This is my horroscope for today.

Put your ambitions into action today, KATHRYN. The day's planetary aspects should find you feeling energetic and positive. Make the most of this by taking steps toward achieving your goals. As you know, if you don't actively pursue them, nothing will happen. The years can pass by so quickly, and you wouldn't want to be sitting on a rocker wondering "what if?" Trust yourself and do what it takes. Everything starts with that first single step.

Does that mean that I should buy that pair of shoes?
Or does that mean something else?

Congratulations to my cousinSimon and his fab girlfriend Christine on their engagement.
The two are just lovely.
Smart boy to not let her get away.

Looking forward to a spring wedding in the Vancouver area.

I guess I might have to buy a dress to wear, maybe shoes as well.

Very exicted as it gives me something to look forward to.

Enjoying one of the very few saturdays that I am not out of the country, the ladies and I decided to go for brunch.

We went for a chic sex in the city brunch at the loft. (www.loft720.com) C had the champagne cocktail and R and I had the smoothie with some vodka for flavour. We also sampled the green eggs and ham, poached eggs, and poached egss with crab cakes. Very nice place. Would go again for sure.

The highlight was when the waiter asked C how she wanted her toast. The momentary panick on her face was priceless. (no mastercard) Toasted, she said confused. The waiter started to laugh and rephrased the question what KIND of bread she wanted. Silly waiter, toast is toast.

So.. remember that I am new to the school.
I have been there a week and change
Today I walk into one of my departments and am greeted with
Hey Sexy, hows it going

Now, the moment that those words slipped out of his mouth, he looked almost as shocked to have said that as I was to have heard it. We both just changed the subject and moved on immediatly.

Almost like Sally when playing scrabble, claiming that she is not an alcholic, when someone questionned her spelling of a word. Quickly followed by Did I just say that out loud.

Today, an homage to all the people who said something out loud that they meant to think to themselves.

It has come to my attention that people do read my blog.
I just assumed that my sister was the only one to read it, and seeing as I have spent most of my summer with her, I was not updating this site.
School is back in, she has moved to Spain, and we do not fly there... so I start to post again.

Most of my summer consisted of flying back and forth between Toronto, London, and Vancouver. And of course shopping in between. Lots of shopping, however, there must be something in wrong with me as I just dont have the desire anymore. I know, I cant believe it myself. I think that watching the struggles that New Orleans is undergoing has made me change my lifestyle a little bit. A bit. And probably not for that long.

I played in a 3 pitch tournament yesterday with the ladies. And, for my first time ever playing the sport (yes I coached a team last year) I was not terrible. I have some improvements to make. However, the piece of equipment that I am missing is a large, let me reinforce LARGE chest. My Lord, some of the best catches were made when the ball bounced into the glove, out of the glove and into the massive chests. However, the team drinking in the park all day with white wife beater tank tops and no bras and massive breasts... they take home the trophy...

Why do people not wear bras, especially sports bras, especially if your breasts are so large.
WHHHHHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYYYY.

Anyway, the team i ws priveleged to play on one the tournament, and we all walked away with a shot glass to commemorate the day. It was a fund raiser for the Breakfast Program for kids before school. And with the weather being so nice yesterday, I also walked away with some great sun. GOd love a 30 degree day in September.

Settling in to my new school. New teachers, new program, new kids...... Still absorbing my envirnoment. Not my old school, which I miss, but certainly a great opportunity for me. Teaching math, english, and phys ed. All over the place, but I get to wear shorts half the day, and I get to be outside. Seems like a great deal to me.

Almost time for bus duty.....

sarah years ago said that she hated taking the underground.
she said it was a haven for menacing incidents.
you can imagine my horror when I woke up this morning. I thought that i was dreaming.
thank god she is alright.
thank god

Let me start by saying that the following events were not at all my fault.
I just went to the store to return something, and exchange it for something else.
Then I saw them. A gorgeous pair of hilfiger black pumps (for only $60). I would have been mad not to pick them up. They are sooooooo comfortable as well.
I then went next door to Winners (Love that place) and accidentally bought two pairs of tweed like shoes for the fall and winter. Now, they were a STEAL. Chinese Laundry and Dollhouse shoes for $30 each. Again, I would have been a fool to not snatch them up.
And that is why it was not my fault that today I bought three new pairs of shoes to add to my collection of shoes.

MADDNESS.
Things are usual me pace. INSANE.
Am suffering from jet lag, something that I don't have time for.
Just returned last night and went straight to volleyball. That did me in and barely hit the pillow before I fell asleep. Morning has come too quickly, especially because I am going back out tonight. To see my sister. YIPEEE.

We went to see Oasis last weekend and I was really impressed with the venue, and the show. Hoped secretly that I would witness one of the infamous melt downs, but alas it did not happen. Ended up at our local and lasted only a short visit as one of the girls started to pole dance with a door frame. We decided that is was time to leave after that.

