Amsterdam

Who knew that GMT changed a week earlier than the US?!? Well, I am sure someone knew, but I didn't. So, when I woke up Sunday morning at (what I thought was) 6:45, stretched and smiled that we would have plenty of time, I was in for a rude awakening. Thank goodness my computer changes time automatically, otherwise we would have missed our flight entirely. I guess this is why I should have a British calendar hanging on my wall rather than an American one.

Anyway, with a start like that, you can expect the journey to the airport to be a bit hectic. Actually, it wasn't too bad. Laura is one of the most easy-going people I know, so between the two of us it was a "don't sweat it" "it'll work itself out" kind of morning. Once we were on the train, all we could do was sit, or crossword puzzles in our case. Things were a bit hairy when we reached the airport station. We pushed our way onto the shuttle with only 5 minutes before the check in counter closed, hopped off and ran inside. I was ready to start a Plan B, but Laura saw some people on the shuttle with us that were arguing with the ticket counter attendant (with a camera crew recording). The attendant let them jump to the front of the check in line, so we followed suite. The woman checked our passports and said, "Run!" So that's just what we did. "I feel like we're on The Amazing Race," Laura said at one point in the airport and that became our theme for the trip.

It was not a very smooth flight from London to Amsterdam. I kept expecting to see the plane go up on one side, like a Dukes of Hazzard-esque landing. But, we had made it to Amsterdam and that was all that really mattered.

We got our passports stamped and bought tickets for the train into the town. We bought first class tickets, thinking "why not live a little?" Who knew there was no first class on those trains!?! Finally, we made our way to the hostel which was right in the centre of the Red Light District. The room was not bad, two single beds and our own shower en suite. It was now around 3 o'clock and we wanted to explore and see the Van Gogh Museum. We found Dam Square and picked up some falafel for lunch. Then we just started to walk. At first it was really nice, neither of us were in a hurry and it was a lovely day. After a while we got a bit turned around. Let's just say that after an hour or two of walking (in the wrong direction) we would have definitely lost The Amazing Race! By this time the Van Gogh Museum was closed and we were both tired of walking, so we hopped a tram headed for Centraal Station (at least we knew where to go from there). Of course the tram system was a bit confusing, especially in a different language. I'm sure we should have paid somewhere along the way, but neither of us knew where. Whoops.

On our way back to familiar territory we passed a crowd of people around what looked like a sculpture garden. It turned out that this was a 3-D version of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch." In the background of this picture is a statue of Rembrandt.

Eventually we made it back to the hostel, showered and hit the streets again, this time in search of food. Every guide book we read suggested that Amsterdam is a great place for Indonesian food, so who were we to argue? Of course, it took a little while to find a restaurant, but in the end it was well worth the wait.

Now, I won't go into much detail about the rest of the night. I had an absolute blast, despite the rain and creepy men wandering the streets. All I'll say is that it was definitely memorable - and yes, I remember ever detail.

We woke at 8:00 the next morning, made our way back to the train station and eventually made it back to the airport. This time we did not have any problems checking in and were back in England by 3:00. We had a few hours to relax before we were due in London at the Fortune Theatre to see "The Woman In Black."

If there is time to return to Amsterdam before I fly home, I'd definitely like to go. Next time I'd like to stay for a weekend, rather than just 24 hours. And I'd also invest in a better Tram Map so that I'd have a better chance of winning The Amazing Race...

Good Surprises

Bo sent a stack of Perpetual Groove CDs with Laura, including the show at The Visulite where we first saw them (October 2003). That is a night that I will never forget. We went because Laura had heard that they were good, but I don't think any of us had expected what we saw. I, for one, was completely blown away!! When Laura was here, we listened to the album, All This Everything. Since she's left, I have now made my way through two of the shows Bo sent (Visulite & Neighborhood Theatre) and am starting the Ziggy's show today. Bo is the king of good surprises (and Laura too)!

Whew!!

The last two weeks have been a blur. I haven't had much time to think, let alone type, but I will try and recap.

