Snow in Oxford!

Hello...Oxford finally got some snow this morning. I was out of the house early this morning, and forgot to check out my window...so I unfortunately did not have my snow boots this morning. There was only a few cm of snow...not much by Canadian standards - but enough for me to get excited about!

On Rivermead Road - Still dark out!

I was teaching Year One again today (same class I have had about 5 times prior). I am growing quite fond of them. All the KS1 (Grade 1-3) students in the school are practising this week for their Christmas play, so I have been involved in that the past 2 days, and even teaching some dances! It has been good fun and of course, good experience.

Back at the same school tomorrow, and then hopefully get some work for Thursday and Friday!

I hope all is well back in Canada - I was able to Skype with my mom and sister the past few days, which is always nice.

Much love! xo

Yorkshire

Hello....I made it back to Oxford tonight around 7pm.

I had such a lovely weekend up north in Yorkshire. It started snowing on Friday night, and it was just so beautiful. There wasn't a ton of snow (by my standards), but the kids did manage to make a couple of good snowmen on Saturday.

On Saturday, I took the train into York (took about 12 minutes) and met Christine and her daughter Tamzin (cousins). They took me for coffee at the Archeology Building of the University campus - very nice building - and then we decided what we should spend the afternoon doing. York was CRAZY busy on Saturday...probably not the best time for me to have visited, but we did well to get around. I saw the Minster, a few abbey ruins, The Shambles, the St Nicholas Fair market and we went to the Jorvik Centre - all about Vikings. The Jorvik Centre was VERY neat. In addition to being a museum with artifacts and information, it actually recreates what life was like for the Vikings a thousand years ago in Yorkshire...from smells to tools to community life - I highly recommend it.
We went for lunch at Betty's, and spent the rest of the afternoon in the warmth and visiting!

I got back to Thirsk in time to have dinner with the Choir, and then the concert started about 7:30. It was really quite lovely. They all did a fabulous job. The children's school choir also did a few songs, which was very impressive! Ruth had about 25 people staying at her house, and a few more at the hotel, so it was a busy weekend and lots of people around.

Today, a few of us went for a walk before lunch. It ended up being more of a snowball fight the whole time, which was very fun and felt very Canadian!

- Right after I took this picture, Archie jumped out from behind the snowman, and got me square in the face with a big snowball!

The drive back tonight, was very snowy and not such great conditions for the first couple of hours...but we made it!

Much love. xo

Off to Yorkshire I Go!

Hello!

I am spending the evening packing for the weekend, and having a roomie dinner. It feels like Friday night! Too bad its not! I am working tomorrow at a primary school, and then heading up to Thirsk with a friend of Ruth's. She was very organized and fab to sort that out for me.

Tomorrow is also Oscar's 2nd birthday! How I wish I could celebrate with him. I will hopefully be able to find time next week to spend with Catherine and family!

Have a lovely weekend - I will have lots to share with you all on Sunday, I am sure!

Much love! xo

Frosty, Chilly and Poorly

Hello all - I have been feeling poorly this week...stuffy nose, cough, the usual for this time of year. It doesn't help being exposed to hundreds of kids and their germs each week either, I'm sure. Will have to start building up a super strong immune system!

I have had a...challenging week with my cover days. Monday I had high school cover, and the last 2 days I have had primary cover. I still have my voice though - sometimes its about the small victories!

There was frost out this morning on my walk to the school...so it was quite chilly in my spring coat. I may have to put that away now...


I am getting excited for the my weekend up north, in York and Thirsk. I have plans to meet up with some cousins for lunch on Saturday in York, so I am looking forward to that.

I have nothing booked in for tomorrow yet, so maybe I will get the day off to get my health sorted out...or see some babbas (before they forget about me!) one can only wish...

Friday, I am booked in at another primary school, so it should be a nice day.

Off to make some dinner and to bed early I go again tonight....

Much love! xo

Trip to London to see my Sport Idols!

