I can hardly believe that this year is coming so quickly to a close.
Really it is not a big deal at all.
But.... This is also nearing the end of my year of being 29.

I look forward to the challenges awaiting me on my thirtyith bday. (That looks AND sounds strange)

New Years Resolution?
Hmmm

1. Learn to return phone calls.
2. Travel more
3. Take up spinning. (One class already under my bel, thanks seestor)

Not terribly exciting are they.

Will have to do for today.

So, have just sent out an xmas greeting, and then realized that I had better update this page.
So, will do the tech thing and cut and paste what has been sent to all. Much faster, I would presume.


Dear Family living in warmth.
We certainly are not. Mum’s house according to Sarah is a true British home. We are all wrapped up in blankets and are sitting in one room. The weather is not white, which is fine with me. I am all about Global Warming.
The loot has all been ripped into and this Christmas is another roaring success.
Lorne confirmed to me that the fifty dollar bill that one of my monsters passed to me, is defiantly counterfeit, and I am anxiously awaiting reporting it to the community officer when we return to school.
Sarah has been busy making fun of me as I have been sick, and she is now wrapped in a blanket having a morning nap, my cough is now her cough.
Grandpa was delighted as he received a gorgeous head lamp and by the time I got up this morning he had the batteries attached and had given it a test run. He also is surrounded by lovely chocolates that were brought back from London.
Grandma got lots of lovely things. Her favorite being her new printer and mouse. She is now really established as modern woman. You should have seen her. She picked up the box and without opening it she knew what it was. Then she confidently said that the next thing must be a mouse. I tell you. Our next project is to redecorate the tv room at her house with a work station for her. She wants to wait for after xmas as there is too much going on here at the moment.
I have taken to not bringing all the presents out at once. I have a lovely pair of PJ’s for grandma at my house. She might just have to wait until her birthday. I also bought Mum a lovely serving bowl that is impossible to wrap. We all have visions of a small bird served on it, or a large salmon. Maybe a suckling pig, although we don’t eat those kind of things.
The Thompson’s were all over last night. They are all so tall that I felt that I was in my element. We all went to church and Grandpa and Lorne stayed at the house to sleep, I mean make sure that all the presents were safe. All the ladies wore black bottoms and red tops, we were quite spectacular. I watched with horror as one girl in her 20s had her feet resting on the top of the pew in front of her. Keith was shocked that someone was sitting worse than he was. Hmmmm!!!!
Dawn gave me a Region of York Firefighter calendar which I think she really wanted to keep herself. She even had some of the men sign the calendar.
Mum has taken to knitting and no more of those obsessive little squares that you showed her how to make. We are all getting new scarves and they are very lovely. Mark had mine wrapped around his neck last night and has requested a blanket be made for him as he does not want a scarf.
We are off to Ingersol this afternoon for more mayhem with the Weekes. We have the annual bid to see what time we will eat dinner at. AC is much better than she used to be. One year we arrived around 4pm and the turkey had not yet been put in the oven. The call came this morning that the bird went in around 10:30am. We shall see. I once waq in the States for turkey day and the fuse blew on the oven. There was no turkey that day.
Rang Barbara and Steele and they are all well. They were just sitting down to a quiet dinner. That is not what xmas is all about. It is about large amounts of people, and arguments, and picture taking. FUN FUN FUN.

Hope santa finds you well, and take care

Love to all from all.

KJ

Buttons and Snotty Kleenex.

So everything that I put on today that had a button... is now sans one button. How bizarre.

Saw the craziest thing today in Black's Photography.
This kid was wailing away, arms and legs flying, snotty kleenex in hand....

And then he whipped it at the lady standing behind him in line.
It bounced right off her face. Who knew that kleenex could fly so far?

The women's face that it hit... priceless. The funniest look of revolt I have ever seen.
She even tried to duck and took it deeper on the face.

Not right to laugh as I still am snickering 8 hours later.

Je me demande des fois comment le coeur functionne. Chaque fois que notre coeur est brise, on insiste qu'on ne tombera jamias encore en amour. On ne l'ouvre plus. On ne donnera jamais l'access a notre esprit. On insiste avec notre ame que la prochaine fois on ne tombera jamais si profonde, si vite. Il est inevitable quand meme. Il n'est pas un choix qu'on peut faire. Au moins, je ne suis pas capable de controler. Je crois que c'est mon desire de donner et se sentir voulu.

K

So how do you deal with a person that says something that they mean to come out as a compliment and it just comes out like an insult.

Turn and walk away. I guess.

I am officially finished my xmas shopping, and someone is getting something spectacular. Have put up my baby tree up and started to pile up the little tidbits that I have collected here and there.
Let me repeat, someone is getting the coolest present ever.

And to those devious enough to open their presents before Christmas...

If anyone is interested in getting me anything... a nice man would be the only request.

Have Leaf Tickets for sat night. I am a great date....

Ever do something and not realize that you are doing it?
I was driving home from work on friday and was trying to convince myself to not go shopping.
I saw this water delivery truck driving down the road. It was a Pure Tap Truck that delivers bottled water to homes and business. It was a company that my dad started years ago and sold. So the next thing I know I am following this truck to the outskirts of the big bad city. And I didn't even realize that I had followed it so far. And for what reason?
Very strange.

On another tangent, had some gum last night. It was the strangest sensation. It tasted like gum. Not like a flavored one, but an original flavoured gum. It was bizarre. ORIGINAL? Hmmmm

So I have been watching “The Simple Life” with the Hilton and Ritchie girls.
I know! More reality television. It is so wrong. But why is something so wrong so funny.
So in the first episode, the girls are sitting around the table and Nicole (who I think is the more intelligent of the two) asks if the kids hang out at Walmart. Paris, the future scholar asks what Walmart is. Now, bless her cultured soul. The rich thing (I was about to say poor thing… as if) would never have come into contact with common world things like a crazy superstore. The fact that she has the ability to laugh at herself to me is just priceless. When they go to the grocery store and spend more money than they have, they ask if they can have the over purchased items for free. The man laughs at them and tells them that his store is not a soup kitchen. As they tear away in their beater truck, the laugh as they ask each other what a soup kitchen is.
So here I am in my classroom and the kids are writing a unit test on The Chrysalids. One of my little angels comes up to me and asks me what “hired help” is. A collision of two worlds I tell you. He must not be from the Hilton, Ritchie clan.

I feel like I have turned back the clocks.
I have had a crazy weekend, and it makes me feel young again.
Drinks on Thursday, Christmas Party on Friday night, starting with a cocktail party at my house, followed be an appearance at the C Lounge in the big T dot.

Can I play celebrity bingo for a moment. Prince! (Or the artist formerly known as Prince) Not two feet from me, and when he walked past I discretly reached out so that he would touch me as he past. He did. And fascinating that he is such a tiny man. Very interesting.

Saturday was about recovering from Friday and then off to a fab blender party. Those girls are so wild. Wish I had a ride home... I would have been just as much fun if you know what I mean.

Spent time today wrapping my xmas presents. 15 school days left until the break. But who is counting?

Turning in early tonight as too many martinis this weekend have taken their toll on my soul.

A random entry on a random day.

Not feeling inspired to share much these days.

Had a flasblack last week. Remember the printer paper that we used to use. The one with the perforated edges that you had to rip apart?

Did some shopping yesterday and ended up with two fab belts, a new green ring, and other unmentionables;.

Met some people for drinks.
Was asked what kind of guy I was looking for. Did not know what to answer, thus the reason that I probably have not found him.

Nice to hang out with adults for a change. A CFO, that drives a beamer? We shall see. Why do I have to be sooo tall. Funny how everyone wants to be tall, but those who are tall don't want to be.
Is it wrong of me to not be interested in someone because if their height? I guess I have to realize that every guy that you meet is not a guy you have to date. It is OK to be friends. So easy to say, harder to accomplish.

Over the last two weeks however I have had my self esteem increased. It is nice to have people buy me dinner and drinks, and have interesting conversations. (Not that I am material, because I am not) I truly need to step outside of my box.

But I am scared.

Off the the office Christmas party tonight. The verdict is still out... Will report back.

K

I love my neighbours.
Did they not rake up all of my leaves last night.
What angels.
Hope they love the cake that I will bake for them this evening.
The are truly special.
I think they feel sorry for me because I fo not have a husband to do such things around the house.
Bless.

And if only the rain would stop I could bag everything up. I am however happy that it is not snow.
I have ben listening though for the hammers and saws, and the animals lining up two by two.
When will it stop?

Are people that are rich, naturally cheap?
I wonder.
Seems to me they are always the ones returning things to a store because they have gone on sale.
Why can't I bring myself to return items. I feel like it is a sin.

And on another note, to justify my shoe obsession...
Sex in the City this weekend.

(Summary)
You can never judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.
That is why women need so many pairs of shoes.
They have many different miles to walk.

Words of definitive wisdom.

I am back.
I have taken to not bringing my laptop to work with me.
It is great as I do not spend half as much time as I did in the past online.

Read an article mentionning some of the best places in the world to visit.
New York (been there) want a puppy desperatly, or a kitten.

Boston (been there) bought a gorgeous travel bag, which came in handy for my big trip to New York.

San Fransisco (been there) spent a week on a lovely boat.

London (Hello, almost every three months)

I need not continue.

