What else can I say? 

Getting close with Nessie on a frosty morning 

Christmas Day, a view of the back of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh 

St. John's College, Oxford 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

New Favorite Music

My latest iTunes downloads:

Kaiser Chiefs, Babyshambles, Supergrass, Bedouin Soundclash, The Charlatans and Kasbian.

I can't stop singing Bedouin Soundclash's "When The Night Feels My Song" in my head.

I am addicted to dog racing!

Good fun, good fun. I lost 8 quid, won 2. On 10 races, that's not TOO bad. I was just starting to get the hang of it: trios, forecasts, reverse forecasts, etc. This could mean trouble - I am two train stops away from the track... I've never been very lucky with these things, but it is a fun night out.

The Parcel Force Man

The last time he stopped by, it was 7:30 in the morning. He let me sleep in a bit this time. I awoke to a lovely BIG box from my parents. I am such a happy girl having received a box full of Sweetarts, Easymac and Mema's famous chocolate chip cookies. Mmm. They also sent a TN Vols fleece which will come in handy next week and the traditional Mary Englebreit calendar.

I am feeling very loved right now.

I have hung my Tarro artwork and am listening to my Toad CD as I clean my room. I have started doing my laundry for my trip. I have waited too long and now I have to prioritize what can wait until I get back. Boy do I miss dryers. I miss doing 3 loads of laundry in one day. I miss the days of last-minute packing where you did laundry at midnight and it was dry and in the suitcase the next morning. I am lucky if my clothes dry in three days...

Enough complaining. I am off to find some new ________ for my trip. I am not exactly sure what I am looking for. Shoes, pants, sweaters. I have a list, but really I just want something new.

"Vaginas have tastebuds. Why else would they make flavoured condoms?"

That was just one of the comments that had me in stitches Monday night. This is how our year 7s think... Scary, eh?

Monday night was a great success. It has been a long time since the whole department was together and laughing like that. It reminds me why I like working here. And makes me sad that it takes a night out for us to really enjoy each other - it wasn't always that way.

My first holiday package arrived early Monday morning - 5 pounds of cookies and fudge from my grandmother! Mmm!! Friday I received a package from my sister and brother-in-law - lots of goodies to keep my hands and feet warm. :) Cashmere socks are heavenly. Plus, some art to hang on my walls (pictures of the darling Tarro, their australian shepherd) and a Toad the Wet Sprocket CD. Sisters send wonderful packages!!

Yesterday I woke early to be at the school by half 6 (6:30). I had signed up for a WWI history tour of Ypres. We spent the day in Belgium, visiting various WWI sites near Ypres. My knowledge of WWI history is shite but I was still moved by what we saw. It was interesting to see that the area was fairly flat with gentle slopes and that is why the trenches were so important. We visited Bayernwald, a German trench system and ate our lunch inside the trenches. We drove past many war memorials and cemeteries, stopping at a few. There were just so many. I couldn't believe how much that history is a part of their everyday life. Can you imagine having abandoned bunkers amongst your sheep or vegetable gardens or cemeteries lined with white gravestones just across the street from your neighbor? They say that there are still mines that did not go off in some of the fields. We watched a re-enactment of the Christmas Truce in the very area that it broke out between German and English troops and where a game of football was played before killing resumed. The trip ended in Ypres, a town completely destroyed in the war but has since been rebuilt. At the Menin Gate Memorial we watched the Last Post ceremony which has been sounded every night since 1929, except for the four years that German troops occupied Ypres during the second World War. It was a pretty spectacular day. We even had snow.

Tomorrow I am heading to dinner at a co-worker's then we're off to the Dog Races. I also have to start packing... Thursday I leave for my trip: Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow and Liverpool. Lots of stuff happening and all I can think about is:

I DON'T HAVE TO WAKE UP FOR SCHOOL IN THE MORNING!!

I'm such a little kid! :)

Space Cadets

A British reality television programme that sucked me in...

They told these poor kids that they were going to be the first British civilians in space. They made them go through all sorts of training exercises. Then they whisked them off to 'Russia.' Finally, they sent three kids and one actor into 'space' with two astronauts (actors). The punchline: they were just in a simulator a few miles away.

I didn't start to watch it until late in the series, but what I did see I couldn't get enough. The three cadets were hilarious. The Russian astronaut was actually a British actor with not the best russian accent. The American astronaut (Canadian - Yes, Canada is considered part of America) was just obnoxious. And the cadet actor kept me in stitches. The production crew kept talking to him through a secret hole in the closet, handing him things and sending people in to interview him. They had an issue with a moth one episode where it got into the simulator and everyone was in a panic that it would be seen by the three cadets and give the whole game away.

But as I watched, I got more and more annoyed by the whole thing. I mean, how stupid do you have to be? Wouldn't you start to question things when your feet were firmly planted on the floor of the 'space ship' (as in GRAVITY was still holding you in place)? Wouldn't you start to ask questions when your bed was a sleeping bag on the floor? Would you not start to wonder when they had a real toilet in the corner of the bathroom? Why on earth would you not question the fact that the 'science experiments' they wanted you to perform while you were orbiting earth consisted of making balloon animals?

I missed the reveal on Friday. I wished I could have seen how the cadets took the news. Of course they won some big bucks for being made to look like fools. And a day in a flight simulator, a real one this time... in Russia.

Chinese Firewater

Friday night was the Year Team dinner. The plan was to meet at the pub at 7 for drinks, then Dinner at the Peking at 8. I had a couple of errands to run after school, so I got dressed for dinner in the girl's loo (it was fun trying to touch up my makeup in a wavy plastic reflective thing that they hang in school bathrooms! I refuse to call it a mirror - I felt like I was at a fun house!) before heading into town. One of my errands was to get my hair cut. I had been meaning to for quite a while and it always feels nice to go somewhere after you've had your hair professionally done... God knows I can never make it look that good! This girl went a little crazy with the scissors and it took her an hour and a half to trim my hair and straighten it. I'm really not sure WHY it took so long, there's not a whole lot of hair to cut!? But, it looked good, so I was happy. Met up with the Year Team gang for a few minutes at the pub, then we made our way to the Chinese Restaurant. Dinner was nice and our table closed down the joint. I'll just hit the highlights: 1) The Year Head ordered a round of shots of "something stronger than sake," 2) One of my students was serving us, 3) Head of Year ordered another round of the firewater, then a round of (ugh!) brandy, and 4) I slept at my Head of Department's house.

The Science Department Do is tomorrow night. This is not a firewater kind of crowd, thank goodness. Although, they sure do like to have a good time with wine and beer. I'd better rest-up.

Memory Lane

I am on a loud music kick at the moment. Makes me miss Uphonik shows. Makes me miss dancing into the wee hours of the morning. Hell, that was any show that Krissie and I went to, really...

Heeheehee. Hey, K, flashback: Joe doing the Joe Boxer dance at a JQ show at the Venue. That still makes me giggle. Those were the days.

It's that time of year again...

Holiday Dos are bit around here. There are three for school that I have been invited to join. The first is tomorrow night - Year Team Christmas 'Do.' Monday is the Science Department one. Thursday is the whole school disco (yes, that's really what they call them here). Then Friday is the last day of school.

I am SO ready for a break... And a few shots.

Happy Holidays ya'll.

Sound Bites of My Week

"You look like you listen to Blink 182 and Green Day." A comment from one of my homeroom students. I don't see it myself...

"You know Miss has had a bad day when she comes into school with a new pair of shoes." My head of department knows me too well. Funny, I said something to my Dad about the comment and he said he'd always go shopping for a new shirt. I come by it honestly, just always thought it was my Mom's genes...

"I'm going to tell you a secret." I watched Madonna's new documentary last week.

