Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As you can understand and clearly demonstrated by the lack of blogging...I've been busy!

Alison and I have been having a fantastic time so far. I'll try to compress it into a readable blog!

After Ali got settled here with a nice long sleep she accompanied me to work on the last day of school. I was happy to have another set of hands and she was able to see the kind of jungle animals my students were (Past tense...new job starting Monday!) That night we went to a comedy show in central London where I got picked on by the comedian who tried to auction me off throughout the evening. Sheesh.

For the rest of the weekend until Tuesday we did all sorts of touristy things, such as Greenwich Park, the Royal Obsevatory, the National Portrait Galley, visiting the bar I used to work at, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, shopping at Westfield's (well, looking...very posh!), enjoyed fish and chips, and explored the 02 Arena, and went to see Les Miserables! It's all a blur now anyway... Right, on to Wednesday!

We got up early and hoped to heck we could make it to Swanage. The rail lines were all messed up because of the "horrible weather conditions"... it's quite comical how this country falls to pieces because of a little of the white stuff! Anyhow, we made it to Swanage in one piece and Alan Rouse met us at the station. We went and enjoyed dinner and civilized conversation with he, Ann, and Ann's 97 year old mother! We had a nice sleep in their downstairs flat and explored the town the next day. Late afternoon we took the hour or so drive to Eastleigh where most of the Rouse's families live. We were welcomed with open arms to Cherry and Martin's house. We enjoyed a nice Christmas Eve dinner and then did the complete opposite of the norm back home. Instead of going to church ... we went to the pub! And had a FANTASTIC time! Christmas morning arrived and we enjoyed seeing Mia (The Rouse's great granddaughter) open her presents. Christmas day was nice and relaxed. We went to visit Pip and Peter - the Rouse's son and daughter in law and their 3 kids (I played hide and seek for the afternoon!) Then was the huge Christmas dinner back at Cherry and Martin's - everyone was there! We felt so at home and as if we'd known everyone forever! That evening the party stayed at Cherry's place. All of the grandkids' (who are our age) friends came over and it was a blast! Needless to say, Boxing Day was a day for recovery... The next day we packed up and headed home to London.

Since we came back from Swanage on Sunday we've been busy little bees out and about! We've done the London Dungeon, Westminster Abbey, South Bank, Oxford St. shopping, St James's Park, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Green Park, the National Martime Museum, the Queen's House, and Karaoke! Actually, it was "rockaoke" at the Roadhouse - Ali and I both sang our owns songs on stage with a live band in front of hundreds of people - it was SO much fun! So, that brings us right up to date! It is New Year's Eve and to avoid paying minimum 30 quid to get into any bar where drink prices would be jacked up and people will be drunk off their rear ends... we are staying close to home and going to the Good Ol' Greenwich Park Bar & Grill where the company is great and the drinks are free!

I hope that everyone has had a wonderfully Merry Christmas and enjoyed the company of friends and family. Happy New Year!

God Bless

Amy & Ali

Christmas is so close, I can almost taste it!

My First Piece of Pottery!

A little pot with a lid! I made that!

Yes, so Christmas is nearly here, my holidays are coming up but I'm taking tomorrow off! Only because tomorrow morning I have to make my way to Heathrow Airport to collect a VIP! My sister! I am SO excited for her to come visit! I've got so many things planned for us and I will be keeping you all up to date as to what sort of things we get ourselves into. On Wednesday we are going to Swanage, Dorset, where friends of my granparents, the Rouse's, live. We will be spending the night with them and on Christmas Eve traveling with them to Eastleigh where will be spending Christmas with their whole family. They are very happy to have us and I'm very excited to meet them all! It will be a different Christmas for sure, but I think it will be very lovely!

Guess what...it SNOWED today. I bet all of you in Ontario are thinking, "amy, shut up"... but really, I WASN'T EXPECTING IT! It was just a few light flurries that melted as they hit the ground, but still! My kids were in awe and a little scared I think - one said "AAAAH!! Miss Amy - it's all over my coat!!!" HAHA! The staff were complaining as if they knew they would surely die walking home.

I've got so much to do before Ali gets here that I should get on it! I hope all is well back home - I'm very happy here and am so looking forward to this holiday!

Peace and Love,

~amy

A few Scotland pics & the REAL life of an inner city London teacher!

Before I start my rant of the last two weeks, I thought I'd put up some pictures I recently received from Diana of our trip to Scotland! A month or so late, but still, here are few!

They certainly do not capture Scotland as it is seen in person, in fact I feel like they are a bit of an injustice to one of the most beautiful countries in the world! These pictures are in no particular order as they were a pain in the rear to actually post!

These are my wet feet. After hiking during a day that couldn't be any wetter it didn't matter where my feet ended up. I hadn't even noticed I was soaked because my feet were numb! Only when I looked down did I realize and decided to take a picture!

This is outside of the Glasgow Cathedral. This was one of the coolest places I've ever been! A very eerie, gloomy, creepy, Medieval church! We just don't get to see things like this in Canada!

Hiking in the highlands. This was such a spectacular view and quite the hike to get there, but clearly well worth the effort. I've seen pictures of this area in the summer and when the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the hills are the greenest of greens, I am sure it gives a much different feeling.

The photo of me to the left is in Glenfinnan up in the highlands. My feet are absolutely soaked but I am so happy! This was day 4 of the trip and possibly one of the best days of my life!

Here is the now famous Glenfinnan Viaduct! Otherwise known to most as the bridge the Hogwarts Express travels on in the Harry Potter films. It was very exciting to see it up close! We hiked right up to it. It's absolutely massive!

There are still plenty more pictures I have but I guess I will have to slowly post the blog can only handle so many!

So, I guess it's been almost two weeks since I've posted a proper blog. I apologize to anyone who may be cursing at me for not doing so! I've been VERY busy. After Ofsted, which I survived somehow, things have just become more and more crazy at work. To put it bluntly, they have been lousy. Unfortunately, I've really been struggling with the lack of support I receive at this school and am just left to drown on my own. I usually think I am pretty good at figuring things out by myself and do fine being left to my own resources, but not when I don't know anything about anything when it comes to UK procedures and assessment. Not only does it GREATLY vary between Canada, but also different boroughs in London have different procedures its impossible to get it all under wraps. Bottom line, no one is answering my questions, offering any sort of support, or even giving a damn that I am confused! They don't seem to care one bit that I am a new teacher and even newer to the UK. No one seems to care about anything and it's really disheartening. Well, besides the paperwork end of it and all of its nonsense... my students are feral. In ONE week I was BIT twice by two different students. They are absolutely mad. I could go on and on for forever and a day about the behaviour I have dealt with, but I will spare you that. Being bitten is just an example of what I've dealt with so far, use your imaginations.

