Saying goodbye

Finally going to Ottawa

2009-09-05T09:44:00.002-04:00

Since I'm leaving at the end of September, I've finally decided to visit Ottawa. Gabriel mentioned that since I have never been there that it was an indication of my lack of Canadian-ness. I disagree, since many Canadians I know have the anti-Ontario virus. Perhaps it's because I've lived in Quebec for 9 years, and I have become anti-federalist. But perhaps Canadians who are not from Ontario are sick of all the attention it gets! So, I'm going to Ottawa by train on Monday to see what the hype is all about. Will I convert and say I love Ottawa?! Who knows!

August recovery

2009-08-29T18:26:00.001-04:00

A big thank you to all those who helped in body or spirit for the BC wedding! It was lovely... but more than the day itself it was wonderful to have the family all come together...

Thanks!

Much too long

2009-07-22T22:23:00.001-04:00

I guess this is proof that Canadian winters are tough since I haven't posted in so long! Luckily whenever I travel I feel like writing journal and blogs. I spent the last two weeks in New Brunswick visiting Amber, Zaak and his family. It was a nice change of my sometimes lonely city life, Zaak and his two sisters and their kids were there as well as Blaise and Acadia. The beach was beautiful, the stars bright and the company lovely!

Almost 9 years

2009-06-28T19:59:00.002-04:00

I moved to Quebec in August 2000, my how time flies. Lately I've been trying to gradually say goodbye to Montreal as I'll be leaving for Syria in the fall. I don't know if it was because of the winter or cool spring, but I've noticed that I've been in a rut. I go to the same restaurants, the same parks, the same shows... BORING! Since humans only seem to appreciate things after they are gone, this weekend was one for the good guys! So, I saw some old friends in a new restaurant, taking a new route, watching the fireworks from a new location and it was FANTASTIC!!
So this will be my new summer moto! Try new everything in Montreal before it's time to say "au revoir"

Movie faux pas

2009-03-21T21:15:00.002-04:00

Alright, I realize that get annoyed about a lot of things when sharing public space... For example public transportation. I tend to get annoyed easily, but I also think a lot of people lack tact. Today I went to see a movie and there was a kid with his mom who distracted me the entire movie. First of all it was a lame movie (Knowing-with Nicolas Cage) so it could have been worse, but this was just a diaster. First of all the kid didn't even speak English, second the movie was a sci-fi thriller and third I think the kid was definately ADHD. He couldn't stop talking to his mom,slurping a slupie with a spoon and eating candy loudly and or playing with some change he had in his pocket. I did ask after a few bouts of talking to "shush please" and that worked for a few minutes. Later in the movie after much discussion, his mom gave him money to go get something, the kid got lost and tried to use the emergency exit! The next fiasco was that he left his open bag of candy on the chair with my purse on it, so when I picked it up to get something his candy went flying all over the floor... It's kind of funny now, but I was wishing for an employee to shine a light on them and ask them to smarten up... alas for the good old days!

From start to finish

2008-06-23T00:15:00.003-04:00

I have been meaning to read "The Kite Runner" for over a year now and finally bought it last week with my fellow teacher Ann who was loading up on books to read over the summer. I started it at around 7pm on my balcony, and just finished it around midnight... What a beautiful, tragic, shocking story... It makes me feel so selfishly rich in my life where I can buy anything I need and most of what I want. I just made some donations on line... I'm thinking what a great book this would be to teach, but perhaps too much for students to handle. But really, North Americans need this book badly, to wake up and care about others, to realize how incredibly blessed and spoiled we are and to help others. The work of a great author is one that allows people to be changed, to think, to consider to ponder... Thank you Khaled Hosseini

May updates

2008-05-06T19:46:00.002-04:00

The evenings are getting longer and longer... I started a monday night yoga class... I won't be working at College Notre Dame next year... I'm pumped about going to BC this summer... I bought a fun summer dress on the weekend... I need new music on my ipod... I am slightly addicted to iced tea... I don't think many people actually read this

Mini triathalon

2008-04-12T20:45:00.001-04:00

Encouraged by a trainer at my gym, I did their monthly challenge:
1000 m rowing
1 mile on the treadmill
3 miles on the bike

My time was 25:51:1; my name gets put into a draw for a free personal training session. That day the best time for a girl was 23 minutes, but now there are more. I feel proud, I realize I'm more competitive than I think!

A new family...

2008-04-10T20:54:00.002-04:00

This picture portrays my happiness as Gabriel's parents congratulate me on becoming engaged. I am happy!

Soon to be 28

2008-03-31T22:19:00.003-04:00

Alanna and I will be 28 this year... and we're still not married and neither us of have children... Much to the dismay of older sis Amber. What's the deal?! I guess we're just late bloomers...

