Good Life

On my way home from the gym today one of my favourite songs came on shuffle on my iPod; Good Life by One Republic. I have listened to this song many times, belted it out with friends while driving to the beach, or listened to it to turn a frown upside down. But something caught my attention this time - the opening lines...

Woke up in London yesterday

Found myself in a city near Piccadilly 

Don't really know how I got here

I got some pictures on my phone

New names and numbers that I don't know

Addresses to places like Abbey Road

Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want

We're young enough to say

These words describe everything that has been going on in my life the past three months. Everything has been so new, so different, so challenging, but so fun.

Last week I had one of the most incredible weeks and the happiness and excitement of where I am and what I am doing really clicked. We had our first British snow day, and what a delight that was looking out the window to see roughly an inch of snow, already melting. But the week continued to get better with one of the greatest moments I have had at my school, or probably any teaching experience I've had so far.

10 students out of 23 are away from school ill, it's a revision (studying) lesson, usually something pretty boring. But, given the snow day the day before, the huge lack of a class, I decided to make it a little more exciting. We had a snow ball fight - with paper. I told all students to write a question on their piece of paper, crumple it up into a ball, stand up, spread out, and maybe take cover. I had one student ask "Miss, what if I threw this at you?" To which, my response was "Not yet!" The moment I said "SNOW BALL FIIGHT!" I had thirteen students turn around and throw paper snow balls at me. 

Moments like that one are the moments I have been living for as a teacher. The moments that have been lacking at my school, but also back in September, moments I never thought I would have at this school. 

This week continued with something I have always wanted to do, it was a big dream come true and turned out even more amazing than I ever could have imagined. After all the years of watching the English Premier League on TV, I was finally in a stadium. The stadium to my favourite team; home of the gooners - Emirates Stadium. Being inside that stadium was like nothing I have ever experienced. The stadium was massive, but completely filled with fans and full of song. The constant chanting of "ARR-SEN-ALLL! ARR-SEN-ALLL!" had the same echoing feel as the vuvuzelas in South Africa. The cheers for the goals, the standing ovations for the substitutions. Such pride and a true sense of ownership is taken by the fans developing a complete respect and passion for the team and for the sport. The atmosphere at Toronto FC games may be fun, but most of that atmosphere is a party. The atmosphere here was an environment of passion and love of a sport and a specific team. It was incredible. (As well, the comments from the fans were actually knowledgable suggestions or remarks!) But, this experienced was peaked when Thierry Henry walked through my box. Henry is my all time soccer hero, a true legend and my absolute favourite. I saw him play in the MLS last year, and was lucky enough to see him score in that game. I thought that was an incredible moment. But when he was walking through, he passed me with only the width of the seat behind me, the wind from his walk blew my hair, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. My hero had just walked right beside me. As a friend of my Dad puts it "I went to heaven and saw God."

Life in England has made such a turn around since September, my life has made such a turn around since September. For once in my life I am beyond excited to come home. I have some of the most amazing friends at home and unfortunately it took me moving away to realize how great those friendships really are. But as the song continues...

Oh this has gotta be the good life

This has gotta be the good life

This could really be the good life, good life

Say oh, got this feeling you can't fight

Like this city is on fire tonight

This could really be a good life

A good, good life

Those words define exactly it. "Like this city is on fire tonight." I am travelling, I moved to some where on the other side of the world, doing what I want to do in a city full of excitement. 

To my friends in New York, I say hello

My friends in L.A., they don't know

Where I've been for the past few years or so

From Paris to China to Colorado

Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out

Sometimes there's bullshit that don't work now

We all got our stories

But tell me what is there to complain about

In September I wasn't sure how long I would stay here for. Some of the fights with "friends" that were triggered by me moving away were heart breaking. Being away from my Mum when she was sick was extremely challenging. But as the song says "We all got our stories, But tell me what is there to complain about." (This is a particularly refreshing lyric, because boy do British people complain, or as they say, "winge")

When you're happy like a fool

Let it take you over

When everything is out

You gotta take it in

This is the good life, and with the holidays quickly approaching I hope everyone realizes that and has very, very happy holidays. Enjoy the music video and listen to rest of the worlds, they truly are great. Thank you to everyone who have been reading my updates at home and all over the world. Enjoy the good life and see you all very soon (9 days!!)

A Walk Along the Ocean

I don't know what it is, but there is just something so relaxing, mind settling, peace keeping about walking along the ocean. And after some crazy couple of weeks, this was perfect. A perfect battery recharge and a final push for the next three weeks before the holidays.
I had Friday off of school, so for my long weekend I visited my godmother, Louise. I spent Friday wandering on my own, walking through many different small towns, up and down the high streets, taking pictures. It was on my way to Banstead that although, not a history buff, one of the things I love most about England is it's hidden treasures. I am came out of a footpath, I was sidetracked by this old church and a graveyard that was full of the above ground graves. As much as cemeteries creep me out, I was awe struck by the history and the beauty of this one. I wandered around looking at the stones, becoming emotional at the age of some of the people or the families buried together.
My godmother and I have a very quiet relationship, in that not much talking goes on, but we both enjoy each others company and the small conversations that do take place. As we walked from one side of the Brighton seaside to the other side, we walked beside each other, pointing out the beautiful buildings and sights, but mostly in silence, taking in each moment and the beautiful surroundings.
Brighton is a gorgeous town, directly on the ocean. It is known as the San Francisco of England, but is nice in that is has a very open culture. Although extremely busy, it also a very calm place, and busy without the hustle and bustle of London. There is so much to do and look at, and although it was absolutely freezing, it was still a beautiful weekend there. However, can't wait to go back in the summer!
As a child I loved the Little Mermaid, and was deeply interested in sea life, particularly Whales and Dolphins. I think in my past life I must have been one of the two because the ocean still holds a heavy portion of my heart. During the stresses of this year it is my whale music that calms me. Maybe an embarrassing fact to share, but there is just something about it that eases me. It is what I listen to when my mind won't stop working. And that is exactly how I felt this weekend. Waves crashing, seagulls chirping, kids laughing - the beach is where I belong and this visit has only just confirmed my plans to move coastal for next year.
While in this state of solitude I started to think about my journey in the past three months. The ups, the downs, the greats and the horribles. I signed up for an adventure, but had no idea what that entailed.
A part of travelling that I love is the changes it leaves on you as a person, the impact a place has on developing you as a character. Heading into El Salvador and South Africa I knew the challenges I was going to be confronted with, I had an expectation of the impact these places would leave on me. I knew my teaching practice would improve and I would learn all kinds about school, but I did not expect such big personal changes in such a short time.
It's hard to believe that in three months, I went from thinking this was the worst life decision I have ever made and wanting to come home, to absolutely loving working at this school, being a maths and science teacher, to a science and cover teacher, to a science, cover and PE teacher and now the most recent science, maths and cover teacher. Being away from my Mum when one minute she's cancer free and the next she has cancer to a one month later when she could possibly be cancer free once again. From the stories I hear of my students, or the craziness of my coworkers. To now getting ready to move an entire school. All of these have become a part of my life story. A story I wanted to write a new chapter by moving here.
Part of my coming here was an escape from my hometown, a runaway from a horrible relationship and a time to figure everything out; myself, who I want to be and what I want to do, and without the suffocating aura of Oakville drama.
Moving here I felt the distance, but immediately something was lifted off of my shoulders. There was no one to impress, no one to pretend to be; it was just me. Some sort of freedom took over and I could breath clear once again. A sense of pride in myself and an invitation to fully express who I am was extended.
At home, everyone has watched me transform from a very timid, young girl to an adventurous, outgoing young lady. But coming to England, I was still very unsure of myself as a person. I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn't know who I wanted to be. I was trapped in this people pleasing body, but not happy about it. For far too long it has lead me to heart break, it has gotten me lost, and resulted in the loss of many good friends.
When I first found out about the day I was coming home I was only telling specific people, only the people I wanted to know and to see. But as I did this, I felt myself slipping back into hiding. I found myself retreating, back to who I was before I came here and letting myself be controlled by Oakville and the people within it once again.
As I walked along the beach in Brighton, I was thinking about this journey and where I have ended up. A sense of confidence in myself took over. A sense of accomplishment brought smiles to my face. I am doing what I want to do, I am where I want to be and I am here for my own reasons, not having some unknown power control me. I am no longer in hiding. I have made it public knowledge when I will be home, and I am not afraid of who knows or who I see when I am home. I finally have a sense of freedom and can breath easy. Enough of the madness, move on, and conquer the world.