Worked with some new flight attendants yesterday, wow. To be new again. Poor things are struggling. One of them voits at least 5 times per flight. Takes a toll on me as well, as I have to end up doing her work for her as see is in the loo all the time. Patience!!!!

Done all that needs to be done at school, just last minute things like packing and cleaning out my possessions. Change is good, and I am ready to move on.

Got my schedule for the month of July and it is a doozy. Back and forth to London and Vancouver. It's the season for visiting family and friends. Have an idea, for my doll Sarah who is in Vancouver. Due to my stupidity, I did not get to see her when I was last there. Have three days there next month and will be inviting her to join me for a girlie spa day. Shhhh, hope she doesnt read this.

That is the update for now.

K

In the spirit of my sister, I bought a new pair of Puma trainers today. It took me awhile to find the ones that I wanted, and then ones in my size. But alas, I found them. They are white with black velcro across the front. In all honesty, I wanted new shoes because I need them to wear out tommorow. We are going to see Oasis and Jet. But along with those shoes came a few new white shirts, only because I realized some of the shirts that I have (including the one I was wearing today) have seen better days. And a fab pair of glittery blue indian style shoes because they grabbed my attention, and a black and a white wide necked shirts from Jacob because they were on sale and looked soooo good on the lady who was working there. (I think that is it)

Tommorow is the last day of school, classes that is. We have exams from Monday to Thursday, and then no more children until they return to pick up their report cards. I have packed most of my things, It is amazing how much I have collected over the last 6 years at that school.
The highlight is not having to participate in the "Big Board". It is what makes all teachers in the English department step even closer to the edge. All the English courses to be offered next year are posted and people get to sign up for what they would like to teach. Everyone is miserable as it is our livelyhood for the next year, but with my departure, I don't get to play this year.

Keeping the windows closed this evening. The poor neighbours had an almighty fight with their son last night, and I could not help but hear them. I am surprised that no one called the police. Love summer, all the lovlies on my street come out to entertain. Bless the 15 kids that use my driveway and BOOO when I come home.

Summer and many travels are just around the corner.

While I should have been listening and paying attention at the staff meeting yesterday, I was not.
I was however jotting down random words.
You can imagine the sense of all of them.
If you have nothing better to do.

high five
comb over
gimp
ditcher
1900
fitee
rehearse
module
ownership
retreat
8=5
13=10
out of sorts
glazed
time tables
pre register
invigulate
designated seats
proper attire
have trouble behaving themselves
ratification
retro pay

So, on the hottest day yet this year... I decide to do the clean sweep of my house.
From the car, the basement, the main floor, the spare room and my own room, I managed to wash and fold the entire contents of my wardrobe. (With the exception of the clothes that I have at school.)
I gave away 4 pairs of shoes to the neighbour, and the car that my ex left went to them as well.
(Last week I gave 3 pairs of shoes to the head secretary at the school, as I am cleaning up what I have managed to accumulate over the years at that school.)
And then I cleaned out two garbage bags of clothes that will be donated to some one. Lucky people :)
So, not sure if this is excessive or not.
32 pairs of underwear.
36 bras.
18 camisoles
15 bikinis.
I am frightened to do a shoe count.
Will save that for another day.

k

So much has happened in such little time.
I have been back and forth to Europe three times with many interesting adventures.
We went to celebrate Noelenes hen night and did some Pole Dancing lessons. Ten ladies and two poles. It was great fun and I would do it again in a heart beat. We also tried to go dancing but due to jet lag, the night was cut short. But we did have a great day of shopping followed by a great deal of pint drinking in the afternoon. So proud of my little sister who has surrounded herself with such lovely friends. Truly great people.
Have been in Manchester, UK for most Saturdays this month. Many years since I have been there, but it has changed for the better. It is not so gloomy anymore. And the shopping is still great. But really isn't the shopping great every where?
Things don't lool like they are going to slow down. The semester is coming quickly which adds a little stress to things. I have to mark all that stuff that I have put off. I also have an evaluation coming up. YUCK.
I guess that the most exciting thing to report is that I have decided that the time has come for me to move schools. I love my school and I love my kids, but I have been at the same school for 6 years. I am making a move to a school that is still very close to my home, which is great so that I don't have to commute more than 10 minutes. I also am going to be working in a program that is brand new to the school and to the board. I think that it is a great opportunity career wise. Big change to leave my security, but a great change none the less.
Very long weekend, and I need to get some rest.

K

Well, I have fallen off the wagon. The blog wagon that is.

It is that time of year again. MAY MADDNESS.

Nothing to do with MARCH MADNESS (Basketball).

It has everything to do with the fact that I am out of control busy.
Not only am I teaching Monday to Friday, teaching Literacy Sessions twice a week afterschool, coaching softball, dragon boat racing, spinning, weight training, playing volleyball (starts this week), and working Friday to Sunday evenings (no sleep two out of three nights).
Things are a bit crazy.