So, needless to say, I've had a good chat with my agent and I plan on sticking it out until Christmas and then move on to something else. I'm a very determined and dedicated person, but I know that life is too short to be unhappy and when the bad days consistently outweigh the good, it's time to move on. I sure am learning a lot though!!

As far as my social life goes - I make up for lousy weeks with exciting weekends! I've been going to watch gigs, visit museums, going on walking tours, and just catching up with friends. Today there was an open studio where I do pottery, so I went in to see everyone and enjoy some pie and mulled wine. It was very nice! Pottery is becoming my release - I am really developing a love for it. This week I am learning how to glaze my finished pieces before they go in the kiln! Only two weeks of this session are left... but I think I will continue on in the new year. Or, maybe I will do something else!

My sister Ali is coming in 12 days!!!! I CAN'T WAIT! It will be SO good to see her! My other sister is doing well with her new baby. I hear Gabe is adjusting well to having a new little sister so that's good news!

Well, I know this blog is mishmash of things - but know I am still VERY happy and nothing is going to change that! I am also happy because there is NO SNOW here and today was still about 11 degrees celsius outside! HAHA! It does rain a lot, but I don't have to shovel rain! I hope you are all well at home. I will be thinking of you all as the holidays roll around!

Much love,

~amy

It's a Girl!

I am very happy to announce my sister Erin has given birth to a healthy baby girl on November 23rd! Dani Grace came into the world at 7lbs 5 oz and 21 inches! I'm glad she was more on time than her big brother Gabe! Congratulations Erin and Jason! BRING ON THE PINK!!!!!!!!!!! (HAHA really, just kidding!)

As far as the "school police" go, so far so good. Halfway through my OFSTED inspection and most is going well so far! I pray I survive tomorrow!

Just thought I'd let you all know!

Will post soon!

Love,

~amy

OFSTED!!!

I'm sure most of you have no clue as to what OFSTED is. In short - the enemy. OFSTED (the OFfice of STandards of EDucation) is coming into my school on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and everyone is scared out of their minds! They do the most intense, in-depth inspections of schools all throughout England and Wales. They look at everything, including planning, assessment, classroom management, health and well-being of students, school dinners, administration, literacy and numeracy levels (and on and on and on...). These inspections occur about once every three years and people loose their minds over them! What are the chances that I've been at this school 3 weeks, my classroom is in an upheaval, and OFSTED is coming?! So unlikely that of course it happens to only ME! I spent all of my Friday night planning, all of my Saturday in my classroom, and all of today thinking about what I should be doing and haven't done yet! Sigh.

Christmas is coming up so soon I can't believe it!!! Just over a month! It has been Christmas here (as far as decorations and sales) since before Halloween! Sheesh!

I'm still mentally sifting through what I'm supposed to get done and I think that's why I can't think of anything else to write. I'm sure there are all sorts of things I could tell you, but I can't think straight!

My sister's baby was due on Friday. Still nothing...!

Where do my weekends go?!

It seems that when Friday afternoon is too far away and it can't come any quicker, Monday morning is right on its heels! I am getting settled into my new school, but things are really taking a lot longer than I anticipated. My classroom is in a state of disarray and I am trying so hard to get it, as well as all of the planning, sorted so that it is in functioning order. It is a process though!

This weekend I did two things that were fairly exciting. I went bowling with some friends on Friday (one of my new friends who has only bowled 3 times ever got 6 strikes in a row...whaaaaat!? Liar, I think!) Saturday I spent the ENTIRE day at my old bar doing planning. I wasn't going to get anything done at home so I decided to go there. I know it sounds bad - school planning and booze...could yield interesting results! But they have wireless internet and comfortable couches, as well as free food and drinks (non-alcoholic) so it ended up being very productive. Sunday though, now Sunday was a good day! It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining and mild temperatures so I went to the London Zoo!!!! It was amazing! My favourite was the pygmy hippo - it looked like a dinosaur! Very prehistoric! I REALLY wanted to touch it, but I think they frown upon that sort of thing. After the zoo I spent some time with a friend from Columbia (yes, Columbia) in Camden Town, eating traditional Venezuelan food and exploring Camden Market. What an amazing place - you can get ANYTHING there!

My pottery class is going SO well. I figured out that since I'm left handed the wheel has to spin the opposite direction, so I am fighting with fire now!!!! I can do it both ways, but left handed is WAY easier! I actually made a vase last week, and it looks exactly how it is supposed to! I can't wait for this Wednesday. I enjoy it so much! Those 3 hours go by so fast and I'm beginning to be the first one in, last one out to squeeze in as much time as possible!

I know this blog is rather short in comparison to previous ones, but really, nothing too exciting happened to let you know about! Oh, I got a haircut, and the weather is strange. Sunny, calm, windy, raining, foggy - all in one day - and generally speaking, at least 5 days of the week are like that!

Erin's baby is due on FRIDAY!!!!! Although, with Erin's luck he/she will just stay put for a week or two later!

Lots of love,

amy

STILL getting lost in London!

It has been well over two months now that I have called London home. However, this does not qualify me whatsoever as a someone who knows her way around all of its nooks and crannies. Friday night I went to Selfridges (a very posh department store) to meet a friend of mine for a piano show down in the music section of the store. When neither one of us could find each other (that's another story in itself) I ended up talking to someone who worked in the store and was invited for drinks after the store closed. Since I made an effort to get there I figured I might as well take the opportunity to make some new friends. Well, after a little detour from Oxford St. and a few drinks later I said it was time for me to go. Not realizing which direction I had come from and being confident in my abilities I just decided to figure out how to get home myself. That is not a big deal. I've done it plenty of times and London is not a hard city to navigate using the tubes and trains. However, when the tubes and trains have shut down early for the night and unless you know exactly which bus number to take, you're pretty much up sh*t creek without a paddle. Standing at Canary Wharf after I had done a big circle around the city taking the trains and tubes that were running, I wasn't exactly lost, but lost as to how I was going to get across the Thames and into my bed! Being cheekily resourceful I saw a guy hailing a black cab, one after another they kept driving away. I asked him which way he was going and why he wasn't being picked up - he said he was headed to Lewisham (just beyond Greenwich) but no one would pick him up. I said I was headed that way and he told me to pretend we were a couple and maybe we could get picked up. It certainly worked and I got a free ride very close to home! I walked in my front door laughing... oh the situations I get myself into! It was as random a night as they come! 

