tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86486483886587850262024-03-05T10:58:58.252-08:00robyn and etceteraUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-6737404560045142212012-12-02T18:44:00.000-08:002013-11-16T08:38:24.101-08:00Never forget Waterproof Mascara (and Other Things I Learned on my Teaching Practicum). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo16dndFzA9GEZ5jwnh7rLfOhQ3Ah1KUaOK8vKtuFSjVQJYKpSjqvxR9neqqzRwrHv7B79ypFKDvJfSSMgqQZmoBGNvjJskp9sNASElL-QY7Sq1_-QBCDpFysMeDMPWNGDLQXjfroHcXY/s1600/mascara+wisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo16dndFzA9GEZ5jwnh7rLfOhQ3Ah1KUaOK8vKtuFSjVQJYKpSjqvxR9neqqzRwrHv7B79ypFKDvJfSSMgqQZmoBGNvjJskp9sNASElL-QY7Sq1_-QBCDpFysMeDMPWNGDLQXjfroHcXY/s640/mascara+wisdom.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I think, at least for some of us, beginning a teaching career is much like having kids might be. People tell you it’s going to be hard. It’s going to change your life. You are going to have no time... at least for the first five years. And I think <i>mos</i>t future parents accept this on some level. Yes, they acknowledge it <i>is</i> going to be hard. Yes, it will take time and determination. Yes, it will require sacrifice. And then the baby comes and with it sleepless nights, forgetting to eat, shower, exercise... and suddenly, that whole “it’s gonna be hard” thing takes on an entirely different light. It is <i>dramatically</i> hard, the-no-one-possibly-could-have-put-this-into-words-I-am-at-the-end-of-myself kind of hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I still want to teach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have got A LOT to learn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Maybe for some, like parenting, it all comes naturally. Maybe they’ve got dream babies that don’t mix their days and nights, don’t have colic and immediately take to nursing. Or maybe they just have the foresight, that divinely-gifted ability to anticipate, before any obstacles actually surface, just what EXACTLY could go awry. Maybe they have the patience of a saint. Not me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Don’t get me wrong. By no means was my practicum a failure. In fact, in many ways, I consider it a triumph. It was not easy. I messed up-- A LOT. But I persevered. In the end, I learned an incredible amount about myself, the profession, and that I really need to not care what other people think so much. I loved my students, and I can (for the most part) confidently say they loved me back. I learned so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I learned to be myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I learned that I value connection with my students far more than I do content (and I LOVE content!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I learned that it’s okay to not be “pro” right off the get go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I learned that I have an incredible support system of family and friends there to encourage me and to remind me of my strengths when I am no longer able to see them myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I learned that I should never, not EVER, go into a classroom without wearing waterproof mascara.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-37204222907446878492012-07-15T21:26:00.000-07:002012-12-02T19:16:40.687-08:00Summer Sunsets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR9PJRcqDxA1fv464ARrNiQvZ5t8BGXR-xUfKde9Wr9adSicZ1Pd-79MZPDJ9wldzfwwCAFUFEN06LZOPg1Oj23xIfYgCNAP3PN_AdcpLguxMS7p3XJ5xb8AaW7zci32tIkvxXG_Wh0E/s1600/sunset+july+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyR9PJRcqDxA1fv464ARrNiQvZ5t8BGXR-xUfKde9Wr9adSicZ1Pd-79MZPDJ9wldzfwwCAFUFEN06LZOPg1Oj23xIfYgCNAP3PN_AdcpLguxMS7p3XJ5xb8AaW7zci32tIkvxXG_Wh0E/s640/sunset+july+14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHSLgnR7FdB1X_PLMBPQzU5eWDQAPk4KxFUMyx8VL-2Gh7ZirdY057YI_UZMICbJp3Tx4CskTiie0XMjpnA8-V5dG8B9YWmD0xQ9RPDq9V15t4E-JdM2OcPEAVqaz3S35yTtbu9fVYOA/s1600/sunsets+and+smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHSLgnR7FdB1X_PLMBPQzU5eWDQAPk4KxFUMyx8VL-2Gh7ZirdY057YI_UZMICbJp3Tx4CskTiie0XMjpnA8-V5dG8B9YWmD0xQ9RPDq9V15t4E-JdM2OcPEAVqaz3S35yTtbu9fVYOA/s640/sunsets+and+smiles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaIbHvMMLks1WaQ05oMQC_Cc8S1rAOwiXOUy6z6sIs2AnsTXohXXHnXyv60gOex4hBP5Ski7iYnHKzbPOgy8H3h_Cb2K58JWlGGDK_M9wG63Wura9eNzBVPrSLibMmSLFY1vi5MazHls/s1600/sunsets+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaIbHvMMLks1WaQ05oMQC_Cc8S1rAOwiXOUy6z6sIs2AnsTXohXXHnXyv60gOex4hBP5Ski7iYnHKzbPOgy8H3h_Cb2K58JWlGGDK_M9wG63Wura9eNzBVPrSLibMmSLFY1vi5MazHls/s640/sunsets+quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though we've had some summer storms in these parts the last few days, last night the sky was beautifully clear and promised a picture perfect sunset. As we are so close to Mt. Doug, we headed up the summit with Tucker and enjoyed the last few minutes of sunlight with a small crowd (apparently we weren't the only ones who thought it was a good idea!). It was <i>beautiful</i>. Ms. Walton is right; we have missed far too many moments like these.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*photo props to Mr. Grey!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-89104537240314423572012-07-15T11:11:00.000-07:002012-12-02T18:55:24.126-08:00Weekend Pt. 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our "vices": ice cream and bubble tea (p.s. he only needed ONE spoon)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVRGallRj9ehoiuIPbzx4krHPd-tUA0PW3l3AVnNUUZQf77LhZNJ4x-_MOhtWfQAJsdna3VgBhhB4qj9RiNhl_BgUcHfRGsdRhN7MI9mCJ__J4s0AHxrgop-kJYhB_uV4Lrp-AaB-uTI/s1600/boardwalking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVRGallRj9ehoiuIPbzx4krHPd-tUA0PW3l3AVnNUUZQf77LhZNJ4x-_MOhtWfQAJsdna3VgBhhB4qj9RiNhl_BgUcHfRGsdRhN7MI9mCJ__J4s0AHxrgop-kJYhB_uV4Lrp-AaB-uTI/s640/boardwalking.