Winter in Yorkton

Check Us Out

My grade 5 class has been working really hard this month and I would like to share some of their accomplishments.  Please check out our class blog and click on the photo gallery to see the grade 5's hard at work:  http://teacherweb.com/SK/MCKnoll/MsGreensides/apt1.aspx

Much Needed Update!

I've been promising my mother for a while now that I would update my blog ... so, here goes.  There is quite a bit to update you all on so I decided that I'm going to take it month by month.  Don't worry, I'll try not to be long winded. 

June: 
I decided this past year that I would begin looking for another teaching job so since January I had been applying for job after job after job.  Finally, in June I got an interview.  Being in the north did not make attending this interview easy but I persevered and thank God I did because I was offered the job.  Accepting this new position meant that June was going to be very busy.  I had one week to pack my belongings (it's amazing how much stuff one person can accumulate in only 2 years), pack my classroom, and clean my house.  I was so lucky to have my dad with me; he was such an amazing help and support.  After a long day of driving to Meadow Lake and back to pick up a U-Haul, my dad and I packed everything up and headed out of the north.  This was bitter sweet.  A day and a half later my dad and I arrived in Yorkton.  It only took 3 days to find an apartment, buy furniture, and move in.  By the end of the month we were heading home ... to Stratford.

July: 
It was great to be able to spend so much time with family and friends.  I knew that now that I was living somewhere in south-east SK that I wouldn't be making the trek home as often, thus, I wanted to spend as much time as humanly possible with those that I care so much for.  I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my mom and we did a girls trip to see Josh Groban (it was amazing!).  My parents, my niece Courtney and I also went to a Jays game.  My dad and I scored some top of the line Blue Jays memorbilia (OK ... they were just blankets) ... but they kept us warm on a cool evening.  It was really special to spend some time with my niece ... something that I don't get to do very often.  My cousin, Maggie, was getting married this summer so July brought with it a chance to bond with her.  As I was honoured to be a part of her wedding party ... I was also honoured to help plan an amazing bridal shower and a memorable bachelorette.  I can honestly say that many fond "pediments" were made. 

August:
The most memorable part of August was Maggie's wedding.  It was an incredible day.  Maggie was absolutely stunning.  Unfortunately, shortly after the wedding it was time to head back to SK.  My mom and aunt joined me on this trek and we had many wonderful conversations and bonding moments.  The bonding truly began; however, once we reached Yorkton.  Although I was mostly moved in there were a few things that I still needed to get to make my apartment complete.  I still needed a:  book case, a pantry, an entertainment unit, 2 lamps, and a CD/movie case ... the thing was ... we needed to put it together.  Generally, this is when my uncle and my dad would step in but we didn't need them.  We conquered putting all of the above together ourselves ... and yes, they are still standing today.  Sadly, despite my protests, my mother and aunt had to leave and I was left all alone to begin making a life for myself here in Yorkton.  School started the end of August and I began to get to know my fellow colleagues and students.

Today:
I love this city!  I've found a church that I like, my apartment has finally begun to feel like home, and I love my school and students.  Most of my time is spent planning but I'm beginning to venture out and see more of what Yorkton has to offer. 

To all my friends and family:  There is no longer an excuse not to come visit me.  I'm only 2 hours away from an airport and I live in a city that is very much like home.  I have an extra bedroom that is waiting for you. 

Goodbye La Loche

Today I left La Loche.  Although I am incredibly excited for the adventures and experiences that lie ahead, that excitement, today at least, is marred by a bit of sadness.  I have learned so much these last two years about myself professionally and personally.  I have been challenged both inside and outside of the classroom and these challenges have definitely made me a better person.  I am truly going to miss my students and colleagues who have given me so many memories that I will cherish forever.  It may have only been a stepping stone but it was an important and significant step in my career and my life. 

Moving to Yorkton

Thank you for all your prayers, positive vibes, and support ... it all paid off.  I have recently interviewed for and accepted a teaching position in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  I will be going back to elementary school and teaching grade 5.  There is also now no excuse for any of my friends and family to not come and visit.  Yorkton is only 90 minutes from Regina (major airport) and the city reminds me a lot of Stratford.  I'm looking forward to this new challenge and cannot wait to share my experiences with all of you. 

I'll be home in a couple of weeks ... can't wait to see you all. 

Chilling Out

Update:  still searching ....

Chloe has found some interesting places to "chill" lately ... check it out!

Deadline

The deadline is tomorrow ...

Please send me prayers, positive thoughts and vibes and well wishes .... I need all the positive energy I can get! 

Fingers crossed!

Gate C39

It is amazing how much one reflects while waiting and sitting at the airport.