Work is fantastic. Things have changed drastically however! I am no longer at the school my contract was extended for. Someone dropped the ball communicating the proper information and what I had been hired for was an Early Years Practitioner, not teacher! NO WAY was I taking a pay cut for that! However - minus the packed bus ride in the mornings, my new situation is MUCH better. I have been hired on full time until the end of the school year in July for a kindergarten class which I run by myself, with one TA. I have 25 children in my own classroom and I am the boss! At my old school I was team teaching in a double class, so I wasn't in charge. Now, I am. And I love it. Of course there are so many kinks to work out and things to learn, planning to put in place, and a classroom to sort out. But, I am SO EXCITED! Unfortunately... no free rides on the train :(

I gave myself a birthday present of pottery lessons! I had my first class last week and absolutely loved it. I actually made 3 things that resembled some sort of pot or container! The instructor said she had high hopes for me! I didn't realize how much muscle was required for being a potter - glad I'm getting some exercise with it! It was a lot of fun, however, I tried to get up after I had finished a piece and nearly fell flat on my face - I didn't realize I had become so dizzy! I tell ya, my life would be much easier if everything didn't make me nauseous...buses, trains, planes, boats, cars, and now pottery. Geeze! 

There is a tradition around the 5th of November in London. I feel a little sheepish not knowing this previously, coming from a commonwealth nation, however, I am now quite informed. Massive firework displays go on around the city (called "bonfire night") to commemorate Guy Fawkes' failure to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. Fawkes was a Roman Catholic trying to displace Protestant rule with his "gunpowder plot". However, he was arrested before his plan of blowing Parliament with all of it's aristocracy, including King James 1 inside, to smithereens came to fruition. You may have heard this verse before:

Remember, remember the fifth of November,

The gunpowder treason and plot,

I know of no reason

Why the gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot.

England has not forgotten the gunpowder treason and every year on Nov. 5th they remember with bonfires and fireworks at many different locations!

I am very busy with work, pottery, piano, seeing friends, making new ones, getting lost, talking to strangers to thumb a ride home... plenty of things to keep me busy! I hope all is well back home - I hear it's getting cold! It is still totally tolerable here :) Grey and little wet, but I can deal with it. I also hear swine flu/H1N1 is taking over the province?! WASH YOUR HANDS!!! 

Gramma thank you very much for the card and letter. It sounds like you and Grampa had a great time on your cruise! The postal strike is still on, but things are seeping through, so thank you for sending the card! 

I will keep you all posted with new developments in amy's awesome adventures! 

-13 days until my new niece/nephew is due

-39 days until Ali comes to visit!

Much love

~amy

My Heart's In The Highlands

Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,

The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth;

Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,

The hills of the Highlands for ever I love. 

Robbie Burns couldn’t have said it better. I feel like a piece of me I didn’t know was missing has been found. Scotland has the most beautifully stunning landscape, jaw dropping architecture, and unbelievably dark history. I will try my best to fill you in on my adventures with Diana, the things we saw, the people we met, and the memories made!

Saturday – An early start to Victoria Station in London to hop on the Mega Bus for 10 pounds all the way to Glasgow (ugh!) where a relative of mine, Georjean, met us. She brought us back to her flat where we met her 15 year old daughter, a barrel of laughs, Kirsten! Georjean had prepared an AMAZING dinner that I still dream about, a week later! We spent the night in with them, getting to know each other and talking about all sorts of things, including our plans for Glasgow the next day.

Sunday – We woke early for a traditional Scottish breakfast prepared by master Chef Georjean that included haggis and black pudding! For those of you who do not know the ingredients in either, try them before you look it up! I polished mine off no problem, however, Diana struggled a little bit J then, we were off into the city! Diana is an incredible travel companion, as we are both fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants kind of girls who really like to look at old stuff! We checked out the Medieval Cathedral and the Necropolis (really, really cool old graveyard with massive memorials and tombs) for the majority of the morning and got some amazing pictures! We also went to a Medieval Tower where they used to drag witches to pierce their tongues so they couldn’t cast any more spells before they were burned at the stake!!! We walked the city seeing the sights and also went to the Glasgow School of Art (where my housemate studied) the Glasgow Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Religious Life, Sauchiehall Street, and the seedy part of town where I stumbled upon the “Oldest Chippie in Glasgow” where I found a deep fried mars bar! That’s right, it exists! I am positive I am now going to die a day earlier, but I think it was worth it. We went back to Georjean’s for a traditional Scottish Sunday Roast and good conversation.

Monday – Up early with nice breakfast by Georjean and packed lunches for our travels! I can’t say how much Diana and I appreciated her generosity and thoughtfulness, as well as her skills in the kitchen! A big warm THANK YOU goes out to Georjean for being so incredible to us! I can’t wait to come back! We left Glasgow with full bellies on our way to Inverary! We mostly took the Scottish City Link bus between all of our destinations – cheap, dependable travel! In Inverary there is a castle, still inhabited by the current Duke and Duchess of Argyll, who Diana is related to! Very cool! We also got up nice and close to some Heiland Coos! (er, Highland Cows!) We sat by the pier and enjoyed our packed lunches while we waited for the bus to take us up to Oban. Arriving in Oban mid afternoon, Diana had a plan. Her ancestors originated in the Oban area and so we thought we might be able to track some down. So, we found a phone book and looked up all the McMillans in the area and started knocking on doors! Unfortunately, we didn’t seem to make any connections to Diana! While trying to find a road a McMillan may have lived on, we came across an old abandoned castle high atop a rock! Obviously, we tried to get in. Very successful! Inside I climbed up a wall to get a better look out of one of the top windows. The view was unreal! After that, we went to our hostel and got settled in. After a bite in a local pub we continued pub-crawling and met some really cool folk! It was really busy everywhere we went because unfortunately, a funeral for a 24 year old had taken place that day, and all his mates were out. It was still a really fun time – I even played darts with some locals! Back in bed by 12:30 for our next adventure!

