Jade Down Under

I’m back working at Metro News while I await my school paperwork to cross borders; unfortunately it’s a lengthy process that will take a few months. JCU messed up, once again, and didn’t release my marks when they were supposed to as they thought they were missing paperwork, which they weren’t. This has extended the time it will take to get finalized to teach in Ontario. **shakes head**


Christmas is in a single week and I’m not prepared. I’ve bought everyone’s Christmas presents, expect Kris which I’m grabbing on the way home, but there’s a ton of wrapping to do…. Ugh. I tried to push Christmas to June or July but no one would have it. I’ve cancelled the turkey on Christmas Day, our family isn’t a huge fan, but pizza was banned, as was the Who tradition of roast beast. I think part of my Grinch attitude has to do with the temperature I left behind. One of my dear Aussie roommates sent me a Facebook message this week notifying me of the +43 he was having to deal with in Brissy, asking if I was freezing. My heart shrunk a whole three sizes that day.

I left Tokyo at 12pm on Friday, Nov., 13th for a 11 hour flight to Chicago.  Unfortunately being on Tokyo time (only an hour off of Townsville) I couldn't sleep during the flight.  I ended up watching Julie and Julia, G.I. Joe and Penlum 1, 2, 3.  Once in Chicago I was exhausted, but as the airport was so loud I couldn't sleep.  As soon as we got on the plane for Toronto (United) I was out.  I remember being pushed backwards as we took off but I was already pretty out of it; 45 minutes later we were preparing for landing.  Once again it was Friday the 13th; what a weird day to have twice.

So, I'm offically home.  I landed in Toronto at 1:15 yesterday.  It was a lot warmer outside than I was expecting and didn't bother using the jacket that I had convinced Jamie to bring.  He was so prepared he even brought me mittens.  It's been a constant battle since that time to figure out my body temperature.  It was a lot easier in Australia, you were hot.  I prefer that to the constant battle I'm currently in.

I slept for a couple hours yesterday afternoon, woke up, ate dinner and then went back to bed. I've now been up since 5am because I couldn't sleep anymore.  I'm going to be exhausted by later this afternoon - a good old nap should set me straight.  So far no plans for the day.  Jamie will be sleeping for a while yet (its only 8am right now) so we'll have to make plans later.  I'm thinking it will be a pretty laid back day.  I was hoping to go see Kimmy, and her wedding dress, but will have to wait to see if that pans out.  I don't think she'd appreciate a call at 8am on Saturday.

Tomorrow I'm going for brunch with the group which will be nice - I've missed those girls and look forward to the mass hugs I'm sure to get.

That's all I got for now.

xoxo

Landed in Tokyo at 5pm Tokyo time, 6pm Townsville time, 3am Toronto time.  Plane ride was uneventful which can be boring, especially for 9 1/2 hours, but I'm on land right now; although, my body is wobbling like I'm still on the plane.  I don't know why I get like this but its really annoying.  I've been dizzy all evening, perhaps its tiredness.  I'll get a good sleep tonight in time for Ms. Wobbly tomorrow.

I met an older English bloke on the plane, Michael, by met I mean sat beside and chatted with.  As he is headed to the UK we are both at Hotel Nikka Narita so we just came back from dinner.  Dinner was alright, me and foreign food = iffy.  The dinner cost me $21 US and it was a small salad and a tea, really shouldn't have cost more than $10 but what can I do.  Michael was good company.  He has kids my age, or perhaps slightly younger, so we kept up a good conversation which is nice during these long trips.

The hotel room is pretty awesome, small but awesome.  First off, double bed.  I knew the Japanese would not let me down.  Also I have a nice pj robe and slippers so I feel catered to.  My alarm clock works (it didn't in Brissy) and the toilet has more options than I care to try out; I could spend my night in the bathroom playing around with the toilet, if I wanted.  When you sit down the thing starts making these weird noises and the panel flashes 'preparing,' what the heck is it preparing for?  I'm scared to think about why the toilet needs to prepare itself.  Perhaps the Japanese are too high-tech.  What ever happened to a single button and no options?  A toilet should be the one place you don't need to think!

Tomorrow I fly out at 12pm so I have to leave the hotel at 9:30am, not too shabby.  I was up at 5am this morning no thanks to the hotel Marque staff.  My alarm clock was broken and they couldn't find me another one so they said they would call me in the morning to wake me up.  That didn't happen.  I woke up at 5 and realized (at 5:30) that the phone was also broken meaning they wouldn't be able to ring through.  When I said something to the front desk on my way out (good thing I didn't sleep in BUDDY) he said they should have banged on my door if they couldn't get through by phone; was he trying to prove my point at their incompetence?

