The Car Saga.

Ok, so last May I decided that it was FINALLY time for me to buy a brand spankin' new car. So I did. I went on the ultimate shopping trip and found a very cute, spunky and delightfully shiney new car. It was a light silvery blue with a lot of bells and whistles to help me feel very comfortable with my purchase. I had worked long and hard to be in a position to own such a beauty. Well there were some little issues with the car stereo, and a very minor fender bender (dam the cold and icy road) which tainted my perfect set of wheels. However, I was still extremely proud of my automotive choice. Then one sunny clear morning in February, my car encountered a life changing event.
As I cautiously drove to work, I noticed a fuel contious citizen waiting to cross the road. So I braked and stopped behind a little red Nissan whose driver also respects the walkers of the world. With a well developed habit, I glanced in my rear-view mirror to ensure the driver behind me was also aware of the change of pace, a.k.a. a complete stop. To my utter shock and horror the rather large Dakota was not slowing down. I all too quickly realized that the truck was not going to stop at all. I braced for the impact and it happened very quickly and very slowly all at the same time. The horrible noise of crunching twisting metal, the quick shattering of glass and the slow motion flopping around on a fully reclined seat. Then the movement stopped, and all I could focus on was a strange whooshing sound that i just couldn't figure out. After wiggling toes and fingers to make sure all those parts were working properly I realized that my leg was throbbing with pain and that nothing else felt funny. As I looked around to assess the cars internal damage, I solved the ystery of the whooshing noise. The rear window was shattered and there was glass everywhere including on my lap. Wild, I know! So I sat for but a moment contemplating what I should do. So I called Brent, who didn't answer but i forgot to hang up the phone so he got a very disturbing voice message of my mumbling and wimpering. A disturbing message so early in the am. He called me right back, I told him the sad news and he ran out the door to come save the D.I.D.. I then realized I should probably assess the external damages. The lady in front of me was already out of her car - as the initial impact has pushed me into her little red nissan. The distracted truck driver was also out of his slightly damaged truck. As I had a look at where my trunk and bumper once were I came to the stark realization that my car was cursed.
Police came, we wrote reports, I called work and gave some sketchy lesson plans for the day and then we went home.
As it all turns out I missed a couple days of work, have a pretty messed up back/neck/hip/knee and my car is a complete write-off, all of which kindof suck. However, I am very blessed. My injuries could have been much worse and the insurance process could be taking a long time. All the components and issues are being cleared up quickly and working out in my favor. AND I get to hit the dealerships on another shopping extravaganza finding a not-so-cursed car for my driving pleasure. I'm thinking a Dodge Journey......

Start the practicum on Monday

Very exciting things are happening and it is going to go by so quick. Cleaning the office today and then watching Zombieland. Tomorrow is a day off, Superbowl Sunday and then it begins. WOW.

January is OVER!

WOOT WOOT! the toughest month of teaching is over over over for another year. We are now on the downhill towards the end of the year and it's very very exciting.
Things at school are going well and I'm still loving my job. I had the opportunity today to meet with a bunch of other jr high teachers who are all in their 2nd year of teaching and it was very reassuring to know that they all have the same frustrations with homework and attendance and all the not-so-fun parts of teaching. BUT we also celebrated the many many many funny, success filled, achievement moments that happen more often than we sometimes realize. It was a good reminder day.
Brent and I went for a very fun and adventurous snowshoeing hike today as well. We ended up down in the river bottom walking in a creek bed under bridges and finished at the edge of the North Saskatchewan river. It was amazing!!! so beautiful and almost untouched. We love our new found hobby! thanks mom and dad for the snowshoes.
Until next time my friends...

3 weeks and then life begins

Practicum starts in 3 weeks AHHH!

A pat on the back

So today after school another teacher in my school popped into my classroom just to tell me that the kids she's teaching now are well prepared for grade 9 science! I TAUGHT THEM LAST YEAR!! Wow what a compliment from a colleague. Absolutely made my day.
Aside from that, I've busted out the workout video's again.... not going to be a bust this time. Cheer me on friends!

approaching the 100 day mark

This school year has been significantly easier than last year and has been flying by! The old adage is true: Time flies when you are having fun. I am still totally enjoying teaching and the everyday challenges that I come across. I think (hope) the students are learning something as I babble on about this and that. This week they discovered how very easy it is to get me off topic in science. WOW! They are slick little kids.
Anyway, I am also finding it much easier than expected to balance home and work life. Now that I have a home life! Brent and I are having fun making plans for the future and hypothetically spending our 40 million that we are going to win today! House, vacation, early retirement?? just a few options.
Brent's photography business is starting to blossom. We have so much fun taking pictures and making everybody smile. It will prove to be a fun summer business that keeps us out of trouble. Check out his blog http://www.brentgilsonphotography.blogspot.com/
Ok. more spacey thoughts and blurbs to come next time I feel inspired!
Chau amigos.

Had to get a tooth pulled today

Hope it makes my mouth feel better after it stops feeling worse.