Tuesday – We hopped a bus from Oban up to Fort William. We had no intentions of visiting this little town, but had to use it as a connection to the Glenfinnan Viaduct… also known as the Bridge used by the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter! This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. It was POURING rain out, but that didn’t stop us. We took a half an hour train ride to the little town of Glenfinnan, over the beautiful bridge, and were the only ones to get off at the stop. We trudged through the forest until we were soaking wet and covered in mud and came to a clearing where we could see the infamous bridge. To see it from ground level wasn’t enough for us – we hiked the highlands to get a closer look! It was one of the most adrenaline filled experiences of my life. It was ABSOLUTELY breathtaking. We spent a good few hours hiking and returned to the tiny town (which only had a little hotel and a run down candle shop!) and went for hot tea and biscuits in the dead quiet tea room of the hotel. We sat by the fire alone and dried off until our train was due. Back in Fort William we found a bus to Inverness for the evening where we just went straight to sleep!

Wednesday – Off to Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle and to search for Nessie! Honestly, this was TOTALLY overrated. The castle was packed with tourists, and of course, the monster was shy. We saw a short film on the history of Urquhart, which was very interesting, and I learned so much, but I quickly came to realize I enjoy doing things much differently than mainstream tours! I guess we just felt that we couldn’t go to Scotland without going to Loch Ness. Now that it’s out of the way, my next trip will be to see things that are completely off the map! Mid afternoon we took a bus to a tiny place between Inverness and Edinburgh called Pitlochry. We happened to just stumble upon the town’s Autumn Festival! The main highlight of the festival was something called the Enchanted Forest. Diana and I decided to get tickets and go for it. It was amazing! It was a music, light, and sound production that had visitors walking through a misty (naturally misty!) forest, wandering through Scottish myths and legends brought to life! We even bought the soundtrack it was so incredible! Back in the town a live band was playing – the lead singer a 60 year old Scottish man proudly tattooed wearing his tartan kilt and singing his heart out! That night we had the best sleep!!

Thursday – Up early for a hike up the highlands! We climbed about 3000 ft up into the mist just to do it! The one thing that never ceased to amaze me was the SHEEP. Those animals are EVERYWHERE!!! Even way up there! Did you know that there is still an offense you can be hanged for in Scotland?!!! I’m not sure it’s still in practice, but the law has never been changed and that law states that you can be tried and hanged for STEALING SHEEP!!!!! Good thing I didn’t try! HA! After a good 4 hour hike we went back to the town to catch a bus to our final destination, Edinburgh. We arrived and found our hostel, the Castle Rock Hostel, right beside the Castle (duh). Since we had our share of Scottish food we decided on Thai food, right beside the hostel. Grabbed a nice relaxing dinner, headed back to the hostel where we found out they were hosting a “fancy dress” pub crawl! We both thought, why would a hostel have a fancy night out?? BUT, that translates to COSTUME PARTY! They had a trunk with all sorts of costumes in it, so Diana and donned some garb and out we went! What a HILARIOUS time! With people from all over the world! 5 different pubs and a few different karaoke songs later we were snug back in bed resting for the next day.

Friday – Up early and out to explore one of the most haunted cities in the entire world! We went to see Edinburgh castle and inside saw Scotland’s crown jewels, the place where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, and the Stone of Destiny, among other things. From the castle we went on to see Princes St, the road from the opening of the movie “Trainspotting”, walked the Royal Mile, which ends with the Queen’s palace when she is staying in Scotland, as well as various other landmarks! We ended the night with a ghost tour in the underground – one of the most haunted places in Scotland – the South Bridge Vaults. It was here that criminals, pregnant women out of wedlock, and the scum of the earth were sent to live. The life expectancy in these vaults was 6 months. What haunts these vaults is not a ghost, nor a poltergeist, but both, something called the South Bridge Entity – and the stories that have come from this place are more than enough to send a cold chill down your back. Being in them and experiencing cold spots and feelings of being watched sure was fitting for Halloween! On a brighter note, if you like Harry Potter, there are other things in Edinburgh that are worth seeing! The small coffee shop where J.K Rowling wrote Harry Potter, as well as the school that inspired Hogwarts, and the graveyard where she took names for many of her characters, including Hermione Granger and Tom Riddle are there to see! After all of this exploring, Diana and I thought it was about time to go to the airport. Yes, that’s right. Our flight wasn’t until the morning, but we weren’t about to pay for another night in the hostel! We arrived at Edinburgh airport at around midnight and attempted to sleep until checking in for our flight at 5am. Unfortunately, the airport was testing its alarm systems…and someone also thought it was warm enough to put on the air conditioning. It was a long night.

Back in London now I feel so lucky to see the things I got to see and Diana and I have already made some plans for the late spring to head back to Scotland. We never got the chance to see the islands and those are definitely on the list! It is back to school tomorrow and it is also my birthday. Low-key plans for Thai food are on the agenda, but nothing more. I am getting old now! 26! AH!

I hope all is well back home – I know this was long winded and I haven’t eloquently described my experience, but that is it in a nutshell! Until next time,

All my love,

Amy

 

Pre-Scotland Haggis!

I am off to Scotland tomorrow! In preparation for my trip my housemate insisted on cooking me haggis, serving me a fine single malt whiskey, and playing a cassette tape of bagpipes to make it all authentic! Along with his son the three of us enjoyed a traditional haggis meal served with mashed potatoes and mashed turnip. Hear it from the the horse's mouth folks, haggis ain't bad! Honestly, my stomach was in my throat for most of the day knowing what was coming in the evening, but when it came down to it, it's actually really tasty! I think the mash and turnip are necessary accompaniments, however.  The next delicacy I've been told to watch out for is a deep fried mars bar! Apparently some northern town in Scotland has the lowest life expectancy rate in the UK at about 45 years or something like that...well, more than one deep fried mars bar will do that to you I think! 

As some of you know, my older sister Erin is expecting her second child in less than a month now! Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to being in England, and not being able to see my new niece or nephew when she or he is born is definitely one of them! If it is a girl, which I think it will be, I will let you all know now in case her ranting has not gotten through, Erin hates pink. A lot of people buy pink for little girls. Please do not do this! There Erin, I've stood on my soapbox for you! 

Good news about my class - I was supposed to start something new after I got back from Scotland, but the school I was at has requested me back and they are trying to make sure I get a full time position for the remainder of the school year. I will let you know what happens, but as for the rest of the term - I am set! Woohoo! 