What a day - I am still in awe of my amazing Sunday afternoon! Unfortunately it was brought to a halt today...I had some tough classes today. Each one is a new learning experience though...so I have to remember it as such. The morning got off to a lovely start though - on my walk to the school, I passed 2 primary students that I taught last week who were waving and yelling "Miss, Miss Miss!" It was very cute.

London O2 Arena is host to the ATP World Tour Championships (Tennis) this week. I was really hoping to go tonight (Monday) to see Rafael Nadal play but I figured the more responsible choice was to go yesterday (because of work). Andy Murray was playing against Robin Soderling so I figured it would be some good tennis. I ended up seeing ALL the top 8 tennis players in the world...and a few more of the greats. It was very overwhelming! I have never been to see professional tennis, but it is a sport I have admired for years and started playing recently. I took the train from Oxford early in the morning and got into London by 10:30.

Nadal - ahhh sigh

Nadal practising

World #1 - Nadal and his coach, Uncle Tony

Andy Murray playing some footie to warm up

The O2 arena was packed - before the Murray v Soderling match, there was a doubles match. It ended up being Bryan/Bryan (the US champs, and world number 1s) playing. Very cool match to see!

Doubles Match - The coin toss

I had excellent seats...8 rows up from the floor! Unfortunately, I was sitting beside an older Englishman, who definitely was NOT drinking JUST orange juice...for anyone who knows anything about tennis, it is one of the more quiet sports to watch. He was continuously yelling - which is fine, I mean support your team man - but when you are the only one...maybe choose a different sport. An older lady in front of him told him to shut up a number of times. The anger finally boiled over when yours truly, took a picture (accidentally with my flash on)...anyway the old man told me to turn it off (nicely) and the lady in front had enough of him chatting, so they got into a yelling match...it was pretty funny, but absolutely unnecessary. Those situations always seem to find me.

I walked around London for a bit after the games, but it was pretty dark, so I couldn't get very many good pictures. I had a nice evening though. Got back to Oxford around 8:30pm.

O2 Arena

I am booked in for the rest of the week - which is good! But it means no babba time or visiting my "cousins" this week :(

For my Barrick relatives - I found a great postcard for Granny - it's a pic of the Queen! I just have to make up a story now of how I met her....

Much love! xo

Graveyards, Curry and Jogging

Hello! Happy Saturday.

Friday was an interesting day...but I had fun with the Year 3 class I had been working with the past 2 days. We did Spanish for a bit in the afternoon - I was shocked at how much I actually knew, considering I have never taken or spoken it before in my life!

When I got home, my landlord, Sam, decided to cook a feast for everyone! Amazingly thoughtful, especially for a Friday. We all enjoyed a lovely and yummy curry dinner and of course with some wine.

I got up this morning and decided enough with the excuses - I need to start practicing what I preach! I have officially started my new workout regime. Today I went for a jog into the city centre, and walked back through Iffley Village (My roommates had been talking about Iffley Village for a long time, so I decided to go check it out). I wish I brought my camera! It was such a cute little village, and a LOVELY walk this morning. Quiet, a little bit of drizzle, fog and not too cold - it was perfect. Tomorrow my plan is to start my "Insanity" training again (this was the workout I was doing last fall in Brantford with my classes and supervising teacher.) My excuse was that the garage here isn't heated, like my dad's - but I am going to be Canadian about it and put on my toque!

Tonight we are heading to the pub when Marcus gets back from work. Tomorrow, I am planning to go into London to check out the ATP World Tour tournament at the O2 arena. I am torn between going to the afternoon game featuring Andy Murray, or the evening game featuring Roger Federer...I will let you know how it all works out! I have also e-mailed a cousin that lives in London, to see if she is free tomorrow to meet!

Have a lovely weekend!

Oh yes - the graveyard part of my blog title - I have been walking all week to my schools, and I found a nice little pathway through a church graveyard (it actually is NOT as grim as it may sound).


I figured it has been a while since I shared some NERD facts with you, so here is your fill: Yew Trees were planted in most church yards around England by order of King Edward 1 as protector trees. They were supposed to protect the church from damage, wear and tear, etc...and the leaves are poisonous to cattle, so it was also to help keep cattle from roaming around the church yards.