• The Ofsted inspection did not go very well. They observed 20 lessons that day and there were 4 unsatisfactory ones (that's 20% when more than 8% is unacceptable). I ended up with an Inspector in with my year 8s - I swear I have never seen them so good!!
• That Wednesday I got my hair cut, then went back Friday to get it colored. I am still adjusting to the shorter cut (I now have some fringe - bangs), but I like it lots!
• Laura arrived on Saturday. It was SO great to see her and spend time catching up. I always have such a good time with her!! We wandered around the city, did the pub-thing, went to the theatre, ate Indian and Sushi and fit in a trip to Amsterdam. It was a blast!!
• This Tuesday I had a county advisor in my classroom for another observation, this is a pilot program our department is developing and while exciting to be a part of, it was also a tough week to have more observations.
• I have been trying to get things together for my trip on Monday, so I have spent time last week and this one shopping, etc. I have a couple of things to return tomorrow, but otherwise I think I am ready to start putting it all in the suitcase.
• The kids have been NUTS this last half of the week!

So, that's been my last two weeks. It doesn't look like much here, but boy has it been busy!! I'll post more about Laura's visit and (hopefully) some pictures later this weekend.

Update

I've had the flat to myself these last two weeks. It's been quiet. It's been lonely. But I can't really say that it hasn't been interesting...

For Sale
The landlords have decided to sell the flat. There was a little drama in the beginning because they had listed the wrong dates for our lease and I panicked that I was going to be homeless for an extra month, but that was corrected and now we've had quite a bit of traffic through the place. We've had landlords and surveyors, they even had an Open House on Saturday. Everything seems to be happening so quickly. I'm sure it will slow down soon, the landlord just seems anxious to get things started. I am just happy that I can stick to my original plan and that I don't have to worry about a place to live for the month of July...

Firefly
I watched Serenity last weekend. One of the girls at work is into Buffy/Angel and has the Firefly series on DVD, so I have spent this weekend glued to the series. How did I miss this show when it was on a couple of years back??? I remember seeing one episode, but what about the rest? Was it on tv Tuesday nights, is that why I missed it - trivia? Anyway, watch the film (if you haven't already) and check out the series. Interesting and very creative.

A Saturday of Firsts
Well, maybe not 'firsts,' but 'in a long time' just doesn't have the same ring. I went into London for the first time in months. There was something I wanted to pick up and I wanted to be out of the flat for the Open House. It felt so good to be out and about again. I ended up just wandering the streets, eventually making my way to Oxford Street and window-shopped until the stores closed at 8. There is just such an energy that cities have - I've missed it.

Crushes are fun
That's all I am going to say about this one... For now, at least.

Countdowns
6 days until Laura arrives!! 12 days until the end of term!! 15 days until I leave to meet Kristin in Rome!! 144 days until my birthday!! And, 156 days until I come home!!

On that note... Night all... I am finally feeling tired enough to go to bed.

Too Much Energy...

Not the best thing to have at 11:00 on a Sunday night, especially with the week I have ahead of me... We have an Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education - the big inspection we had this time last year) visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. Not a full visit, just a mini one to check on our progress since last year. They want to see how we have improved our behaviour management throughout the school... Ha!! This week could be a very interesting one.

I haven't really said much about school this year, probably because I am struggling (and I don't often like to admit that). I can't really say it's just me, though. People all over the school are hanging by a thread, old and new alike... The kids are getting more and more daring with the stunts they pull and no matter how bad, punishment seems obsolete. There is very little consistency when it comes to managing behaviour and the kids are just as aware of this problem as the teachers - scary! It is bad enough that the unions are getting involved. And now HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectorate) wants to know what improvements we've made!?!

This is not the kind of week you want to have just two weeks before the end of term.

A book I can't seem to put down...

Years ago I used to love to watch Lonely Planet on the travel channel. I SO wanted to be that girl... The one that went to all of these amazing places and got to tell everyone about the cool things she saw and did there. She was relaxed and funny and truly looked like she loved her job.

As it turns out, that girl is Jennifer Cox and she has written a book: Around the World in 80 Dates. I have found myself laughing out loud on the train as I read about her adventure and I can't seem to put the book down, too curious if and when she will meet her soul mate...