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Requisite Tourist Shots at Ogden Point</span></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">We’ve been living like Argentinians here lately. Not so much on the steak, red wine and tango front, but rather our late, late-night dinners, like 9 pm is <i>early</i>... I think it’s a combination of the long-lingering daylight and both husband and I being under the weather (the Greys 0, summer cold +2). But in some ways it’s nice. Warmer weather and sickness means we aren’t that hungry anyway which leaves lots of time to lie around in the sunshine at the beach (if you are going to feel gross and want to nap, might as well do it at the beach!). Hopped up on cold medicine we did manage to make a bit of a date Saturday night. Armed with bubble tea (me) and a 1/2 pint of ice cream (husband) we headed down to Ogden Point. I can’t believe I have lived in Vic almost 3 years and it was my first time there. We wandered out on the sea wall until we got too cold and headed back to the cozy warmth of our car (#gettingold).</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-53486022838818931892012-07-05T22:50:00.001-07:002012-12-02T19:17:37.320-08:00Short and Sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgbNouBP7Nt3pLkw-a-S-5p6imK58aqiuQuIA7C5cysrq4Ij8ym9H5U_rLwNNtL_RhGs9B9hWQJNeBjep6H38uTZ4TMu-ebKCKdjkQVLVesM8SyOM0a56Vriy_6dfIpQGaYmX2P-gzUU/s1600/sundae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgbNouBP7Nt3pLkw-a-S-5p6imK58aqiuQuIA7C5cysrq4Ij8ym9H5U_rLwNNtL_RhGs9B9hWQJNeBjep6H38uTZ4TMu-ebKCKdjkQVLVesM8SyOM0a56Vriy_6dfIpQGaYmX2P-gzUU/s640/sundae.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">“Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"> Don Kardong</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Lunch today was a sundae: "Naked Coconut" ice cream + fudge sauce + sprinkles (for good measure). It was lovely. Pretty sure this is the kind of thing kids dream about--adulthood has its definite perks! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">* for the record, my other meals today were quite age appropriate ;)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-59964990221943042012-07-04T00:30:00.001-07:002012-12-02T19:18:20.978-08:00Hi, my name is Robyn and I am disorderly...<div style="padding-bottom: 2px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal;">Source: <a href="http://frequencyofwords.tumblr.com/page/5" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">frequencyofwords.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/rissel/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Robyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know when you are at a job interview and the panel asks what your biggest weakness is but you are really expected to put a positive spin on it? I think this quote could be my new answer; it could even be my new mantra. Perhaps I could take it a bit further, maybe call myself an explorer of my own life? Wouldn't that be great? Every moment an exciting discovery? What an adventure ;)</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-64316322884107081172012-07-02T21:24:00.002-07:002012-07-02T21:24:48.322-07:00Canada Day Weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. poppies are my favourite flower 2. mango mojitos are for celebrating 3. strawberry shortcake (GF)<br />4. my sweet new coat 5. chocolate chip cookies (GF) 6. cherries</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This past weekend was a long one and the perfect ending to a long crazy month of school. We lived large on cherries, cookies and strawberry shortcake, long walks in the sunshine with Tucker and dinners with good friends (don't worry, meats and vegetables were included!). Sunday night meant fireworks in honour of Canada Day and we braved the throngs of drunken, red and white clad teenagers down at the Inner Harbour. No one threw up on or near me and the fireworks were pretty good so all-in-all a pretty decent time ;)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9Bk8EFq5ZnMHT_aWMb9sEVC9NzRdn-1bJ8UJG8wm9HVUznXPNFHj7M9kAFuHW-eW-KVsPG6j_bijQzKnTQF217X9JKpllL4_upPPi35DaxQfDnLCSROOANDfGcqMUWbTQb5OoNJf2uU/s1600/college+e+trois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9Bk8EFq5ZnMHT_aWMb9sEVC9NzRdn-1bJ8UJG8wm9HVUznXPNFHj7M9kAFuHW-eW-KVsPG6j_bijQzKnTQF217X9JKpllL4_upPPi35DaxQfDnLCSROOANDfGcqMUWbTQb5OoNJf2uU/s640/college+e+trois.jpg" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. At the Inner Harbour 2. Downtown with Steph 3. Matt's chip onto the green 4. Handsome<br />5. Smile ;) 6. Sweet yellow tree (and husband). 7. perty flowers 8. Fireworks</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This morning we woke up late. Late enough that breakfast was brunch (pancakes, of course!). In the afternoon I did a mini-triathlon workout and then we headed out for a golf and dinner date. I feel spoiled and rested and ready to take on whatever the rest of the summer sends my way!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-58745463970708375102012-06-27T17:08:00.002-07:002012-06-28T00:33:16.782-07:00Tucker's Morning Adventure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5aSfT3Lq3IKhLssFF4tWRlSy4vcdUv1pqZ1lXTHDpdL_-9kSkCu3q7K9KShR_u5kHf6ZpjnqnUNASNpy4RPR7hbyUksZlmHHBx7ttyck0IJy5Y-vooiLKQOcXoCXf9Eq2bI7vUPJLHQ/s1600/Tucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5aSfT3Lq3IKhLssFF4tWRlSy4vcdUv1pqZ1lXTHDpdL_-9kSkCu3q7K9KShR_u5kHf6ZpjnqnUNASNpy4RPR7hbyUksZlmHHBx7ttyck0IJy5Y-vooiLKQOcXoCXf9Eq2bI7vUPJLHQ/s640/Tucker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safely on a leash, about the same spot he caught up to me :)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like most dogs, our Tucker loves to roll in smelly things, hates baths and will eat almost </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A N Y T H I N G. Like most dogs, he loves a good belly rub, chewing on sticks, balls and shoes, as well as chasing squirrels. And like most dogs, Tucker LIVES for walks. So imagine his happy surprise this morning when he realized I left the gate open as I left for school--what good fortune! Myself, ignorant