Here is a picture of a Yew Tree in the graveyard I walk through to get to Cowley.




Much love! xo

2 Months In!

Hello All...

Just a quick post to say HAPPY 2 Months in England to meee!

It honestly feels like I have been here MUCH longer! I guess mostly because I have been able to travel around a fair bit in those 2 months (Cambridge, Bath, London), I've been to a lot of different schools in the area and of course, there is a family in Wallingford that have made me feel like I have known them for a LOT longer than 2 months!

Tomorrow is Friday - hurray!

Working tomorrow at the same school I was at today - Year 3/4.

Much love! xo

"Elementary, My Dear Watson..."

Hello!

I am feeling much better this week! My voice was back on Monday, so a good start to the week. I have been working since Tuesday, in primary schools. I was at a new school on Tuesday - first school I was at where the students didn't have to wear uniforms, so it felt a bit like home. Today, I was back at a primary school I have previously been to. It's always nice returning to schools and seeing friendly, familiar faces! I had a Year 6 class and a Year 1 class (that I have had previously) today - both brilliant and lovely classes. Got me to thinking that a Year 5 or Year 6 class would be nice to have full time!

I truly felt like an English person, living in Oxford today as I rode my bike through the rain to and from work today. It just started raining as I started my ride today, and no time to walk, so had to wish the whole way that it wouldn't start pouring...I should figure out a way to attach my umbrella on to my bike....me thinks I'm on to something here!

Was starting to plan a weekend back to Cambridge to see my friends for this weekend, but with their full week teaching placements, they have more responsibilities (marking, planning, etc). Will have to find something else to do this weekend instead. The ATP World Finals (Tennis) are in London from the 21st - 28th so I may head over to London at some point and see my Spanish love take to the court.

Here is a pic of the weather on Tuesday...it was like this all day. I meant to take more, especially of the frost, but didn't get around to it.


Off to relax...working tomorrow and Friday afternoon (all Primary).

Oh yes! Just to let you know (in case you have been living under a rock the past 48 hours) Prince William is engaged! I will await my invitation in the mail...as Prince Harry's date of course.

Much love! xo

Glass....half full!

Thursday will mark the 2nd month that I have been in England. It honestly feels like it has been 4 months over here already!

I had today off, so I did some things around the house, got myself organized, applied to some more jobs, etc. While applying for jobs, I started applying to some in Canada as well (don't get your hopes up TOO high, mom). I had a...I'll call it a moment...today. Not a moment of wanting to go home, more so a moment of what now? Where did I see myself at 24 - living abroad? no money in the bank? no full time job? So I started assessing myself and where I perhaps "should" be at this point in my life. It's a very free and satisfying feeling being over here, however, I wonder if I am selfish living so far away from my family, friends. Am I wasting precious time being away from them?

So I had to sort to myself out - remember why I am here. I realize I am selfish by being over here, but I am also truly thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be here. How many North Americans get to see Europe in their 20s? I figure this is a once in a lifetime experience and here I am...living it.

On a separate note - I am working 4 days this week, as I am booked in! Woohoo - so glad to know where I am going this week. I will be doing primary all week, which will be a nice change.

It is funny, now that it is getting colder - how my roommates are reacting to the "cold". For instance...tonight, around 5pm I went out to grab some things I needed for dinner, and my roommate Sam, said to me, "why are you going out, its freezing out there!"

Canadians, I am making you proud - while everyone else in Oxford has pulled out their winter coats and winter boots, I am still in my spring coat and trainers. :-)

Much love! xo

Hot Dogs...In A Can

My weekend has been very restful! We stayed in last night and watched X Factor (I don't typically follow these types of shows, but I am now a fan) and played some Pub Games in the living room.

Today I went to Sunday Roast with my roomies (they go every week to a place in Cowley) and stayed there for much of the afternoon having a few pints and being social. On the walk home from the pub, I got a call from my fav people in Wallingford to join them for Sunday Roast! It was a lovely dinner and a nice visit with some babbas and their fab parents who take such good care of me!

