Day 1: Saturday, October 27th. 8 a.m. Hatha with Beverly. Catherine came with me.
An easy entry into what could be a long physical hall. Mostly stretching, nothing too challenging. Hips tight afterward, but my good old foam roller and a hot bath helped with that.
Day 2: Sunday, October 28th. 9:30 a.m. Hatha with Dan
A challenging class for me, but feel good. I remember going to one of Dan's classes a long time ago as he loves 'flow' yoga. Moving the whole class, one pose to the next. Challenging because it was hot (as every mat in the room was full) and because it had a lot of arm and shoulder work. My arms are not very strong, and I had to put them down during a few poses. I liked the mix during the flow though. I would like to learn chataranga the proper way, as Dan said your hips never touch and that is not the way I have done it in other classes. My hamstrings are very tight where they connect to the knee...hoping that they loosen up and that I don't pull them. Body tired, but feeling good. My breathing can go deeper and feels better too.
Day 3: Monday, October 29
8:30 p.m. Yin with Joan; Thea came with me
It was really nice to have a later class so that I could take my time to do things such as visit Carrie, Derran and Austen after work first. The class itself felt WAY too easy for me. I could see how I might really want this class after a few weeks of the challenge, but the slow, long stretches were a bit boring for me. I'm sure they helped my body, but I was just hoping for a bit more. It was good to try anyway. It was also my first class in a long time not at Sea studio, so I forgot about the hard floors as Sea has carpet. I think I like the carpet better for my knees and other bony bits. It was beautiful when the rain hit the roof of the studio, though...so calming!
Day 4: Tuesday, October 30th
12-1:15pm at Kits Beach Studio with Carolyn
Again, not a big fan of the studio, with it's large windows right along the sidewalk...felt a little self-conscious. The level of the yoga and the mix of both stretch and strengthen was great. I really liked this instructor. My upper body feels much looser and lighter, and my groin feels much looser as well. I was worried about pulling my hamstrings, but today's class seemed to work out some of the tightness that I thought might turn into pulled muscles. VERY happy about that. My shoulders are feeling like they are back more where they should be too. Good class.
Day 5: Wednesday, October 31st
Didn't end up going. Between making sure Kai got out trick or treating and a bad migraine, I listened to my body telling me to sleep in a dark room. Glad I listened.
Day 6: Thursday, November 1st
5:45pm Hatha with Bernie
So many lessons were learned this day...Usually I take Kai to his 5pm hip hop class in Burnaby, so an early class wouldn't be available to me, and a late one wasn't an option tonight either as Marc was out. Luckily Kelly offered to meet us at Kai's hip hop and bring him home so I could do this class. It all sounded ideal, except I hadn't considered traffic. I spent the whole hour drive (who knew it would take SO long), talking myself down. "Yoga is supposed to be peaceful, and you're on your way to yoga, so just take a deep breath." "I know the car hasn't moved hardly at all in three light changes, but everything happens for a purpose. It will all work out."
Needless to say, I arrived at class 10 minutes late, but still quietly went in and joined the class. I am SO glad I went. Bernie was relaxed, funny, and kept making jokes about all the movies that the poses reminded him of - Karate Kid, Spiderman... My body felt great, the mood in the room was playful, and the class was over before I knew it.
So my learnings this class? It is better to arrive late than not at all. And on the yoga front, if I put my hands closer to my feet during downward dog, it focuses on stretching the lower legs. Hands farther away works on arm strengthening. Thus, little changes can make a big difference.
Day 7: Friday, November 2nd
7 pm Yin with Whit. Damiani came with me
I'm not going to lie, I was not looking forward to this class. I was looking forward to spending time with D, but after the slow-moving, uninspiring Yin class on Monday, I wasn't sure what I was going to get out of Yin. I was pleasantly surprised by Whit and the spiritual connection he brought to the practice. He clearly explained the core beliefs and guidelines of the practice, making connections with his own story, writings of others, and opened up ways for us to bring our own heart into the evening and beyond. He talked us through each pose, read meaningful passages to bring us back to listening to our bodies, and took us to our limits without pushing through them. He shared with us about the hips being the emotional junk drawer of the body, where we hold unexpressed and closed off emotions, and the importance of opening up both our bodies and our hearts. I left the class feeling very informed, well opened and joyful. A great night to end week one on!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
From Two to Three
My two little sisters are about to become Mom, and is has me thinking about the changes motherhood brought to my life. I remember being in the delivery room and my midwife was passing to me my new little bundle. My first thought was 'Oh my goodness, we have a baby.' Then three days later when we brought Kai home, I thought 'What do we do now?' Although I have always wanted children, I had never really thought about how much my life would change.
Yes, there were so many things to learn about being a mother to my new son, but I have learned so much about myself as well. I have learned about balance, about letting go, about my life priorities, about patience, about slowing down to simply enjoy the moments. Am I an expert at any of these things? No, but I am present to them in a whole new way. I had no choice but to be present to them. Although this accelerated learning was at times exasperating and exhausting, and so many tears were shed that I could have provided the world's supply of water had there been no salt in them, alongside these moments I have grown into a stronger, more centred woman.