I am a travelling Mamma (sans little ones)

Lovely to spend so much time with my seestor, who I will be seeing again in another 6 weeks. And in my haste to get out on the road, I left all of my minimal purchases behind.
If she is smart, seestor will keep them and then give them to me for xmas.

Tried to touch base this week with a few strangers, but had little luck.
A little disapointed, but what can you do. Made my effort.

Thank You and Congratulations

I think that things have finaly taken a turn for the better.

Thank you for listening to my ranting this weekend. The first person that I want to talk to when I am sad or unhappy. And of course a little tipsy.

Congratulations to Vivian and Rick. The weather held up and the day and night was just perfect. Congratulations on your new life together, you crazy newlyweds.


Congratulations to Lisa, Dave, and Ashley, as they welcome Ryan David to the family. He is so gorgeous. And I have been asked to be a Godmother. Thank you for such an honour.

Congtulations to Teresa and Derrick who are newly engaged. So cute to hear Derrick reminding Teresa of the details he so carefully planned out. You have picked a great wife, and you a great husband.

K

I’m not sure if it was the shot of champagne that I had before I went to work this morning. But today is not the best day that I have ever had.

Come to think of it. This has been a pretty much all around awful week. Things kicked off last Friday at about this time, and I think I have yet to rebound properly.

I have had a challenging week with all of my good deeds backfiring in my face.
Therefore resulting in me NEVER wanting to do ANYTHING nice for anyone ever again. How mature is that as a statement. (And I so don’t mean that!)

Basically reached my limit today and started to cry when the last straw was slapped across my face. (Which turned out to be a joke, by someone who did not know that I was already fragile, which in turn made me cry again as I was upset that he was upset that he had upset me.)

Could not wait to see the end of the day.

Looking forward to Vivian’s wedding, to seeing Ryan David Shen, and my gym visit tomorrow.

And, had only eight monsters come by the house for trick or treat.
Have a bowl of chocolate that I do not eat.
The weather is spectacular tonight. Must be about 10.
Much better than the 1 it was last year, with gross rain.
Still few kids out. It is not like it used to be when we were little.

Times change

So my neighbour, bless his heart, lost his wife to cancer almost two years ago. It was the beginig to the shock in our neighbourhod as my father died ony months later. I think everyone was worried that they might be next.

Anyway, I was over a few weeks ago and saw a man coming out of the house.
Now, I did not catch them in a compromising position at all. I repeat, not at all. The visitor however was extending a red rose to my neighbour.

I guess they way that I said good morning was suggeting that something suspicious was going on.
They fumbled around and tried to explain to me what they were doing.
Laughing I told them that I had seen nothing and would say nothing.

It was the most hillarious event, as I entered the house in tears after watching the two of them say goodbye to each other.

And I lied, I said something, but saw nothing.

Am lying in my bed for the first night in a couple of nights.
Don't get excited, I have nothing to report.

Felt the weight of some past relationships and retreated to the guest room to escape the memories. Like sleeping in another room will resolve anything.

Guess I have just had a couple of rough days and am looking for a way to snap out of it.
It is amazing what we try and trick ourselves into believing.

I was looking so forward to the gym tonight as it does wonders for my heart, soul, and buns.
You heard me, BUNS.

I have an ass.

Yes, that might sound strange, but if you know my family, you know that we have flat butts.
To my surprise tonight when I gazed in the mirror and watched the great cheeks that looked back at me. Where did that come from?

DAMN

On another fab note, I am happy to report the new arrival of Lisa, dave, and Ashley's new baby Ryan David to the world. Am so excited to see him in person. I love babies.

And when she was nice...
she was very, very nice.

And when she was bad...

LET"S NOT EVEN GO THERE.

So, have lots of time on my hands today.
Do you think that I have accomplished anything.

HELL NO.

Why is it that I get more done when I have no time to do anything and I get nothing done when I have tons of time?

I think that is another one if life's mysteries.

My brilliant co worker told me today that he knows why I am single.

This I had to hear.

He says that I don't look like I am single. I look like I am taken because I have a sense of presence when I walk into a room. (I am paraphrasing the last part.)

He is now on the hunt for my future husband.

Home in one piece from BOWSTON.
And have a beaut chocolate brown luggage set, and fab new Abercrombie tshirt, and a bottle of lime Absolute Vodka.

What an eventful weekend.

My friend the beer commercial, as the bar staff took a liking to her legs and did a two minute serenade up and down her legs.

The drunk guy who said he would be a witness if she wanted to sue for harrassment.

To horny Pete how kept pur seats warm util we came back from the bathroom, he was so impressed that Paul had two wives.

The scene in the Abercrombie store. (FYI you can't buy the VISUAL) What a freekin disaster.

Reading the best friends book that Evy and I put together. Ahh the memories, or the flashbacks I should say.

My ability to big the longest and slowest moving line in the airport.

To the little monster who kicked my seat the whole flight home.

But above all the great time watching the Boston New York game, where the poor old man got rolled by the pitcher. What a disaster!!!

And back to work tommorow.

Where will my next sponateous trip take me?

Maybe New York?

Hmmmmm

K

Could I be any more spontaneous?

I am going to Boston this weekend to see my bestest female friend in the entire world. She is thrilled that I am coming for a visit.

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

Today was a long and hectic day. I have a splitting headache that this computer screen is just accelerating.

Went to the grad ceremony this evening after being at school and coaching tonight.

Took great notes on who won what and have that information on hand should anyone be interested in the results.

Had the most delightful nap while I was watching the kids play football. The weather has been thrilling me this week. I have some more clor in my cheeks.

Off to bed, and hopefully to sleep.

nite

remind me to tell you about the excitement in my neighbourhood.

You must go to madblast.com

and search for queer eye for the straight guy

I almost cried my eyes out.

I can't remember the last time I saw something so funny.

Ever feel that things are just not going your way?

Why do I miss your call every time?

Something about coming home to you house and having more furniture than when you left.

Something about your pants falling down.

Something about a fifteen minute line up in shoppers drug mart.

Somethings are just not required.

Like this entry

:<

Where do people get off?

Says the ex-boyfriend to me as I ran out the door to make it to the gym on time, after his team blows my team away, and he leaves his star shooter on the court after the run the score 30 points up on us....

"Do you hate me now?"

Where do people get the balls to make a comment like that?

I know for a fact that my sister knows the answer to this question, but for the rest of us... (inspired by the Lexus and BMW that the people at the end of the street down from me own, who rent a SMALL TOWN HOME in a nice but not that nice neighbourhood, and all of whom are under 20 years old... hmmmm)

How freaking long does a car alarm scream for before it shuts off
(sans hitting the deactivate button)?

Something strange to think about.

"What you gain on a swing set, you loose on a teeter totter."

Today has been the perfect day.

Who gets to take a friday field trip to the mall with students?
Who gets to shop all day sans students?
Who gets to buy a boobalicious top for a great deal?
Who gets to enjoy the last afternoon of nice weather sipping coffee on a patio?

That's right.....

Me

There are two important things I try to reinforce with my students. One of them is how important it is for them to listen to other people’s opinions even if they do not agree with them. The other one is to try and make them see how easy it is to help people out with random acts of kindness.
I think one of the hardest things for me to do is get up in front of my students and preach these virtues when they do not appear often around us.
I am not a political person. The idea of ever becoming a politician does not interest me in the least. I do however understand that everyone has their calling, and I am glad that it is not mine.
Take for example the Debates that were televised last night. I am embarrassed that one of them will be leading our province. The anger, rude interruptions, and off topic answers that they demonstrated is heart breaking.
I was in Indigo the other day and watched from a distance as a pile of magazines fell onto the ground. I watched as a young child walking past stopped to pick some of them up and put them on the shelf. I then watched as the father pulled him sharply away from the mess, shouting at him for picking the books up off of the ground as he did not make the mess so he should not clean it up. How sad.

I was in church yesterday. After the opening procession the congregation began to sing. I heard what I thought was the typical child screaming above the hesitant voices. But as I tried to tune into where the voice was coming from. And then it came to me. It was not a child screaming. It was a child singing. Now, bless his soul. He could not carry a tune. But the lung capacity on that child. His voice echoed like the heavenly choir. I turned to my Mum filled with happiness and smiled. She said, “That is what you call singing out to the Lord.”
Now that child could not sing, but the happiness that his efforts brought to all those gathered, was spectacular. And with the sun shining in the windows, and the warmth that that child’s voice generated... what a great way to start a day.

Inspiring me to think about why I want to be a child again.

I want to go back to being a child again.
When I can tell people that their cooking doesn’t really taste good.
When I can tell people that I just don’t like them.
When I can jump without hesitation into a freezing lake.
When I can leap with no regard for others into a puddle.
When I can sing out loud with out uncertainty, even though I can’t carry a tune.
When I can find the smallest thing to laugh about, regardless if it makes sense or not.

Thought to be continued.

K

Today is Friday. With great disappointment school is open, and the busses are running. It is so funny. There are people in the States that are battling floods, power outages, and repairing damages and here we are upset that the school is open. We can be so selfish sometimes.

With great excitement I am getting a new cell phone and it looks like it could not be at a more appropriate time. I have had a little Nokia phone for two years, and it has suffered tremendously. I have dropped it so many times that the screen is no longer legible. The lcd screen has leaked and when you dial you have to dial blind as you can’t see the numbers that you have inputted. And to top it off I do not know where on earth I put it. I like that it is so small, but it is too tiny as I lose it on a weekly basis. But I could not be more excited as the flip phone that I have been lusting after with the polyphonic ring tones should be shipped to me any day now. I have been waiting for my contract to come up so that I could get it. I can’t wait. Tee Hee.