I'm hanging out at gate C39 waiting to board my plane.  As I sit here and reminisce over the last week I realize how much I miss my family already.  I just left them an hour ago but that doesn't seem to matter.  You would think that the more I come and go (for visits) the leaving part would get easier but the truth is ... it just gets harder.  I didn't do anything special this week.  No big parties (besides the expected family gathering for Easter).  No adventurous road trips.  No out of the ordinary events.  This is what made the week so special.  It was my family and I hanging out and just being together.  It was exactly what I needed.  The week flew by as we all knew it would and here I am now trying to reconcile my feelings of sadness.  I know that summer will be here before I know it and we will be together again ... I just wish ... we weren't so far apart.

It really is amazing how much one reflects while waiting and sitting at the airport.  

It's Always an Adventure

Today I traveled from La Loche to Saskatoon in order to catch an early flight home tomorrow.  As always, it wasn't an easy journey.  I made it to Borden, which is a half hour drive from Saskatoon and where Chloe would be spending her break.  It was there that I noticed my brakes not working to their greatest potential.  No "brake" light had come on in my car, thus, I continued on to Saskatoon with no worries.  I did; however, leave a piece of my car in Borden as I ran into a post putting a dent in my driver's side door (which now produces a 'pop' each time it opens) and broke my side light.  This seemed insignificant and not fatal so I continued my journey.  I made it to my hotel safely and at that time my car decided to fill me in on the brake situation ... the 'brake' light came on.  Thankfully, the Mazda dealership is across the street from my hotel so I promptly drove over there and begged for their assistance.  I do have to say that the people at Saskatoon Mazda are extremely helpful and very nice and they assured me they would take good care of the "Beast" and fix all of her ailments.  Why are things never easy?!

Despite the car situation it was a beautiful day for a drive.  I saw eight deer, six of which were alive.  I also saw too many prairie dogs to count minus one ... sorry little prairie dog.  It has been an ... interesting start to my Easter break and I'm looking forward to coming home.  See you all soon!

I AM

I gave my students an assignment last week to write an "I Am" poem and I decided that I should write one as well.  Here is my poem:

I Am

I am strong and independent

I wonder what life has in store for me

I hear the sound of silence

I see a bright and successful future

I want a husband

I am strong and independent

I pretend that everything is fine ... even when it's not

I feel sadness when a student gives up

I touch people's lives

I worry ... period

I cry at everything

I am strong and independent

I understand that I can't save people

I believe in my students' potential

I dream of traveling the world

I try my best ... always

I hope for peace in the world 

I am strong and independent

Viva Las Vegas

I received a letter in the mail today giving me an update from home.  This letter also reminded me that I have been neglecting my blogs.  Thanks Elaine for getting me back to it.  I'll try harder to keep this updated.

Not much has been happening; perhaps this is the reason for the neglect.  I can tell you; however, that I have just returned from my first trip to Vegas.  It was awesome!  I have to admit that it was also a bit overwhelming as there is so much to see and do.  A return trip is a must in order to do all the things that I missed but wished to experience.  What did I do?  Besides visiting the various hotels my friends and I also visited the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam as well as Cirque de Soleil's show "O".  The Grand Canyon was truly awe inspiring.  Witnessing the simple beauty was peaceful and relaxing.  "O" was unbelievable.  This was the first Cirque show that I have seen and it certainly will not be the last.  I have to admit I did feel slightly apprehensive at the start of the show because the various acrobatic and high flying acts made me nervous for the actors.  I had to remind myself that they were in fact professionals and they do the acts every night. Eventually I was able to relax and just enjoy the wonder of Cirque de Soleil.  We stayed at Harrah's and the room was beautiful.  We had a strip view overlooking Caesar's Palace, The Mirage, and Treasure Island.  For inquiring minds, I would definitely stay at Harrah's again. 

There are 40 work days before my next break.  I look forward to accomplishing lots within the classroom and seeing my students step up and do their part in their educational journey.  This semester has shaped up to be positive thus far.  I enjoy my students and they continue to impress me with their brilliance. 

Well, for someone who said they didn't have much to say I sure have babbled on.  Friends and family back home, know that I think of you often and miss you lots.  I'll be home before you know it!!

First Post in 2011!!

Almost two months have gone by, thus, I believe an update is necessary.

I had an amazing Christmas vacation at home.   Although it went by way too quickly and I did not have a chance to see everybody that I wanted to, it was great to be home and see friends and family whom I cherish and love.

Since I've been back my students and I have been busy finishing up the first semester.  This semester had a very rocky start but it has ended on a positive note.  My students actually learned something and I am proud to say were also engaged in most of the material studied.  It has not been a perfect semester but it has certainly been a successful one.  I am looking forward to the new semester as it brings with it some much needed prep time.

I've also started a course which will keep me busy between now and April.  It's an additional basic qualifications course which once completed will give me my senior qualifications in English.  The course has only just begun but I am enjoying it.

Some friends and I have planned a trip to Vegas next month.  If anyone has any suggestions as to restaurants we should eat at, places we should visit, shows/attractions that we must see, I would love to hear them.

I'm looking forward to a positive, fun, and healthy 2011 and wish the same for all of you!

Cheers!