Blogger was a big poop head and erased the mega-long blog I had written especially for you.
So long story short: if you are an ex-pat returning to your home country, be prepared for a LOT of paperwork.
I had to jump through hoops to get my healthcare re-instated. It still isn't and wont be until January 2011, because I was out of the country (province really) for over 6 months in 2010. BUT I got to go to the doctor's today... it took a bazillion hours to get there and the ride was quite an adventure, but I'm too frustrated to write about it right now.
Sorry this blog sucks... blame blogger!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Les plaines d'Abraham
There is no easy way to say this and I'm sure I'll create a conflict. This is a big deal, because I hate conflict. Here it goes: I hate hate hate the ongoing French/English debate that still exists in Montreal. Sometimes I'd rather speak Spanish. Actually it happens quite often.
Q - "English or French?"
A - "sólo hablo español"
Q - "Separatist or federalist?"
A - "sólo hablo español"
I've never actually tried this, though I think I should start. How can it be that in such a multicultural, civilized world, I feel GUILTY, yes guilty is the appropriate word, for speaking my two mother tongues? In a group of anglophones (as they're called here) I feel guilty speaking French, or even if, God forbid, the group begins a discussion about Quebec and Frenchies, I feel guilty for not being able to just sit there and accept their comments. I definitely cannot just 'go with the flow' for this one. The opposite is also true. In a group of francophones I feel guilty speaking English, but also for being able to relate to 'les maudits anglais'. This internal conflict has been raging within me for a long, long, long time. Actually for as long as I can remember. I honestly do not think there is an easy answer, and I do realize speaking Spanish and embracing a new culture is just a way to 'escape' the problem.
The only solution I have found, and continue to search, is to surround myself with open-minded people who accept me for ME, not for a language or the ideology and culture that accompany that language. I also sincerely hope that I can teach my students this value of open-mindedness, so that they never feel judged for the language that they speak.
PS - Just a little disclaimer - I realize I am writing this blog in English, the reason is twofold: 1 - I did most of my schooling in English, thus writing is easier for me in English and 2 - I can reach a larger audience in English (not by like becoming a popular blog, but I mean friends and family wise - those who speak French or Spanish usually also speak English, the opposite is not always true)
Q - "English or French?"
A - "sólo hablo español"
Q - "Separatist or federalist?"
A - "sólo hablo español"
I've never actually tried this, though I think I should start. How can it be that in such a multicultural, civilized world, I feel GUILTY, yes guilty is the appropriate word, for speaking my two mother tongues? In a group of anglophones (as they're called here) I feel guilty speaking French, or even if, God forbid, the group begins a discussion about Quebec and Frenchies, I feel guilty for not being able to just sit there and accept their comments. I definitely cannot just 'go with the flow' for this one. The opposite is also true. In a group of francophones I feel guilty speaking English, but also for being able to relate to 'les maudits anglais'. This internal conflict has been raging within me for a long, long, long time. Actually for as long as I can remember. I honestly do not think there is an easy answer, and I do realize speaking Spanish and embracing a new culture is just a way to 'escape' the problem.
The only solution I have found, and continue to search, is to surround myself with open-minded people who accept me for ME, not for a language or the ideology and culture that accompany that language. I also sincerely hope that I can teach my students this value of open-mindedness, so that they never feel judged for the language that they speak.
PS - Just a little disclaimer - I realize I am writing this blog in English, the reason is twofold: 1 - I did most of my schooling in English, thus writing is easier for me in English and 2 - I can reach a larger audience in English (not by like becoming a popular blog, but I mean friends and family wise - those who speak French or Spanish usually also speak English, the opposite is not always true)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Grand-maman
Today we got together with my dad's side of the family to celebrate my grandma's 82nd birthday. She is so cool. We had nice long chats about life and I find she is so impressive in so many ways. Mostly because I feel like she is very open minded for an 82-year-old. Some members of the family have been rallying to try to get her to want an iPad so they'd get her one for Christmas, but honestly I don't think she'll ever open up to that idea - but she is open in the sense that she listens and always answers very diplomatically in a "I'm gonna stick with my way of doing things" kind of way. I am amazed at how much change she has seen in her lifetime. I realized today that it was a big deal for her to get a TV, first a black and white one and then a colour one. It was a big deal that her son (my uncle) had to take Ritalin in elementary school - ADD was a very new concept back in the 60s. Not only that, I started thinking about how different our newlywed lives were. Here is a bit of compare and contrast:
My grandma and grandpa met at church - Paul & I met at a rugby party.