So, when asked for advice for a new mom-to-be, I started thinking about the important things...
Do what you need to do - We want to be good parents, so we try to do our best by our children, but the best is open to interpretation. So many people, some given 'expert' status, have strong opinions about the right way to do things. However, in the end, only we know what is best for us, our children, and our families. This was a hard lesson for me to learn, and at times, I'm still learning it. Our friends and families are always there to give us ideas and opinions, but we are the ones home all day and up all night with our wee ones, and it takes a tremendous amount of belief in ourselves to simply say 'This is what works for us right now', even if we are not sure. For we are never really sure. Life is a series of trials and errors, adventures and successes, and we only ever know if they are the right choice after we have thought about them and given them a try. So do what you need to do until something works better. And no matter what you do, you are doing the best you can.
Sleep - get in anywhere, anytime and as much as possible. Your body, mind and emotions have never been through so much change in such a short period. You need to take care of yourself in order that you are able to take care of your little one. It was not easy for me to sleep much during the day when my child slept as I felt there was too much to do, but looking back I wish I had rested more. Food you can always order in or make pasta (or ask close family and friends to bring you meals, it gives them a way to help out that they are looking for), and the house will make it through another day without a vacuum. You have the rest of your life to 'do'. For these precious times, just 'be.'
Take time for yourself - One of the biggest transitions for me as a mother, beyond the total reliance of another human being on me (which is the topic for a whole other write), was the number of roles that seemed to come with maternity leave. By giving birth to a child and staying home, suddenly you are thrust into cook, housecleaner, personal shopper, and errand runner. You make most of the daily decisions about raising your child, as you are home alone with him or her the majority of the time. This is a lot of responsibility. Not that you have to do it alone. If you have a great partner, all these roles will be discussed and everyone will play their part. Perhaps there is a hormonal shift that arrives with Motherhood that makes you want to return to everything homemade and natural. All of a sudden, I wanted to make my own organic, balanced meals, learn to can, grow my own food, sew, knit, bake and become an all-round superstar. Who has time or energy for this in between feedings, diaper changes, and the craving for more sleep? So here's my advice - start with 15 minutes a day - have a tea, take a bath, lay quietly in your bedroom while your big sister holds your baby. These small moments help you gain perspective. Help you revive yourself.
There are so many more lessons I learned, but everyone learns their own in their own time. So trust yourself, take care of yourself and enjoy the moments. And in the tough moments, remember, this too will pass. You have a big family who is here to help you in every way we can. We love you!
Yes, there were so many things to learn about being a mother to my new son, but I have learned so much about myself as well. I have learned about balance, about letting go, about my life priorities, about patience, about slowing down to simply enjoy the moments. Am I an expert at any of these things? No, but I am present to them in a whole new way. I had no choice but to be present to them. Although this accelerated learning was at times exasperating and exhausting, and so many tears were shed that I could have provided the world's supply of water had there been no salt in them, alongside these moments I have grown into a stronger, more centred woman.
So, when asked for advice for a new mom-to-be, I started thinking about the important things...
Do what you need to do - We want to be good parents, so we try to do our best by our children, but the best is open to interpretation. So many people, some given 'expert' status, have strong opinions about the right way to do things. However, in the end, only we know what is best for us, our children, and our families. This was a hard lesson for me to learn, and at times, I'm still learning it. Our friends and families are always there to give us ideas and opinions, but we are the ones home all day and up all night with our wee ones, and it takes a tremendous amount of belief in ourselves to simply say 'This is what works for us right now', even if we are not sure. For we are never really sure. Life is a series of trials and errors, adventures and successes, and we only ever know if they are the right choice after we have thought about them and given them a try. So do what you need to do until something works better. And no matter what you do, you are doing the best you can.
Sleep - get in anywhere, anytime and as much as possible. Your body, mind and emotions have never been through so much change in such a short period. You need to take care of yourself in order that you are able to take care of your little one. It was not easy for me to sleep much during the day when my child slept as I felt there was too much to do, but looking back I wish I had rested more. Food you can always order in or make pasta (or ask close family and friends to bring you meals, it gives them a way to help out that they are looking for), and the house will make it through another day without a vacuum. You have the rest of your life to 'do'. For these precious times, just 'be.'
Take time for yourself - One of the biggest transitions for me as a mother, beyond the total reliance of another human being on me (which is the topic for a whole other write), was the number of roles that seemed to come with maternity leave. By giving birth to a child and staying home, suddenly you are thrust into cook, housecleaner, personal shopper, and errand runner. You make most of the daily decisions about raising your child, as you are home alone with him or her the majority of the time. This is a lot of responsibility. Not that you have to do it alone. If you have a great partner, all these roles will be discussed and everyone will play their part. Perhaps there is a hormonal shift that arrives with Motherhood that makes you want to return to everything homemade and natural. All of a sudden, I wanted to make my own organic, balanced meals, learn to can, grow my own food, sew, knit, bake and become an all-round superstar. Who has time or energy for this in between feedings, diaper changes, and the craving for more sleep? So here's my advice - start with 15 minutes a day - have a tea, take a bath, lay quietly in your bedroom while your big sister holds your baby. These small moments help you gain perspective. Help you revive yourself.