Networks

I've been starring at a blank page for a couple of weeks now, I've written 3 or 4 posts and instead of clicking publish, I click delete. I keep going over the events and the stories since my last update and have no idea where to begin or where I go from there.
I have had these first couple of sentences written for about three hours, write some more and delete it. I don't know if this writer's block is a side effect of exhaustion, or a feeling of helplessness that rests inside me, or a fact that writing something seems to make it more real.
As I've been attempting to write though, I've been talking to friends and family on various social media outlets. This got me thinking about networks and the benefit they can have.
When talking about networks, you typically jump to the ever popular social networking, or next in line, business networking, but what often gets forgotten about is the network of family.
As close as I am with my family, I've never really been a home body, and in this time away, I haven't really missed home. That is until the passed couple of weeks.
November 4th, my life changed when my Mum, my best friend, told me she had cancer. At that moment, life in England came to a stand still, but my Mum's support system grew. It was incredible to watch and be a part of a team that developed over night to support one cause. It's amazing how people rise to an occasion. This support system infused in my Mother a positive attitude and enabled her to go into the surgery strong and come out of the hospital in record time.
As hard as it was for me to be away from this, or have my Mum tell me she's been cooking all week and I wasn't there to help, seeing the support from everyone else, left me knowing that she was in good hands. This moment united my family as one army, and it became a family battle against the cancer.
Being so far away, definitely made me miss home, and miss my friends. For the first time I felt alone here. I had coworkers to talk to, but I didn't have that friend to take you out, or come over with some ice cream.
This had me thinking about my students as well. In the past couple of weeks I have developed bonds with some of my students that I am now their go to person, someone they confide in. Stories I am hearing from students are things I have never ever expected to hear as a teacher, or be trying to handle these specific situations. But it makes me wonder, my Mum has a support team of about 30 people behind her, these students have me. In order for them to be strong, I must remain strong, but I am currently feeling defeated, and completely helpless. I don't know where to go next.
The past couple of weeks for me have been sleepless, had their ups and downs, a little more drama than necessary, and a brain running like a hamster wheel, but in the end everything has worked out.
During my struggles at the beginning of the school year, a good friend sent me an image with a quote on it that read "Like photography, life develops from the negatives."
The storm is over, my Mum is an absolute trooper and on the mend, and my hard work at school has been rewarded. It's time to start looking at the pictures.
I had my second observation this week, and I could not be happier with how it went. After my first one I was prepared to walk out of this school and never look back. I've been working hard, and a set a goal of a mark I wanted and got that goal. For a keener like me, a grade of satisfactory may not seem very good, but, coming from an inadequate, and the conditions in this school, I could not be happier. Ultimately, I want a "good" grade, but it's one level at a time and I have 4 more observations to go for this year.
From this work though, I was praised with a note from agency, passing along a message from my Headmaster who is extremely impressed with my work!
There always is a bright light at the end of every dark tunnel, good things do come. My family is closer than ever, my Mum is doing incredible, and I am home in 4 weeks!
Next step, getting over this road bump in my student's case and figuring out the solution.

Scenery and Stories

There's a difference between travelling and being a tourist and I never really noticed until this past week. My previous journeys, I have travelled in groups and been with like minded people. I have been enveloped in the culture and lifestyle of the places I have gone. But what I was forgetting about those experiences is that my tours were private. I travelled with the group I was with.

I spent the first couple of days of my half term in Edinburgh being a tourist. I went on tours of specific attractions - Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. On these tours I ran into all kinds of people, all kinds of annoying people. Tourists are the most selfish, absorbed in their own world kind of people. 

A couple weeks ago I was having a conversation at work about young people and how they think they're so worldly and cultured. The conversation was started by a coworker saying that I am not like this, but I am someone that rightfully could be. I learned first hand exactly what was meant by this when a fellow tour mate kept talking about the places she has been and the places she wants to go. What she could not tell  you though was what she learned, what she had experienced, what she gained from travelling to those places. 

This particular person made me reflect on how I am on my journeys, am I a tourist or a traveller? 

I think the key difference between the two is the immersement into culture. As a tourist you are there to see the popular sites, take some photographs and on to the next site of popularity. As a traveller you are there to learn and to experience. You take in the culture, try the foods, hear the stories. From this, I can happily say, I consider myself to be a traveller.

When I came back from South Africa, I wrote a reflection piece about story telling. All of my students had stories, good stories, tragic stories, didn't matter what kind, they had stories. I wrote of the importance, particularly as a teacher to hear those stories. But, when I was writing that piece, I wasn't thinking of myself as a person, I was thinking just as a teacher, and I never stopped to think if I had my own stories.