Anyway, Hotel Nikka Narita, good one.  I'm looking forward to my double bed, very excited.

SOOoooo...

TTYL.

Next time I write I may be in Chicago, a mere 1 1/2 hours away from T.O.

In Brissy right now, exhausted and ready for bed.  I'm trying to stay awake as I figure 6pm is a little too early, even for me.  I got to the hotel around 12 and headed to the Queen St mall which is just around the corner - fantastic.  I found an Aldo which was just a tease (they only have 10 in all of Australia) but refrained; its easy when you have no money.  I'm getting closer to home each minute.

When I first got here my room wasn't ready so I after browsing (totally over rated) I came back to the hotel where I found out my room is two single beds.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME???  The hotel is booked solid and they could not change the room; I tried pushing the two beds together but there is a side table in between them that is BOLTED to the ground.  If I only had hulk powers I would rule the world.  So once again tonight I'll be cramming myself in a single bed.  Tokyo better have doubles!!!  I know Japanese people are small but I need some space!!!

After lugging my mass amounts of luggage to my two-single room I headed out to ANZAC Square which because of my awesome location is just down the road.  I took some pictures but unfortunately couldn't mount the large kangaroo statues because I had no one to take my picture, so I left head hung and headed to the Brisbane Museum.  Luckily that's free.  They had an exhibit (small one) on the development of fashion and then some photos, blah, blah... yeah, that's how it was.  McD's was my next stop, good old Mickey D's and that leads me up until this point, dopey-eyed in the hotel lobby.

I'm up at 5am again tomorrow (shoot me now) and will be picked up at 6am to head to the airport.  My flight to Tokyo leaves just before 9am.... 9 hours and 25 minutes is the time I will spend in the plane on the way to Tokyo... ugh.  Luckily I've already asked for a window seat.  I'm not sure if JAL covers my airport transfers... I hope so.  I'm trying to get rid of my Aussie money I don't need Yen.

OHHHHhhhh... thinking of airports, guess how much I had to pay to get my luggage to Brisbane?? 

Take a guess......

Higher.....

$210!!! That was after she discounted it.  I nearly suffocated right at the Virgin teller.  I swore if I saw an obese person on the plane I was going to make a stink.  Especially because I only paid $150 for my ticket and my luggage weighed less than me!!!!  Yeah, yeah... I know it doesn't work that way but when the pretty, perky, little.... princess... takes almost every penny in my wallet.... anger rises....  She apologized and I did the whole 'its not your fault' but really inside I was screaming profanity directed right at her.  Need hulk powers.  I should have asked her if I could buy a ticket for my luggage instead.

That's all folks.  Oh, yeah.  Facebook back up.  Yeah.......

: )

Exhausted.

Sleep Deprived.

Packed.

Better be sun in Brisbane.

xoxo

xoxoxoxo

I am officially done school out here in Townsville and although it feels good to be done I'm not looking forward to the coldness that awaits me.  Jamie emailed me saying it was such a beautiful day, +17..... ahhhh..... that's not beautiful to me anymore - that's a Townsville winter.

I'm playing on lazing around the pool tomorrow (last day in Townsville) before heading to Brisbane where I once again plan on sitting by the pool.  The hotel I booked has a nice roof top pool which should be nice.  Unfortunately I don't have much of a tan because its been too hot to sit outdoors, I'm going to make an effort over the next two days.  I refuse to come back to Canada the same colour as when I left.  I haven't picked up an accent but I will adopt some of that beautiful Aussie tan.

Anyway all, this might be my last post until I'm in Canada.


Til then'

xoxoxo

American Liz and I dived the Yongala last Wednesday the 4th but I've just received the photos from her.  Here you go, enjoy:

Mr. Green Turtle.  We actually saw a bunch of these guys but we didn't get the greatest photos so these have been stolen from the internet.  You get the idea.

My time here in Australia is almost over; hard to believe.  I'm officially done school in exactly a week, when I'll head to Brissy for a day before catching my flight home.  It will be nice to have a double bed back, each night I dream of stretching out and not hitting the cold, brick wall I now find comforting.  It's horrible that I now look forward to hotel beds because they are like a pillow compared to the bed I've been sleeping on for the past 10 months!  Ahhh....

This week I have a couple things to finish up and then Monday we have a mock interview which we are marked on.  Not too big of a deal, its the assignment leading up to the interview that will be the time consumer.

