Blackheath High Junior School...

For Girls!

Today, I got a call for supply work at an all-girls prep school. The school and experience reminded me of Anne of Green Gables when Anne becomes a teacher at the private girls boarding school. The atmosphere at Blackheath High was very similar. The girls seemed very bright and hardworking, as well as helpful and friendly towards their teachers and their peers. The class sizes were smaller, a max of 22 girls in each class, with 2 or 3 classes for each year group.

It's different teaching to just girls. You realize the differences to how girls and boys learn. The majority of the work I gave the students today was work-sheet based and independent or partner based. The girls made sure their notebooks were neat and tidy, used their best handwriting all the times, and kept their books organized (using rulers at all times to underline!). Most boys just don't have these same tendencies, especially at Year 5, which is the age I was in most of the day.

I did get to do Art with a Year 3 class, where they were tracing Egyptian patterns that could be used to decorate pots and artefacts in their sketch books and then just colouring them with coloured pencils. It was so fun, I even joined in because the girls were working so quietly!

While I'm sure the girls have their share of drama between each other, it just seemed like a nice change to be in a classroom without any boys about to hit puberty or acting silly or having too much energy for their own good.

Sometimes I appreciate on-call supply days because you just don't know where you will end up. It could be a school in Tottenham (the lower-class, more urban area of the city) or it could be a lovely all-girls school! Just another opportunity that I wouldn't get supply teaching in Canada!

Shrek The Musical

On Wednesday, January 16th, I saw Shrek the Musical!

It was very well done. It told the story from the first movie, about Shrek's quest to save his swamp, that involved rescuing Princess Fiona for Lord Farquaad, but in the end resulted in true love for Princess Fiona and Shrek. I enjoyed how they incorporated songs to express the feelings of the characters, in a way that wasn't done in the movie. The set was very colourful, and all of the fairy tale creatures were present. Even some of the jokes were the same from the movie.

I definitely recommend the musical for any fans of the Shrek movies!

Snow, Snow, Go Away, Come Again NEVER!

Seriously, I thought I left snow behind in Canada. I was so excited to come back to a great land of around 0 degrees temperatures, rain, and somewhat mild winters. That was the case for the first few days back, but now, this past week it's become a bit of a winter wonderland.

Mind you, there hasn't been a large amount of accumulation of snow. It comes, and then it melts and turns into slush, and then it comes again. But slush is the worst! It's about as awful as mud in my opinion. It splashes, it leaves marks on your boots, and it's just plain wet.

A lot of Britains just aren't prepared for snow either. Their reaction to an inch of snow is like Canada's reaction to a foot of snow. Should we close school early? Should we have school at all? There's panic all over the city. Trains are delayed, cars drive extremely carefully (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) and people don't go outside. I mean, I guess their reactions make sense and personally I don't want to be out in the weather either. I guess when you are used to the snow it just all seems a bit silly for the actual amount of snow they get.

Anyways, I hope it leaves soon. When I complain about not liking snow, people are shocked because I'm Canadian. Then, the look on their faces when they learn I don't like hockey either!

Well, here's a couple pictures from the snowy week here across the pond!

I'm glad at least one person in our flat is excited about snow. Matt didn't even bother to put shoes or socks on!

3 Conversations in Year 3

I must say, Year 3's really do say the most interesting things! Here are 3 conversations I had today in my Year 3 class.

Conversation #1: During literacy, we were looking at headlines and article introductions and one article was about conkers. I know what you are wondering...the same thing as me. What is a conker? Well, does this look familiar...



Apparently a conker is another name for a chestnut seed AND even for the tree itself! WHO KNEW! The fact that I had these trees on my front yard growing up and I never knew that word!

Conversation #2: So, as I was walking around the classroom helping students with independent work, I noticed a girl had a One Direction water bottle. So, of course I said "I like your water bottle". She said thanks, then she asked who my favourite member was. I said Harry. "Why?" she asked. "Because he's cute and has nice hair." I said. The girls snickered. Then, she asked "Have you seen the music video for..and at this point she whispers K-I-S-S me?" I was like "You mean Kiss me, yes I have". And more snickers ensued. She then went on to imitate the way Harry dances in the video. Too cute! I'm a teacher who likes One Direction and I am proud!

Conversation #3: In Science, they are starting a unit on Teeth & Eating. So, we were talking about healthy eating, and just brainstorming foods we know that are good for us. The typical answers followed (broccoli, carrots, milk, bananas etc) and then one little girl puts up her hand. "Red wine" she says. Haha what? How old are you? I say. "Oh, do your parents drink that?". She answers "Yes, they say it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure." Oh bless you child. I then went on to admit that I drink red wine sometimes myself!

My Christmas Vacation (Pretty Much As Amazing As National Lampoon's)

Hey all!

So, after my overnight flight back across the pond, I am in London town now. Thank you to the supply pilot who covered for the original flight pilot who fell ill on route to Toronto and wasn't able to drive the plane back! It just shows that whether it be supply pilots or supply teachers, we are both equally important.

