The More Things Change...

...the more they actually change.

Had a bit of a moment of clarity on the bus home last week. Was feeling a bit homesick for my friends, and looking forward to being home and getting to re-connect with them and 'go back to the way things used to be'. Then I really started thinking about it, and I'm not sure I have all that in common with my friends at home anymore.

Reason #1: They are all in pretty serious relationships, if not married. I am, and have been, perpetually single. And with the way things are going right now, may always be.

Reason #2: They all own houses. I am 'homeless' (my choice, as I will be traveling) as of the end of July and am not sure when/how I'll find an appropriate place to live in Toronto.

Reason #3: A bunch of them have/will have kids in the next little bit. For reasons #1 and #2, I'm no where near pro-creation.

I know these aren't major things, and friendships aren't determined/based on that kind of stuff, but it is going to be a bit tricky re-adjusting. I think it was a bit silly of me to assume that after two years, I could just return and everything would be frozen in time as I had left it. It gets a bit tricky for me when I realize that they've all changed and I've changed, but their changes have all happened together, and the changes I've made/gone though have been with/because of my new-international-traveling-living in a different part of the world-friends.

All of my friends back home are amazing, supportive and fantastic in ever sense, and I do look forward to being in a place where I can just stop by and hang out with people that I've already got a history with (in some cases, a crazy long history that goes back to primary school!) and just kind of 'be'.

The Olympics have started, and being 8hrs ahead has never felt more out of place. It's always been tricky to figure out a good time to call my sister living in Vancouver, because of this time difference, and our schedules. It's also tricky to watch Olympic stuff happen live, as it all occurs from 11pm through to 5/6am London time. It's fine right now because I'm on half term and can stay up a bit later than usual, but next week is going to be hard. Would feel really out of the loop if something happened to my internet connection/computer.

I did stay up late the other night to watch the women's hockey team play (and beat) Switzerland, and had a realization that the sports commentators for BBC really don't know how to call a hockey game. There were no 'HOLY MACANAW'S!' happening. At all. I will definitely need to find some North American/Canadian coverage for the medal rounds. Which is something I will definitely stay up late and watch live. Fatigue the next day is a small price to pay.

Go Canada Go!

The Cultural Divide

Believe it or not, there are some cultural differences between Canada and the U.K. This was made apparent to me this week at school when we were talking about some of the winter Olympic sports. I think I've mentioned that my topic this term is The Olympics, so we were discussing some of the winter events since the Vancouver Games start in less than a week - Go Canada!

The first one we started with was curling, and to get things going I asked my kids what they already knew about curling. A bunch of them were convinced that the brooms were used to sweep the snow out of the way as the stone goes down the ice. Others thought the whole point was to see who could throw the stone down the length of the ice the fastest.

Now, I'm not pretending to be a curling expert by any means at all. I've 'played' a grand total of two times and was by no means exceptionally gifted at the sport. However, I do have a bit of background knowledge about curling, and would like to think I knew a bit about it as a kid also. I'm sure there are Canadians who know less about it than the kids in my Year 4 class in east London, but I found it a bit surreal to be discussing the surface curling happens on (others thought it was snow, because it's white) and going over the basics of a sport that's pretty well known at home.

The next sport we discussed was hockey. Again, you have to specify 'ice' hockey over here, or else people think it's field hockey. I showed them how the rink is marked, and tried to relate it to a football pitch (crease = penalty box, goals at either end etc.). Then I said how instead of a kick off in football, the start of a hockey game is called a face off. This, of course, had everyone thinking you tried to take your opponents face off at the start of the game. Once everyone was calm, I explained that it's called that because you are face to face with your opponent.

It's funny, because when living in Canada, I never thought that this stuff was important to me (am still not really sure that it is), especially since I don't play either of these sports, but it's just the kind of stuff that everyone knows about and it's assumed that people have some sort of background knowledge about. It's a bit weird when you have to explain it to people.

It goes the other way as well. The other day in the staff room, people were talking about shows they watched on t.v. when they were kids, and I had no idea who/what they were talking about, and wasn't really able to participate in the conversation. Postman Pat?

One thing that is cool, for someone in my position, is to be able to tell my students about hockey, maple syrup and blizzards and expose them to stuff that they wouldn't otherwise necessarily have a first hand exposure to. And also to be able to adopt cultural stuff here that I never thought I would - like drinking loads of tea, and going to the pub on a Tuesday night without a second thought. Live it, learn it!

Hats off to ... me!

Last post I ended saying that I was going to carry on knitting a hat that I had started.

Well, I had a very domestic day last Saturday, and actually ended up finishing it!

I had some major knitting difficulties before Christmas, (which usually ended up with me wanting to put the needles in my eyes out of frustration), so it was really really satisfying to start and finnish a project and have it turn out the way it's meant to. Mine is a little bit short (was worried about running out of wool) so the next versions will be longer. However I was able to do the ribbing and reducing correctly on my own, and only had to call on Youtube to learn how to cast off.

It's been good for me as a teacher to be back in the 'learners seat' with this knitting and Spanish stuff. Learning these new things has really made me think about the instructions I give my kids and the way new information is presented. Hopefully it's translated into some more engaging and interesting lessons for my Year 4's.