My other project today is to book my flight to New York. Seestor will be visiting a friend of hers and I thought that it would be fun for me to join them. Can you believe that me, the shopper with serious addictions (I swear they wrote the Confessions of a Shopaholic series based loosely on my life) have never been to New York. Wow. So I have been trying to figure out which is the best airport to fly into. I looked on the net (Got to love it!) and found out that LaGuardia is the airport that I should fly into. It is crazy! They even gave me a approximate quote as to how much a taxi will cost. How wonderful. I am sooooo excited to go.

I am on reassignment on Saturday as my original flight has been cancelled. That means that I have to call in this evening and they can give me a flight, and I have to be available between 7am and 8am tomorrow morning. I have mixed feelings. As I will not be going back to work for months, I would like to do one final flight, but at the same time I would love to get paid and not work. Again, the matter is out of my hands.

Can you think of a better way to wake up in the morning than an unexpected phone call? It was a mixed blessing. For some reason my cell phone I mean alarm clock did not go off this morning and by the grace of God, someone called me at an ungodly hour. A fantastic, purposeful phone call at that! I am often amazed at how easy it is to start off your day in a positive way and at the same time amazed at how one small action from someone else can make or break your day.

I heard the most moving reflection the other day. You know how we curse traffic lights, and forgetting things and have to go back for them, a traffic accident that makes us wait, or heavy congestion on the roads in the morning. Imagine all those people who were late to work on the morning of September 11. The fact that they ran into all those inconveniences, saved their lives. How fascinating is that? All the things that we dread and do not look forward to ultimately have their purpose. Wow.

Things are busy as usual. I am going to book my trip to New York today. My sister is coming in from England to visit her friend and I have decided that because I have never been that it would be the perfect opportunity to go. I am very excited and have decided that I will curb my shopping at this end so that I can go crazy on that end.

And by some strange occurrence I had decided to through myself into the world of education again. I will be taking my Special Education Course (Part One) through Western University. Am I crazy? I have heard what a nightmare online course can be and still am signed up for one. When will I learn?

On a sad note, the high anticipated canoe trip has been cancelled due to insufficient enrollment. And I am so sad. But it hopefully will go in the spring. I think it might be a blessing in disguise as the weather at night is quite fresh, although it does warm up during the day. And on another positive note I will get to make the party to celebrate Lorina’s bday and Jenn finishing off another exam. I was afraid that the trip would run late and that I would miss out on the festivities.

On the note of weather, we are expecting high winds and heavy rain as the hurricane Isabel approaches. I was saying to a friend the other day that I do not know what to do. It is so funny, but I have never dealt with a hurricane or MAJOR storm before. I figure I will just go to my Mum’s house. She has a basement that we can always hide in. My house has an above ground basement. Got some advice to tape the windows, and I guess that I will have to bring in my lawn furniture so that it does not get whipped away to Kansas. (Ha ha!!)

Ahh. September.

How bad have I been the last two months with this blog. I will confess that August was a write off (ha ha ha) as I was home for barely two days the entire month. And as glamorous as it sounds, I am sure that it has taken some time off of my life. I spent a crazy week trecking back and forth to between Toronto, Frankfurt, Vancouver, Frankfurt, Berlin, Warsaw and Toronto, only to return and leave the next day for San Francisco for a week of boat living and sailing with my aunt, uncle, and my Mum. It was a great way to relax and try to catch up on some of the sleep that I missed.

And the trials of wishing great friends a bon voyage on a two year journey to the other side of the world.
And then returned to a wedding that was tons of fun (and of course a beautiful bride, Cynthia), and a whirl wind few days catching up with friends that I haven’t seen in awhile.

Only to return and be whisked back to Amsterdam (an extended stay) (purchased a fab necklace)and then off to Vancouver for a quick sojourn (bought a fab purse), and then home again. Had a hard time trying to figure out who I was and where I lived.

Again, I repeat that this sounds much more glamorous than it really is.

September sneaked up on me and kicked my butt. I am still trying to come to the terms of waking up every morning and dragging my butt into school. I am also coaching basketball four nights a week and trying to maintain my silly gym schedule of three nights a week. Somewhere in there I have decided that I should join a few committees. Does it ever stop?

Beyond everything else I am trying to remain faithful to “Paradise Hotel”. Don’t even get me started on that show. I will go on for hours. Thank goodness it is finished next week. That should clear up some time in my schedule. Hey doesn’t the Bachelor start soon.

Hat bought.
Fortune spent but love it.

And I have a hat box.

Believe it or not, am back on this side of the ocean, soon to turn around and go back.

Long flight today, but it was worth it.

Cried as I left on the train this morning.
Tried not to let seestor see me cry.

K

I think that time has begun to catch up with me. I am no longer the crazy marathon shopper that I used to be.
I enjoy it, but only to a certain point.
Am having a time out as I wait for seestor to finish work and then we will try to find me the perfect hat for Cynthia's weddding.

At this point I am leaning towards pink, but also like pale purple and yellow as well. When did I turn into an easter pastel woman?

True signs of aging.
My new found liking of perrier, club soda, pins for my jacket. What is happening?

K

The brilliant Cynthia suggested that I make a list of what exactly I am looking for in a man.
She was told that the problem with North American Women is that they don't know what they are looking for.
This is the first edition of my "List"

1. family
2. laughter and smiles
3. social
4. spontaneous and flexible
5. financially sound
6. likes to travel
7. appreciates my independence and work schedule
8. ability to support me emotionally
9. positive thinker
10. thoughtful, selfless, and giving
11. my height, give or take an inch
12. educated (university degree plus)
13. active and adventurous
14. confident to express thoughts and feelings

So, there it is. Look into your black books and pull some bachelors for me ladies, and gents.

K

Believe it or not. I did not spend any money in London. I think that I now believe in miracles.
Had a lovely visit with my sister and company, and my cousins.
I will be returning again this weekend, and am bound to shop as I will not be back in London this summer.

Booked a flight to San Fran for the middle of next month, to the disgust of some I will be sailing around. It sounds like a great adventure. I wonder what we can purchase there.

Am enjoying the nice weather this week, and plan an afternoon of sun and music as the SARS concert is on today. Can you imagine 450 000 people. Fongers crossed that all will go well and be safe. Have sent my request for a t-shirt, as I dare not enter that madness.

K

I will be shopping in London at this time tommorow. London England that is.
School is out and I will be travelling this month.
Lots of Franfurt, if anyone out there is interested.

I also get to see my seestor, which is the most important thing.

And as a treat I will see my cousins out in BC.

Hope that all is well.

K

INSOMNIA

Where is my seestor?

One day left of school. (Good and Bad)

Wedding Hat?

No money.

15 days off next month.

Frankfurt anyone?

k

I am pleased to report that I am almost done school.
I have two days of classes left.

I am also happy to report that I will soon be in London Darling. I leave Toronto on Saturday night and will be sunning in London come Sunday morning. And then back in Toronto on Monday afternoon. Seestor is almost as excited as I am. I have not seen her since March 16th. (But oddly enough, I see her more often than my cousins who live 30-60 minutes away) We are all so busy!!

The good news is that I will be back again come Friday.

So as school ends, my travel schedule will pick up again. Hoping to rid myself of the dreadful turn arounds that I have been doing so far this month. (Not that they are that bad. It is always more fun to be on a layover.)

Look out Brighton, here I come.

K

Discussing something irrelevant in class today.

Me: I have very few recollections from elementry school. (god forbid that I don't remember what we were studying in Grade Four. That was only 20 years ago.)

Teacher: How interesting. (As she turns and walks away.)

I guess it was not really so interesting.

Teacher: "Bring something to class tommorow that will help you measure. It can not be a ruler."
Student: (Back facing me) shouts out "I've got something. Twelve Inches right here."

How fast did we turn to see what on earth he was talking about.
We were all very interested.

Alas, it was his foot.

k

I must be an English teacher. Either that or someone who has a great love for reading and writing.

I have three novels on the go this week, and each of them totally different novels. One is about a young liberated Chinese women. The book is banned in China, so it makes it that much more exciting to read. The second is a German translation called “In search of an impotent man”, and what an interesting read that is. (Weird to see the German names), and the third is called “Naked Sleeper.” I must confess that the first and last were purchased at Zeller’s, and they were marked down. Not that I am cheap, but at 2.99 a pop, I snatched them up.

I am an avid reader, but have not read much in the last few years. I have a rule. If my attention is not captured within the last three chapters, the book is dismissed until a time that I have NOTHING better to do but give it a second try. I think my last great conquest was the ridiulous series of Shopaholic books. There is something so fab about picking up those trashy beach novels at the airport in London. "I dream of Capri" was another one if I remember correctly.

I am particularly taken by passages from random pieces of literature. I am amazed that I can relate and feel so close to something written by someone that I do not even know, who comes from a different country or even lifestyle. I am anxious to share an extended excerpt with a near and dear.

I miss traveling quite a bit and am anxious to travel again in the next few weeks. Seestor is very excited that I will be in town in the next few weeks as there are some events that we will partake in. And I am busy working on my bid for next month. Somehow I want to make three different trips, Paris, London, and Vancouver. But I want to get a free weekend to go to Vancouver, and two other weekends for friend’s weddings. I am a perpetual dreamer.