Today I had the day off - it has been wonderful! I spent the day down on Oxford St. as I am on the lookout for a new camera - the one I have just decided to stop working altogether. GREAT timing - right before my trip! Diana has already said we can share hers so thankfully I will be able to have some pictures! As I decided to give up on my search and head back home via Oxford Circus Tube Station I was met by ambulances, police cars, the British Transport Police, and a "get the hell out of the way!!" to all who were attempting to access the station alongside me. I ended up having to walk to a different station and tube line, but all for good reason. I heard an announcement that said "service between Liverpool St. and Oxford Circus has been suspended due to a person under the train". Eek. I guess it's a popular way to go around here... instantaneous one would hope? Awful for that tube driver, however. 

I will often turn my tv on just for some extra noise, but don't typically spend enough time at home to actually watch a program, however, the other day I had a flashback from something I remembered on my visit to the National Gallery that I had meant to share a long while ago! If you have seen the Mr. Bean movie where Bean is some sort of gallery attendee and gets sent to the US as a representative of National Gallery - you will appreciate this! There is a scene near the beginning of the film where Bean is sitting on the chair in the gallery and starts to nod off, falls completely asleep, and slips right out of his chair... WELL - it's true - that ACTUALLY happens!!! I witnessed an attendee slumped over in the corner, breathing heavily, head down, shoulders slowly rising, and feet slipping out from underneath him! "YA RIGHT!!!! WAKE UP!!!!" I thought! It kept me laughing for the majority of the day! 

Alright well I wont be posting again until after my trip so I will have lots to tell you! I hope you all enjoy your week! 

Lotsa love!

~amy

Normalcy!

No excuses this time for not posting... merely my lack of desire to sit inside when I could be doing something else! That's not to say I don't want to keep everyone up to speed as there is always something new and exciting going on! 

Well, pub job out the window! It served it's purpose. It allowed me to meet people while making money rather than spending it, and it kept me busy, very busy! However, now that I'm a little bit more established I want my weekends to to do other things! Last Saturday was my last shift and I have already been taking advantage of my newfound time, like going to Canterbury for a Canadian Thanksgiving! Last Sunday I went to a teacher's house who I had never met before but had been put in touch with. I had a wonderful time and met some Canadians as well as some Brits, as well as enjoyed the biggest spread of Thanksgiving food I've ever seen in my life (It rivaled those at the farm!) I didn't have much time to explore the town, but it is definitely on my list of places to return to! Last night straight after I work I went to Russell Square to a German Opera with a friend of Anthony's! It was a really enjoyable night and I kept thinking to myself, "oh darn...I could be pulling pints instead!" Haha! 

I LOVE my job. I have had such a good experience at this school. The people I work with are fantastic and the children are wonderful, they are so affectionate! I have set a routine for myself which makes the most sense for my day to day experiences in the classroom. I do not shower in the morning or right before I go to bed. As soon as I walk in the door I go straight to the washroom and (loo/toilet I'm getting used to saying...lol) clean off all the grime I end up covered in daily. Honestly, I have slimy hands in my hair and touching my face, paint splattered clothing, clay crusted blouses, playdough stuck to the bottom of every pair of shoes, snot on my sleeves (and not my own!), and probably every kind of cold virus lurking on my hands that they are now dry and cracked like sandpaper from constant washing!! So, needless to say, what I wear to class and what I look like in the morning really doesn't matter. I usually end up in dress-up clothes for the majority of the day anyway!

My housing situation is still working out very nicely! It is so affordable and comfortable and my Scottish housemate cracks me up! Last night when I came in around midnight he was up and we drank some wine and enjoyed some music until 3am. Please don't think this is weird. Well, nevermind, I guess it is weird. I can't really explain it, but we have so much in common and he has the most interesting stories! I just learned that he was friends with Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid from Harry Potter!) and Hagrid, obviously, knows Brad Pitt. Really, this could be my opportunity! They say between everyone is 6 degrees of separation - but that's only 3! 

My sister Ali has booked her flight for Christmas! I am SO excited she is coming here! I am beginning to compile a list of FREE things to do, as well as another list with cheaper things we should do while she is here. The free list has to be the longer one, however! It will be really nice to show someone around and see a family member! As much as I am independent I LOVE the idea of people coming to visit from home! 

Scotland in a week! Still...no solid plans have come to fruition...merely our beginning and ending points and an idea of what is in between! John (Scottish housemate) is planning on cooking me haggis this week so I am prepared. I will get the entire scoop from him! But, really, this is how I like to do things. Diana is on the same page as I am so we know it is going to be a fantastic, spontaneous, and random adventure! (She hasn't left any students at the swimming pool or elsewhere lately either, so she is doing well!)

Well I hope this post finds everyone enjoying a crisp autumn day back home. You can be rest assured that is what I am "enjoying" here! You can even tack the word "wet" on that phrase! 

I am very well and very happy! I hope you all are too! 

All my love, 

~amy

The Good Life

I know it has been awhile since I posted last! I haven't forgotten at all - but I have been so incredibly busy and my internet wasn't working for 8 days! But, all has changed since my last post! Firstly, I have moved! My new place is only a 5 minute walk from my old one - I love this neighbourhood so much that I didn't want to part with it! My new housemate is a 50 year old Scottish guy! He is a university art professor and his house is so darn cool! He has an art studio in the loft and pottery, photographs, and books everywhere! I think he will be good for my career as well! Finally for the first time since I have moved I feel like my house is officially my home! Not to mention I am saving about $240 Canadian dollars a month by living here! PLUS my internet works steadily! 

Secondly, I have my own classroom! At least until half term that is! I have a whole whack of adorable 3/4 year olds and we sing and play and make a mess all day long! The school is also only two train stops away which is amazing! I can leave the house at 7:40am and get there for FREE. I had taught there last week and I guess when this opened they remembered me and requested to have me teach! I am very happy about this! I love the people I work with and the school has a fantastic atmosphere. I am so thankful this has happened. Last week I was starting to lose my mind...probably the worst part was when the head teacher (principal) walked in on me standing on a chair banging a tambourine as hard as I could to try to get the attention of a WILD year 3 class throwing wooden blocks and wrestling each other... thankfully she just laughed at me, but took care of them. I was embarrassed and it was ridiculous. However, not as ridiculous as something Diana did. She takes the cake for last week! I may have had an out of hand classroom, but she left 2 of her students at the SWIMMING POOL and returned with the rest to the school! When I am having a bad day, I just think, it's not as a bad Diana's! 