Cheers to us!

Gabe turns 26

2008-03-26T18:32:00.003-04:00

We went to the fabulous Italian restaurant "Guido and Angelina" where we had a lovely bottle of red wine (Califorian). Gabe's sister and bro-in-law Zyad and Mirna came with us, and the boys got to watch the hockey game while Mirna and I chatted. The music was great, the place was hopping, the food fantastic! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it...

7 things you didn't know about me

2008-03-08T18:07:00.003-05:00

Well, for the few people that read this, there aren't many things that are that surprising... but I tried to make them obscure and interesting (they are all true)

1. I'm considering doing my masters in the near future
2. I hate ginger; especially on sushi
3. I'm a greeter at the St. James Anglican Church
4. I think the rest of Canada should learn French so we can really be a Bilingual country
5. I find hockey excruciatingly painful to watch
6. I often side with the underdog in various situations
7. I entered a rowing competition at my gym

Great!

2008-02-29T18:09:00.002-05:00

The last day of February... althought it's been an incredible month, February is a lonnnnggggg month, and it's almost over! Next week is spring break, all my midterms are marked and I can just sit back and reeelax. I had a great meal at McGibbins this week with my friend Marianne. We sat by a real, wood burning fire and it was lovely. I had my usual cider and salmon while Gabe had his usual sleeman's with a bison burger. It was a lovely evening on a cold winter's evening.

My favorite movie so far this year

2008-01-23T20:03:00.000-05:00

"Juno" with Ellen Page is definitely my recommendation for a Valentine's day flick. It's funny, fresh and I thoroughly enjoyed the music.
Some great lines:

Juno " Yea, you just take Soupy-Sales to prom I can think of so many cooler things to do that night. Like, you know what Bleek? I might pummus my feet, uh, I might go to Brenston Munitarian Church, maybe get hit by a truck full of hot garbage juice, you know? Cause all those things, would be exponentially cooler than going to prom with you "

shop clerk played by Dwain from "The office"
"That ain't no etch-a-sketch. This is one doodle that can't be un-did, homeskillet"

Check it out

The worst movie of 2008

2008-01-20T15:04:00.000-05:00

Although, you may think me presumptuous to assume that I have already found the worst movie of the year, let me assure you. The movie "In the name of the king: A dungeon siege tale" has got to be the:
a) biggest waste of money
b) lamest effort at an epic film
c) easiest movie to bash for reviewers and all unlucky viewers

I have to admit that even the trailer was a dud, but I had free movie passes and since my other choice was romantic comedy "27 dresses", I felt I had little to lose. BOY, was I wrong! It should have also been obvious since Burt Renyolds plays the king...

But when I sat down in the theatre, I thought I would give it a chance and I did until the first scene when the bad guy mage, Ray Liotta has close ups which reveal his apparent flesh eating disease, over bleached teeth and tacky wardrobe. Next we hear a line from eye candy Leelee Sobieski who tells him about the "parlor tricks" he has taught her.... Just a sec, this is medeival times?! Did parlors yet exist? And there we have it! Unimpressed by the first scene! And really, the film is all down hill from there, all 2 hours and 35 minutes of every medieval cliche, trite lines, cleavage, botched accents and lame knock offs...

In case you want to find out exactly how bad it is, just watching the trailer will give you a hint of the torture... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460780/

Canada reads

2008-01-19T08:21:00.000-05:00

For years now, I have listened to the discussion on CBC radio about Canada reads... Every year I think, "I should read some of those books." So yesterday I bought two. 5 Canadian works of fiction are chosen, then Feb 25th, a panel discussion begins to decide which should be number 1.

http://www.cbc.ca/canadareads/

I'm starting with "Icefields" by Thomas Wharton, a story a Doctor in 1898 on an expedition in the Rockies.

I also bought "Brown girl in the ring" by Nalo Hopkinson which is about spiritual and mystical life in the inner city after a diaster...

Beautiful sights

2008-01-12T09:57:00.000-05:00

This is taken from Amber and Zaak's back yard.
After about at 20 minute drive, this view can be seen.
The peaks in the distance are actually the Honduras volcanoes, one of which Amber and I climbed.

My big sis and I

2008-01-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

Of course she is only "bigger" in age, really this supermom is a skinny one, which evokes a bit of jealously from me! We had a great time together, talking, laughing, cooking, whining, travelling...

This is at the ruins in Copan, Honduras (we took the picture ourselves).
This is my second to last day in beautiful, but cold Antigua Gutemala.

The woeful gingerbread house...