Hugs and Kisses.

A list of things that you can do on a rainy day

1. Sleep in the afternoon.
2. Have a nice warm bath.
3. Work out at the gym.
4. Clean the bathroom
5. Clean my room.
6. Clean my house.
7. Have a cold beer, and put your feet up.
8. Sleep in
9. Stop for coffee
10. Spend some quality time with special people
11. Chat with an old friend
12. Update your blogger

I think that I over reacted.
I'm sorry.

I will never understand myself.
How do I ever expect others to understand me?

In a fit of depression I bought a new purse for myself.

It is fab howver, pale purple. And it has lots of space.

I always wanted to be an elementary school teacher.

I do not want to be one anymore.

There is such a difference in the way that elementary and secondary school teachers think and function.

Group work? What a challenge with 15 leaders in one group.

The best news of the day was that I got taken off my flight to Orlando tonight. Something to do with the new collective agreement that guaranteed days off mean just that.

Am sweating it out still as the temperature is still cooking.

K

Help!
I am stuck in a boring computer lab.

I am surfing instead of learning.

K

So summer vacation has started, which for people like me means that there is no time to do anything.
Whenl eaving Vancouver on Thursday and returning Monday night (late). Went back to work with the airline on Tuesday afternoon and got home late again Wednesday morning. Then off to school for me this morning. I am taking a course until the 25 of this month. I am strangely one of the more vocal people in the classroom. I guess that once everyone warms up things might get a little more interesting. I am a horrible student. I just cannot sit still.

You must look up Grouse Mountain. It is the obstacle that I overcame this weekend. I thought I was going to die. I dont think any one truly knows how great of an accomplishment this was for me. Pictures don't even do it justice.

Thanks to my cousin and his fab girlfriend for their company and support this weekend.

I want to move out to that fab city.

Off to bed as i am tired after a long day and a session at the gym.

K

Have gone and returned from Vancouver.
Was unable to post this weekend, but I am home now and reattatched.
And had a fab trip.
Details to follow.
I am sleepy and will share in the morning.

K

I decided on a whim last night that I want to go away for the weekend.
I do not have to work until the first of July.
So I want to go to Vancouver this evening.

Am just waiting for the confirmation from my cousin that he will be around.

Auntie Jean and Uncle Redge are out sailing, and I would love to make a voyage with them this weekend as well.

Just waiting for the confirmation and I will book my seat.

K

I think that I am dying.
It is soooooooooooo hot.
Last night I had to get up twice to shower myself down.
I had guests last night and was kind enough to lend out my fan.

I am not a big fan of air conditioning but with the weather pushing 40 with humidity, I turned it on this morning. The heat truly is unbearable.

We had our year end staff social yesterday and it could not have been a better day for hanging out in the sun, with beers, and thank God a pool. I think I would have not made it.

We played in a Bacci ball tournament, and Sonya and I were for sure the best 0-4 team. We were so close in every game but got to confident and got hammered in the end.

The night progressed into deeper intoxication, and we did not make it into work until 930 this morning.

I think that this is the safest place to be today. internet, cable, air conditioning.

I think I will camp out here for the day.

K

It is official.
Schools out for summer!!!!!

I can't believe that I got through the pile of stuff that I had to mark.
I wasted so much time over the last couple of days.

And then last night out of no where, I had this great flow of inspiration.
I had 30 exams left to mark and was dreading every secodnd of it.
And then, like a wave from down under I got this sudden burst of energy.

Early to school this morning to input the marks and then the comments, and then treated myself to a fab early morning work out.
What a treat. And I am not being sarcastic.

This afternoon I will be heading over to a staff memebers house to do some socializing, and tommorow morning will be heading off to the Toronto Islands so that we can compete in the dragon boat racing contest. It should be interesting to say the least.

I am going to try to hop into the van so that I don't have to drive into the big bad city. If anyone knows me and my driving abilities in the city....

Then on Sunday we are back to the Island for more racing, and then off to the annual Road Kill BBQ on Sunday.

Talk about busy. At least this way I should stay out of trouble.

Have a great weekend. Will fill you in on all the details.

K

One would think that I have been on vacation or travelling this week.
No such luck.
Final Exams started on Monday and finished this morning.

I am up to my eyeballs in marking, Is it possible to drown in paper work?
Cause at this point I think that I am doing just that.

I haven't been outside since Tuesday morning, and coming back into civilization is such an interesting treat.

Not to mention that the weather is gorgeous. Who can get motivated to do anything.
I want to have a nap.

Popping out for lunch which will probably mean that I won't get anything done again today.

Have no fear though. My page is still alive and kicking.

Although the weather is gross today.
There is much sunshine in my mind today.

Today is the last day of classes.
And that means that summer vacation is just around the corner.

And the last of the crusty behaviour of some of the staff will soon be a thing of the past.
It is so funny to see how adults behave.

Listened to a great reflection this morning. It made me cry.

This weekend is Fathers Day, so we will be paying Dad a visit on Sunday.
The cardinal is still a beautiful addition to the arrangement.

Brains are scattered this morning.

K

I wrote a poem today.
Something that I have been doing lately. (Secretly)
And it is not dedicated to anyone.

I just felt like writing this morning and before I knew it, it was on paper in front of me.

Four Seasons

The traffic lights stand at attention
For all who pass to see
They do not waiver with the weather.
They are Four Seasons.
However, like the seasons
They change color.
And they give direction
We rely on them to maintain the flow
To ensure safe passing
To stagger the interchange
Red – Stop
Green – Go
Arrow- proceed
Flashing – advance
Yellow- proceed with caution.
And I think of you, and how you send me mixed signals
And how like the seasons, your colors change.


K

The weekend has come and gone. So quickly.
Friday was the Lobster fest. It was great fun. Nothing like eating with your hands and making a great big mess.
Saturday was another gathering, which led to many drinks. And what a blast from the past to catch up with people that I haven't seen in a few years. It is so nice to know that some people you can talk to once in a blue moon, and it is like you saw them just yesterday. That is truly amazing. Had some good laughs this morning, and a great breakfast.
This afternoon was the bridal shower for Cynthia. It was a great afternoon. No silly shower games, and the presents were held up and we didn't have to pass them around. The best bridal shower ever....
Unfortunatly one of the girls were wearing a pair of shoes that I raced out to buy after the shower.

It is amazing though. Many events were planned for outdoors this weekend. And by the grace of God the rain held off until later this evening. I think it the power of prayer. Everyone praying that the weather cooperates.

Five days left in the classroom. Then exams.

Where has the time gone.Mental note, remind the students that they only have five days left to buy me an end of the year present.

K

The end of the week again. And this month continues to be filled with activities.
I returned from Montreal last night and took some time to clean up the house. Tonight is the Lobster Fest at the school, and I am hosting the pre pint. I am making sangria, and sampled the merchandise last night. Very nice!!!!

I passed my annual exam in Montreal, and am still qualified to be a flight attendant. This was the easiest exam I have seen yet. I hate the drills in the simulator.
But on another note the new hotel that we stay at is in the city instead of out by Laval. It is very nice. It has a full kitchen, a separate bedroom, and a full sitting area and two large tv's. I am looking forward to returning soon.

A busy on the go weekend is approching, and wil surely have a few hangovers to deal with.

I can't wait.
It is 25 degrees and sunny. This is my kind of day.

Have a great weekend.

PS Seestor... where are you? I have been waiting to hear from you and your adventures.

This is the most interesting time of year for teachers.
We are very disliked at this time of year because summer vacation is on the way. People really hate that we have so much vacation time. Common misconception is that we have vacation. In all honesty, we do have time off. But it is not paid time off. Yes we do get a cheque at the end of the school year, but common unknown fact is that our nine month salary is prorated over the 12 month period. We are not truly paid over the summer.

Then there is the idea of next year. Course selection. Never will you see adults kick and scream like you will over the next two weeks. It is not pretty. Don't get me wrong, it is our sanity that is at stake. It is the difference between what we teach and what we struggle through next year. It is a very tricky science.

But I hesitate to even post this as I know that many people will get the wrong idea.

Each job has it challenges, and I respect that. I guess I assume that everyone will realize that unless they have experience in someone elses job that they should not comment on it. Is that me being too idealistic again?

I think so.

Off to Montreal for my annual exam with the airline. Fingers crossed......

Have a great one

K

On top of all the other excitement this weekend....
So I am pretty sure that I saw Danny Zucho yesterday. (John Travolta from Grease.)
I was driving to the mall complex and seemed to turn on to the world of wierd.
Within a 200m distance, this tow truck pulled over to help a car in distress, and out of the cab of the truck jumps this guy. Jeans tight and turned up revealing black dress shoes and sparkling new white sport socks. Hair greased back, and I swear that I saw him comb his hair back as he strutted to the car. WILD. I hesitate to admit that I had been watching Grease before I left the house so there may have been a bit of an influence there.

Then not a second after I clear that scene, I witnessed two older ladies walking their dogs. Literally, walking their dogs. I imagine that the little pups legs were to small to keep up the pace that the two ladies were taking. The ladies in true power walking style, arms swinging forward to back, each had a puppy tucked underneath their arms. Quite a sight. Might it be portable weights? A bit of an inconvenience as they would have to change sides regularly.

