God Save our Gracious Team...

...from getting their backsides kicked in when they return to England from South Africa! Because unfortunately, it's a little too late to save the England team from being bumped out of the World Cup. In a disastrous match against Germany that started out quite well but ended in disgrace has left the England team out of the coveted World Cup, again. It's been football fever over here for the last few weeks, but alas, the English could not keep it together so I am assuming things will die down, although it has been exciting!

Erin, thank you for the "gentle reminder" to blog. I know I have been slacking, but I always have an excuse. Whether or not it is a good one is debatable!

It has been an exciting couple of weeks here. Between the football and the highlight of seeing Rod Stewart, I got to go see Bon Jovi! That was a phenomenal concert! It took me back to the days of the "crossroads" album that my friend Kyle gave me when we were in grade 8. Those were the days I listened to Livin' on Prayer, Bed Medicine, and Wanted Dead or Alive, over and over again... I had no idea that one day I would be able to hear those songs played by the man himself in London! It was truly fantastic. Thanks to BW for taking me!!

Softball has been in full swing, although I suffered my first injury last week. I am used to getting knocked in the shins by a ball that I manage to miss, or a pulled leg muscle because I was too lazy to stretch, but last week during our league game I was the recipient of an injury that was not my fault. I hit the ball to short stop (ok, so maybe if I was a better hitter and it went OVER the short stop's head, I wouldn't have been in this situation, so it possibly could be my fault..) Anyway, hit the ball, ran to first base, and a rogue throw to the first baseman was missed and clocked me in the back of the noggin as I crossed the base! I went down like a ton of bricks and was seeing stars! Luckily, a bystander went to the nearest pub and got some ice for me which helped. I don't think I'm concussed, but it's unlikely I'd know the difference! Anyway, that's my latest softball story. My team is top of our division right now and we hope to keep it up!

It's an exciting week here! Canada Day is fast approaching and in London the ex-pats get together in Trafalgar Square for a massive celebration! There will be a ball hockey tournament, Native Canadian dancing, as well as traditional Canadian food (like poutine!). Canadian songstress Sarah Harmer will be performing and Canadian beer will be imported from back home so those away on our nation's birthday can celebrate Canadian style! Although most people have to work (myself included), hoards will be rushing out of their offices as soon as possible to join in the fun. I think I might just have "an appointment" at the end of the day! The softball team is also hosting a Canada Day/Independence Day Party on the weekend as well, which I am sure will be a blast! I am so glad that even though I am so far from home, I am still surrounded by my countrymen!

Well, I think that's it for now. Just about a month and I will be home.

I can't wait to see you all and I hope you are all doing well!

Lots of love,

Amy

Homeward Bound!

For a visit, anyway!

The last few weeks have been relaxing and hectic all at the same time. Between day trips to the coast and Oxford and softball games, the decision has been made about next school year - going to give teaching here another go! As much as the children here are nutty enough to drive anyone mad, I feel like right now this is the only certain teaching job I'll have, but, I can almost guarantee this will be the last year. My visa will be up and I will have two solid years of experience, but until then, I will remain in the asylum of London schools. And that means it's time for a visit home! I will be landing in Toronto on July 30th with Barret and will be up in the Sault for about two weeks before heading out east to Fredericton for a visit to his family. I can't wait to be home. As much as London is fabulous and exciting and vibrant, nothing beats home. I hope to show Barret all that is wonderful about Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario (haha so thank goodness this visit is coming in peak weather time!) I also can't wait to see my little nephew and meet my niece! I can't believe she is 8 months old and I haven't met her yet... I'm so glad to be going home to visit, for so many reasons.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I took a day trip with Diana to Oxford. What an amazing experience! It was during exam time and students were walking about to and from their exams dressed up in full regalia! The city itself is quite small and nearly everything is accessible by foot. Many famous literary figures, such as Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), TS Eliot, CS Lewis, Oscar Wilde, and Dr. Seuss, as well as political figures such as David Cameron (newly appointed Prime Minister of the UK), former US president Bill Clinton as well as former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and also the world famous architect Christopher Wren (St. Paul's Cathedral) have all studied at Oxford. However, I was most excited when I learned one of my favourite childhood characters also roamed the grand buildings during his studies. I laughed picturing Rowan Atkinson as his ridiculous character Mr. Bean shifting about through the ancient buildings causing mischief! Also, there is SO much of Harry Potter that is filmed at Oxford! I have certainly seen a lot of those movie scenes around here...!

Barret and I took a day trip out to the east coast of England to a place called Broadstairs. From here we hiked along white, 100 foot cliffs with beautiful bays tucked alongside. We hiked about 13km all the way to Margate just taking in the sun and the scenery. Sometimes we forget how beautiful and accessible the rest of England is when we are always thinking about going elsewhere in Europe. Speaking of which, I think I might be planning another visit to the family friends my sister and I spent Christmas with before I head back for summer holidays. Between weekend softball tournaments, concerts, and sorting my life out, I will definitely have to pencil that in!

Well, I think that is just about it. Only 1.5 months and I will be back on Canadian soil for the first time in just short of a year (wow...) It's scary how fast the time is passing, but I am constantly trying to live it to the fullest!

All my love,

Amy