Superstars in La Loche

I've been focusing too much lately on the negative. No students or hardly any students in the classroom. Too many "F"'s on my student roster. Students sleeping, not working. But . . . today . . . something changed. I teach a block class which means I teach a class for two periods a day and I only have them for 1/4 of the year. The class began in April after we returned from our Easter Break. During the last month and a half these students have been working their butts off. I do only get 4-5 students out of 20ish on my class list but those 4-5 students work hard every day. They are one of the only classes who have actually handed assignments in on time and they have put so much effort into the work they complete. I hear often "Ms. Greensides, this is so hard!" I always reply "it's not suppose to be easy." Today, a pretty big assignment was due ... and ... I got three handed in. This may not seem like a big deal but it is a HUGE deal!! Despite the attendance issues, despite the lack of effort from some students, and despite some of the hardships ... this class makes it all worth it. They are proof that simply showing up and doing the work, even when it's hard, can produce amazing results. They are superstars!

The Wonders of a Power Outage

Today the power went out. In fact, it was already out when I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning. I opened my eyes and turned over towards the alarm clock, which happens to be a daily ritual, only to realize that there were no burning red numbers telling me what time of day it was. On any other day this might put me in a state of alarm ... but not today. I felt a sense of relief ... perhaps not being dictated by time relieved a sense of pressure that has lately taken over my life. I leisurely made my way out of the bedroom, texted some friends to ensure that I was not the only one "suffering" from the loss of power, found my flashlight and had a refreshing shower. After finishing the daily routine of making myself somewhat presentable, a wave of panic momentarily flashed through me. What would I do without power? I cannot cook or bake. I cannot watch T.V. I cannot use the Internet. What on earth will I do with myself. With only a moment's hesitation, I quickly found my way to my bedroom. No, I did not hide back under the covers. I picked up a book that had been calling my name. Yes, I read a book. It's now early afternoon and the power is back on. I have set the book down long enough to re-set the clocks, begin a load of laundry, check my email, and write this blog. I fight the temptation to turn the television on or to play a computer game but the power of the book and it's dynamic characters and plot twists and turns win me over. Although the power outage has undoubtedly inconvenienced many, it was for me a saving grace. It made me take a step back, away from all the "conveniences" technology has to offer, and indulge in a good book .... words on a page and my own imagination has been my sole entertainment ... what a concept!

Home Sweet Home

15 teaching days + 19 non-teaching days + 3 days until Maggie arrives in Saskatoon + 3 traveling days = 40 days until I'm home

It's a beautiful day here in La Loche; the sun is shining and the temperature is perfect. It's a great day for a road trip, thus, I can't help but think about the one I'll be on in 37 days. Although the road trip will technically begin the day I leave La Loche the true fun will not commence until my cousin Maggie arrives in Saskatoon. I've been checking mapquest and CAA's trip tik to figure out the best route home. Really it'll all come down to which way Suzy, our GPS guide, will take us. The route doesn't even matter. What matters is the wonderful company I will have with me and the final destination. My excitement is definitely building ... only 40 days ... just 40 days ...

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

To honour a mother truly is to honour her every day ... not just May 9. To truly honour a mother is to appreciate all that she does and all that she sacrifices. Sleepless nights - from adolescence throughout adulthood - lost independence - shared pain and heartbreak and constant reassurances. To honour a mother is to tell her everyday how much you love her and cherish her, respect her and value her. Continue to learn from her as her wisdom does not depreciate. To truly honour a mother takes more then flowers, chocolates, and fancy Hallmark cards. Remember, our actions speak louder then words.

"Mother's Smile"

There never was a fonder smile
than mother's smile, no softer touch
than mother's touch. So sleep awhile
and know she loves you more than "much."

So more than "much," much more than "all."
Though tender words, these do not speak
of love at all, nor how we fall
and mother's there, nor how we reach

from nightmares in the ticking night
and she is there to hold us tight.

There never was a stronger back
than father's back, that held our weight
and lifted us, when we were small,
and bore us till we reached the gate,

then held our hands that first bright mile
till we could run, and did, and flew.
But, oh, a mother's tender smile
will leap and follow after you!

By: Michael Burch

The Road Not Taken

I’ve been working on my poetry units for my classes and I keep thinking about this poem by Robert Frost.  I’ve been doing much reflecting on my decisions this past year, and perhaps that has prompted my sudden interest.  Perhaps it speaks to me because I’m at a point in my life where I need to choose a road or path to follow.  Perhaps I just appreciate its symbolism and message.  Maybe I like it for no particular reason at all.  Whatever the explanation, I feel like I need to share it; please enjoy . . . “The Road Not Taken.”

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim

Because it was grassy and wanted wear,

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I marked the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost