Positively Productive

Ahhh there is nothing like a 4-day week to lighten the mood and raise spirits! A busy 4-day week but a good one nonetheless. It started off with a fabulous Monday.  My kids were good, we got a lot of important work done and I received two very exciting packages in the mail!! First, my personal laminator. If you are a teacher you know the importance of lamination. Making good and lasting centers is nearly impossible without the convenient permanence of laminating them (otherwise things get destroyed fast) and since I use a lot of homemade centers in my classroom, I want to keep them in as good condition as possible! We have a school laminator but the roll is refilled only once a month and it gets used up with lightening speed. So, after seeing my colleague Meredith had bought one in the summer and it was pretty legit, I invested in my own. It's a little slow and only laminates items no larger than 8.5x11 but it's amazing and I love it!!!!!!! I couldn't be happier. Yes it sucks to still be paying out of pocket for materials like this but it means I can make my centers immediately and not have to wait once a month to laminate them. So I am happy. 

The second wonderful surprise was my Reddit Teacher Gift Exchange box!! After reading about it on Facebook, I signed up for a one-way gift program through the site Reddit. This particular gift exchange (there are many different kinds) hooks up generous individuals with teachers who will receive a gift from these complete strangers! Basically all I had to do was fill out general location information, a description of what I do and what material needs I have in the classroom. I mentioned that I always need new books for my classroom library as the school library leaves a lot to be desired for lower elementary students. What I recieved was beyond what I could have imagined! My "secret Santa" sent me not only a TON of books perfect for my kid's reading level and ages, but also desk supplies like scissors, glue, erasers and pencils, flash cards, post it notes and so much more! I was totally spoiled and really touched that a complete stranger spent their own money (and a lot of it) on finding just what I needed in my classroom. I hope to pay it forward sometime soon! A bunch of my friends at work also signed up and all of their packages came too, everyone receiving very generous and thoughtful gifts.

So that was the start to a pretty awesome week. We had the Terry Fox walk around the community (my class raised $208!) on Thursday which was nice and during the PED day on Friday we all worked on writing IEPs (individualized education plans) for students with high academic needs. We also got plenty of time to work in our classrooms which is in my opinion the best way to spend a PED day. I got a ton done and went in early Saturday morning to keep up the momentum! I feel very good about what I was able to accomplish and spent today at home laminating and cutting out and prepping a little for my birthday party next weekend and cleaning up. 

My mom and I did end up booking our flights to England for 2 weeks next summer which is awesome!! We took advantage of a crazy deal on airfare to Europe through West Jet and were able to get two round-trip flights to England for the price of one. Incredible deal and I am so excited to explore the motherland with my own mum and see some amazing sights. 

Sadly it is starting to get cooler and the mornings are frigid!! It's been raining basically since I arrived in August so I'm hoping these cooler temperatures don't mean early snow because I am not ready to wear pants yet. 

So basically everything is coming up Aidan. Next weekend is my birthday party (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed) and I am pretty excited. I love to get all costumed up and this party will be no exception. Also I have gone all out and purchased large quantities of candy and candy-themes goodies that will not disappoint and also give everyone diabetes no doubt. Ah well you only live once!!

Yard Sale Shenanigans!

It's been one busy weekend and full of fun! 

Friday night was quiet for me. I stayed in, listened to music and prepared my stuff for the epic garage sale Marsha and I had on Saturday. I priced like a madman and tried to get myself organized! Trooper was in town this weekend also which was the big event! It was a fancy dress gala with a performance Friday and Saturday night and tons of people went. Apparently very fun! 

So, Saturday's yard sale was very successful and busy and cold!! It felt like 6 degrees all day, overcast and windy! That didn't stop people from the community from coming out and shopping around at our yard sale! It was great to finally unload a ton of my stuff and make some money too! It was fun to see everyone and I am very proud to announce that I managed to sell a double blender that has been a staple at many people's yard sales. I bought it from Marsha's yard sale a couple of years ago and never used it. Marsha bought it from someone else's yard sale years before that and never used it. It has made the rounds in Wemindji and now is off to a good home. Hopefully a forever home. I even managed to make a $1 profit on it. We had a great hype man in Meghan and a very effective lemonade salesman in Marsha's son Talyn and while I still have lots left over for the next yard sale, I consider my first a success!