Speaking of my friend Diana, our trip to Scotland is quickly arriving! Just about 2.5 weeks until we head up to Glasgow to stay with some of my long lost relatives (Georjean is expecting us, Aunt Lynne!), visit some castles, seek out the Loch Ness Monster, and see the highlands, among a plethora of other things! We are very excited! Not even having taken that trip yet, we are also planning another trip! In November we are planning on taking a ski trip to - no, not to the Swiss Alps, not even the Italian Alps. But towards east block Europe - Slovenia, former Yugoslavia, here we come! I can honestly say that Slovenia hasn't been on the top of my list for world renowned skiing, but Diana and I met some really great Slovenian people in London who have convinced us to come! 

I am also thinking about quitting the pub job. Now that things are steady for me with teaching and I am exhausted all the time, I think I might just throw in the towel at the Greenwich Park Bar & Grill. I also want to experience London and Europe for all that it is and I can't do that if I am working every weekend and teaching every weekday. I may keep one shift a week or ask to be called in if I am needed. My boss understands and has already told me to do what I need to do and that there would be no hard feelings. I will see how this week teaching goes and will make a decision based on that. 

I hope all is well for everyone! Again, sorry for the delay in this blog! 

all my love to all back home!

~amy~

Audacious - every students' middle name!

There is something strange about the names of students these days. It seems the UK is traveling back in time. Gone are the names of my generation, such as Jennifer or Mike. Gone are the names of the next generation, like Madison or Mackenzie. What I am noticing now is a selection of names that go back to the generation of my parents. In my last few classes I had students named Larry, Henry, Jim (no offence, Dad) Clyde, (Clyde?!) Bob (no, not Bobby, or Robbie, or Rob) Harriet, plenty of Oliver's and Charlie's, and 3, count them, three kids named Frank. What the heck is going on here! I'll admit the names the preceded these ones were getting a little too creative and out of hand...but we have gone slightly archaic here! Back to basics I suppose. I wonder what will be next? Bartholemew? Hezekiah? Maybe we will go back to Ancient Greece and start naming our children things like Odysseus, Zeus, Achilles, or Dionysos. Who knows. As the title of my blog suggests, all of the children however share the same middle name, whether or not they know it. In fact, most could have two middle names and I will leave you to your imagination to think of what those could be. 

It is nearly the end of another week. I have lost track of time but think that I have been here for almost 4 weeks. The days seem to meld into one another and I think fall will soon be here. I am noticing leaves on sidewalks and the colours are starting to change. I have enjoyed the weather so far, but I know that I missed out on summer! You lucky Canadians have had an amazing September I've been told (over and over and over again...lol).

I have been scouting lately, and I found the flat of my dreams! However, it will remain a dream as logistics did not pan out...lol. I am looking at moving from where I am currently on the 3rd floor. It was sufficient for the time being, but I am realizing I do not like living so alone, and there are much cheaper places available. I am on the lookout and I think my scrabble buddy Mrs. Wilson is going to find something that suits me better (probably some place that is convenient enough for me to walk over for a game and tea!). 

I have landed a one day a week reception (SK) class for the rest of the term. I can easily give it up if I get something full time permanent before the end of the term. I am other places the rest of the time, but at least every Wednesday I know where I am going. One step at a time, and its a foot in the door at a good school. It's actually a Roman Catholic school and regardless of the fact that I don't know my hail mary's or whatever it is, I really enjoy it. I think it helps as far as behaviour goes as well..."do you think Jesus would appreciate you kicking your classmate?" It's nice to have the ultimate upper authority to call on! 

Anyway - I think this is about it for now! I hope all is well back home and I appreciate everyone's comments and read them - even if I don't respond! Until next time - 

love,

amy

Oh sleep - how sweet thou art!

I have had an insanely busy week. But I did manage to have some fun along the way!

Let me talk about the day I had teaching on Friday first. It was a year 3 - good age. Exactly what I thought I wanted for a permanent classroom - it was quite a distance away from where I live and I ended up running a fair ways to get there in time...I barely made it and was sweating when class started! I could read every name on the register (attendance) which was a good start. The children were the typical pasty white English children and were very polite to start. Then - it was like they all consumed a mountain of sugar each - they were running and screaming and jumping. They were completely insane. I would be giving a lesson and this kid would walk straight up to me and interrupt me to ask a stupid (I know, no questions are stupid...) question. I went over and over and over that they must raise their hand if they have a question and they must stay in their seats. I would get them quiet for 5 seconds - just long enough for me to tell them it was far too loud to learn and they would start again. If you can imagine two boys, both named Frankie, faking every injury imaginable, asking to use the "toilet" every 15 minutes, and making every effort and attempt to do the least amount of work possible - well, they were the least of my problems!! I don't even want to go into more detail - they were appalling. At times I do question my abilities - but I have to dwell on the children and classes that were positive in order to know I am not a rubbish teacher! 

I worked all weekend and do not know how I am still standing up properly. I am exhausted. Absolutely spent. It is almost 8pm here and bed is no later than 9pm tonight. At work today I sat down beside my locker and promptly found myself sleeping 10 seconds later. I know I know, I don't need to hear it - next week I only have two shifts at the pub so I won't burn myself out, I promise. As long as I collect myself at the end of the weekend (like tonight) and get to bed early, all will be well! Specifically, last night at work was nuts!! Excuse me, it was "mad" I should say (they don't understand what nuts means...well, not in the way I mean it. Haha) . I started at 1pm and we had a wedding until about 1am, so it was quite a long shift, which was tiring. Afterwards, however, the whole staff at the pub had a bit of a private party - it was really great to get to know my co-workers a little better! There is a really great group of people working there!

Sometime during the week I got to the National Museum - which was HUGE and fantastic. Originals from all the greats! Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Valsquez, Rembrant, Vermeer, Goya, Degas, Titian among so many timeless artists. Absolutely amazing...I think that was the only touristy thing I did this week, as I was so busy doing other things! 

I'm toast. I have to go to bed - I hope all is well with everyone back home. 

Much love to all, 

amy

Internet - check!

Thank the heavens I FINALLY have the internet! I am overcome by joy and my frustration has melted away!!!....... 5 minutes later...... Oh boy. My internet just kacked out for a bit and after I recovered from an internal conniption and when I got back online I thought, how IRONIC - someone MUST be playing tricks on me!!! Let's hope the kinks work themselves out.