"Admit it, Miss. The real reason you are here is because you are hiding from the US government." Okay, so maybe I said too much the other day. Don't ask me how the conversation about marching on Washington started...

"I was your age when that song was released." Students singing MC Hammer's "Hammer Time" and Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All."

"Don't want to be an American idiot." This is all I heard this morning from some darling students. Unfortunately, the poor kid had no idea what the song is really about... And, well, I agree I don't want to be an American idiot.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I thought of you all today. No, seriously, I did. I thought, "Man this sucks! I am stuck at work when everyone back home is stuffing their faces!" Actually, it was a pretty decent day with a few surprises (I had a semi-break-through with a particularly tough kid. It won't last but it felt good). The department wished me a Happy Turkey Day and one woman even offered to do a Turkey Dance. :) We chatted about Thanksgiving traditions and I promised pumpkin pie tomorrow.

I just got off the phone with the family. Mom and Dad had 25 guests for Turkey dinner (and that wasn't even the whole family!). They passed the phone around, so I got to feel like I was there - well, minus the food.

I've got two pumpkin pies cooling on the kitchen counter to take in to the Science department tomorrow, with whipped cream and all. Not really sure how they will taste. I had to get a little creative with the recipe. I figure, they'll never know - crazy Brits!

So, Happy Turkey Day all! I hope you are thoroughly stuffed with huge smiles on your faces. Miss ya'll!

Holiday Plans and the Future

I was looking at a tour of Russia for Christmas. It would have been eight days starting in St. Petersburg and ending in Moscow. I was really tempted to go. Then I started thinking about the weather, the airfare and the cost of a visa. It was just going to be too much £££. I was not dying to go to Russia. It did not make it onto my "Gotta See" list. It would have been cool, but in a "why not?" kinda way.

So, instead I will be visiting the "Must See" cities of Great Britain between December 22 and the 29th. I will stay in Oxford, York, Glasgow and Liverpool and will spend Christmas Eve in Edinburgh. It will be weird to be away from the family for the holidays (especially since Hanukkah begins this year on the 25th this year) but traveling and meeting others who are also away from home should make it better.

I've also been thinking about the rest of my time here. I talked to the airline and have confirmed a flight home on the 22nd of August, 2006. It is weird to think of this all coming to an end. Until then, I have travel plans galore: In April Kristin is coming to visit and we are going to tackle either Spain or Italy... We are having a tough time making a decision. In February (or May, depending on when/if my parents decide to visit) I want to go back to France to see Versailles and Mont St Michel (and probably spend a bit more time in Paris' art museums). And, finally, in August I am going to see what I can of Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow and Warsaw. I have a long list of things I want to see before I go home for good. I am not expecting to see everything but it would be nice to cover most.

I also have a long list of things I want to see once I get back to the States. It's funny how an experience like this makes you realize how little of your own country you've seen. I hatraveledled up and down the eastern coast, seen California and Oregon, and yet there's so much more of the US to see. So much more of the world that I want to see, too. I spent too much time working when I was in Charlotte, too much time trying to pay for things that I really didn't need. When I go back I'd like to save up for holidays and spend my free time exploring instead of working...

Friday Afternoon Drinks

It only took 15 months, but I went out for drinks with colleagues after school today and had a blast. Granted, I am home now and it is 8:15, but still... It was just nice to hang out and have a few beers.

I am a happy girl.

ITunes is dangerous to my credit card.

I've spent my morning looking for new music. It is just too easy to point and click and a few seconds later, play. My library on ITunes is not very big, just 110 songs. I have downloaded a few songs that remind me of the places I have been, for example "Donald Where's Your Troosers?" (Andy Stewart) and "Caledonia" (Frankie Miller) were played repeatedly on the bus ride around Scotland. When I was traveling around Europe, "It's My Life" (cover of the No Doubt song) was blasting every morning as we drove through Rome, Venice, Paris, Munich. I can't help thinking of these things every time I hear the songs now. U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" has new meaning for me now, too.

I also have albums on ITunes, too: Snow Patrol's "Final Straw," Stereophonics' "You Gotta Go There To Come Back," James Blunt's "Back to Bedlam," Athlete's "Tourist," KT Tunstall's "Eye To the Telescope." Every album I have downloaded, I have loved!!

Today's downloads include: Albums: The Killers "Hot Fuss," Artic Monkeys "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - EP." Songs: "I Predict A Riot" Kaiser Chiefs, "Seven Nation Army" The White Stripes and "Aerials" System of A Down.

A Ray of Light

Last week was absolute crap. The kids were crazy, I had the worst observation in my history of teaching and I was under the weather (sore throat, terrible cough and a voice that disappeared sometime last Monday). I left school in tears three of the five days last week. While I can say that I get emotional when I am not feeling my best, it was possibly my worst week of teaching since I have been in England (and maybe EVER)!

It has been a tough first term and I am feeling bitter about a lot of things that are going on at school: administration, discipline, this certification programme, etc. And when a higher-up evaluates a lesson and can not give a single positive comment about it, well, it leaves me feeling that there's just no point. Funny, it was the same week that I had planned to announce my resignation (totally unrelated but it felt good to say it when all that crap was happening). I have decided that High School is not for me. And while I have learned SO much in my overseas experience, I am a Middle School teacher through and through and am excited to return to what I know and love... Next year, of course, I'm not ready to leave England just yet.

Today was the first day since Half Term that I made the early train for work. This was my Ray of Light. If I miss the early train, then I can still make it to work but I am scrambling in at the bell (after sitting in terrible traffic and paying a taxi £5 to get me to school from the train station)... That's IF the trains are running on time. If I make the early train then I have time to enjoy a cup of coffee and do any last-minute teacher things before the day starts. That 40 minutes makes a world of difference.

A couple of things I have been meaning to post since the first of November:

My Sister's Keeper was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I really liked the issues it raised. There were parts that dragged (the mother got on my nerves) and the ending was crap, but I would still highly recommend it.

There are a ton of movies in the theater that I'd like to see, including the new Harry Potter that opens November 18th. It looks like I will be spending my Fall at the 'cinema.'

The sun set today at 4:18.

One last thing: As 'down' as I feel about my school right now, there are still plenty of good things that happen there. I have some really great support from my mentor teacher and my head of department. My department is full of fabulous people (even if I don't feel the rest of the school is...) There are plenty of kids that are wonderful, and even the not-so-wonderful ones have their wonderful moments.

I'm having a tough time putting this one down...

"... I was born for a very specific purpose. I wasn't the result of a cheap bottle of wine or a full moon or the heat of the moment. I was born because a scientist managed to hook up my mother's eggs and my father's sperm to create a specific combination of precious genetic material. In fact, when Jesse told me how babies get made and I, the great disbeliever, decided to ask my parents the truth, I got more than I bargained for. They sat me down and told me all the usual stuff, of course - but they also explained that they chose little embryonic me, specifically, because I could save my sister, Kate. 'We loved you even more,' my mother made sure to say, 'because we knew what exactly we were getting.' ... See unlike the rest of the free world, I didn't get here by accident. And if your parents have you for a reason, then that reason better exist. Because once it's gone, so are you."

The book is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult and it is a story about a girl named Anna that has undergone surgeries all of her life to help her sister, Kate, fight leukemia. Now Kate's kidneys are failing and it is assumed that Anna will donate, so she sues her parents for the right to her own body.

I am only a hundred pages in to it, but it's a great read so far!

