Thanks for the Journey

It has been great sharing my experiences with you.  Thanks for your comments and your support.  Take care!

Now What?!

They pulled out of the driveway at 7:20 am, their little faces pressed against the windows as the truck rounded the bend out of sight.  My babies are camping...without me.

So, now what?  I went to work, had dinner with friends, came home to a quiet house, did a load of laundry, emptied the dishwasher and collected the garbage and recycling.  It's too quiet around here.  The hands on the clock aren't moving, I think the batteries are dead...

Is it Friday yet?

I am sure their father has it all under control, at least he better.  I'm sure they'll/I'll be fine, I'm almost positive I'll make it four nights without my little ones.  I should have recorded some arguments, whining and pounding feet noises to keep my company.  What was I thinking?

A Close Call

You know that we recently acquired two fish and that we are already have a dog and a cat?  Thankfully our local Humane Society helped us out or we would have been home to a baby crow.  Before you say, "ahhhhh, how cute, a baby bird" listen to this:

After a very long day at work on Thursday the kids and I arrived home to settle into the routines of homework, dinner, baths and other such evening chores.  As we climbed from the car, my youngest blurted out, "ahhhhh, how cute, a baby bird" (sound familiar?)  At first, I didn't think it was a common bird.  The thing was huge!  The sound of his cries instantly broke my heart.  Obviously his wing was broken and with it extended at such an awkward angle it was over twelve inches long.  The beak was a mottled blackish brown and his baby plumage was black, blue and white.  We waited to see if his parents were in sight, but eventually we had to find a box in the garage and nestle it gently in with some grass.

En route to the animal shelter I called to see if they'd even take Pickles (yep, in those few minute he had been named;  rather aptly too, as he had been in quite a pickle when we found him.  I was assured the vet would be ready the moment we arrived.  I fought rush hour traffic with focused determination.  The three of us hurried from the car and into the vestibule of the Kitchener Human Society, Pickles held tightly in his ice cream sandwich box.  The vet was very kind and whisked Pickles into the medical centre as I provided the necessary info to the intake nurse.  It was heartwarming to see so many people dedicated to the care of animals.  We left the centre, my children disappointed that Pickles would not make his home with us, but clear in their understanding that he was going to be well cared for and then released when he was strong enough.

I'm sure you'll understand my relief that our animal count remains at 4, for the moment anyway.  This afternoon my little guy was walking around the backyard with a toad clenched in his grubby little hand.  I'm almost positive he left it outside...

Angel on Earth

I saw an angel today. An angel with faded, ripped jeans, a well-worn jacket and a tired baseball cap. He was standing just up from a busy, four lane intersection in downtown Kitchener. As my children and I approached the intersection, on our way home from swimming lessons, we noticed a mother duck and 10 brand new ducklings. She was frantically trying to cross all four lanes of traffic and stepped out into oncoming cars and certain death. In a blink of an eye the man, our angel, was by her side with his hands in the air. His thoughtful actions brought cars from all directions to an abrupt halt as he escorted mother and babies safely across the road. My heart melted as the new mother looked up at her 'crossing guard' repeatedly as she ushered her ducklings to the other side. I glanced into my mirror in time to see the new family meander down into the gully where a little creek runs into a small forest. And the angel? I don't know where he went, I lost sight him after that, but I take great comfort in knowing there are angels amongst us.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

That childhood song has many happy memories for me. You see, I grew up in a family of Blue Jays fans and if you know anything about baseball, you'll know that is a very powerful thing.

Yesterday marked the 2012 Blue Jays' home opener and although the result was rather dismal, the energy level in my house could have powered the downtown core of Kitchener. Who knew that a love of baseball could be passed down genetically? My offspring did not get my green eyes, my right handedness, or my stubby little nose, but they did inherit my enthusiasm for a good ball game.

I remember outlasting rain delays at Exhibition Stadium. I remember 'The Wave' and Bobby Cox going toe to toe with a thoroughly misguided umpire. I'm a fan who remembers, Gruber, Stieb, Bell and Willllllllllllllie Uppppppshawwwww! Imagine my delight when I turned on the pre-game show and saw a white haired Buck Martinez! He's still the commentator I remember from years ago!