Pancake Day 2006

This year I made my own... Well, sort of, I bought the ready-made batter, but I flipped them all by myself (and didn't end up with pancake on the ceiling, so that's good news).






Pancakes here are very thin (very crepe-like) and the Brits like to sprinkle them with lemon juice and sugar before rolling them up and munching away.

They taster really nice that way...

Happy Pancake Day!!

My kids crack me up... Did you know that the reason that we do not celebrate Pancake Day in America is because we eat pancakes every day? :)

Song of the Day

I can't seem to get The Shins' "Gone For Good" out of my head today. Of course, "Fighting In A Sack" is a catchy tune, too.

What song keeps playing over and over in your head today?

Moon River

One of my all-time favorite songs. Ever since I saw 'The In Crowd' * on HBO one day after school (middle school, that is), I have LOVED this song. 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' only made me LOVE the song even more. I can't explain, it just leaves me with a wonderful feeling inside. So, I did a search for the song in iTunes and found some real gems. There are at least 150 different versions of this wonderful song including artists such as REM, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder and Louis Armstrong.

* You know the film is 'class' when IMDB can't be bothered to include a poster.

On a side note, it's not as fun when you try "What A Wonderful World" or "Over The Rainbow." Each have at least 150 versions, but many are quite scary! "Over The Rainbow" has a Kathy Lee Gifford version, as well as a Kylie Minogue one. I'm just waiting for the David Hasselhoff version before I download... Ha!



I've been feeling a bit nostalgic this evening. This week's downloads: "Moon River," "What A Wonderful World," a few Eva Cassidy songs, Rickie Lee Jones's 'Traffic From Paradise' and "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. They've been playing Corinne's song a lot lately. It's catchy - a bit young, but I can't seem to keep it out of my head. Check it out for yourself.

I SO Want This Job!

Top Gear, this BBC show, amazes me every time I catch it! Now, I am not a gearhead, but you don't have to be in order to enjoy the mischief these guys get up to... I would love to have their job. Every week they get to do crazy things in beautiful cars...

This week's episode had an Olympics theme, so the boys raced a Jaguar and an Olympic speed skater on the ice rink... The Jaguar has only two-wheel-drive, so it was all over the ice and it gave little competition for the speed skater. Next, they took the Jaguar on a frozen lake in Norway. They made a huge track, full of twists and turns, and raced the Jaguar with a four-wheel-drive Range Rover. While the Jag was a much prettier car, it still could not handle the ice. Then they raced a Rally Car and a Bobsled. Finally, they used the Lillihammer ski jump and sent a Mini down the jump. They attached rockets to the rear for power, attached skis to the tires, created a huge snow drift at the bottom to stop the car... And launched the baby. It was definitely something to see.

And this is what the show is like on a regular basis. It's like an expensive version of Jackass, with grown men and without the pain. I'm hooked!! Check it out for yourself...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/downloads/ They have a couple of clips at the bottom of the page.

My favorite part of this week's show was the "hockey" match. They filled a snow-covered rink with Suzuki Swifts and had a huge inflatable puck. It was like watching bumper cars with a hockey puck in the middle!! Fabulous!!

Just A Matter Of Days

34 days until Laura arrives on British soil. So, yes, Laura is coming to visit. This is why I love Laura so much: I got an email Thursday titled, "I'm coming," and three days later the wheels are in motion. There's talk of catching a show and a quick trip to Amsterdam. I can't wait!!

43 days until I meet Kristin in Rome. The big Italian trip we've been planning for months. I'm so excited!! We'll see Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice, Pompeii, Isle of Capri and Rome. I just purchased my plane tickets last night. :) Somehow it just seems more concrete when you have a plane ticket...

172 days until I turn 30 years old! I am hoping to be somewhere in eastern Europe for the actual day... Right now it looks like Budapest. This will be my last big trip in Europe before I head home, but it should be a good one.

184 days until I arrive on US soil. This is both good and bad news. I have really had a tough year at work and am ready to come home to a middle school environment. It is what I studied at school. I chose middle school for a reason and I am reminded daily that high school is not for me... On the other hand, I have really enjoyed my time here and there's a part of me that doesn't want to see it end.