My next few days in Scotland were spent meeting family first the first time. This was a wonderful experience and meant more to me than words can probably express. I got to hear all of the stories of my past. And not just wee ones about who family are, but stories full of history, bringing me back to my roots. Not only did I get to hear these stories, I got to meet the people, see photographs and see the sites. There was so much family history I had no idea about, so many things my roots were involved in developing and creating, things that are still around today. My new favourite candy is something called a Hawick Ball. Hawick is the town my family grew up in, where they still reside and where I visited for a couple of days. A lady by the name of Aggie Lamb created the recipe for these candies, and she is a Great Great Great Granny of mine. 

I had a teacher last year, after her grandmother had passed away, explain to us the wonderful experience she had hearing and recording her grandmother's stories. At that time I didn't fully grasp what she was talking about. Not until I heard the stories of various extensions of family. 

I started my half term meeting family for the first time, knowing very little, and ending it a couple days later feeling like I have known them for years, and can definitely call them family.

By spending time with my family, I was able to experience the traditional culture and food. I tried Haggis and Black Pudding, both of which are absolutely delicious, also drank a lot of Irn Bru. On top of the adventurous foods, I learned a whole new language, from each part of Scotland I visited. 

Overall, I had two absolute favourite parts. The first was stopping at Scott's View. Scott's view was a spot favourited by a famous writer, his thinking spot. As I stood there taking in the scenery, the incredible colours of the Autumn trees, snapping photos, my Uncle began to play the bagpipes. For the first time, I didn't want to take pictures of what I was seeing. Instead, all I could do was sit there and take in the moment, reflect on where I have been and where I am going. Listen to the sounds coming my from Uncle's bagpipes, as well as the sounds of nature. At this moment I was at peace. There was nothing but happiness brought to me, nothing but confirmation that you are in the right place and nothing but solitude. I am a lover of scenery, but of scenery with water in it. Although there lays a small river through Scott's view, this was a view of trees and mountains. A view I became completely enthralled with during my time in Scotland. 

This feeling of contentness also came about while driving through rolling hills and farmland of the borders. These roads go right through farmers field, are windy and full of sheep, however, they are absolutely stunning. For 99% of the time, it was just us and the sheep on the road, but what ever direction you looked in there was something to see, something to smile about. Mountains, water, sunshine, incredible views. At one point my Uncle said "Just wait until we get around this corner", we turned the corner and there was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. I will never forget what I saw, or the breathtaking feeling it gave me.

From these two experiences, I have learned how to appreciate small things, and it really made me appreciate the view of my cottage, or downtown Oakville with the lake. You forget what you have in your backyard when it's always there, but when you see someone else's and as stunning as it may be, you remember what you get to look at everyday as well. 

This journey was concluded with an adventure on the train home, which for the first time in my life, I did not plan step by step by step, but went with the flow. I loved it. But, as I continued on this journey, and arrived in Stevenage, I grabbed a taxi home, but I still felt like I was travelling, I was just coming to my next stop. Even as I unlocked my front door, came up the stairs and unlocked my bedroom door, I still had a feeling of being on tour, it wasn't until I got into bed at night, I got the feeling of this place being my home.

The Lines of Your Hand

This morning I found myself smiling for no reason at all. As headed on my way to town, running shoes on, music playing, sun not shining, but it wasn't raining - I was in my own little world. I was so much in my own world it took me ten minutes to realize I was going the wrong direction, but once I realized I still didn't care. I was in no rush, I was just walking to town. It was that moment though, realizing I was I was lost, when it hit me. Even though school is hard work, I'm not with my best friends and missing them loads, I am happy. I am enjoying life. I have known for a while that I happy here, I absolutely love being here, but I had never really processed that or thought much about it.
Yesterday I had my palm read and I think that may have something to do with it. As I waited in line to get my palm read I began to get more and more nervous, thinking about where I am now in life, choices I have made, big or small, relationships, my health, everything came rushing back as well as a fear of the future. What if he tells me something I don't want to know? As I sat down in the chair and he said "Give me your right hand" all of that went away. I was committed and there's no going back. He explained all of the lines on my hands through life length and health, love (relationships, marriage and future husband), life goals, personality, everything. A big sigh of relief came from my life line. He said it is very deep, very solid and very long. This means I will have a long healthy life. There are no breaks and no crosses through it. As the time for my next set of tests approaches, my overactive mind does it thing and stirs up a lot of imagination. To hear him say you won't have any health problems seemed much more assuring than my doctors words this summer.
It was rather freaky, but also confirming how accurate he was in terms of lifestyle aspects. He was amazed by how many travel lines I have on my hand. I have 10 and as he repeated numerous times, the average person has 3. So when they say travelling is in my blood, or it is a part of me, it really is and it is something I will continue to do - for a long as my life line runs.
Shockingly enough, and the only point I had doubts was when he said I have lots of luck in terms of love. I asked him if that was "starting now?" But my husband is supposed to be some sort of triple threat. So we'll see. Maybe this chase for Prince Harry will pan out?
I continued my day with a friend from home, just wandering the streets of London. On my way home, and because of specific rail closures, had to make the most convoluted route back to Kings Cross I made friends with people on the underground and really got that feeling of "I am a local, this is where I live and this is my home."
I don't know if having my palm read and having some stranger confirm things I already knew about myself makes things more official, but I feel like a different person today.
I also find myself constantly looking back at the lines and thinking about what this man said to me. Scientifically speaking, the lines on your hand represent your identify, a unique code, but now, more than ever, they truly do represent my life, my personality, my journey.

Right Place

Week one on the "new" job almost complete and what a week it was. Important week for the school in terms of it's development and future, but an exciting, busy, educational week it was for me.

On Wednesday I got to spend the day with a lovely lady who observed a couple of lessons, helped me plan a couple more and then observed again. She was full of positive feedback and great suggestions to make things go even better. Although students are challenging in England (probably a HUGE generalization), the teacher support is phenomenal here. I have a Science specific mentor, I have a professional mentor, I have an overall teaching development mentor, I have a rant buddy in the school, and I also get to be involved in the teacher training program here which means I attend a lot more meetings, but full of excellent professional development. It is a lot of information coming from so many directions, but everyone is more than helpful and it's the support system built that really makes things smooth sailing.