I have had a VERY full couple of days. Teaching Nursery (JK) was hilarious. Those little tykes are so adorable! It can be very exhausting however. There seems to be a lack of structure at this level. They sort of do this "free flow" thing were it is mostly just free play and run around in and outside. They call it free flow - I call it the reason the kids are as bad as they are when they get older! It was fantastic though! Today I taught year 5. Whole other ball game. Some of the kids were brilliant. Absolute stars. Others just would NOT SHUT UP. It wouldn't matter what I said, did, where I moved them, or what punishment I gave them. It didn't matter. The only thing left was physical abuse and I sure wasn't willing to try that method, although I'm sure it would have worked...haha. I was VERY happy to turn the class back over to their teacher at the end of the day. Definitely not the class or school for me. I see what everyone was saying about finding where you belong here. The atmosphere at every school is very different. The area I was in was very ethnic, no typical pasty white English kids. Haha. I also had to teach French today! That was actually a lot of fun and the kids responded really well, I also know a lot more French than I thought! Another thing about all of the kids I have taught so far is that the majority have names which are 15 letters long! That makes it VERY difficult to call on someone, or scold them! No one syllable names or ones I can pronounce! I am pretty good with names usually and picked up on short forms quickly! So, my conclusion thus far is that the kids are MUCH easier the younger they are and you can catch them - but the "curriculum" (if you can call it that!) is boring. The older they get, the more fun the curriculum but the more you lose your voice, patience, hair, sanity, and methods of gaining attention by the end of the day!! Either or, or in between - I know I am where I am supposed to be - teaching! 

I worked all weekend at the pub! There was a wedding on Saturday and it was nuts. I remember why I got out of managing in this business!! As a bartender I don't take any blame. It's nice. Sunday was also very busy because it is still tourist season in London and the pub is just outside the main gate of Greenwich Park so we get tons of people passing by for a pint and a bite to eat. Everyone that works there seems to be from another country as well. There are only two Londoners! There are some guys from Columbia who scream in Spanish to each other in the back, there is a girl from Germany, a guy from Bulgaria, a guy who is half Moroccan/half Slovakian, AND a Polish girl who I speak to in Polish all the time! It's awesome that this language isn't going to waste in my head! Anyway, everyone is VERY cool and helpful. I really enjoy this job. Unfortunately, the pay isn't great - but working a weekend covers the week's rent, so that's just fine by me. It also gives me a social life! 

I think that's it for now! Keep you all updated!

Much love, 

~amy~

 

2 jobs starting in one week!

What a wonderfully hectic week I've had! From tons of meetings, lots of sightseeing, trip planning, and finally, oh yes, finally, my internet is to be sorted on Friday! Thank the heavens! 

I officially start teaching on Friday. I had hoped to start a little earlier this week, but not everything is as organized as one would hope. However, I am pleased to say that I am in a nursery class (no, not like babies). Nursery here is the first year of school, so the equivalent to Jr. Kindergarten. I will be sure to have plenty of kleenex stuffed up my sleeve for the little ones! Many of them will just have started school for the very first time, so I am sure there will be plenty of tears and lots of hugs needed! I will be singing and dancing to my heart's content with the little dears. Well, in a perfect world...I guess I will see about that and I will let you all know this weekend sometime what really happened!

The second job I am starting this week is tomorrow at 5pm. I got my pub job! (Haha, now I'm thankful they all close down at 11pm!!!!!) Actually, it is better than a pub. You can all check it out at www.thegreenwichpark.com. It is a restaurant/pub/fine dining sort of place. The guy who hired me asked if I had any experience with banquets and proper service...LOL do I ever! Oh Sault College and the Holiday Inn... Anyway, I am working most every Fri, Sat, Sun at 5pm. Good thing I don't have much of a social life! But the money will help when it comes to weekend and break trips I hope to take. Like the trip Diana and I have planned to SCOTLAND!

Yes, we officially booked our flights for the mid term break at the end of October. Round trip to fly is less than about $75. However, we only booked a flight to London FROM Edinburgh as we are planning to take a scenic train up. I have contacted the relative we have over there, but I haven't gotten anything back. If I don't, I just plan on showing up at her door! 

Yesterday on my way to a 5pm meeting I took a planned detour to the Tate Modern. I can't believe I was standing face to face with original Picasso's, Matisse's, Pollock's... I just can't believe it! I can't wait until I get to go to the National Gallery where so many greats have their originals displayed! It's just so incredible! I get the jitters just thinking about it! Maybe not all of you share in this kind of joy - but for those of you who do - you know what I am talking about! 

I have also discovered something spectacular. I can get from my place at Westcombe Park station to Diana's place at Woolwich Dockyard station (about a 1/2 hr walk) for FREE!!!!! Well, technically it's not really free...but I am a scammer of the London Transportation System and I pray no one who works there is reading my blog...lol.

Well, I think that is just about it for now. I will post this weekend after a) I have worked both jobs b) I have my own internet! 

I hope all is well at home!

Much love

~amy~

Closing time - 11pm?!

I've been here now for just over a week. For some reason it feels like I've been here much longer. I am quite comfortable navigating my way around, although I still get disoriented because of the fact that they drive on the left side of the road. Thank goodness the words "LOOK LEFT/RIGHT" are painted on the ground at almost every crosswalk! I've already had a few close calls, but all is well! Also, when walking down a sidewalk, up or down stairs, or anywhere really, people pass on the left. I am trying to get accustomed to that as well. I got a dirty look from an old man when I moved over to the right hand side to let him pass...well sheesh. I'm Canadian and I'm workin' on bein' British. Gimme a break! 

Last night I went out with two Canadian friends I've met. Diana and Roger. Roger is from Brampton and a music teacher. We went to a few pubs and had a few drinks. I can't believe this...but on a Friday night pubs close at 11pm. We were shocked!! We were walking around looking for somewhere to go after we were kicked out of a pub and came upon a microbrewery. The bouncer stopped us at the door and said "no, sorry, we're closed." Frustrated, I ask where we should go then, and over the loud music he screamed at us to go to the "Cattle Piss". I was like, WHAT!??? So we kept on walking...and then we found a place called the "Cactus Pit". I am pretty sure that's what he was saying, but between the loud music and thick accent...I heard something else altogether!!!

I am somewhat, no, very frustrated with my current internet situation. I have to walk up the street to Mrs. Wilson's and pray someone is home to let me in to use the internet. There is wireless at my place, but for some unknown reason I can't get online - it says I am connected, but I can't get on to the internet. I am starting to lose my mind. I will get it taken care of, however. If anyone reading this has an idea as to why I can't get online - please leave me a comment (KEN!!!!) 

