Friday July 26th - the day I had been counting down to since mid-May. The day I knew that I would return home to Canada for good. The end to my adventures abroad.
My journey home began with a trek to Heathrow Airport with my bags - 2 full size, 23 kg bags of luggage and 2 carry on bags. I wouldn't have managed to get it all to the airport without the help of Phoebe. I am so grateful for your help and so glad that you came with me to the airport!
When I was checking in to my flight, I even saw one of my students! Neha from a Year 3 class at Stanburn where I did weekly PPA supply was there with her family so she said hi. That was an unexpected yet touching farewell that made me feel pretty good and special inside.
I checked my bags, making it through with no overweight charges! Woo! Phoebe and I had breakfast together, and then I made my way through security to my flight gate. The only time I really panicked was after I went through security, my flight had boarding status but I needed to buy a bottle of water and some gum for the flight, and after I purchased that my flight status said "closing" so I started to panic and walk super fast to my gate, even though it was only 10:30 and my flight didn't leave until 11:05. Thankfully, I made it my gate and I was just at the end of the line to board with a few others who had been hustling to the gate!
The flight went smoothly, although it did feel slightly long and boring. I watched two and a half movies - Wreck It Ralph, Admission and a bit of The Croods (I fell asleep after I started it).
I made it to Toronto early, so I didn't rush through immigration or baggage claim as I was worried I'd be finished and my greeters wouldn't be there yet!
And Phoebe, I managed to pay $2.00 on my credit card for a buggy so I didn't have to struggle with my bags after baggage claim, or find someone to help me! lol
I was so happy to be on Canadian ground, and thankfully Denise was there with a "Welcome Home" balloon and a 2 pound bag of Fuzzy Peaches for me! My Mom and Clint arrived shortly after. There were no tears just big hugs and smiles!
We went to Jack Astors nearby for food after, where I had poutine. Yum yum! :)
It feels so good to be home. Now, I can spend the weekend getting settled in to my parent's house. I've been telling myself that this is not the end to my adventures, because through this past year I feel like my positivity and enthusiasm for life has only increased. This is my next adventure - living at home, starting my library job, going back to school possibly, and enjoying a life here in southern Ontario. I think it's going to be pretty awesome, and I'm excited for what's to come. I won't stop believing in my dreams or following my heart. You only live once so you might as well live the best way that you can. Just enjoy it, stay positive, and remember that everything always works out in the end. Even though, this is not the end - It's just a new beginning.
Saturday 27 July 2013
Wednesday 24 July 2013
It's Almost That Time...
... to say goodbye to London adventure and hello to my next chapter in Canada. Since I made my decision at the beginning of May to move home up until a few days ago, I was pure excitement and you probably couldn't have gotten me out of London fast enough. Now that it's pretty much only a matter of hours until I get on that plane home, I'd say my speed and anxiousness to leave has slowed down its pace a bit.
It really is bittersweet, because while I'm so excited to see my friends and family at home, it means leaving friends here in London that have become so dear to my heart. Friends that I may not see for a long long time, as they begin their own new adventures or continue on the one they are already on. I'm going to miss everyone so much. But, we'll always have our memories of the times we shared and the adventures we had. For me, most of them will be in this blog but the special ones will always be in my heart.
There are things about London that I am going to miss. You spend 11 months living in a city, you do become attached. I'll miss the wonderful public transportation system that London has. It's so easy to get anywhere, there really is very little need for a car if you live within the city. I'll miss London's laidback attitude about alcohol and drinking. Not only do you have excellent ciders at your fingertips, but it's also perfectly okay to go and enjoy these ciders on a Sunday morning at a pub. Then spend all day in that pub, hanging out, playing cards and darts, and just drinking the day away. I'll miss all of the exciting events and opportunities that London offers for it's population to take advantage of, and so many of them are free or very cheap! There is always something to do in London if you are looking for it. Of course, I'll also miss some of my favourite places...Big Ben, Primrose Hill, Buckingham Palace - you are all London for me.
London took some getting used to. There was a good 3 months or so adjustment period for living here, which everyone told me there would be but I didn't really take it seriously until I went through it. However, I never completely adjusted to the point that I could stay here indefinitely. I've realised how much Canada has to offer and how the little things you take for a granted and annoy you the most at times are what you miss the most. Perfect example? Customer service. Even working in retail I used to be so annoyed by the constant "Hi, do you need a hand today?" or "Hello, is there anything I can help you find?". I used to pray to just be able to go into a store and not be noticed or hassled too much while I shopped. Now, it would make me so happy if I could go into a shop in London and be greeted, or at the very least have my presence acknowledged! Another example? I'm so glad that Canada doesn't charge two different prices depending on whether you are eating in or getting take out. I really think this is annoying, because if you say take out, then you can't even sit down for a second and not feel guilty! But if you eat in, then you are forced to stay there and drink your entire coffee or tea before you leave. And just the fact that there are two different prices on food and drinks depending is silly. It's not that much extra work is it?
Anyways, I'm excited to return home but it's another change just as coming here was. There will still be a period of adjustment to experience. I'm moving back in with my parents, sharing their vehicles, starting a new job, and having a completely different routine than I've become used to. But, I'm ready for it.
