I'm not dead! yaaaaaay! Yes, there was some doubt there on Tuesday. Feverish and just feeling like crap in general, but Wednesdy I woke up feeling pretty good, except for a cold. I watched the series finale of Dawson's Creek today, they've been playing all the episodes on Superstation for the past month or so. I was *really* confused though, because Jenn was dying and had a baby, and when I watched Tuesday her Grandma had cancer and there were no babies on the way. Apparently this was to be 5 years in the future. Ahhh. So I won't ruin it...yes I will. Jenn dies from some weird heart disease, Jack takes her baby and he and his boyfriend, Pacey's brother Deputy Doug (now the sherrif) are going to raise her, Dawson is a successful writer of a show called "The Creek", and Joey and Pacey end up together. So there you go. I had to call Calleen though, I was all confused cause I missed 2.5 shows between Tuesday and today. She cleared everything up though, thank heavens! haha...I had to watch it, if only to be sure it's really over.
I think Friends and ER are both season finales tonight, so that about sums up my plans for the evening. I lead *such* an exciting life. We went to see X2 last night, and I don't know what the bad reviewers were talking about, it was supercool. I love Wolverine. Even bleeding, he's still hot. He does some serious damage in this movie.

Well. Not much new here. I caught a nasty bug from Grant's parents, so I'm not too thrilled about that. I don't have a lot to say really, I'm not feeling to super. Grant is once again MIA, but this time he made and left me supper, so I can't be too upset with him now, can I? I'm guessing hockey. Also, he was making me feel a bit bad about buying a digital camera, since I really don't have any money, but they have 12 months no payments no interest, so surely I can pay it off in that amount of time. So I said fine, whatever, if you're going to make me feel bad about it then screw it. He comes back (obviously having given it some thought) with that photography is my hobby, and if I'm not going to give him a hard time about spending whacks of money on hockey, then fair's fair. So there you go.

I'm watching a really, really excellent video on learning disabilities called "Misunderstood Minds", off of PBS. Go here and scroll down to the "try it - experience a learning difficulty". It's about phonemic awareness, and it's really hard. And as they point out, they've only changed 8 of the 40-some phonemes. It was hard, but you can sort of figure it out as you go, because you'll probably know what it's talking about, the passage. It would be even worse being a child, and not knowing at all what the passage was saying. Try it!

The fish seem much happier without the cannibal bastards in the tank. Cleatus still hasn't realized he's allowed back in the cave, but he's fun to look at anyway, so him being out in the general population is ok. He doesn't eat my other fish.
It's beautiful outside, not terribly sunny but supposedly about 18 degrees, so yay spring! I'm going to not waste my entire lunch hours inside like I did yesterday. I think George needs to go outside. Mort already did, so it only seems fair.

gross eh?

holy shit. what the hell just happened? Do I really have to wait until fall to find out what's going on with Alias? This is not good at all. Just in case someone hasn't seen it, is watching it on ABC at 10, I won't say much. But holy shit.

In other news, I worked my last shift at MCRI today, it was a trade I had done to get Easter off to visit my Grannie. So that was pretty cool, Sundays are easily the easiest day at work, and overall every day is pretty easy.

Also, remember the walking catfish? I'll try to find the link to that post, it was in March I think. Anyway, I bought 2 of them because they were small, sort of ugly, and hang from their noses at the top of the aquarium. I'll admit, I don't check my fish numbers very often. I guess I take for granted that they'll all be there, day to day. I do check them for stress and disease etc, I'm a decent fish-mom. Yesterday, Calleen, Travis and I went to Pets Unlimited, where I got said catfish. I want to show Calleen how much bigger mine are than the ones in the store, but surprise, the one left in the store is enormous. Really, really big. I'll say..7-8 inches and a good size around. Odd looking critters. Anyway, so I say to the guy, wow, mine aren't that big, and he says oh really? They will be! I'm like, oh crap, really? He says, it depends how much they're eating. Are they bothering any of my other fish? I say no, I don't think so, they mostly just hide in the cave. Wow, he says...they normally eat anything they can get their mouths around (which, due to the increasing size of these bastards, is getting to be a lot of my fish. I start to worry.). I say wow, nobody told me that, but I haven't noticed any problems yet. One of them is probably 6 inches long and pretty fat, they have big mouths like...pacman or something.
So I go home, and to my shock and horror, I have NO NEONS left. Not one. I do, Calleen, have the little orange glowlight tetra that I got from you in like, 3rd year. But no neon tetras. I am saddened. I mean, those guys hide all the time; there are...were...a lot of smaller fish in my tank, so I hadn't noticed. I notice now. I notice later that the bastards have also eaten my favorite baby fish, a little orange platy who was one of only 2 that my now dead orange platy mom had. The other one lives, but is orange and black and sort of ugly. *sigh*
Grant offered to euthanize the mo' fo's for me, but I felt bad, even though they're cannibals and clearly cannot continue living in my community aquarium. I take them out, or Grant does, he being the engineer comes up with a way to catch them, they're big and fast, and I didn't want a repeat of the algae eater on the floor incident. I put them in my 3 gallon unheated tank for the night, and bring them back to PetsUnlimited today. The people there are like, who sold you the fish? I don't know, any more than when I go to any other store I remember the person's name. So whatever, I tell them that yes, I am sure that I told the guy what size tank I have and who lives in it, and that there was no mention of the size or violent nature of these fish. Live and learn I suppose.

Today's moral: Don't buy pets at super-sized pet stores..
If you must, buy your food and supplies there, but not the pets. Spend the extra dollar and go to a reputable pet store. That's my two cents. More like a loonie I guess, sorry about the length!

Where is my boyfriend? Why doens't he leave notes? I went out for ice cream and supper with Jenn last night after work, while Grant was at 'card night'. I did not leave a note. I was feeling very rebellious, but then kind of bad until I remembered I had my cell phone on me if he actually was wondering where I was. I got home at about 10:30. He was still not home. Mild guilt turned quickly to relief then mild irritation that he still wasn't home and that I'd been feeling bad. Why do I care? Why don't boys get that it's just nice for them to let their significant others know where they are? Maybe even an approximate time of returning! I know, it sounds crazy. Good thing there's good tv on tonight, or I'd be bored and annoyed.
I have a headache, which is from a combination of being tired, not eating anything today, and trying for 3 hours at lunch to get my cover letters done and printed off to hand in today for the non-jobs at district 2. My printer is very split-personality. Sometimes, it'll print perfectly. Most of the time, however, it will print 50-90% of the page perfectly, and screw up one line. It'll print half of it, or skew it all to hell. So this is what I did for my break between jobs today. I got my resume and one of 4-5 needed cover letters printed. I'll finish tomorrow, it's a day off anyway.

ah, have you missed me? 35 days left of school! wooh! Is it really sad that I'm already counting down the days until I'm done my new jobs? It's habit. I didn't count them, one of my students did, it was on the board today. I like my jobs, but I like doing nothing in the warm weather too. I've registered for 10 Summer Institutes, which are free courses for teachers, which is awesome. The plan of EI is getting more appealing by the day, especially with these things. They're all one or 2 days, some in Fredericton, so that would put a cramp in my abilty to work any kind of normal job anyway. Also, what kind of near decent job am I going to find for 2 months? I'm thinking...there isn't one. I'm also thinking..it's bed time.

so, clearly, ordering that last drink was an error in judgement. I had just, shall we say, gotten a bit too much into the spirit of the evening, of which the purpose was to spend my $50 VooDoo gift certificate. I actually ended up going over a bit, because we were ordering fun drinks like double chocolate martinis and the like (which are, by the way, remarkably tasty, and clear...I don't understand!). I say to Jenn, "I'm going to go and ask them for their biggest, baddest drink.". I do, and it's one large mo' fo', roughly the size of my head. I ordered one for Jenn and one for me. It seemed like a good idea at the time, I swear.
Live and learn, folks.