Ireland

I have posted a few pictures below from Ireland. The past week has been amazing. Ireland is a spectacular island full of beautiful scenery, wonderful people and a difficult history. I had no real understanding of it all until I saw it for myself. For our first two days we were in Northern Ireland, staying in both Belfast and Derry. We had guided tours of both cities, and tried to gain an understanding of the conflict felt in both areas. For the rest of the six days we toured the Republic of Ireland, staying in Galway, Annascaul and Killarney. The Republic has some pretty fabulous landscapes. The tour consisted mainly of Aussies and Kiwis, I was the only American on the bus. Most nights, we found 'the crack' including two pubs with kick-ass live music. One in Galway (cover band, but they put on a great show) and the second in Killarney (a rockin' Irish band that gave covers their own Irish twist and jammed-out on stage - they were great!). I drank Guiness like it was going out of season as well as enjoying a few Harps, Smithwicks (be careful how you pronounce it, they will correct you if you use the 'h'!), Belfast Ales, Car Bombs and many vodka/cranberry combinations. I am already trying to figure out when I can go back to Ireland, there's so much more I want to see and explore.

Blarney Castle Yes I hung upside-down and kissed the stone.

County Kerry and the Atlantic Ocean 

The Cliffs of Moher 

Derry

The Giant's Causeway 

Belfast - 'Peace' Wall with burn marks (green wall in background), Catholic Memorial (foreground - we were on the Catholic side of the wall) and the back of someone's house (notice the black protective fencing over their back garden). Can you imagine living here?

Vestibular Neuritis

Or that's what the doctor called it on Monday. It is dizziness due to a viral infection of the vestibular nerve (in my ear). I have spent my week in bed and only started to feel better Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, it was the week before half-term and I left my co-workers battling teenagers desperate for a holiday. I am feeling horribly guilty about it all, but what can you do? I was just following doctor's orders...

Is it time for a holiday, yet?

I can't complain too much. This term has been much better than my entire last year, but I am still worn out. Work is keeping my stress level high and I am constantly feeling inadequate. The kids are not as bad this year (they have their moments, but I think the fact that I am not 'green' anymore helps). And I guess with all of the pros of my own classroom, less movement and better kids I can finally start focusing on my teaching. I haven't had to do that much since everything else was an excuse. And I guess I have let myself slip. Oh well, it'll work itself out.

Next Sunday I leave for Ireland. I am psyched!! We'll see: Slane Castle (U2 and Rock concerts), The Giants Causeway, Bloody Sunday Murals, The Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry and get to kiss the Blarney stone. It's a six day tour of the whole island, so I am sure it will be packed full of beautiful scenery and lots of rainy 'wee' walks. Plenty of pictures to come (and other surprisess), I am sure.

Not much exciting news around here. Winter is starting to creep in. Despite the semi-warm afternoons, I can feel the rainy weather and colder temperatures just around the corner. I can handle the poor weather, it's the darkness that I don't really care for. It is starting to get dark here around 6:00. And all I can think is that in a couple of months, it'll be dark when I leave school at 4!! It's all part of the experience... I guess.

On a lighter note, my year 9s cracked me up on Thursday. We were going through Photosynthesis and the parts of a plant, specifically the parts that you eat. They were told to complete a table and we were going over the answers. We said that you eat the root/bulb of a carrot and the stem/leaves of broccoli. One boy raised his hand and said that we "eat the fruit and seeds of a banana." So when I replied, "yes. good, we eat the fruit and seeds of a banana." The kids had a hay-day with the way I pronounce banana. No big deal, I am used to it. So when a boy who sits close to me asked me to "say it again, Miss." I said "Banana... like Gwen Stephani." Boy was that a mistake!!! For the rest of the lesson I had to listen to "Miss is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S." That'll teach me! Although, for as annoyed as I was, it also made me chuckle.

Just finished reading.

Never Enough Time In the Day...

That's how I feel when ever I work on school stuff. I have spent the majority of my day planning, marking and researching, but still I feel like I have little to show... This is so frustrating! Just not feeling on top of my game with school. I thought it would get easier, but I am still struggling... I hate feeling like a crap teacher.

Heading out for a couple of beers with my Finnish flatmate and her 22 year-old son... I'll explain all in a proper post tomorrow. Until then, happy weekend!

Who Are You?

Double lesson with a mouthy group of year 10s... They are not a BAD group of kids, they just don't want to shut their mouths for anything. So, after about an hour of trying to fight it, I gave in and joined the conversation. They were all working, not as hard or as focused as I would have liked, but it was work nonetheless.

It all started with a boy in the back singing, "Who are you? Oooo Ooo Ooo Ooo." They the question came, "Miss, do you know who The Who are?" Do I know The Who? Come On. I was raised on classic rock. My family's dial was permanently tunned to Knoxville's classic rock station and for many years it was the only radio station I knew. When we were young, my sister and I used to spend our afternoons in front of the stereo listening to Tommy and reading the lyrics from the back of the LP. I love The Who.

Of course, to a room full of 15 year-olds, that was the wrong thing to say. I am supposed to like Kayne West and the Pussycat Dolls. So, the conversation turned to, "What music do you listen to, Miss? What CDs do you own?" I went through my usual answers, the ones that received raised eyebrows and approving nods from my students last year. "I listen to all sorts of music: on my mp3 player right now I have Green Day, Foo Fighters, Stereophonics, Snowpatrol, Athlete and a bunch of US bands that you wouldn't know." To this group, it was like I said I liked Engelbert Humperdinck. Not that I really need approval from a bunch of 15 year-olds, but still, it's nice when they think you're kinda cool.

Then they started to ask about the US bands and somehow the conversation turned to seeing bands live... I don't think that southeastern music culture really translates well here. The towns are so small and London is the only place that seems to really draw shows. They asked, "Your parents let you out to see these bands?" Well, first I had to correct them and say that it was last year (or my last few years in Charlotte). And, although high school was so long ago, yes my parents did let me see shows. Of course we were heading to downtown Knoxville, not NYC or London, but still. I feel sorry that these kids are not able to experience the things that I so easily took for granted at 16. Then I remember that they are talking about Kayne West. Big shows occassionally made it to Knoxville but we were more interested in the local/regional bands. So, I can't feel too bad for kids that wouldn't really like the music anyway.

Cancelled Trains and No Buses

Sunday turned out to be quite an adventure. The flatmate and I got to the train station only to find out that they were doing service on the line, so we'd have to catch the replacement bus service to London. My second time on a double-decker bus in twenty-four hours. This ride was a bit better, probably because I was not full of alcohol. By the time we made it to London, though, we missed the walking tour, so we decided to check out the Arts Festival in Trafalgar Square then made our way to Camden Market. Tiina had never been. It truly is the best place for people watching. That, and you can basically find any type of ethnic food you could possibly want. Eventually, we started to feel a bit tired and decided to make our way home. Instead of taking the replacement bus service, we decided to take the train to Bexleyheath and then take the bus from there (30 minute train ride & 15 minute bus ride instead of 75 minute bus ride). Unfortunately, we had missed the last bus from Bexleyheath, so we decided to walk home. "I've done it before. It only takes about 15 or 20 minutes. Real easy," Tiina told me. I am afraid that her perception of time is a bit off. We walked for over an hour. I am glad I got the exercise, but it turned out to be a very long day. Good, but long.

Sunshine and 59 degrees F

My third week of school and I am already causing trouble. I guess you could consider this a good thing. At least I feel comfortable enough to voice my opinion. And my Head of Department is backing me, so it must not be too bad, right? In all actuality, it's really not bad. I just didn't like how a situation was handled and said that I thought someone was undermining my authority with a certain group of students. I said it to her, then I said it to my HOD and now the Head Master wants to bring it up in a meeting and use the situation as an example... Not the kind of attention I really want, but hey if it will keep the situation from happening again with other teachers then I am fine with it all. Although, I may try and talk to her ahead of time so that at least she's not in the dark about the subject at the meeting (thanks for the advice, K).

