Its all who you know....

So a week or so ago my sister mentioned that one of her friend's mom is a teacher in Merritt. I guess she has never called in sick, so she has a lot of sick days collected over the years. So jokingly my sister said to her friend, well you should tell your mom to start taking them, and she should ask for my sister! Anyway so this morning my phone rings at 7am and I thought it was a call for today... But they were phoning to book me for tomorrow. She said the name of the teacher and the school, and that I would be in a grade 3/4 class for the day. I was so excited, to be called for elm. school. So I come out to the kitchen to share my news, and I said the name of the school. And my sister was like who is the teacher.. So I said her name and she was like "hey that is Kate's mom"... So I think this is really exciting. I am not sure if this teacher requested me or not... But it would be kind of cool if she did. So my goal is to make an excellent impression so that I get called for her again :)
I went to a TOC union meeting yesterday and learned some interesting information. They sort of explained how the call out procedure works. And the first people to get called are those who are preferred in the district and requested. Then they go on a rotation, starting with those who live in Merritt. But this is exciting for me, because if this lady has as many sick days saved up as it sounds like it, then maybe I will get lots of work in her class.. And if other teachers see my face around there, maybe they will request me too hehe :) Regardless I can't wait to be in an elm. class again.
This morning, when I came home from running a couple of errands, the elm. school near my place was doing a run (I am thinking maybe terry fox) so there were hundreds of kids just running downt he street. So I couldn't help but stay outside for a few min and watch. It was interesting to see, I recognized a few kids from when I did my volunteer work there years ago. It just shows me how much I miss working with children at that level, and I can't wait til that happens for me...

subbing in high school...

So since I have started my time subbing in Merritt, I have found myself being called a lot for high school. The very first time I was called I was kind of freaked out. It was way out of my element... But the day went fairly well.. Since then I have been called for high school many times. I am begining to recognize faces since I have been teaching the same grades in a variety of subjects. There are the ups and downs of high school. It is a plus because for the most part they are very independent and they don't need me to hold their hand the whole time. I tell them there work and for the most part they get it done..I don't have to do a lot of teaching, it is more or less supervising... However, the downside is sometimes they try to test me.. And way more than the little guys do. But I have showed them that I won't take much crap... So in that sense we usually have a good day :) So today is another day where I get to sit and hang out... and make sure they stay on task :) Oh well regardless of how my day ends up it works out to be $190 in my pocket!!!

no time for me

Well it is hard to believe that it is almost the end of September. I am not really sure where the time has gone! All I know is that it has gone by way too fast. I have been keeping myself very busy... somedays a little too busy for comfort, but it keeps me out of trouble! Basically during the week my day consists of waking up at 6am, showering and getting ready. Last week I was called every day.. So the phone call usually happens at 645 which gives me 30 min to finish getting ready, have breakfast and pack a bag. I leave here by 715, and make my way to Merritt, and teach for the day. Now the fun part is Wed-Fri I work at CT at 530, so by the time I leave Merritt, and get back to town, I have time to quickly eat something and then head back to work. Oh the joys of working two jobs! And then on the weekends, I am of course at CT because why would I have a life!! So lately I have been working 7 days a week.. I know the money is good, but it is getting a bit tiring.. and I can feel myself getting worn out. However, this morning I did not get a call, so I actually have a whole day off. Yahoo!
But teaching is going well. I have been called to sub at the high school a lot, which is slightly out of my league, but it has been fun! For the most part the students are fairly helpful and well behaved. It is interesting I have taught everything from English, to comparative civ, to cooking, to art and photography! Gives me a little taste of everything. I just hope I don't get called for the sciences, or math...
As for CT it is about as good as it can get. My shifts go by fast, I usually have lots to do, and weekends are usually so busy that it keeps me on my toes. It is sad that a lot of the old staff isn't there anymore, but in a way it is good because it keeps me from going in and visiting for hours!! I have met some of the new staff and have made a couple new friends... Life is always entertaining when I go and visit my boys in the warehouse... Well it is fun until somoene sneaks up on me and scares the crap out of me... He thought it was funny though. :)
Well that is my life currently... more to share soon :)

Congrats..

