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...
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Friday, September 16, 2005
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.
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.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
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!!
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.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
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. :)
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. :)
Monday, August 29, 2005
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).
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).
Sunday, August 28, 2005
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.
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?
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?
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
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!
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!
Saturday, July 30, 2005
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!!
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