of this in my haste to make class on time, had just got to the end of our road on my bike when a grinning, sprinting dog barrelled up beside me. I can assure you his facial expression read nothing short of "OH BOY! OH BOY! OH BOY! Where to, where to, where to?!" Unfortunately, I had to end his short-lived adventure and in the midst of laughing give myself a stern reminder to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS close the gate. </span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-85614450006033284942012-06-23T11:56:00.000-07:002012-06-28T00:35:13.929-07:00Moonrise Kingdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI37GeyK0WevcuSUG4CaA_aJbL_xyelFDLRYwOBZsrUbow5bVuhyphenhypheniizddSENXea_TWU-pGLE0ENbN6-diLxJi5x7rjKjZqu_DhzNEAMZrAz1PuGez1WIFCe6o9gxfXCZYpgYiTlsPjoh8/s1600/binoculars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI37GeyK0WevcuSUG4CaA_aJbL_xyelFDLRYwOBZsrUbow5bVuhyphenhypheniizddSENXea_TWU-pGLE0ENbN6-diLxJi5x7rjKjZqu_DhzNEAMZrAz1PuGez1WIFCe6o9gxfXCZYpgYiTlsPjoh8/s640/binoculars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This movie was <i>A M A Z I N G</i>. GO SEE IT! seriously. JUST DO IT. With an all-star cast including the brilliant young talents Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman, exceptional cinematography, and a truly wonderful plot I am sure you won't be disappointed. Well, you might, but I won't judge your poor taste ;)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-58328523313052335162012-06-22T13:12:00.000-07:002012-06-28T00:35:51.928-07:00(Mostly) Dairy Free, Butternut Squash Risotto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. ingredients 2. saute 3. vino 4. evaporate and add more liquid 5. squash 6. "hippy butter" 7. parmesan 8. eat</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From my early 20's on, my body has rejected various major food groups, one after the other. It's a bit frustrating at times as I do so love to eat. Luckily, I also love to cook and thanks to a stepmom who rarely follows a recipe true to form, I have inherited a flair for improvisational cooking. So while it can be pretty frustrating trying to find a restaurant that can meet all my dietary needs in a non-salad sort of way, I have things pretty nailed down at home. While not Italian myself, I hail from a region full of wonderful Italian-Canadians and all the AMAZING food their culture brings with them. What's a girl who isn't supposed to eat dairy or pasta to do? Enter risotto. While some versions of risotto are full of cream and butter, my version is light on lactose yet still high on flavour--intrigued? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(I rarely stay true to recipes, but I have tried to approximate amounts)</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 c.diced butternut squash (acorn works as well)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 c. minced shallots or onion</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">olive oil (enough to saute the rice and shallots)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 c. arborio rice (risotto rice)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 c. white wine</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 c. chicken broth (you may need more...)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tbsp. margarine or "hippy butter" (aka Earth Balance soy free dairy free "spread")</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">parsley (optional but I like the colour)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">salt and pepper</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>1</b>. Saute rice and shallots in oil until golden and begin heating broth in a separate pot. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>2</b>. Add wine and begin stirring.* </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>3</b>. Once the wine evaporates, add the squash and a ladle or two of chicken broth.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b>4</b>. Continue stirring until the broth evaporates and then add more broth. continue adding broth and stirring until rice is cooked (THIS TAKES FOREVER... or so it feels when you are hungry!). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>5</b>. Once the rice is nearly done (it gets a certain porridgy look--just try a grain if you are unsure), add the margarine and keep stirring :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b>6</b>. Add parmesan and or nutritional yeast to taste ( I do both because while I can handle a bit of parmesan, I don't want to push it. I have made this with only nutritional yeast and it still tasted pretty great).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b>7</b>. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. <b>8</b>. Eat!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* risotto is a bit of a commitment. While very simple, it is the slow cooking and constant stirring that make risotto so fabulously and delightfully creamy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-81075664438565619472012-06-18T18:24:00.000-07:002012-06-28T00:34:31.314-07:00d.i.y. sunburst mirrors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKBEkyijtI9pD9sjjbpsUMVdPNWTtL2gGmVwog6czMg4L6yRbQbMQsZSuH8QnQ-T4tpkaN-eOgrN0bU4KI9XEA-v04Xjsf5439XrrMC1nIn_2adFeCYVb3lbYaEiGBMzdRzXEw-TwGJU/s1600/paintin'.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKBEkyijtI9pD9sjjbpsUMVdPNWTtL2gGmVwog6czMg4L6yRbQbMQsZSuH8QnQ-T4tpkaN-eOgrN0bU4KI9XEA-v04Xjsf5439XrrMC1nIn_2adFeCYVb3lbYaEiGBMzdRzXEw-TwGJU/s640/paintin'.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">Supplies:</span><ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">small mirror ( I got mine at the dollar store)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">bamboo skewers (got em' at Safeway)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">gold spray paint</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">hot glue gun</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">some sort of fixture to attach to the wall </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">This is the easiest d.i.y. simply spray paint the skewers and let them dry. Glue them onto the back of your mirror and then hang :) so simple and a fraction of what these sort of things cost in the store. </span></h4>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are interested in making one, here's a link to mirror a bit fancier than my own:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.smallhomelove.com/sunburst-mirror-tutorial/">http://www.smallhomelove.com/sunburst-mirror-tutorial/</a></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-65660666641023516652012-06-17T20:23:00.001-07:002012-06-17T20:23:38.680-07:00I think I can...<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/210332245066775101/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/14496030020205414_3b6AgAjP_c.jpg" width="479" /></a><br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85796606/i-think-i-can-8-x-10?ref=v1_other_1" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">etsy.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/glitterguide/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Glitter</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With so much going on right now, this is my new mantra and would -be self-fullfilling prophecy :) go ahead and make it yours too!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-9450580541263339592012-06-11T17:58:00.000-07:002012-06-11T17:58:25.874-07:00Insect Kingdom<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv9gEDz-gw6fgoYhBJAvwdTFY5jE9YbW3WbMjMcdr7Svf-iFmZv6W34ZW7e_QR54KdGG3GOk2c1BOX7y7zExJ7sh9BKWPuQgOYLPN0cvYQqBL8V3bBWyw0teLhX3gj_xx9xB11LgSS_w/s1600/photo-28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv9gEDz-gw6fgoYhBJAvwdTFY5jE9YbW3WbMjMcdr7Svf-iFmZv6W34ZW7e_QR54KdGG3GOk2c1BOX7y7zExJ7sh9BKWPuQgOYLPN0cvYQqBL8V3bBWyw0teLhX3gj_xx9xB11LgSS_w/s400/photo-28.JPG" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Golden Orb Spider Babies</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LtzhzxbkNrnvGQAfpZA8SLLEJZaSN7FjGoJx85p0GdwlkzC5f17-nwdM0uTXVPB79Q71xnTQdGN2m9k4XUTkbUd7HdX0MpB1-pMyDvK3Z4l_5TAXloz5WKHMnHHyBQ_MXuvz04VXF-Y/s1600/piller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LtzhzxbkNrnvGQAfpZA8SLLEJZaSN7FjGoJx85p0GdwlkzC5f17-nwdM0uTXVPB79Q71xnTQdGN2m9k4XUTkbUd7HdX0MpB1-pMyDvK3Z4l_5TAXloz5WKHMnHHyBQ_MXuvz04VXF-Y/s400/piller.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Tent Caterpillar </span><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Multiply these critters by WAYTOOMANYTOCOUNT and you have got our yard right now. I HATE tent caterpillars. They are not cute and fuzzy. Neither do they morph into butterflies--just lowly, boring moths. They drop out of trees (after they are done pillaging), and they are so plentiful they get squished underfoot leaving blood-like goo to stain the sidewalks. And then the spiders...I loathe them less, but I still don't want them on my gate. If only David Attenborough were here. With that voice he could spin anything in a magical light. Yes, even tent caterpillars.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-48506641759542652082012-06-02T11:18:00.003-07:002012-06-02T11:18:31.825-07:00Xtreme Golf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My awesome chip onto the green :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiig7WJCZSvR9TPDAZVDccv8v-6XWq4YorbJRNFxQibq-PrwqbU3PlGtfDY1AsJOIXv7jfQKOZ9Dwu_YeqRbaH5n7Df2j07mR-oCTKEad51XDWPBZLT0LPl7vnngY4UY1MtIrhs56-60M/s1600/on+the+green+in+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiig7WJCZSvR9TPDAZVDccv8v-6XWq4YorbJRNFxQibq-PrwqbU3PlGtfDY1AsJOIXv7jfQKOZ9Dwu_YeqRbaH5n7Df2j07mR-oCTKEad51XDWPBZLT0LPl7vnngY4UY1MtIrhs56-60M/s400/on+the+green+in+one.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Husband got on the green in one for a birdie!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I married into a family that plays golf--<i>seriously</i>. I however, did not grow up playing golf. As much as I love sports, I don't have a lot of finesse. Give me a game where I can run fast and body check and I am usually good to go. But things that require real accuracy, concentration and spatial ability? Not so much. Needless to say, golfing doesn't always bring out the best side of me. I get angry, frustrated, irritable and speak "choice" words that really have no place coming out of a future teacher's mouth. Luckily the husband is very patient with me and I am learning...slowly. I am getting better: becoming more focused, more patient and less hard on myself. I am learning to enjoy the beauty of being out on the course, enjoying the pristine landscaping that defines a course, and all the wildlife that seem to call them home. This week we had two golf dates. Rainy, as per Victoria's usual, but wonderful. The weather meant we had the course largely to ourselves and that any of my would be errant balls were slowed down by the wet grass (yay!). I even had a few uncharacteristically great balls (evidence in the photo above: chipping seems to be my one golf strength). But I considered what would make golf a better more exciting sport. What if golf were more like biathlon? I think if I could do any winter sport professionally (hahaha I can dream), it would be biathlon. X-country skiing and target shooting, <i>TIMED? yes pleeease!</i> Now, imagine for a moment sprinting the golf course instead of leisurely walking or worse, driving... Having to be accurate <i>and</i> efficient? It would be extreme golf. I think it could be AMAZING. A showcase for true athleticism and mental prowess. Now, I have not worked out all the little details in my mind, but I am hoping that if it doesn't exist already (I should check) that it will one day. I am a rather impatient gal, I like speed. Golf is slow... make golf fast? I think I am onto something here :) Yes, maybe?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-64363957238471808342012-05-29T01:03:00.001-07:002012-05-29T09:01:09.832-07:00Cursive and Communication: thoughts on why the neatly written word is important<div='padding-bottom: 0px'="" 2px;="" line-height:=""><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/75224256246183442/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/212161832415911191_cNMVOcYj_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div='padding-bottom:><br />