They had a very small wedding - we had a fairly big wedding.
They went to Quebec for their honeymoon and my grandma was so nervous about the wedding night that she took her bath with her watch on (which totally ruined her watch) - We went on a huge cruise ship for our honeymoon and neither one of us was very worried about the wedding night.
They came back to Montreal after their honeymoon with 10$ and the hope that my grandpa's paycheck would arrive soon - We came back to Montreal after our honeymoon with some money in savings and me (the wife) with a full time job to support us both.
Some similarities now:
They didn't have a car when they got married - We don't either.
My grandpa's name was Paul - Paul's name is Paul.
They dated for three years before they got married - we did too.
Then they had 52 wonderful years of marriage together - we sure hope we will!
That's it for today. I love love love my grandma. Oh also, she dried and kept the rose we gave her on our wedding day. She's awesome.
My grandma and grandpa met at church - Paul & I met at a rugby party.
They had a very small wedding - we had a fairly big wedding.
They went to Quebec for their honeymoon and my grandma was so nervous about the wedding night that she took her bath with her watch on (which totally ruined her watch) - We went on a huge cruise ship for our honeymoon and neither one of us was very worried about the wedding night.
They came back to Montreal after their honeymoon with 10$ and the hope that my grandpa's paycheck would arrive soon - We came back to Montreal after our honeymoon with some money in savings and me (the wife) with a full time job to support us both.
Some similarities now:
They didn't have a car when they got married - We don't either.
My grandpa's name was Paul - Paul's name is Paul.
They dated for three years before they got married - we did too.
Then they had 52 wonderful years of marriage together - we sure hope we will!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Carpe Diem
I feel so great today. I had a super mega major stressful week and most of the stresses have been dealt with, and now I feel more able to seize the day and live each moment. If you think about it though, it's really hard to do. We are usually reminiscing about the past or planning for the future. Anyway, that's how it is for me. Very rarely do I just sit and feel grateful for the moment. I do today though. Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!
So here I go reminiscing about my week. The first major stress was the first communication I had to do at school. It's basically a mini report card, which meant a lot of evaluating. I also had to mentally prepare and/or forewarn certain parents because one thing I've learned over the past few years teaching in private schools is that if a child isn't doing so well, it is DEFINITELY the teacher's fault. So yes I have to back myself up in very many ways to prove that I am doing everything in my power for the child to succeed.
Second stress was also school-related. I have three students who have behaviour problems, so I went to see the counsellor for some advice and we were definitely on the same page with what needed to be done. It still takes a lot of time and energy, so that was stressful.
Third stress was a French exam called the CEFRANC I had to take. Funny thing is that I don't really have to take it, but it's a good thing to have because all of the French school boards ask for it. I studied as best as I could but I know I could have studied more. I took the test today and I decided it could be considered a linguistic experiment, because really I took the test intuitively. Since I hadn't studied much, there were a few questions I just had to guess at and be like well that sounds most right, so I'll pick that one. I wonder how effective that will be. I wish I could have this test be the control exam (no studying) and then if I fail, the next test could be the "with study" exam, but really that's impossible because there are too many other factors to control for - oh social sciences. Anyway, an experiment on your own self is probably not recommended. I wonder if they'd still call it observer bias? Are you observing yourself? Haha... Ok I'm making myself laugh which means I'm probably boring you - sorry!
The last thing I wanted to mention was that there are a few songs that I'm greatly enjoying at the moment. Listen to the lyrics and you'll probably understand why (if you know me at all)!
Suddenly I see - KT Tunstall
Whenever, wherever - Shakira (I really hope you're reading this Corie, I just thought of the mud and mountains and papelitos and so much fun!!!!!!!!!)