So I watched the game, by myself, as it was a night game (bummer for an opener!) and my little ones had to go to bed, (it was a school night.) I had my snacks, wine and was snuggled on the couch with my dog at my feet and my cat in my lap. I cheered and I clapped. I rout, rout, routed for the home team. They didn't win, it was a shame.

Why on earth Farrell pulled Oliver after the eighth inning I'll never know, but it was all downhill from there. However, I giggled this morning when my eldest woke with her usual less than sunny disposition, slunk down to her place at the breakfast table and grumbled her first words of the morning, "so, who won?" A new generation of Blue Jays fans emerges. Surely, combined with a stellar back-catcher, a proven right fielder and a dedicated fan base, the Jays have a good chance at the World Series. More importantly, I have two mini Jays fans to commiserate with when the manager pulls the reliever too early or changes the batting order at the last minute. Oh genetics are a powerful thing!

Introducing...

On behalf of the youngest members in my family, I would like to formally introduce our newest additions. Mr. Bubbles is a delightfully active orange goldfish who is the pride and joy of my youngest. Mr. Bubbles had to be a male fish because my little guy did not feel he was, "up to the responsibility of raising baby goldfish." We also welcomed Violet, a tri-coloured Japanese fighting fish, known for her graceful fin movements.

We are now a family with four pets: Piper, our 6 year old black lab; what he lack in brains he makes up for in cuteness. Finnigan, our feline of questionable pedigree and age, as he was kitty-napped from neglectful owners before we provided him with his forever home. And now two fish. It feels complete and I purposely ignored the ohhing and awwing that came from my children as we passed the hamster cages at the local pet store.

So both fish are well established in their deluxe fish bowls and both children are contentedly reading as they gaze at their new pets. I'll keep you posted on how they (me) adjust to adding this responsibility to our (my) daily routine.

The First Camping Trip is Booked!

Yipppeeee!

This was the same reaction I shared, in a reply email to my mother, when she told me she had reserved the site for our annual camping trip to Restoule Provincial Park. This August will mark our third annual camping trip and will be the major highlight of my summer. Yes, there will be other camping trips to other campgrounds but they will not be as highly anticipated as this one. There is something unique about three generations fishing, swimming, walking and marshmallow roasting. Something so unique that I find it hard to articulate. You'll have to trust me when I say it is magical.

I hope there is something you are planning that brings you this same level of contentment. I'd love to know what it is.

March Break Finale

Here I am, up early, on the last morning I could have slept in. March Break is drawing to a close and we will return to alarm clocks and schedules once more. Am I ever glad that I did not flock south like several of my friends and colleagues! If I had, I would have missed the first bike rides of the season, the tulips sprouting at an Olympic rate, the "marrying' of so many sparrows in my backyard and day-trips with family and friends. The weather was glorious, the company superb. Who could ask for anything more?

Happy Family Day!

What an awesome day! We're home for a quick bite to eat and to exchange our skates and scarves for our towels and swimsuits. What are we up to, you might ask?

Family Day in Southwestern Ontario dawned bright and brisk. We bundled up and headed into the downtown core of our city. A city that I am beginning to think of as home, which is notable progress for this country girl. It was pushing 9:30 am as the kids stepped out onto the glistening ice of the outdoor rink at City Hall. Surprisingly, they were two of the four people on the ice. The sun peaked over the high rise offices that offered welcome shelter from the morning breeze. As the kids circled around the ice they were joined by a few more skaters, eager to soak up the sun's rays. In the courtyard that borders the rink volunteers were hustling to set up tables laden with steaming coffee, hot chocolate, fresh baked cookies, apples and popcorn. These goodies, much appreciated by skaters and spectators alike, were generously donated by the neighbouring Williams Cafe and the Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre. My family enjoyed an entire morning of skating and window shopping before heading home to thaw out and regroup.