So I'm taking my new baby in to the dealership to get all spiffed up, floor mats put in, rust proofing on the underside etc. They're going to rent me a car for tonight / tomorrow, which is pretty cool. I have to go to Saint John for an orthoptist appointment, so it'll also save me putting kms on the new car. Jenn says I have to name it. She suggested "kitten", which deserves contemplation at the very least. Any suggestions, let me know! It's navy blue, if that helps.

I suppose you can tell that I’m French by the numerous spelling mistake in this letter…I’m also good with my hands

ok, for your next pot luck, may I suggest...this?

Man, that was an embarrassing hockey game. 6-1?

My jobs are pretty good, it's going to take me a day or 2 to get in the swing of things for the behaviour interventionist job, I'm not sure where I'll fit in in all the classes; I may end up just sort of doing another practicum. Which surely, could be worse, but wasn't exactly what I was expecting. So I'll keep you posted.

Also, I ordered a book on pregnancy and babies. HA HA! Not, I stress, because I'm planning on dealing with either of those things right away, but rather because it's been touted as a really good book, selling for about $50 at Chapters etc., and it was free. From State Farm Insurance. I don't know why, nor do I care especially. I like free stuff, even if it won't be useful right away. So, I'll have to explain to Grant at some point before it arrives that this doesn't mean I'm trying to have babies right now. Really, the 'free' reason should be reason enough, he knows me pretty well. I'm forever getting crap because it's cheap or free. Anyway, if you'd like one, or know someone who would, here's the link. You have to copy and paste it, you can't click it. Again, I don't know why, but it doesn't work as a clickable link.

http://www.sf.pii.orders.com/events/birth/

Happy Earth Day!

yeah, so for more explanation, the neon was going to cost about $1500 to fix, it was just in a mess....oil had gotten into everything and wrecked it. so they gave me $1500 on a trade, as-is, which works out pretty well for me.

also, I start my 2 new jobs tomorrow. 'Tis the time of change for Chachi!

Holy shit, I bought a car.

Well I'm back, but my car is dead. Or very near death anyway. The head gasket needs to be replaced again, it was replaced 2 years ago. Unacceptable. Also, the transmission is doing bad things, such as not dropping in to gear right away and revving at random times while driving. So, I'm going to go talk to my buddy Bob at the dealership again and see what he can do for me. It has, to this point, been cheaper to fix the neon than buy new, but it's just not anymore. Things keep breaking with increased regularity, and it just annoys me to keep putting money into this car that I know is going to break again. YARG!

Well, I'm a bit cranky, but being sick and having to work while sick makes me that way. I'm going to bed soon, I just have to finish my neo-citrin. It's delicious and full of chemicals which make me sleepy. mmm. Don't get the honey lemon flavour though! It sounds like it'll be tasty and sweet, but it tastes like ass. Very sweet ass. Stick to the lemon, or even the apple cinnamon isn't bad. I have to start going to bed at a normal time, I have to be to work at 8 every morning starting Tuesday!
My sister and I are going to Halifax tomorrow to visit my grannie for Easter. My boss from the job I've left...again...gave me a card and a chocolate easter bunny. I love that job for reasons like that. There are couches at that job, and a cat. Can't say that for many other jobs, really. Anyway, the typing is interfering with the drinking of neo-citrin, so I'm going to direct all my energy toward that. Might not post this weekend, but surely you can survive without me until Sunday.
Happy Easter!

Just saw The Transporter, it was cool. I want to be able to do half the moves that guy (Jason Statham, from Lock Stock, Snatch, Mean Machine, The One, and the upcoming Italian Job) does. Pretty cool movie, cool moves, cool car etc. He's not too hard on the eyes either, but he's no Vin.
And yeah, it's true, Knockaround Guys wasn't a very good movie. It wasn't terrible, it had some really talented actors in it, it just wasn't.. very good. I blame the fact that Vin didn't have a big enough part in it. See, had he been the star, then it would have been MUCH better. hah...

so...I've accepted another job. This one is as "behaviour interventionist" at an elementary/middle school. It's just going to be one-on-one here too, which is super. It won't pay quite as well as supply teaching, but I'm not getting much of that at all lately. So this'll work out to a couple of days supply work a week, and it's guaranteed, so wonderful. I have a real schedule now! very exciting. I'm going in for my orientation for the tutoring job this afternoon. I'm getting a nasty cold though, and am going to go have a nap before then.

why, I don't understand, does this just not work sometimes? I'd really like to know. Can anyone tell me how to run a blog from my own computer? Is there software for that? I know I could just edit a page every day, but that's a pain, no?

Damn, but Vin Diesel is hot.

Just got back from A Man Apart, and even though I knew what was going to happen from reading the reviews and previews and what not, it was still good, and kept me guessing a bit til the end. And, even if it was terrible, it still would have been worth it, just for my sweet, hot, Vin. It also had Larenz Tate and Timothy Olyphant, who was Pete in Dreamcatcher, was also in Rock Star, but I didn't see that one. Anyway, he was funny in this one. A bad guy, but funny.

Bedtime, off to read the all-celebrity Jane

because it's funny, that's why

Funny and not-so...

Funny: for the 2nd time in recent history, an elderly (not ancient, but senior quality) woman on the Price is Right bid a ridiculous amount on her showcase in the showdown. $85 000 specifically. The one I saw before, she wanted to bid $100 000 but the audience was like, "BOOOOOO!" (plus it wouldn't have fit in the display..) so she made it $90 000. Some weiner yesterday bid like $8000 on the lame showcase, but even the lame one is always worth minimum...$12-13k. If only I could be on, I'd win on those kinds of things. That and Blackjack. Calleen astutely pointed out that the one that's 10x the price and thus gets you a 10 card, is always the price that ends in 0. Obviously! haha.

not so: I need a more impressive or aggressive looking car. People are forever cutting me off in traffic. And at least 80% of the time, I swear it's just to prove that they can. What I mean by this is one of 2 situations. They either kill themselves to get out in front of me and drive 30, or they kill themselves to get out in front of me, and there is NOBODY behind me. Not a soul. Why, people? I need an old beater car, then I'll just run into them. That'll teach 'em!

It has come to my attention that most people may not be aware of the history behind my title here. I didn't make it up, I wish I did, but here is the original thing.

The Parenting Test
(how to tell if you're ready)

Mess Test:
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

Toy Test:
Obtain a 55-gallon box of Lego. (If Lego is not available, you may substitute roofing tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream. (This could wake a child at night.)

Supermarket Test:
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop at the supermarket. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.

Dressing Test:
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag, making sure that all arms stay inside.

Feeding Test:
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a stout cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal (such as Weetabix or Ready Brek) into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

Night Test:
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8 - 12 lbs of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 8:00pm, begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00pm. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00pm. Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these too until 4:00am. Set alarm for 5:00am. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.

Physical Test (Women):
Obtain a large beanbag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans.

Physical Test (Men):
Go to the nearest chemists. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.

Final Assignment:
Find a couple who already has a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training, and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Emphasise to them that they should never allow their children to run riot.

Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you will have all the answers.

so I'm just feeling really good about things now. It's still entirely possible that I won't have a contract teaching job in the fall, but the new thing is that now I can stay here to find out. I do love Fredericton, but I do not like moving. My thinking was that we'd get to Fredericton, me having to go with Grant because I wouldn't be able to support myself on my supply wages (not, if, as the VP of my HS pointed out, I like things like...eating...). Again, I love Fredericton, and Grant, but I'm pretty sure we would have ended up back here in a year anyway, so I'd like to just leave out that middle step. It's also possible that Grant will be able to finish school in one term, which makes moving even less worthwhile. So now, with the chance of at least having this tutoring job in the fall to supplement my supply work, I can in fact afford to stay here. I won't be living the high life, mind you, but I'll be alright, and able to keep working my "connections" in Moncton. Things may still change, but they're looking good for now. This is the first hint of stability I've had for some time now, and it feels reallllly good.

I got the tutoring job. Yay me! I start a week from Monday, and go in one day next week for an orientation type thing. It's Mon-Thursday from 3-8, but if I do end up working at HS, which only gets out at 3:30, I can most likely just tack on the time to the end of my day, which is fine. Weekends off!

ok, so my week went well, AND, I just had a little interview/meeting for a tutoring job at the alternate ed centre, so I'm super happy. It's Friday, it's beautiful outside, and I might have a teacher-related way of making extra money. I wouldn't be able to keep working at the house, so that's kind of a bummer, unless they just want me for weekends...but this is really what I want to be doing, it's why I went to school, so I really think it would be stupid of me to pass up this opportunity. And you never know, it might lead into an actual teaching position.
Because really, I do want to get my masters, but not necessarily right now. I still don't really know what I want to do it in. I like exceptional learners, but I also like guidance and counselling, and I think that might be more where my talents lie. Also, working with at-risk students, the guidance option would probably be more useful. I hadn't ever really entertained the idea of that one vs the E.L. masters, because I didn't think it would really be that useful, as far as employability goes. Much like the reason I didn't go to NSCAD and do a fine arts degree. Some people can make it work, but not everyone.
I'll keep you posted!

so today, as with every morning this week, I am to work one-on-one with a student. She didn't show up today though. So I got to work with another student, which was pretty good as well, like I said, any student can be a sweet heart when you get them one-on-one. Boo to low funding. But that made my morning worthwhile anyway. I go to my afternoon booking, eat my decent but not especially tasty lunch that I brought. I wasn't able to fridge or freezer anything, being at 2 schools I'd probably have left it in the first, so I brought one of those Betty Crocker just add water and nuke dealies. It was ok. I ask when I get there who I am, then have my lunch. I go to the classroom after lunch, and there is already a supply teacher in there. Ok, clearly I'm in another classroom.
Except I'm not.
I'm booked in the computer system, I'm not just an idiot, but the principal who does the bookings is gone for the afternoon and there's nobody else who needs replacing. I had this happen before so I always check the computer booking online before I go. I'm booked, but so is this other woman, and even though I've been booked for like, a month...I get sent home. With sincere apologies, granted, but still, it's, shall we say...a bit of a nuisance. Also, I was going to talk to the principal about possible positions for the fall, but he was not there.
I stopped on the way home to get toothpaste, cause the stuff we have hurts my mouth, no good. I opt for the stupid "check yourself out" option, and the machine goes schitzo on me and calls for help. I don't need help, I just want to pay for my crap and go home. No such luck.
So that's been my day.

As suspected, that girl from the band Boomkat is in fact the girl from that super movie, Crossroads, with Britney Spears. She was Mimi, the girl who was date raped by the snobby girl's college boyfriend. Really a sweet movie. Date rape, falling in love with some random guy who looks like he's 30, miscarriage, cheating/rapist older boyfriends. Great for the wee ones.
yeah, I saw it. It was really funny, if you ignored all the really dark things going on, which I guess we're suppsed to, since it's geared at Britney fans, average age...9. Also a good movie to practise your "guess what's going to happen next" skills, cause it's a sure bet you'll be right. Yeah, I even guessed the big twist at the end!

well said.

so, latest plan, but it will be planned out better than the going back for a few courses idea, is to get my masters in exceptional learners. If my calculations are correct (and I'm getting them checked too) I should only have to take 9 courses to get my masters, since I have undergrad classes that are equivalent to some grad courses. I'll check and see if I can do it in a year, and if nothing else comes up for the fall, I may just do it. Then I can be Sarah Smith, BA, BEd, MEd. Nice. I'd be happy just to be Miss Smith for now though, hehe.
It'll come...
Anyway, just a quick update cause I've been slack the past few days.

editor's note: I will have to take the same number of courses, which right now stands at 12, but is most likely being reduced to 10, which is do-able in one year. now I have to see if all 5 (not 8, I already have 3) required courses will be offered this coming year. if not, eff it!

alright. Not that things are any more clear, but here is how they stand. Our house is staying open. I will have a job until at most June, because I'm only there to replace someone who's doing school and will be back then. For one more kink, the girl who works the same shift as me, on opposite days, wants to have fewer hours. The company can't give her fewer hours, that's just the line she's working, and how many hours it has. So she might just not stay on at all. I don't know what that means for me, I'll hopefully find out more tomorrow.
Completely unrelated, I'm going to check out a computer at Future Shop, it's an e-Machines 1.4G 40G hard drive 128M of ram, dvd-rom and cd burner, network card, and monitor for $799+tax. It's refurbished, hence the good price, but comes with the same warantee as any other computer. Still a good deal? I know a few people with eMachines computers and they haven't had any problems, so I think it might be. If I can get the 90 days no payments no interest deal, that would be even more tempting. I don't really neeed a new computer though, I just mostly want winXP, which nobody I knows has a legal copy of, and I'm not shelling out $150 for the freaking UPGRADE only cd.
Off topic #2 - I want a cool summer job. I can go on EI and volunteer at the SPCA or hospital, 2 excellent ideas raised by Tirésa, or I could try to take pictures for the paper or something, an excellent idea raised by my dear sister. I don't know if that one is feasible, if they just take random people or if you need a degree in photography or something, but it's worth looking into. Anybody else think of cool ways to spend my summer? I don't want to work at a call centre. No, correction, I won't work at a call centre. I could go for summer day camp for kids or something like that, it's not all about the money so much as me not hating getting up in the morning. I do need some money for paying bills and whatnot, but that's about it. I'm not expecting to save much. So who has done something cool, and how do I get to do it too?

oh, yeah, and my teaching French immersion today was actually watching the movie "Hardball" with Keanu Reeves and Diane Lane (which is pretty good, btw) for 3 periods, and "Oliver" for one. Music class, naturally. So it went pretty well. Slow though, I have to say, but I can't complain about being paid to do that really. Days like that make up for the other, 'no-amount-of-money-is-worth-this' sorts of supply days I sometimes have.

I taught today and met with 2 new-to-me supply teachers in the staff room at lunch and during my prep period. One of them was a mom who has her BEd but is just supplying for a bit of money, which I didn't really know people did. The other one is like me, just in it to get a "real" job. He seems hopeful about this coming year, said that there are something like 80 retirements in Moncton this year, as well as a whack of admin positions that have to be filled by teachers. So that's pretty good, but not when you think of how many people there are waiting for those positoins. He raised the following stats, which may or may not have been made up, but made me feel better for the moment. Only about half of supply teachers here have their BEd, the rest are just local permits. So that's a large chunk not to have to compete with. Also, among the teacher chunk, are a good number of people who are either retired and doing it for lack of anything else to do, or who just don't really want to teach full time. So, there are still a lot of people, but not as many, which is nice. Of course, there are no jobs posted at all right now, so there's really no telling how things will be. I keep being told that I can go away, to Ontario or out west, and get a job there. This is true, but I don't want to go away. I like it here, it's where I'm from, it's the closest I can get to my family, such as it is, and when my parents to come back, this is the area they'll be in. I'm tired of people being like, you're young! Go while you can! As if I'm going to blow up in 5 years or something. Even when I was single I didn't want to go teach in Korea or anything. It's just not me. I want to work, but I don't want to have to give up everything I have here to move into some tiny apartment by myself in a strange place. So sue me. Because, generally, then these same people turn around if the topic comes to family, children etc, I say I want to get a job so I can save money, have a nice place to live, children etc...they say "well you can't wait for everything to be perfect to start your life, money isn't everything, blah blah blah". Make up your minds! Or, stop offering generic advice to random strangers. Either way. I'm not angry, just sort of irked. Still very frustrated, understandably I think, but hey.
On a possibly good note, the house that I work at for MCRI isn't closing, so we don't have to move and theoretically I'll have a job past the end of this month. That said, they will be redoing the schedule and cutting back some hours, so I may not have a job anyway. I'll keep you posted, as usual.

