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?

Greetings from the Isle of Skye

Hello all! I am spending my second night on the Isle of Skye. We are staying in a town called Kyleakin. It has been a great trip so far - lots of "wee walks" (that take four hours) and lots of beautiful scenery. The first two days it rained, but today was gorgeous. Too bad my waterproof was packed away on the first day! Today we toured the island of Skye - I will have some really amazing pictures to share. I am heading out now to go for a walk along the bay - it stays light here until 11! Last night was a big drinking night and I have a feeling tonight will be too (we get an extra 30 minutes to sleep in the morning). Loads of fun and good times!! Will save stories for another time... £1.50 shooters are calling my name.

I'm Outta Here!

I am heading out tomorrow right after work. Hope everyone has a nice weekend! See you all next Friday (hopefully with lots of pictures and a few interesting stories to tell)...

I just finished reading Another Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn. I have to admit that the only reason I picked up the book was because of the title, but it is an interesting story. Check it out for yourself: http://www.metacritic.com/books/authors/flynnnick/anotherbullshitnightinsuckcity

If anyone would like to read it, let me know. I will send it your way.

London... On a week night???

I met Ashley's Sam tonight. He's great! Seriously, Little A, he definitely gets a thumbs up (and the Brit agrees). We walked for a bit, then had dinner. It was nice to get out on a week night. After three hours chatting and a round of desserts, I can officially say that I approve. Not that I need to, but you know...

On a completely separate note, I feel like a mega bitch, a terrible person.

It's late and I am heading to bed.

Loch Ness, Here I Come!

So, I went ahead and booked my half-term break. Fuck the move, I'll survive. I don't want to give up a week's travel time for something that will only take me a few hours.

It should be "well good," to quote my students. Six days of whiskey tasting, castle visiting (and even sleeping in one), mountain climbing, monster watching, and film site viewing (Rob Roy, Braveheart, Highlander and Harry Potter)... I leave in ten days!

I have been having some disturbing dreams lately. Nothing freaky, disturbing because my subconscious is really trying to point some things out to me. Saturday I dreamed that I beat up one of my students. Now, I am not a violent person (I have never punched a person in my life), and while this particular student is really trying to push my buttons I would never hit her. I guess my subconscious is living out it's own fantasies. This morning I dreamt that instead of getting up and hitting snooze in my bedroom here, I was in my bedroom at my parents' house. I woke up this morning feeling very home-sick and on the verge of tears all day. When I was in Charlotte and I wanted a break, I would drive to Tennessee and visit my parents. I am beginning to feel like I need a break, but there's no chance for TN anytime soon. I have to wait for August. In the meantime, my subconscious will just have to keep fantasizing and I will just have to suck-it-up and take my break in Scotland.

Weekly Update...

So, I think I may have found a place to live. I am not entirely ready to stop looking just yet, but I saw a place Thursday that I really like. It is about a 30 minute train ride from work (but that means that I am also 30 minutes closer to London). It's in a cute, residential area that is situated between two major towns - so I am never too far from interesting things, but still feel safe walking home at night. The woman that lives there now is really cool. She is a healthcare worker, here for two years from Finland. I think we could really get along.

I am trying to convince myself that, even with everything that is going on (work permit extension, qualifying teacher status, moving, etc), I should try and travel on my half-term break. There's a six day backpackers tour of Scotland (same company I used when I went to Wales) and I'd really like to go! I am torn between getting settled here and seeing more of the countryside... Of course, I have a feeling I know what I will choose in the end... Isn't TRAVEL the reason I came to this country?!?

The Long Walk

No, really, that's what it is called!

Last Saturday 'the Brit' and I went to Windsor. It was a beautiful spring day (a bit chilly in the shade and a few sprinkles of rain, but this is England!)! Originally a carriage road, this three mile stretch lined with elm trees is spectacular! We started at the castle and ended at The Copper Horse, a statue of George III on Snow Hill. My description would not do it justice and a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's one from the Royal Windsor website...

