the ultimate "ah ha" moment

So, finally our departmental grades came in and Michele shared the most excellent news with me --- ready? ALL of our grade 12's passed their departmental exams in math and english from the fall semester -- must be doing something right -- but, it was them. This is their achievement...they did it all on their own really -- and to make things better - none of our students got a "mercy pass" meaning they got 46 - 50 and got bumped up to a pass -- that's right -- they did it on their own! Phew...so, one more semester to finish and then they graduate. I must say, this is a definite unique part of teaching high school....fantastic...so, there we be... later gaters...

Start your Monday with a laugh...

Just something I received via email through a friend...got a good chuckle ...if we can't make fun of ourselves, who can we make fun of? (I realize that is a very open question and you could technically make fun of a lot of people -- but laugh at this and obstain from personal jokes?!? who knows....)

2007 Red Neck pick-up lines

If you have some redneck friends who could use some help establishing relationships then you might want to consider sharing some of these latest pick-up lines with them and help get their New Year off to a good start.

1) Did you fart? Cuz you blew me away.

2) Are yer parents retarded? Cuz ya sure are special.

3) My Love fer you is like diarrhea. I can't hold it in.

4) Do you have a library card? Cuz I'd like to sign you out.

5) Is there a mirror in yer pants? Cuz I can see myself in' em.

6) If you was a tree & I were a Squirrel, I'd store my nuts in yer hole.

7) You might not be the best lookin girl here, but beauty's only a light switch away.

8) Man - "Fat Penguin!" Woman - "WHAT?" Man - "I just wanted to say something that would break the ice."

9) I know I'm not no Fred Flintstone, but I bet I can make yer bed rock.

10) I can't find my puppy, can you help me find him? I think he went inta this cheap motel room.

11) Yer eyes are as blue as window cleaner.

12) If yer gunna regret this in the mornin, we kin sleep in til afternoon.

And.... the best for last………

13) Yer face reminds me of a wrench, every time I think of it my nuts tighten up.

English 30B (AKA English 12)

So, here they are...the students of my grade 12 english class...minus a few...see? Doesn't it look that they've had a good week? Like any of my previous classes, I am amazed at how fast I have come to know and love these kids (okay, they're not kids) In the few short months that I've been here, I've come to appreciate them for their individuality even though they piss me off (to quote one of the other 'kids') sometimes...they are incredible people and they are in those last moments of the biggest stage of your life - school. Amazing. My hope for them is that they pursue their dreams, whatever they are...and that they stay true to themselves in that pursuit. They make it easy to get up for work (okay, maybe not easy -- but they definitely make it worth it!)

Friday Already!

Well, that time of the week already. We had a good week. Of course when I say we I am not referring to my multiple personalities; rather, the many personalities I deal with everyday -- my students. This week was interesting -- we had some pretty in depth conversations regarding a lot of different issues: racism, alchohol use, treaty rights, welfare cheques...yup...and the kids are really opening up to discussing the issues we are reading about. There were a few of the students who were really intrigued by the book The Freedom Writers so now it is my goal to read it as quickly as possible so that it can be passed around and enjoyed by many. Usually I am a real stickler about books -- don't like them to get messsed up; however, lately I've had a different attitude around it and have been lending them out, without much worry of their return back to me. After all, I can go get another copy if I desperately need one...although, as I'm typing this I realize that what I just stated is not completely true as there are still certain books sitting upon my shelf that will never be in somebody else's hands...but somehow, now I'm not sure what I think! Ha! But, I'll lend the aforementioned book out -- it emits a very strong message about the power of language and words to change people's lives. If you get the chance, pick up the book...if Oprah can make recommendations, I figure I can too!

Well I Never...

Huh...thought I've seen a lot living in the NWT, but apparently I still had something pretty incredible (in a funny and crazy kind of way) to see... Jen and I went for a walk tonight and we saw this kid coming towards us pretty quickly -- like he was running but he wasn't running...how are your deductive reasoning skills? Ours were slow. It wasn't until he was pretty much right in front of us that we realized he was skating (yes, you read that correctly) down the middle of the main road. Well I never... I wish I would have had my camera with me to prove this sight to you, but you'll have to take my word for it until it is witnessed again...and, he wasn't the only one...there were about 7 or 8 kids doing it... Have you ever?!?

Domesticity

that's what today was all about -- baking bread -- now, I make a full batch and all I really want is one loaf of bread but I get about 6 good sized loafs out of the batch..so, I give most of it away, but the house smells so yummy with bread baking...one of these days I'm going to attempt making some ham buns again...even better... but I'll never makes ones as good as Jenn's mom ...

What else? not much really -- its been a pretty quiet day but a nice day nonetheless...I've been chatting with a lot of the kids I taught in Deline via MSN...nice to hear they miss me as much as I miss them...

Another full week ahead of us and I'm feeling rejuvinated and ready for it. I managed to get a lot of work done yesterday. On Wednesday there is a coed volleyball tournament through the recreation department..will be good to play... Well, happy Monday for today (unless one of your favourite songs is Tori Amos' "I Hate Mondays"...don't worry, Friday's come fast enough!)