2008-01-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Last year in Alberta, we started a tradition of making a gingerbread house. Last year, Emily, Amber, Bill and I made it while Blaise drooled from all the candy. Last year, we had a mold for the gingerbread house...

This year, we had cut outs from a cereal box... It was quite the thing of genius, we were quite happy no one had to live inside the house, especially if it rained.
But it did hold together, Blaise had a great time, and it tasted great!

Zaak is pretty cool

2008-01-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

Zaak is a pretty well rounded person; besides being an expert car packer, goat milker, computer fixer, diaper changer, stove installer (above photo)he also has a vast knowledge of what is happening around the world. He tried to engage me in a conversation about films, directors and styles and he lost me... He is doing a lot of things for the ministry with limited resources and BAD internet connection. I'm sending mine your way!

Blaiser

2008-01-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

Blaise loves to read books... I brought him one called "Where's the poop" and I read it probably 10 times when I was there. He's got an extremely good memory and and renewed excitement each time the book is read... His vocabulary is increible! I haven't seen him in an entire year, and my what a change!

He also likes to ask give running commentary in the form of questions about what is happening; for example: "Momma is eating candy?" Oh!

I had a great time with Blaise, except for his few mishaps with a cold and bug bites... he's a trooper.

Guatemala

2008-01-10T20:41:00.000-05:00

Wow... I've been back less then a week and I'm still processing my time with the family. My flight over went fine, I met a nice lady in Miami airport who was also going to Guatemala city. When we landed, the heat hit me and I changed from my turtle neck, long pants and boots to a t-shirt, clam diggers and flip flops. Going through customs was fine and all of my luggage arrived. I wheeled out my luggage in anticipation until I saw the throng of people lining the exit and none looking Amber or Zaakerish... So I wheeled my trolley out as if I knew what I was doing and looked around and asked in broken Spanish for a phone... About 5 minutes later I saw a waifish, tall looking person and yelled "AMBER!" I was found! Zaak loaded my massive bags and I saw Acadia for the first time. I felt still that perhaps Acadia was a figment of my imagination... so I acknowledged Blaise and passed over Acadia as a strange entity. But as one can easliy see, she won my heart over! A sweet girl with a limited vocabulary... I'm hoping that "Aunty" is her first word, since it is such a versatile word...

Staff Christmas party

2007-12-15T21:27:00.000-05:00

It was nice to be all together with the staff, eating, joking, toasting and dancing last night. Here's to a wonderful holiday and wonderful co-workers!

Bob and Doug

2007-12-08T00:50:00.001-05:00

It's definately the great white north in Montreal... we have a ton of snow and all and all, it's quite lovely. Check the clip.

A song for a Winter's night

2007-11-30T06:41:00.000-05:00

A lovely song by Sarah Mclauglan to celebrate the beauty of snow... This particular clip uses scenes from the rather poorly done "Arthur" with Keira Knigtly and one of my favorire actors Ioan Gruffud who just starred in the movie "Amazing Grace"

Oysters aren't for everyone

2007-11-27T19:40:00.000-05:00

I was invited to an oyster party hosted by a teacher from my school... I don't think I ever tried oysters before this, and who knew that November is high season for them?! Anyhow, I show up and start trying to be as funny as I am in English... and in my own humble opinion, I took a good crack of it! I think the alcohol on an empty stomach may have played a part... I did manage to gag down two oysters down before I gave up the attempt... seafood is just not my thing.

Human Tetris

2007-11-18T20:40:00.000-05:00

A teacher from school told me about this very cool Japanese game show... check it out!

World's worst music video

2007-11-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

In case you were in search of a very bad, horrible song/music video combo, I have found it for you. It is Spice Girl's song "Headlines"... which one can find quite easily. What is the deal?! They get back together after 10 years for this crap!?! They're all grown up and.... drum roll, lame!

More Fun

2007-11-13T19:42:00.000-05:00

Graduation fun!

2007-11-11T19:42:00.000-05:00

K.T. Tunstall

2007-10-21T08:40:00.000-04:00

I saw this interview on "The hour" awhile back and fell in love with this artist. I think she reminds me of my Swedish friend Frida!

Check out the interview at: http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/video.php?id=1732

No no guantanamo

2007-10-21T08:23:00.000-04:00

This is some new music I happened upon, interesting

http://www.seanhayesmusic.com/home.htm

Extremist relatives

2007-10-21T08:19:00.000-04:00

Ever since I made one comment on the spelling of a word of a notorious blogger couple, the editing of my own blog has been endless... some missionaries believe it to be part of their mandate to make my spelling impeccable... I say 'cease' and I will accept terms of a truce!