My Life is Complete

I just watched, "On the Line," the movie Lance Bass made in 2001. I am the queen of cheese and even that was just a little too much for me. WOW!! Words don't do it justice. I guess I expected more of the BBC, even if it is late-night tele.

The United States of Leland

I watched this movie the other night. It has been so long since I have watched a film and thought, "wow" when the credits rolled. I guess I am a bit behind the times, considering it was released in 2003, but still... Better late than never, eh? There have been a lot of mixed reviews on the flick, at least on my ScreenSelect (like Netflix) website. Watch it and make up your own mind.

New Toy

Why is it, when you get a new piece of electronic equipment, you spend an entire day trying to make it work... Or is it just me?

I just bought a new MP3 player. The one I had died - it wouldn't take any new music and I got tired of listening to the same songs over and over again. Besides, it could only hold 60-some odd songs. I have held-out on the iPod bandwagon. Although, the new Nanos are very tempting. [I am always admiring the kids' when I confiscate them in lessons.] So, I broke down and bought a Creative Zen Plus. Nothing too fancy, really, but the FM radio on it sold me. Plus it holds approx. 500 songs. So, of course, I spent all day yesterday downloading software, organizing my music folders and trying to set up my new little toy. Oh well. I have the time and it's well worth it!

Its tough to admit to myself...

that something's gotta give. I had some high hopes for this school year, but I am struggling more than I ever did last year. Well, not really, just struggling in different ways. Things at the school are not going very well - at an administrative level - and it has affected us all. I have been ill this year more than I ever have before and I am stuck in this terrible cycle - the stress making me sick and then being sick making me stressed. I am having a very difficult time with the four high school level classes that I am teaching, and things are inevitably going to get worse after half term when I have to teach them chemistry and physics (Unfortunately, it's four different topics I have to freakin' teach myself before I can teach the kids).

So, I have decided to cancel my trip to France next week. It sucks, but if I can spend my holiday preparing for next term, then maybe I can keep my head above water. I'll have some time in June and July to travel, so all is not lost...

Its the sensible thing to do.

Damn I hate being sensible...

The Perfect Penis

This is the program I watched Monday night. Boy-o-boy, the Brits are not afraid to clog the airwaves with things that make this American blush. But with a title like that, how could I NOT watch... Of course, most of the people they interviewed were Americans, but I doubt the show will ever make US channels - too much frontal nudity. They showed some poor chap that went through extension surgery (looked painful for an inch and a half). Then they showed some guy who used the ancient Arabic art of jelqing to lengthen his member (A lot of pulling and twisting - I didn't know that could make a difference to the size?). And, the creme de la creme, they showed a man that chose injections to gain length and girth. Holy Bologna!! He said that he kept going back trying to see just how big he could make it... A scrotum the size of a freakin' football (the soccer kind) later, it was just scary!! Worthless for anything other than show, it was something I hope I never see again. The image is still on my mind three days later. I don't know how the man walks...

This is the station's theme for the week, so Tuesday night they aired a documentary about John Wayne Bobbitt (where is he now kinda programme) and tonight it is "The World's Biggest Penis." I'm not sure I can sit through another hour of schlong-city, so it may just be an early night for me.

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw...

Can you make a mistake and miss your fate?

Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate? Without them, what would shape our lives? Perhaps if we never veered off course we wouldn't fall in love or have babies or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into our life and people go. But, it's comforting to know that the ones you love are always in your heart.

And, if you are very lucky, a plane ride away.

(I Heart NY, Sex and the City, Season 4)

Sex and the City Junkie

I've been on a kick lately. I can't say whether it is the fact that there is crap on tele between 7 and 9 or that I am getting ready for the big 3-0, but I have found myself reaching for the DVDs every evening as of late. Even the flattie (UK version of roomie?) is hooked.