Strange... And then I pulled into the chaotic plaza..... YIKES

Spent the evening watching in amazement the "Spelling Bee" National Finals on TSN (Way to go, promoting spelling as a sport endeavor). WOW. Those kids can spell. I watched in awe. One kid, in grade three, nine years old.... WOW. What a genious. I think he finished in fourth place. Bless his soul. He was a crowd favorite for sure.

Have a Great Day.

I am going golfing on Sunday. YEAH!!!

Question of the day.

When something expires JUNE 2003, does that mean that it expires on the 1st of the month, or the 31 of the month?

K

KJ dit :
read my blog
KJ dit :
funny story
Sarrah dit :
okay!
Sarrah dit :
http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030528.wxcover28_art/BNStory/Front/ (HOOTERS OPENS AN AIRLINE)
KJ dit :
true story, they emailed me an application, as they are looking for flight attendants and knew that transat was laying people off
Sarrah dit :
lol
Sarrah dit :
you should have done it!

KJ dit :
they said they would provide me with my own set of socks
Sarrah dit :
lol

I had the funniest thing happen to me at the gym last night.
I had just hopped off the eliptical machine as it was making me mad.
It was like one of the those tables that has one leg longer than the other, and you have to hunt for a coaster or a pile of napkins that you can put under the stubby leg to balance it out. There are no coasters at my gym!!!

So I was standing waiting for the step class to finish, and the body pump to start. Standing in plain view of the entire gym. I took a swig from my water bottle, and had this crazy reflex, and let the water dribble down my chin onto my shirt. Why you ask? I do not know. I truly do not know.
And like one of those people who pretend that something is not happening, I tried to look as casual as possible.

Some crazy reflex. Which led to one of my co workers telling me that 3 years ago he found himself in the strange situation of kissing a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal. Fur in mouth, wondering what on earth he was doing.

Did you watch the Osbornes last night?
I was laughing my ass off. The dog attacked the cat.(And not in the normal sense of dog attacking cat.) Too funny, poor kitty. That dog is a hump machine!!! That show is so funny. I find myself laughing out loud, which I rarely do for a television show.

Back to my reality.
K

So, I am a very well travelled lady.
I have been to Paris, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Porto, Athens etc. And never have I felt intimidated for a second.
I have no fear wandering the streets, in countries that I don't even speak the language.

But put me into the city of Toronto, a city that I live so close to, and I fall to pieces.
It is but so silly.

I guess that when I travel, I am a tourist and have no shame in not knowing where to turn, or where I am.
But because I live in this city, and know nothing about it, I am embarassed when I take a wrong turn.

How silly of me.
Note to self. Get out, and get to know the city.

K

It is a little after 4am. And I am in bed trying to make my heart slow down its racing pace.

Not 20 minutes ago I was awakened by a man's blood curdling scream "..... dead. .... dead. He's f**kin dead. What the hell just happened here, or How did this happen"

So hear I lie, thinking that at the end of my street someone is dead. And here is where my dilemna is. I don't know if her said "You're dead, or he's dead" Should I call the police over something I think I heard? I could be mistaken. But I might have been correct.

I watched from the window, in true Nancy Drew fashion, and watched one van followed soon after by a car quielty drive down the street. And made my best attempt at getting a description of the car and van driving off. Heaven forbid I ever witness a crime. I am so bad with details. But I did look for distinguishable marks on both.

The exchange was short, and no one else made a noise.
There have been no sirens screaming up the street.
So i will assume that all is well?

I went down to double check the deadbolt, and to see what time it was. 3:59 am. How very Drew of me. (Distracted once again by a car dring past, and what sounds like two bins banging into each other.)

But I've got to tell you. I feel like I witnessed a goverment conspiracy of an invasion of the body snatchers.The spead that the car and van left in, was very controlled. Not the tearing away from a crime scene that I would imagine. Not the speed that someone in an arguement would have. You could barely hear the acceleration.

So wide awake, I wait for the door bell to ring, and the door to door canvas to begin.

And try to settle my heart and my stomach.

k

Today is one year to the day that we buried Daddy, and I wonder if I subconsciously knew. That might explain my somber mood today.

I remember that it was Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Anne, Mum, and I. Father Tobin was there to preside. I had only ever been to one burial. Mum and I went together. We decided after that ceremony, that we did not to be buried. Winter is too cold for people to attend the burial. We both decided on cremation.

The man who worked for the cemetery pulled my aside to explain that the grave had some water in it. As it was spring, the ground thawed, it had not yet had a chance to absorb. He wanted to tell me so that I could tell everyone else as to not be shocked. It was so odd to bail water out before placing Daddy carefully inside. But the man said that it was normal, and us not knowing any better, trusted in him.

And I remember that as we put him in the dug out hole, we each put in a rose to surround the urn. And in the close background, the bulldozer hovered, ready to fill it in as we finished. I watched with curiosity the man in the hard hat, checkered shirt, and well worn jeans. And I wondered how many people he had seen in mourning. Had it lost meaning?

I remember that after the prayers were said, we lingered. I think we did not know what to do and we did not want to leave. And we waited until the ground had been filled in before we left. I think that we wanted to make sure that he was safe.

And then, it was over even though he had passed 15 weeks earlier. Long since gone, the reality like the earth had still to be absorbed.

Am feeling pretty down today, and cannot even begin to understand why.
It is Friday, the sun is almost out, and I have the whole weekend to play.
So why then am I so unhappy. There are so many people who have bigger and more serious problems than me. I acknowledge that, but still feel sorry for myself.

I woke this morning at 4am, and was quickly brought to tears.

What is going on in my brain?

Talked to my seestor today. It is so neat how we can talk daily from opposite sides of the ocean. It is truly amazing what technology allows us to do. I wish I had an infinite amount of time and money to travel the world.

I think that I am suffering from burn out. That paired with the fact that I have the travel bug that I have to wait another 6 weeks to feed.

A la prochaine.

k

Morning to all.
Am covering a class this morning and have nothing to do to occupy myself.

Slept a little better last night. My dream though is to make it through the night. Am looking forward to the end of the day so that I might indulge in a pint or two. How sad am I? Wishing my days away so that I can have pints.

Not much to report this morning. Am not really feeling 100% . My mind is racing with meaningless facts. I have this tendancy to think things through and plan out where there will be disruptions and problems, and then plan how I will get out of them. So much planning. But that is in my nature I guess.

Might I say that this week has yet to have a major incident?

It is however only Wednesday.

Feeling a little disappointed today.

I thought that I would make a list of things that my ex’s have left in my house upon their departure. (It is quite a spectacular list.)

1. A pipe
2. a funnel
3. an oil drip pan
4. a pair of pliers
5. a hammer
6. a pair of rubber boats
7. a subscription to a diving magazine
8. a mouth piece for diving
9. a pair of black dress pants
10. a dishwasher
11. an apron (my gift)
12. oven gloves
13. a cutting board
14. sweaters and t-shirts (multiple)
15. knives
16. underwear (tempted to cut holes in them)
17. an unlimited, and harassing amount of phone calls from a collection agency
18. And last but not least. A CAR!!! (What do you do with a car? He has ownership, and lives in South Africa) This is a story for another day. And soon.

K

So, my sister wants to know who I am seeing.
She thinks that he is a celebrity. That is why I won't talk about him.
She says that she would not put it past me.
What a compliment.
What celebrity would I ever come into contact with.
I used to argue that I should have a celebrity boyfriend. I am a teacher, and a flight attendant. I think that those women have a better ratio of celebrity to non celebrity relationships.

Until I realized the community that I teach in, and the company that I am a flight attendant with. HOLD EVERYTHING. This topic was soon dropped from my list.

I have had the worst week of non sleep ever. I am so frustrated. I just cannot sleep. I have tried everything, and with God as my witness, tonight I am going to have two glasses of red wine before I go to bed. It has become almost stupid. I almost got out of bed at 1am. I should have done some marking. That would have put me to sleep quickly.

I watched the finale of Mr Personality last night. Hosted by Monica Lewinski. (That is a conversation in itself) The motivational speaker who has been for the last few weeks trying to convince her with his "magical" powers dod not, thank goodness win. Anyway, he gave her this book, and I wish I knew the name of it. They read one passage that really stuck me.

I can't sleep when you aren't here, and I can't sleep when you are here. Thank God for the difference.

I think it starts with the letter R, Reim? I am not sure. If you know, let me know.

Took some fab pictures of my flowers in the garden. When I find the battery recharger I will post them. (SJ will have to show me how to do it)
The whole idea started with a trip to Home Depot, a sheet of plexiglass (which by the way does not bend vey nicely)

I must have ADD. This entry is as scrambeled as my brains are. Too much sun over the long weekend.

Have a great day.
(19 teaching days left, including today YIPEEEE)

k

Fresh from a night out on the town.
We all went to the Bier Market on Front Street.
Very nice place. They had a huge variety of beer to choose from. Too many choices.
They had a live band that played a variety of music. It was very nice.

Can I say how much fun it was to see all the ladies. I think the last time we were all together was at Lorina and Myles' wedding this summer. What a great bunch of people. Is it too late to make a New Year's Resolution, to keep in closer touch with them.

Also met Sarah's roomate Rohan (sorry if the name is spelt incorrectly.) What a fab guy.

The highlight of the night was Lorina asking where Mandy was, and joking that she had left already.
She had.