I must say that my Christmas vacation was exactly what I hoped for and more! Thank you to my adorable Mom who did not fail on the quality time front for the family. I saw 2 musical productions: Annie (which is one of my favourites!) and Top of the Pops: A British Invasion which allowed me to enjoy a slice of Britain while I was in Canada. I was taken on a secret adventure to Anna Mae's bakery in Millbank, ON for a traditional breakfast and a Mennonite homemade sugar-free (for my Diabetic Dad) cherry pie, and then visited St. Jacob's Farmers Market. I was surprised by two of my best friends at two different times. One surprise even brought me to tears it was that shocking! (You got me good Mama Jane & Chandra!). Then there was family night at Woodbine Raceway where I enjoyed the delicious buffet and cheering on the horses, and my brother and parents enjoyed placing small bets. I spent 48 hours in St. Catharines, including New Year's Eve and got to see my two favourite people who have names starting with D. And yes, I spent my New Year's Eve enjoying a great Milestones dinner and watching Aladdin and Beauty & The Beast. To all you doubters of this plan out there, YES WE HAD FUN! Plus, I got to see Taylor Swift perform at Times Square on television while curled up with my new Taylor Swift blanket. So, what could possibly top that?! Oh ya, and don't forget there was Christmas in there too! The highlight of the Christmas family time? Doing numerous trivia quizzes on Sporcle.com and playing lots of card games! I've never been so into a game as I was during that roaring match of 31! Oh ya, and I can't forget I was able to relive my glory days as a Page at Ingersoll Public Library by helping out the ladies on Wednesday night. Then, the fate which led Gail and I to Boston Pizza for dinner where we find out appetizers are half price after nine and we had the nicest waiter I've had in a long long time!

So, those are the artificial highlights of my Christmas vacation. However, there are also emotional realizations that I came to over the 16 days as well. Realization #1: I'm not ready for small-town life. That one came to me on the drive home from the airport on my very first day. Seeing country roads and cornfields and farm animals, ya not really in my near future of everyday life. Realization #2: You just can't beat quality time with people you love. There is absolutely 100% nothing better. Realization #3: Sometimes it just takes a bit of research and self-reflection to figure out what you truly want in life and what makes you happy. Once you figure that out, go and get it. Be determined, and never give up. Realization #4: Let people know how you feel, especially about them. If you love someone, tell them. If you're upset with someone, tell them. Speak up. Realization #5: I miss St. Catharines and I miss Niagara. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be doing my best to get myself back in that area when I come home in August. Oh ya, and Realization #6: I'm going to enjoy these next 7 months and be glad for the opportunities and experiences that I am able to have, but I'm moving home in August to be closer to the people who I love. Because Realization #7 (although I already knew this): People matter. Love matters. And good people and good friends are rare in this world, so when you find people that you really get along with, people who are honest and loyal, hold on to them and keep them close. Never let them go!

With all this said, I am ready to see what 2013 brings me! Taylor Swift says it's going to be a good year (13 is her number for all of you who don't know that) and I can't help but be optimistic and positive as well. :)

Here's to 2013 and the continuation of my adventure abroad!

3 More Sleeps!

I'm so excited to go home for the holidays that I am having trouble focusing on anything for a long period of time, I am listening to Christmas music ALL THE TIME, I was awake at 6 am on a Saturday, and it's hard to stay still.

Now if only my bags would pack themselves.

See you at 1:55 pm Eastern Time Canada on Wednesday the 19th! (That's at Pearson Airport in Toronto in case anyone has nothing to do and would be interested in greeting me upon arrival). I love a good reunion at an airport! :)

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Well sort of, yes it's Winter Wonderland, but no sleigh bells were ringing and no snow was glistening.

Last night, December 15th, I experienced Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. Who shared that experience with me you ask? Kelly, 2 Matts, Marzena, and Dayna. So, that's 3 Aussie's, a Polish, and 2 Canadians in total. (I just like sharing the cultural diversity of the group).

At Winter Wonderland, they have lots of booths with food, crafts, gifts, drinks, sweets and candies, and chocolate. There are also carnival games and rides. My first tasty experience? A Bacon Pork bap with bacon, pork, stuffing, apple something, and gravy all inside one bun. It was delicious! I'm not crazy about stuffing but it added a nice touch. Next stop: Mulled Cider. Imagine hot apple cider with alcohol. :)

The boys then tried their luck at the archery ring (they weren't lucky though, no prizes were won for Kelly or Dayna). After that, a ride on the ferris wheel where we could see a night time view of Winter Wonderland and Central London.

The beautiful ferris wheel (and just a sample of the large number of people also at Winter Wonderland)

A selfie with night time Central London skyline in the background 

Winter Wonderland from above

To top off the night, I purchased a large bag of fresh Haribo candy (none of which is left less than 24 hours later) and we watched ice skaters from the sidelines, laughing as they wiped out but knowing most of us wouldn't be any better if we were on the ice.

Thank you Winter Wonderland!

Missing Working in Retail

One of the best parts of working at Coles was the excitement of the Christmas season and the hustle and bustle of the Pen Centre and the store from the end of October until Christmas time. I loved it! Decorations in the store and out in the mall corridors, the Christmas colours, and the mixture of Christmas shoppers from young to old, grouchy to hyper excited.