As for packing, I'm not there yet.  I have a bunch of laundry to do but figure I'll put that off as long as possible so I can come home with clean clothes, not that I'll need summer wear in Canada.  I have filled a large garbage bag full of stuff I'm not taking home, as well as a printer that I've donated to Elaine - I'm planning on having my suitcases weigh about the same amount as when I came, unfortunately I have a few HEAVY binders that need to be put in my suitcase... they are going to take up some room.  It wasn't economical to send them home (I already sent one box) so in my suitcase they will go.

I think I"ll spend the day in the library again tomorrow - there's something relaxing about it.

Anyway, back to Veronica Mars... my new t.v. obsession - don't judge.

I haven't really written much lately but that is because I've been busy in prac. and now I have one million assignments due.  Actually its two large assignments due on Friday, one on Monday and then my final assignment/interview on Friday/Monday.  I have to stick around for a mandatory party (yeah, mandatory) but then will be heading to Brissy for Remembrance Day.

American Liz and I were supposed to dive the Yongala on Saturday but the trip was canceled due to the weather; it has been very windy around Townsville lately.  We were both really excited to go as well so that sucks BIG TIME.  The Yongala's sinking point tends to have a strong current so they have to be very careful letting people dive it.  We're going to try and reschedule the trip but I leave here in two weeks and Liz has exams so we're going to have to figure it out.

The Yongala, a ship at 100 metres long, sank in 1911 with 122 people on board; it was not dived until 1958 remaining untouched.  As it was left alone for so long it has turned into its own reef and some of the most spectacular marine life has made the ship home.  I've attached a youtube clip for anyone wanting to travel 90 feet underwater.  Hopefully I'll get to see this up close and personal soon!!



xoxo

Last day of prac!

diving the Yongala tomorrow!!!!

Gotta love Rotary.  Here's the email we all received: 


Rotary residents I am writing to convey my absolute disappointment in all but a very few of you. The reason I am so frustrated is because of the complete lack of spirit, of pride and of enthusiasm that the majority of you are showing for Rotary’s biggest and most amazing event of the year and probably the best in Rotary’s entire history. If you haven’t figured out what I am talking about yet its because your head is obviously stuck in the sand.
The RSA and RA’s have been planning and fundraising for “Evening Under the Stars” since February this year. Rotary has never had a Valedictory type dinner in all its history and under the guidance of myself and the Jess Martyn, the RSA president, plans have been in place to make this one of the most memorable events in your college life. This will be an event that you will look back on in years to come as one of the highlights of your university years. I guarantee, no matter what your background or country of origin, you will use this event as a benchmark that you will judge future functions on for the rest of your life, in both you personal and professional careers.
Please believe me that by the end of the night you will have forgotten about the cost and realise that you have received value for money. So if you could possibly change your minds, those of you who have not considered coming, and pull yourself out of the dark cave of your rooms and own thoughts and come to Rotary’s first inaugural “Evening  Under the Stars”. Please prove me wrong that Rotary has no spirit or pride. See Cath at the office or catch one of the RA’s or RSA members and book yourself in for a truly memorable night!

Regards,

Shaun Todd

Head of College
Rotary International House
James Cook University
Townsville Qld 4810 

Yep, I do PAY for this ****. I pay $170 a week ($160 after my discount for advanced payment! Whooo Hooo) to be harassed about how I spend MY spare time.  Last I checked I'm of age to make my own decisions and do not need a guilt trip about where I should be spending my money; especially when I'm being asked to put more money into a system that I've had numerous problems with.

I received an email from the administration woman here at Rotary.  Turns out SHE forgot to charge me for the first three weeks I got here and she wants me to pay $580.  Are you kidding me?  I went to her at the beginning of the year and asked to pay everything up front, meaning I owe nothing.  I called her (4:19pm) and she makes a comment about how she's trying to get out of here, it's Friday, can't I see her on Monday! No, no, I can't! 

She tells me she can't remember that far back to say whether I paid everything up front.  Funny how easily the memory can fail when you want it to.  I looked at the figures and the amount she's claiming I owe is wrong among other things.

To anyone who I've said Rotary is an okay place to live, don't move here.  Get a place of your own.  The hassle of dealing with the management is ridiculous.  I paid a $300 administration fee at the beginning of the year and I think that is owed back to me, plus more.  This residence has become a headache and for the amount I pay per week ($160) I could be living it up somewhere else.

Screw Rotary and all who run it.

Those at Oztrekk, add that to the brochure.  JCU residence is a No-no!