So here I go reminiscing about my week. The first major stress was the first communication I had to do at school. It's basically a mini report card, which meant a lot of evaluating. I also had to mentally prepare and/or forewarn certain parents because one thing I've learned over the past few years teaching in private schools is that if a child isn't doing so well, it is DEFINITELY the teacher's fault. So yes I have to back myself up in very many ways to prove that I am doing everything in my power for the child to succeed.
Second stress was also school-related. I have three students who have behaviour problems, so I went to see the counsellor for some advice and we were definitely on the same page with what needed to be done. It still takes a lot of time and energy, so that was stressful.
Third stress was a French exam called the CEFRANC I had to take. Funny thing is that I don't really have to take it, but it's a good thing to have because all of the French school boards ask for it. I studied as best as I could but I know I could have studied more. I took the test today and I decided it could be considered a linguistic experiment, because really I took the test intuitively. Since I hadn't studied much, there were a few questions I just had to guess at and be like well that sounds most right, so I'll pick that one. I wonder how effective that will be. I wish I could have this test be the control exam (no studying) and then if I fail, the next test could be the "with study" exam, but really that's impossible because there are too many other factors to control for - oh social sciences. Anyway, an experiment on your own self is probably not recommended. I wonder if they'd still call it observer bias? Are you observing yourself? Haha... Ok I'm making myself laugh which means I'm probably boring you - sorry!
The last thing I wanted to mention was that there are a few songs that I'm greatly enjoying at the moment. Listen to the lyrics and you'll probably understand why (if you know me at all)!
Suddenly I see - KT Tunstall
Whenever, wherever - Shakira (I really hope you're reading this Corie, I just thought of the mud and mountains and papelitos and so much fun!!!!!!!!!)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
My word
If you've read the book Eat, pray, love, you'll know that the main character - Liz - discovers her 'word'. Since I read that, I have been thinking about my word. I have decided that my word is apple. May sound boring, and I'm sure not many people would choose a noun, but let me tell you why. An apple is ordinary, and I think I'm a pretty ordinary girl. It is also sweet, comforting, healthy; all adjectives I hope you agree would describe me. We cannot forget the teaching connotation. Perfect fit. And finally, last but not least, the sexy 'forbidden fruit' metaphor. Well, believe it or not, I'm pretty sexy. And I'm a forbidden fruit for anyone who isn't my husband.
I know it's hard to believe I'm sexy judging by this picture... but trust me.
On a side note, an interesting teaching moment happened today (almost all day actually) because a huge weeping willow (the tree) was cut down right outside my classroom. A huge branch of the tree fell down last week during a thunderstorm, and when the city went to check the tree, they noticed the whole inside of the tree was rotten and sick. My very thoughtful principal (I've had really good luck with great principals so far in my teaching career) came by my classroom a few days ago to explain to the children that the tree had to be cut down because it was sick and that this would cause a lot of noise. Well I don't think the students quite realized what 'cutting down the tree' meant, since when the tree-cutter men arrived today, my students started screaming 'DONT CUT DOWN THE TREE!!!!' I explained to them that the tree was sick and that the principal had stopped by to warn us this would happen, but they still didn't quite get it. Then a student raised his hand with the best metaphor ever! "Miss" he said, "it's like a cavity." Of course! That explanation went over very well with all of the students. They understood that a cavity was a tooth that was rotten inside and that it had to be pulled out, therefore they understood that the tree had to be cut down. Still, it was very sad and very distracting. I realized at some point that I could have just pulled down the shades, but what fun is that? And seriously, it was the first time I ever saw a tree being cut down and it was exciting and interesting for me too!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Teaching
Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the complexity of my job. I might not be able to express how complex it is, but trust me, it is. When you think of teaching, you probably think about the basic (well what I consider to be basic) aspects of the job: the actual teaching (you in front of students explaining, demonstrating, or asking questions so they'll create their own learning... etc.), the planning and the evaluating aspects. But then there are the hidden parts of the job.
Some are more obvious than others. You have to be a nurse, because heads will hurt, noses will run, vomit and pee will happen. You have to be a psychologist, because people will die, tragedies and emergencies will happen. You have to be a mother, because some children don't get enough hugs, clean clothes, or food at home. You have to be a conflict resolver, because life just isn't fair. You have to be a problem solver, because sitting 29 students comfortably in a classroom isn't easy. Oh and an interior designer, to give your room just that 'look' and 'feel' it needs.