I got to teach English again today. Tomorrow, I teach French! haha, high school immersion, should be interesting. The vp was looking at who he needed for tomorrow when I went in this afternoon, and he's like, oh, no wait, I need someone Fench for that. I'm like, come on, I speak French. really? how well? I said, well enough to do it for a day. Probably not well enough to make a career out of it at this point. It saves him phone call too, so he went along with it. I'm not worried, we usually didn't actually speak French when possible when I was in FI in high school, so we'll see. I can do anything for a day.
That is, if there is school. It's quite messy out, freezing rain, quite a lot of flooding. The island at Centennial Park is submerged, only the trees remain, which is pretty neat. The footbridge is also in the water, just the highest part is above, and it's usually what like, 15' above water? Crazy. Pretty though, ice coated trees again. I raised the point that, at least this time there aren't as many trees left standing to knock over power lines. Always look on the bright side...
I thought it was spring, but it is the end of March, and it came in like a lamb, so...

working all weekend, sweet ass. I've deleted most of the pictures off of this address and put them on to my new one, but I think I've updated all the links so it should keep working for you guys. Let me know if I've missed some. I'm going to go check out a daycare today, they're hiring. I'm debating, I'm not sure if they're hiring for right now or the summer. I'd prefer summer, since I keep telling myself I have to keep my days free for supply teaching, but I think I'll go check it out and see. The ad was "tired of working nights? love kids?" I was like, yes, and yes! sweet. No night shifts for me this summer, I've decided. Half of me is considering just going on EI, but the other half of me is violently rejecting that idea.

ooh, I'm part of a webring, and I got comments back!
wooh!

yeah, maybe I'm obsessed with Ronco, but just check out some of the stuff this man sells! He's got everything!
Damn, I can save hundreds of dollars by making my own...fish jerky!
who the hell is spending hundreds of dollars on fish jerky?

well, it looks like I ran out of space on my server. luckily, I'm allowed to have like a zillion addresses. or like, 5, with 10M each, so that should do me until I can afford to buy my own space and server etc. I was cursing this damn thing up and down, and really, it was my own fault. ah well. does anyone know how to check how much stuff you've got on the server when using cuteFTP?

I just got $480 worth of parts and labour on my car for $229. Goddam dealerships eh? I'm sorry, labour must be what, like $100 an hour? Please. Asses. I even bought my own parts, at retail cost, and it was still less than half the price. Surely dealerships get parts cheaper than us regular folk? I'll stick to the independent garages from now on, thanks.
Also, I managed to pick up Holly McNarland's cd as well as Sam Roberts, for only $9.95 each. Steal of a deal, no? Granted, Sam only has about 6 songs on his cd, it's still a good deal. I'm happy. And yes, I will actually purchase a cd if it's like $10-12. But I'm not paying $20 for it, it's not worth it. I think that a lot of people feel the same way, so if record companies would accept that we're not idiots, stop whining about napster and lower their prices, they'd be much better off.

ok, and wait, is the FD5 like, the FDA wouldn't approve it, so they made their own Food and Drug corp to give it the OK?
"ah, yeah, Ron...it's not sanitary to make yogurt and jerky in the same machine..."
"screw you guys! I'll go the FD5!"
"the what?"
"SHUT UP!"

ok, I'm sorry, but this is just *really* funny. It's the "Ronco FD5 Food Dehydrator, Yogurt Maker and Beef Jerky Machine" (that's right, Ronco, of "set it...and forGET it!" fame). Does this thing do ALL of those things? "My yogurt tastes like beef..."

ah, I love when other people post on my blog. it makes it more fun for me anyway.
I taught today, kids who aren't allowed in their regular classes because of behaviour problems. Not in-school suspension, that's I think the step before this. Good times. The kids weren't actually that bad though, better once we got settled than most of the "regular" classes I teach. ironic, no? One of the kids even told the principal he should hire me full time. I agree. I'm not going to have my French upgraded by the fall, so that idea's gone out the window. I was told of a summer program at U de M, and thought that would be a great idea (if I could get the bursary, since it's $1600 otherwise) but it's at U de M alright, SHIPPEGAN campus. Honestly, no, I don't know where that is. It's not here, that's enough for me. Also sadly, I was not the only one to apply for the UNB job, so I can't hold my breath on that one either. Ah well. There's always Super7.

For the first time in a while now, I am able to watch the Price is Right at lunch time. Every day thus far it has been pre-empted by war coverage, which is really beginning to piss me off. Not just the Price is Right thing, but the idiocy with which the news is reported. The whole situation is tragic, but the question begging to be answered here is: "what the hell did you think was going to happen?" Oh, they may be going against the Geneva Convention? You invaded their country! You're bombing them, what the hell did you think was going to happen? You went against the UN, but *that* is ok. I'm not trying to reduce the severity of the situation here at all, but come on. You attack a country run by a lunatic because he doesn't follow the rules you've set out. Once more now, what the hell did you think was going to happen?

The News
by Jack Johnson

A billion people died on the news tonight
But not so many cried at the terrible sight
Well mama said
It's just make believe
You can't believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight

Who's the one to decide that it would be alright
To put the music behind the news tonight
Well mama said
You can't believe everything you hear
The diagetic world is so unclear
So baby close your ears
On the news tonight
On the news tonight

The unobtrusive tones on the news tonight
And mama said
Mmm

Why don't the newscasters cry when they read about people who die
At least they could be decent enough to put just a tear in their eyes
Mama said
It's just make believe
You cant believe everything you see
So baby close your eyes to the lullabies
On the news tonight

I was up to Fredericton for the weekend, saw Emm Gryner and Holly McNarland, it was an awesome show. Go check them out. Started a bit late, but what do you expect for a show at the Nut. I also got a giant wad of blue gum stuck on my pants from under the table we were sitting at, which was really gross, but I did manage to get it all off with some ice and patience. Ended up with wet pants, but better that than a big wad of blue gum. Disgusting. I washed my hands 3 times, so I figure I'm ok.

I've applied for a job at UNB that I'm technically not qualified for but would do a kick-ass job at, so hopefully I get an interview at least, then I can *wow* them. Hehe. Have to take the car in this week to get the wheel bearing or whatever the hell is wrong with it fixed. I think that might be one reason it's noisy lately too, hopefully anyway. I don't really have any actual news. oh, but I do have some song lyrics I want to post. hang on.

BA ha, it worked! sweet ass. I would LOVE to get stuff like that in essays, it's great!

well, I kept trying to post a long-ish email I got, but it wouldn't work, and then it wouldn't let me back in for the rest of the day. Bastards! So here are the fun parts.

Actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

He spoke with wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

Her vocabulary was as bad, as, like, whatever.