George Clooney talking to People.com:

The funny thing about this email is at the beginning of the year the residence was having problems with the alarm systems and they were going off ALL THE TIME.  Do they think we wanted that?  It was not our fault that the system needed maintenance and now we're getting threatened with fines.  My floor has never caused a fire alarm but if there ever is one you better believe I'm not paying $1200 for Rotary's horrible fire alarm system.


This place is a joke.  Do they really think they can get money from students?  Would I be living here if I had money?!  **shakes head**  Ridiculous.

I haven't written at all this week as I've been pretty busy in practicum.  I can't believe how quickly the week has flown by.  Unfortunately, I have not been teaching a full course load and it is the last week of the school term so there isn't full classes of students either.  That doesn't mean I haven't been exhausted!!  Last night I fell asleep at 8pm, was woken up by our loud speaker at 9, and then woken again at 9:20 when Liz called.  Luckily I was able to get back to sleep each time, waking finally at 6am this morning. 

It's Thursday night here which means it's rowdy in the area; bar nights run on Thurs/Fri/Sat and Tues.  I always shut my windows and turn on the air conditioner to block the noise but it doesn't always work, I hope tonight is not one of the nights where I am awoken by hollering girls. 

After this week I'll have a two week break (one at Uni, one on reading week) before heading back to prac. for another three weeks.  It looks like over reading week Liz and I will be heading with our friend Rachael to her parents house out in Cairns - her parents will be away so we'll get the place to ourselves and be able to explore the Daintree.  I'll post about that later if it goes through.

Anyway, not much else to say, just wanted to touch base.

Talk to you soon.  :)

To complete more volunteer hours (almost done!) I've volunteered with the Art Department, who will be doing mosaic pieces on rocks around the Nursing buildings.  I won't be around for the actual gluing and placing of the tiles but I am around for the tile smashing!!

That's me crouched on the ground smashing some tile for a colour sample.  I'll be in prac. next week and won't be able to help out but should return the following week.

It's already September, hard to believe.  This is my favourite time of year in Canada so it's bittersweet with the weather warming up so rapidly here in Townsville.  September is good for the hot days and cool nights....  soon will be halloween and the dreaded chill of the Canadian winter.

Canadians, suck in as much of that sunshine as you can because before you know it the land will be the barren, white wasteland.

Hope you have a cheery day!

PS - I'm going ice skating on Thursday.  Apparently Queenslanders have a soft spot for the cold like we do.  It should be interesting to see how I do on skates, especially as I can't remember the last time I went skating.  Also, I don't really have the proper attire, like gloves!!!  No sense looking for them either, I'm sure regular stores do not sell them!!  Perhaps gardening gloves would work....???

This sense, "In the beginning was the Thought..."


By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Today I was up at the crack of dawn to head over for the Opti-Mind Challenges.  The Opti-Mind teams were made up of 6-7 kids from elementary, high school and even a University team.  I was judging the spontaneous event which meant the kids were given the task the moment they walked in the room and were only given 10 minutes to complete it.  The challenge was completing a picture when only a small bit of information was given.  The kids were required to use their imagination and creative skills to complete the remainder of the picture.  The small piece of information they were given to build on was a man in toggs with a rubber toy around his waist.  Marks were given if the kids thought out of the box (lots of aliens, and government conspiracies) but were not marked on thier artistic abilities.


The challenges went well and lunch was also thrown in which was an added benefit.  The purpose of me volunteering was to obtain more volunteer hours as it is a requirement of my program to complete 50 hours.  I think I have about 4-5 hours left to do but I've already volunteered with an art project here at the school so it will eat up those 5 hours and then some.


Also, I found out from Liz that apparently we have to apply to the Queensland Teachers College before we can apply to the OCT; as we are being educated in Queensland.  I don't know the parameters for this (backgorund check etc.) but will have to find that out soon.  Apparently if I need a background check from the RCMP they estimate it will take about 4 months.... ahhh... I leave here in three!  Darn government, I don't know how this is going to work out.


I'll keep in touch.

I ended up bailing on the rugby game last night.  It sounded like fun but the girls wanted to be at the stadium for 4:30, the game didn't start until 7:30.  That would mean that I'd have to leave residence before 4, I decided not to go (gave my ticket to Riff) and instead went out with two of the girls on my floor, Elaine and American Liz.  We headed out to UniClub (which closes at 12) so it was a fairly mellow night, although I did sleep in until 9am this morning..... 


