Here I am at parent teacher conferences for my new school, and I have nothing to do. This is because these interviews are for last semester, and I am new here, so many parents just stop by to meet me and then leave. Don't get me wrong, I have had several good talks and visits, but I have hit a lull and thought I would try to post a blog while I have some time.
The new school is great. The staff here are amazing. I feel very much at home. There are a few things that I am still getting used to, but over all I am happy. Life is good on the professional front.
I have been feeling a bit down lately for some reason. I am not sure if it is the lack of sleep or what, but my energy levels are a bit low. I have been wrking a heck of a lot harder this week, and I am having fun working with the SMART board (I can actually drag components of my lesson on the board and be much more versatile with my lessons than before). I am looking forward to going to the temple in Edmonton this weekend, especially because I'll be spending some time with Matt Harker. I just wish that he lived much closer to where I am these days.
The koalas are at the zoo, and Tuesday I had a chance to get a sneak peak at them. I believe that this is the first time I have seen live koalas, and they are a bit bigger than I expected them to be. Yes, they are quite cute, and they were actually awake when I was there. I have some pictures taken, but I am still figuring out how to install some of the photo programs on my new computer (stupid VISTA). They should be posted soon. Apparently they sleep for about 18-20 hours a day, so I'm guessing that most of the time they will be dozing when I see them. You know, volunteering there has been great. Liz, my new BFF at FFCA, came by and I showed her around after my volunteer shift last Saturday. I think if I ever get tired of teaching, I should get a job at the zoo as their official tour guide. So, for the few of you who are following this blog, let me know the next time you are in town and I'll be happy to give you the 5 Star tour.
So since I am blogging here at the teacher interviews, I'll give you the top 10 places that I would like to blog from in the future:
10. San Deigo. I went once many years ago and loved the place. I'd like to go back.
9. Toronto. It would be neat to blog from the CN tower (probably at the ground floor because of my fear of heights).
8. A cruise ship. I've done Vancouver-Alaska, but a Caribean cruise might be nice as well.
7. The House of Commons in Ottawa. Imagine, I could give play-by-play of the idiocracy that abounds there.
6. Hockey game. I don't like hockey, it would just give me something to do if I am ever there.
5. New York. I'd never want to live there but I would like to visit.
4. Edmonton. I lived there long enough, but I would like post a blog from there. Maybe this weekend.
3. Vulcan (Alberta, not the planet, although that ould be cool too)
2. Riding the back of an animal. Probably an elephant, maybe a camel. A horse would be a bit to ordinary. Hmmm, I wonder if I could ride a zebra?
1. Sydney Australia. The only thing is that I fear I may never want to leave.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Just Some Ramblings
Oh, where to begin. Life has become more eventful for me. Last month I said good-bye to the great people and students at Sir Winston Churchill high school where I had the honour of teaching Bio 30 for 3 months. What an experience. I came into the class as the fourth teacher in two months, and I got right down to work at gaining the trust of the students. It did not take long, and I found that the kids were outstanding. Three months later I had formed such a good working relationship with them. The downside is that when one of them hurts, I feel it with them. This happened when a particularily nice girl was sent to the ICU after a sledding accident just days before the final. When last I heard she was still in the ICU and was doing "OK" but was likely going to be suffering some permanent paralysis. You know, one of the hard things about my job is that these students become such a part of your life that what happens to them long after you have parted ways still has an effect on you. I have had two former students (that I know of) both die in car accidents in the last three years. One was Evan, and that guy always had a smile on his face. I remember taking his Bio 20 class to the gym for some "Bio-based games" and he was literally climbing the walls like a monkey. The other was Branden, and though we often butted heads, when he graduated there was a mutual respect that had been built. Suffice it to say that despite his sometimes rowdy behaviour in my class, he was one who tried to live life to the fullest. So this latest accident hit me pretty hard, but again there is little I can do.
At my new school, the FFCA high school, I have done what I never thought I would do. I have a BFF. Liz, the other bio teacher, and I hit it off really well right at the start. I have to say that there have been several colleagues over the years that have meant a lot to me. Kim Baowlin, Val Bishop, Marty Hoehn, Lori Bjorklund, Marnie Noon, Hussein Barbari, Cheryl Cowan, Eldon Oakanee, Deb Miller, and Ted Pike have stood out as outstanding colleagues. Now, there's Liz Amer. She is just too much fun, and even though I am feeling a bit stressed about other things in my life, she makes me laugh and feel so appreciated. I showed her around the zoo yesterday after my double koala shift (yes, the koalas are here, but they won't be open to the public until Wednesday). She was like a kid, all wide-eyed and excited. For the first time since I moved to Calgary, I feel that I have found a long-lasting friend. I had been praying for someone that I can just have fun with, and she has fit the bill nicely. So, to my little Hot Chocolate fairy, thanks! Now, if we start dressing the same (we already think much alike), I'll start panicking.
On a down note, it is just three weeks left before Jen can file for the divorce. I am at the point where I just want this trial to be over. It has been a long haul, and hopefully the proceedings will be quick and painless. Since there really isn't anything that should drag it out, I anticipate that by the end of March it will be done, and I can move on with my life. This last year has had its shares of ups, and I feel truly grateful for the blessings that Father has poured upon me, but let's face it, the break down of my marriage has been the single worse experience of my life, bar none. I truly never thought that I would find myself in this predicament, and considering how hard I worked at my marriage, tosee it all go down the drain without so much a whimper has been devestating. Still, I am anxious, albeit nervous, to get back on the path to my ultimate goal of being a husband and father. Had a shot at the first, and did good. Now it's time to get out there and find whoever Father has been preparing for me. In some ways I am looking forward to dating again, but there is a bit if trepidation. Just a warning to all out there, I feel a bit gun-shy, but I will get out there and do it.