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Source: <a href="http://designtaxi.com/news/352323/Artist-Embarks-On-Project-To-Bring-Cursive-Handwriting-Back-To-Schools/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">designtaxi.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/rissel/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Robyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I remember hearing once, that back in the "olden days" students were marked more on the quality of their cursive writing than they were on the accuracy of what they had actually transcribed. At the time I found this horrifying; how could you mark something right simply because it looked nice? On the flip side, how could you mark something that was right, wrong, simply because it was messy? It seemed so unjust (and for those of you who know me, I LOVE rules and justice #foreveranoldestchild). However, I have recently had a bit of a change of heart, or perhaps mind. As I consider that the study of the English language in our education system is ultimately about the art of communication, I am forced to concede that if one cannot effectively communicate that which is true due to illegible writing, then they have not effectively communicated. I recognize there is somewhat of a movement towards all things digital. And if all students were typing, legibility would not be an issue. But, call me crazy (or maybe...#insertallusionhere), because I think there is still great value in archaic, "vintage" artifacts like books (NOT of the "e" variety) and things handwritten. So when the image above popped up on Pinterest, I was intrigued. An artist from Indiana, Christina Vanko, has embarked on a quest to see cursive writing (no longer mandated currc. in US schools), returned to the classroom. Through her project, "Sans Cursive", Vanko hopes to il<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">lustrate the significance of cursive as a necessary skill, highlighting its historical importance and its role in self-expression, brain stimulation, and fine motor skill development.” While I realize not everyone is as given to nostalgia the same way I am (and as such might not care about historical importance), I think she nailed it with the final three points: self-expression, brain stimulation and fine motor skill development. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Read about her project<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://designtaxi.com/news/352323/Artist-Embarks-On-Project-To-Bring-Cursive-Handwriting-Back-To-Schools/"> here</a>: </span></span></span><br />
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Source: <a href="http://spiritualhippie.tumblr.com/post/5692267245" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">spiritualhippie.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jbirdsgarden/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Janiece</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be inspired! Happy Sunday!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3755965/ampersand-etcetera?claim=5z8kmmhdku3">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-30289970181364954712012-05-26T14:09:00.000-07:002012-05-26T18:15:27.404-07:00"State-of-the-Heart Technology": aka storytelling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The thing I like best about Twitter is the links. Links to pictures, blog posts, videos, d.i.y.s and articles. While I might be interested in your current activity (#winning), I am especially interested in being introduced to new thoughts and perspectives. Today, Donald Miller (celebrated author of <u>Blue Like Jazz</u>), posted a link to an article in <u>Psychology Today</u> entitled "The Inside Story" on why stories are so very important. The author of the article is Peter Guber who made movies such as <u>The Rain Man</u>. As he is MUCH more eloquent than myself, I have "borrowed" his thoughts on stories:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"They are the most effective form of human communication, more powerful than any other way of packaging information. And telling purposeful stories is certainly the most efficient means of persuasion in everyday life, the most effective way of translating ideas into action, whether you're green-lighting a $90 million film project, motivating employees to meet an important deadline, or getting your kids through a crisis. </i><i>PowerPoint presentations may be powered by state-of-the-art technology. But reams of data rarely engage people to move them to action. Stories, on the other hand, are state-of-the-heart technology—they connect us to others. They provide emotional transportation, moving people to take action on your cause because they can very quickly come to psychologically identify with the characters in a narrative or share an experience—courtesy of the images evoked in the telling."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a student (and almost teacher!) of the English Language, I have always been captivated by stories. Fact or fiction, they all contain truth for which I earnestly seek. Recently, CBC's program <u>DNTO</u> (Definitely NOT the Opera) explored the influence of stories as well in their podcast, "The Power of Storytelling". The hour-long show features several experts on the story from a comedienne, to a producer to a Torontonian Rabbi. Some of the pertinent points I wrote down:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stories <i>inspire hope</i> in the midst of adversity</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stories are significant indicators of <i>WHO</i> we are as people</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stories <i>validate </i>our day-to-day lives</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">stories are the <i>DNA</i> of human intelligence</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stories are powerful. When I first started blogging, I worried that all this writing about myself was far too egocentric an endeavour. But when I really started to think about it, especially in light of the role and power of storytelling, I realize this: I want to connect. I want to connect with others, to share my experiences, to share in theirs. For without the connection that comes through shared experiences, through stories, life is so meaningless. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I will continue to share my stories. To <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">reflect upon all those daily little occurrences, the moments that in retrospect, are what life is made of realizing that somehow, in some way, my stories matter. Join me?</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-6429285854385759272012-05-25T17:24:00.002-07:002012-05-26T09:45:04.298-07:00A look on the bright side<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
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Source: <a href="http://richesforrags.tumblr.com/post/16623961703" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">richesforrags.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/rissel/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Robyn</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's true isn't it? Even with all it's ups and downs, life is still brilliant, breathtaking, beautiful. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76838b;"> </span>I have to admit, in many ways, I am a glass is half-empty kinda gal. It's all too easy for me to notice the less-than-shiny sides of life. But right now, in the midst of a lush and vibrant Kootenay spring. At the end of a rewarding and enlightening teaching practicum, and just days away from reuniting with my husband, my cat and my dog :) I am feeling uncharacteristically optimistic. Life can be hard. But it is <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">good</span></i>. Of this, I am firmly convinced. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-31877873317821775032012-05-24T22:21:00.003-07:002012-05-26T09:45:28.192-07:00Promise.<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
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Source: <a href="http://everythinglovely.tumblr.com/post/18702584495" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">everythinglovely.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jillgg/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jill</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yes. It. Is! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Tonight I made tapioca pudding (vegan to circumvent my food issues). Isn’t that weird? I say weird because I think I have had tapioca pudding once or twice in my life ever. The time or two would have been ohhhh two decades ago (#olderthanilook). And weird because really, tapioca pudding is not exactly something celebrated in my generation. Perhaps for obvious reasons, my dad used to call it “frog egg” pudding. Yum. But today, a craving struck. So I had to oblige (of course!) and also to figure out why. I think it’s based on three factors: my need for something comforting that DOES NOT have gluten in it; my fairly recent discovered love of bubble tea; and finally the fact that Matt and I watched “New in Town” a month or so back (in which tapioca played more of a starring role than Zellweger or Conwick). If a movie I watched a while back can impact me that way, what ELSE am I picking up subconsciously from media???? But enough deep thought for now ;) I am going to relax with my weird, comforting pudding and watch Emily Maynard date her way through a mansion of handsome eligible bachelors.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-16192770590456517822012-04-16T22:41:00.006-07:002012-05-24T22:12:25.240-07:00Shooting the Elephant (and other things we do for fear of the crowd).<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
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Source: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OLvxk9EKikDE8QaU3ZcNHccjdihYoR_HERnMRZ6R_Ha8OIQ9hk_dlK6tDR1N-tmySIQcS4UOHJ8Pq8hYrpQY09nIjlb8YKg3tYFQNkE-BJ1vz5EhS4w5QCtoS5xEjiAgaFtmSJxH1Fc/s1600/nick_brandt_-_elephant.jpg" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">2.bp.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/true_ultranol/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Olivier</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0px;">During the ELA 11 lesson I observed today, the students read and annotated George Orwell’s essay, “Shooting the Elephant.” While I have read other essays of Orwell’s, this was my first encounter with this particular piece and I found it quite powerful--there is a lot of truth in his reflections. In the essay Orwell makes use of a personal anecdote to explain what he feels is “the real motives for which despotic governments act”--his shooting of a Burmese elephant. While Orwell was reticent to kill the elephant, he ultimately shot the great creature “solely to avoid looking a fool.” For the crowd of Burmese were eagerly awaiting his action. Had he rescinded on his course of action, the crowd would have laughed at him and that, of course, “would never do.” Obviously in retrospect (as exhibited though this story), Orwell recognized how tragic it is to follow the demands of the crowd at the expense of one’s conscience. But it is something we all do and often. As I was reading this essay in a room full of Grade 11’s, I could not help but consider how much of my life is spent in that realm. Knowing what is right, and wanting to do it, but bowing to the pressure of those around me, of their expectations. I have to wonder what great and majestic creatures I have slain for the approval of those around me? Good thing I don't work for the government... yet.