Tomorrow will be a really early one as I'm volunteering as a judge wtih Opti-minds, a challenge competition for kids.  Luckily it is at JCU so I don't have to go far but they still want me there at 7 which means I'm leaving at 6:45, early!  I was hoping to catch up on some sleep this weekend but that doesn't look like it's going to happen.  


There's always next week.

I decided I would dye it myself but got so annoyed with the prices of everything that I gave up and came home.  Luckily I'm not in a desperate need for a dye job because I dyed my hair back to my natural colour, but I want to be blonde again!!!  I'll be calling Nobel and setting up an appointment before I even leave Australia!  Ray, I need you!!

This is a great day, a great day I tell you. It turns out that this is the 100th post!! Not only have I written 100 different posts but you have READ a hundred different posts. So congratulations to all my readers!!!

Jamie and I spoke today (not much new in that) but it turns out he will be sent to Georgia in January to complete some Triumph training. The reason that's post worthy is cause I can probably go too!!! Bring on the peaches! I don't know what else Georgia is known for. Jamie's work is going to pay for his ticket and hotel so we can split my ticket and spend some time away from Pickering.... not like I need MORE time away but it will be nice to get in some more traveling. Australia to Georgia... at least I'm keeping with the warm weather!!!

I don't know if you guys have heard but there is a new campaign run by a Brazilian conservation company encouraging people to pee in their showers to conserve water. If you're peeing in the shower that is one less flush of the toilet and according to California's water price (that's the only info I could find) it will save the average household $11.00/year.

If you haven't seen the commercials they are rather funny with a Jordan basketball dunk to the shower head with a trail of urine.... **shakes head** never thought I'd see the day. The ad actually ends with King Kong on the top of a building peeing... I don't know what this has to do with peeing in a shower but at least he's not using a toilet.

Anyway, if you haven't seen the commercials yet, here you go - I have posted the ad.



If this video does not work here is the link. Copy and paste this into your web browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEulkK7SpRs

Sunday was Carol's (Jamie's Mom) birthday!!!

Jamie was disappointed in his cake decorating skills (apparently he doesn't know how to properly spread the icing) but I"m sure it was wonderful!

Hope you had a great day!!

A while ago I said Japan Airlines needed me to call them immediately but I never told you guys what actually happened; Manda reminded me!

Anyway, they needed to tell me that I will be leaving Chicago 2 minutes later than my ticket said. lol... you have to appreciate their dedication to time schedules!!

Right now I'm working on a little photo project so hopefully the wonderful photos I've taken this year will appear in a slide show. Of course, because it's me, I'm writing stupid little comments on each of them which is why it's not just as simple as uploading.

I hope to have it posted in a few days - please let me know if it won't load when you guys come on the page because in the past when I added things it messed the whole page up for certain computers... had something to do with Explorer????

Anyhow, let me know if the changes mess you up!

xoxo

Just returned from Body Pump at the school gym.

Lesson learned. If you don't currently exercise, do not do it. Do not do it.

It actually hurts to type.

I think I'll stick with running. Blisters don't hurt this bad.

I hope I can walk tomorrow...... oh man....

I'm back in Townsville and back to the comfort of my own bed. I'll have a month in uni classes before going back out for my final phase of practicum which begins Sept. 14. I'll be back to the same school I was for phase 1, back in March/April.

Next week tuition is due which has added some stress. Money sucks when you don't have any. With the tuition due date all International students also got told that if tuition isn't paid by August 28th JCU will drop us from the program and contact the Australian government to say we are not fulfilling our visa requirements. A little harsh, I thought. Really, let's think logically. JCU holds the degree that I need. If I do not pay my tuition they could withhold the degree and I would be wasting my time at the Uni.; they don't have to deport me! Geeezzz.... that's JCU for you.

When I was in Bowen I met another prac. student who was at the University of Queensland and she is doing the courses online out of Bowen and then completing her practicum at the schools near her. The interesting thing is she is completing WAY more practicum than I am here at JCU. For future Education students take a look at UQ, perhaps that's the better school to go to. I have no idea.

Also, Japan Airlines left me two urgent messages, and two emails to call them about my flight home. I don't leave until November so I can't see how urgent this is. The messages were left over 3 weeks ago and I haven't called them back yet. In my defence I didn't get the voice messages until Friday and I don't have any money on my residence phone meaning I can't call out. I went down to the Rotary front office yesterday and gave them more money for my phone and she told me she can't do it right away..... whatever. So now I'm waiting to call people back. If you are waiting for a call from me I apologize... any day now.....