The flatmate and I went out last night in London. The pub was packed, the band was fun and we both had a good time. Kudos to an Irish band that can play "Devil Went Down to Georgia." :) The last train from Charing Cross left at 12:02 and we arrived just in time to see it taking off, so we caught the night bus home. Funny things, those night buses. First let me say that it is nice to be close enough to London that I can take a bus home for a mere £1.20. However, I live at the very end of the line, so sitting on a double-decker bus for an hour (and a half) as it speeds and stops every few feet does wonders for a stomach full of beer. Also, the bus was full of loud, intoxicated people eating all sorts of greasy-smelling food. An hour and a half later and we still had a 30 minute walk ahead of us. Long story short, although I am happy to have the night bus option, I don't think I want to make it my sole mode of transport on Saturday evenings. In the future, I think I will try a bit harder to catch the 12:02 train. It leaves me with a 30 minute ride and a 5 minute walk.

Today, the flatmate and I are heading back into London to take a walking tour of 'Little Venice.' Tiina found a brochure for The Original London Walks Company so we thought we'd check it out. There are plenty to choose from, but this one sounds nice.

Can You Say "Adventure?"

Nothing is set in stone, but Laura, I really wish you were here - this one's right up your alley...

Oktoberfest started Saturday in Munich and the tents will remain full until Monday October 3rd. A flight to Munich is too expensive, as is a train from London, but I am trying to find reasonable-priced transport for Tiina and myself.

Here's what I have so far: If we leave London on a 7am flight to Frankfurt and catch a train from Frankfurt to Munich, then we will have a good nine hours of stein-drinking fun before we will need to make our way back to Frankfurt for the 6am flight home.

A bit wacky, I know, but hear me out... 1) No real need to pack for the trip. A toothbrush and we're ready to go. 2) The plane fare is close to £50 - so the overall trip can be classified in the 'affordable' range. No news yet on the train ticket (website is down at the moment) but even if it is a bit pricey, the plane fare could balance it out. 3) We will be home in time to catch some good Sunday winks before work on Monday. 4) It'll be one heck of an adventure!!

Not really sure if it will all come together. I will keep you posted.

No more secrets - I'm coming clean

I just came from "Pride and Prejudice." It was an excellent film. I left the theatre and was tempted to jump back in line to buy another ticket and watch it again. I am such a sucker for romance! So, as I was walking through the town square, thinking about Mr. Darcy and smoking my fag [Yes, I smoke cigarettes on occasion] I hear, "alright, Miss" and look up to find one of my students walking towards me with a very smug look on his face.

I thought I moved to get away from students. I thought I was safe to have a cigarette when I walked from here to there without being seen by youngsters. The thing is, I am not really a smoker. I go through a 10-pack in three weeks, usually when I am out on my own and walking (and sometimes when I have a drink). Back home, I have my smoking friends - the ones I always knew I could light-up with - and my non-smoking friends that I tried not to smoke around at all. But the times that I enjoyed it the most were the times that I was alone, usually in my car. So, I am coming clean with my dirty little secret.

I can handle it with my friends - think what you'd like - but not at school. I walked to the bus stop saying, "fuck fuck fuck." This is not a conversation I want to have with a bunch of asshole 15 year-olds on Monday. Oh well. I've made my bed...

Break out the jumpers - It's Freakin' Cold!

Week two of the new school year has come and gone. Overall, I feel much better about this year. Then I get stuck in a double lesson with my horrible year 10s (now year 11s) and I think that it is going to be a LONG ten months!

I have plans to meet up with another American teacher tomorrow. I couldn't make the recruiting company's annual gathering (it was the Saturday that I was in Bruges) but I was put in touch with a couple of teachers that are in my area. I have traded emails and a couple of voice messages with two girls and tomorrow I am meeting the one that lives in Greenwich. *Happy Dance* This could be a cool year!

I have a quiet night planned - "The Wedding Date" and a tub of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food.

Belgium

Last weekend was wonderful! I had a blast. I was a bit nervous about leaving town so close to the start of school, but I am really glad that I did.

That Friday I caught the train to Waterloo (a trip I have made many times in the past year), then made my way to the Eurostar check-in. It reminded me of airline check-in (Easy Jet, more specifically) minus the counters. I went through security and through immigration (Yeah! Stamp for my passport!!) before boarding the train. The train was not full, so I was able to have two seats to myself. Two hours later I was in Belgium. Brussels' Gare du Midi was enormous! I had planned on hitting a cash machine as soon as I reached Belgium so that I could get Euros for my trip. Funny, the station had maps posted with EVERYTHING except cash machines. It took a little time and a lot of questions, but I found my machine and then joined the queue for a taxi. My hostel was on the other end of town, so rather than try and make my way at 10:30 in a strange town, I decided I would rather find my bed and wander the city in the morning.

The hostel was nice, very large, with all sorts of choices in rooms: twelve-bed dorms, six-bed dorms, four bed rooms with WCs, doubles with WCs, etc. Many hostels are this way, but since I am on my own and really only use the place for a place to sleep, I would rather spend my money on the thing that really count (Belgium makes more than 365 beers, that's a different one a day for a year, and then some...) so I spent the evening in a twelve-bed female dorm. No problems except that the door had a key-card that buzzed loudly every time someone entered the room.

The next morning I was up and out by 8:00 and ready to see the sights. I walked around the area for a bit, found a cool-looking church and found the botanical gardens. I decided, because I was limited on time in Brussels (meeting my aunt and uncle in Brugge around 2) I would take one of the Bus tours. The tour was cool, I saw a lot of Brussels that I wouldn't have seen otherwise, but we got about half-way around the city and I started noticing these beautiful little buildings. I was in the older part of town and I wanted to explore, so I hopped off the bus and wandered through the Lower Town. I found the famous Manneken Pis (statue of the little boy peeing) and the Palace. I would have liked to stay longer and see more of Brussels, but it was time for me to make my way to Brugge. So, I navigated my way through the Metro to The Gare du Midi and caught the train to Brugge.

In Brugge, I made my way to my hostel - such a cute place just in the center of town - and checked in. Then I caught up with my aunt and uncle at their hotel. Of course, it took a little longer than I expected (I got a little lost and had to buy a map). We set off to explore the town and eventually enjoyed a lovely Flemmish meal with some very nice wine. I had Chicken Waterzooii (a cross between a cream sauce and a soup) which was lovely and my aunt and uncle enjoyed a lamb stew and a beef stew, both were quite nice. We sat on the back patio and had a really nice visit. Afterwards, we continued the conversation at their hotel bar. I left around 10:30 and we made arrangements to meet up with them in the morning.

The next morning, it was breakfast, then more exploring before I had to catch the train back to Brussels (to catch my Eurostar train back to London). I really enjoyed the weekend. My aunt and uncle do not live in TN, so I don't get to spend much time with them, plus Brugge is a wonderful place... I still include Brugge as one of my Top Five cities - it is small enough to really enjoy and the architecture is fabulous!!

Manneken Pis The Legend says that a rich bourgeois losts his only son in the crowd during a popular festival and this is the way that he was found. I stumbled upon the Manneken Pis during a festival. There was a band, a crowd and the poor little boy was peeing framboise. People were filling glasses of a foamy, rasberry beer. It was quite a sight!

Brussels skyline and the botanical gardens. I stayed just down the street in my first European Hostel. It was different from the British ones I have stayed in - one toilet for forty people and three showers in the basement of the adjacent building - but still nice. It had this great courtyard. Who can really argue with a clean bed and shower for 13 Euro, even if the bed was in a room with 11 others and the shower was very YMCA.