Lastly, I promise you, I will not miss a time difference when talking to my parents or having to really on Skype either!
When I touch down in Toronto and set foot in Pearson International Airport on Friday, I don't even think the Hulk could hold me back from walking as fast as I can to security, through baggage claim, and out to greet the world. It will be wonderful, and I will try and keep it together, but no promises that I won't burst into tears at the sight of and hugs from my Mom, brother, and Denise.
It really is bittersweet, because while I'm so excited to see my friends and family at home, it means leaving friends here in London that have become so dear to my heart. Friends that I may not see for a long long time, as they begin their own new adventures or continue on the one they are already on. I'm going to miss everyone so much. But, we'll always have our memories of the times we shared and the adventures we had. For me, most of them will be in this blog but the special ones will always be in my heart.
There are things about London that I am going to miss. You spend 11 months living in a city, you do become attached. I'll miss the wonderful public transportation system that London has. It's so easy to get anywhere, there really is very little need for a car if you live within the city. I'll miss London's laidback attitude about alcohol and drinking. Not only do you have excellent ciders at your fingertips, but it's also perfectly okay to go and enjoy these ciders on a Sunday morning at a pub. Then spend all day in that pub, hanging out, playing cards and darts, and just drinking the day away. I'll miss all of the exciting events and opportunities that London offers for it's population to take advantage of, and so many of them are free or very cheap! There is always something to do in London if you are looking for it. Of course, I'll also miss some of my favourite places...Big Ben, Primrose Hill, Buckingham Palace - you are all London for me.
London took some getting used to. There was a good 3 months or so adjustment period for living here, which everyone told me there would be but I didn't really take it seriously until I went through it. However, I never completely adjusted to the point that I could stay here indefinitely. I've realised how much Canada has to offer and how the little things you take for a granted and annoy you the most at times are what you miss the most. Perfect example? Customer service. Even working in retail I used to be so annoyed by the constant "Hi, do you need a hand today?" or "Hello, is there anything I can help you find?". I used to pray to just be able to go into a store and not be noticed or hassled too much while I shopped. Now, it would make me so happy if I could go into a shop in London and be greeted, or at the very least have my presence acknowledged! Another example? I'm so glad that Canada doesn't charge two different prices depending on whether you are eating in or getting take out. I really think this is annoying, because if you say take out, then you can't even sit down for a second and not feel guilty! But if you eat in, then you are forced to stay there and drink your entire coffee or tea before you leave. And just the fact that there are two different prices on food and drinks depending is silly. It's not that much extra work is it?
Anyways, I'm excited to return home but it's another change just as coming here was. There will still be a period of adjustment to experience. I'm moving back in with my parents, sharing their vehicles, starting a new job, and having a completely different routine than I've become used to. But, I'm ready for it.
Lastly, I promise you, I will not miss a time difference when talking to my parents or having to really on Skype either!
When I touch down in Toronto and set foot in Pearson International Airport on Friday, I don't even think the Hulk could hold me back from walking as fast as I can to security, through baggage claim, and out to greet the world. It will be wonderful, and I will try and keep it together, but no promises that I won't burst into tears at the sight of and hugs from my Mom, brother, and Denise.
Tuesday 23 July 2013
Rock Of Ages!
The music is phenomenal. I can't tell you how much I love 80's rock classics like "Here We Go Again" "Any Way You Want It" "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", "Sister Christian" and pretty much every single song that was featured in the show. I'm so glad I chose half price tickets in one of the first few rows as well, because I just felt so into it. Plus, there is this awesome character/narrator named Ronnie in the show who interacts with the audience and does some things off the cuff and unscripted which was hilarious!
Anyone in London or anywhere who has a chance to see Rock of Ages and loves 80's rock music, please go! If I'm near you, I'll even see it again!
The movie version which came out in 2012 is definitely worth a watch too, but this is one musical that I am definitely glad I saw live!
11 Months, 39 Schools, 1 Successful Supply Teacher
I did it! That's really how I feel. I've been trying to compose this blog post in my mind since Friday, trying to think of insightful words and amazing realisations but the only line that is coming to me is simply that - I did it!
There were days when I didn't think I would make it. There were days where children brought me to tears. There were days when I just couldn't face getting up and going to a school. Half the time, it wasn't easy.
Of course, there were schools that I loved and job assignments that I enjoyed so it wasn't always hard or challenging. And I've written about the challenges of supply teaching that I did face this year already. That's why I really just can't think of much to say now that it's done.
I did it. I made it. I'm ready for something new.
Here is a list of all of my supply assignments (thank you Vision!). It's been a year and an experience that I will never forget.
There were days when I didn't think I would make it. There were days where children brought me to tears. There were days when I just couldn't face getting up and going to a school. Half the time, it wasn't easy.
Of course, there were schools that I loved and job assignments that I enjoyed so it wasn't always hard or challenging. And I've written about the challenges of supply teaching that I did face this year already. That's why I really just can't think of much to say now that it's done.
I did it. I made it. I'm ready for something new.
Here is a list of all of my supply assignments (thank you Vision!). It's been a year and an experience that I will never forget.
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