Shortly, we are heading out to Public Swim at our neighbourhood pool. We'll spend a few hours splashing and sliding in the warm water before heading home to a crock pot full of tasty spaghetti, a crackling fire and a full-contact board game. The memories we'll add to the photo album will be treasured by all and my children will drift off to sleep with happy thoughts of another great Family Day! An action packed day to be sure, and all for a grand total of $12.50.

Number 8 on my Bucket List...

I promised I'd keep you updated as my Bucket List takes shape.

#8 Hike in the mountains of British Columbia.

Is Patriotism Dead?

I ask this question after a full week of rather focused observation. Spending time in a wide range of classrooms like I do, allows me to comment knowledgeably about this ritual of showing patriotism.

Here is what I have gleaned:

In a room with 6-8 colleagues, adults do not sing O' Canada. Some do not bother to stand up or cease conversation or computer work. In larger numbers, 15-30 colleagues, it takes a few adults singing before the rest will join in and half-heartedly at that. In a large crowd, adults will sing exuberantly if a sporting event is about to begin.

In a room of Grade 8 students, no one sings. In grades 4-7 students sing, scratch that, students mumble through the lyrics only if they are reminded by their teachers. Teachers who don't sing, despite reminding their students in the first place. In primary grades 2-3, students' voices harmonize beautifully along with their teachers as everyone is encouraged to participate. Who participates without hesitation or reminder? Grade one students. These little angels belt out the words, full volume, with the sincerity of saints.

This week, while conducting assessments in the Grade 1 hallway, I listened to these young Canadians show respect and honour their country. Why isn't this sense of patriotism fostered and nurtured as our students mature? Why does it seem to be squelched instead?

#7 on my Bucket List...

7. I want to drink Guinness, at the proper temperature, in a tiny pub in Ireland.

Now that I have that out of the way, I want to recommend three books to you.

1) The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by: John Boyne

2) Milkweed by: Jerry Spinelli

3) The Help

Visit your local library, pick them up, make some tea and cuddle down. Be prepared to be swept back in time.

Happy reading.

What would you recommend I read next?

A Five Star Holiday on a Budget

We're nearing the end of what I have officially dubbed the best holiday ever! Five Stars all the way, and it didn't cost me a month's salary and I didn't need to cram into my swimsuit. Several people will have maxed their credit cards in order to purchase a five star vacation package for some exotic destination this Christmas holiday. Not me. I stayed in the comfort of my home, with the people I love and did all the things I enjoy for the past two weeks.

It's been incredible! I'm not saying I wouldn't have enjoyed sun, sand and surf, but I certainly didn't need them to experience a peaceful, relaxing and fun-filled holiday. My new philosophy, one that I've been mulling over for about six months, is this: If I can't pay cash for something right now, I don't need it right now. Thankfully, nothing big has happened, no real emergencies, or my new philosophy might have been put to the test. But, there has been a new fridge, the twenty-four year old predecessor died. There was a furnace repair, a car tune-up and don't forget the Christmas shopping. I held fast to my new mantra. The best test was ensuring my children and I had a memorable holiday. We did!

Visits with family and friends, toboggan parties, free public skating, a movie night, pjs and a fire... the list goes on. Maybe one year we'll try an all inclusive, five star holiday in an exotic locale, but probably not. I don't think I could give up Christmas with my parents, my brother's family and my Grandma. They've all taught me to appreciate the comforts, nope scratch that, the luxuries of home.

How was your holiday?

The Downfalls of Screen Time

Giggling echoed over the gently sloping hills that border the schoolyard, as my children and their friends tobogganed this afternoon. The crisp winter air and the endless trips up and down the hill painted round, rosy patches on their cheeks. It was a magical day.

An old fashioned play-date, one friend each for an entire afternoon and evening of fun. Lego, popcorn, Twister, tobogganing, hot chocolate and laughing. You'll notice that nowhere on that list did I include, video games, DS, Game-boy, X-Box, PS3, Wii, Tablets, Kindles, computers or Touches. No screens whatsoever! I'll admit to owning one 19 inch TV, a computer and a Wii, but my children are not obsessed with technology. They don't 'plug-in' every chance they get and as a result, they are still children.