The Long Walk, Windsor Castle. Isn't it stunning?!?

Leo's Horoscope for today:

You've always been proud of your friends. You handpick them with great care, and it takes time. Anyone who makes it to your inner circle gets there because they're intelligent, witty and entertaining -- the cream of the crop. That doesn't mean you're a snob, however -- only that you appreciate and insist on nothing but the best in all departments. So when a friend surprises you, it's an especially delightful moment. Well, pack some tissues in your lunchbox. One of those moments is en route.

In other news...

There is a work permit extension application in the works... Yes, friends, it looks like I will be sticking around for another year. It feels a bit weird. I have been living the last year with a 'temporary' mind-set: No need for a lot of things, I may not be here long. With another year at school I am ready to settle into a life here, eighteen months is a long time! I am looking for a place to live: one that is a bit closer to London and maybe one with a bit less marital drama. I am also looking at cars... Watch out Britain - it could get scary!!

With everything that is going on, so many things that can only happen 'if', and happen 'when,' I struggled Saturday to find something that I could actually do this weekend. The car will have to come after I save more, the room will have to come after I find one that I like... So Saturday I bought a mobile phone. [I know, I know, really exciting news, but deal!] I have lived the last eight months without one, but they are nice to have in emergencies (or when the trains are delayed - which seems to happen entirely too often), or that's what I keep telling myself. Really, I just wanted some sort of purchase that would cross that 'temporary' boundary and make my life feel a bit more permanent.

The school has also [finally] set up the course I have to take for my Qualified Teacher Status. It's actually not a course, but a program set up through a local university. It sounds a lot like the Initially Licensed Teacher program in North Carolina - submit a portfolio, a few extra observations, etc. The good news is that, if all goes well, I could have qualified status by September!!

Walk of Shame?

I haven't really mentioned much about my living situation on this blog. But I am tired of keeping quiet, besides I am leaving this month and you guys don't know the people involved, anyway.

I live with a very sweet couple that are in their 60's. It started out as a temporary place to live when I first arrived in town and I ended up staying. They cook for me, they do the laundry, it's a lot like living with your parents (except my parents would expect me to do laundry). Granted, it has not allowed for much of a social life, but I've coped and just thought of it as a temporary situation. In January, Chris met me at the airport with news. He informed me that he was leaving Jenny for another woman. It seems that she works at my school and they have been sneaking around town for the last few months. After that, I started to spend more and more time in my bedroom, leaving more room in the house for Chris and Jenny to sort out their business. It was a very awkward first few months and now I guess I am just used to it all. Chris and Jenny have sold their house and we will all go in different directions at the end of the month. Jenny has spent a lot of time away, visiting her children/grandchildren. While she has been gone, the new woman has been spending more and more time here. Okay, fine, the marriage is over, but this is still a bit awkward for me. Anyway, this morning I woke up, had my cup of coffee and was surprised to find the new woman entering the kitchen to make her morning cup of Joe, too. Am I a prude? Isn't this crossing a line?!

Ah! Friday!!

I am a bit awkward with my year 13 tutor group. I don't really know why, probably because I am used to working with children, not 18 year-olds. Still, they are a fun group and I usually walk away laughing about something. I only see them Thursdays and Fridays and only for about 15 - 20 minutes each day. Today, we had chapel prayer. Have I mentioned that I work at a Catholic school? Me, little miss serious supporter of 'separation of church and state' had to lead a prayer today... I chickened out and told them to take a moment for silent prayer. Then I said, "Does anyone have anything to share? Okay, you can go. Have a good day." They left and I had a laugh. I wonder what was going through their heads...