There are so many more lessons I learned, but everyone learns their own in their own time. So trust yourself, take care of yourself and enjoy the moments. And in the tough moments, remember, this too will pass. You have a big family who is here to help you in every way we can. We love you!
40 Day Yoga Challenge
40 days. A yoga class on each one of them. Why? Partially because I always like a challenge, but mostly because it is good for me. As a good friend said when I was sharing that I was constantly trying to find balance in my life, 'If balance was easy, we would all have it.' My mind, like many, is constantly taking me in different directions. My goal is to focus on one thing at a time - at work, and at school. I know this is not easy, especially when I love doing so many things. I am a Libra, but rather than the complete balance the symbol seems to signify, I seem to do all or nothing, which I have told myself is one form of balance. I am excessively busy at some times, then all I want to do it curl up in my blanket and sleep, read or watch a movie.
On most days, in most moments, it is challenging to remember to do all the tasks I am continually asking myself to do. Yes, some of them are necessary, but some of them I just want to do because they make me a good person and I want to do nice things for others. For example, yesterday was the last day of work for one of my son's daycare teachers. All week the thought kept popping up in my mind to get him a nice gift as a token of my appreciation for helping Kai to become a happier, more resilient child. As I drove into the parking lot of daycare yesterday, it dawned on me that not only was it his teacher's last day, he was probably gone, but it didn't matter because I forgot to get a gift. Luckily, I know the centre to where he moved, and we will visit one day next week, but the point is that my mind and my life are too busy and it is time to quiet them down. I am hoping daily yoga practice will not only strengthen my body, but more importantly, quiet my mind and focus my thoughts.
Amidst the regular rush of teaching, parenting, maintaining a house, and trying to find some time for myself, my husband, my family and friends, I have just begun another journey. For the second time in 5 years, my husband and I are undergoing fertility treatment in order to have a child. For a reason unknown to us and our doctors, we have been unable to get pregnant and maintain a pregnancy. So in the next few months, it is critical that I am stress-free, or as close as I can be to this. Again, I return to the importance of quieting my mind. While practicing yoga, I have no choice but to only focus on the position at hand. It is fantastic. So, here we go...40 days of having a quiet mind for the better part of 75 minutes a day and building upon it. It will require commitment and support from friends and my husband, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
On most days, in most moments, it is challenging to remember to do all the tasks I am continually asking myself to do. Yes, some of them are necessary, but some of them I just want to do because they make me a good person and I want to do nice things for others. For example, yesterday was the last day of work for one of my son's daycare teachers. All week the thought kept popping up in my mind to get him a nice gift as a token of my appreciation for helping Kai to become a happier, more resilient child. As I drove into the parking lot of daycare yesterday, it dawned on me that not only was it his teacher's last day, he was probably gone, but it didn't matter because I forgot to get a gift. Luckily, I know the centre to where he moved, and we will visit one day next week, but the point is that my mind and my life are too busy and it is time to quiet them down. I am hoping daily yoga practice will not only strengthen my body, but more importantly, quiet my mind and focus my thoughts.
Amidst the regular rush of teaching, parenting, maintaining a house, and trying to find some time for myself, my husband, my family and friends, I have just begun another journey. For the second time in 5 years, my husband and I are undergoing fertility treatment in order to have a child. For a reason unknown to us and our doctors, we have been unable to get pregnant and maintain a pregnancy. So in the next few months, it is critical that I am stress-free, or as close as I can be to this. Again, I return to the importance of quieting my mind. While practicing yoga, I have no choice but to only focus on the position at hand. It is fantastic. So, here we go...40 days of having a quiet mind for the better part of 75 minutes a day and building upon it. It will require commitment and support from friends and my husband, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Words from the Past
It is summer and we are in the midst of a house cleanse. Closets emptied, items purged. A few nights ago I came across a box of old letters. How I love letters. Although email agrees with the impatient part of me that likes to get things done, letters open up my heart and remind me of years gone by. As humans, we grow and evolve over time and nothing can capture our multitude of lives better than the written words in old letters.
For today: September 9, 2012
Outside my window...the grape vine is in full growth surrounding our back porch and our pear tree is bearing fruit.
I am thinking...way too much! September is always intense at work, plus transitioning back into meal planning, daycare pickup and a fitness routine the works with these...my mind is a whirlwind.
I am thankful for journals and lists, and nighttime when Marc is putting Kai to sleep and I have a few minutes of quiet.
From the kitchen...a full freezer including muffins and cookies to thaw out on the go, and an empty fridge until my weekly shop later today.
I am wearing...the usual when I finally have time to sit down and write. I tend to slip into sweatpants and a tshirt on weekend morning and weekday evenings.
I am creating...nothing particularly inspiring right now, sadly. Mostly schedules and plans to help me find pockets of peace in a crazy month.
I am going...to KidsBooks today! Yes, I am going for work, but without doubt I will get a book for Kai and maybe another as books are to me like coffee is to others.