As a Learning Support Teacher, I spend a large portion of my day coaching teachers around participation techniques. How can we teach curriculum in a way that engages students? It used to be that participation from our students was a given. Students were expected to focus and learn. Now, teachers are expected to constantly engage all of their students, all of the time. No pressure there... we're just competing with all those screens that flash, beep, and hold today's youth spellbound. The problem I see with too much technology is the tendency for youth to be drawn into a world so far removed from reality that when they do unplug, momentarily even, they struggle to communicate, focus and succeed in the real world.

The old fashion playing that happened in my home this afternoon is the norm for my family. I acknowledge that technology has a place in our world, our society and in our classrooms, but there must be a balance. Screens, remotes and keyboards will never replace whispering under the sheets of a dinning-room fort and they can't compete with the thrill of coasting down the hill on a toboggan with a friend. These childhood experiences must remain sacred.

And before you say it, yes I am aware that I'm posting my thoughts on my blog, using the same technology that I caution can intrude on our lives. The difference is, I'm going to unplug right now, instead of surfing the Net, reading gossip and rubbish. I'm going to snuggle down with a good book. A real book, with pages and a cover, not a Kindle, a Kobo or an E-reader, but a real book.

P.S. I might even dog-ear the page before I fall asleep. Don't tell the Librarian. Librarian? you ask. Don't even get me started on that...

Note To Self...

Never own a black haired dog/cat until black carpet and black baseboards are in style permanently!

Bucket List To Date

As promised, I will share my 2012 bucket list as it stands right now. Funny enough, considering things I want to see and do has been rather entertaining over the last few days. Have a look at my list and see if it matches anything on your list.

1. To travel, by plane, somewhere out of country

2. Make a cheesecake

3. Fish on the Amazon River

4. Own a cottage in Northern Ontario

5. When I retire I want to own and run an antique store/tearoom

6. Re-learn how to skate

What's on your bucket list?

Help Wanted... Experienced Referee!

Ding, ding, ding... the bell sounds signaling the end of round #345.

I always look forward to extended vacations with my children and I think this is because I conveniently forget the fighting that inevitably happens. Don't get me wrong, they play beautifully most of the time, but when the peace talks breakdown and the cease fire crumbles, look out!

The older they get the more challenging it is to restore peace. By the time you listen to his side, her side and determine the truth, it is exhausting. I have tried letting them talk it out, letting them set their own consequences for the next time and I have tried instant banishment to time-out the moment there is the whisper of a battle brewing. In reflection, I have decided to quit my referee job (hence the job posting) as I know sibling squabbles are natural. Instead of intervening, I've decide to play mediator for my offspring. If anything, it will drive them batty and encourage them to move onto peaceful play. Well, until the next fight.

There are only a few days left of the holidays and I am determined to enjoy every moment. I'm retiring my black and white referee jersey and will put some serious thought into how much to charge for my mediation services.

I'll keep you posted as to how my new position turns out.

Out With The Old and In With The New

2012 is here and I have high hopes that it will be a dynamite year. I have many conversations with a close friend of mine about how the last 7 years have been rather challenging. We have decided that 2012 marks the end of this cycle and we are ready to embrace all the positive things it will bring.

The older I get, the faster time goes. While reminiscing about past New Year celebrations, I realized I was combining details from several different years. This must be a side effect of aging. This January does not signify the start of unrealistic resolutions and fade diets, but is does represent the birth of my bucket list. I know, this is nothing new as people have been talking about their bucket lists for years now. I think there is even a hollywood movie about this idea and a country song that reminds you to, "live like you are dying."

As I mull over this idea of recording the things I want to see and do in my lifetime, I will share them with you. I know travel, involving an airplane, will make the list for sure. I am more than a little embarrassed to admit that I'm 37 and have never flown on a plane. What about you, do you have a bucket list?

Why now, you may ask? The only thing I can think of is that 2012 is the start of a new cycle, a cycle that will bring many blessings. I'll let you know how it goes, because it is out with the old and in with the new! Don't worry, that doesn't include 'old' friends.

God Bless!