Life, Fear and the C word

I finished reading Life of Pi yesterday. It took me quite a while to get through the first part, but after that, I finished it in the weekend. I enjoyed the book, but what stands out most in my mind is this passage Yann Martel wrote:

I must say a word about fear. It is life's only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary, how well I know. It has no decency, respects no law or convention, shows no mercy. It goes for your weakest spot, which it finds with unerring ease. It begins in your mind, always. One moment you are feeling calm, self-possessed, happy. Then fear, disguised in the garb of mild-mannered doubt, slips into your mind like a spy. Doubt meets disbelief and disbelief tries to push it out. But disbelief is a poorly armed foot soldier. Doubt does away with it with little trouble. You become anxious. Reason comes to do battle for you. You are reassured. Reason is fully equipped with the latest weapons technology. But, to your amazement, despite superior tactics and a number of undeniable victories, reason is laid low. You feel yourself weakening, wavering. Your anxiety becomes dread.

I have been receiving a lot of forwarded emails lately from a particular person in North Carolina. This woman was an advisor to our sorority and a replacement mom to many of us that lived away from home. Typically, I just look at the subject lines, mumble something under my breath about hogging valuable webmail space and delete the message. In the last few weeks I have started to read the messages. This, in all honesty, has been going on for years. The advisor, a very caring and supportive woman, has been updating us all on the health of one of our own. D was diagnosed 6 years ago with IBC (inflammatory breast cancer), a very aggressive type of cancer and has been fighting it ever since. All too often the emails that get sent around are asking for donations for D and her family and, unfortunately, the sentiment gets lost in the plea for dollars. That was the attitude I took for a long time... Until I started reading the messages in the last few weeks. D is on a trial with Duke University that hasn't been tested on humans before; they are treating the cancer of her lungs and liver. She calls herself 'Patient #4' when the first 3 have been removed from the trail for various reasons. She has had terrible side effects from this treatment, but insists on continuing. She has known many people to die from IBC since she was diagnosed, 60% of the people with IBC are dead within 5 years. Her message today was that she is going to have to go into hospital soon to remove fluid that has formed around her heart. I don't know D very well, really only by reputation, but she is a strong individual. She's lobbied Washington for funds to support cancer research, she is raising a family and she is fighting cancer minute by minute. I have had D in my thoughts a lot these last couple of weeks, especially since her fight is getting more and more difficult. I am not usually one for prayers, but I have found myself saying them for D and her family.

Really, the Martel passage can apply to anything in life. I fear many things: spiders, public speaking, and all sorts of things. But what terrifies me the most, the thing that Martel describes in Life of Pi for me is an end to all that I know. I have lived a very privileged life. I have grown up in a loving, caring household with very large families on either side. I have two sets of grandparents that are healthy and get around without any major problems. Death is not new to me; I have had close friends pass away and family members as well. I do not fear my own death, but I fear the death of the ones I love. I am terrified of a life without loved ones.

What terrifies you?

Ten things that made me smile today

(in no particular order)
10. Bruises on my arm that remind me of a day at a paintball centre. That was great fun!! Wasn't really sure I'd like it, but I had a blast!!
9. Meeting really cool people in Cardiff.
8. Finding my name (or a nickname that always cracks me up) on a certain someone's "These are the Daves I know" list. :)
7. Making arrangements to meet Little A's Sam in London when he is in town.
6. Watching live music at a bar called Callaghan's in Cardiff yesterday - Ha ha!! Everything in that statement reminds me of you, K.
5. Bank Holidays are wonderful!!
4. Spending time with someone who 'gets' the importance of Go-Go-Gadget Arms. (Sorry, Brit, you are never going to live that down.)
3. Road Trips.
2. Huge Burritos that scare school officials. Little A, that was a great article!! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/burrito_lockdown
1. Meeting and getting to chat to Andy and Josie - Hi guys!

I have not been good about keeping up with anyone in the last few months. I have a load of pictures I need to finish labeling and send (the ones from Europe). I have emails in a draft box, just waiting for a bit of time to finish and send (Toni, there's one for you in there). One day I will be able to say that everything on my TO DO list is complete... But then what happens?

What a faux pas!