I am reading...cookbooks, school worksheets, notes and textbooks, and Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton. Quite good.
I am hoping...every day I can find just a few minutes to write, daydream, or plan something fun. (And that one day, I return to adding pictures to this list.)
I am hearing...how important it is for me to spend time just being.
Around the house...for once, it seems almost everything is where it needs to be, with the exception of laundry waiting to be folded, but I like doing that. Not everything is perfect, but I am feeling pretty good about it! How novel.
One of my favourite things...is getting up early, feeling totally rested and the house is quiet for a good half-hour. Luxurious.
A few plans for the rest of the week...a good run or workout (maybe two?), Kai's first hip hop class, Sarah McLaghlan concert on Saturday and Carrie's baby shower on Sunday.
I am thinking...way too much! September is always intense at work, plus transitioning back into meal planning, daycare pickup and a fitness routine the works with these...my mind is a whirlwind.
I am thankful for journals and lists, and nighttime when Marc is putting Kai to sleep and I have a few minutes of quiet.
From the kitchen...a full freezer including muffins and cookies to thaw out on the go, and an empty fridge until my weekly shop later today.
I am wearing...the usual when I finally have time to sit down and write. I tend to slip into sweatpants and a tshirt on weekend morning and weekday evenings.
I am creating...nothing particularly inspiring right now, sadly. Mostly schedules and plans to help me find pockets of peace in a crazy month.
I am going...to KidsBooks today! Yes, I am going for work, but without doubt I will get a book for Kai and maybe another as books are to me like coffee is to others.
I am reading...cookbooks, school worksheets, notes and textbooks, and Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton. Quite good.
I am hoping...every day I can find just a few minutes to write, daydream, or plan something fun. (And that one day, I return to adding pictures to this list.)
I am hearing...how important it is for me to spend time just being.
Around the house...for once, it seems almost everything is where it needs to be, with the exception of laundry waiting to be folded, but I like doing that. Not everything is perfect, but I am feeling pretty good about it! How novel.
One of my favourite things...is getting up early, feeling totally rested and the house is quiet for a good half-hour. Luxurious.
A few plans for the rest of the week...a good run or workout (maybe two?), Kai's first hip hop class, Sarah McLaghlan concert on Saturday and Carrie's baby shower on Sunday.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Making a Change: My Sous-Chef
Now speed ahead to the birth of Kai. I have always felt more accountable for Kai's diet than I even did my own. Over the past 3 1/2 years, I have been on a slow and steady learning ascent to ensure I am providing healthy, balanced, earth-friendly meals. This in itself has been a challenge for me: a challenge to find the time to plan and shop for the meals; a challenge to focus enough to be able to follow the recipes correctly while Kai is fighting for my attention to play with him; a challenge to make it interesting enough that the process does not become a chore. It been inevitable that some days we eat perogies or pasta with Kai's 'favourite sauce' (alfredo) with a side of raw veggies or steamed broccoli, but he is happy with that and I keep my sanity, so it works nicely for us.
Although it does not always appear this way, especially when Kai is demanding his time with me (which, honestly, I mostly feel he has a right to after a long day at daycare), I realize how lucky I am with Kai's orientation to food. Mostly, he will eat or at least try anything. Our rule of eating at least three bites of everything on your plate seems to work for him, and he eats almost every vegetable we put on his plate. No, he isn't perfect, and I have yet to find a way to prepare lettuce or green beans in a way that inspires him to voluntarily eat them, but he is only three and has lots of time to grow into liking them (or not). Let's be real, to this day I still cannot fathom the idea of eating peas.
Tastes aside, learning about growing food and cooking it seems to be a journey Kai has been on with me from the start. From beginning to grow food in our own yard
to helping me with canning,
to picking fresh berries for baking together,
we are creating a good relationship with healthy food. This excites me. After watching Jamie Oliver speak about the overall lack of knowledge about 'real' food, I am feeling confident that my child will be part of the positive statistics rather than the student who is unable to identify a simple vegetable.
However, last night was one of those moments that made me stop and fully appreciate how amazing Kai is. After a long day, he came into the kitchen with me and walked through every step of making a salmon dinner. He looked at the pictures in the cook book (thank you SO much for the photographs of each step, Jamie Oliver...perfect for cooking with a child), and told me which ingredient to use next, where to put it, and physically made the dinner with me. Complete patience. Complete interest. Complete focus. I cannot wait for more of these moments. Somehow being on the journey with Kai makes learning more fun.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
A Splattering of Kai's beginnings
In cleaning out my work room and reorganizing to make more room for Kai's belongings, I came across a calendar with notes about Kai's first months. In order to find them again, I will post them here. This is purely for me (and my sisters when they start asking me when Kai did things, as to compare their kids :) ).
BIRTH:
Date: August 31, 2008
Place: B.C. Women's Hospital, Vancouver, B.C.
Time: 7:57 a.m.
Weight: 7 pounds 1 ounce
Greeted by: Mom and Dad, and within minutes, Grandma and Grandpa. Then before you left the delivery room, all your aunts and uncles were there to meet you.