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-53922088316279196912012-04-15T00:42:00.003-07:002012-05-24T22:27:46.177-07:00Dressing the Part, or What Should a Teacher Wear?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My Teacher Wardrobe: Color coded and ready to go!</span> </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">C</span>lothes can suggest, persuade, connote, insinuate, or indeed lie, and apply subtle pressure while their wearer is speaking frankly and straightforwardly of other matters</i>"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anne Hollander</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">I was driving home the other night listening to CBC. It was late and the station was airing the day's earlier episode of "Q" with Jian Ghomeshi. His guest was Robin Givhan, former fashion editor for <i>The</i> <i>Washington Post</i> and now a fashion critic and corespondent for <i>Newsweek</i> . The topic of discussion was the hoodie-- yep, the sweatshirt! Specifically the "role" of the garment in the recent murder of Trayvon Martin and how it has become "a complicated symbol for moral outrage and racial unease." As an English major, I recognize that everything I interact with in my world I "read"; clothing is no exception. And when George Zimmerman encountered a young, hoodie-clad African-American, he read "threat to society" and fired his gun. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">We often misread situations, conversations, books, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">people... products of our own subjectivity, we conveniently organize our world into workable systems--except they </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">aren't always so workable or so true... (hello, racism and stereotyping). Nevertheless, in spite of any shortcomings this system provides, we still tend to judge books by their covers and people by the clothes they wear. This has got me thinking about my outfits for my upcoming practicum. I want to look the part and look "me" (you know, young, fun and uber intelligent!) I am curious to know what my students will "read" when they see me? Here's hoping that my "wardrobe" for the next 6 weeks provides the (hopefully) lovely students of my new school with an accurate (and positive) perception of me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">Check out this episode of "Q" </span><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/q/#.T4p3T3naigc.blogger">CBC.ca | Q</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">Robin Givhan's article: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 15px;">www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/29/hoodies-trayvon-martin-and-america-s-racial-fears.html</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-71805248358945210472012-04-01T18:47:00.000-07:002012-05-24T22:27:58.101-07:00Goodbye<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX222895270" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUylJPOamGgVm0HYiLBpkuGKhKd2MDJFthC8hK8MiZviXLlCjHgFfxQH0e4YxUMAd1hp4ad5caouhv37gwDcjliJTXK8qz87sQy6DPl2UAVeGtPpRewjteJYpVeSfgrd9c0zw3jmp3QQ/s1600/grandma+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUylJPOamGgVm0HYiLBpkuGKhKd2MDJFthC8hK8MiZviXLlCjHgFfxQH0e4YxUMAd1hp4ad5caouhv37gwDcjliJTXK8qz87sQy6DPl2UAVeGtPpRewjteJYpVeSfgrd9c0zw3jmp3QQ/s400/grandma+and+me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Pear Adelaide Issel 10/22/1918-03/27/2012</span></div>
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<i><span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Good-night! good-night! as we so oft have said</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="1503318842" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<i><span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Beneath this roof at midnight, in the days</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="624721375" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<i><span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">That are no more, and shall no more return.</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="2010135950" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<i><span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Thou hast but taken up thy lamp and gone to bed;</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="1544202735" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<i><span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">I stay a little longer, as one stays</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="1696625841" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<i><span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">To cover up the embers that still burn.</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></i></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="865253523" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span><span class="EOP SCX222895270" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX222895270" paraid="1563706130" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">