I thought I had already learnt all of the phrases that do not translate well from British to American English. I have become accustomed to using 'rubber' in place of 'eraser.' 'Trousers' instead of 'pants,' I am still having trouble remembering, though. This weekend I learned a new one. For all of my American friends out there, 'Blown Off' (as in, "I can't believe he didn't show for our date on Friday!") in the UK means to fart or pass wind!! You would use the phrase 'blown out' instead. Not sure if this is one I will be able to get used to, I associate 'blown out' with straightening my hair.

Did someone slip me a Coke?

I am wide awake - this is not good on a school night. I had every intention of getting to bed early, too. Oh well.

I have been feeling very nostalgic lately. Wednesday I pulled out last years yearbook and started thinking about my old students. I wonder how they are doing in High School this year. For as much as some of them drove me nuts, I loved my kids!! I am starting to feel that way about the kids here now. I have some pretty wonderful kids this year. And, well, even the not-so-wonderful kids are still pretty great too.

I've decided that I do not post enough during the week. I used to be better about it. Oh well. So, this is it for now. Tomorrow I will tell you about my weekend.

In a nutshell...

There's been a lot going on in the last few days: I will try and address as much as I can.

My week at school has been exhausting! Granted, I had returned Saturday from a holiday that left me feeling a bit under the weather and completely knackered. However, the kids did not make things any easier. Monday, my last lesson was a 'free,' so I put my head down in the Science Resource Area and napped for 10 or 15 minutes. Sad, I know, pathetic really, but I felt much better when I woke up! Luckily, the cold has all but disappeared and I think I have finally caught up on my sleep.

The house has been sold. I came home from Europe to a 'For Sale' sign in the drive. This was nothing new to me, they have been talking about selling the house for a while now. Of course, I wasn't expecting it to be quite so soon... One week on the market and their asking price!?! Not bad!! Looks like I need to plan on moving by the beginning of June.

R posted a link to a site on her page that has a bunch of quizzes. On the 'What Kind of American English Do You Speak?' Quiz my results were: 65% General American English, 20% Dixie, 10% Yankee and 5% Midwestern. I felt good knowing that Dixie does not dominate my vocabulary. Then I decided to take the 'How Normal Are You?' Quiz... The 20 questions were pretty basic: 'Can you roll your tongue?' and 'Do you button your shirts from the bottom, up or from the top, down?' Based on my results, I am 0% Normal!! I thought it was a joke, so I made The Brit take the quiz, too. He scored 60% Normal, 'a normal amount of normal' according to the website. On the other hand, I am a freak!! Glad my friends know me better than some internet quiz, or do they? :)

I had another wonderful weekend!! There seems to be a pattern happening here. I can't complain. I won't complain, I am really enjoying myself!!

The Brit took me to see the Rugby Powergen Cup Final on Saturday. It was fantastic!! Rugby really is an interesting game and great fun to watch! Nothing against Football (the American kind), but a game where the men tackle without padding and ears get tapped back so that they are not bitten or torn off sounds like a jolly good time! In all seriousness, a game where the ball can only be passed backward can be quite challenging (and loads of fun to watch).

And now for something a little bit different...

I was trying to think of a way to address everything that has happened in the last few days in a way that was not entirely boring or wordy... So, here it goes:

Amsterdam
Sites Seen: Canal Cruise, Tour up and down the alleyways of the Red Light District, evening entertainment at Casa Rosso, the Anne Frank Museum and the Van Gogh Museum.
Favourite Moment: Walking along the beautiful streets and canals of Amsterdam, the houses were very unique (tall and skinny) and very picturesque.
To Make You Laugh: Crossing the streets in Amsterdam wasn't fun. First you would have to dodge bicycle traffic, then cars, then trams, then cars going in the opposite direction and finally the bicycles going in the opposite direction. I felt like Frogger!