Left and headed to a live Reggae show. It is amazing how quickly pints and treats can creep up on you. Our stop at the show was very brief. VERY BRIEF and we cabbed it back. A little midnight snack and straight to bed. Imagine trying to put a bed sheet on a futon. It took us quite awhile to figure out which way it went.


On a completly unrelated topic, election time seems to be approching.
The Government is running on, among other things no lock out for teachers, no strike action, and making it illegal to work to rule.
That is just silly. How are they going to make it illegal for us to cancel EXTRA CURRICULAR activities? It just makes no sense.

"If you dont like your job. You don't go on strike. You go into work every day and do a half ass job. It is the American way." Homer Simpson

K

So, I don't want to do anything this morning.
There is no one on line for me to chat with.
I have payed all my bills, and the last thing I want to do is mark the little angel's essays.

It is a misearable day, a la London. Rainy, damp and not nice.

My bones are aching. I have been feeling like crap all week. I have no idea what kind of bug I have got, but it is not nice. Even Neo Citren will not put me out cold. (Truly disgusting stuff. They now make it in a variety of flavors. I am sorry, but no matter what you do it is still GROSS. I tried the honey lemon flavour. YUCK!!! )

I think that it is a combo of allergies, cold, and exhaustion.

I tried to explain last night that I didn't go to the walk in clinic because I wasn't feeling well. I just didn't feel like waiting. I know what they will give me. I am so not good with medecine. I take it when I want, for how long I want. Directions? No thanks.

So I sit here at my desk thinking of nothing and trying to see how fast I can make the day go bye.

I have plans with some friends from University tonight. I haven't seen them in quite awhile. It is always fun to see them. But I confess, I am also nervous because they are close friends with Ryan. That is an entry for another day.


I hesitate to add this unrelated comment, but I received the most beautiful reply to my post yesterday.

"A Captain may may venture onto uncharted waters, but never on a maiden that he does not know and trust"

Truly beautiful.

To sun, sun, and more sun this long weekend.

K

A special post for a special someone today.

Straight from Romeo and Juliet

He is the courageous captain of compliments (Act IV Sc II, ll 19-20)

So, I have come to the decision that going to the gym at 630pm and staying until 830 pm is not the best idea.
I did not sleep a wink last night. OK maybe 2 hours, but that is pushing it.
My mind and body were racing.... all night long.

I tried to do deep breathing. No luck.
I tried to write everything down that was on my mind. No luck.
I went to the bathroom. No luck.
I got a cup of tea. No luck.
I then had to go to the bathroom again. Still no luck.

My ceiling and I have gotten very well aquainted. I can make out shapes on the ceiling. I won't bore you with the details.

The crazy thing is that I feel great this morning. I can't believe how good I feel. Very strange.

We are Dragon Boat racing again this evening, and I have clean and matching underwear ready.
After that it will be a quick pint and change to go to the big Fashion Show. Tonight is the big night.
I am very excited, but have not yet decided what I am going to wear. Ah the dilemnas that I face. Do I wear the fab dress seestor bought me. A full length black dress (from London) with a plunging neckline, with my knee high stilletto boots or my lovely black pointy shoes? Or do I wear a summer oriented flower print dress that is very cool (from Dublin). This is how often I get to dress up. I am worried what I am wearing to the school fashion show tonight.

Check this site out www.expressionsofhope.com

it is quite a production, with a budget of a modest wedding.

Will share the details with you tommorow.

Have a fab day.

K

I am in one of those rare moods, where everything must be accomplished at once.
I am on fire. So much so that my wheels are spinning.
Another busy week ahead of me, but the count down is on for the end of the year.

Sarah is back safely and I can't wait for her to reveal her advemtures. Sounds like she has had a mind altering vacation.
Waiting for the details.

Am excited as tonight is another gym night and I will force myself to raise the weight on my bar. Have become stagnant as of late, but I am making this promise to raise it tonight.

Have a great day.

K

Ok. So last week when we were finished Dragon Boat racing I hopped onto the swing set. Wow. When was the last time you were on a swing? Well it was awesome.
I totally forgot what it was like. I was soaring on the weing with the wind whipping against my face. I even got an under dog. (Thanks Victor.) Again... so much fun. And then when i jumped off, I felt that familiar sharp pain on my feet. It brought so many memories back.

So this week, I hopped on again, and have officially made it part of my weekly routine. Will swing before each race (tee hee).

Fresh from my swing yesterday, I was feeling full of life. So I decided that I would continue on my quest to reclaim my youth. I decided that I should try a kart wheel. Wow. Long time since I tried that one. Gina went first (fab). And then it was my turn. I said, "I shouldn't do this... I will probably rip my pants." And then went into the kart wheel pose. Now. If I do say so myself... my kart wheel was pretty fantastic. But as I reached the full extention, I heard the dreaded RIP. Yes, I ripped my pants. As I predicted I would. So here I am in front of 15 co-workers, black tear aways (how ironic), and beautiful blue panties in almost plain view.

Immediatly, a vision of my Mother came to mind. "Always make sure that you wear clean underwear."

This could have only happened to me. And again, I usually wear shorts under my tear aways but I was distracted when i was getting dressed.

So picture me trying to sit, lady like in a boat and paddle up and down with nothing else on my mind that my merchandise is almost completly on display. And then we went to a pub for pints. Only me I tell you.

Needless to say, my night was a rousing success. And the festivities that ensued left me with wondeful sleep, only interupted twice in the night. That is good for me. I am afraid that I have been cursed with my Mothers sleeping patterns.)

Awaiting my next adventure, as I am sure that there is another one to come.

K

It is Wednesday again, and that means that it is time for Dragon Boat Racing tonight.
I am looking forward to it. The only bad news is that it is looking like it might rain this afternoon.
But as I said to one of the guys. Rain is rain. It is not like we are wicked witches and we wil melt. On second thought, I guess that truth will truly be revealed tonight. Who will be the first to melt?

Nothing much more exciting to report. I am waiting for the next challenge to surface but, knock on wood, things seem to have settled quite nicely. I have grand plans for the new spare room in my house. The Blue walls will quicly be replaced with something much more stylish and modern. Hmmmm the mind is racing.

Have missed reading what my sister is up to, but know that she will have lots to say when she returns.

We have five weeks (after this week) and then school is done. That is the best news that I can think of.

I am definatly as a crossroad in my life, and have made some big decisions.

1. Taking June off from Transat (that is if I am not layed off)
2. Will try to take July off as well so that I can do my AQ in Phys Ed, and get a nice raise from the School Board.
3. Come September, I am going to actively recruit a position for myself as on overseas teacher.
4. Am going to consider my masters in some aspect of education. The trick is to find one that can be completed by distance over the next few years.
5. And most important.... Actually get to doing at least 2 of the things I have mentionned. I can make great plans, but have great difficulty achieving them.

Wish me luck. I think that I have the perfect opportunity to reduce, and eliminate the trivial people and details from my life, and start on a new rewarding path.

Have a great day.

K

It amazes me how quickly things can change. Or on second thought how much they don’t change.

I got up early yesterday, and got a great start on the day. I went to church at the crack of dawn and then hit the gym. After my class, I did some cardio and then headed home. I started to make a fab breakfast. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was brilliant, and I think that there are a couple of blue jays building a nest in the tree in my backyard. There are also peace doves nesting in my oven vent. Well let’s just say that that was the calm before the storm.

I will not resort to name calling, and gossip. But the fact remains that I am now sans one room mate, and I have a broken door frame. I will leave the rest to your imagination. But I will say that the two incidents are not related. Would it not be more exciting if they were?

The school blessing was yesterday and it was really nice. The only sad thing is that there was a very poor turnout. The good news is that we got lunch today from the left overs, and it was very nice.

I had a great afternoon. I had the best time in the nice weather and with great company as well. I also touched base with the important, supportive people in my life. The thing that amazes me is that I have carelessly assumed much from my so called friends. It takes only one event to reprioritize everything and everyone.

And, when I went to bed, apart from the drama that occurred today, I felt peaceful. I think that true colors were revealed today. And that brings me great comfort to know that the doubts I was feeling were not only doubts. They were the truth.

So everything that the day started off with, it ended with. And even though on the surface everything has changed, nothing at all has changed.

K

I am happy to report that the warm weather has finally arrived. And I say that with almost enough confidence that it might last.
I have been enjoying the warmth of the sun of my body. And, yes.... I have been applying sunscreen. Last time was a terrific lesson.
Have spent lots of time woth Mum this weeked. It is the first time in awhile that I have not had to work on the weekend.

I had a great work out at the gym yesterday morning. And spent some additional time on the elliptical and the treadmill. Then risked the showers before I headed to Mum's. We are on a Sangria kick. But Mum only likes a little wine, where as I like lots. On that note, it is almost time to go and make another batch. I have about 15 bottles left, and summer is coming.

Having pleasant dreams as I sleep this week. Something about getting up in the morning after a great peaceful night of dreams. Puts you in the right frame of mind.

Hope your weekend has been as restful as mine.