Now the part I am really working on this weekend is hard to describe. I am trying to plan so that my classroom will function smoothly, yet also be representative of me in a way. I learned so much the past two years in Puebla teaching in an IBO school and I really love the PYP program and the transition from that to the more traditional school I am teaching at right now is a bit difficult. How do I make my classroom come alive with experiments and curiosity and research and art projects without compromising the skills and curriculum I need to get through? That balancing act is the hardest part of teaching, in my opinion. I am going to take some time to get into the routine of teaching at this school and see how things go, but I am hoping that in a week or two (or a month), I'll be able to add my flavour to the teaching! To all the teachers out there, if you have any advice on how to make this happen more quickly, please let me know!
Some are more obvious than others. You have to be a nurse, because heads will hurt, noses will run, vomit and pee will happen. You have to be a psychologist, because people will die, tragedies and emergencies will happen. You have to be a mother, because some children don't get enough hugs, clean clothes, or food at home. You have to be a conflict resolver, because life just isn't fair. You have to be a problem solver, because sitting 29 students comfortably in a classroom isn't easy. Oh and an interior designer, to give your room just that 'look' and 'feel' it needs.
Now the part I am really working on this weekend is hard to describe. I am trying to plan so that my classroom will function smoothly, yet also be representative of me in a way. I learned so much the past two years in Puebla teaching in an IBO school and I really love the PYP program and the transition from that to the more traditional school I am teaching at right now is a bit difficult. How do I make my classroom come alive with experiments and curiosity and research and art projects without compromising the skills and curriculum I need to get through? That balancing act is the hardest part of teaching, in my opinion. I am going to take some time to get into the routine of teaching at this school and see how things go, but I am hoping that in a week or two (or a month), I'll be able to add my flavour to the teaching! To all the teachers out there, if you have any advice on how to make this happen more quickly, please let me know!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Happy Birthday to me!
My birthday weekend was awesome!!! I'm lucky to have labour day always fall on or around my birthday so I get a three-day weekend! Paul and I wanted to get out of town for a change of scenery and we decided to go to Quebec City since Paul had never properly visited (or hadn't been since he was 12, according to him). I know some of you will read this and think "really, you needed a change of scenery after a cross-country move?" and the answer is a simple YES we did. The drive up went smoothly, but we stopped at a Tim Hortons and they didn't take Visa! Is that normal across Canada? What's up with that? Luckily I had enough change! We (and by 'we' I mean Paul) had checked out a few hotels on the internet but everything was booked, so we weren't sure if we were going to stay in Quebec City or drive back the same day. We parked in Old Quebec City and walked around a little bit looking for a hotel and at the beautiful streets. We found a super cute hotel / inn and booked the night. Then we kept walking and - I'm sorry if this post doesn't make much sense, I'm watching Glee as I write this - so we walked around and stopped to have a Beaver Tail and take pictures, here's one:
Then we shopped for a while since my new school has a pretty intense dress code and because my feet were tortured by new shoes for 'Meet the teacher night' so I needed new heel-less shoes. I love my new clothes, and the shopping spree was fun! I also got awesome emerald earrings that match my ring from Paul's parents! We had a very yummy dinner. On Sunday we went to Galerie de la Capitale, which is a big mall with a roller coaster and such. We did a little bit more shopping and then drove back to Montreal. There was a bad crash on the highway so we were stuck in traffic for a little over an hour! We came home and rented the first 'Millenium' movie. If you haven't read the books yet, you should, they are much better than the movie. Oh speaking of movies, I also saw Eat, pray, love with my mom (it was good but the book is better) and Dinner with Schmucks (the original is better). Yesterday, Monday, my birthday, we went to my parent's house. My aunt, uncle, cousin, grandma and adoptive uncle were all there (plus my immediate family). It was really fun! My birthday gift from my students was an amazing day today! They were so well-behaved and we had a lot of fun reviewing the vowels - hopefully this keeps up!
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