After that bone chilling day I ran around my house cranking the heat trying to warm myself up and decided to light my first fire of the school year. It was toasty and very cozy. 

Today I went to my classroom and tried to get some work done but for some reason I just wasn't feeling it. I got the basics covered and planned out my week but will likely need to put in some serious hours after school this week to get stuff DONE. It's a short week with a PED day on Friday which is awesome. Tonight it looks like my mom and I will be booking our flights to the UK this summer and start planning an amazing 2 week trip around the mother land!! I can't wait! Have a good week everyone!

So Long Sunday

Well another week has come and gone and to be honest I'm glad it's over haha. Teaching-wise, things were pretty good in the classroom. My students are slowly coming along and I am really going to push them this week to step out of their comfort zones. 

Behavior-wise there were a lot of issues in the classroom and it left me mentally exhausted. It's hard finding a way to reach some of these kids when they are amongst the most stubborn little humans I have ever encountered. Between laying the praise and positivity on thick to avoid a tantrum and disciplining like an 18th century jailer, I could hardly catch my breath. MANY, many stickers were ceremoniously removed from the sticker chart last week and many tears were shed. However I am optimistic for a better week this week and I have some fun activities planned which will hopefully act as an incentive for better behavior!! Fingers crossed! If that doesn't work then you shall surely be seeing me in the streets with a recognizable paper bag and stylishly disheveled look. 

Otherwise this week was pretty good! My friend Meredith and I chose to run a Yoga Club for grades 3 and 4 after school once a week as our extracurricular activity and so far it has been going really well! The kids are so into it and the room has been packed! It's great to see these kids taking it so seriously and putting in a whole hour to learn yoga! Last week we skyped in my sister Eryl (a certified yoga instructor) and she taught the kids some awesome relaxation techniques and poses all the way from Toronto! It was an awesome experience and the kids loved it. I can't wait to do it again. 

The social life has picked right back up where it left off and I am having a blast hanging out with all my friends, old and new! We've got a great mix of people at the school this year and it's been nice getting to know some new faces. Last night I went to a open mic at the community hall to watch some fellow teachers and friends perform which was pretty cool! There was a boat trip scheduled for today but the winds are high and it was quite cool so it has been rescheduled. Next weekend is the big garage sale and I am super pumped to get rid of some of this stuff and reclaim my spare bedroom from the piles of stuff ready to sell. I've actually been pretty successful lately in selling some larger items on the Wemindji Buy and Sell page too! Wowza! Anyways I've also been working hard on catching up on all the half-seasons I started and stopped watching last year and during the summer. So that's what I will do tonight. Life goals, I have them. 

Tuesday BBQ!

Silly Survey

Do you prefer writing with black or blue pen?

Black. 

Would you prefer to live in the country or the city?

Country. 

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be?

To speak French fluently. 

Do you drink your tea or coffee with sugar?

If I must, tea with sugar. 

What was your favourite book as a child?

To be honest probably "Once Upon a Potty". 

Do you prefer baths or showers?

Baths. 

If you could be a mythical creature, which would you choose?

Jigglypuff. 

Do you prefer reading paper or electronic books?

Paper. 

What is your favourite item of clothing?

My underwear. They are so big it's like wrapping yourself up in a toasty warm blanket. 

Do you like your name? Would you ever change it?

Love it! Even though it causes gender confusion for other people I wouldn't change it for anything. 

Who is a mentor to you?

Marsha and Monika my very talented and resourceful colleagues. 

Would you ever want to be famous? If so, what for?

I am famous. 

Are you a restless sleeper?

Nope. I'm a restless waker. 

Do you consider yourself a romantic?

Very. See: my bedroom decor. 

Which element best represents you?

FIRE. I gots mad burns in more ways than one. 

Who do you want to be closer to?

My family. 

Do you miss someone at the moment?

My family!

Tell us about an early childhood memory.

I remember telling my sister Eryl to put the walkie talkie antenna in her mouth and then walkie talkie-ing her and shocking her. 