My sister and I got around to having 2 Skype chats this weekend, which was great! Family always seems closer when you can see them!

I am pre-booked in for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week, so hopefully will get a call Monday and Tuesday to make a full week!

Anyway 0ff to bed for this girl!

Much love! xo

Oh yes - I MUST share this picture. I was grocery shopping yesterday and was disgusted by this find - I am not a picky person, but I drawn the line at hot dogs in a can....

False Alarm...

So my voice is gone...again. It came back, in a raspy sort of way on Thursday, so I decided to teach on Friday. By the last class of the day, my voice was gone again. Hopefully I can rest it up over the weekend and get it back for good! I already have 2 days pre-booked for next week, and a bunch the following weeks!

Last night, Marcus, Tess and I had our usual Friday night tradition of pizza, wine and comedy tv. SUCH a lovely way to end the week - although I had more hot lemon, honey and tea than I did wine. I couldn't even really have a conversation with them, so I eventually got frustrated and retired to my room.

Not much is up for today. Might go for a walk or do some groceries. Would be nice to take a day trip somewhere, but it is also nice to be able to start saving up my money, now that I am working more. I may have a few weekend trips coming up in soon, so I think its best to take advantage of a quiet weekend, especially when my voice is not cooperating.

Much love! xo

Voice...Hurrah!

Well my voice decided to make an appearance...after 2 long days. I missed my pre-booked days of work on Wednesday and Thursday, which is very annoying now that I am getting work.

I do have work for tomorrow though, which is very nice!

I am looking after 2 of the cutest babies tonight, while Catherine and Gareth celebrate their anniversary.

Nothing planned for this weekend, but hopefully I will be heading to Cambridge next weekend.

Much love! xo

"Miss, are you from Poland?"

I had work today - yahoo! At the same school I am at for 2 more days this week. Today was an interesting day though - I finally got a P.E cover, which I had been yearning for since September 27th. Of course, though, today was the day that I completely lost my voice before I even got to the school. I don't feel sick or anything, so I'm not sure where it went, but it was VERY frustrating not having a voice, in the one class you actually need a voice in. I unfortunately didn't bring my whistle today either - so I had to get creative. I used a combination of sign language and asking one student to repeat something to whole lot of them. In every class, one student offered to the register (attendance) so that was very helpful. To give you an idea how bad my voice actually is...on my way home from the school, I stopped in to get some groceries and when I went to ask for a bag, no sound......except for maybe the sound of crickets....came out of my mouth. Extremely frustrating. I am resting up tonight, drinking lots of fluids and hoping that it will come back tomorrow, as I am booked in for the rest of the week.

Oh yes - so funny accent story: in my year 8 class (first class of the day - when I still had a voice), I was asked by a student if I was from Poland. That now brings my country count to a total of 5 (Australia, America, Ireland, Caribbean and Poland).

Here are some pictures that Catherine's friend took on Saturday of the fireworks display. Enjoy!

Moi, Oscar, Jessie & Catherine
(Oscar is laughing here - enjoying the fireworks SO much - cutest moment!)

Much love! xo

New Week, New Do

Hello!

Well I won't be making a 5 for 5 week of teaching, as I didn't work today - but good news! I am booked in for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday AND 4 days in the rest of the month. Fantastic!

I didn't really get up to a whole lot of excitement today. I did however get my haircut - finally! I was about 2 months overdue for one. My roommate Tess, suggested I try her salon, so I did just that. Seemed to work out fine. My stylist was no Katie, but will do while I am in Oxford. It is SO nice to have a stylist that knows you and you can just go in, sit down and let her do the rest - so I was a bit scared trying someone new today (very picky about how my hair is cut). She ended up cutting it shorter than I wanted, but it turned out good! It is the shorted it has ever been for me! I do like it though, a lot! It will just take a bit of getting used to, especially putting it up for sports, etc

Oh hello there double chin!

Going to try a new pub tonight with a friend, and hopefully will get some work for tomorrow!

Much love! xo