So, because I was missing this environment I decided to spend my Friday night this weekend at one of the best shopping centres the city of London has to offer. Westfield's at Shephard's Bush. I think it's a magical place anytime of the year, and even though I found it overwhelming the first time I went in because of all the different stores and the size of the place, it's has become one of my favourite places in London.

Here's a beautiful tree outside one of the entrances.

Inside they even have an ice skating rink for the holiday season, so I stood for a few minutes and watched the skaters and marvelled at the lights and decorations around.

The other awesome thing about Westfield's this Christmas? It was Taylor Swift who did a performance and switched on the lights at the mall's opening celebration of the holiday season.

10 More Sleeps!

I know, I know, don't wish your days away. But I can't help but be excited and glad that after 10 more sleeps I'll be on my journey home to Canada for the holidays!!!!!

No one really tells you how hard it can be to be far away from home, and no one really prepares you for what you might feel emotionally on an adventure abroad. So let me be the first to say, it's hard. It's BEEN hard. The phrase "You don't know what you've got until it's gone" is a phrase I have a much greater understanding of because of my current experience.
I have an amazing family. My parents are supportive and generous, fun to be around, and 2 of my absolute favourite people. My brother and I have this teasing-joking sibling relationship that I wouldn't trade for anything. There's times where the teasing has gotten to me and I've wanted my space (and silence) away from him, but now that I've actually been away from it for a few months, there is no one else who will ever tease me the same way or have the same sense of humour. I can't wait to spend 2 and a half weeks having adventures with my family. I'm so glad that I asked for quality time this year for Christmas. That's something that you can't have on an adventure abroad, quality time with your family. But gifts and things can be bought anywhere, so this year those things just aren't special enough.
I even miss the simplicity of life in a small town. That's something I NEVER thought I would say. I miss riding in a car. I miss road trips. I miss just running errands in a car. I have a much greater appreciation for a simpler lifestyle even after spending just a few months living in one of the biggest cities in the world. Yes, London is exciting. Yes, London always has thing to do. But, there's nothing like spending a night in at a friend's house watching movies and laughing until your stomach hurts. And a night like that just is more appealing in a smaller city and town.
So Canada, I've decided I won't be away forever. I'm not even sure exactly how long I'll be away. But I will come home to you, because I appreciate you as a place to live much more know that I've been away.

In true Katie style, here's a song that expresses my feelings about home. Take it away Miley Cyrus...

You wake up, it's raining and it's MondayLooks like one of those rough daysTime's up, you're late again so get out the door
Sometimes you feel like runningFind a whole new life and jump inLet go, get up and hit the dance floor
But when the lights go down it's the ending of the showAnd you're feeling like you got nowhere to goDon't you know?
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back home
You can change your style, you can change your jeansYou can learn to fly and you can chase your dreamsYou can laugh and cry but everybody knowsYou'll always find your way back home
Your best friends, your little hometownAre waiting up wherever you go nowYou know that you can always turn around
'Cause this world is big and it's crazyAnd this girl is thinking that maybeThis life is what some people dream about
'Cause when I'm feeling down and I am all aloneI've always got a place where I can go'Cause I know
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back home
You can change your style, you can change your jeansYou can learn to fly and you can chase your dreamsYou can laugh and cry but everybody knowsYou'll always find your way back home
Where they know exactly who you are?Where the real you is the superstarYou know it's never too far away
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back
You can change your hair and you can change your clothesYou can change your mind, that's just the way it goesYou can say goodbye and you can say helloBut you'll always find your way back home
You can change your style and you can change your jeansYou can learn to fly and you can chase your dreamsYou can laugh and cry but everybody knowsYou'll always find your way back home
You'll always find your way back homeYou'll always find your way back homeYou'll always find your way back home

106 Finchley Christmas

On December 8th, we celebrated Christmas at 106 Finchley Road. The evening consisted of great food, friends, Secret Santa presents, and holiday music (including several versions of Little Drummer Boy, one of my favourite Christmas carols).

On the menu was:

Stuffed Turkey Breasts with Goat Cheese & Cranberries (courtesy of Chef Kelly)
Mashed Potatoes with Pepper (Courtesy of Chef Jenn & Chef Jason)
Mashed Potatoes with Pistachios and Mustard...? (Courtesy of Chef Matt)
Sauteed Green Beans (Courtesy of Chef Georgie)
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Courtesy of myself & Betty Crocker)
Fresh Bread and assorted Chocolate Biscuits (Courtesy of Chef Sam)

Thanks to Matt & Dayna for also attending our festivities and joining us for a drink!

For someone who is very particular about how things happen at Christmas time (as everyone learned yesterday) I think we had a great Christmas party and it was a memory that I will cherish.

Here are some pictures!

My Chocolate Chip Cookies!

The table is set for Christmas dinner.

The gift table

Samantha, Jason, Georgie, and me!

Me & Georgie (one of my favourite Aussies!)

Jenn about to open her Secret Santa gift (from me)

About to open my present!