I thought that I would take a few min and send out a Congrats to my former classmates of EY04. I have heard from a few people that quite a few postings went up in the Prince George district, and that many of my classmates were applying. I was first excited just to hear that people were getting interviews! But I have now heard of I think 6 or 7 people who have gotten some sort of contract. I am so happy for everyone! I knew we would all do well, but it is nice to hear that it is happening to many so early on in our careers! So congrats to all of those who have recieved a contract.... :) And best of luck to those of you who have got an interview, a job may be in the future :)

Big Brother: All Stars

Seven years ago I heard about a little reality tv show called "Big Brother". After the first few episodes I was hooked. It then became something to look forward to every summer. This year I was very excited to see that it was going to be an All star cast. When this season began I was originally cheering for the season 6 crew, since out of everyone in the house these 4 were probably my fav. But as the game went on, and lies were told (which of course is expected in this game)I started to like Howie less, Kaysar I thought was being a wimp, and I wasn't sure what to think of Janelle... So then my cheering changed gears a bit and I was rooting for James (still season 6) and Danielle... However, when it came down to the final four (Janelle, Mike, Erika and Will) I was def back on Janelle's side. So I have to say I was very disappointed to see that Mike and Erika were the final two people in the house. I don't really think either one of them deserved to be there. So in the end Mike won, I guess in some ways he did play the game better, but I don't like the way he treated Erika, using her to get what he wants.. Then again she claims he was using her too. But I think when she sits back and watches all of these episodes, she will see what a fool she was, and perhaps in that sense she didn't deserve the money.

"The Illusionist"

So a couple of weeks ago, I was talking to my aunt and she mentioned how her and my uncle went and saw the movie "The Illusionist". i had never heard of it, but she was saying how good it was. So I looked it up, and saw that it opened in select cities in August, and everywhere else at the begining of September. So I had kind of forgot about it until today, I was looking at the paper and saw it was here. So I decided I wanted to go see it. I convinced Julia to go with me, even though she was unsure exactly what the story line was. But then again, so was I.. All I knew was that it was starring Edward Norton, who I really enjoy and the movie was about an illusionist, and a love story. Sounded good to me.. Well needless to say I really enjoyed it. I think that Edward Norton is an amazing actor. And the movie has lots of good twists and turns, which keeps you on your toes :) So I reccommend this movie. It does move kind of slow in parts, but overall I think it is worth it.

First Teaching job :)

So this morning at 645, my phone rang and it was the lady in Merritt calling me and asking me if I was available to work today! So of course I said yes. She told me it was at the high school and gave me the name of the teacher. So I ran around my house like a mad woman and probably got ready in like 30 min. so I drove to merritt found the high school and went and introduced myself! I found out that I was going to be teaching 2 English 9 classes, and 2 PE 10 classes. For English it wasn't too bad, there were a couple of kids who tried to test me but I wasn't going to let them get to me. For PE I didn't have to teach which was a good thing since I wouldn't have survived! (haha) another teacher who has the same block just took both blocks and I got to observe.. Then at the end of the day in my last block we had a pep rally.. it was battle of the grades. and it was highly entertaining! So I survived my first day which is good... But I am def. not cut out for high school. I mean it is fun, but yah I am happy with my little guys :)

PS Curt thanks for the help :) I know it probably didn't seem like much but just talking to you for those few min, was very useful.

sold my soul...

Well it's offical... yesterday i went into the store, and filled out all the paperwork.. I have sold my soul... haha.. Well not really..But it means this whole idea of me actually going back to work for CT has truly become a reality! I was ok with it until I went in yesterday and started signing forms, and then all of a sudden it hit me and I was thinking man what am I doing. But then the other little voice inside my head said "you need to pay for gas somehow!" So today is my first shift. I am going to be working 1-930. The manager told me yesterday that he has the "best" training me. She is a really great person though so it should be fun... I guess.. As fun as work can be I suppose :) I just hope it goes by fast!!! And then I am back again tomorrow 1030-7, as long as I don't get called in for work in Merritt... But I should head off to work here shortly.... hope I survive it :)

back to school

Well today marks the day, when all the students, young and old go back to school. Last night it sort of hit me, that this is the first year I will not be doing that. It is kind of weird. I have been listening to my sister, talk about classes, teachers and times. I even went with her to the university to get books. But none of it really sunk in until this morning. I drove Julia to work (since she is also not going to school) and then my mom and I went for a walk. And we walked past an elm. school and we watched all the little ones heading to school, and the older ones waiting for the bus to take them to high school. I know I will be going to school, just in a different way. i will be the teacher... But I can't imagine teachers needing subs anytime soon. So in the mean time I just sit and wait.....