Here are some of the photos I've taken while in Bowen. Unfortuantely I have not taken much. Last weekend I went to the beach but didn't take any pictures while I was there. I did, however, take some pictures of the other beaches on my walk home. Obviously this isn't really a good 'swimming' spot (a little rocky) but it's still pretty.



Last night we went out for dinner to a Mexican resturant. The food was great and the company was as hilarious as ever. That's Liz, Greg, Amy and Hayley. Greg, Amy and Hayley are all in the English department with me. Allison and Dan were sitting on the same side of the table as I was and we never got a picture... kinda silly.



This is the owl that comes to visit us sometimes. Yesterday he let me take all kinds of pictures of him.

Hello y'all.

Today was my last full day of teaching as tomorrow is the start of the athletics carnival; basically track and field day. I will be teaching 3 short lessons in the morning and the afternoon I'll be judging some kind of sport; what do I know?! I spent most of high school avoiding any sporting event and now I'm judging.... ironic. We all know I'm more inclined (and built) for cheering; I have vocal chords that could put most to shame and they don't easily tire, as you all know. Anyway, judging is what I've been given.
Tonight there's a large group of us going out for dinner to celebrate the end of my practicum. Is that bad that my department is celebrating?? No, no... they are a group of wonderful, supportive people who could be looking for an excuse to have a couple. Dinner reservations have been made for 6:30 so I've scarfed two cookies and half a tub of jello (jelly, as they call it here) to hold me over; I normally eat dinner at 5 or 5:30. I'm a hungry, hungry hippo after school.

Today I taught the grade 10's... duh, duh, duhhhhhh...... I've taught the grade 10 SOSE class, which went well, but the grade 10 English is supposedly a different ball game. They are more... rambuncious? Yeah, that's the best way to put it. They are a group of great kids who unfortunatley get distracted quite easily and break into song at any moment. It went surprisingly well but there were some behaviour issues, as was to be expected. No one swore at me so I consider that a plus although I still don't know how I'd react to that.

I had my angel grade 8's today as well. Ahhhh..... it's like a day at the spa. I handed out 'Rate Your Teacher' forms as part of my Uni assignment and want to know what they said about me?
I had asked them 'What would you change about Ms. Vincent's teaching. Any suggestions are welcome!'

• I would change NOTHING :)
• You are a great teacher hope you keep going
• ?????? ---yep, they actually wrote a bunch of question marks!
• Thank you for teaching us Miss
• You're a really good English teacher
• You are smart enough and good enough to be a teacher
• More games at the end of class
• You were good and explained stuff clearly and you were nice and you didn't yell
• nothing
• Miss Vincent you don't have to change, you are a good teacher!

And my favourite:

• Nothing needs changing you are the best teacher we do hardly any work you are kool. Out of 10 I would give you 9 3/4 because we had to do some writing but your awesome

I swear I didn't pay them and I even let them fill the forms out anonymously thinking that would encourage more criticism. As for the last comment, they did do work, perhaps it was soooooo fun it didn't feel like it! I did follow the unit plan!! Luckily I'm not judging spelling or grammar or they might not think I'm so cool!

The next two days should be pretty slack with athletics and I leave Bowen on Friday right after schoool. Home to Townsville, home to my bed, home to my space!!!!

Hello Guys,

Today is Tuesday and I taught another two lessons today - have I mentioned I love what I do?!! It's fantastic. Unfortunatley I found out that tomorrow's lesson is cancelled for some Art Carnival... grrr..... The day seems plenty long when I'm not teaching. The grade eights have been my favourite class again this prac. with the grade nines coming a close second. The grade nines have a bit more attitude which can make motivating them to work a little harder. Thankfully, as I've said, I have an awesome mentor who says I'm doing everything right. My behaviour management techniques are excellant, although I've never had a student go crazy and swear at me, that will be the true test! Luckily I don't think they can say anything I haven't heard before and really, practice makes perfect so bring it on little ones!!

This past weekend Liz and I had planned to go to the beach but chickened out when the wind was a little strong. This weekend seemed FREEZING; it never fell below 10 at night but it feels a lot chillier. Both of us had a bunch of lesson plans to complete so it was easy to talk ourselves into staying around the house and doing chores, like laundry. We ended up taking a walk around town (took us an hour to walk half the town) and while we were walking towards the water a gentleman popped his head out of the boat club and said, 'Canadian?'
We both looked at him and as true Canadians, 'Pardon?'
'Are you Canadian?'
Liz and I looked at each other, laughed and responded with a 'Yes, how'd you know?'
Apparently even though we can't hear our accents we stick out like sore thumbs.