What is the strangest thing you have eaten?

Shark!  

What can you see outside your bedroom window?

Very long grass. 

What are you most thankful for?

My job. 

Do you like spicy food?

Somewhat. 

Have you ever met someone famous?

Nope. Oh I met Bram from Sharon, Lois and Bram in university. 

Do you keep a diary or journal?

Does a self-deprecating blog count?

Do you prefer to use pen or pencil?

Pen. 

What is your star sign?

Libra. 

Do you like your cereal crunchy or soggy?

Ew! Crunchy. 

What would you want your legacy to be?

A Kitty Rescue Ranch. 

Do you like reading? What was the last thing you read?

I love to read (the internet)

How do you show someone you love them?

With baked goods. 

Do you like ice in your drinks?

Not at fast food places, that's a rip off. 

What are you afraid of?

Deep water. 

What is your favourite scent?

Lemon. 

Do you address older people by their first or last name?

Mr. or Mrs. Whatever usually. 

If money was not a factor, how would you live your life?

Without a care in the world. 

Do you prefer swimming in pools or in the ocean?

Swimming pools. 

What would you do if you found $50 on the ground?

Go on TeachersPayTeachers.com

Have you ever seen a shooting star? 

Yes. 

Did you make a wish?

No, I was afraid it was aliens. 

What is one thing you would want to teach your children?

Don't eat yellow snow. 

If you had to have a tattoo, what would it be and where would you get it?

I do and it says my dad's name in Cree syllabics on my left shoulder. 

What can you hear right now?

My fan. 

Where do you feel the safest?

My bedroom. 

What is one thing you want to overcome/conquer?

The battle with the bulge!

If you could travel back to any era, which would you choose?

Maybe the 1500s. 

What is your most used emoji?

The winkie face with the tongue sticking out. 

What is your favourite season? Why?

Fall because it's my birthday and Thanksgiving and it's not too hot and not too cold and the colors are beautiful. 

How would you spend your ideal day?

In bed/watching Netflix. 

Describe yourself using one word.

Complicated. 

What do you regret the most?

Being lazy. 

Invent your own word. What does it mean?

I didn't invent it but I really like the words "bing bong" to describe someone with limited brain capacity. 

Super Sunday!

I have had the most satisfyingly productive Sunday in a very long time. I understand that the following description of what I did and plan on doing on my long weekend will define me as a giant loser but whatever. I am who I am!

Today I spent my day cleaning my house from top to bottom. It needed a real deep clean since I have been spending my weekends doing anything but housework since I got back to Wemindji and let me tell you the dust bunnies had reached China-like population. So I scrubbed and dusted and vacuumed and mopped and put away this and cleaned out that and did laundry and bedding and everything else you can imagine and now the place is spotless. I feel whole. I'm not kidding when I say I actually feel somewhat depressed when the bottoms of my feet have bits stuck to them because I am too lazy to vacuum regularly. So no more bits and I am happy. I lead a simple life. I also gathered all that I am going to sell at a joint garage sale Marsha and I are going to have in a couple of weeks. I have accumulated so much stuff it is overwhelming. It's not even junk but just a lot of stuff I have rarely used/used once/will never use again. I'm not even trying to make a lot of money at this sale, I literally just want to get rid of it and anything left over will be going to the dump. Sayonara crap!

Anyways yesterday (and last weekend) I was lucky enough to be invited on not one but two fantastic trips to Walrus Island in the James Bay. Both days were incredibly gorgeous for a trip out on the bay and I am jumping at any offer to go out in the rare gorgeous moments while we still have them. Natural vitamin D can do wonders for the soul and I am soaking it up! So I had a great time with great people and I am very fortunate to be in cahoots with friends who have a boat and can cook a mean burger on a couple of rocks (shout outs to Jeremy Brown wuuuut!)

Tomorrow I will spend the entire day in the classroom (Labor Day for teachers becomes a literal translation) and get some much needed work done! I am on an almost natural high at the mere thought of an entire day in the classroom uninterrupted by children. It's going to be magical. A clean house AND an organized classroom? It's like Christmas coming early.