K

I feel like the last two weeks of my life have flown by.
Partially because I was brain dead last week, and partially because this has been an insane week.
We have been so busy with the pavilion for Multi-Cultural Night. Serious overtime on this end.
I hesitate to even start to attempt to describe the evening. I could not even do it justice.
It was beyond anyone’s expectations. I would guess that there were close to 1300 people that attended. There was food galore, entertainment, costumes, music, dancing. The students, parents, and staff were excellent. The whole thing went off without a hitch. The most spectacular view was from the second floor looking down to see the scene. Wow is all I have to say.
I am so proud of everyone that participated. What a fabulous event to bring the community together. I am speechless.
I finished the night off with a well deserved night cap, and some fine dining. I needed that, and am refreshed because of it.
Looking forward to this weekend, as I am burnt out.
The good news is that I do not have to work at the airline next month. The ladies are looking at heading to Florida for May 24 weekend, but I hesitate to even sit in the sun ever again. Who am I kidding? I love the sun and will always be a sun worshipper.

Love to everyone special in my life today. (LR, SJ, and Mum) You all are in my thoughts as you influence me the most positively everyday.

I spent the night with Mum again last night.
I was awoken in the middle of the night.
Someone opened my bedroom door to check that I was safely tucked in (feet as well)
It was Daddy.
He was checking to make sure we were all safe.
I know that it was him.

I am safe, and very happy Pops.

Thought that I needed a little change to my change.
Therefore I have encorporated little kitties to my page.

Cool huh?

I need some technical advice on this page though. The layout is so boring.

The elephants are having their first recital of the spring. The media is also going crazy. The are taking pictures.
TEE HEE

(If you are unclear, there is a bit of a thunder storm... childhood images popping into my head.)

K

I am cursed. This is the second time that I have written a kick ass entry and then deleted it.

So again I delve into what I wanted to say. You will sense the impatience in my writing.

1. Work
*Yesterday was my last flight for a while. I am on vacation again. (Got to love this job)
*The planes are full of Americans who get great bang for their buck on the Canadian Dollar.
*I can spot an American a mile away. (That is terribly critical of me.) They all thought that I was French, as the company is French. Just imagine the broken American version of French that they were trying to speak to me.
*One lady was right into the wine. “Just keep the wine flowing until we get to Santo Domingo.” To which I replied, “Well, you will be drinking for quite some time as we are not heading to Santo Domingo. We are going to Punta Cana.” (Slight panic as I wonder is she is on the wrong plane. Silly me, she has just had too much to drink.)
*Tracy and her husband were on my flight. They are heading off on a well needed break. I hesitate to say this, but all I could think of was the last time that I saw her husband I was in a compromising position with one of his friends. Tracy and I laughed about that. How weird it was having someone I knew in my section. She was so cute, saying that she felt that she owed me for serving her. Please, I said. Your ticket is paying my wages. She is truly an awesome person.
*Arrived at Mum’s after 3:30 am. I did not beat the paper home. That is our joke from when I was younger. “You had better be home before the paper arrives.” And as sad as times are… I arrive home after the newspaper and with not a drop of alcohol in my blood.

2. Church
As it is Easter Sunday, the masses come out to attend. We call them holiday Catholics. They show up for Christmas and then again for Easter. We wanted to get seats so we raced off to church this morning at 9:30 am. Are we not troopers? I went to bed at 4am and was up, dressed, and seated in the church at 9:15. Pretty impressive! I must admit however that Father’s sermon in his dreary and paced voice was challenging me to stay awake.
On Easter Sunday we renew our baptismal vows, and then Father walks around to sprinkle holy water on all of us. It is so funny to see people who try to duck as to not get hit by the droplets of water. I joked to Mum that the water might burn through my skin if it touched my flesh, as I can sometimes be devilish. To my surprise the child behind us (14 years old) started to complain that the water was burning him. I guess the devil was truly among us. (too funny)
There was also this women who was at the wrong church. Now, our parish is quite modern, but not that modern. She had her hands waving, and she was shouting alleluia. It is quite interesting to watch. But it is distracting, as she is the only person in the church really feeling the power of the Lord.

3. Dinner. (This is classic)
It was just Mum and me for dinner this evening. We have had a relaxing afternoon. We broke in her new Easter Cups with home made Sangria. In true family style, we did not follow the recipe. We merely looked at it for guidance. Some Port to soak the fruit in, some red wine, some sprite, and some orange juice. (It was so tasty, that weather permitting, Friday afternoon, Sangria will be served on the patio at my house. 3pm if you are interested.) Mum just commented that she was looking at the recipe as she put the book away, and after having already finished her creation.
Mum wanted to have Turkey, but as it was just the two of us she bought a LARGE turkey breast. I said that it was the biggest boob that I had ever seen. Advice that she could have given to her son (if only she had one) and my favorite line of the whole day…..

Darling Breast does not only mean bosom. It also means the chest.

If I had of known that years ago, I may have stayed out of much trouble.


More break up news this afternoon. My heart goes out to people who are suffering, and on their way out of relationships. It is so hard to even think about trying to start a relationship when so many people are not having a good go at it. D and I joked and agreed that it would be much better if were interested in women. We have tried the man thing, with little luck. Maybe a woman would just do the trick. The only problem…. we am not interested in women.

And with that image firmly planted in your mind…..

Happy Easter All!!!

Watch out for little rabbits this weekend.

Greetings!
I have been busy the last few days.
Am having issues woth my internet provider, and am realizing that having the internet at home is something that I do enjoy.
I was thinking that I would cancel it, but the last few days have proven to me how essential it is.

Well so much to tell.
I went to work on Saturday. I had a much better offer, that I would have preferred to attended. But as situations unfolded... I went to work.I didn't really want to but thought that it was the responsible thing to do. I unpacked my sundress and my shoes as they were weighing down my case. Big mistake. Did we not go mechanical in Punta Cana. Did I not have no clothes to wear. Just a wool dress, a pair of nylons and a pair of dress shoes.

I had to wait until the morning to buy something to wear. There is something so liberating about sleeping in the nude, with the ocean crashing and the hot tropical breeze. But I was still very happy the next day to buy a bikini and a wrap and a pair of flip flops for $46 US. Then a bottle of sunscreen for $20US. There goes the perdiem that I made.

Well, to make a long story short. I will have a great tan in the mext few days. But for most of this week I have been battling a major sunburn. I had to go home from school on Monday as I could not even function. Thanks to my knight in shining armour for coming to my rescue and helping my put aloe where I just could not reach. I think I might have died without this help. For Real.

I came back to school on Tuesday, becuase we were taking a field trip with the students on Wednesday to Laser Quest. I feel that it is always better to be hear to go over how I expect them to behave. Well, that was to no use as the trip was cancelled at 1330. How disappointing for everyone involved. Apparantly we are not to do anything that is fun during Holy Week.

I can appreciate that fact, but I was unhappy at how the situation was handelled. The fact that it was a religion teacher who went off on a tyrant and told her class that she was going to get the trip cancelled. I just think that it is so unprofessional to make comments like that infront of the students. It leaves a poor impression on the two of us that planned the trip. Anyway, what can you do?

Well, the funniest thing is that in protest to the trip being cancelled, I decided to show a movie today. I chose to watch Chocolat. Well does that movie not deal with the issue of lent and giving up things that give us pleasure. What a crazy coincidence. I just started to laugh when the movie started. I t must be God's will.

Have a great day

It is the most beautiful day. The sun is shinning in the window, and I could not be happier.
My marks are entered and verified, I did a ton of marking. And I am feeling content.

I bought my favorite book the other day. I think it chnaged my life when I was in High School night school. That is a story for another day. It is called "The Road Less Travelled." by Scott Peck MD. It was on the best sellers list in New York for over ten years.

When I was little, I had a crazy, rageful temper. When Mum would send me to my room, I would scream so loud that she had to go outside. She thought that the neighbours would think that she was abusing me. When I was ready to come down, I would stand at the top of the stairs and ask Mum.. "Mummy, may I please come down now." She would say, "I'm not sure. Is it the good Kathryn or the bad Kathryn." Because I am also so stubourn, I was furious that she dared ask me if I was ready to come downstairs. Of course I was. That is why I asked. The whole idea of her questionning me, threw me back into a terrible rage. And I would have to go back into my room.

My sister on the other hand, was much more intelligent. When she got sent to her room, she would sit in her rocking chair and rock back and forth, back and forth. She then would change her clothes. (If I change my clothes, I have changed myself.)
"Mummy, can I come downstais now?"
"I don't know. Is it the good Sarah, or the bad Sarah."
She knew the right answer... "Oh Mummy. The Good Sarah."

Which again, would throw me into a rage, and I would have to stay in my room longer.

Another interesting fact. If you know me and my sister well, you know that one of us is much more dramatic than the other. Stramgely enough, it was me, the undramatic one that used to pick up the toaster when I was crying so I could watch the tears roll down my face.

There is a point to this tangent.
I credit the fact that I am no longer an angry person, with a terrible temper and am a positive, passive person to three things.
1. My mothers endless amount of patience with everyone that she has with everyone that she meets.
2. My unique music teacher, that made us see the importance of attracting positive things to our lives, and repelling the negative ones.
3. The book "The Road Less Travelled." that states that life is difficult, and once we accept this, it is no longer difficult.

And, a last minute thought.
I would like to go on the Concord. I heard today that they are being retired. I think it would be a thrill to be one of the last passengers. So if anyone has $10,000 to buy me a seat return to London. .... I would love you forever.

Have an awesome day.

K

It is amazing how fast a year can pass.
It is one year to this day that Daddy passed.
And although we all know that he is in a better place, we all still miss him terribly.
It is the dilemna of remebering him, celebrating his life, and continuing on with our own.