SEPTEMBER
First bath: September 1st by a nurse, not our plan
First day home: September 3rd
6th-cheered on Auntie Kelly in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer
17 - 8 lb 7 oz.
24 - 9 lbs
29 - first real tears
OCTOBER
1 - focusing eyes more
14 - 10 lbs 5 oz.
15 - fell asleep by self for 1st time, for only 10 minutes
- went to Movies for Mommies with me and Auntie Kelly
17 - first 'conversation'
31 - 11 lbs 11 oz; height - 61 cm (90th percentile)
DECEMBER
1 - said mom
2 - first laugh
15 - easily rolls onto side
18 - rolled onto stomach from back
19 - first cold
21 - rolled onto back from stomach
JANUARY
5 - second shots; 15 lbs 7 oz.
15 - sick again with stomach virus
BIRTH:
Date: August 31, 2008
Place: B.C. Women's Hospital, Vancouver, B.C.
Time: 7:57 a.m.
Weight: 7 pounds 1 ounce
Greeted by: Mom and Dad, and within minutes, Grandma and Grandpa. Then before you left the delivery room, all your aunts and uncles were there to meet you.
SEPTEMBER
First bath: September 1st by a nurse, not our plan
First day home: September 3rd
6th-cheered on Auntie Kelly in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer
17 - 8 lb 7 oz.
24 - 9 lbs
29 - first real tears
OCTOBER
1 - focusing eyes more
14 - 10 lbs 5 oz.
15 - fell asleep by self for 1st time, for only 10 minutes
- went to Movies for Mommies with me and Auntie Kelly
17 - first 'conversation'
31 - 11 lbs 11 oz; height - 61 cm (90th percentile)
DECEMBER
1 - said mom
2 - first laugh
15 - easily rolls onto side
18 - rolled onto stomach from back
19 - first cold
21 - rolled onto back from stomach
JANUARY
5 - second shots; 15 lbs 7 oz.
15 - sick again with stomach virus
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
For Today: April 29, 2012
I am thinking . . . I might try driving for the first time in a week and hope my neck can handle it. I'm ready to get things done.
I am thankful for . . . weekend morning movies. Kai loves the treat and I love the me time. I like the feel of everyone being in one place, but each in our own worlds.
From the kitchen . . . a lemon meringue pie waiting to be made, my first attempt.
I am wearing . . . jeans, a long-sleeved tshirt under a short sleeved, flowy, knit sweater, and of course, my slippers.
I am creating . . . scrapbook pages that have been awaiting completion for quite some time.
I am going . . . to the grocery store to get prepared for our weekly menu, to Ikea for supplies for an art-hanging line for my office, and to Costco to pick up pictures for Project Life.
I am reading . . . Ali Edwards Life Artist.
I am hoping . . . that I remember to do a Mother's Day project with my class.
I am hearing . . . the final music to Cars 2.
Around the house . . . lots of shoes, and an unusual amount of quiet.
One of my favourite things . . . a nice cup of Earl Grey tea in a pretty mug.
A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Carolyn is coming for dinner on Monday night, three chiro appointments and Tuesday at home with my munchkin.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Teacher Thanks Christy Clark
Written before the passing of Bill 22...
Yes, you read that correctly. Never did it cross my mind that I would be saying thank you to the same person who is the reason I am on strike this coming Monday. I am not thanking her for Bill 33. I am not thanking her for refusing to agree to mediation. I am not thanking her for her net zero policy. I am thanking her for being the impetus for a very valuable conversation I had with my students today. Now Premier Clark, please do not get carried away and quote me as a teacher who appreciates the role you play in educational change - yet. Rather, your government and your stance during these negotiations, if we can call them that, opened discussions about the very values we pride ourselves on as Canadians - freedom and democracy.
Now, it is true, we are lucky to live in a country where these words even ring true at all. However, without biasing my students my stance in this particular struggle, I try to open them to how important it is to stand up for our rights when we think they are being threatened, in order to protect their sanctity. After covering the basics of the dispute from both sides in an effort to be as unbiased as possible, for my students deserve this, these are the questions they had:
Yes, you read that correctly. Never did it cross my mind that I would be saying thank you to the same person who is the reason I am on strike this coming Monday. I am not thanking her for Bill 33. I am not thanking her for refusing to agree to mediation. I am not thanking her for her net zero policy. I am thanking her for being the impetus for a very valuable conversation I had with my students today. Now Premier Clark, please do not get carried away and quote me as a teacher who appreciates the role you play in educational change - yet. Rather, your government and your stance during these negotiations, if we can call them that, opened discussions about the very values we pride ourselves on as Canadians - freedom and democracy.
Now, it is true, we are lucky to live in a country where these words even ring true at all. However, without biasing my students my stance in this particular struggle, I try to open them to how important it is to stand up for our rights when we think they are being threatened, in order to protect their sanctity. After covering the basics of the dispute from both sides in an effort to be as unbiased as possible, for my students deserve this, these are the questions they had:
- Didn't the people in government go to school? Don't they know how important schools are?
- How can the government say they don't have enough money for education when we pay taxes?