He was a tall as a six foot three inch tree.

From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7 PM instead of 7:30.

John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the east river.

The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.

It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.

yes, I concur wholeheartedly on the visiting of the aforementioned link.

I got to teach English this week, I feel all intellectual again. Shakespeare!

Seriously though, it's funny, and has lots of odd trivia that you can share at parties and whatnot. Go, already!

48 hours.

nothing is going to change in 48 hours.

I honestly do not think it would matter if anything did.

Arrest me if you will. George Bush is an asshole. Just because your daddy went to war, doesn't mean you have to. Maybe you should try to think of alternate solutions that will work for the whole world, rather than risking the whole world for your personal agenda. Why are you in the UN, if when it comes down to it you're just going to do whatever the hell you want to anyway?

From VOANews:
Saddam Hussein is warning that any "aggressor" should realize that the battle will be waged, in his words, "wherever there is sky, earth and water anywhere in the world."

The Iraqi president made his comments to senior aides. They were broadcast on Iraqi television Sunday. He asked who appointed America, what he called, the "unjust judge of the world?"

I have to say, he kind of has a point in that 2nd part.

just a note, my cable modem has been misbehaving, thus my internet access is sporadic at times, so I may not be here.

I generally give the warning and end up being here every day, but I feel bad just leaving you wondering. hehe.

Alias. her mom is...good.....evil evil....then good? comes to CIA....nope, planted bombs...evil.....nope, good, Jack planted the bombs......nope, evil, escaped and is in cohoots with Sloane....no...wait....maybe good? sending hopeful morse code messages to Syd?

I can't keep track!

Axis of Evil Wannabes
by John Cleese

Bitter after being snubbed for membership in the "Axis of Evil," Libya, China,and Syria today announced they had formed the "Axis of Just as Evil," which they said would be more evil than that stupid Iran-Iraq-North Korea axis President Bush warned of in his State of the Union address.

Axis of Evil members, however, immediately dismissed the new axis as having, for starters, a really dumb name. "Right. They are Just as Evil...in their dreams!" declared North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. "Everybody knows we're the best evils... best at being evil...we're the best."

Diplomats from Syria denied they were jealous over being excluded, although they conceded they did ask if they could join the Axis of Evil.

"They told us it was full," said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. "An Axis can't have more than three countries," explained Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. "This is not my rule, it's tradition. In World War II you had Germany, Italy, and Japan in the evil Axis. So, you can only have three, and a secret handshake. Ours is wickedly cool."

International reaction to Bush's Axis of Evil declaration was swift, as within minutes, France surrendered. Elsewhere, peer-conscious nations rushed to gain triumvirate status in what became a game of geopolitical chairs.

Cuba, Sudan, and Serbia said they had formed the "Axis of Somewhat Evil," forcing Somalia to join with Uganda and Myanmar in the "Axis of Occasionally Evil," while
Bulgaria, Indonesia and Russia established the "Axis of Not So Much Evil Really As Just Generally Disagreeable."

With the criteria suddenly expanded and all the desirable clubs filling up...Sierra Leone, El Salvador, and Rwanda applied to be called the "Axis of Countries That Aren't the Worst But Certainly Won't Be Asked to Host the Olympics."

Canada, Mexico, and Australia formed the "Axis of Nations That Are Actually Quite Nice But Secretly Have Some Nasty Thoughts About America," while Scotland,
New Zealand and Spain established the "Axis of Countries That Be Allowed to Ask Sheep to Wear Lipstick." "That's not a threat, really, just something we like to do," said Scottish Executive First Minister Jack McConnell.

While wondering if the other nations of the world weren't perhaps making fun of him, a cautious Bush granted approval for most axis, although he rejected the establishment of the Axis of Countries Whose Names End in "Guay," accusing one of its members of filing a false application. Officials from Paraguay, Uruguay, and Chadguay denied the charges.

Israel, meanwhile, insisted it didn't want to join any Axis, but privately, leaders said that's only because no one asked them.

Had to take a little break after the rant there, sorry. I've heard since then that there IS actually a group wanting to send the Statue of Liberty back to France. I really just don't have anything to say about that.

I'm working all weekend, which is fun, but I only work 2 days next week, and am going up to Fredericton this weekend to see Holly MacNarland and Emm Gryner at...*shudder*...the Chestnut. Should be a good show regardless. I'm teaching 2 days so far, and just waiting to hear back about how I can go about improving my French enough to be able to teach it. I have a level (or had, in grade 12, 6 years ago) of Intermediate Plus, and need Superior, which is I think 3 levels higher. I'm at least as good I think as I was in HS, and I pick up language pretty easily, so I'm confident that if someone will just direct me as to what course(s) to take I can do it. Anyway, for now, I have to get ready for work, so au revoir and hasta la vista and ciao and latah.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The cafeteria menus in the three House office buildings changed the name of "french fries" to "freedom fries," in a culinary rebuke of France stemming from anger over the country's refusal to support the U.S. position on Iraq.

Ditto for "french toast," which will be known as "freedom toast."


ok. I don't really want to talk about it, but I have to. What the hell is wrong with the American government? Freedom fries? Are you retarded? Yes, France IS INDEED a bad country for not wanting WWIII. What *are* they thinking? The nerve. Hey, Bush! I'm in Canada, and I don't want a war either, so I guess you better start calling it Freedom bacon too. I bet there are some other countries who don't want a war, but just so long as France is willing to step up and voice their opinion nobody else really has to, do they? If you're going to rename or forsake everything with a French origin, you're going to be doing without a LOT of stuff, so you may want to rethink that idea. Hello, mayonnaise? bicycles, the barometer, pasturization, the sewing machine, velcro...do a search, it's actually quite surprising what you'll find. How about the Statue of Liberty, you ignorant pieces of crap.
Here is a link to a well-said and less angry sounding view on the matter.

Get a grip on yourselves, people.

yes, I'm NOT working tonight. But I did teach. math and science. I'm sure, honestly, that I could teach either of those, given a month to prepare for the year. I want a job. I'm serious here. I know people have had to supply for 7 years or whatever before getting a job, and it's not that I feel I'm better than them or anything, I just don't see the point of supplying for more than a year. You've put in some time, been humbled, gotten some classroom management skills, learned how horrible teaching can be...what more could you want?
anyway, I haven't had an evening off yet this week, so I'm going to go relax.

Crap, Trading Spaces is really old. Alex is hosting. she bothers me.

Since the days of Hannibal crossing the Alps with his elephants an exotic array of animals have been pressed into military action.

Perhaps the most bizarre plan was when the US launched Project X-Ray in World War II - an attempt to attack Japan with bats carrying tiny satchels bearing incendiary devices.

The plan backfired when on a practice run the bats attacked the wrong target, and set fire to a military airfield in New Mexico.

In the recent Afghan conflict troops were on alert for attacks by kamikaze camels strapped with explosives, a tactic the mujahideen used against Soviet troops.

And in the event of a US-led attack on Iraq the US army plans to ride chickens into battle in cages atop Humvees, used as early warning gas detectors.

The US Army calls the strategy Operation Kuwaiti Field Chicken - or KFC - but the plan has been put on hold after 41 of the 43 chickens deployed to the Gulf died within a week of arrival.


Where do you find these things? It's funny, but horrible at the same time.

That is funny.

Just a note to say I'm teaching every day this week (first time ever, YAY me!) and working most of it as well, so I won't be around much to chat with y'all. Tomorrow I get to do resource again, which is very exciting. I've started to ask what exactly I have to do to get a real job, I figure it can't hurt. I'm only supplying at 2 schools, and I think they like me or I probably wouldn't be there so much, so I'll see if they can help me at all. Again, happy thoughts in my direction are appreciated!