Besides all of that, something great happened this week. With my added role of cover teacher I now get to explore other areas of the school other than just the dungeon of the Science corridor. As I was heading up to one my classes, I noticed something painted on the wall.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu

It was that moment that I knew I was in the right place. There is a reason that I was selected to be at this school and it is something much larger than it's a sports school and I like sports. I was brought here to teach and to learn. So far, I have done both and it's only getting better. My bad days at school are now limited. I have had nothing but gratifying comments from my past students in my Maths classes. It may not have seem like they appreciated me or what I had to offer very much, but 5 weeks later, and I'm no longer their teacher, it shows. Everything has come together this week. Everything I was hoping for in the first couple of weeks is now happening. 

I find my confidence coming back daily. I had it, was hit by an unexpected force and now I'm getting back up. The cover lesson provide an exciting experience for a bit of trial and error. I have been given targets of what to work on, being in a cover lesson is a great place to try something new. 

There's been times where some of the advice or feedback I have been given were comments about my personality. However, I really don't think my personality has had a chance to come through. I am fully adjusted, I know what to expect of the students, I know how to react to the students, I have friends at school even to the point of already playing jokes on people. I just feel my personality coming out now. I feel like I am finally experiencing this adventure. I am ready for whatever happens next. 

I have been able to joke around with students in classes, in the corridors, on duty, I have finally been able to laugh and genuinely smile in class. I have had a good time in all of my classes this week and I am excited for next week!

Although unusual coming from an extreme optimist, I do know too, that although this week was great, that drive up the bumpy road is not over yet. There are still more hills to climb over, twists, turns and unstable ground to go over, but in the end, it's all worth it. I can't wait!

As for the personal life, I have signed up for an online photography course, so you all can expect lots more pictures soon! A whole group of mixed groups are going out tomorrow, all people my age too, so that will be nice, I am on the hunt for a football team and planning a trip to Scotland for half term which is in two weeks!

Then and Now

The past few days have come and gone in the blink of an eye. Since Thursday things have been completely non stop, extremely busy, but a great time.
Thursday started off a regular teaching day, but we were finished school at lunch time in order to prepare for open evening. Secondary schools here work much like Universities in that the students choose where they want to go versus being assigned to a school based on residency (because there are so many schools). In the Science department we ran a series of experiments that the prospective year 6s could participate in. I was lighting kids' hands on fire all night. Although that was exciting in itself, I was more enjoyable to see another side of my coworkers. We played music and just made the lonnnnggg night as much fun as we could. I say long because school ended at 1:20, we weren't allowed to leave school in the time between because of set up, and open evening ran from 5:30-9.
We also got a tour of the new building. It is incredible, I love it. So modern, and a real consideration into new pedagogical technologies was really taken into consideration of the design. I am exciting for the opportunities it can bring and really hope that the students rise to the challenge.

Friday I was involved in a science conference for new teachers. It was interesting, however I felt extremely out of place. Science teachers here call themselves scientists and are pretty hard core about their science. Science is their life. I like science, I enjoyed it in high school, but that's also when I stopped it. I found it difficult to talk to others because all they talked about chemical bonding, and other "sciencey" things. Although, I'm sure if it was the reverse and it was a physical education conference and a science teacher were there they'd probably say the same about us. It kind of made me feel bad for my students in a way as well, because all of these other teachers were so passionate about science and I have zero passion for science. Maybe it will develop? Or the biology unit will be way more exciting than the physics and chemistry!

Friday evening is when the real adventure began though. After the conference I officially started my real travelling. I booked myself a night in a hotel in central London. Which after walking around in circles, getting mixed directions from people and taxi driver telling me he wouldn't drive me because it was across the street, 1.5 hour later I was finally at the hotel. The hotel was not across the street, but a right turn, a left turn, 15 minutes down the street, another right turn and you're there. And it was pouring rain! It was at that point that I decided I would be horrible on the Amazing Race. It was all made worth it though by a nice big comfy bed without springs poking through and a long, hot, powerful shower and a room service dinner. It was tough to leave the next day (especially at 7:20am).

My hotel was the first pick up point, so my day started with a nice tour of London. It was nice at this time, pretty quiet, got to see a whole new side than what I'm used to. The bus slowly became more and more full, until it was completely jam packed. Out of random seating, I ended up finding myself in the middle of three grandmas travelling the world because they're retired TEACHERS. My escape from teaching and I still end up talking about school.

The first stop of the day was Windsor Castle. When I visited England in high school, I had done a tour of Windsor Castle. It was nice to see it again. I'm not a huge history person, and the way this tour was set up was perfect for me. The bus drives you to your locations, tells you when you need to be back on the bus and lets you go free. Our tour price included admission into the state rooms, so although I've seen them, it was nice to go through again. I walked through, at my own pace (much quicker than most), no tour guide, no one talking to me, just going through looking at what I want to. After the rooms, I still had plenty of time and wandered about taking pictures, and going through the little shops, taking in the atmosphere. One of the things I love about travelling is the culture and atmosphere of new places, but soaking that in often gets missed. You get so caught up in seeing the sites that you just look at things, but not really experience them. Although travelling on your own sometimes gets lonely, it is nice to be able to sit there and just take in the moment and really "see" the sites.

Our second stop of the day was the Roman Baths. Our time in Bath was short, enough time to wander the museum and that was about it. The museum was incredible though. We went right into a Roman Bath, saw the hot springs, the pools, etc. They provided the audio phones, which I started listening too, but gave up real quick. I found it much more interesting to walk around and imagine how it was used, what it was like, what it looked like just full of people bathing, what kind of community it created before all of the illness and then after the illnesses. It certain areas, the museum had these projections on the walls of videos that showed you the image. They videos of the people communicating, interacting, in and out of the pools and it really gave you the sense of what really happened. The museum was a lively piece of history. The town of Bath itself looked beautiful, full of cute shops and stories. I only got into two of those shops, an ice cream shop and a jewelry store where I bought my first piece of travel jewelry. Bath is definitely somewhere I will have to go back and visit.

The final stop of the day was Stonehenge. In high school I skipped out on going to Stonehenge, since then I have always wondered what it looked like. After seeing it, I am glad I didn't go 6 years ago. I actually really enjoyed seeing it, but that was the photographer in me coming out. As a tourist 6 years ago I would not have been interested at all and would have then missed out on the opportunities I had yesterday.

Revisiting some of the sites I did 6 years ago has been a great opportunity to look back on how far I have come, what I have done, what I still have yet to do, how much I have changed and how much I have learned. It's been pretty obvious each year through University how much I have changed, I am no longer that shy, quiet girl, scared of everything. Through this travelling and thinking back on the last time I visited these places, and how I see them now really provides some concrete evidence and enlightens me to those facts.

