Lunar Eclipse

Tonight is the last lunar eclipse before 2010. I was fortunate enough to see the moon completely covered. An amazing sight! Some people believe that this event brings strength to people, so I'm choosing to believe that and making a commitment to go to the gym as much as possible. My trainer is kicking my ass - which is what I pay her for, I guess! I'm actually really enjoying it. I had J take a before picture of me on Monday in the outfit I want to wear on St. Patty's Day. I don't want to look perfect by then, but I would like to look better. I think that's a pretty attainable goal. Sunderland Music Festival ended for my school with a bang today. The Primary Choir did an outstanding job - placing second in a class of 5 with a mark of 84. They were so excited - I hope that enthusiasm continues through the years. We got to stay around and listen to my friend's intermediate choir as well. I'd say they are almost at a level with Amabile - what a beautiful sound! I guess that about sums it up for now - must get to the shower, dishes, sleep - all that good stuff. Happy Lunar Eclipse Night!!

Still learning the ropes!

So, guitars for Grade 6 are a no-go. Apparently I have to run everything (and I mean, EVERYTHING) past the office before it can even be discussed, and when it came up in conversation, I was called into the office with both administrators to hear that guitars are not a possibility. So, it's back to the drawing board as to how to keep my upper junior students engaged in music class. I guess in one way that you look at it, it's a good thing, because I would have been planning a program from scratch when I do not have time to do that. However, it would have been fun. Lesson learned! In other news - I already have the February blahs - and I'm not the only one. My friend at work is feeling the same way - drained and bummed out. But there is too much going on for me to take a day off to sleep in and get a massage, so I'll just wait it out until February 18th. I'm not really complaining - I do love my job, but I'm tired this year for some reason. It seems busier. My principal says it is because I have higher expectations for myself this year - I want to do more - which is probably the case. Ah well, the days go by quickly enough. Today while driving to work on less than ideal road conditions, I had a very vivid image of a transport jackniffing in front of me. Good times. I love freaking myself out while driving. I guess that's all for now. J is off snowboarding, taking advantage of the fresh snowfall. I am cleaning up the house, which actually calms me. Hope you're all well!

Feeling Odd

We are dog-sitting again in Ajax through my Christmas holidays. I was a little bummed about this - my holidays are when I clean and go through stuff - oh, and I just got a piano for Christmas and I'm not home to play it!! So, this time I'm going back to Markham with Jay when he works and kicking around our apartment for the day. That seems to make things better. I feel like a grumpy bitch these last couple days - not too sure why, but I do. It's not PMS so I'm not sure what it is. I've been thinking lately that I have the potential to be an amazing partner (not that I'm not one already). I'm a good cook, I can bake, and I keep a tidy house. If I wasn't so miserable half the time - or was more relaxed, I could be great. Also, I need to remind myself that J is a capable adult who does not need me telling him how to live, reminding him of every little thing, and expressing disappointment when he doesn't do something how I would do it. But - if he would just listen to me a little more - not listen, but hear me - that would probably help me in my desire to back off and not mother. And is it in our nature as women to mother people? To nurture? I think it may be - and that is definitely not a bad thing. Anywho - Christmas was great - as I said, I got a piano! It fits perfectly in my apartment and I've been playing every chance I get - so please don't come look too closely at my bathroom!! it's been neglected in the cleaning department as a result. Is all for now - hope your Christmas was merry and bright!

CHRISTMAS!!!!!

Christmas has come early to the F/B household. This Christmas I got a piano - do I need to say anything else? It's only the best Christmas gift ever!! And it came with a book of music that I've never played before, so that is also great. I got J a bar cart for Christmas - it's beautiful - we're moving up in the world!! Little investments for a house of our own down the road. School is finished and I'm officially on holidays for 2 weeks, therefore the countdown is on to getting sick! Push yourself for the last 2 weeks and pay for it over holidays - why do we do that to ourselves? Is all for now - have a happy holiday!!

This past weekend, J and I took a trip to Windsor to see some old friends. I had lunch at my favourite restaurant, Chanosos', and had a random encounter with some old classmates. The smell of Windsor has not changed one bit since I lived there 2 years ago. It's hard to believe, looking back, that it had already been 2 years! I went from not knowing what the hell I wanted to do, to being a career woman for a year and a half. We went shopping at the outlet mall in Windsor and finally got a start to some Christmas shopping. Ugh, Christmas. It will be a nice day when this holiday does not cause stress for me! In other news - heartburn is gross. And, I think it is ridiculous that teachers become baby-sitters on snow days. Why, if the busses are cancelled, do we have to brave the weather to teach 3 kids per class? Oh well, the drive wasn't all that bad. It is unusual to see so much snow so early in the season. Makes me reminiscent of childhood - we used to have more snow then, especially on the farm. Will we get a white Christmas after all?

It's here!!!

Canada Reads 2008 has officially launched. I'm quite excited about this, in case you couldn't tell. A book by my favourite author, Timothy Findley, is on the list this year. If you haven't read "Not Wanted on the Voyage", read it. I. Love. That. Book. I find myself quite sad, though, that Tiff will never write another novel. Sadly, he passed away in 2002. I'm not so eager to read all of his books too quickly since there won't be any more. Other than that - not much is new. A student pretended to shoot me today at school. Intersting.

Unplanned Holiday

I've been home on "holiday" since Tuesday night thanks to a nasty case of laryngitits. For those of you keeping track, yes, this weekend is my first choral concert in over 2 years. No, I'm not very happy. Bummed out actually. But, it snowed today - I enjoy that when I don't have to drive in it! Nothing much else right now - just trying to keep quiet!!