The remainder of the weekend was spent watching classics like, Meet Me in St.Louis, Sense and Sensibility, Fame (started but turned off - horrible!), Family Stone, Devil Wears Prada.... that's all I can remember for now.... lazy, lazy, lazy!!! Tonight we watched Little Women.... Amy's got a great collection of movies and being off at 2:45 gives us plenty of time to relax.

Anyway, the next two days will be relaxed as I'm not teaching... BOOO!... but I will be teaching two (out of four) lessons on Friday. I wait for that day.

I'm a third of the way through prac. Hard to believe. This week went flying by and my head is still trying to catch up that it is Saturday today.

Yesterday morning I awoke at the usual 6:30am, got spiffied up, made my tea and was relaxing on the sofa when I realized I had a bite on my right knee. I scratched away and thought nothing of it. When I got to school, and was sitting in first period I began scratching my right thigh and noticed I had quite a few bumps there. Oh no! I thought. Not again! As soon as first period was over I ran to the bathroom where I quickly took off my pants, turned them inside out and searched for any signs of a bug. At this point I was thinking of Lisa's story from many years ago and thought I might have a bug in my pants that was biting as I moved. Anyhow, there was nothing in my pants but I do have a big bite on my knee, and three on my outter thigh. What the heck?! What is wrong with these bugs??!!! I closed for business after the Magnetic incident. I'm going to keep a close eye on them this time. What are the chances that the bug I'm allergic to found me again....???

This morning I got out of bed at 8am (Liz is still sleeping) and the house, as usual, is howling and groaning; the wind is crazy here. I might have mentioned before, but the temperature in Bowen drops at night time and in Queensland they don't have heaters - why when its always so hot?! - so, for the past two nights I have been sleeping in socks, track pants, a t-shirt and a hooded sweater. This morning I'm still in need of them as the house, once again, feels like a Canadian basement in winter time. It's insane how easily this house can hold the cold but can't seem to keep warm!!!

Today Liz and I plan on going to Horseshoe Bay (same name as the beach at Magnetic) for some relaxing sun time. Unfortunatley it's far enough away that we will have to take a cab but I'm sure the beautiful, blue water will alleviate any frustration at the cost. Amy (whom we live with) drove us by there yesterday so we knew where we were going and it looks gorgeous. Remember when I went to the Whitsundays?? Well Bowen is a short trip from there so the beaches are just as awesome!!

The wind seems to be dying down so hopefully we'll be out of here by 11 or so.... don't worry, I have my SPF 30!!

I've been in Bowen since Sunday but have been pretty busy and haven't taken the time to write to you guys!
Anyhow, on Sunday we arrived around 2pm and it was sweltering hot out; there wasn't a slight breeze. Liz and I being cheap decided to walk from the Greyhound station to our place of residence thinking it was a fairly short walk. Keep in mind we both had a backpack with our laptops and books (they weigh a ton!), as well as our suitcases with 3 weeks worth of clothing and shoes. It was a horrendous trip. First off, the roads aren't exactly paved around here. It appears to be paved but when you are dragging a suitcase one quickly realizes that the ground is more gravel than pavement. And yes, there are no sidewalks - well, where we needed to trudge. After an hour of walking and then stopping to shake out our arms and relieve our backs we made it!
The house is pretty good but my bed might as well be a hammock. I have no idea how old this thing is but its been shaped to someones body... not mine. When I get into bed at night my arms get squeezed to my side and it takes effort to roll over. I feel like a hot dog in a bun. Not my idea of comfort. My poor aging knees and lower back!!!

Last night as we were sitting in the living room we had an OWL fly onto the porch and chill out with us for a bit. Of course my stinking camera wasn't charged (my own fault) so I didn't get any pictures. Luckily Liz was more prepared and snapped the cute, feathery thing. I'll post them later.

So as for the rest of my week: I've been teaching grade eight English and they have been delightful. This week I'll only be teaching the grade eights, next week the grade nines get added to my schedule and the third week I'll be teaching a full course load when the grade 10's become my students as well. My SBTE (student based teacher educator - I told you Aussies love their acronyms) has been wonderful and has helped me feel comfortable at school. I forsee no problems!

Although, as we were sitting at the lunch table today one of the HOD's made a comment that she is going to make a complaint about Canadian students being allowed to come to the high school as obviously we are not planning on ever teaching at that school. Although I can see her point I found the comment unnecessary and rather rude as I was sitting 3 people down from her! Does she not realize the amount of money I am paying to be educated in Australia? Perhaps she should base her opinion on the talent that walks through the door, not our nationality. She has only met me once and has never seen me teach. Why don't I deserve the same treatment as native Queenslanders? Luckily I kept my opinion to myself (she is my boss!) and continued with my lunch. Some people will always be ignorant and I can't take on the entire world by myself! I can, however, bitch about them on my blog!