Funny students

2007-10-19T06:23:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest problems with my students is that they are so funny... It's very hard to keep on tract when they do silly things and try not to show them how funny I think it is. For example yesterday in the midst of marking some grammar exercises, one student started singing the song "Barbie girl" and three others joined in. Or during an oral presentation, a student explained a new invention in the 90's was laser eye surgery that didn't leave you blind... Or a student who explained that way back in 1984, McDonald's didn't exist. Or another student who uses French words but with English intotation and pronunciation (like lunnettes he says loonetts).

Western visitors

2007-10-13T19:56:00.001-04:00

Winter is approaching at a verocious speed after a warm September and early October. We met up with two Albertans; Dean (Zaak's brother in-law) and Paul his friend. Paul is here on a very interesting conference about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorde). We met up yesterday for some beer and then went to a hookah bar where Paul stirred up the place by asking Gabriel about politics between Lebanon and Syria. Sitting right next to us were three Lebanese gentlemen who joined in the conversation... Dean was feeling a little under the weather and so Paul and I spoke about kids with ADHD in the education system. Unfortunately it was raining for most of the weekend, but it only drizzled today so Dean and I went to the Old Port to see Notre Dame and to get a beaver's tail. Now they are watching the hockey game at the Bell center and then we'll meet up at McGibbin's to end their visit.

My incredible cousins!

2007-10-02T04:13:00.001-04:00

My cousin Danny McCreery made a short film for a contest on conserving energy. It is called "The conserver" and you can check it out here:http://www.offthegridvideo.com/videoList.php
Unfortunately you can only vote if you are a BC resident, since the contest is put on by BC hydro. Congrads Danny, I thought it rocked!

My coiff

2007-09-18T18:53:00.000-04:00

So I finally decided to get streaks in my hair... professionally. I can't believe the time and money so many women spend on a regular baisis. I booked an appointment for 11am and it took 4 hours!!! They should have served us food! I leafed through around 3 magazines, but they are really boring. Listening to other people's conversations was more interesting. The cut was great, my I can't believe how much hair the hairdresser thinned out... I found out during the color that she is only 18... luckily it turned out pretty good, although more strawberry blond than I thought.

Tea time

2007-09-15T17:52:00.000-04:00

Ah, cooler weather is quite welcome! I just bought a tea strainer for loose tea for the cooler days ahead. The two song I can't get enough of right now are Feist's "1234" and "Change" by Tracy Chapman. There is still a part of me that would like to be a musician...

I'm a survivor

2007-09-08T08:31:00.000-04:00

Well, two weeks of work have flown by. This was my first teaching week and I'd say it went pretty well. I like being the boss. It's a lot different than being an intern... the other teachers are great as well. We had a little get together after class yesterday which was in a catacomb like room which had a fridge full of beer in the back! For many things I'm winging it, but I've got the basics down. So, it's confirmed, I am cut out (so far) to be a teacher!

Fall is here

2007-09-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

Last weekend in Burlington we went to the county fair... It was almost an exact replica of the one that comes to Smithers every fall. The rides, the candied apples, the carnies and the whole feeling. The first ride I went on was the zipper. It was one I remember from my childhood that was a bit of a rite of passage... if you went on the zipper, you were no longer a little kid. I went with Gabe and we yelled and screamed as it flipped and turned, it was great fun.

All done

2007-08-20T11:26:00.000-04:00

I walked out of the University after writing two essays in 2.5 hours and the Nelly Fertado song came to my mind... "I'm like a bird, wanna fly away...

Yep, so this week I'm doing a bit of babysitting, some prep work, getting grad photos done, and generally relaxing! I start work the 27th, and have 4 ped days to prepare and then my first day of teaching is Friday the 31st of August. Gabe and I are thinking of going to Burlington next weekend to visit his sister and family. I love the drive, and Burlington is a nice get away.

Count down

2007-08-13T20:09:00.000-04:00

I will take my last two University exams this week... it's a little hard to believe! I just realized today that I have been out of highschool for 9 years... This is how it breaks down:
spring 1998-graduated
1998-1999- worked at the pool/ Uncle Terry/Aunty Liz /did a trip to Inuic
1999 fall-June 2000-Haiti
Fall 2000-moved to Montreal
2000-2002-Took sciences
2002-2007- Worked on Bach at Concordia

Gabe and I moved to Montreal the same year and month but didn't meet until the following spring and didn't start to date until the fall of 2001. So, 7 year itch for Montreal? In some ways yes, some ways I feel like I don't know this city at all.

The summer wind came blowing in...