This week I start the new adventure of science only, and embark on a new teaching journey. I am nervous, excited, scared, but ready for the challenge! I really am going to miss some of my students that I will no longer be teaching and there others that I could not jump any higher of joy that I will not be seeing. All of my doubts of my impact were washed away by my year 7s on Thursday when after telling them I won't be their teacher anymore I was attacked in group hug of little kids. It has also confirmed for me the age group I like teaching. At home I am trained in middle school. Here I have been teaching the lower levels of high school. I belong in the middle school world and have started the hunt for a new location and a middle school for next years adventure.

You can find my pictures from Saturday here.

Time for a Change...

So remember when I was comparing working at this school to that old wooden roller coaster, well I've been on a nice steady ride, until yesterday. I got thrown for a loop. A nice big, upside down, backwards, corkscrew kind of loop.
Just as I was getting comfortable in my classroom, getting to know my students a little better, I get told I am getting a completely new schedule. I am being shifted out of the math(s) department and completely into the science department, instead of a being a little bit in each.
The head of science is pregnant and begins her maternity leave next Friday. The original plan was to hire a new teacher. Plan hasn't fully worked out and I will be taking over some of her classes and the TA I had in my math classes will be taking over my classes.
This process all begins on Monday. Monday is also the day of our mock OFSTEAD inspection, so kind of a big day in the school, and probably not the best for all of these changes to go down, especially as we are now officially at the beginning of our strike.
As much as I enjoy teaching math, I see this as a great and exciting opportunity. I will definitely miss some of my classes and some of my students and there are others that I have done a little celebration dance as I walk out of the classroom. My next week if full of me observing lessons, my lessons being observed and a whole bunch of coaching before the head leaves. It's a great time for my own development personally, but also for my belonging in the school. For me, Monday is like the first day of school all over again. New faces, new classrooms, new start, new routines. This is a chance to take that coaching I have received over the past couple of weeks and practice it with a clean slate.
I also found out today that because my schedule will be reduced now with this new timetable I will also be doing some cover lessons. This means, supply work within the school. Which is another opportunity to check out other classrooms and things going on in the school, and maybe even step foot into a gymnasium!
School lately has been great, but I use that term loosely. It's been great compared to what it is and has been. There's not actually a lot great about it, but for me, I have my head back in the right place and it's not such a depressing place to be anymore. I try to enjoy myself much more, and like most things, find the bright side - and there is always one no matter how long and how dark that tunnel may be. I've stopped stressing about changing my personality and other teachers calling me too nice and am just sticking with what I know best and that's how to be me. It may take a little extra longer in terms of the initial behaviour management. But there's a couple of classes with troublesome kids that I have gained a lot more respect in because of the interest I show in them. I can't do this babysitting thing all day, so I am doing what I can to teach these kids a little something.
My true passion is sport for development, which is teaching life skills through sport. Unfortunately I don't have as my vehicle for learning, but I do have the opportunity to help instil those same life skills into these students. Which in reality is something they need most right now.

This past weekend I had some family time and hung out with my Godmother Louise in London, wandering the streets of Covent Garden and walking along the river. This coming weekend I am heading to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the Roman Baths. I am very excited to really begin my travels and for the photo opportunities it brings.

It's been a lovely week with a few phone calls home and catching up, school has gone well, and I finally get a tour of the new building tomorrow! Friday I am off for a day development in teaching science, and then ready to begin my lovely weekend with a night in a hotel and a hot, powerful shower!

Will definitely be thinking of everyone at home this weekend as you enjoy your turkey dinners. I have ground turkey, that I will have to cook up and have my own little Thanksgiving dinner!

A Single Step

It seems as though I take one step forwards and two backwards. I had refocused my attentions, gained a new perspective on things and was ready to go into battle. But this week, just as I was ready to charge it felt like I got stiff armed and knocked straight to the ground. I got knocked down hard.

I find myself looking for the small things in particular classes, in the school itself, pinpointing positives out of each day. Some days, sadly enough, even for an optimist like me it is hard. As hard as it may be though it all still comes down to attitude. Attitude can make or break you and the way you live your life. Even in the worst of times a little adjustment and you are bound to find something to smile about. Sometimes you just need a reminder.

Today I was passing along the link to my blog to a former teacher of mine who was asking about my time in England. I don't check the main page too often as most of my time is spent on the composing interface. But when I opened my blog I noticed the quote I have at the top. This has been a favourite quote of mine for a long time, ever since I got it in a fortune cookie.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu

When I put that quote on my blog I was thinking of moving to England to teach as my single step to my journey of teaching. What I forgot about was the small trips that need to take place within that journey. Each day, there are baby steps that take place in my classes, that is the single step on my students' journey. Continued professional development is a part of my continued journey. There are single steps being taken everywhere. Somedays you just have to look a little harder for them.

No doubt this is the most challenging experience I have gone through. There has been lots of tears, but there has also been lots of smiles. 

A pedagogical tool often used in teaching, scaffolding, is building up to the bigger picture. It's time I narrow my search, and start scaffolding my dreams. The big picture isn't painted in one night, but in little sections for many nights.

I had a good lesson with one of my most challenging classes today. A lot of other things also went on, but the take home piece is the good lesson. For the rest of the stuff, tomorrow is a new day. 

Rest Up

For those who know me, know I have the worst immune system and get sick quite often. This weekend was well spent wrapped up my Snuggie, bundled in bed, with a couple extra blankets. Didn't see anyone, haven't spoken to anyone (although, even if I wanted to I couldn't. No voice either). 

On Friday I started with somewhat of a voice, sounding like a pre-pubescent thirteen year old boy, to by the end not even having a whisper. Luckily for my maths classes I have a TA that was able to facilitate the lessons for me. However, my science class - with my troublesome 9s was quite interesting. But, I made it through the day and think I may have even broke some ground with a couple of stickler students.

The weather yesterday was beautiful, although a little chilly, very sunny. Instead of my normal weekend explorations though, I enjoyed a couple of movies and catching up on some TV and much needed sleep. The highlight of my day however, was grocery shopping. I was desperate for food, cupboard and fridge were completely empty. I also know my body quite well and knew I needed to get to the health store to restart the vitamin regime I was on before I left. Accept, on the verge of sinus and ear infection with a fever, I was obviously not up for the 45 minute walk to town. Luckily, the only thing technologically advanced in this country - I can grocery shop online. I probably spent 2 hours shopping through a Walmart partner store called ASDA. Looking at groceries, looking at things for my room, school supplies, etc. I got a mattress topper so I don't feel the springs poking me anymore and finally some decent pillows! Exciting weekend, right?!