- Don't the people in government have children? If they do, do they not care about their children's futures?
- Are universities on strike too? Why not?
- Can we go to private schools while you are on strike?
- Can we go on strike with you?
- Can PM Harper do anything [about our schools]? How about in Ontario?
Wandering Day
 |
| This looks like a perfect start to a wandering day... |
I subscribe to a newsletter from one of my favourite artists, Ali Edwards, called 52 Creative Lifts. She recently wrote about The Fine Art of Wandering, in which she quoted from a children's book Best Friends For Frances by Russell Hoban.
"Let's play baseball," said Frances.
"I can't," said Albert.
"Today is my wandering day. "
"Where do you wander?" said Frances.
"I just go around until I get hungry," said Albert. "Then I eat my lunch."
As a planner, this might be stressful for me, but it sounds fun, so maybe I'll give it a try...
Have you ever just wandered?
Letting Go...
Letting go. A practice in which I am not very skilled. I like to have plans, lists, projects. I like to be in control. I am a teacher and our lessons, our units of study, our teaching strategies, they all need to be planned in advance. In taking on the uncomfortable role of the primary cook for our family after our child was born, I set up a plan. A system. I have no problem if the plan needs to be changed last minute, I'm quite flexible, but I always feel more relaxed with a plan in place, just in case I need it. Type A? Perhaps. Anxious? Without some control, yes. So this letting go business is hard for me.
As I walked home from my appointment, I started to give thought to what I would do...how I could plan to let go. (No, the irony is not lost on me.) So yesterday (day 4) I spent the day watching more movies and staying on the couch in an attempt to do nothing. I woke up this morning feeling looser physically and more relaxed. I was busier than I should have been today, and on the computer a fair bit which I know is not great for my neck, but I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm learning how to find a place for my active mind and body and still feel rested. Have some control without letting it control me. I'm musing on the meaning of 'letting go.' Letting go, what does it mean to you?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
My Teacher Voice
I am a teacher. I come from a family of teachers that goes generations back. Teaching is my calling and I can not imagine doing anything else. I am proud to be a teacher. I am not proud of what is becoming of our education system. Rather, I am scared, frustrated, outraged, and feeling more helpless with every legislation that is imposed on us. As a teacher, I do not feel heard. In fact, in the current political climate I do not even feel like we are being asked to speak. The government would rather we not speak. With Bill 22 they are ensuring we won't be able to.
I have been teaching for more than 11 years. I have two degrees and completed my graduate work in both Supporting Diverse Learners, and Literacy and Leadership. For many years I was on the planning committee for District Leadership Conference, have taught English-as-a-Second Language to international students, and led many professional development workshops to both new and experienced teachers. I am up-to-date on all the current educational practices and practice what I preach to the best of my abilities using the limited resources to which I have access. I attend professional development on school time, after school and during vacation. I feel like I am more than qualified to weigh in on what is best for my students, for my classroom, and for our education system. No, I do not have all the answers, which is why I would like to be invited to be part of the conversation. We can all learn from each other. But first, we have to talk - openly, honestly, with egos, agendas and budgets left at the door. What is best for our children? What is best for our future? What can we do to work toward the ideal education system together? We all understand that there are budget constraints and there always will be. I do not think this is only about the budget, though. If Bill 22 is truly the 'Education Improvement Act', shouldn't teachers on the list of professionals to be consulted? So I have a suggestion: let's go for a walk on the seawall, tea in hand, and actually talk. The government has decided we need a six-month "cooling off period," so we have plenty of time to reflect, gain perspective and listen - to our own hearts, to our neighbours and friends, to our children and students. Then we need to go for a walk.
I recently heard a clip on CBC Radio of how MacMillan Bloedel and Greanpeace first began truly getting somewhere in the debate over Clayoquot Sound. I wish I had been listening closer to names at this moment, but I was driving in the car with my son and could honestly barely even hear the radio above his singing. What I remember is that two important employees of the two major players above bumped into each other walking by the ocean, stopping to pause as they realized they were both pushing their children in identical strollers. When they looked up to recognize each other, one was introduced to the other's husband as her 'arch enemy', but this moment helped them to realize that outside of the politics of their jobs, they had something in common. This common ground led them to a nearby coffee shop where they talked as people, not members of the opposition. They continued to meet after this day, albeit secretly, and began working together on a solution. So I invite you, Christy Clark, to meet with me and go for a walk in the coming weeks, before Bill 22 is legislated, and just talk. As humans. As parents. As people who want a better world.
Perhaps having an open discussion with the Premier herself will help clarify another question I have. In the past few weeks in particular I have begun to wonder what role teachers will play in the future of the education system. I feel as if we are political candidates trying to gain the trust of the public and being smeared by the opposition. Rather than being in a trusted and respected position, we are being criticized for how we do our job, often by people who do not understand the reality of our day to day professional lives. Please, visit our classrooms. See what we do and ask us why we do it. Yes, we have been on job action since September, but honestly many did not even know. No, we are not doing report cards, but do we know where each and every one of our students stand? Yes. Do we still teach, grade assignments, give tests and projects, and provide clear feedback to our students? Yes. Do we have data, written or anecdotal, that demonstrates each student's strengths and challenges? Reams of it. Are we open to meeting with parents to discuss their child's progress? Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to come talk with us. We have so much to share. Just ask us and we will make the time. For those of you who have asked us and those of you who have shared with us your support, we hope you know how much we value your involvement. I need to be very clear here: we are doing everything we can for your children. Sometimes we need to take a stand because the future of education and the future of our children depend on it. If the education system is going to rise up, we all need to take a stand.