I had my orientation this week - it was excellent. School starts next week! Since my orientation was downtown London, I went to the Museum of London and St. Paul's Cathedral while I was there. What I really love about London is that entry to most museums and galleries are FREE. You just walk right in and they give you a map. How spectacular is that?! Canada, take a hint! It's a wonderful way to educate people because it's accessible to all. 

The weather here is certainly unpredictable. A beautiful sunny, warm morning? Pack your brelly and warm coat anyway. You will need it! Raining? Don't cancel your plans because it wont last long! I'm learning to have all those things handy at the door whenever I go anywhere. The last time I ran up to Mrs. Wilson's with my laptop I had just carried it in my hands, well wouldn't you know that when I went to leave I had to wrap it in a plastic bag and shove it in my coat because it was POURING rain!  

Anyway - I hope all is well for everyone back home! Once I get my internet sorted, I will be posting more often! 

lots of love 

~amy~

Bank Holiday Today!

In Canada we have names for all of our holidays - such as Labour Day, Victoria Day, etc. Well, the Brits have names also, but decide to call them all "Bank Holidays", because obviously, the banks are closed. So, today is a Bank Holiday and everyone is enjoying the day off. I went for a run earlier in Greenwich Park - I think that was everyone else's idea as well, as there were runners, picnic-ers, young families with babies, old couples, just about anyone you could imagine in the park. It is so nice to see so many people out! I also made a stop into the local leisure centre (aka gym). There are two pools, plenty of cardio equipment, and tons of weight machines and free weights. There are also courts and other interesting amenities. However, the rate per month is a little steep, but I hear from other people around Mrs. Wilson's that it is a very competitive price. I might just stick to running outside until I am actually making some money!! 

I am settled into my new place. It is bigger than the condo I used to live in!! There is a fireplace and skylights. It is so lovely! I cooked my first meal in it this morning. It's definitely comfortable, except I am still working on getting internet there - so I am back up at Mrs. Wilson's to use hers for the meantime. 

Last night Mrs. Wilson invited me over for dinner and a SCRABBLE game!!! I had brought it up in passing that I enjoyed it, and 90 seconds later she had scrambled her old bones to the basement to dig out her game. We made pasta with a zucchini and green pepper tomato sauce, then onto the scrabble. A Japanese lady with terrible english joined us for the game - she was definitely more entertainment than a challenge. I beat them both. Mrs. Wilson continuously used the old "oh you took my spot!" every time I played a word. It was a lot of fun and there will be plenty of more games to come - she promises :)

A girl arrived from Canada today, from Port Dover in Southern Ontario, named Diana. She is new and fresh as well, and very interested in seeing the sights around the neighborhood, so I have someone, besides Mrs. Wilson, to explore with! I forgot to mention that Mrs. Wilson and I took a walk the other day to a few "charity shops" (Goodwill). Well, geeze, that lady looks for bargains. Anyway, as much as I deeply appreciate Mrs. Wilson, I am pleased to have someone my own age to go about the town with who is just as excited as I am.

Tomorrow I have the task of purchasing a watch. I have been told that there are no bells in the schools!!! Apparently teachers are responsible for the timing on everything, so a good watch is a must! No bells. I still can't get over that. 

Anyway - I am sure there are more random things I could tell you - but I'll keep my rambling to a minimum!

All my love

~amy~

 

My New Home - The London Borough of Greenwich

Greetings from Jolly Ol' London! I am happy to say that after a relatively uneventful journey I am safe and sound, enjoying my first full day as a resident of London, England.  So far, my conclusion is this: I feel like I live in the movies. I expect Hugh Grant to walk right through the front door and sit down for a spot of tea and I would certainly be pleased to ask him if he wanted one lump of sugar or two, dear! In other words, Greenwich is the most beautiful, quaint, history laden, fairy tale looking place I've ever seen. I know I've only just arrived, but it already feels like home. 

I am staying at 64 Beaconsfield Rd at Mrs. Wilson's Guesthouse. The title should actually be Mrs. Wilson's plethora of Guesthouses - as she and her children own several properties around the area. I am at 64 for the moment, but moving down the street tomorrow when my place is ready. Mrs. Wilson is a wonderful lady in her 70s - and she thought the 3rd floor of century home with a kitchenette and skylights would suit me just fine - and I agreed. I will report on it once I get there! 

Mrs. Wilson has been fantastic. She has shown me all around the neighborhood, by car and on foot. I think she is lonely, but I would be too I suppose if she wasn't so keen on making me feel welcome! I had a few questions upon my arrival for Mrs. Wilson. The first (and clearly the most obvious...lol) was when I could get together with the Queen. I hear she is a busy woman of sorts, and doesn't just open up the front door to anyone, so Mrs. Wilson said I may have a challenge on my hands. The second question I asked her was where the pub might be. She assured me that in the area are 28 restaurants and pubs, so no worries there!

I've met 5 other teachers living here so far, all girls from Australia and one from Canada. The Canadian has been here for 3 weeks already, getting settled and exploring, but the others have been here for months. I've come to gather they are getting a little cynical, and school is only just starting again! AH! I've had some good chats with them and from what I hear, the children are monsters, absolute terrors! Bring it on, I say. Classes don't start until the 7th, so I have plenty of time to get my bearings and start another job serving up pints of Guinness to the local rugby hooligans! I am going to go out to one of the 28 options starting tomorrow or Monday! 

Today I went for a walk on my own to snap a few pictures and pick blackberries. Along my walk earlier with Mrs. Wilson we walked through a small park and there were loads, and I mean a ridiculous amount, of blackberries growing. So I decided to go pick as many as I could. Also, Mrs. Wilson has hundreds of ripe plums in her backyard! Ha Ha - Lunch!!

I'll figure out how to post pictures and will get on that soon as well.

Love,

~amy~

The Beginning of the Blogging

Since I am moving to London, England in two weeks time, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to start blogging. I am lousy at writing individual emails so this keeps everyone in the loop! 

For those of you who don't know, I have just recently graduated teacher's college from York University and have decided to pack up my bags to a place where I will be able to teach, since the employment opportunities in Ontario could definitely be better. 

I will try my best to write weekly blogs and keep everyone posted on the adventures I am sure I will get myself into!