Brugge canal There are two things that I think of when I remember my first trip to Brugge, the canals and the Markt.

Brugge The Markt place.

I have survived the first day of school.

Not that there was really much to it: no kids, just meetings. I have to say that coming back has been such a relief. In each meeting I thought back to a year ago and how overwhelming and confusing it all was. This year already feels much better. The Head stopped me in the office this morning and said that he is talking to another American about an English position (through the same company I came over with). It is a bit late, but it'd be cool if she came. He said that she was hemming and hawing over it and asked if I would talk to her (if he could get her on the line). It didn't happen today, but who knows what tomorrow will bring.

I leave for Belgium tomorrow after school. I will take the Eurostar (train from London) to Brussels and spend Friday night there. I will sightsee in the morning, then meet my aunt and uncle in Brugge mid-afternoon. I should be home by 6 o'clock on Sunday, leaving me enough time to get ready for the first day of school on Monday... Guess I should start brushing up on my Flemish.

So, I had this whole rant planned, but it sounded so angry and I am not (angry anymore)... Instead, since I am worn out and have little energy to do much else this evening, (Jrzy Gyrl's Top Ten List took all the energy I had. Narrowing my list to ten was the most difficult think I've had to think about all summer.) check this out:

What does your name mean?
http://www.bostonuk.com/names/default.asp

Andrea
Strong, womanly : Greek

Life is never dull with your adventurous and restless spirit. You are always on the move and seeking a new challenge to pit your wits against. Being in touch with nature you love the outdoors. You have keen intuition and a desire for knowledge and you can be something of a crusader. When you apply discipline and tenacity to your energetic mind then leadership positions are easily available to you.

I totally borrowed this idea from someone on myspace. Cool site, though. :)

Carnival was fun. Notting Hill was beautiful. The weather was amazing. Tiina and I drank our Red Stripe, watched the parade of extravagant costumes, ate our plantains and danced to many a DJs' beat. It was a maze of food and music. A bit crowded at times, but a nice way to spend my Bank Holiday Monday.

We left Notting Hill to eat dinner at Leister Square. Then we headed for a pub. Hear that EJ?! I now know of a cool little pub within walking distance of Trafalgar Square (that doesn't have pictures of erections hanging on the walls), so the next time you are in town...

Tomorrow we are heading to Bromley, London's largest Borough (and only a short bus-ride away). It's supposed to be a good place for shopping. There's also a Synagogue in Bromley, which will make my grandmother proud.

Speaking of grandmothers, my mother's mother was in the hospital last Tuesday having a lump removed from her breast. She is a strong and adventurous woman who was part of the first group to join the US Navy. But when she talks about cancer, she admits fear. As a woman in her 80's, you'd think breast cancer would be the least of her worries... Anyway, the mass was small and they think they got enough of the surrounding tissue that she'll be fine. My point is that it can affect anyone, so ladies please be sure to check yourselves (myself included since I suck at remembering).

Bouquets of sharpened pencils

"You've Got Mail" was on the television this evening. It's not my favorite movie, but I always seem to find myself sucked-in whenever it is on air. There's one scene where Tom Hanks is describing why he loves New York in the Fall and he says that it makes you want to go out and buy school supplies. That's what I always think of at this time of year. I love the beginning of a school year. I love shopping for school supplies. I love decorating a classroom. I love writing class lists in my gradebook. It may seem silly, but it marks a new beginning for me.

There are not many professions where you get to start each year with a clean slate (or at least semi-clean). What ever students you have had before, you will never have the same class, for the same subject and the same lessons again. There's hope. There's a chance that this year will be different from the last.

According to the calendar, the year starts in January. But for me, it starts in August. I make my resolutions with the beginning of each new school year. Last year was my year to survive. This year I want to succeed.

Bored

I have been back for six days and I am already bored with myself. I have read, taken walks, watched films and been shopping. There's always more that I could do, but I have become bored with myself. I guess I was spoiled all of those weeks at home.

Tomorrow I am going to the Notting Hill Carnival with my flatmate, Tiina. It is a huge Caribbean Festival with lots of food and music. When I went to Scotland, I met Garrett (a girl from Trinidad) who said that Carnival is spectacular! I can't wait to see.

On Thursday and Friday we have teacher workdays and students start back on Monday (September 5th). I am leaving Friday for Belgium to meet my aunt and uncle in Brugge for the weekend. Is it smart to go away for the weekend before the first day of school? Probably not. But, how often do you get to meet family in Europe?

I am sitting at my desk excited to be back and sad to be so far away from home. My floor is littered with crap, my half-hearted attempt to unpack my suitcase. There's my 'school' pile full of stickers, education books, lessons and board markers. There's an equally large 'food' pile containing the important things that a girl can not live without: Thanksgiving ingredients and a Sam's-sized mountain of Easy Mac and Ranch dressing mix. Not to mention clothes, shoes and the Bath and Body Works stuff I brought back.

It was wonderful to be home! I had such a wonderful time being around family and friends. And now that I am back, I'm already looking into things I want to see and do before school starts back next week. It feels strange just how different my life is in the US and in the UK. I like both. And, in an ideal world, I could have a combination of the two. But that is a topic for another day...

Here's how I spent the rest of my time in the US:
Tuesday: Hung out with Cosmo. Then dinner with Kristin and Stephanie (a friend from my ZTA days) and TRIVIA with some of the coolest people in Charlotte. It was great to see everyone's smiling faces: old and new!
Wednesday: My birthday present to myself: chop off all of my hair. There were about 7 inches on the floor when all was said and done and I am thrilled! Met up with Krissie and Jen and drove to see Pat McGee in Greenville. I had a blast and Pat even said "Happy Birthday" (Thank you Krissie and Iris).
Thursday: Shopping with Krissie. Sushi with K, Jennifer and Kevin. NoDa and Thomas Street with Laura and Margaret. A second wind that resulted in pitchers at the Penguin with Laura.
Friday: A bit hung over, I met Amy at her new Children's Theater and she gave me a tour of the new complex (More on that later because it is spectacular!!). Dinner at the Penguin with Amy, Jeremy and Kristin. Drinks, shots, dancing and late-night party with Laura, Amy and Margaret. Acquaintances from what feels like a lifetime ago ("Hey! Didn't you used to date...?")Oh! And hugs from Nute!
Saturday: More shopping with Krissie. A walk to Jennifer and Kevin's new fabulous home! Dinner and drinks with K and Tols that resulted in a late-night Teeter run and game of scrabble.
Sunday: My favourite drive through the NC/TN mountains. Picking up peaches in SC and dinner with the neighbors when I got home.

That next week I spent my time running errands, doing laundry and trying to spend time with parents and grandparents. I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I also worked with Dad one day on his house. I had a blast at home and now I am refreshed and ready to tackle this next school year.

Sunday: Arrived in Atlanta at 3:30, met the 'rents and drove to TN.
Monday: Picked blueberries with Mom, then went shoe shopping. Spent a little time with the newly-21 cousins.
Tuesday: Made two blueberry pies (well, Mom did) and visited with my aunt before she drove home to Alabama.
Wednesday: Worked with Mom and Dad on their new house project.
Thursday: Shopping, shopping, shopping!! We hit the jackpot in Pigeon Forge (outlet shopping) and all walked away with bargains.
Friday: New contacts and worked on the house some more. Dinner with my grandparents.
Saturday: Hung out on the lake with my aunt and uncle. Dinner with the whole fam-damily.
Sunday: Nice relaxing day at home.
Monday: Drove to NC...

That's been my week in a nutshell. Nothing very exciting, but all of the things I enjoy. My dad's new house is really comming along. I helped hang mirrors and paint trim. I also learned how to cut baseboard and hang a door. Like I said, all the things I enjoy...