I am proud to be a teacher. I share the lives of children on a daily basis and would not have it any other way. Who else gets to be so fortunate? Every day I see the excitement in a child's eyes when he finally masters a concept that until that moment, was unattainable. Every day I listen to their stories, hear their hopes and dreams, and am invited to be part of their journey. Every day I see students supporting each other to become better students, problem solvers, and friends. Every day I have the opportunity to open their eyes and hearts to knowledge, beauty and understanding. Every day I wish I had more time, more resources and more support to help them reach their potential. In the coming weeks I fear that Bill 22 will take this all away. And no, it is not really what they want you to believe. It is NOT an 'Education Improvement Act.' It is quite the opposite.
If you take one thing away from reading this, I hope it is that teachers care about children and we are doing everything we can to protect them and to help them achieve the education and opportunities they deserve. We put our hearts and souls into our profession and can only hope it makes a difference.
I have been teaching for more than 11 years. I have two degrees and completed my graduate work in both Supporting Diverse Learners, and Literacy and Leadership. For many years I was on the planning committee for District Leadership Conference, have taught English-as-a-Second Language to international students, and led many professional development workshops to both new and experienced teachers. I am up-to-date on all the current educational practices and practice what I preach to the best of my abilities using the limited resources to which I have access. I attend professional development on school time, after school and during vacation. I feel like I am more than qualified to weigh in on what is best for my students, for my classroom, and for our education system. No, I do not have all the answers, which is why I would like to be invited to be part of the conversation. We can all learn from each other. But first, we have to talk - openly, honestly, with egos, agendas and budgets left at the door. What is best for our children? What is best for our future? What can we do to work toward the ideal education system together? We all understand that there are budget constraints and there always will be. I do not think this is only about the budget, though. If Bill 22 is truly the 'Education Improvement Act', shouldn't teachers on the list of professionals to be consulted? So I have a suggestion: let's go for a walk on the seawall, tea in hand, and actually talk. The government has decided we need a six-month "cooling off period," so we have plenty of time to reflect, gain perspective and listen - to our own hearts, to our neighbours and friends, to our children and students. Then we need to go for a walk.
I recently heard a clip on CBC Radio of how MacMillan Bloedel and Greanpeace first began truly getting somewhere in the debate over Clayoquot Sound. I wish I had been listening closer to names at this moment, but I was driving in the car with my son and could honestly barely even hear the radio above his singing. What I remember is that two important employees of the two major players above bumped into each other walking by the ocean, stopping to pause as they realized they were both pushing their children in identical strollers. When they looked up to recognize each other, one was introduced to the other's husband as her 'arch enemy', but this moment helped them to realize that outside of the politics of their jobs, they had something in common. This common ground led them to a nearby coffee shop where they talked as people, not members of the opposition. They continued to meet after this day, albeit secretly, and began working together on a solution. So I invite you, Christy Clark, to meet with me and go for a walk in the coming weeks, before Bill 22 is legislated, and just talk. As humans. As parents. As people who want a better world.
Perhaps having an open discussion with the Premier herself will help clarify another question I have. In the past few weeks in particular I have begun to wonder what role teachers will play in the future of the education system. I feel as if we are political candidates trying to gain the trust of the public and being smeared by the opposition. Rather than being in a trusted and respected position, we are being criticized for how we do our job, often by people who do not understand the reality of our day to day professional lives. Please, visit our classrooms. See what we do and ask us why we do it. Yes, we have been on job action since September, but honestly many did not even know. No, we are not doing report cards, but do we know where each and every one of our students stand? Yes. Do we still teach, grade assignments, give tests and projects, and provide clear feedback to our students? Yes. Do we have data, written or anecdotal, that demonstrates each student's strengths and challenges? Reams of it. Are we open to meeting with parents to discuss their child's progress? Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to come talk with us. We have so much to share. Just ask us and we will make the time. For those of you who have asked us and those of you who have shared with us your support, we hope you know how much we value your involvement. I need to be very clear here: we are doing everything we can for your children. Sometimes we need to take a stand because the future of education and the future of our children depend on it. If the education system is going to rise up, we all need to take a stand.
I am proud to be a teacher. I share the lives of children on a daily basis and would not have it any other way. Who else gets to be so fortunate? Every day I see the excitement in a child's eyes when he finally masters a concept that until that moment, was unattainable. Every day I listen to their stories, hear their hopes and dreams, and am invited to be part of their journey. Every day I see students supporting each other to become better students, problem solvers, and friends. Every day I have the opportunity to open their eyes and hearts to knowledge, beauty and understanding. Every day I wish I had more time, more resources and more support to help them reach their potential. In the coming weeks I fear that Bill 22 will take this all away. And no, it is not really what they want you to believe. It is NOT an 'Education Improvement Act.' It is quite the opposite.