I really did miss exploring, I look forward to my weekends and planning adventures is my saving grace during the week. However, I know my body pretty well, and with all the health issues I've already had this year, I've finally learned my lesson of when you need to rest. So in my rest, I am now planning a trip to Greece for a week during half term at the end of October. It is somewhere I have always wanted to go, so figured I'd plan it first to make sure I get there. Have also found some great weekend deals on Groupon, like one to Venice, so plenty of exciting times to come!

It's now almost noon on Sunday, my groceries arrived this morning! So I have food, and lots of really delicious foods and great fresh stuff! Tonight for dinner though will be another bowl of chicken noodle soup, or maybe mashed potatoes. So much for the cooking I've been enjoying. I was supposed to play soccer today, but it is now pouring rain outside, so I think it's going to be another day spent in this nice beige box. My voice is back, so that's a step in the right direction and hopefully tomorrow I will be as good as new, just in time for another week ahead.

The Bumpy Road

The more I work at the school, the more accustomed I become to their systems and the way things work (thank goodness!). I see pros and cons to the way things are done, but just find myself acting like a sponge, continually soaking things in.

Coming in as an outsider to anything always provides an opportunity for an interesting perspective. Here, it is a completely new education system, new school managerial system, everything is new. I am continually learning, but also continually comparing. This is why I love teaching abroad so much. There is so much everyone can learn from each other. Having a few vastly different experiences opens my eyes to so many possibilities, so many opportunities, and takes me a wonderful journey of learning. I have seen the good, the bad, the ugly and the wonderful whether it be in Canada, El Salvador, South Africa or England (and growing...).

Being in a place for a short term, such as one year, has provided me with some new opportunities. Opportunities I didn't really realize until this week.

I still have a dream of changing the world, and I am not throwing that out the window, but what I have realized is, is that I am still on the pathway to that dream, I am not there yet. In El Salvador, one of the schools visited we travelled down this dirt road, extremely bumpy, steep hills, only our master driver Pedro could get through there. We were all very nervous in the car, but when we arrived we were showered with joy. I had the vision of that joy coming immediately in my mind. What I was forgetting was the bumpy road it took to get there.

This week I had two observations, one ministry affiliated observer to improve the maths department in the school and one by my mentor in the school. Both lessons went great. All positive feedback. The best part however, is the support these two are offering. They know the challenge of my students and the population I deal with day in and day out. They also understand I am not teaching my subjects, I am learning a new system, and there is a lot going on right now. They are here to coach me through this process.

When I was 10 I moved to Oakville, joined the competitive soccer (football) world and played for a great team, great coaches. The following summer, I got cut from the team. I was shattered. When leaving Brantford everyone told me of the future for soccer it would bring me. That future had been stopped. But only momentarily. This is when I joined the Bryst academy. I trained, and I trained hard. I learned as much as I could and practiced non stop. Eventually, I was brought great success in the soccer world, reaching pinnacle moments I never thought possible. Right now, I am training, I am practicing. With the help of these mentors/coaches I am on the path to becoming that teacher I dream of being. The practice is intense and challenging, but if I had quit when I got cut from the Sting, I would not be standing where I am today.

No doubt these students are hard to handle, no doubt there will be good days and there will be bad days, but I am ready for it. I survived another week, I did hand out my first, second and third detention this week. But I also had a student come to me to ask me to mark his double side page of algebra work he decided to do when he was bored.

Learning is a never ending process. Life as a student may be over, but I am only just beginning my journey of life long learning.

Imagine

This week was like riding one of the wooden roller coasters at Wonderland; a little rocky, a little extra scary, feels like everything might collapse anytime, but really you know you're going to be okay. This week was filled with more emotions than I ever anticipated happening in my first week of teaching. Frustration, sadness, anger were common feelings, but also plenty moments of happiness, achievement, pride. It is just unfortunate that these happier spirits are overshadowed by the negative.

Although I've been complaining about the amount of "me time" available and the harm you can do to yourself when you think too much, "me time" is exactly what I needed this weekend. I needed sometime to reflect on this week, reflect on the path that has brought me here, reflect on my knowledge and confidence as an educator and take the time to gain that all back.

I set out to London, by myself with just me and my camera. My goal for the day was just to get lost and take pictures. I enjoyed small streets, taking convoluted routes to get to places. These streets were much quieter, typically I found just myself walking them. I saw all sorts of eras of architecture, little communities within London, quiet neighbourhoods. As I walked through these streets I enjoyed a small cafe lunch, and came across my first landmark - St. Paul's Cathedral.

In grade 12, I visited London and all of the sites, did all of the touristy things and really had no interest in doing them again. As I approached St. Paul's Cathedral, I saw things a whole new way. Architecture really isn't anything of interest for me, but something was different this time. I immediately grabbed my camera and just got lost in my own world.

As I was at the Cathedral I got approached by one of the Hop On, Hop Off bus tours guys. I went completely against my plan for the day and decided to purchase one the tours. I became curious as to if everything else would have this same feeling of different.

I got on the bus, knowing the places I wanted to hit, planned out my route and my stops. I never got off. As I sat on the top of the bus, sun beating down, wind in my face, the classical music playing through the tour speakers I found myself at a complete peace. I found myself relaxed. I found myself in my own world, just enjoying a new place. A feeling of pure bliss took over as I just explored a new city, taking pictures of whatever caught my eye.

While I was in this state, I wasn't thinking about my students, rather about why I wanted to become a teacher. About my moments in South Africa and El Salvador. An El Salvador student popped into my mind, Roberto, and the impact we left on each others lives. As this moment is bringing my teaching back to life we pass by John Lennon's house. For those of you that don't know, Imagine is my all time favourite song and favourite word. The music played through my head, and I was reminded of all my hopes and dreams I carry for my future students. I left London at peace.

After London, it was time for a night out with the roommates, just me and the guys. They invited some old roommates and friends, so I invited the other Canadians. There was a good mix of people. We started out at the local pub, which to my surprise closes at 12. After that we ventured to a club called Chicagos. They were quite embarrassed about this club, but really it looked no different than any in St. Catharines (but, that could be because the age gap in my house is 21-40). We all had a great time and I really think it broke the ice in our house. Once we got home, we sat in the kitchen and talked. Slowly the numbers dwindled down until it was two of us. This conversation turned onto the education system here and student population. It was at this moment (no matter how many pops we had to drink) that I realized I am making a difference. I am doing what I have a dreamed of. My roommate who has 14 year old daughter, told me how inspired he is by my attitude towards life and education and helping these children. He told me what I do is truly admirable and spoke the impact his teachers had on him who had attitudes like mine. Those words were the icing on the cake after my day in London. This guy has known me two weeks, and we've hung out once, and that is the impression I have left. No matter how difficult these children are, perseverance was created for a reason. One day these students will be remembering me.