January is over and done with (well, tomorrow) so that's always good. It's such a 'blah' month. I've got a feeling February is going to fly as well, with our half term break right in the middle of it.

It's funny how different I feel about the whole London vs. Toronto debate now compared to a year ago. At this time last year, I was trying to figure out if I'd be interested in a second year overseas and felt torn because I really missed people/things at home, but was worried that one year away wouldn't be enough. I didn't want to end it, and then regret it once back in Toronto. This year, things are much more for sure in my mind. I know that I love London, but I know in my heart there is no way I could live here permanently. Which I guess makes it that much easier to say, "Yup, it's been great, but time's up." and carry on. Having said that, it's going to be really sad to leave and I'm going to miss loads that I've gotten used to here, and will most likely be crying on the plane at Heathrow at the end of August.

I suppose I'll have to come up with a clever, new blog title once back home. If I continue blogging that is. Suggestions welcome!

Gym Snob

Never thought I'd be one, but am now, most definitely a gym snob.

This past week I joined the Virgin Active Gym near school. A teacher friend at school is always going on about how amazing it is, and the great classes and whatever else. Having cancelled my Fitness First membership (I never went, it's small, always had to wait for a machine, no classes I was able to attend), I decided to take a tour of this Virgin place to see what my friend is always going on about.

Well, so say the least, it's an amazing place. Brand new cardio machines, an extensive group exercise schedule, stunning pool that overlooks the Thames, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, spa - the works basically. There is a cafe area where you can check your email and grab a coffee, Molton Brown lotion and soaps in the change rooms and everything is generally really nice and beautiful and makes you want to be there.

It's definitely out of my price range, but I feel like it's worth it, and I deserve it. Location is ideal and since taking the tour on Wednesday, I've been twice. Might as well pay more for a place I'm happy to go to, and will spend time at.

Spanish went well this week - we learned the days of the week, months of the year, and did some grammar stuff. I'm definitely considering spending some time in Spain to put my (very limited) vocabulary into use. Barcelona? Madrid?

London has been exceptionally grey as of late. Since I've been back, there has been one sunny day. One. Last Sunday to be exact. Otherwise, it's quite grey and dull all the time. When living in Ontario, I always said I preferred a bright, blue skied -20 degree day to milder grey days. This holds true today. On the bright side, the days are ever so slowly getting longer. The sun does not rise and set while I'm in my classroom anymore, so that's a bonus.

This coming week is the last full week of January - yay! Always the toughest month of the year to get through, especially so for me last year. This year, definitely not as bad at all. I was able to get my sleeping on track almost immediately (take that jet lag!) and was coming back to a more familiar place compared to last year (had only been in my flat for a couple of weeks before Christmas last year).

Am particularly excited that this has been a super fast 6 week term, and we've only got 3 to go before half term in February. I'm going calm my travel bug this break, and hang around London and be a normal person and relax a bit. It will be good to save money for upcoming trips, see some more of London (the list of stuff I haven't yet seen here is long and embarrassing) and actually take a break.

As for the rest of the weekend, I hope to finnish the hat I've started knitting (first 'real' project to date - so far so good!), spend some time in the local pub, and of course, continue to increase my feelings of 'gym superiority'.

Don't Stop Believing!

I have always had a soft spot for 'Journey's' Don't Stop Believing. When I hear the lyrics 'Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world...' I can't help but sing along, at the top of my lungs for the rest of the song. I've recently discovered the Glee cast version of the song, and it's been playing on my ipod on repeat ever since. I can't wait to watch the show.

Other than that new addition to my playlist, this past week hasn't been very eventful. School carried on as usual. My students now get Tae Kwon Do instruction on Monday mornings, and are enjoying it so far. Lots of jumping and co-ordinating punches and kicks. It's good, because listening to instructions is key to learning the new moves, so it's interesting to see who is paying attention and who isn't.

I've been thinking about my plans for next year, and am trying to get myself geared up for leaving the U.K. which I think will be quite an adjustment, both good and bad. It's going to be great to be around friends and family again. I can't wait to be a part of people's lives in a more real way than phone calls, emails and blog posts. However, I'm anticipating that it's going to be a bit of an adjustment leaving the exciting, energetic atmosphere of London, and the people I've grown close to here. I also know it's going to be hard to be on the 'other side' of the adventure - there was so much build up and preparation to moving over here, it's going to be a little surreal to be back home again. It's all shades of grey: not rights or wrongs, which makes it that much more frustrating.

One thing I am feeling a little homesick about right now, is missing all the build up to the Vancouver Olympic Games. I'm doing 'The Olympics' with my students right now (we to topic teaching, so all the subject areas are taught through a central topic) so it's cool to think about all the things that have to do with the Olympics with a group of kids, and listen to the interesting questions that they come up with. I saw some cool stuff on the Canadian Olympic Schools website I've signed up for - a medal counting board, a 'Go Canada Go!' banner and a bunch of other resources that would be extra fun to have in a class in Canada.