On a bright note, (ha ha), the digital camera I want is on sale for $999, down from $1079.
Steal of a deal.

The toilet training continues to be a success. A bit messy, there's litter everywhere, but that's alright. I'm just going to leave it like it is for a few days until they get used to it, then I'll start reducing the litter then putting in water.
I rented a really good movie last night with Jenn. It was called "Wild About Harry", it was Irish, and quite funny. Basically the guy's a total ass his whole life, but then lapses into a coma and wakes up not remembering the last 25 years. It's mainly funny but also touching in parts. I also rented "Diamond Men" which looks like it's going to be really funny. It's got Donnie Whalberg in it, so it must be good. haha... Both movies were previewed on "The Rules of Attraction", which was a bad movie, don't rent it. It's not funny AT ALL, dark or otherwise, and quite disturbing in parts.
so there's your movie reviewage for this weekend. I have to go get dressed etc, I have a hair appointment today. Oooh!

A whlie back I was trying to toilet train the cats, remember? Anyway, I finally got this thing called a "sitz bath" which I think is for bathing your nether regions while you sit on the toilet, but the cats don't need to know that. It's sturdy plastic and won't fall in to the toilet when the dumb cats stand in it. Anyway, I just set it up today cause the litter was due for a change, and Mort jumped right up and peed. Very exciting. They wouldn't fall for the tin pan full of litter I tried before, but this seems to work. So I'm pretty excited at the idea of toilet trained cats, I have to tell you. I'll keep you posted.

ok, I'm just gonna quote this whole thing right off Dyanna's blog, cause it's easier that way, and has a nice enough intro. This serves as a nice contrast to my last sort of, anti-US sounding last post. I'm going to say the same thing she did as well. It's not that I agree with everything he's saying, but he raises some very valid points. the stolen post starts.....now:


After hearing that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's license with her face covered this is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he?


IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.

If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

ok. So my vote goes to impeach Bush and bring back the sex fiend. He may have done naughty things, but in the grand scheme of things, which is more serious an offence, getting some illicit love from a silly silly intern, or waging a war against the wishes of like, the WHOLE WORLD.

also, what the hell is going on with American television? while we here have quality stuff like Degrassi: TNG, they bombard us with crap like...I have to list here:
Hot or Not
Married by America (a big letdown, they're just going to get engaged and then live together for a while and THEN we'll see..)
Date My Mom
America's Most Talented Kid
All-American Girl
American Idol (why do we enjoy seeing people being crapped on?)
Survivor (I'm sorry, it's crap)
Joe Millionaire (yeah, I watched it, he's hot, but it's still crap)
The Bachelor
The Bachelorette
I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!
Celebrity Mole
The Family
Fear Factor
30 Seconds to Fame
Temptation Island 3
Mr. Personality (coming soon, click for details!)

stuff that isn't on right now, but has been and haunts me still:
The Mole
Big Brother


And the sad thing is, I'm sure I've missed some. But I'm tired now!

ok, I'm probably going to end up deleting this post later since it won't make sense if the page is working, but for right now it's NOT. It was, but now, somehow even though it has my new posts on it, it has reverted back to the old format with the old pop up window menus, even though that's not in the template that's been uploaded. *sigh* whatever. bigger fish to fry.

ah, new menus!
I just went to get an oil change, and agreed to a "peace of mind driving inspection", because my car does strange things and makes odd noises etc. It's almost completely fine, it is completely fine as far as the noises go..but alas needs a new tierod and something else, that with parts and labour will cost me $480. I am sad. I was just trying to decide how I should spend my income tax money, since though I'm not rich, I am in a position right now where I'd say it's safe to spend my tax refund, cause it's like found money. But now, that'll take a good chunk of my money. Grant has offered to chip in, but I feel bad making him pay for my shitty car. What do you think? With this, and the big money we sunk into it in the late fall, I just don't know if this is when I draw the line of "not worth investing any more money into it", or if I fix it and hope for the best in coming months.

Again from Tirésa, she sent me these a little while ago, but they're funny.

THE BEST [ACTUAL] HEADLINES OF 2002

1. Crack Found on Governor's Daughter.
2. Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says.
3. Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers.
4. Iraqi Head Seeks Arms.
5. Is There a Ring of Debris around Uranus?
6. Prostitutes Appeal to Pope.
7. Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over.
8. Teacher Strikes Idle Kids.
9. Miners Refuse to Work after Death.
10. Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant.
11. War Dims Hope for Peace.
12. If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile.
13. Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures.
14. Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide.
15. Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges.
16. Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead.
17. Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge.
18. New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group.
19. Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft.
20. Kids Make Nutritious Snacks.
21. Chef Throws His Heart into Helping Feed Needy.
22. Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half.
23. Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors.

Well, among many other great quotes that I've found, a few of which are posted on Tirésa's blog, this is the closest approximation to the one I'm looking for. It may be a word or 2 off, but the general feeling is there, and you can probably see why I was trying so hard to find it. Such a lovely thought.


Daniel the Tiger thought that he was a mistake because he was different from other tigers. do you feel like that sometimes?
All tigers are different, just like people. That's what makes you someone special. There is no person in this world who is a mistake, no matter how different they may seem. Everyone is fine.

I'm sick. Why am I sick? Because it's March Break. I usually get a cold this time of year, but not like, SICK sick. I'm not happy. Grant's being a sweetie though, offered to stay home from work and stuff. That wouldn't have been much fun though, me sleeping and barfing etc. Not much that can be done I'm afraid. Gravol sucks though, I'll pass that bit of wisdom along. That's about all I have energy for right now, I'm going to go watch Michael Moore on Oprah. He's a pretty cool guy, introduced to me by none other than the lovely Erin. What would I do without her? hehe..

I'm searching for one very specific quote that I just can't find, but I'll keep looking for a while. in the meantime, Tirésa and I have both been looking, and she found a page with this quote on it.

When asked what the greatest event in American history was, Fred Rogers responded, “I can’t say, however I suspect that like so many ‘great’ events, it was something very simple and very quiet with little or no fanfare (such as forgiving someone else for a deep hurt) which eventually changed the course of history. The really important “great” things are never the center stage of life’s drama. They’re always “in the wings.” That’s why it’s so essential for us to be mindful of the humble and the deep rather than the flashy and the superficial.”

lovely.

So as most of you probably know, Mr Rogers passed away this week. Now, this is sad in the generic way that any celebrity-type person's passing away is sad, but also on a bigger level than that. I was lucky enough to catch the end of a PBS special on him last night, and I have a whole new appreciation for him. I think he was really good for kids in a way that wasn't just about entertaining them or talking down to them in any way. As an example, here are the lyrics of one of his songs from the show which I, honestly, think would make a lovely wedding song with "love" instead of "like". Or even just the way it is.

It's You I Like
by Fred M. Rogers


It's you I like,
It's not the things you wear,
It's not the way you do your hair--
But it's you I like
The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you--
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys--
They're just beside you.

But it's you I like--
Every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.
I hope that you'll remember
Even when you're feeling blue
That it's you I like,
It's you yourself,
It's you, it's you I like.

Tirésa sent me this and had it on her blog, but it's funny, so I'm posting it on mine. Don't go getting all offended or anything eh?


Americans,

On behalf of Canadians everywhere I'd like to offer an apology to the United States of America. We haven't been getting along very well recently and for that, I am truly sorry.

I'm sorry we called George Bush a moron. He is a moron, but it wasn't nice of us to point it out. If it's any consolation, the fact that he's a moron shouldn't reflect poorly on the people of America. After all, it's not like you actually elected him or anything.