Just imagine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCX3ZNDZAwY

Ps. I will post a link to my pictures soon, just sorting and editing them now.

Proactive vs. Reactive

Today was one of those run home crying, call mum and tell her I'm coming home kind of days. Definitely the lowest of lows in any teaching, coaching, working with kids experience. The kids are that awful that yes, they do make you want to cry. But the tears are a sign of a frustration. Most of my frustration is actually coming from the school itself. I've had some time to process and reflect on the school behaviour management system and see it in full action today.

I have realized that the school is 100% aware of the behaviour of their students. They know of those particular students with extensive histories, and those who are there to learn. Unfortunately, at least in my world in the school, the misbehaved are the majority. Due to this fact, the school has set itself into combat mood. However, they are the ones prepared for an ambush, not the ones ready to take the battle field.

The school has set up an environment conducive to misbehaviour, and the school is stuck in this awful whirlwind of a reactive approach. Detentions are handed out like candy on halloween at this school, and if you don't show up, or continue to get detentions they only just get longer, and they just keep getting longer. I remember as a student getting detention once in my life. I was absolutely mortified by the fact. Here, detention is common thing, it has lost it's affect as a consequence for bad behaviour. I had a student handed a detention a notice from one of her other teachers, and the student ripped up the notice in the face of the teacher.

The school has also developed this wonderful system known as "on call." Each class is based on one computer program, it schedules the teachers day and provides all information needed about the students. It is also where the register (attendance) is taken, and the location of this on call button. This button is like someone hitting the code blue button in a hospital because someone is flat lining, but it is for bad behaviour. What is supposed to happen when the button is clicked is someone from senior staff is then supposed to come to class. Their role is either to step in and control the class or remove the misbehaving students. However, when my TA clicked that lovely button today, no one came. Thanks for the help team!

This made me notice the reactive nature of the school. The school has succumbed to the student behaviour, they believe they are dealing with because of these systems in place, but really they are escalating the problem.

I have grown up in, and studied the proactive approach. The proactive approach is what I know, and very apparently is what works. However, the proactive approach is what I have started my year off, and it is not working with this group of students. I asked a fellow teacher for advice today and remarks were "Just be more strict." Funny enough, we had just finished a professional development session on providing quality feedback. To me, what is more strict? What is the schools expectation of strict? At REd (my agency), I was hired based on my personality. My personality isn't hard to read, I'm sure they noticed I do not have a strict personality. So when the teachers tell me to be more strict I find myself more lost. I did not come here to change my personality and be someone I am not. I came here to express who I am, share who I am, and teach some kids and hopefully leave a little of my personality behind with them.

I am a dreamer and I dream of changing the world. This is where the frustration and tears come in. I can't even begin my lessons before I have to tell someone to stop talking, stop throwing things, get off the desk, etc. I currently feel like a glorified babysitter, with a nice raspy voice (I'm starting to lose it). Freedom writers is one of absolute favourite movies - I've dreamed of having hard classes, but I've dreamed of reaching out to them. I know in 5 days nothing is going to happen, but when they start moving backwards and I can't even get enough time in to say hello, it becomes frustrating.

Unfortunately, for those who got excited, I have not quit and I am not coming home. I am not a quitter. I just kind of feel like I'm back playing for the Oakville ICE and riding the bench for a little while. But, great things came after that team, so I'm sure they're going to come. From the way fellow teachers talk about these students, they've lost hope. I will not lose hope, and if I can teach one thing to these students this year I hope they will keep fighting too. Tomorrow is a new day!

As a side note - I have been nominated to coach the women's football (soccer) team. I have also been told about a Stevenage Women's Football team, a team in similar level to league I played on with the Toronto Lady Lynx and it has been suggested I contact them. I am currently in debate as travelling around this town without a vehicle is not ideal, but I would love to play again! I have also joined the Staff Health and Wellness committee which is responsible for healthy practices of the staff and coordinates events such as staff intramurals and use of the incredible fitness facilities. I am slowly working my way into the physical education world and getting myself back into what I love to do!

First Week of School

So my first week as a teacher is complete and my first week as a teacher has already included many highs and lows.

For as long as I can remember I've dreamt about and planned my life out to be a teacher. With that aspiration, I've carried along the vision of what teaching would be like. I've thought about what kind of teacher I would like to be. I've set expectations for myself, for the role as a teacher and for the schools I work in. I think some of the low moments this week may have been a result of those expectations.

When choosing a career, you chose that pathway because it is something you enjoy, something you have a passion for, something you see positively. When I dreamt about being a teacher, I never dreamt about the hard days, the hard classes, or the types of students I would have. I dreamt about the success, the feeling I get helping children, especially in their light bulb moments. I've dreamt about changing the world, but never really the process of getting there.

In the span of two hours I had one student tell me she hates me, she'll never like me and she hopes I have a terrible weekend. In the next class, in which we both walked down the hall together to, at the end of that class she tells me I'm the best and nicest new teacher at the school. I don't know if she dislikes math and loves science and that's why she had the change of heart, but that moment affected me as a teacher.

The "I hate you" is something you're bound to hear as a teacher, but it wasn't something I thought I would hear in my first week of teaching. It was something I was very unprepared for. Something that caught me off guard. I simply responded with "I hope you have a great weekend, x." Maybe that response was the cause for her change of heart. I will never know. But it was definitely a big learning moment for me.

I am teaching lower level classes, similar to the applied levels in the Canadian high school system. The students in these classes cannot read, do not want to be in school, have specific behaviour or emotional needs, as well as special needs students. I have never felt so challenged in my life. Each day is new day, taking on a new approach to reach this audience of varying needs. Unfortunately, to add to that challenge, the school system is very limiting. Lessons were all planned in the summer, teachers are simply there to facilitate. However, differentiation was only taken into small account. Today I wandered about the "Pound Land" to see what I can use as manipulatives. We will see how pieces of Lego and the incorporation of math centres work with this population. Fingers crossed for when I see them on Tuesday!

Initially, I felt very defeated and exhausted. Thursday and Friday I barely enjoyed myself in something I love to do; something I have planned on doing my entire life. I was let down by myself, by my expectations, my students and the school. After a day, having some more time to think and reflecting on the week, I have taken note of the challenge. I have reached out to connections, researched and accessed resources for different approaches, techniques, etc. I have now regained hope and the competitive side of me has kicked in. These students may be my rival team that have won the game on my home field a couple of times, but I am not going to lose again. The game is on.