In the spirit of looking forward, I have this issues top 10 list of movies that I am most looking forward to seeing in 2009. I made this list up a couple weeks ago, and already went out and saw one of them, but I'm too tired to go look up another one. So if you are thinking of cathcing one of these, let me know. I'd love to tag along.
10. Escape to Witch Mountain - I saw the original as a kid and do not remember much about it, but I am all for giving nostalgia a chance, so I have good hopes for this one.
9. Inkheart - Brendan Fraser, one of my all time favourite actors, has ahd a good couple of years. This is the one that I saw, and I quite enjoyed the story telling in it.
8. GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra - yes, another toy obsession from my past is headed to the screen in a big blockbuster movie. It also stars Brendan Fraser. Honestly, I am not expecting much from this one, but it will be fun to watch
7. Sherlock Holmes - not due out until next winter, this has Robert Downey Jr in the lead role. I like the detectve stories, so I'll give this a glance.
6. The Pink Panther 2 - I very much enjoyed the first one, and have heard some good things about the sequel. Hopefully, it will be a "Good one"
5. Earth - A disney nature film. I have seen the trailer, and I just love these kind of films. Bring on the critters!
4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine - when I first heard the concept, I was a bit skeptical. When I learned some of the casting, I was even moreso. Still, it is X-Men, so let's give it a chance.
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - I really hope this one goes well. I must admit a bit of a disappointment with the last one, so fingers are crossed.
2. Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - yes, my childhood hero, Optimus Prime, is gearing up for the big screen again. The first was a blast and a dream come true, I just can't wait for the next adventure.
1. Star Trek - OK, who did not see that one coming! With JJ Abrams at the helm, I am cautiously optimistic about this revival. OK, I am getting way pumped about it. Tara and I were talking with one of her colleagues, Richard, about getting a group together to go see it openning night. Let me know if you want in!
At my new school, the FFCA high school, I have done what I never thought I would do. I have a BFF. Liz, the other bio teacher, and I hit it off really well right at the start. I have to say that there have been several colleagues over the years that have meant a lot to me. Kim Baowlin, Val Bishop, Marty Hoehn, Lori Bjorklund, Marnie Noon, Hussein Barbari, Cheryl Cowan, Eldon Oakanee, Deb Miller, and Ted Pike have stood out as outstanding colleagues. Now, there's Liz Amer. She is just too much fun, and even though I am feeling a bit stressed about other things in my life, she makes me laugh and feel so appreciated. I showed her around the zoo yesterday after my double koala shift (yes, the koalas are here, but they won't be open to the public until Wednesday). She was like a kid, all wide-eyed and excited. For the first time since I moved to Calgary, I feel that I have found a long-lasting friend. I had been praying for someone that I can just have fun with, and she has fit the bill nicely. So, to my little Hot Chocolate fairy, thanks! Now, if we start dressing the same (we already think much alike), I'll start panicking.
On a down note, it is just three weeks left before Jen can file for the divorce. I am at the point where I just want this trial to be over. It has been a long haul, and hopefully the proceedings will be quick and painless. Since there really isn't anything that should drag it out, I anticipate that by the end of March it will be done, and I can move on with my life. This last year has had its shares of ups, and I feel truly grateful for the blessings that Father has poured upon me, but let's face it, the break down of my marriage has been the single worse experience of my life, bar none. I truly never thought that I would find myself in this predicament, and considering how hard I worked at my marriage, tosee it all go down the drain without so much a whimper has been devestating. Still, I am anxious, albeit nervous, to get back on the path to my ultimate goal of being a husband and father. Had a shot at the first, and did good. Now it's time to get out there and find whoever Father has been preparing for me. In some ways I am looking forward to dating again, but there is a bit if trepidation. Just a warning to all out there, I feel a bit gun-shy, but I will get out there and do it.
In the spirit of looking forward, I have this issues top 10 list of movies that I am most looking forward to seeing in 2009. I made this list up a couple weeks ago, and already went out and saw one of them, but I'm too tired to go look up another one. So if you are thinking of cathcing one of these, let me know. I'd love to tag along.
10. Escape to Witch Mountain - I saw the original as a kid and do not remember much about it, but I am all for giving nostalgia a chance, so I have good hopes for this one.
9. Inkheart - Brendan Fraser, one of my all time favourite actors, has ahd a good couple of years. This is the one that I saw, and I quite enjoyed the story telling in it.
8. GI Joe: the Rise of Cobra - yes, another toy obsession from my past is headed to the screen in a big blockbuster movie. It also stars Brendan Fraser. Honestly, I am not expecting much from this one, but it will be fun to watch
7. Sherlock Holmes - not due out until next winter, this has Robert Downey Jr in the lead role. I like the detectve stories, so I'll give this a glance.
6. The Pink Panther 2 - I very much enjoyed the first one, and have heard some good things about the sequel. Hopefully, it will be a "Good one"
5. Earth - A disney nature film. I have seen the trailer, and I just love these kind of films. Bring on the critters!
4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine - when I first heard the concept, I was a bit skeptical. When I learned some of the casting, I was even moreso. Still, it is X-Men, so let's give it a chance.
3. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - I really hope this one goes well. I must admit a bit of a disappointment with the last one, so fingers are crossed.
2. Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - yes, my childhood hero, Optimus Prime, is gearing up for the big screen again. The first was a blast and a dream come true, I just can't wait for the next adventure.
1. Star Trek - OK, who did not see that one coming! With JJ Abrams at the helm, I am cautiously optimistic about this revival. OK, I am getting way pumped about it. Tara and I were talking with one of her colleagues, Richard, about getting a group together to go see it openning night. Let me know if you want in!
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