There is something about walking up and down alley streets with glass doors exposing half-naked women... It just makes me curious. Then I saw a man (obviously a tourist) stumble out from behind red curtains, adjust himself, pull up his pants in a way that just screams, "I just had sex!" It was at that moment I thought, "Oh, God no! That's about as close as I want to get to the Red Light District!"

St Goar
Sites Seen: Nice view of the River Rhine, Winery in St. Goar (pronounced Go-are) and the Hotel bar.
Favourite Moment: Chatting and getting to know other people on our coach that night in the bar. It was nice to be the only ones in the bar for that reason.
To Make You Laugh: Typical 'A' Moment: Our roommate disappeared with the key, so I was locked out of the room before dinner. I wanted to change before our wine tasting, so I ran upstairs to change clothes quickly. By the time I made it to the meeting place, the group was gone! Luckily, I met up with two other 'late' people and we didn't have very far to walk.

The wines were nice, all white. There was a dry Reisling, a semi-sweet, a sweet and an Eisswine. I like the first one, but the others were too sweet for me. The Eisswine was interesting - very, very sweet.

The Rhine River Valley was spectacular, with vineyards squeezed on every mountain slope, no matter how steep.

Munich
Sites Seen: Marienplatz, Glockenspiel, Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), Richard Strauss Fountain, Preysing-Palais and dinner at Hofbrauhaus.
Favourite Moment: Eating dinner in the Bravarian Beer Hall where we could not read the menu. We ended up just pointing to various plates on other tables.
To Make You Laugh: Was SO excited to learn German drinking songs that Becke and I approached a near-by group singing along to teach us... They were from Montana. They taught us how to mumble along to the majority of the words except "I'm Proosted, I'm Proosted". Funny, I didn't know that Germans used the phrase "I am?!"

We were warned that all of German uses half-litre steins, but in Munich they only used litre-size. It was wonderful!

Hofgarten
Sites Seen: Innsbrook was a beautiful little mountain town! We also stopped at the Swarovski Crystal Centre. The most impressive thing I remember about Austria was the Alps.
Favourite Moment: Finding a bar (inside the hotel) that serves Jaggermeister and dancing the night away.
To Make You Laugh: Getting LOCKED OUT of the hotel and having to throw stones at windows the next morning to find someone to let us in!! I was furious at myself and a bit embarrassed, but my friends had a laugh and decided to give my story a twist. It seems that I spent the night in a barn in Austria with Mel Gibson... Moral of the story: Always stick with the group!!

That night a group of guys on our tour ran through the streets of Hofgarten, completely naked!! I couldn't believe that they did it - there was still patches of snow on the ground!! When I expressed my shock, I was told, "That's just typical Aussies for you!" I think I want to move to Australia next - Aussies are crazy!!

Venice
Sites Seen: Piazza San Marco, Campanile, Basilica San Marco, Ponte di Rialto, a Gondola ride along some of the city's 150 canals and dinner at a quaint little Italian Restaurant.
Favourite Moment: The whole Venice experience was amazing! The town is so quite without all of the motorized traffic and the gondola ride was very relaxing.
To Make You Laugh: I wandered off on my own for a little while, just to take in the city for a bit. I stopped in a glass shop to admire the pieces and the store owner yelled at me for saying "Hello!" I thought I said it in Italian, but he told me that we were "not in France." I guess I should just stick with the "Ciao" that Brad (the tour manager) taught us to say!

Italian public toilets do not have seats!! And, the lunch counters have wonderful sandwiches, but they are such a pain to order (you have to choose what you want, move to the till to pay for your item, then go back to the lunch counter to have the sandwich made)!