Back to work with the airline is great. Sometimes. Interesting people, like the flight attendant who told me that black tea was black, and white tea is tea with milk. Thanks, think I can figure that out. Then she tells me that when she lived in London she was told to put the milk in before the tea, I think not. Only because my sister told me that the bag, the milk, and the water should NEVER be put in at the same time.

And then the girl who wants to work in my section because there is a hot guy that she wants to chat up. And I oblige to save the issue she would create if I didn't. But did he not sleep the entire flight, until landing when I got to chat to him.

Have been in Manchester this weekend and last. Wow, things have changed from the last time that I was there 6 years ago. It was a beautiful day, Sun and all. And I got to do some good shopping. One of the reasons that I stopped going there was that I spent too much money, but have been good this time. Thanks to my great bargain shopping skills.

Wish that I had my sister there with me.
Wanted to text her, but alas my phone is useless. Doesn't even work in my own house.
Have to get on that.

School is busy. Spring hormones are raging. Broke up two fights the other day and have bruises to show for it. Don't get the wrong idea, I am not at a bad school. We RARELY have fights. I just happen to be there when they break out. Hmmmm.

Will try to be more faithful.
Need to sleep, as I have another week in front of me.

K

So another Sunday, and another update.
Congratulations to both Mandy, and Linda on their preganacies. More little people coming into the world. How exciting.
I spent the lovely weekend attacking the bushes outside of my house. Seven hours later, a major blister from the hard labour, I have had enough for the season and it has barely started. I had the pleasure of watching the kids from all the neighbours run around the street and tear across peoples lawns with their bikes. Ingenious little monsters. (Note, I was watching them, not their parents) Have promised the neighbour that I will help him this weekend to tame the beast just that much more. Who would have thought that I would become so domestic.

Busy week at work, as usual. One thing finshed means that two more things have to be done. Dragon Boat racing has changed nights which puts a snag into my plans, and the plans I have to teach an after school session. But, the eternal juggler that I am... I will have to survive.
Played Poker with the ladies on Friday night and lost every damn penny that I brought. So be it. I was not meant to be a winner.

The big news of the week seems to be the news that I have to go back to work next month with the airline. It seems as if I say this all the time, but I think that this might be the end of my career as a flight attendant. I guess everything is riding on the schedule that I am assigned on the 25 th of this month. AHHHHH the waiting period. Big on that disapointment is the fact that Noleen and I have booked our flights to go to London for her stagette the long weekend in May. However if I go back to work, I will have to work that and every other weekend in the month.
I think that I have come to the realixation that I will have to quit. And that is ok. I think. It has been a long time since I was on the plane so if I am to go, this is as good a time as any.

I was worried that I would be bored all summer, but with careful planning I think that I have successfully filled up the 8 weeks of July and August. 2 weeks summer school. 1 week in the Domincan with the family. 1 week at Bond Lake (cottage of the Alloway clan), 2 weeks in London with my sister, perhaps a jaunt for the weekend or more to some exotic location, 1 week at the cottage with the cousins, and a few days scattered between each trip. Now, If I could only find some way to finance my living expenses as I zip around the globe.

The begining of another week, who knows what drama it will bring. Report cards for sure, who knows what else.

Have a great week!!!

K

Another Sunday, another posting.
So, this is what I have been up to this week.
In addition to everthing else, I am tring to finish the Religion Specialist AQ. I am having a hard time with it. One more week to go. This is going to be the death of me. I am sure.

Have volunteered to coach softball, something I know nothing about. But I want to be outside and this is a great way to do so. Made one practice this week. As we were busy putting the finishing touches on Mulit-Cultural Night a bi-annual event. It was another success. Not as great as the first one, but fun just the same.

Saw Lisa on Tuesday as she picked up a job teaching at my school. It is great to see her. She is such a peach.

We also celebrated the third anniversary of Dad's passing. Can't believe that it has been so long. We had mass for him on Wednesday at the school. It is nice to have the chapel there.

After being at school until late on Thursday night, I awoke at 4am and watched the funeral. And then battled a half day which turns into a long day at school.

Saturday we celebrated Grandpa's birthday with lots of food and goodies. He wanted 86 649 tickets as his present. He got them but only managed to win $20 and a handful of free tickets. I then went to the Wine and Cheese show with the girls. Which was truly a good time. Sarah called and was bombareded with people talking to her on the phone. We desperatl wanted her to come home, but with her starting her new job we knew that it would be selfish of us to ask her to come all the way home. She would have been exhausted and that would not be fair to her.