<span class="TextRun SCX222895270" contenteditable="true" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: normal !important;" xml:lang="EN-US">Love you forever.</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-22929739924634136232012-02-07T18:30:00.000-08:002012-05-24T22:28:08.648-07:00Library Love<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBAl7KxTIOdm4I07aHey4NdKM4kRq36yX-9QjsIdt2FbsvdYoVZp5PsqQ5D9nyoQ-2Y7uy1AREYQumfa_7w8STq101JrG4KmPToqpKF4fBF4-tdMaotHANeUpaowUjbcNycy_b0Gzq-I/s1600/books_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBAl7KxTIOdm4I07aHey4NdKM4kRq36yX-9QjsIdt2FbsvdYoVZp5PsqQ5D9nyoQ-2Y7uy1AREYQumfa_7w8STq101JrG4KmPToqpKF4fBF4-tdMaotHANeUpaowUjbcNycy_b0Gzq-I/s400/books_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">Completing a BA in Humanities (specifically English and History) meant for HEAPS of reading. Some was enlightening and brilliant. Some was so incredibly full of run on sentences *insert hair pulling here* and drudgery… There is something about University that almost takes the joy out of reading. When you have to read hundreds of pages weekly simply to keep afloat it can be draining. The idea of reading for pleasure seems like some kind of distant, foggy dream (did that actually happen to me or did I just imagine it?) Now, in the midst of my BEd, the required readings have not lessened, but I am learning to make time to read. Just. For. Me. (it’s delightful by the way). In order to gain some new material I journeyed to the library yesterday whilst husband coached. I LOVE public libraries; they’ve such an eclectic mix of people and books and possibility. Also they are FREE, you simply cannot go wrong! As a result of my visit I am eagerly delving into <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fall on Your Knees</i> by Ann-Marie MacDonald. It was a Canada Reads Selection in 2010 and has been described as “stunning”, “magnetic” and “beautiful”; sounds promising, no?</span><span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8648648388658785026.post-54071838762127067122012-02-05T18:48:00.000-08:002012-05-24T22:28:26.157-07:00Walking in Parks with Dog<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">It might be that I am a small town girl stuck in a city, or that a significant part of my personality is introverted, but recently I have been quite content to spend the majority of my free time with Tucker (and husband) either napping or in a park (not to be confused with playground). Luckily, Victoria has had some uncharacteristically sunny weather of late. It is quite possibly a crime to spend the day indoors when the sun is shining here, so we have made the most of it at several of the lovely parks Victoria has to offer. I was able to get outside the confines of urbanity and Tucker was able to run off-leash and frolic with other canine friends: a win-win situation if you ask me!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOxcq4mjNJbLq6wIBMqJgjCkiZfTS-UYdGhNXVQilE7nHD4tFFJj-x5qNrAX0fHUr2n04rvhvDlBl-AwfuY2_TtUxHIDAqvZiDa-UB6uNhDFYDlKwoI9D3TGabHsgytxJ54nhwnmK7eo/s1600/With+Tboze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOxcq4mjNJbLq6wIBMqJgjCkiZfTS-UYdGhNXVQilE7nHD4tFFJj-x5qNrAX0fHUr2n04rvhvDlBl-AwfuY2_TtUxHIDAqvZiDa-UB6uNhDFYDlKwoI9D3TGabHsgytxJ54nhwnmK7eo/s400/With+Tboze.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> Thetis Lake</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYsbOiw8BoNiu391JgG-HMeAuouKxsIp7yfFmO8CPxQF64KbK2KXS2hdKr8YUCjt52ryqcIHVY2v_Clw5CTVjDFwhPvhyUuh40qV2bPBsPG1I8L1OGFtaQ9Ex3Z61bJp9FsYp_uSZCXA/s1600/thetis+tboze+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYsbOiw8BoNiu391JgG-HMeAuouKxsIp7yfFmO8CPxQF64KbK2KXS2hdKr8YUCjt52ryqcIHVY2v_Clw5CTVjDFwhPvhyUuh40qV2bPBsPG1I8L1OGFtaQ9Ex3Z61bJp9FsYp_uSZCXA/s400/thetis+tboze+2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">Euphemistically speaking, I am what one would refer to as “fair-skinned” or of “a porcelain complexion”. Realistically speaking, however, I am pale. The kind of pale that when I am tanned I still look “fair.” Now Victoria, (present place of habitation) while charming, is not exactly known for its sunshine, quite the opposite rather. For while it garners less precipitation than nearby Vancouver, it is still very, very wet. It has been especially dreary here lately. As such the tanning beds (evils that they are) have become increasingly alluring. Realizing they are unjustifiably wrong, I decided to attempt a safer version of a golden, sun-kissed glow: spray tan in a can (what could go wrong?).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPccc89KihnD9ijRjiFIW3NcfPtWScIMG4TB0i4FQ5nTi6pSjSxyZtEfy1mvIrgROjvGpx_sbmT4buaHyBgehx616z-yOKncBWOo0u9CCsdHlvb87gRIedeZHrtnCPILgLpwpuAsGxoMA/s1600/tan+in+a+can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPccc89KihnD9ijRjiFIW3NcfPtWScIMG4TB0i4FQ5nTi6pSjSxyZtEfy1mvIrgROjvGpx_sbmT4buaHyBgehx616z-yOKncBWOo0u9CCsdHlvb87gRIedeZHrtnCPILgLpwpuAsGxoMA/s320/tan+in+a+can.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET'; font-size: x-small;">Innocuous Can of Spray Tan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">In an equation: wife </span>+<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';"> husband </span>+<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';"> spray tan in a can </span>=<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';"> one heck of a streaky mess<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">Lesson learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">See, I knew I could not feasibly get my entire body (while the yoga has made me more bendy, such levels of flexibility I don’t think I could ever hope to obtain). In order to combat my lack of swivel, I recruited the Mr. In all fairness, he was pretty hesitant to help. He had no idea how. I figured the instructions were simple, and <i>impossible</i> to screw up. I may have goaded him on (name calling may have been involved). Again, lesson learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';">For what resulted (hours later when my new “tan” developed) can only be described as what looks like a henna tattoo gone wrong. It is (on the bright side!) really nice and golden where it isn’t a ghastly mess. Gonna be exfoliating like CRAZY over the next while! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEnUYPhl-R_ZCnVnMBU_MuXu1RrofXAQPKaVz9Ek2HF8ljedzrqOQV2W5EZ9ABaP5jTwMY3npVKQ-ctYwBHCpjupE5JEvdPQUhTM6apxL3jd6mHTr5oWrcHJPYanI2sFtC3Ed9fiZv84/s1600/spray+tan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEnUYPhl-R_ZCnVnMBU_MuXu1RrofXAQPKaVz9Ek2HF8ljedzrqOQV2W5EZ9ABaP5jTwMY3npVKQ-ctYwBHCpjupE5JEvdPQUhTM6apxL3jd6mHTr5oWrcHJPYanI2sFtC3Ed9fiZv84/s400/spray+tan.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Academy Engraved LET';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">yep, that happened</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0