I spent last night with Kristin and her cool dog, Cosmo. He's adorable, a chow/lab mix and is just the perfect size for her townhome. She's gone into work today, so Cosmo and I are hanging out and playing ball. I will probably read a bit of Harry Potter (I just started the book last night) and spend a little time at Birkdale Village. Tonight is trivia and I can't wait to see the gang! Tomorrow is Pat McGee with Krissie! It feels so nice to be home...

One final note: Happy Belated Birthday Krissie! Happy Belated Birthday Robert!

Could've Should've Would've...

I could apologize for not posting in a while. I should explain that I have two posts started (and saved as drafts). And if I had more time, I would type out my adventures in Bath (including a story about the girl who SNORES louder than I've ever heard in my life) and seeing Will Hoge on Thursday. But, you see, instead I am packing to come home. So, the stories can wait... It's time to put the computer away... I am heading home - Yippee!!

The Roman Baths 

Pulteney Bridge 

The Royal Cresent

Stonehenge

Where some Harry Potter classroom scenes were filmed (Lacock Abbey).

Another uneventful day...

My life has been pretty dull lately. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. There just hasn't been much to write about. I go to work, I go home, I watch a little tele... That's about it. It's a happy life, really, just not very exciting.

Friday was the last day of school. I'm glad to have a break. Those last few weeks were torture. At home, the last week of school consists of movies, games and parties. Here, you work through the last day. We had a Sports Day and a Feasts Day last week, but that meant that the kids did not want to do shit this past week. Combine that with the fact that it was a Week One (my heaviest timetable) and you've got lesson after lesson of pulling teeth just to get the kids to work a little. Ugh! What a way to go out! Anyway, the good news is that I get six weeks off before I have to worry about any of that again. Whoo-hoo!!

I've got a week before I head home, so Monday I am heading to Bath (pronounced 'Bahth', mind you, because every time I say it 'Baath' I am corrected - besides, it sounds better with the British accent). I have booked two nights in a hostel there and am hoping to see Stonehenge along the way. I am meeting one of the girls from my European tour on Monday. It'll be cool to explore the city with company.

Thursday I have tickets to see Will Hoge at Shepherd's Bush Empire with The Cat Empire - a sold out show, mind you. I need to look into the Night Bus from London so that I can stay out later than 11. Otherwise, it could be a fairly early night.

Then, a week from today, I will be on a non-stop flight to Atlanta - heading home for three weeks, baby!! [Just a little excited about that one - should be a good time!]

My day according to Yahoo! Horoscopes:

"Ready to meet yet one more exotic, interesting new friend? Because you're due to run into them at any moment, probably under odd or unusual circumstances. You'll recognize them by the mischievous grin they'll be wearing -- the one that will perfectly match your own. From the second you two make eye contact, you'll feel as if you've known each other forever. Don't be surprised if you end up having a nice long heart-to-heart chat about reincarnation."

Your halo has slipped, can't you feel it strangling you?

I heard someone at work say that and it made me laugh.

The past two weeks have been crazy, especially that first week I was here. That week (July 2 -8, 2005), without phone/internet, was a bit surreal. The weekend I moved was the Live 8 Concert - huge deal around here. I listened to parts of it from the car as I moved my three suitcases (and four boxes) to my new flat. That Monday was the Fourth of July and I completely forgot. [I know, I know, I am a horrible American] That week was also the G8 Summit in Scotland - lots of protesting and lots of people hurt in those protests. On that Wednesday, they announced that London would host the 2012 Olympics. I have to admit I was a bit surprised about this announcement. I thought Paris would get it, hands down. Then, that Thursday London was attacked. Who knew so much could happen in 7 days?!

At school things have also been extremely busy. The Year 10s were out this week on Work Experience. A great idea as far as I am concerned. All Year 10 students spend a week out, working... They can make their own arrangements or a company will place them in a job, but it a mandatory part of their high school experience. Kids were all over the area working in primary schools, garages, shops, Bluewater shops, etc. I was really impressed with the program. With the Year 10s gone, we had a Sports Day with the kids left (that would be the Key Stage 3 - middle school - kids), the Year 7s, 8s and 9s. That was Thursday, then yesterday was Feast Day so we had a Mass outside (beautiful day for it!) and then played games in the afternoon. I supervised the Dodgeball activities. I tried to play a game or two, but my shoes were terrible and kids kept cheating and putting themselves back in the game when no one was looking. So, I went back to supervising.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but I have some idea of what I will be doing next year. I will be teaching only Science, so at least I won't have to worry about running back and forth between the two buildings again. There's been talk that I will be getting a Year 11 tutor group (homeroom), not exactly sure how I feel about that. I have also sneaked a peek at the timetable for next year and I will be teaching mainly Key Stage 4 students. As it stands right now, I have four KS4 classes and two KS3 classes. I am a bit disappointed and a bit unsure if that is the best idea. I am a certified Middle School teacher not High School. Would that be considered 'teaching outside my area?' Anyway, I can see some positives in all of this. It will definitely be a challenge and I like challenges. It will make me stretch myself and what I am used to - that can't be such a terrible thing. There is a difference between teaching Year 7 students and teaching Year 11s but I have some time over the summer to prepare. I said I was disappointed and I am - I do not have a single Year 7 class on my timetable and that's who I have enjoyed the most this year. Oh well. At least I may be getting my own classroom!

Yesterday I went to the gym with my new flatmate. The woman is tiny and prefers the bodybuilding free-weights as a workout!! She can bench like a hundred kilos!! Legs, she says she can do about two hundred kg! [if 1 kg is 2.2 pounds... You do the math!] It's nuts!!

Anyway, the REM concert was rescheduled for today at Hyde Park, so I am off to enjoy the sun.

A New Life

First week in my new home. I like it so far. Of course, living without a computer or a telephone has been frustrating. I spent Sunday at a pay-phone trying to catch up with my Mom.

Driving was cool. A bit over-rated, though. I've gotten so used to walking or using the train/bus that being behind a wheel and having to concentrate was a bit stressful. I was happy to prove to myself that I am capable of driving on the left side of the road and able to navigate round-abouts. A car gives you freedom, that aspect was nice. I was happy to return it on Wednesday, though, ready to get back to my path-friendly life.

The new place is nice. I went to IKEA on Monday and bought a desk, bookshelf and drawers. I am mostly unpacked. There's just one box left to sort through.

I have been around town and today I even joined the local library. :)

There have been a lot of emails since Thursday. Sorry if I haven't gotten to everyone. I am safe and sound. I was at school, an hour away. The kids knew before I did - mobile phones - and they were quite on-edge. I have been without a phone/internet for the last week, which had my Mom quite worried when she heard the news on Thursday. I didn't think to call and I guess I should have... Whoops! Guess, being thousands of miles away, I should have thought about calling home. Anyway, I will update again once I have my computer up and running. They are saying I will have a phone line by Wednesday - yippee!!

The REM concert was rescheduled for next weekend. So, I am off to explore my new town. Talk to ya'll soon.

My last night in this town...

Well folks, the big move is tomorrow. It's not really all THAT big, especially compared to last year. (Wish I had taken a picture of my poor car - it was packed to the brim!) I have really enjoyed the last couple of weeks here and my host has been wonderful! She's such a great lady! She's lived all over the world and is SO politically aware. I want to be her when I am a grandmother. Well, except that I am not Irish and I am not Catholic...

I have given in and joined the rest of the world...

The Da Vinci Code, everyone seems to go on and on about this book. I have avoided it, trying not to hop on to the bandwagon. I finally gave in when I needed a new book to read and realized that the local W.H. Smith has a very poor selection. I can't complain so far. Although, every time I look at the front cover, I find myself rolling my eyes (only because I gave in).