Mum and I went to visit today. But due to the ridiculous amount of ice underneath the snow, we could not even find the stone.
Mum had thought ahead and brought a thermos of boiling water in an attempt to melt the ice. We also brought a shovel to clear it off. It was so cold today that the water turned into thicker ice. Can you imagine the two of us trying to dig up the stone? I thought that some might think that we were trying to bring him back.
We had to settle for leaving the flowers in the snow.
But we did learn an important lesson. At the end of the snow season, we must turn the vase up so that we have a marker for the arrangement in the odd chance that we get another snow storm in April.

Also got to speak to Sarah today. Weepy, but in true style coping like a trooper. She is so strong.

We will celebrate mass tommorow morning at the school. The three generations of women that we are.

Grandpa's birthday is tommorow, and seeing as he pretty much missed his day last year I wanted him to have an extended celebration today. And he did. I occupied Grandma, and he got to have a super long nap today. He is so lovely. I love his sense of humour. It is dry and wicked, and lovely. I love him deeply.
Grandma as well. She is such a vibrant woman. Such zest, and energy.

On an unrelated note, had a surreal dream of a romantic italian dinner. Great company, wine, conversation, and dining. You can't imagine the feelings of contentment I felt. The meal being secondary to the company. (TY-LR)

Daddy... I love you and miss you, and know that you are watching over us. I know we will meet again. I Love you.
K.

Feeling very inspired by literature this evening. As much as I should be trying to go to sleep, have much on my mind.
If I get it out, then maybe I will sleep. I have another ear infection. It is so wierd. I have got one the last three times I have flown. Does this mean I can't travel anymore. Say it ain't so.

So I watched the movie "An Ideal Husband" an adaptation of the book by Oscar Wilde. I am going to buy the book. I loved the movie and know that the book will be soo much better. I truly believe that movies are only good if the novel is great.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes. They are so ironic to me. (I think)

An aquaintance that begins with a complement assures a life long frienship.

It is not my day for speaking seriusoly. I only do that on the first Tuesday of the month, and then only between noon and three pm.

I love you. And if you could love me only a little in return.

Life is not fair. Perhaps that is best for most of us.

To love one's self is the begining of life long romance.


Information is the only comodity that can change the world.

Love cannot be bought. It can only be given. To give and not to expect in return is what love is all about.

Never give a lady something that she cannot wear in the evening.

Always pass on good advice. It is the only sensible thing to do with it.


And on a tangent, adding to my insomnia might be that my afternoon flight turned into an overnight red eye, with for extra effect the clocks springing forward. Yeah.. I lost 9 hours yesterday.

Tucking my feet in and cuddling with my pillow.
Nite nite.

Apparantly some of Oscar Wilde's last words before he died were "Either this wall paper goes or I do."

Lessons that I have learnt today.

1. No matter how much the tempation, do not slide down the stairs from my house on your butt. You might think that because the stairs are covered in a thick sheet of ice that it might not be painful. NOT!! It was fun, but not recommended for all.

2. When trying to remove the ice and snow build up between the wheel well and the wheel, never use a sharp object. It might hit the tire and puncture it. Then you might have to race off to Goodyear to buy two new tires to replace the one that you pierced ($236 to be precise), because when you replace one whell you have to replace at least one other one. And then they might tell you that there is something else wrong with your car. Like you might need to replace the springs on the rear of your car, and pay for labour and reallignment and replacement strings ($400).

3. When reaching for a receipt after having your eyebrows waxed, make sure that you have a tip in your hand, as the hand reaching to give you the bill is ready to snatch up the money that you should offer them. Hmmm.

4. Snow storms cause big problems. For example when an airport runs out of de-ing fluid, it causes a huge backup.Take for instance my flight to PUJ tonight is delayed from 16h15 to 20h30, which means that my night of sleep is shot, as I will not even be back until 8h30 tommorow morning.

5. I take that back, about snow storms. They offer you the oportunity to spice up your normal routine. Can you think of anything better but being told that you have to go home. I had the BEST day ever. (TY.LR)

6. Forks are good, but chop sticks are better. That is why I bought four pairs today.

7. Large wine glasses are great. You know the ones that are so big that they can fit almost a whole bottle of wine in them. That is why I had to buy another set. Now I can have more people over for drinks.

K

Courtesy of colorgenics.com .... this is apparantly the person that I am.

What do you think?

You have always been on the move seeking affectionate, satisfying and harmonious relationships. Your ultimate goal has been the realization of an intimate union in which there could be love, self-sacrifice and mutual trust. It has often been said that 'True love is just around the corner' and - if you haven't found it as yet - you possibly soon will.

In the past there have been - and maybe there still are - many things that you have had to do without. You have now decided to set your sights on a position or situation that could give you greater prestige and which will afford you considerable self esteem.

Being a very proud individual, you tend to hold yourself aloof pretending that you are stoical - indifferent to pain and pleasure. This is not so, for in truth you are an extremely emotional individual, one that may make a hasty decision and perhaps regret it at leisure. It is time now to break the bond of detachment and be the 'you' that you would like to be - give vent to your emotions and enjoy yourself.

You are being unduly influenced by the situation that is all around you. You do not like the feeling of loneliness and whatever it is that seems to separate you from others. You know that life can be wonderful and you are anxious to experience life in all its aspects, to live it to the full. You therefore resent any restriction or limitations that are being imposed on you and you insist on going it alone.

You wish to be left in peace... no more conflict and no more differences of opinion. In fact you just don't want to be involved in arguments of any shape or form. All you want is for 'them' to get on with it - and to leave you alone.

So today is one of those days where everything has gone wrong.
I hate to think that I might be misinterpreting the nonsense going on around me.
I think it is the lack of sun.

1. So here I am juggling so much stuff this morning, and I kick on the door (as my hands are full) hoping that someone will open it for me. Oh no. So I struggle to get my keys free. A fantastic student offers to help. (What a darling) So what do my wandering eyes reveal but three of my coworkers in the office. Thanks for answering the door!!! The kicker, I was juggling some baking for them. (Which I kindly have given to another department, cause I am so mature)

2. I have hall duty this week, which means that I am policing the hallways. What makes this so frustrating is that certain people do not let their 30 kids into the classroom until the final bell has rung. How can I clear the halls when there are 90 kids mulling around the outside of their classroom.

3. Halfway through the painful announcements (20 minutes today) two girls come wandering out of the bathroom, and are continuing an intense conversation. On e thing leds to another and I have to ask them several times to stop talking. The roll there eyes at me, and whisper under their breath. Nothing new. Been there, done that.
Now here is the kicker... one of the girls comes to drop me off a letter at the end of first period. She prefaces it by saying that when people are rude to them she writes them a letter. As my blood pressure is already soaring, I make the decision to not read the letter. As it might just send me over the top. And stupid me, I thought for a split second that she might have been apologizing for rolling her eyes at me.

That, my firends was my morning. What a horrible start to the day. And now here I am trying to salvage it. And, it is only 11am.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So out of the blue, we have a little snow storm this morning, which amuses me because there are thousands of accidents. I wonder how we all forgot so quickly to drive in the snow. The rumors are that people have changed the tires on their cars, (I don’t know anyone who has snow tires, I think that most people stick with the all weather tires.) that the city did not put any salt down, and my personal opinion that people just don’t think (OK, there is snow on the ground, should I drive 70 km an hour? Should I run a red light? Should I not bother to stop at a stop sign? Brains people…..)

Anyway, I could be biased as I only have a very short commute to work. Thank God. I am an excellent candidate for road rage. Let’s leave it at that.

Went to the Jays home opener last night where they lost. But the seats were pretty good, and a reasonable price as well. I guess they give you a deal on the tickets so that they can gauge you on the food. $13 for two bottles of beer, 1 big ass beer ($11.50) parking… hold onto your seats THIRTY BUCKS. (Truth be told, it was damn cold last night. Had it been summer, not a chance.)

I am up to my arm pits in things to do, but am still finding ways to procrastinate. God I am talented.

The good news is that the snow should melt by this afternoon. Spring is coming… I hope.

I need some sun, and heat. (Ask me what I have planned for this evening…..)

On another note, what a relief it is to realize that some people are just meant to be friends. And wow... what an amazing job rebound relationships can do at making you someone that you don't even want to be.

K

So, another excitng week begins.
And the stress continues to build.
Report Cards are next week and I am struggling to get my marking done.
I am so distracted, and need to refocus. (I guess there are certain things that are preoccuping my time.)

Had a very relaxing weekend. Went to the gym on Saturday morning and then spent some time with Mum. Then I went home as I was not feeling well. Tried to sleep it off. Was surprised with a nice phone call that night. Still cannot sleep though. I think I have spring fever.

Sunday brought the church thing, and more time with Mum. We had sushi for lunch and then did some light shopping.
Sarah rang to tell me that she had purchased me an original piece of art that she had seen. Perfect to complement my red dining room. Much more affordable that my choice of a flamenco dancer for 800 pounds.

I also bought some other prints, which I swear are portraits of me. A lady surrounded by her shopping and sipping on a glass of red wine. I swear it is me. Now... to choose the perfect place to hang it.

I still want to have a tasteful nude done. But that should remain confidential.

The weather has taken another turn for the cold. I was shocked to see that there was a dusting of snow on the ground for the last two days. I am so over winter. I actually had to put socks on this morning. It was -8 this morning.

Am looking forward to a busy week and am heading back to work with the airline again this weekend. I need a little push on my income.

K