I don't even like the color red!!!

Well for those of you who talk to me on a regular basis, know that I am currently not doing anything and I am going crazy. The boredom is really starting to get to me. When I first moved back to Kamloops, I went in to see the very few staff that I currently know at CT just to say hello, and my old manager offered me my job back. I said thank you, but at the moment I wasn't interested. Only because I didn't know what was happening with my teaching career etc. Well time went by, and a friend of mine who is the assisstant manager saw me one time when I was in the store, and he offered me a job. Once again I said thanks, but I will think about it.... So time has gone by and the boredom has gotten worse and worse. And the money that I have, isn't lasting, probably because I spend it on silly things! Anyway so today I went up to the store to drop something off for my sister, and my friend saw me and he was like so... how are you.. and I was like alright, but I need money.. And he then had a big grin on his face and said ok, lets talk. So I spent an hour in his office, talking about different things, including the position I would be getting. I won't be going to work on cash/customer service anymore which is kind of nice. I will be doing cash relief though, but that I can handle.. I haven't quite figured out my role, but I guess the change will be good. I just can't believe I am going back! After I finally quit I thought I would never wear the red uniform again... Oh well, it will give me something to do, and it will give me some money so I guess it isn't entirely the end of the world...However I have to keep asking myself "what did I get myself into".

Kind of a screw up :S

Ok so I think I have just taken the grand prize on ways not to make a good impression in your new job! So like it has been said before I got a job on the TOC list in Merritt, so yay for me. I registered for this workshop, because a) I thought it would be interesting (although i had no idea what it was about I was told the speaker was amazing) and b) I thought it would be a good way to meet teachers in the district. Anyway so the schedule of the weekly events for workshops this week was given to me, and for some reason I had it set in my mind that the workshop was on Wednesday. So I was all set for my very long day tomorrow, being that I would have had to leave my house at like 630am. So I was on my computer double checking that I knew how to get to the place etc. I had the address, the map of how to get there, I felt prepared. And then I checked the actual schedule to see what time it was on, and yup it was 8-12.. so we are good to go right? Nope because the workshop isn't tomorrow it was TODAY! I feel like such an idiot. I don't know how I screwed that up. I knew it was the 29th, but i just thought that was tomorrow. I guess I should have clued in, when I was signing something to mail today and the 29th seemed oddly familiar to me. Now I know why. Seriously I am such an idiot! Way to make an impression! But I emailed the guy who registed me, and apologized and explained I got my dates mixed up. At least I took the blame for my own mistake...

shopping day in Kelowna

So this morning my sisters Paula and Julia, and Julia's friend Jen thought it would be fun to go to Kelowna for the day for a day of shopping. So we got up kind of early, and hit the road about 830am.. It was a beautiful day for driving, and we had some fun tunes to sing along to for the car ride. We spent a few hours shopping in the mall, looking at all the things that we wanted but probably couldn't afford. I held back since I don't really have any money. However, I did buy a top from The Gap. It isn't very often I go in there and find things I like.. even though I see people who have cute clothes from The Gap all the time. Once we had done a few laps at the mall, we decided to venture downtown because Julia wanted to go check out Lululemon. Normally when I go to Kelowna I go as far as the mall and then go back home. So it if fairly straightforward. So going downtown was a whole new adventure! Although it wasn't as bad as we expected. So we went into the store, and I just admired the clothing from a far, because quite frankly I can't buy a zip-up hoodie that is worth $86! But Julia did buy me a cute little headband!

Then we decided to hit starbucks, since who doesn't need a little kick to their afternoon! And then then we drove home, so that poor Jen could have a quick nap before working a graveyard shift tonight! The drive home was a blast, I believe there was a bit of singing and interpretive dancing happening in the back thanks to the lovely Julia and Jen. But it was a good day.. Gave me a chance to clear my head a bit and think of something new for a change... Although I would only be lying to myself if I said that my mind didn't wander just slightly.... But the shopping was fun, and if I had the money I probably could have bought more!

So I know before I did an entry on how some songs really get to me.. or make me think. Well this song by James Blunt, although slightly older now, it has sort of hit really close to home lately... I was listening to the words and I was like wow, that is exactly how I feel... Anyway so I searched for the lyrics to read them, and now here they are ;)

Goodbye My Lover
James Blunt

Did I disappoint you or let you down?
Should I be feeling guilty or let the judges frown?
'Cause I saw the end before we'd begun,
Yes I saw you were blinded and I knew I had won.
So I took what's mine by eternal right.
Took your soul out into the night.
It may be over but it won't stop there,
I am here for you if you'd only care.
You touched my heart you touched my soul.
You changed my life and all my goals.
And love is blind and that I knew when,
My heart was blinded by you.
I've kissed your lips and held your head.
Shared your dreams and shared your bed.
I know you well, I know your smell.
I've been addicted to you.

Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

I am a dreamer but when I wake,
You can't break my spirit - it's my dreams you take.
And as you move on, remember me,
Remember us and all we used to be
I've seen you cry, I've seen you smile.
I've watched you sleeping for a while.
I'd be the father of your child.
I'd spend a lifetime with you.
I know your fears and you know mine.
We've had our doubts but now we're fine,
And I love you, I swear that's true.
I cannot live without you.

Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.

And I still hold your hand in mine.
In mine when I'm asleep.
And I will bear my soul in time,
When I'm kneeling at your feet.
Goodbye my lover.
Goodbye my friend.
You have been the one.
You have been the one for me.
I'm so hollow, baby, I'm so hollow.
I'm so, I'm so, I'm so hollow.

slowly going crazy...

First of all, let me just say, I hope this entry does not come off the wrong way. I appreciate what my parents have done for me, I really do.... However I am starting to lose my sanity. I got so used to having my freedom and independence, that being at home is a lot bigger of an adjustment than I thought it would be. I know I am not working, (at least until September some time) so the agreement was that I would help my mom out with chores around the house, and I would drive Julia to work and stuff.. I have never once complained. When my mom says can you vaccuum I say sure, and I do it right away. I have driven Julia to almost all of her shifts... So today i was kind of having a lazy day, I slept it, then I worked out, took my time getting ready after my shower, and sort of just relaxed. So this afternoon I crawled into bed to read my book, and I nodded off. Not because I was overly tired, but mostly because that is what reading does to me.... So then I am woken up and I realize it is 630 and it is dinner time. So I go to the kitchen, and my mom had the food served and on the table. Which I love, no cooking is great. But I wasn't feeling overly hungry (could be from the like 12 glasses of water I had today). Anyway so the first thing my dad says to me is "how can you be tired what did you do today". And I just sort of ignored it because I was tired and groggy.. Then he was like well where did you go for lunch if you are not hungry. And I said I didn't go anywhere for lunch.. And he was like oh well then what were you snacking on. And I said nothing... But he just gave me this look! I had to bite my tongue. If I was living on my own, first of all it wouldn't be the end of the world if I had a nap! I think we are all entitled to them once and awhile! And I also probably would have waited to eat until I was hungry... I know both of these things are very petty.... But it is all the things I didnt' ahve to deal with in the last two years. I only had to answer to myself.. I hate when I am going out, and I get asked 101 questions of where I am going. And they hear me come home at night, so I get 101 questions the next morning too.. I need to get out of here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just keep telling myself as soon as I have a pay cheque coming in I will be able to afford rent.. and then it will be back to my independence... thank goodness.

Torn...

So I am not quite sure how I get myself into these situations, but somehow I just do! I feel like I am torn between what is right and what is wrong. I used to laugh on tv when you used to see a person torn, and so they would have an angel sitting on one side and the devil whispering in the other ear... And honestly that is how I feel right now. i am being pulled back and forth. I have even tried listing pros and cons in the situation hoping that in the end I would realize what the right decision is for me. But guess what that doesn't work... I have turned to friends for advice. And of course they speak from their heart because they care about me. But I dont' want to listen to the advice even though it may or may not be the right thing to do. Although I guess that is the problem there. What the right thing is, and what I want is two different things. I don't know how I have found myself in this ongoing love triangles.... just for the record this would be the second one in less than a month! However the first time around, I sort of asked to be involved, and then kicked myself afterwards. But I got myself out of that situation. This new one, has been sort of an ongoing thing... not always a triangle but always complicated! Sometimes I love my life.......... So as I look left and right I don't know who I want to listen to...

who would have guessed...