As for my life here, I am absolutely loving it. This week has been absolutely beautiful, 25 and sunny all week. I really enjoy the walking around, through all of the parks. My feet are only getting more blistered, and I have a toe infection in both of my big toes. It's pretty gross, but it's from breaking my toes about a month ago during soccer. The nails finally came off, and well the break was worse than I thought. Just to add the wonderful pages of the story of my health this year.

Tomorrow, my soccer/football skills have been challenged. I am going one on one with one of the male teachers from school who believes I don't know what I'm talking about (even after he quizzed me about the EPL and players) and don't know how to play soccer. He's in for a surprise, can't wait to show him, and just to put my boots back on, I've missed playing these last couple of weeks!

Things Just Got Real

I am becoming much more accustomed to my life over here. Sleep pattern is becoming some what normal, terminology is becoming much more understood, and a greater understanding of the geography.

A lot has happened in the past few days. This weekend I hung out with a friend I made back at working at Camp Danbee in 2009. Her boyfriend is my neighbour. We went to a small town called Hertford, wandered about and ate at a pub for lunch. The town was a nice, cute, old town with a "river." The river was our location point as we got lost many times in this curvy, circular designed place. The river was more like a creek. However, it was nice to get out of my house, and hang out with friends. It really gave me the feeling of being at home and officially settled in to my life here.

Monday and Tuesday were induction days at the school. Similarly to home, days full of professional development and goal setting for the upcoming year. This year is quite a big year for the school. A new headmaster and a new building to come (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marriotts-School-New-Build/339088726127556) they are really on the push for success. Although in the midst of a transition year and things are a little chaotic it really is a great time to be a part of the school.

Tuesday was my birthday. It was very different than any in the past, especially the past 5 years. I spent the night making seating plans and lesson plans. However, this was one of my favourites, all because of a small gesture. My roommates, 5 males, who are hermits and stick to their rooms, whom I've barely spoken too because of the hermit factor in the last week bought me a card and all signed it. The card is pink and sparkly with princesses on it too. I never mentioned it was my birthday, it was something they gathered from the mail I had been receiving. This meant so much to me and has completely changed the dynamic of our house. They now leave their bedroom doors open too!

Today was the first day of school for students and my first day of school as a teacher - in my own classroom. It felt amazing.

With the lack of common room in my house, you spend a lot of time in your room which means a lot of time thinking. Too much time thinking. The past couple days I've been going through a lot of self doubt, a lot of questioning and a lot of oh my lanta. I've been wondering if this really is for me. I've planned my life out for as long as I can remember. The plan has taken some off roading courses, for the good or bad, but ultimately end up heading in the same direction. I know that traditional teaching is not for me, it's not what I to do for the rest of my life. My passion lies out on a dusty field, kicking a ball around, using sport as a tool for learning (like Right to Play). The day my visa got denied, I also got a prospective job opportunity from Right to Play - I began to wonder if my visa was a sign. After today though, with only a couple of hours with the students I know I am in the right place. I may not be involved with sport (for the time being, rumour is they're desperate coaching staff!), but I am using math or maths as its called here and science to better these students lives. These students all have stories, much like those stories my students in Africa and El Salvador had, these students too, need a role model. No doubt this year is going to be challenging teaching subjects I haven't touched since high school, but sometimes, it's not all about the specific subject matter, it's about the learning that takes place and the process of that learning. To be told in my first lesson as an official teacher "Miss Steward, you're the cool teacher" took all of the doubts and threw them out the window. I am in for an adventure.

Settling In

It's now my 5th day of being in England - 6th day since the adventure began. Monday/Tuesday were travel days. I arrived 6am UK time on Tuesday, just me in a big airport. This was my first experience by myself in a large airport, travelling on a large plane. (I don't think that 14 seater plane I took to camp counts). But, here I was ready to go.

My house is a cute little townhouse that reminds me much of my days in first year at Brock University living in Village. The road is a long road filled with mini complexes of houses, much like the courts. 6 of us live in my house - 5 males and me. I've met 4 of 5, but only consistently see 2 of the 4 I've met. This house is interesting in that there is no living room, or really a common area. There is a kitchen, with a kitchen table, but it appears not to get used. So if you're not out and about you're hanging out in your room. My room is beige everything with a wardrobe, dresser, bedside table, bed and soon to be a desk. The bedding provided was nice chocolate brown. However, after spending more time than I'd like to in my room, I realized I needed some colour. I now have a pink and teal stripped comforter and on the hunt for some decorations. Most people know that I love pillows. The pillows here - a brick would be more comfortable. At least it would have some height to it. The pillows here are about the same width as a piece of paper.

My house location is good, but not great. It's in a beautiful area surrounding by parks and green and footpaths, but because of all the parks and green, those footpaths are needed to get to everywhere. There is nothing close. Town is at least a 45 minute walk. Each day I try to take a different route or find  a short cut or get completely lost. But you better make sure you make a list and check it twice. Don't want to get home and realize you forgot to buy milk.

Town is one street filled with pubs, restaurants, pharmacies and grocery stores. At the end of the street is a Tesco and a mall. Tesco is the main supermarket and it is like Wal-Mart on drugs. Anything you need you will find there, but it is constantly insanely busy. There is one golden treasure in town - a milkshake shop. A shop completely designated to milkshakes of any flavour you could ever imagine. I have found my lemon drop replacement and already become a member. I kept it simple and had a Mars bar one, may have to try a fully loaded one next time!

My school is quite the building. Technically, it was supposed to be demolished this week, but the construction of the building fell behind and doesn't open until January. For the first semester we are in this building with holes in the ceilings, falling apart walls - a building that needs to be demolished. My classroom is a full computer lab with brand new computers (bought for the new building). Makes it an exciting opportunity to incorporate technology into lessons, but also makes it a challenge to teach. The gym of the school is incredible. Fully loaded fitness center, dance studio, nutrition counselling, full time personal trainers and a complete gymnastics arena (which were used a training facility during the Olympics). The staff that I met all appear to be quite young and rather new teachers. I think it should be an exciting place to work in! Monday and Tuesday are induction days and school begins on Wednesday!

Life here has so far been good. Been into London once for the day, and it was much like going to Toronto for the day, just seemed like a normal thing. The weather is crazy. One day is can be absolutely freezing and pouring rain and the next day you're sweating in shorts and t-shirt. My feet are blistered from walking at least 3 hours everyday. But absolutely loving it. Looking forward to next week and getting out and meeting more people.

I am now off to the Old Town for a day of photography, will post pictures soon!