Its been 10 months since I flew the coup. Its amazing what you learn about yourself and those close to you in a short period of time. Its amazing what you can do with your life in a short period of time. Its amazing who you meet when you go abroad. But no matter where you are in life, in the world, sometimes we all just gotta have faith in ourselves.
This is MY time to reflect on what I have accomplished and what I have seen in 10 months. It was my intention to move to this new land to kick start my career as an educator. But it was also my intention to discover every piece of unknown territory along the way. Highlights have been attending the Royal Wedding in London in April; going off to the beautiful land of Portugal; and seeing myself grow as a teacher. In the last 3 months I've been taking a lot of time off from my career, not always by choice, these Brits love their holidays and bank holidays! But today I was put in a position that made me realize how much I do love what I do. I had a somewhat of a working interview for a position as a year3 teacher for September. I came into this new school, supplied a different class for a morning while being monitored. It was very nerve racking I must admit. But being back in a classroom, at a good school just reminded me of why I started in this profession. Because let me tell you, a lot of the days I work I never want to come back the next morning. But today was good. Thinking back to my first day in a classroom while still a student teacher, there is a world of difference, a world of growth. I feel like I am coming into my own, finding my groove.
Since September, there have been some scary times. Moments of subduing to pure failure. I know its so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I now know it is there! This change in lifestyle has absolutely changed me and has also been one of the hardest things I have ever done. Not just teaching, everything that had to do with the move. New person living with me, new culture to get used to, new crappy weather, new school system, new friends...new everything. But it all turned out :)
I've also had the opportunity to have some amazing food while I've been out here! And this past weekend we went to the food festival in town and it was absolutely amazing!!! It's been ages since I've had perogies, and they had a polish booth so I could get my hands on some! Had the best homemade macaroons I have ever tasted! Tried some pulled pork and Italian potatoes! Overall, a good experience and can't wait for the next one!
We are slowly getting ready for the long journey home in August! Its creeping up so fast and we still have so many things to get ready. I am trying to bring a piece of Britain back home for all of my family and close friends. Its funny how everything adds up pretty quickly! But I know before I know it I will be back in the UK enjoying the dreadful weather. Not once have I been able to wear my shorts! I am missing the Canadian summer I admit! I need to start tanning myself the moment I land. So please not family and friends: all get togethers are mandatory in the sunshine! Cannot wait to have baskin robbins ice cream outside and ICED CAPPS! Oh my dear g--- I MISS TIMMYS Iced Caps like I miss the sunshine in England. My mouth is watering as I think of this. Must keep it all in. There are so many "Canadian" or really, North American things/products I plan on packing my luggage with when I come back! So watch out, before you all know it.... BAM I'll be home!!! Only one more month of working!
I know I have gotten far off track, and by this point it is just mumble jumble. All I can say is have faith folks.... fingers crossed there is a new life waiting one year from now :D
Tuesday 21 June 2011
Tuesday 7 June 2011
.luck of the irish.
I love travelling like a fat kid loves cake. Just can't get enough of it and crave it constantly. There's something I purely enjoy about being in a different part of the world where no one knows me, there are new restaurants to eat at, new things to see. And people tend to visit things that might not interest them but do it because its there or other company might enjoy it. There are always interesting people to meet and talk to. Talking, conversation, I feel are parts of living that are being erased in front of our eyes. I mean, i LOVE the use of smart phones, emailing, texting and what not, but sometimes it seems like people forget how to make conversation in real life. People don't call friends and family anymore, they send a text. Phone calls seems like ancient history sometimes. Children are being raised on electronic devices to keep them from causing loud noises, but is this really how we want to introduce technology to our children?
Back to the power of conversation - i love it... and it goes hand in hand with travelling. Gotta talk to make friends right?! In big popular destinations, everyone seems to be a tourist, no one seems to know where they are going, but it always seems to be in good fun. I'm happy to have met new people and had good conversations. You can learn a lot about a person in a short conversation. It might not be what they are saying but the way they act, stand, dress...etc. It also seems to me that when you engage in conversation with someone you don't know, you almost get a minute to stop and realize whats going on in your life. What's great or not so great. How often in life do we stop and smell the roses? Not often. But when your somewhat forced by social existence, to engage in a conversation, you have to stop and think about your own life and re-tell it to someone else. Which in regular day to day life, does not happen often. It's always good to meet new people. And I hope my experiences with new souls continues because its quite the adventure :D
June 2011
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