Well I think it has been about 2 weeks or so that I have now been back in Kamloops. I love being here, I love the weather, the home cooked meals, seeing my friends from here etc. However, over the last few days I have found myself really missing life in Prince George! Kind of a shocker I know. Especially since almost every day I complained how much I hated it there...... but I miss my friends first and foremost, I miss the trips to Starbucks, I miss my Tuesday night ritual, and I miss my puppies (ok so emma and kobe may not be mine but it is pretty close!) I keep thinking about hopping in my car and making a trip, but then I kindly remind myself that I have no income of money right now, so what is in the bank is all I have til I start working.... so then it brings me back to being in Kamloops and feeling sad because I can't not be with everyone in Prince George.... But I will be back for a visit that is a promise.. just have to figure out when.

interview part 2

Well my mom so kindly offered to come with me this morning. Which made me happy because then I didn't have to fill up my car with gas before the drive (although i should fill up since gas is only 113.0 here yahoo!) and I could stress all I want and not worry about the oncoming traffic! So as we got closer and closer to merritt I became more and more nervous. We arrived kind of early so once we found the board office we took a little drive to check Merritt out. I have to admit it is a cute little town. And we didn't even go to the "city center". So then we went back to the board office and the butterflies kicked in big time.. I went in and asked for they lady who was interviewing me and took a seat on the couch and waited. She came out right away, shook my hand introduced herself and took me to her office. We started off with small talk talking about the weather and stuff, and then she told me she had 13 questions to ask me.. So we went through all the questions and then she said to me........... "well I am going to put you on our TOC list so welcome to the district!" So then I filled out some paper work, and now I guess I just sit and wait for the first call!! She told me that in the years previous those who live in Merritt usually do get the first call before those who commute.. So in the next few weeks I have a decision to make. I can either stay here and commute for now, or move there... I was also told that my name can be on another TOC list as well... so if Kamloops were to hire me that would be an option to do both. But the exciting thing and the most important thing right now is that I am on the list :) So now I just have to get some work... And she gave me information about a workshop that is at the end of the month... I have to go through it and see if anything interests me.. but I am thinking it would be to my advantage to go, start meeting some teachers and stuf... How tacky would it be to have some cards made and hand them out to the teachers there :) haha... Things are finally going my way!!

interview day.. part one

so it is around 8:25am and I have to leave my house in 5 min in order to drive to merrit and find the board office... and my head is just swimming. I found a website yesterday with practice questions which I tried to go over. I also did it for my interview in PG.. it is just nice so that you are not thrown off by any questions.. hopefully.. but i didn't sleep well at all.. i just kept thinking of how it was going to go....... I am bringing my trusty portfolio with me... i figure i put the work into it i might as well show it off... anyway i am off but i will be back to share the end results.

"Eyes Wide Shut"

So the other night my sister and I wanted to rent a movie, and after wandering through Blockbuster there was not a whole lot out on the new release wall that interested us. So we thought that we would rent some old movies instead. One of the movies that we selected was "Eyes Wide Shut" I had never seen it, but I figured I like Nicole Kidman, I like Tom Cruise (well not as much as I did before) and I have enjoyed other Stanley Kubrick movies. So last night Julia and I started to watch it. And by the end of it, I sat there thinking "what just happened here". We both just looked at each other feeling very confused. And had I known there was going to be that much naked Nicole, and other women perhaps we would not have rented it. But I remember hearing mixed reviews when it came out so I wanted to see it for myself. Perhaps I am missing something. If that is the case some one please tell me what the point of that movie was.......

Why I have never taken up golf...

This morning I recieved a phone call from my parents, asking that I drive out to the lake and pick up the dog because I guess she was driving my parents crazy. So I drove out there, stayed for a quick visit and then came back to town so that I could get Julia to work at 1. Then the phone rang again and it was the Loewens inviting me to go mini golfing. Laura is babysitting this girl Rachel and we thought it would be to take her out to do something. So Yvonne (laura's mom) myself, Laura and Rachel headed down to the mini golf course. I haven't been golfing in a long time so I was really looking forward to it. However by the end of the game, I remembered why I have never taken up real golf. I am not very good! At the end of the 18 holes I had the highest score... That means I won right? haha.. I think the lowest par I got on any given hole was 2, and the highest I got was a 7.. oops. It was a hard one. My favorite is when it would roll right back to the begining.
And of course little Rachel thought that was the funniest thing ever. Especially when she got one of the holes towards the end in 2 and it took Laura and I at least 7 strokes. It could have been more, but we stopped counting! After that I came home to spend some time with my poor dog, who was whining for attention. And then the Loewens had me over for dinner since I am currently home alone. It was so good! But the more I think about the golf game today I think I am going to have to challenge them again.. I was out of practice... or at least that is what I will tell myself!