With the move, I will be spending an hour daily on the train (25 minutes each way), so I am expecting to do quite a bit of reading over the next few months. Any title suggestions would be greatly appreciated...

Of course, the new Harry Potter book will be released on July 16th!!

A nice week and a nice weekend...

I am enjoying my life in the temp. digs... I am much closer to town, which motivates me to spend more time out and about during these sixteen hour days of sunlight. Plus, I had to do a bit of shopping last week because I did not pack for HOT days in the UK. So, now that my wardrobe is ready for summer, the weather has taken a cooler turn and I am stuck with my same-old clothes. Ah, that's okay. It just means that I have new clothes to pack for my trip home in August.

I am really getting excited about heading home for a couple of weeks. I am ready for a life of Taco Bell, sweet-tarts, 24-hour Wal-Marts and loads of friends and family. Until then, it's school, flat-sorting (I still have not signed a lease yet!) and another move. Plus REM, a new Harry Potter book, a science department party on the shore of the Thames and Will Hoge!! I'm even thinking about hiring a car to move my belongings... Watch out UK round-a-bouts, here I come!!

Heat Wave, Ugh!

Well, Day two of this miserable heat wave and I am afraid it doesn't look like it will break anytime soon. I miss my freezing cold North Carolina classroom right about now. I used to bring a cardigan with me to school in case I got too cold. That won't happen here, EVER! That being said, they are already out of school in Charlotte...

I picked up a couple of short-sleeved work tops in town today and I will be shoe shopping tomorrow. I am even tempted to buy a couple of skirts - since they can be cooler than trousers in hot weather. Now you know I have lost it in this heat!

Settling in my temporary home...

It has been a strange few days... New digs, long lines, familiar faces and new experiences. I am quite happy in my temp. house and can't wait to get settled in my new flat.

Thursday's move was a bit rushed, but all worked out in the end. I had a total of three suitcases, one pack, one backpack, four boxes, a computer bag, a school bag and a purse. That's it my friends... That's all I own. Of course, once I am in my flat I will be purchasing a few things (a desk, a set of drawers, etc) but I am living the 'lite' life at the moment.

Friday I had an afternoon appointment to get my work permit squared away. I went in to school in the morning to finish my year 10 reports, then hopped a train into London and a train out to Croydon to the Home Office. My appointment was for 1:00 and I was about an hour and a half early, so I found the office and grabbed a bite to eat. Then I joined the queue for appointments... At 2:45 I met with an interviewer. [Why would someone hire a keyboard pecker for a job that requires typing?! It took forever for him to enter my information!!] At 3:15 he released me, stating that my passport would be ready in two hours. I ran outside for some fresh air before they locked the outside doors at 4:00. While outside, my voicemail rang. Emily and Nico were in London, so we made plans to meet at 7:00. I left the Home Office at 5:30, a very happy girl. Now I can start moving forward with all the rest of my paperwork.

It was great to see Emily and Nico. I had a blast with them, although I am afraid I have scared them a bit. You see, I am not much of a London guide. I do not spend much time in pubs or doing social things in town - I tend to stick to museums or just walking about. After meeting the happy couple under the London Eye, we decided a drink was in order. Every pub we passed was full on a Friday evening, most had people spilling out into the streets. Then we passed a pub near Trafalgar Square that looked empty. Wanting a place where we could sit and chat, we entered this place and ordered our beers. Taking a closer look, the place was full of men with very few women. Nico and I had a seat at a table and I started to notice the posters on the wall - all were gay pride. I had taken them to a Gay Pub in London!! Luckily, Nico was not too freaked out and if he was, he played 'calm' very well. We chatted about their trip around the UK and looked at pictures - they've seen some beautiful places!!

The rest of the evening was fun. We had Indian cuisine for dinner and another drink before catching the tube. I hope I didn't drag you around the city too much, EJ and Nico, but I really enjoyed hanging out with you guys! If you are in London again, I promise to have a better plan. :) Hope you enjoyed U2 on Saturday!!

So, I spent Saturday helping Vivine (the woman I am staying with) get ready for a barbecue in the evening. I got to use an electric lawn mower - it felt like I was vacuuming the lawn instead of mowing it!! I wasn't sure whether I would stick around, feeling a bit like I was intruding, but I am glad I did. Even though I think Richard, my student, was a bit uncomfortable. The family is great and reminds me of home. I had a blast and I even have found a new favorite drink - Pimms. :)

Anyway, I need to hop in the shower and make a Fathers' Day phone call home. Then I really should head into town to do my shopping and I still have my year 7 reports to write. Busy few days, but nice.

The End Is Near...

This time tomorrow and I will be in my new (temporary) room. I am a bit nervous, partly because I have become quite comfortable in this house - even with all of the drama in the last six months. The other bit of nerves comes from the fact that I am moving in with my HOD's mother - she is also the grandmother to one of the students I teach - which makes me feel like I should be on my best behavior. I won't be there for long, that's what I keep telling myself. I am not sure how things will go for the next couple of weeks, but the good news is that I will be moving (again) in July. My new digs are closer to London and I will be sharing with someone closer to my own age. It should make for a much more interesting year (Keep your fingers crossed!).

Crack Open the Dream Dictionary, I Need Help With This One

I love trying to interpret dreams. It's fun to see what your subconscious is trying to tell you. Anyway, I had a terrible dream this morning. One that made it difficult for me to wake myself. So, if you have any suggestions as to what it may mean, then please share...

I was going to the airport to catch a flight somewhere (I think it may have been my flight home). When I arrived to check my baggage, I was told that I had missed the flight by a couple of hours. Then, I ended up sorting a new ticket home which was quite expensive. And, again, I wound-up late to the gate and I missed this second flight. So, while I was starting to freak out about getting home, my purse was stolen. Not only was my wallet taken, but also my passport. There was also something in there about my poor job packing my suitcase - that I just threw some stuff in the case and forgot underpants and other essentials... A bit weird, eh? And I am sure that it is packed with all sorts of goodies for interpretation. Anyone want to give it a shot?

What the %£$@ is wrong with people!?!

Irrational people really irritate me. Right now, I am sitting here feeling guilty when I shouldn't but an irrational comment was made and I can't get it out of my head!

You see, high school in the UK is different than a US school. They combine middle school with high school, so I teach ages 11 to 16 (years 7 to 10). There are still year 11s, 12s and 13s at my school, but I do not have them in regular lessons. The year 13s have "graduated," although it consists of completing a series of exams and waiting for results to post in August. No ceremony, no formalities. This week, the year 11s finish their exams and will be through with school, you could equate it with graduation in the US. They have completed all of the compulsorily schooling, and their results also come by post in August. The year 12s left for a few weeks, but have come back to start their year 13 courses (not entirely sure why, but that's just what they do)... My point is that many of the teachers that work with year 11 students or year 13 students have a lightened load for the rest of the year. Of course, they may be used to cover lessons when a teacher is out, but all-in-all they have it a bit easier.

I do not teach any year 11 classes (unless you count the one drama class that I have on Fridays). My timetable will not get lighter. I am okay with this because I like the younger kids, I prefer the little darlings, I went to school to teach the younger kids and it is just the way it works. It can get irritating when other teachers throw it in your face that they don’t have many lessons... But, this is just the way it works and I am okay with that. Although, it would be nice to have a bit of free time to organize myself, mark notebooks and to write student reports.