2007-08-09T21:32:00.000-04:00

Alright, so it's now 9:30pm and I got here at 9am. The boys were ansy all day, they kept bugging each other a lot. I had less patience too since I've been working more and getting less sleep. I often wonder how much patience I will have for my own kids. Gabe and I have been talking about not having kids. I think that will change, but I still have a lot of doubts. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I don't have a village so maybe I could help someone else's village. My reasons for having kids seems kind of egotisic; to create life, to know what it was all about, but really, the world is quite overpopulated as it is and I'm kind of scared of being a bad parent. I fly off the handle, take things too seriously, and get tired out easily. These will not get better will children.... But they look so darn cute! I compeletly blame Blaise for the cute factor

bits and pieces

2007-08-07T21:05:00.000-04:00

Wow, I just read Zaak's blog about his goats. I'm so far from owning any goats at this point in my life, it's incredible! I'm working on keeping house plants alive. So last night during my spanish class break I went with another girl to get a coffee and we get Starbucks. Normally I'm against Starbucks since it's soooo American, but we didn't have much choice. So I get a small mild coffee,(put cream not goat's milk in it) drink half of it and end up staying awake until 2am! It's strong alright! I was also thinking of what to do on my first day of class and my spanish teacher uses a lot of fun power points, so I started one last night. My last official day of work with the Robb's is this Friday. My 3rd summer with them, and I worked during the year as well. When I started Michael was 4 and Stefan was 7; now they are 7 and 9. I have two exams, one on the 15 and the last one of my entire University career on the 18th. Then I"m free from work or class until the 26th. I'm not sure what I'll do with my time, since my funds are short. Ideas, suggestions?

Cool it down

2007-07-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, some cooler weather after a scorching week and no airconditioner... now b4 anyone thinks I am a wimp, let me remind you of the whole 'heat rises' law at the 15 floor... yesterday after a movie, I felt like I entered a sauna.. so luckily, Gabriel's sister is out of town and left us keys to her place in Laval so we hopped on the metro and sighed as we entered her cool, quite basement... thanks Mirna!

Film fest

2007-07-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

The movie "Kiltro" was excellent. I'll have to find out who did the music, because it made the movie. The producer and the creative director were at the film and spoke a bit before it began. The atmosphere of the Fantasia fest is quite unique. People really get into the movie, clapping, hooting, laughing loudly... I loved it! The movie could have been a really cheesy action movie if it wasn't for the humor.

Great

2007-07-14T09:20:00.000-04:00

Well so far this weekend is looking up. It's not too hot, it's been quite cool all month actually but I prefer it that way. I'll just go to the tanning salon (kidding). We went for a stroll to the book store last night and I bought the "Nanny diaries" for a fellow nanny I work with for her birthday. A movie is coming out based on the book: http://www.thenannydiariesmovie.com/
Then we went to McGibbins for a drink and a meal, it's one of our favorite places to go. We also bought some board games that were on sale; scrabble and clue. At noon we're going for a massage, and then a friend is coming over this evening. Tommorow is the film at the fantasia fest... I love it when I get organized enough to do fun stuff! Also yesterday I saw the Emily Carr show at the Museum of Fine Arts. I did a paper on her this spring, so it was interesting. She did some paintings of the Kispiox and surrounding areas in the 1920's which is even more interesting.
http://www.mbam.qc.ca/fr/index.html

Fantasia film fest

2007-07-13T18:01:00.000-04:00

So, after being plagued with guilt for not attending montreal festivals, I looked at the films playing on Sunday and the first one caught my eye. Check it out:

http://www.kiltromovie.com/

You have to keep in mind of course that in my opinion this film fest is a little bizarre, and since I'm taking spanish I thought it would be great exposure. Also the music sounds interesting. I'll let you know how it was

Happy Birthday Blaise!

2007-07-13T06:13:00.000-04:00

I can't remember my second birthday, but I can bet that there were two cakes, lots of cousins and balloons!

2007-07-10T22:36:00.000-04:00

My new adult life is already on my mind even though it hasn't begun yet... I'm getting itchy feet for travel.... So tips for the unexperienced? What should I expect in my first full time job? I was told by many to expect that the first two years of teaching are VERY tough. I've always been against the idea of a 9-5 job, travelling with the masses, being forced to shop on the weekends with the line ups... At least I'll be finishing around 3-4pm and have a few spares. I've just been a student for sooo long with various and numerous part time jobs. I dream of living a life more like Alanna, with a lot of freedom and adventure. But really, my personality dicates a higher level of security and consistency.

Happy 140th Birthday Canada!

2007-07-01T08:59:00.000-04:00

I actually remember the special celebrations for when Canada turned 125. I was with my cousins in Hazelton and there were some games and I won a small flag and a soccer ball. It's a little after 9am and I can hear a band warming up for the parade here at 11am. I think it's because Canadian federalism is not fully accepted in Quebec that may make me feel more patriotic. Although I really see Quebec as quite unique, but still a part of Canada.