I'm sorry about our softwood lumber. Just because we have more trees than you doesn't give us the right to sell you lumber that's cheaper and better than your own.

I'm sorry we beat you in Olympic hockey. In our defence I guess our excuse would be that our teams were much, much, much, much better than yours.

I'm sorry we burnt down your White-House during the war of 1812. I notice you've rebuilt it! It's very nice.

I'm sorry about your beer. I know we had nothing to do with your beer, but we feel your pain.

I'm sorry about our waffling on Iraq. I mean, when you're going up against a crazed dictator, you want have your friends by your side. I realise it took more than two years before you guys pitched in against Hitler, but that was different. Everyone knew he had weapons.

And finally on behalf of all Canadians, I'm sorry that we're constantly apologising for things in a passive-aggressive sort of way, which is really a thinly veiled criticism. I sincerely hope that you're not upset over this. We've seen what you do to countries you get upset with.

I'm Canadian. And I'm sorry.

and finally, I have put up all my new pics from Christmas and the ice storm, and some random pet pics. enjoy!

on the bright side, I was offered an interview at the Tri County district, but had to decline because I can't move to Yarmouth. Also, and more fun, I got a free shoulder bag from them, KD from the Chignecto board, and Kipper Snacks (also from Tri County, they're made in Yarmouth). Pretty fun.

Ok. So I went to the job fair, only to find out that they're only hiring for math, science, music, and French Immersion. This would have been especially useful information prior to my leaving the city of Moncton, giving up a night's pay at MCRI and a day of supply work to go to an interview that I did well at, but I have a feeling was a waste of time. The only thing I can do out of the aforementioned subjects is FI, which I *can* do, and DO, regularly. I think they didn't really belive me, even though I did half the interview in French and emphasized the fact that I DO teach immersion all the time. I do understand that there were time constaints, but I would have appreciated them taking a moment to look at a couple of key things in my portfolio, since I've put a bit of work in to it, and it has some fairly important stuff in it...lesson plans, reference letters (one of which specifically says that my French is strong enough to teach it!), evaluations, etc. It was a very standard interview, which again, I'm sure was due to time constraints, but I didn't really feel like I got a chance to express myself properly. I was actually cut off several times before I got to my point whenever I tried to sneak in some useful piece of information about myself that could make them want to hire me. All in all a very frustrating situation, for a more detailed description of the events, check out Tirésa's page, she has far more reason to be angry than me as she did not even get an interview for whatever reason. I think the only reason I did is that I have on my résumé that I'm bilangue, and I consider myself to be so, but I really don't think the interviewers believed me, which is really too bad. It can't be a good sign that they were encouraging me to move to Hali to supply, because with my French I'd get a lot of work. Or as much as I get here anyway. It doesn't really make sense to me to move somewhere to do the same thing I'm doing here. Better of them to say that than just to kick me out, but it was pretty discouraging to be basically told right there that I suck. I'm sure I'll manage something for the fall, it's just that this whole thing could have been a lot better. I'm also a touch bitter that the NS boards have been handing out contracts the whole time, and with UNB being last on the tour, we were presented with far fewer job opportunities, which doesn't really seem fair. This is a bit longer than I'd hoped, but I'm a bit emotional about the whole thing, really. So if anyone knows of any elementary FI jobs or high school English jobs or Resource that's willing to accept a BEd in S.E. and a promise to further my studies...lemme know!

So tomorrow I teach grade 2 and then I'm off to the NS early hiring job fair at UNB. I have an interview Wednesday morning, and I'm sort of nervous, I've heard that either I'll definitely get a job because they're pretty hard up for teachers, or not to hold my breath cause they're interviewing a LOT of people, or that they're only interviewing people from NS (but that can't be, cause I'm not, and what's the point of going to different universities if you're only interested in NS teachers?). *sigh*. I think really they're just drawing names out of a hat to decide interviews. I know there can't be any real system to it, because my dear dear friend Tiresa was overlooked for an interview, and I am very surprised and hurt on her behalf. We have basically the same courses and experience, so I'm not sure what it was. We're going to get to the bottom of it tomorrow though! Anyway...a girl supplying at the HS I work at had like, 9 mini interviews at the PEI job fair, and got 3 job offers out of it. She just graduated in December. She also said her interview was approximately 12 minutes long, and that they didn't even have time to look at her portfolio, but were impressed that she had one. So I really have no clue what to expect, but am hoping to clear that up as well, tomorrow afternoon. I wasn't going to tell anyone about the interview, mainly just not my parents, cause I think it's hard on them when I don't get jobs. But I'm pretty sure they don't read this, so I'm safe. Wish me luck! seriously though.

so I didn't teach kindergarten, I taught grade 3 immersion, but whatev, it's all good. I have, however, decided...or realized I suppose...that on the whole, I'm much happier when coming home from a day in elementary school than I am coming home from high school. This is definitely not to say that I don't want to teach high school, but it is to say that as far as supply teaching goes, elementary is where it's at. They know you're not quite the real teacher once they hit about grade 3, but they don't really treat you like the big kids do. And, you actually get to teach them, not just supervise movie watching or something. I got a really nice reference letter from the principal at the elementary school where I go all the time, so hopefully that will help. It even mentions that my French is good enough to teach the second language program..(in elem. anyway..) I'm still working on getting one out of my co-operating teacher from this time last year, but I think I'm more to blame than he is for that. I did run into him though, at Chapters, last weekend, and reminded him that I need one and could pick it up when I arrive at Freddy Beach on Tuesday. I don't really know what to do with them, put them in the portfolio under some section I suppose! Tiresa and I are working on getting the bulk of our portfolios online (my briliant idea, though I'm sure it's been thought of before) so as to be able to reference it on resumes etc, maybe increase the chance of an interview. Though, I seem to be getting the interviews, just not the jobs. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though, it's only a matter of time, I just have to have patience and not lose my mind in the meantime. Happy thoughts in my direction are greatly appreciated. Anyhoo, it's late and I'm tired, so hasta luego.

I JUST CAN'T STOP! hehe...I've gotten myself some cool but horribly complicated program, Macromedia Studio MX which came with a bunch of programs, so if I can figure out how to work them, then I'll be able to get this sonofabitch the way I want it and just..let it be. For a while. Anyhoo, just checking in, I'm tired and have to go to bed so as to be able to teach KINDERGARTEN tomorrow. Sweetass.

Swedish lessons from Erin:

jag älskar dig --- I love you

älska god mat --- love good food

fröken i skolan var min första förälskelse --- my schoolteacher was my first love

so, am I selfish for not wanting to work at my "other" job all the time? I'm on the relief list, and I really don't want to work there every day. It's money, yes. But the home that needs me most, there's just a lot of work to do, and it's incredibly tiring teaching a full day and then working there until 10:30. They would probably have me in there 4 times a week if I'd go, because *someone* is always out sick, or whatever, and their relief list, I think, consists of about 2 people. I feel bad saying no because somebody is going to have to work the shift, I just don't always want it to have to be me.
The search for easy ways to cool-up my site continues..I'm going to go to my usual help site and see if she has any ideas for me. Kind of ironic, the site is for kids, but I've learned a lot of HTML there! hehe..

Can you tell I'm bored? I crave change. No.....I need change. seriously. I've changed the name here, I think it's better, and I swear, not meant to be dirty. Although, I have no problem with it being construed that way. hehe.
ARGCHK!
when I make wishes at 11:11, which I do, yes...I don't even wish for specific things like winning the lottery or anything. I wish for a significant, good change to occur in my life. Soon.

