics. 2013 - that would be a hell of a way to celebrate turning 30.... OR, does anyone know someone who needs a travel partner that would pay my way?

... the pouring started up again. The house has shook a few times, and a couple cracks of thunder really made me jump. I'm thinking I'm not going to see any more TV tonight :) What else to do so my computer power isn't all eaten in one swoop... 15-2, 15-4, run is 7 and the right jack is 8...

Grads and other ramblings

  So, grad was last night... which means people dressed up and ceremonies were had. The actual grad ceremony was your standard - list the grads, speak, see people get awards, and clap lots :) In all seriousness, I feel fortunate to have worked with some of these students throughout the year. I taught Guitar and Photo and the 12 level, and had a blast. I know many of the staff who've been there since the beginning have always said good things about this group. If these guys run the world, it will be a happier place at least!

    Had a good time with the students (even met some parents... haha), and had a great day with the staff during the day. Speeches were phenomenal - way better than the speeches when I graduated (mainly because I'm pretty sure I fell asleep during the toasts back in the day). 

 

My grad, now teaching grads!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the staff I work with? I spent the entire day with them (coffee with one friend, lunch with a group, afternoon "tea" with some, then "staff collaboration" afterwards). Awesome conversations, I keep laughing and I feel comfortable being me. I'm so glad to return in the fall! Can't wait til Tues, that's for sure :)

  In other, non-work news... I did another 5k run today. And NO WALKING this time! At the Boogie, I walked for 5 minutes to catch my breath. Today I ran the whole thing - now, I did it slowly, but I did it. Even with this wicked cough/smoker's hack. Should I take up smoking to clear it up?

  Booked my ticket for the PhotoShop seminar this July. Good thing I'm teaching it again - it seems to justify me going to Calgary :) 

  Okay, so I should finish cleaning. Not that I should worry - family gathering with family that will be happy to be together rather than critique (at least to my face). 

 Hopefully the rest of my summer has moments filled with fun and adventure. I figure this weekend is a good kick-off!

One day more...

Okay, one final more, but had to throw in a Les Mis reference. Tomorrow is the last period final, then grad, then days of cleaning/planning. Then SUMMER!
Some of the students have really pulled their weight and pulled a credit. I've said this before - it takes more work to FAIL photo than it takes to shoot enough to pass. Don't get me wrong, I was lucky to work with amazing photographers in all grades this semester, but the stress comes from the few that figure I should give them a pass because they graced me with their presence most days.
I had grade 12's today, and this was their last final. Ever (well high school anyways). It was interesting to see their reactions. Of course, I gave them the hardest assignment in the world - breakfast potluck and a portfolio eval. Yup, I am such a witch. Their reactions reminded me of grade 12... but for Murray, it was more about yearbook signing. I have pics from that day (with lots of short hair after grad lol), and I have fun reading the comments from friends. The realization that you won't see these people everyday was scary and overwhelming.
But do high school students really need to "worry" about that? I'm not being cynical. Today there's Facebook (which I use to keep in contact with lost acquaintances), Twitter (which I use too, just for the heck of it), plus blogging, Flickr, Tumblr and any other social media thing I'm forgetting. Really, if you have all your graduating class on your account, do you miss them?
When I started facebook, that is what I did... found as many people as possible. But I quickly realized we are at different spots in life... or that if we didn't really talk in high school, why would we on Facebook? Don't get me wrong. I have made friends with high school people out of high school, but I have also removed a lot of people from my page too. Maybe that's why my class isn't planning a 10 year reunion (that, or I'm not invited). Really, the people I want to keep in touch with I talk to, and hear about others.
Does FB/internet replace real live people talk? Absolutely not. But still, the occasional contact is all most are looking for.

Okay, really should sleep... I'm sure falling asleep while delivering a final isn't all that professional...

25 Random Things...

So... I have a crapload of things running randomly through my head today. It's probably teacher-brain-meltdown, when your brain can't handle the late assignments, lame excuses and poor effort any longer. Maybe by writing them down, I'll be a better teacher tomorrow (that, or one of you will have me committed).
1. If I hear one more time some lame excuse about not handing in stuff, I will scream. I don't care if your dog had a haircut five months ago; it has nothing to do with your ability to have printing in your account.
2. I need to learn to play pingpong.
3. Why was I dumb enough to have all my students work with sharp utensils these last two weeks?
4. Related to 3: I need to get my first aid up-to-date.
5. I think it's funny that someone thought I was a popular girl in high school...
6. What would you dooo for a Klondike Bar? (I told you this was random).
7. I read my work ed. student's job reflection today. I loved it! Keeping a copy for when I need a teaching confidence boost.
8. I had a woman I have never met tell me I look like my father. Excellent... yay Mennonite genes.
9. How hard would it be to start working on my masters? I found a college online I like...
10. I hit another weightloss milestone, tied to numbers. I haven't been this weight since grade 11.
11. I really want to travel this summer, but don't have the money.
12. Related to 11: I need a rich guy.
13. I love living by myself. I don't know if I could live with a roommate (unless, of course, #12 comes true).
14. A grade 12 kid proved today that too many people believe FB is truth.
15. I'm freaking out about training advisor. HELP!
16. Marty Robbins: "A White, Sport Coat, and a... Pink Carnation.... (do-do-do)"
17. Blond or strawberry this summer?
18. I wish my iPod would work. The screen's been wonky.
19. My list of possible tattoos are way too long... so are my piercings.
20. All in one night, my sister was in the hospital for a test, I was at a mediclinic, and my cousin broke his ankle. Hmmmm, gotta love healthcare.
21. Mosquitos v. ticks.... who would win?
22. How many people still call their high school teachers by Ms/Mrs/Mr?? I still do... even though I have gotten 'yelled' at.
23. Staffroom quote: "Can we all go to 'Bad Teacher' and call it PD?"
24. My dad is Oscar: Oscar the grouch, and Oscar from Corner Gas (24.5: Meg is Hank).
25. "Unravelling the mystery... it all started with a Big Bang!! (*BANG)"

Maybe I should go find the padded room now :)

Good day for my self-confidence :)

     So... I will be returning to my current position in the fall. Long story short, the school is combining the mat leaves - I'll probably teach a bunch of photo term 1, with a guitar class; then term 2 will be at least a few guitar classes. Nothing is overly official (mainly because the guitar mat leave isn't technically covered yet until she files the paperwork). So, I'm happy - love the school, get to try the same thing twice (crazy, I know!), and really enjoy the people I work with.

    This summer I have to go to a few weddings (considering I'm the official photographer in one, and unofficial in another) and grad (at the request of my grade 12's :D).  What does that mean? I had to get a dress... which is usually a pain in the ass. And really, I had to; I tried one of my usuals on and it fell off (wow, that's a wardrobe malfunction that NO ONE wants to see). I tried a different store today, and when the salesperson guessed my size I laughed (why do they do that - seriously, I would've never tried to do that working retail!!). However, the joke was on me: she was right! The dress I got was a full 3 sizes smaller than the last dress I bought. Now I have to get shoes... blah (hate more than clothes shopping. Yes, I'm sure I'm really female lol).

     And then I went to the Dance showcase at school. I had one of my "problem" students from my contract from hell give me a hug (saying I was her favourite, yada yada yada). And my boss from my last retail gig was there and we talked for a bit. It felt good saying my life was on track *and that I wasn't wanting to go back for the summer... especially after finding out some students work there now.

    Just the little things added up today. Throw in a good visit with colleagues, staff bbq and a good mood... this is what I look forward to. Hopefully tomorrow is even better!