I've got Spanish again tomorrow. I haven't really practiced too much, so I'll have to brush up a bit at lunch time. We've got a few of the main phrases and sentences down now: What is your name? My name is..... How are you? And some basic counting. It's a bit tricky with the pronunciation, but hopefully next week I'll get some more practice in, and things will sink in a bit more.

Until the next post!

Blogging again in 2010!

Hello! Apologies for the insane months long delay between blog posts. I don't really have any real excuses, other than getting caught up in the craziness of the last half of the term, Christmas etc. and I kind of forgot about posting.

However, after a few subtle and not to subtle questions about the blog ('Heather, what's the deal? If you don't update soon, I'm just going to stop checking. Forever.') I figured I should get back on the ball. I also watched 'Julie and Julia' on the flight back from Toronto and it reminded me that I do enjoy writing my thoughts down and sharing them with those in cyberspace. I thought a new format would be fun too.

A quick recap: October half term my mom came to visit and we went to Budapest (amazing!) and then to visit relatives in the Czech Republic. My Christmas season started early, as I teach in a Catholic school. Lots of carol singing and nativity play practice happened in December. Was lucky enough to head back to Canada for the holidays, and had an excellent visit with friends and family.

Have a few exciting things coming up this year. After a 'knitting intervention' from my very experienced Aunt Marie over the holidays, I now am doing things correctly, which is nice and much more satisfying. There is a knitting store that opens it's doors on Wednesday and Thursday nights for people to stop by and work on their projects. They sell wine too! (Although I'm not sure I can handle alcohol and knitting at this point) I've got some chunky wool and plan to make some hats, and really cool wool my flatmate Holly doesn't like, so am going to attempt a scarf with that.

I've also signed up to take some Spanish courses on Tuesday night after school. A school in our borough is offering courses for free, so I feel as though I should take advantage. I'm hoping that my knowledge of French will help me out. Right now I only know how to say 'hot' and 'water' in Spanish.

That is all for now. I do plan on posting more frequently/regularly in the future, so check back when you can!

International Celebrations, Round 2

I'm writing this post on Thanksgiving Monday at home, and just a regular old Monday here in London. This year, Canadian friends and I decided to make the most of being ex-pats, and had our own Thanksgiving meal on Saturday. By all accounts it was successful.

I was in charge of pies, and set my sights on pumpkin and apple. Equipped with recipes from my Aunt, I was on a mission to get ingredients, and the most 'exotic' of them being pumpkin puree. I lucked out, and got the last can from a girl who had it in her hands at Waitrose (snazzier grocery store), and insisted on me taking it, after we got to chatting while the store clerk was looking for more. Thanks so much to her, for making the pumpkin pie a reality for us on Saturday!!

Despite my amazing pastry making skills (ha!), I decided to go with frozen pie shells. Little did I know, that they don't exists here. The man at Sainburys (another grocery store, not as posh) actually said "I've never heard those two words together....hmm." Cue panic. I did find some frozen pastry rolls, which worked, but was a little heavy for the dutch apple. I think it's pastry that's meant for meat pies, which are an integral part of British cuisine.

Now, instructions regarding measurements and temperatures need to be followed to produce pies. This is fine, when baking in a country you are familiar in, with equipment you know, and recipes you've used before. However, all previously mentioned situations were not my reality on Saturday. I was converting measurements given to me in cups, to grams; temperatures in Celcius to gas marks on the stove. I used my calculator as much as a mixing bowl, and have no idea where I'd be without the internet.

All my trouble and strife was worth it though, as both pies turned out beautifully. The pastry for the apple pie was a bit heavy, but definitely edible. Pumpkin pie was amazing. I can't believe I didn't like it as a child.

We were quite a spoiled bunch on Saturday, enjoying delicious juicy chicken, creamy mashed potatoes and squash, stuffing to die for and a yummy veggie bake. Probably the best brussel spouts of my life (maple syrup?! amazing!) and green beans. In addition to cheesy potatoes and broccoli/cauliflower/cheese bake makes for a very satisfying night. I do believe the terms 'food coma' and 'food baby' were thrown around.

Two weekends ago it was Jetherdan 2009, where we celebrated my birthday along with my friend Jordan's. It was an amazingly fun night out. We went to a really cool bar near Liverpool Street station, that used to be a Turkish Bathhouse, and still had a lot of the building designs and decorations. It was a rock-a-billy 50's night, so they played great oldies music all night long that everyone was dancing to. Everyone was in a mood to have fun, and I think we were there until 4am - a success in my book! Thanks so much to Jaime and Jess for organizing.

It's funny, but celebrating my birthday and Thanksgiving for the second time in London, has make me re-evaluate the year, and consider all that has happened since moving to the UK.

It's made me think about my friends at home, and how incredibly important they are to me, despite the distance and my infrequent attempts at contacting them.

It's made me think about the relationships I have with my family members, and how lucky I am to have people who support me and are interested and value what I've chosen to do over here. It's made me realize how close I've gotten to the people I've met over here, and how weird it will be not being in the same city as them next year.

It's made me realize how much I've grown to love this insanely intimidating, big, loud, messy city, and how excited I am to get back to the familiarity of Toronto.