Rome
Sites Seen: Colosseo (the Colosseum), Foro Romano (Roman Forum), Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Venezia, Fontana di Trevi, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Vatican City, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Chiesa di San Clemente, San Pietro in Vincoli (Church of Saint Peter in Chains), Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth), Circo Massimo and a few shops along Via Del Corso.
Favourite Moment: Opting out of the Colosseo tour and spending the morning with Toni finding the hidden gems of Rome. San Clemente is an 11 century church that was built on top of 4th century ruins. Under those ruins are 1st century ruins! It was great!! Then we met up with the rest of the group at the Roman Forum and used a book I purchased to make our own tour, 'Then and Now.'
To Make You Laugh: I am not allowed to cross streets when there are attactive Italian men directing traffic... I almost fell in the middle of the street - for approximately 5 minutes! It just kept going and going and all the while I was pushing and knocking into people, unable to steady myself. Finally, I was able to catch myself on the hips of a woman at the front of the group. I think I scared the piss out of her!

I think I was still drunk that second morning in Rome. The bartender at the hotel poured a bit strong and I can't really remember why I needed to drink someone else's wine. Becke and I learned how to say "Fuck You" in Italian. That night I got locked out of my bedroom again, but I refused to leave the hotel, thinking that if worse-came-to-worse I could always sleep on the cushy couches in the reception area. Luckily, someone in our group was smart enough to nic the master key from reception and let us (I wasn't the only one locked out!) into our rooms.

My second night in Rome, I took it easy. We played cards (that was a lot of fun!) and I was in bed early.

Florence
Sites Seen: Piazza Santa Croce, Fontana del Nettuno, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, the Duome, dinner at a Firenze restaurant and dancing at a nearby night club.
Favourite Moment: No particular moment... The whole experience was amazing. I have found my next city... Just need to learn Italian first.
To Make You Laugh: Looking to do some serious Italian shopping, Toni and I decided to hit a market in town. Toni did an excellent job navigating us though the streets, only to find that the market was nothing more than 9 or 10 flea market booths. After that, we combed the streets for jewelry, bags and gellato.

You know it is time to go home when the Italian Night Club plays Bon Jovi at the end of the night. I passed out in my clothes for the umpteenth time because it was too much of a bother to search for pajamas in my suitcase.

Lucerne
Sites Seen: Stanserhorn (a gondola ride up the mountain), The Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge), and that's about it. I spent the rest of my time shopping for Swiss Army Knives, Swiss Army Watches and Swiss Chocolate.
Favourite Moment: The BEST hotel meal we had on the trip!!
To Make You Laugh: Happy Dances in the hotel room when Toni and I saw the size of our suite. It was monstrous and wonderful!!

Paris
Sites Seen: Tour Eiffel, Centre G. Pompidou, Musee du Louvre, Musee Rodin, Eglise du Dome (Napoleon's Tomb), the outside of the Catacombs, Musee D'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, dinner on the Champs Elysees, drinking the night away at a bar next to the Moulin Rouge.
Favourite Moment: There are too many to name 1) Seeing Jonathan propose to Karen at the top of the Eiffel Tower, 2) Enjoying the architecture of both the Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay along with all of the pieces of art inside, 3) Dinner with friends - that was the BEST way to wrap-up the trip!!
To Make You Laugh: I was SO excited to do something 'different' my second time in Paris. At first I wanted to do the Sewer Tour, but Rick Steve did not give it a good review, so we decided to visit the Catacombs. The write-up says to be sure to bring a torch (flashlight), so I knew that it would be great!! [If anything my chicken-ass would keep the group entertained, jumping at everything in sight!] We made it all the way there to find out that it is closed until May 2005. Maybe next time!

I'm Home!

This has been SUCH an amazing experience!! I am exhausted, sick and am dreading real life. I have seen, touched, tasted and felt things in the last 12 days that I have only seen in textbooks and movies. It's like I have been on this terrific 'high' for two weeks and, some how, setting my alarm for work tomorrow is such a buzz-kill.

Will write more later before reality completely sets in. Below are a few pictures from the trip...

Paris
The Louvre was spectacular! I fell in love with the building as much as the artwork inside.

Lucerne
My tour buddies - a fabulous group of people!