So in an effort to make this site cooler and ever more enjoyable for you and me both, I thought perhaps I would switch over to Moveable Type, since most of the cool sites I see are done that way. However, have a look at this and tell me if you think I have a snowball's chance of understanding it! I mean, people do it, but holy crap. I was on a 16 year old's site today, and SHE was using moveable type, so it must be do-able, no? Anyone have any advice for me?

dammit, but we were cute. check us out.

Well, despite my best efforts to send e-cards yesterday for today, they only got sent about 10 minutes ago. Ah well! Another V-day come and gone. Kind of overrated I think, although I did get a free lunch and some flowers out of the deal, so I'm pretty happy. I briefly considered redoing the colours for today into pinks etc, but thought that a bit much, even though I had, by far, enough time on my hands to do it. hehe. Anyway, hope everyone got to do something interesting today, or completely ignored the holiday, whichever you prefer!

so, Happy V-day...almost. For those not in coupledom, I give you this. A Hallmark card with one hell of a long link, but it made me laugh.

ok, Jenn sent me this as a Valentine's Day treat / inspiration. Watch out, there's sound! ahahahah...

so I'm a slacker, what are you gonna do about it?
Jebus seems better, but I'm just going to finish off the drugs on him. an extra day or 2 can't hurt tooo badly I figure.
In other news, I hate supply teaching. The kids are hateful, then challenge every single thing I say, just to be pains in the ass, not because they actually disagree or think they'll get away with anything. The school I was in yesterday, we were supposed to watch a video and then they had questions to answer. I told them if they were quiet for the video I wouldn't make them do the questions, just have a look at them so they could do them later or the next day or whatever. So obviously, they won't shut up, so I say, if you don't quiet down and watch the movie, I'll give you all the questions to do for homework. One student says, "You can't do that.". Hell yes, I can! What the hell do they think I'm there for? Christ. And sadly, that's the biggest decision I got to make all day. I had 3 kids get suspended for 5 days in one of my other classes yesterday. Is that fun? I say no. I AM A TEACHER. I am not just some schmoe off the street who is doing this for a little extra pocket cash...or so that I can have something to do during the day, or during my retirement, or whatever. It doesn't seem fair even that people who are just supply teachers, not looking to be teachers, get to work so much, when there are other supply teachers who want to be "real" teachers, who aren't getting the "experience" they need in the eyes of the district. I have one high school that calls me. One. I'm just annoyed and frustrated with the whole situation.

I'm going to check out the 'net and see if I can find any advice about what to do for my poor fish. Another concern is that a lot of people were without power here for like, 3-4 days. What would you do about fish in that instance? They would get cold and die. But with no power, what could you do to prevent that? hmm..

not like velvet...

So. My big silver dollar fish, Jebus (sidebar: Erin names my fish) is sick. He had some kind of fungus, and I cleared it up with some fish meds. But it's back now, and I don't want to medicate all my fishes again unnecessarily. So. I don't have a separate heated tank, so the best I can do is to put one of my smaller (3 gal) tanks in the big tank and put Jebus in that. This is easier, FAR easier said than done. So I'm trying to put the tank in the tank, and Cleatus (the algae eater who's rougly a foot long snout to tail) is swimming around like mad, and runs into the small tank, freaks out, and JUMPS OUT OF THE AQUARIUM. He's flopping around on the floor, completely ignoring my pleas of "Cleatus, hold still! Stop wiggling!!". So I manage to pick him up and throw him back in the tank. Scared the CRAP out of me. I'm glad George didn't see what was going on or Cleatus would have been eaten, or at least damaged. He looks really smooth and velvety, Cleatus, sauf les spikes, but he's really not at all. He's hard, and rough, and I don't ever EVER ever want to touch him again. I don't wish him harm, I'm pretty attached to my named fish, which is all the ones big enough to differentiate from one another. I just don't ever want to come in direct contact with him again. Or any other fish, really. I now have to get Jebus in the small tank, which he does not want to be a part of in any way. He's also fairly large, about 5 inches in diameter, round and flat. Like a silver dollar. duh. Anyway, it was another escapade getting him in the net, especially with the diminished manoeuvering space with the little tank in there. *SIGH*. So, I think they're ok, but the 3gal is really not big enough for Jebus, so I don't know if I'll be able to keep him in there for the 5-6 days I'm supposed to.

So..again I steal from Jenn; she sent me this link. The story goes that a stage technician recorded this from Enrique Iglesias' microphone as Enrique was lip synching to a playback version of "Rhythm Divine" at a concert in Poland. You know, it might not even be him, but it's still funny. He would never have made it on American Idol!
listen.

Well, even better! There are diaries for all the characters, so choose your own adventure!

Stupid Aragorn..

Thank you Tiresa!

Tiresa sent me this, and well, it's funny. Turn on your speakers, although it would probably be just as enjoyable without sound. hehe.
School is cancelled again today. Now, I know they're using NBCC as an emergency shelter, but I'm not sure what the hold up with the schools is. It did snow a bit last night, but nothing significant. They said that this morning they're down to 8000 people without power, so that's pretty good. That's the only thing I can think of that's keeping schools from opening. District 1 is open though, kind of strange, since they're both in Moncton. Whatev. I have my meeting with the woman from district 2 today, so I'm hoping to get something out of that, a timeline in which I can expect to get a contract job perhaps. I'm also going to call my dad's friend who works in the Halifax school board and see what he can do for me. I'll keep you posted, as usual.

ok, honestly, I'm just trying to post so that stupid "eye test" picture will go away, lol. Ah well. The weather is still rotten and shows no signs of improving, so I'm not holding my breath that school will be open tomorrow. I am going to meet with the hiring lady at District 2 though, so I'll have something to do anyway. I'm so happy with my new layout! And I did it almost all by myself! wooh!

No school again today! What's going on! No power, that's what. We still have ours but lots of people don't. 26 000 to be precise. Down from 40 000 yesterday, but still a significant chunk of the poplulation. I was supposed to teach today, high school even, but alas, I don't really get credit for snow days. Anyway, I got in a few hours at Hedgewood, so that's something I suppose. I got a couple of fun new fish called walking catfish, and was just taking a moment to research the little guys to give you a link, should you be so inclined to click, and it seems they get quite large and are prone to eating everything, including other fish. I may have to have a chat with the pet store guy about this!

First snow day of this school year! I love that I still get excited about that. Lots of people actually had the day off, what with all the power outages and such. Grant was late to work because our asshole plower didn't come...AGAIN...but our landlord just dropped off a snowblower, and they're playing with that now, so that should help anyway. But then after getting in about an hour late he got to come home because a tree fell on a powerline shortly after he got there. I wasn't supposed to work anyway, but schools were cancelled so I didn't have to worry about getting called in. Obviously, we still have power, it's flicked off a couple of times, but never even long enough to reset the clocks, so we got lucky. I think we're pretty safe now, things are melting so it should be ok. Anyhoo, I'm trying to redesign the page for you guys, and for me too I guess, but it's hard! I want to put the blog on the left and the links on the right, but it's not working for some reason, so you'll have to be patient. Totally different colour scheme though, hopefully this one won't make Erin vomit.

on a brighter note, it's really quite pretty out, and since I'm already wet etc, I think I'll go take some pictures.

I'm going to murder our plower contractor guy. Seriously. That's about all I can say about that right now. Suffice to say, he's been here about twice all winter, and..living in Canada, we've gotten enough snow to warrant much more attention than that. So now, there is snow up to the bottom of the car, and it's freezing raining, making a total mess of things, and I just spend 20 minutes shoveling the incredibly heavy snow and trying to coax the neon into the driveway over the plow mountain and through the slush. Not a happy camper.