So, when it was suggested to me that I could reduce the amount of year 7 reports that I will have to write by asking the teacher that I share the class with [referred to as Teacher X from now on] to do it, I say "sure, sounds great, although I haven't thought that far in advance." (They are due a week from Friday, so I have a bit of time - and those of you that know me know that I will save them for the last-minute, anyway). This teacher that was trying to help me out also said, "[Teacher X] is in a meeting right now, I'll pop in and let her know what is going on." This [Teacher X] teaches at least one year 11 class and will have a few more free lessons, so why not let her write the reports. I am moving on Thursday and am still teaching my full load, I could use the help.

Today, [Teacher X] cornered me and demanded that I explain why I "did not discuss with her" the division of the reports. Now, I have a very hard time communicating with this woman. She talks and talks and never seems to listen, so there is very little communication that takes place. I was not trying to be rude, but she kept interrupting me when I tried to explain what had happened the day before. Then, when I was finally able to spit my words out, she would ask again, "Why did you not discuss this with me?" I was talking in circles, she was not listening, and it was quite a scene. Finally, I suggested that we talk to the head of department who was in the meeting where [Teacher X] was asked to complete the reports. I was called away to the phone while [Teacher X] complained about me to the HOD (Head of Department). When I joined the group, my HOD was calming [Teacher X] and telling her to just relax and take an evening to calm down - she was in tears. She was feeling stressed because of her QTS (qualified teaching status) portfolio, upcoming reports that are due and not finding enough time in the day (even with her newly free year 11 lessons) to do everything she needs to do. I can completely understand where she is coming from, I have cried on many occasions because of stress at work. I was starting to feel bad for her...

Then the HOD walked out of the room, and [Teacher X] turned to me and said, "See what you've done to me! You've made me cry on my birthday!" Now, look, it wasn't my idea to have you do the reports in the first place. Then, you came at me arguing and refusing to listen. Now, you want to wait until the room is empty to place blame! What the fuck is wrong with you!?

Now, two hours later, I am sitting here venting to my friends and still feeling a bit guilty about her comment. Damn me for caring what other people think!

I love iTunes!!

I have spent my afternoon listening to music and downloading songs. Uh oh! I now have three new CDs and six new songs. I can justify it and say that I haven't bought much music since I have been here, but I can see where this could lead to trouble...

Here's what's cool, iTunesUK has bonus tracks on their CDs that you purchase. :) Plus they are much cheaper than buying CDs from most stores!!

I bought a few Scottish tunes to remind me of my trip, Stereophonics "You Gotta Go There to Come Back", Dashboard Confessional "A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar" and Snow Patrol "Final Straw."

I have also been listening to an Aussie, Pete Murray, since my trip to Europe. Check him out: www.petemurray.com He's pretty cool.

"In My World We Are Always In A Cloud" *

This entry started with the title, "Why am I here? And other questions I need help answering..." I drafted my thoughts yesterday morning, just feeling very frustrated with what is happening at the moment. You see, I started the paperwork to extend my work permit almost two months ago, but there have been snags and delays. I'll save my rants for another day, but someone please tell me why you have to get permission (big stack of paperwork) in order to apply for a work permit extension (another big stack of paperwork) - it makes no sense to me! Anyway, without the work permit, I am unable to complete the paperwork for the lease agreement on the flat I am trying to get for July. Also, I can not apply for a visa for next year until I have my work permit... So, I am stuck in the middle of a huge paper trail and it is starting to get to me. On top of all of this, I am moving Thursday to a temporary residence until I can move in to my new place in July (hopefully), the kids at school have been terrible this week, reports are due and the list goes on and on...

I tried to run away from all of these issues, thinking that a week in Scotland would allow me to refocus (a little less stressed about everything), but it only worked for a few days. I am living in Limbo, again. I did this last summer and survived (with the help of some wonderful friends). This will work itself out. I am not worried, just a bit frustrated and annoyed. Then I ran across a wonderful little device. The UK Post Office sells phone cards and is offering free calls to the US on Saturdays for the month of June. So, I spent the entire day on the phone. It was wonderful!

So, with the help of some terrific friends, I did a bit of soul-searching yesterday starting with the question, "why am I here?" It was an easy decision last year to come to England. I was so excited that there wasn't anything stopping me - I was determined to find a way! Over the last ten months my excitement has dulled a bit, I know what is ahead of me. I am no longer blind to the amazing things, the fun things or the challenging things. I am here another year because I want more of this life. I want a chance to do it again and to do it better (at least as school and a social life are concerned). So, once again I say (for myself as much as everyone else) This will work itself out. In the meantime, I have some packing to do. :)

This is my horoscope for today:
Sometimes all you need is one little light, and then -- pow! -- it's as if everything is illuminated. An answer to a certain problem you've been having at work may bear with it unexpected and welcome gifts -- such as the ability to give you a whole new perspective on what's been going on in your relationships and your private life as well. Now that you've had this realization, it's within your power to change things around here -- for the better.

*One of the girls I hung out with in Scotland was always coming up with absurd comments. This was one of my favorites.

Shown Up... Without Even Starting

I had this great entry planned. I was going to whine and complain about my move, about my lack of a work permit and about how shite my week has been.

My mood has gotten better since I have been home. I had a bit of nutella and watch three hours of mind-numbing crap on tv - two hours for a show about a woman that stole £4.5 million from her employer. It was pure rubbish! But, still, on my way upstairs I was drafting my depressing,whinnyy entry in my head.

Then, I happened across a blog that Ioccasionallyy read. This guy is somewhat of a prat and has been known to bore you with paragraphs about boxing, but every once in a while he produces a gem. Tonight, it was just what I needed. His entry was absurd (almost to the point of jumping the shark), but I laughed out loud to the point of tears. I won't bore you with the details, but it was a story about road-rage turned dance-off between an old fart and a young stud.

Funny how much of an effect his journal had on me. In the fifteen minutes it took me to read it, it completely changed my mood. I decided that there was no need to waste my energy complaining about things that will eventually work themselves out. Fuck the school stress. Fuck the room and board drama. I am going to dream about be-bopping grandpas tonight. Sweet dreams all!

I haven't told a good 'school' story in a while...

I guess my days at school are not very exciting. I come home worn-out on most occasions. Some students say crappy things, others say less crappy things. That's the nature of my job. I paint a bleak picture, but in all actuality I like what I do. It is a challenge and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Today, my students made me laugh. Most days, they make me smile for one reason or another. Today, they just really took it a bit far.

I teach one group that can be a bit over the top. There are twenty in the group and every single one of the them begs for attention, some more than others. Today, one boy decided to spend the lesson winking at me. I couldn't figure out what he was doing at first and eventually it started to get to me. Being the last lesson of the day, I decided to have a little fun with the student... "If you make me laugh, then I'll give you an after-school detention," was my threat, but it didn't have an effect. The boy kept winking. It could be worse... Last week, in that same group of students, I had a boy that insisted on harassing female students in the class by making the universal gesture of 'jacking off.' This was in our first lesson about Reproduction.

Yes, so I have been teaching about Reproduction (that's reproduction NOT sex ed!!) and I get little boys jacking off and winking at me... What next!?! I am scared to ask, really.

I'm home...

I'm feeling a bit knackered, so I am going to post a couple of pictures for you all, just to give you a taste of what I have been doing for the last eight days. I'll write about my travels tomorrow. Enjoy.

Carbisdale Castle

We slept in this haunted hostel - quite a creepy place...

Castle Moil

We stayed in Kyleakin, on the Isle of Skye, for two nights. This was our view.

proper Haggis with neeps and tatties

Neeps = turnips; Tatties = potatoes; Haggis = sheeps' liver, heart, lung and kidney served in the sheep's stomach. It doesn't look as bad as it sounds. The taste, now that's a different story...

View from the Flora Macdonald Memorial

Isle of Skye. This was the nicest day on the trip, I think it only rained once all day!

Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Memorial

Harry Potter fans, recognize this lake?