Oh! And I got a nice surprise today, MaryAnn (the mom of one of my students) brought me a big chunk of Caribou meat....speaking of yummyy....

Some Inspiration For You

Its been awhile since I've read this...my mom loves this piece of literature...it really is a great example of how other's people's words can be inspirational...print it off...tape it up...whatever...

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, the are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither by cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be Careful. Strive to be happy.

Lazy Weekends

Its rejuvinating to have a lazy weekend...when I don't travel back to Saskatoon, my weekends provide relaxation. Last night I walked Havoc (Tyson's dog) -- funny how you never feel like going out and walking but once you're out there you wonder why you don't do it more often. Maybe it was all the fresh air or maybe it was the fact that my body is so used to so little sleep but its quite ironic how on the one day when I can sleep in, I was wide awake before my alarm would have gone off (during the week). Shitty...but whatever... I worked a day shift at the detachment today and managed to get all of my school work for the week done... benefit. Now, just watching the Oilers vs. Flames on the tube and hijacking my neighbour's wireless connection...fun on a Saturday night in small town Northern Saskatchewan.......yuppers... anyways, hope you are all enjoying your respective weekends ... Monday's come so fast!

The Power of Words

These words on their own don't mean much, but put together they are inspiring...movtivating, to me at least. I've always been a 'quote girl.' Loving things with different quotes of inspiration ..these magnets are all over my fridge and I have a notebook which contains some of my favourite quotes. As I learned yesterday, when Michele stated quite simply the events of my Saturday night without any exaggeration but leaving out a few words which made it seem completely wild -- which it unfortunately wasn't, words have the power to make people convinced of something, the power to make people laugh, cry, feel inspired, fight injustices...insert your own ideas here.

Dr. Martin Luther King's speech " I have a Dream " is a perfect example of how words can fight injustice, as is Anne Frank's diary entries. I'm feeling quite inspired because over the holidays Sheri and I went to see " The Freedom Writer's Diary " with Hilary Swank -- another variation of "Dangerous Minds" You know, a group of kids labeled stupid who turn their lives around through the power of words -- whether it be other peoples' words or your own... it really is amazing.

So, of course I had to order the book from which the movie is based. I began reading it last night...and again, I felt inspired. My pondering for today is that we all need to pay more attention to the words around us, spoken or in print...there are some beautiful messages to be heard/read if we are paying attention. And, if you have a favourite quote, send it my way -- like I said...love them.... I suppose that's enough rambling for today...

One Week Down...

And only 18 to go until the end of the school year -- yup, I'm not kidding... phew... The sun is finally out and about today and I think you notice it in everyone's energy levels. People are smiley and happy (or maybe that is just because it is Friday and they have survived) It's nice to be back in the swing of things... I'm looking forward to a bit of relaxation and scrapbooking on the weekend...but I'm sure I'll end up in here on Sunday to do some marking and more planning for the week. This semester I'm teaching English 10, 30(which is grade 12), Native Studies 30 and Arts Education 20. I'm really enjoying my mornings...they're like a Mazda commerical (you know....zoom, zoom, zoom) Ha! Anyways, I know you're all back at work after the holidays... hopefully the fresh start is great for you too! Have a happy (hopefully non-blizzard'y') weekend...I'm off to check the mail (I know, what excitement:) )

Pampering One's Self....

The idea of taking time to groom yourself is often idyllic....not like I don't have the time, but sometimes I'm really just to lazy to do it. Crazy...This is a picture of my leg...not really, I think I probably (well I really do) have thicker ankles than this dude...and I'm not a dude...did you miss my ramblings? I'm back! Ha...where was I going with this anyways?!? Good question....over the holidays Sheri and I took time to use lotion everyday...something so simple but rubbing your feet with shea butter really perks you up! Do you think I could continue this behaviour once back to my daily routine? I'm trying...not sure how long it will last for though.... I remember the first time I convinced Jenn that waxing your "moustache" was a great idea...yeah, it hurts a bit at first but its worth it! clean upper lip feels great! Well, it hurt her a lot more and left her with some major redness that did not disappear after the usual couple of hours....hmmm...a good laugh then and is still a good laugh now....anyways, we should all take a couple of minutes out of our day to pamper ourselves...starting now! Yup, that is my conclusion

Back to the Grind...

Well....back to the grind, as the title states. Holidays are over for another year and the stores are already getting ready for Valentine's Day. Crazy. Its good to be back at work....although you get tired by the end, the energy of the kids is a great motivator. They were all smiles and "Happy New Years" yesterday as it was the first day back to school. And already they're inquiring about a break in February. Hmmm....19 weeks until the end of the school year -- I'm sure I'll blink a couple of times and it will be done for yet another year. The holidays at home were most excellent. It was great to spend Christmas with family and I got to spend a lot of quality time with Sheri -- its amazing how we can just sit and not talk and still feel like we got an amazing visit in (us not talk? yes! it is possible!) Anyways, here's to a fresh start at a new year. Resolutions? Not really....they never last anyway -- just enjoy each day as it comes.