Krissie used to say that she knew when I was watching Carrie and friends because she could always hear me giggling in my bedroom. I laugh, I cry, but no one can say it better than those four... Everyone has their favorite episodes, and this post, dear friends, is devoted to my Top 10 Sex and the City moments:

10. Carrie: "As I contemplated the fact that my relationship had gone to pot, literally, I realized no high or low would make this day any other day than the day I got broken up with by a post-it."
(The Post-it Always Sticks Twice Season six)

9. "Maybe there are no right moments, right guys, right answers. Maybe you just have to say what's in your heart."
Aidan's proposal.
(Just Say Yes Season 4)

8. "What was the allure of the 20's? On one hand there is great skin tone, the thrill of fresh experience and the sense of a consequence-free life full of seemingly endless possibilities. While on the other, there are horrible apartments, sexually inexperienced men and embarrassing errors in fashion judgment."
(Twenty-something Girls vs. Thirty-something Women Season two)

7. "Oh my god. She's fashion road kill!"
Carrie: "I had a choice, I could slink off the runway and let my inner model die of shame, or I could pick myself up, flaws and all, and finish. And that's just what I did. Because when real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep walking."
(The Real Me Season four)

6. Explaining a Booty Boy to Charlotte...
Samantha: "He's not a slave, honey, he does have a life."
Miranda: "But you don't have to know about it."
Carrie: "And you're generally guaranteed delivery in six hours or less."
(The F*** Buddy Season two)

5. Samantha: "I'm dating a guy with the funkiest tasting spunk."
Charlotte stands and walks out of the cafe.
(Easy Come, Easy Go Season three)

4. Big & Natasha's engagement party. "I have one question for you... Why wasn't it me?"
Big: "I don't know. It just got so hard, and she's..."
Carrie: "Your girl is lovely, Hubble." ("The Way We Were" reference)
Big: "I don't get it."
Carrie: "You never did." And walks away...
"Then I had a thought, maybe I didn't break Big. Maybe the problem was that he couldn't break me. Maybe some women aren't meant to be tamed. Maybe they need to run free until they find someone just as wild to run with..."
(Ex and the City Season two finale)

3. Miranda always has the best lines: "He only has one ball and I have a lazy ovary. In what twisted world does that create a baby? It's like the Special Olympics of conception."
(Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Season four)

2. "You can't leave New York. You're the Chrystler building. The Chrystler building would be all wrong in Napa." And Big and Carrie dancing to "Moon River" (one of my all-time favorite songs).
(I Heart NY Season four)

1. I have never laughed so hard: The Up the Bum Conversation... All four girls are in a taxi discussing Charlotte's boyfriend's request.
Miranda: "The question is, if he goes up your butt, will he respect you more or respect you less. That's the issue." Carrie lights a cigarette and the Cabbie says, "No Smoking."
Carrie: "Sir, we're talking up the butt. A cigarette is in order."
(Valley of the Twenty-Somethings Season one)

A whale in the Thames?

Read more from BBC News...

TV is my life!!

*hangs head and sighs loudly at this realization*

Watched a new series tonight called Life On Mars, about a British police officer that was investigating a crime, his girlfriend was kidnapped, then he got hit by a car and woke up in 1973. It's quite good. He's a police officer in London in the 70's where cops beat their suspects to get confessions and where women were nothing more than eye candy - or treated that way. Life On Mars, the name, came from the Bowie song that was playing on his iPod/Car Stereo when he was hit. I think I am really going to like the show.

ER started tonight too... Alex ran away and Luca and Sam drove to CO to find him. (Is that this season or are we one behind?)

They showed a trailer for Desperate Housewives in between ER drama, it starts next week. So I am out of the loop, but will hopefully catch up by summer. :)

Other shows that have caught my attention:

My Name Is Earl... Started Friday night. I liked the first one, reminds me of home (heeheehee). (Of course, I luv Jason Lee so it makes sense.) Only downside is that it airs on Friday nights - not that I have much of a social life, anyway, but still...

Invasion started Sunday, but I missed it. It looks good, though.

Sprinkle this mix with a few CSIs, The Simpsons and Without A Traces and you have my tele line up for the next few months.

So, I guess there is a lot to catch up writing to do...