One tragedy, I went to the "Rinse station" to rinse my glass, and leaned over only to have m beautiful knock off Gucci glasses that I loved dearly, jump out of my shirt and fall into the bin full of rinsed and dumped wine. No I did not try to retrieve them, but I was truly heart broken. Karen bless her soul offered to go elbow deep and fish around for them. I did say no. Nothing is worth an elbow deep of sludge. And then there was the almost incident with the Fire Fighter. That thank God I managed to avoid.

Saw my friend Sue as we competed at the Breathalizor station. Haven't seen her in forever. She is such a happy girl. Love her to bits. Breathalizor, that was quite fun.
We went for dinner and then a few more drinks until we called it a night before midnight.

Had an early start to the day as I had to develop some pictures and wanted to get it done before the crowds started to throng.

I bought my fab neighbours a new bench for their front lawn. Theirs broke in the fall when their buddy sat on it and fell through it. They are so helpful that I wanted them to have a great place to sit.

And as the weather is soooooooo nice today we all caught up on things that have happened over the winter. I accidentaly last summer started friday night cocktail hour, and the ladies (bless them and their motherly ways) are anxious for them to start again. They have purchased citronella candles and are read to go. Think that I will make us al wine glasses for the occasion. I read somewhere that you can put stickers onto glasses to personalize them. Sounds like something that I might like to do.

Lorina emailed me today, and invited me to play Poker with Jenn and Mandy on Friday night. Me and the three married ladies. But I better learn to play Texas Hold'em quickly.

This afternoon I have been struggling to mark some long overdue papers, only motivated by the fact that they are turning in more articles tomorrow.

And the y key on m keyboard seems to be acting up.

Until next week.

K

Seems like the weekends are the only time that I get to sit down and sum up the week.
After a bit of excitement in Vancouver, missing seeing Sarah W. (Typical what day am I supposed to leave? and mad dash to the airport earlier than I planned...) I am so sorry to have missed them both.
A big congratulations to the happy couple who I just found out are engaged. Great news as they are both fantastic people.
I got to watch a lot of hockey, drank a lot of coffee. And did a little shopping. Working my magic I made others spend more money than I did.

But this week has been tough. No one ever feels sorry for us that we have time off, but it is really hard to get back on track.

I went to the movies with my grandma and mother. We went to see Bride and Prejudice. I loved it. Music, dancing, colors.. It was great. We also stopped into IKEA where of course we picked up some little lovelies. And then had a nice dinner with the lovely ladies. We planned out Grandpa's birthday next weekend. Missing only one very important guest. (Seestor) Lunch is at 12. We would love to have you join us.

And if you are looking for me today, I will be racing to finsh my project that I have had three months to do, and yes have left to the last minute.

And yes, there is fresh snow on the ground, and yes it is the 3rd of April.
Cruel and unusual punishment.

K

No sooner than I am unpacked, I am packing up again.
Off to Vancouver tommorow for the Easter Weeekend.
More fun to be had.
I am sure....

k

Well. I have returned from the Dominican and am a lovely shade of honey brown. The good news is that we are all speaking still, and there was only one "pool blow up". No casualties.
The weather was just perfect. I imagine that it was about 35 each day. Not a drop of rain the entire week. The hotel was beautiful, nice rooms, and I had no complaints about any food. They were great at keeping us hydrated, bottles replenished in our rooms daily, and coolers all over the place to refill. There was of course a swim up bar that got put to good use.
Interesting behaviour from people though. The expression "All inclusive, no problem" comes to mind.
The staff work so hard, and play hard as well. They get to live on the resort and get fed as well. It is the best job that they could have. I stayed on the resort for the most part, left only once to go horseback riding. That was TONS of fun. But it is certainly a reality check when you see the poverty that is just on the other side of the fence. It is amazing the things that I have to live with, when I see what these people live with. It makes you re evaluate everything, if you have a conscience.

Am out the door again this weekend. Have planned a jaunt to Vancouver to visit with the cousins and Sarah, a friend from University. Should be fun. Can't even begin to think about packing. I guess it is a blessing as I have to unpack before I can pack again.

Have a great day.

KJ

I am alive
However, I am out of town for a girls gone wild week in the Domincan Rebulpic.
Will post pics and details on our return.

Have a great March Break Everyone!!!

Hate them damn teachers.

k

So this is it.
My last posting being 30.
As of midnight I will be 31. And I am ok with that, as I still feel that I am 25.
Had a few drinks with a few of the girls on Saturday, and think I managed to be the most sober. After a little incident with nipples and keys locked into the running car.
I like low key. Would rather jump through hoops for others bdays and keep mine hush hush. So it worked out well.
Less than a week to go before we leave for the Domincan and then on my return I am off to Vancouver to visit my cousins and my friend Sarah.
It will be a busy month.
Thinking of my sister who is in Sri Lanka this week. Imagine the fun that she must be having. This is the first March Break that we havent spent together in a very long time.

And with that, a hot shower and bed for me.

K