Movie

2007-06-28T22:00:00.000-04:00

Last night I watched a movie entitled "Vers le sud" (heading south). It's about older American women going to a Haitian resort to get some Haitian love from men half their age. It's set in the 60's and there are three main women characters. It was interesting, the footage of Port-au-Prince accurate the the story compelling. Woman after a certain age in North America becoming obselete... not able to find a partner. The desire to feel love and to have someone find you beautiful. Zaak would like this film

my first spanish class

2007-06-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

It was last night from 6:30-9pm and I managed to discover and pronounce loudly my first spanish swear word. The teacher was describing the accent ~that goes over 'n's to make it sound very different. So she wrote on the board 'ano' and 'a(~)no'. So someone asked how can you tell the difference, so I volunteered to prononunce them both and discovered that 'ano' is ass in Spanish. The teacher didn't want to tell me, so a student did. As adult learners, I think a teacher should tell us the swear words right from the start so we can a) avoid them and b) know when we're being insulted

Books

2007-06-28T21:51:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading the "Hatchet" a story about a boy who survives in the Canadian wild for over a month with you guessed it, a hatchet. I will be teaching this novel in the fall. It is a great book, but what really annoys me (and for those of you who really want to read it and don't want me to wreck the ending- warning) is that the day he manages to get the survial kit that was in the sunken plane and he's cooking up his first real meal, he gets rescued. That part probably would have put me into shock... For 50 days he manages to survive on berries, fish and small game and then he's cooking up a beef dinner and before he even gets to taste it, a dude on a float plane lands...

Eyebrows and things

2007-06-28T21:46:00.000-04:00

If you knew the Redings when they were younger you would know we've got thick eyebrows... overpowering. I've been getting them tamed for the last few years and have been happy with them until an overzealous woman hacked them.... For the first time in my life I wish for think endless eyebrows... Now I have to wait for them to grow back. Really, you're putting your life into strangers hands, with tweezers or hot wax. Really, what should I say "Take it easy on the brows" Or "Keep them a little bushy" or "Whoah nelly". Also anyone working with kids and want to save some sanity, play hide and seek. You can have a little quiet time, stretch out the counting and take your time finding them. Most kids like to play it a few times at least. I also added today "Ultimate Hide and seek" where there is home base... It just sucks to be an adult and look for a good hiding place.

Bonne St-Jean

2007-06-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

This is a sweet photo for this years "National" celebration of Quebec. There is a parade and a lot of concerts and general merriment today. Today someone asked me for a dime to get an anglophone drunk... ha ha, a biculturual joke on the provinces day.

Alright

2007-06-23T15:54:00.000-04:00

So, it's nice and cool in Montreal with plenty of things to do. In the last two weeks I've made three (3) trips to IKEA. I got a ton of kitchen stuff, a file folder and a dresser. As wonderful as the prices are, assembling IKEA items is one pain in the ass. I am not good at putting stuff together as I soon realized... Luckily Gabe is, so he helped me out. My last IKEA visit, they were playing Celine Dion and I wondered, "Is this supposed to make us buy stuff"? I'm not sure, it wasn't really peppy enough to shop, just ballads. Does it make people want to buy romantic bed sets or something? Who knows...

Summer is here!

2007-06-22T10:33:00.000-04:00

Alright, so summer is officially here! Construction, heat waves, fireworks, pool side, margaritas, festivals, long weekends.... ah. Right now it's a nice cool temperature with a little rain, which is fine by me. The humid packed heat of Montreal can hold off for awhile

Fun

2007-05-25T22:39:00.000-04:00

Here is a silly one we took ourselves a few days ago

some updates

2007-05-25T22:36:00.000-04:00

This was on my 27th birthday

Gabe and me at Easter

2007-05-25T22:24:00.000-04:00

Hey y'all

2007-05-25T22:22:00.000-04:00

I'm back from no man's land... my internships are done, and I'm starting to breath freely again! I am wondering what are people's opinions about public vs private schools?

Beautiful baby girl

2007-04-14T15:09:00.000-04:00

Welcome new neice!

2007-04-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

I proudly welcome Acadia Juliette who was born to very lucky parents on Friday the 13th!

I send all my love!

Happy St Patrick's!

2007-03-17T21:11:00.000-04:00

May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door!

Ice Terasse

2007-03-17T21:07:00.000-04:00

This ice bar is attached to a restaurant on Sherbrooke. Earlier in the month, it had fur on the seats and a bubbling element for fondue as well as a waiter serving drinks.