Christmas was great. I had a blast on the tour and met some really cool people, most of whom were Aussies. (That's where I want to go next, Australia... Just give me a couple of years to save $$$). I danced the night away at a disco in York, attended a midnight church service in Edinburgh (slightly inebriated), played a twisted version of 'never-ever' with a drunk group of Aussies and Kiwis on Christmas Day, stayed in the hotel where the Titanic passengers stayed before they started their journey and watched married men hide their wedding bands at a club in Liverpool. Oh and I have lots of pictures of building and landscapes (because that's what always seems to end up on my digital camera). Good times, good times.

Greet Street (aka Green Street hooligans). I watched this film last weekend and was completely blown away. Mind you, after the warning we received in Liverpool it gave light to how much the English love their football. (Two local teams were playing each other and we were told to be very careful going out that night because of all of the potential fighting.) Side Note: I am now hooked on this idea of firms and football hooligans. I've rented a few DVDs to research the topic a little more. I just can't quite seem to get my head around it - but if you ask me about gangs, I'd say the same thing.

New Years' Eve was a quiet night for me. Tiina and I took the train into London around 10ish and headed for Trafalgar Square. The crowd was massive, but great fun to watch. Just before midnight, it started to rain, but we stuck it out and watched the fireworks. Then we headed home and I made a few "Happy New Year" phone calls. Like I said, a quiet night.

Valentine's Day in Paris (again). I booked my ticket to France for the February half-term. I'd like to spend a few days in Paris checking out the art museums. Then a few days southish. EJ - wanna meet up for a drink?

Harry Potter I finally saw the new one on Saturday. You know you have waited too long when they send you to the tiny theater in the corner of the movie house that only holds (maybe) fifty people. It's so hard to sit through Harry Potter when you've read ahead two whole stories and keep waiting for something familiar to show up. I sat through the entire movie and instead of enjoying the story on screen, I kept waiting for the battle in the Ministry of Magic and the secret Defense Against the Dark Arts meetings. It was a great film, but I can't wait for the next one.

Does anyone else find this amusing?

Christmas Day my parents drove to Huntsville with my grandparents to visit my aunt and uncle. When I called that day they had stopped for coffee at a Waffle House as it was the only thing open that morning along I-75.

I am afraid that the joke was lost on my Aussie friends in Scotland. I mean, how southern can you get!? [insert Redneck accent here] Momma and Daddy were at the Waffle House when I called to wish them a Happy Christmas. Ha!!

What else can I say? 

Getting close with Nessie on a frosty morning 

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

St. John's College, Oxford 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

New Favorite Music

My latest iTunes downloads:

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

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

I am addicted to dog racing!

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

The Parcel Force Man

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

I am feeling very loved right now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm such a little kid! :)

Space Cadets

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese Firewater

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

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

Memory Lane

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

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

It's that time of year again...

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

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

Happy Holidays ya'll.

Sound Bites of My Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Thanksgiving!!

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

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

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

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

Holiday Plans and the Future

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

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

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

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

Friday Afternoon Drinks

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

I am a happy girl.

ITunes is dangerous to my credit card.

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

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

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

A Ray of Light

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sun set today at 4:18.

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

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

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

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

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

Ireland

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

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

County Kerry and the Atlantic Ocean 

The Cliffs of Moher 

Derry

The Giant's Causeway 

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

Vestibular Neuritis

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

Is it time for a holiday, yet?

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

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

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

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

Just finished reading.

Never Enough Time In the Day...

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

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

Who Are You?

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

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

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

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

Cancelled Trains and No Buses

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

Sunshine and 59 degrees F

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

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

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

Can You Say "Adventure?"

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

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

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

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

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

No more secrets - I'm coming clean

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belgium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brugge The Markt place.

I have survived the first day of school.

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

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

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

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

Andrea
Strong, womanly : Greek

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bouquets of sharpened pencils

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

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

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

Bored

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Roman Baths 

Pulteney Bridge 

The Royal Cresent

Stonehenge

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

Another uneventful day...

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

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

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

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

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

My day according to Yahoo! Horoscopes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A New Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

My last night in this town...

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

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

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

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

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

A nice week and a nice weekend...

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

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

Heat Wave, Ugh!

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

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

Settling in my temporary home...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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