So the past week has been pretty redundant. I've now finished my 3rd week of the second semester and will leave for Bowen on Sunday. The Americans, and other residents, have been moving in and O-week starts next week, which is disappointing as I won't be here. I'm going to miss the best parties of the year! At least I don't have to worry about tying the toga again!!

Yesterday morning I talked to Son, Lis, Mand and Lindsey over webcam which was a delight. A nice taste of home. I haven't seen the girls since the night before I left so it was wonderful to see their pretty faces.

Last night a bunch of us went to a movie under the stars. Unfortunatley they were playing Role Models which is not really my type of movie. There were about 100 of us crowded around a screen that was taken from one of the classrooms. I'm not kidding, it was pretty small for the size of the group- I think Manda has the same size in her basement. Luckily the group wasn't massive so we could all see. I think a group that size is the only way I can enjoy those stupid movies because everyone else's laughter gets me giggling at all the stupid parts. They handed out free popcorn and drinks and overall the night was a success.

Tomorrow I HAVE to do laundry. I've been putting it off because I really don't want to do it but I need to start packing so I can't procrastinate any longer. It's just such a pain. There's a reason I have a massive closet full of clothes in Canada.

Talk soon! :)

I found out today that I do have a nice place to live while staying in Bowen. I called the school this morning and they have placed myself and Liz with a teacher who is rarely home!

Liz and I will be provided with our own bedrooms and the living situation appears to be a dreamland compared to residence!!

Liz and I will be leaving on Sunday at 10:30am for our adventure in Bowen; remember the pictures of Bowenwood from previous posts? I'll take lots of pictures and write when possible but may find myself rather busy.

I have been given my teaching schedule and will be teaching the majority of English classes (thankfully!) and a few SOSE; wish me luck with those ones!!

Talk to you soon!

Knock, knock… A man walks into a bar… Why did the chicken cross the road? These are all typical beginnings to well known jokes, but what makes a joke a joke? The definition of a joke (as far as I know) is something that is funny and creates a laugh. Although the chickens outcome no longer elicits even a giggle it is still categorized as a joke. So how do you know when a joke is not one? There are grey areas when it comes to gender and race “jokes.” I laugh at the odd blonde joke, but should I? What jokes are so NOT funny that they are no longer jokes? With the amount of hatred and discrimination in the world can we laugh at the odd race or gender joke and not consider the context behind it?

Or, am I too sensitive? Can being too sensitive cause more of an issue than necessary? Are the too-sensitive people of the world creating further issues by overemphasizing the meaning in jokes? Or by not addressing the issue are we turning our backs on humanity? For this argument I think of the Oprah episode (that’s all I got) where she was looking at the racists slurs some cultures have adapted to have different connotations when used by their own race. So, does that work with jokes too? Can I only make white, female jokes because I’m white and female? What if I hear a joke about another race or gender, even if it’s about their own race/gender? Am I to turn a deaf ear because I'm not a member of that race? Or should I acknowledge that it is a joke? Oprah thought it was ridiculous to use any discriminatory language no matter the connotation. If the word/joke is born from hatred how can it ever be anything but?

I don’t know. In 5 months I will be a teacher and need to have these answers, not because a student may ask but because I need to know where I stand.

There was an incident years ago that perhaps has made me more sensitive, or more aware of meaning when comparing race. My friends and I were on our way home from a sporting event in Toronto and a man was entertaining us (in Union Station) with impressions of The Rock; you know, wrestling? He was quite good and we were all laughing and egging him on, having a great time. A bunch of drunk, white guys sitting a few seats down from us began yelling racist slurs, things that even at the age of 16 I couldn’t comprehend. Being a white girl from Pickering I had never been directly affected by racism and thinking about that night still brings back those horrible feelings. I ran and got security but the damage was already done. The ‘Rock’ gentleman kept telling us girls it was alright, not to worry, everything was fine, but it wasn’t. The words those guys used were not the ones found in knock, knock jokes and are the very basis for my understanding of how a joke can turn ugly really quick.

As a soon-to-be teacher I will have the stance that no tolerance is best. How can I preach equality and equity if the odd discriminatory joke finds its way into my email? Perhaps I am being too sensitive but I'd rather be too sensitive with a job and morals than ignorant and unemployed.