I'm back

2007-03-17T20:57:00.000-04:00

Wow, another internship started, many upcoming birthdays, Gabe's parents soon arriving... and a huge dump of snow today. Also a fire on the 10th floor that kick started our morning. I thought about what I wanted to take with me and I only really wanted my wallet, and Gabriel of course. He grabbed his passports, we put on warm clothes and headed for the stairs. When we got outside we saw grey smoke billowing out of the side of the building. Figuring it might be awhile, we went for breakfast and then a movie. The pepsi forum now has movies that start as early as 10:25 am at $6/each. Zaak would be very jealous I'm sure...

My school

2007-02-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots from my school, Ecole Gentilly. I teach grades 1-6

3 muskateers

2007-02-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

Veronique is from France, a new great friend and I took a class with Farren last semester at Concordia, she's from Penticton BC and is a ballerina

Movies

2007-02-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

Here is myelf and Farren holding some chick flicks; I've started hosting movies on Sundays. So far we've watched, Dirty Dancing, Pretty woman and Monsoon wedding. Feel free to suggest some more!

Comical school episodes

2007-01-28T07:57:00.000-05:00

My internship is going quite well, Grades 1-6 are pretty interesting and mostly good. Here are some comments from students: (all in French)
- Are you Mr. Antoine's wife? (My cooperating teacher, he's 76 years old)
- Are you his mother?
- Do I have to speak in English?
- I like your scarf
- You have some chalk on your bum
- Are you always going to be here?
- Why are you here?

So of course, these comments can be taken in several ways, I try to practice patience and see the great potential in a good laugh with most comments...

2007-01-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Gabriel smoking double apple

2007-01-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

Michel and Vernonique (notice Michel's new engineer ring)

Bon voyage Michel

2007-01-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

To our dear friend Michel, who flies to Saudi Arabia to find work and live. We will miss! Congrads on your graduation! We went to an arab cafe last night after the hilarious comedy nest and smoked sheesha and I had mint tea and some of Michel's friends taught us how to play poker. Good times!

A flurry of activity

2007-01-13T15:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome 2007! I had a fabulous time in Alberta and was so inspired by life there that in Calgary airport I decided that a) I would move to AB and b) I wanted children. But as soon as I saw the city lights of Montreal I was charmed and decided to stay here a little longer. I just started my second elementary internship in Longueil, great teacher, great school. I never thought I would say it, but I like grade one the most so far!

2007-01-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

Building a gingerbread house on Christmas day with Em and Bill

2007-01-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

Jess and I at West Edmonton mall

2007-01-13T14:59:00.000-05:00

My wonderful nephew; we spent quite awhile in riding in the back seat together...

2006-12-15T09:32:00.000-05:00

Me on Christmas morning, around age 5. I'm not sure what I got, but I obviously loved it!

Almost Christmas

2006-12-15T09:24:00.000-05:00

This evening I have my last exam and then tommorow I fly to Alberta to spend Christmas with 3 of my sisters! Thanks Kevin for your great Christmas selections. I watched "Nightmare before Christmas" last night and am still not sure what to think of it... Can there ever be an animated film without so much singing? It wasn't exactly heart warming, but interesting to say the least. Merry Christmas to all!

2006-12-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

Love Actually, highly reccommened by me

Christmas time is here

2006-12-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

And I've already watched two Christmas flicks:
1. Love Actually- 9/10: humor, romance, heartache, music,
2. The Muppets Christmas carol-6/10: funny, but too much singing and too predictable

Still to come:
1. Little Women- a classic
2. The Muppets Christmas-more fun

What other great Christmas movies are out there?

Can't buy me love...

2006-11-26T00:12:00.000-05:00

"Say that you want the kind of love that money just can't buy"

The good ol' Beatles; they obviously weren't considering how much love you can buy at Christmas time. Sooo many commercials aren't even trying to be subtle about marrying expensive gifts with happiness... I guess I should go into another field besdies education.

2006-11-22T21:35:00.000-05:00

Future Canadian Olympian

3 squares?!

2006-11-22T21:25:00.000-05:00

It seems to me that there is an international rule that men like to impose called the 3 square rule. 3 square meals? No, 3 squares of tp/use. It has been suggested by someone (no names) that 3 squares is sufficient. I find this idea (which I remember my own father promoting) absurd. Agree? Annoyed?Appalled? Answer.

What is up?

2006-11-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

So people tell me, why is it that so few people leave comments on my blog? Is it boring? I'd like to know because it's depressing to see 0 comments on several posts... I feel alone in cyberworld.