If you take one thing away from reading this, I hope it is that teachers care about children and we are doing everything we can to protect them and to help them achieve the education and opportunities they deserve. We put our hearts and souls into our profession and can only hope it makes a difference.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
A Moment to Take Stock
Where life is right now for me...
1. Beginning my process of a new One Little Word for the year. This year it will be Present. I am still percolating on the why and how and what, but it feels good. So far it feels calmer. Doing less, paying more attention. This could also be because I'm sick and can't get my body or brain to do much other than observe, but it is a good place to start.
2. Horseback riding: I wanted to do some lessons after a wonderful fall trail ride with my students at Timberline Ranch, and the time was just right. Every Monday in January for an hour. Fun and hard work, for both brain (coordination) and body (my inner thighs are getting strong, baby!)
3. Clothing: Since September I have been taking the time to dress nicer, buy more professional, yet casual clothing and actually wear it...with jewelry, some scarves and occasionally makeup too! I am working on the art of layering as my body is often cold but my classroom is warm. I have received nice comments at work, so it is fun that others are noticing as well.
4. Catching up with friends. In August I went to Montreal for a McGill field hockey reunion. I spent most of my time with Matthew and an old teammate and new friend, Carolyn. Last week we finally connected again for dinner at her place in North Vancouver. I look forward to hanging out more!
5. Nursing my fingers. Last week at basketball I jammed two fingers on my right hand. A week later, and a doctor visit and xray later, the swelling is down and the fingers are almost straight. They are still fairly bruised and I can't bend them properly yet, but at least the tape is off and I can move them better. No ball for a while, but I'm going to retape them and hope for the best this Thursday at Whistler.
6. Snowboarding. This week brings the beginning of our annual Grade Five Ski Program up at Whistler. We take the students up three times over the next month, where they get lessons and we attach a pager and spend the days going leisurely between boarding/skiing and eating. They are rough days at work, I tell you!
7. Appreciating Kai's reading. Kai is devouring books these days. He can't get enough. On the weekend I read to him for about 1 1/2 hours straight while Marc and his parents had a nap. I had to stop as I was sick and my throat couldn't take any more, but he could have kept going for a long time. I feel so lucky to have slowed down enough that I could spend this wonderful quiet time with him, learning from books and about my son.
8. Sleeping. Perhaps I'm in a holiday routine still. Perhaps I need it. Whatever the case, I seem to be in bed early every night and I am really enjoying it. I try to listen to an audiobook, but more often than not I wake up an hour into the book to turn it off and go back to sleep...aaahhh, hibernation.
1. Beginning my process of a new One Little Word for the year. This year it will be Present. I am still percolating on the why and how and what, but it feels good. So far it feels calmer. Doing less, paying more attention. This could also be because I'm sick and can't get my body or brain to do much other than observe, but it is a good place to start.
2. Horseback riding: I wanted to do some lessons after a wonderful fall trail ride with my students at Timberline Ranch, and the time was just right. Every Monday in January for an hour. Fun and hard work, for both brain (coordination) and body (my inner thighs are getting strong, baby!)
3. Clothing: Since September I have been taking the time to dress nicer, buy more professional, yet casual clothing and actually wear it...with jewelry, some scarves and occasionally makeup too! I am working on the art of layering as my body is often cold but my classroom is warm. I have received nice comments at work, so it is fun that others are noticing as well.
4. Catching up with friends. In August I went to Montreal for a McGill field hockey reunion. I spent most of my time with Matthew and an old teammate and new friend, Carolyn. Last week we finally connected again for dinner at her place in North Vancouver. I look forward to hanging out more!
5. Nursing my fingers. Last week at basketball I jammed two fingers on my right hand. A week later, and a doctor visit and xray later, the swelling is down and the fingers are almost straight. They are still fairly bruised and I can't bend them properly yet, but at least the tape is off and I can move them better. No ball for a while, but I'm going to retape them and hope for the best this Thursday at Whistler.
6. Snowboarding. This week brings the beginning of our annual Grade Five Ski Program up at Whistler. We take the students up three times over the next month, where they get lessons and we attach a pager and spend the days going leisurely between boarding/skiing and eating. They are rough days at work, I tell you!
7. Appreciating Kai's reading. Kai is devouring books these days. He can't get enough. On the weekend I read to him for about 1 1/2 hours straight while Marc and his parents had a nap. I had to stop as I was sick and my throat couldn't take any more, but he could have kept going for a long time. I feel so lucky to have slowed down enough that I could spend this wonderful quiet time with him, learning from books and about my son.
8. Sleeping. Perhaps I'm in a holiday routine still. Perhaps I need it. Whatever the case, I seem to be in bed early every night and I am really enjoying it. I try to listen to an audiobook, but more often than not I wake up an hour into the book to turn it off and go back to sleep...aaahhh, hibernation.
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