Florence
The tour guide started her lecture with, "This is where Galileo built his first telescope and where Michelangelo built his flying machine." After that, I vowed to come back and send more than just a few hours in this town. Anyone care to join me?

Rome
Too much history to even begin to describe... Remnants everywhere... I have no words to do this city justice...

Venice
My favourite city, by far. How can you not love a place that only allows transport by foot or by boat?!

Innsbrook
A surprise stop, but a spectacular one, nonetheless.

Amsterdam
Amazing city - for obvious and not-so-obvious reasons!

Venice, Italy

This is the most beautiful city I have seen so far!! I absolutely LOVE it. I keep thinking about the movie, The Italian Job. I won't say much now because the keyboard here is really difficult to use. We are going on a gondola ride later today, then dinner in a Venician Restaurant. Tomorrow we head to Rome, which could be quite interesting depending on the Pope's health. I'm off to check out the sites.

Munich, Germany

Okay. German Keyboards are not easy to use, especially when you have had a couple of litres of good Bavarian Beer. It has been a wonderful trip so far, very busy but lots of fun! Amsterdam was amazing (including the sex show we saw Tuesday night - who knew you could do THAT with a banana!) especially the Anne Frank House. Yesterday we slept in a small town in the Rhine Valley of Germany, tonight I am in Munich. It has been pretty much non-stop and I don't expect much of a rest between now and April 9, but I can not complain. We are really seeing a lot and having a great time! Today we wandered around Munich and found our way to the Beer Hall, and eventually found our way back to the hotel via the Munich Underground. Lots of fun!! Miss everyone!!

Okay folks, this is it!

I am heading for London now. My suitcase is packed full and I hope I have included everything. For the next 13 days I will be touring Europe. I will try and stop in to say "Hi," but I won't make any promises. Expect lots of pictures when I get back.

Happy Easter Everyone!

I have just had an amazing weekend!! Funny, the things that start out as something simple, "let's just spend the day together," turn into an entire weekend of fun! Not that there was anything particular to do, just a lot of hanging out and enjoying each others' company.

Friday we went to Kew Gardens. It was a beautiful day! We walked around the grounds, enjoying the Palm House (think large Victorian atrium that is very humid and houses tons of plants), the Japanese inspired gardens and the Rhododendron Dell. There was also a Badger Mound for kids that was fun to crawl through and a petting zoo that we didn't actually make it into, but got to appreciate the baby goats from the other side of the fence. After Kew we had dinner at an Indian Restaurant. Now, you may be thinking, "Indian is Indian, US or UK," but you are wrong! There were so many delicious items to choose from, it was a truly wonderful experience! Not like any I've ever had in North Carolina or in Tennessee!! Mmm!!

Saturday we hung out, shared music and went to Reading. He isn't quite sold on my favourites, but I think they will grow on him. [I have a 'Three-Listen Policy,' you must listen to a song/artist three times before passing judgment.] We also rented 'The Village' - which I really liked. That man (M. Night Shyamalan) has a very different way at looking at things and he translates it into suspense in such a crafty way. This is probably not my favourite of his films, but it was still really good, just because it is never what you think... Never what you expect.

It was hard to leave this morning, but I have laundry to tackle and a lot of packing to do. And somehow, through it all, I can't seem to wipe this silly grim from my face.

It's Spring at Kew

The Palm House

It's times like these...

Read this in an article the other day:
"A stone's throw from Beale, meanwhile, the new Peabody Place is a a big, ugly shopping mall featuring all the usual suspects: Starbucks, Gap, Victoria's Secret and so on. It has a legally enforced dress code. No baseball caps worn backwards, no hooded tops, no sneakers, no baggy pants. Segregation, it would seem, lingers on."

It is referring to a new mall in Memphis, TN. Funny, if I was still at my school in Charlotte, this dress code would limit every single student in my school. Why would they not prohibit the non-existent mini skirts and the midrift-bearing tops that are in fashion? Are they not just not as offensive?? Even more so, if you ask me.