2006-11-11T10:02:00.000-05:00

On this day, remembering all those who died and being thankful for my grandfather

Remembrance Day

2006-11-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved, and were loved,
and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.
- John McCrae, 1915

2006-11-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

Christmas cards galore! Here is Blaise getting ready to mail them off!

Hallowe'en to Christmas in 24 hours

2006-11-04T08:24:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's time. The Hallowe'en decorations were put and Christmas ones were replaced. Christmas trees, wreaths and loads of Christmas decorations are on sale. I must confess I bought some Christmas cards and some ribbon and Christmas stamps. YOu know, the early bird. It's nice to Christmas shop at this time because there is no panic and you feel leisurely. We got "Nacho Libre" last weekend and watched it again. It wasn't as funny as the first time I saw it. Last Friday Gabe and I celebrated 5 years of dating. We had a lovely dinner at our favorite restaurant with creme brullee for dessert. Then on Saturday we went to Vermont for the baptism of Laina, Gabriel's niece. We had great food, good company and a great weekend.

Hallowe'en yar!

2006-10-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

Yep, I was a pirate this year. I dressed up to pick up the boys from school and got a few honks along the way. I had a fake moustache on and a big pirate hat and one earing. I noticed a lot of pirate kids as well as cowboys. I think they're staples of the costume world. One really original one was a Canada post mail box; Jacob received his candy via the letter slot! Well tommorow is already November 1st. How time flies.

Indoor day

2006-10-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today was cool, rainy and windy. I had a class at 9am until noon, an extra class for an education course about policies concering education in Quebec... yawn. Then I came home and worked on project for a Canadian Lit class and now I should be studying for a history mid term... Luckily there are many things to distract me! Ha ha

Friday the 13th

2006-10-13T09:20:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm feeling quite lucky today! It's sunny, I got to sleep in, I don't have any classes today... Last night I took a fabulous yoga class that really relaxed my whole body. I have two midterms and one project to work on this weekend, so I'll be laying low. I actually still have Thanksgiving day leftovers! It was a ton of work but you get to eat turkey for a good while when you host! My last exam is on December 15th and I'll be heading to Alberta soon after that. Time flies

This weekend

2006-10-07T21:32:00.000-04:00

Many things to do this weekend... this evening I hosted a social evening for ESL students at the Anglican church I attend. Gabriel and I went early to set up games and make popcorn. Gabe played Monopoly with a group and I played UNO with another group. It was quite fun! Tommorow I'll be making pies with Deanna for Thanksgiving and then on Monday it will be the big turkey dinner. I'll also be planning to catch up on some course reading sometime this weekend... we'll see how far that goes!

Mid-Autumn festival

2006-10-06T10:30:00.000-04:00

I just discovered this festival! Here are some details taken from:
http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa093097.htm

The Moon Festival is full of legendary stories. Legend says that Chang Er flew to the moon, where she has lived ever since. You might see her dancing on the moon during the Moon Festival. The Moon Festival is also an occasion for family reunions. When the full moon rises, families get together to watch the full moon, eat moon cakes, and sing moon poems. With the full moon, the legend, the family and the poems, you can't help thinking that this is really a perfect world. That is why the Chinese are so fond of the Moon Festival.

Happy Festival!

2006-10-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

Here I am beating the merinque for a lemon pie (by hand) I'll be making more pies this weekend with Deanne for Thanksgiving!

2006-10-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

Saying goodbye to Amber, Zaak and Blaise at the airport

Catch up

2006-10-06T10:10:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's already Friday! Last weekend we went to two birthday parties. The second one was murder mystery party at Gabe's place and it was fun! It was called "Last train from Paris" set in the 1940's at the time when Germany is invading France. The suspects are high class and have managed to take the last train out of the city. A murder takes place and all aboard must defend themselves... We had a great group, everyone dressed up and got into their characters. I was a high class seamstress and Gabe was pilot. It was for Veronique's birthday (Michel's girlfriend) and she ending up being the murderess!

Christmas plans already

2006-09-24T09:35:00.000-04:00

Yep, I'm going to be spending Christmas with some of my family in Alberta!! Bill (stepfather) has offered to pay my ticket and he and Emily will be coming as well. That means more than one sister at one time since Amber, Zaak and Blaise will be there as well... it's something lovely to look forward to during the semester. I'll probably spend New Years here in Montreal with my sweet man.

This semester

2006-09-21T07:53:00.000-04:00

For the first time in a long time I'm taking luxury courses.. meaning they aren't core courses for my program. I feel lucky to be taking them! I'm taking:
-a history course on Latin America
-A canadian literature
-a French class
For the first time ever, I've thought about working on a Master's part time while I work. I wasn't ever interested before, but it's looking more appealing as time goes on. Suggestions? Advice? Pass them on!