A smile with arms, a laugh with a stronger grip*

Somewhere along the way, we grow up, and for some reason, we trick ourselves into thinking that we don't need hugs anymore. It doesn't help that hugs become much less socially acceptable as adults. But why? I suppose there's always the worry that a hug will be misinterpreted, or the motivation questionned, or that it will be unwelcome. But sometimes all a hug is is a greeting, a show of support, or a simple expression of friendship. And sometimes we need it more than we think we do.

As I write, I'm struggling with thinking that this is going to come accross all soft and cuddly and cutsie, but I really don't think we adults get or give enough hugs. The chorus of a children's song by Charlotte Diamond repeats over and over, "four hugs a day, that's the minimum, four hugs a day, not the maximum..." Perhaps she's on to something. Children get and give lots of hugs. But do we growns ups meet that quota?

This line of thinking came up after I saw this video a few days ago on a friend's blog. It was a video of a man in Korea standing on busy streets with a giant sign that said, "Free Hugs!" Anyone who wanted to could come up and get a hug. The looks on people's faces as they walked by were curious, though there were definitely those who looked suspicious. Most just took photos. Very few people actually went up for a hug, but those who did left with a big smile. How could they not?

Then tonight after Alpha, one of the other girls on the leadership team came up and kind of randomly hugged me, and it was great! I must have given her a weird look or something (why? I love hugs!), because she said, "We don't give enough hugs!" That of course turned my thoughts back to the video, and the leaders and I started talking about the lack of physical touch in our culture. Even just putting a hand on a shoulder will often get you a, "Uh, what are you doing?" look. Of course, after this conversation, we all had to give eachother hugs as we left, and it turned into a great big "hug-in." As goofy as it was, it really made my day.

Now granted, I probably wouldn't go up and hug some random person on the street who was offering them (... oh who am I kidding, yes I would, just cause it'd be fun!), but it got me thinking... so often I go about my life with a sense of isolation from other people. I fool myself into thinking that I don't need that kind of interaction, and worry about giving it to others. But there's something so powerful in human touch. It gives security, it brings healing, it is food for the heart.

Now this doesn't mean that I'm going to start accosting everyone I see with a great big bear hug. But I'm definitely going to try to pass out a few more so if you know me in real life, consider yourself warned! ;-)

_________________
* Quote by Terri Guillemets

Quotable

At my workshop today I was talking with another teacher friend of mine who teaches resource (learning assistance) at the primary level. She told me the cutest story I've heard in a long time about one of her little kindergarten boys.

She was asking the boy to sing his ABC's, just to see if he actually knew his alphabet. This is what she got:

"A B C D... E..... F...... G......... -sus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!"

Some lessons are simply more important than the ABC's!

Professionally Develloped

Well, interviews are over and I didn't die. Woohoo!

Actually, they weren't too bad. Though yesterday was insane. I got there at 8am, the kids went home at two, and I had interviews for six hours. SIX! I left the school shortly after 8pm. I was asleep by nine. I have not gone to bed that early in.... wow, I don't know when. I slept for TEN hours. I needed it. The night before, I only slept for about four, and one of those four, apparently, was with my forehead on my computer desk. Yeah, I was due for a good sleep.

But I digress.

The next seven days are apparently the week for professional development for me. I have two workshops tomorrow - a provincial pro-d day - in two different locations in the city: one for science, one for PE. Then on Monday I have a day of release time to go be trained in the math program that a few classes at my school are doing as a pilot project. Then Thursday I have yet another workshop after school to learn to use the report card software my district uses. Holy shneikie! AND, in two weeks I have another release day to go take the training for a social skills/conflict resolution program for grade 4 and 5 students.

Yeah, I think that's about good for now, what do you think?

Speaking of professionally develloped (notice how my posts are all on a theme these days?), I have seen this on a few blogs recently, and hoo boy, is it intriguing, maddening, enlightening. As it says in the video, no wonder our view of beauty is so screwed up.

Onslaught of the parental units

Today is the first day of parent teacher interviews.

I think I'm going to die.

I have no idea why this freaks me out so much. Probably because I'm younger than all of my parents and I have no kids myself. Probably because this is my first time doing this and I feel like they're gong to see right through me and know how utterly and completely clueless I feel. Probably because I am too much of a sofite and worry that I won't be able to tell it like it is. "Uh, Mr and Mrs So-and-So, your child is way below grade level, doesn't pay attention in class, and takes and/or destroys other children's property. Oh yeah, and by the way, I know you do all your child's homework. It's not in the student's writing and there's no way your child could write like that. And by the way, you only got a C+ on your child's latest spelling assignment."

OK, so I wouldn't quite put it like that, but hey. But really, how do you tell a parent to stop doing their child's homework for them? Or that they need a psych assesment, and pronto?

Anyway, I have interviews today from 2:15 to 7:30 tonight, then again tomorrow from 2:15 till 5 or so. Friday is a Pro-D day, and I'm going to two different workshops in two different locations in the city. And I just got approval to go on Monday to do the training day for the best math program EVER (I'll have to post about that later), which is great, but it means that by Thursday, I need to have a day plan all ready to go for my sub on Monday. Ha! As IF I am that organized!

If you don't see a post by Saturday, you can just assume that my brain has exploded.

Wish me luck!

Dang, them radishes are spic-ay!

For about a year and a half now, I've heard a friend of mine raving about a sub sandwich place near my house. "Oooh, sweet torta subs!" I pass it all the time, but in the four years I've lived in my place, I've never gone there. Frankly, it's one of those places that just looks a little sketchy. And it probably is. But I finally went there yesterday with another friend for a late night snack as I was driving her home. She recommended the apple spice donut - kind of like a jelly donut, but different. As I discovered, it's not so much a donut, really, as a sweet powdery apple-filled piece of paradise. We got one to share and then also split a Vietnamese chicken sub. (The sandwich was little, and we were starving, don't judge me! ;) The bun was hot and crispy, the chicken was nuuuummy, and the sandwich was filled with cucumbers, carrots, and the spiciest radishes I have ever eaten. At least, I think they were radishes. They were long skinny white things (julienned something or others) that made my mouth almost burn right off. RIGHT! OFF! Haaaaat! It was strange, normally I'm good with spicy things. Oh, but it was THE best sandwich I have had in a very very long time. My friend was definitely right! Torta subs are my new nemisis. They're healthy, right? Please? Make it so?

~*~*~*~*~*~

Speaking of radishes... In yesterday's Monday Meeting at school, I was getting the kids all fired up about giving compliments. Trust me, this relates. Stick with me here.

"When we talked about our hopes and dreams for this year, we all said that we want this class to be a positive place where we all belong and feel welcome..." Yadda yadda yadda. All that good teacher talk. (It's all true, but there's just something about the way a teacher says it that makes it sound so... well, teacher-y.) Anyway, this week's challenge is to pay a compliment to every person in the class. So, we were talking abuot compliments, and I had the kids give me examples. We talked about being specific, making sure you really mean it, all that good stuff. I was getting things like, "Good job," "I like your sweater," "Nice work," "Good try," "Your hair looks nice today," "You're funny." You get the picture. Then PuppyDog (so named because follows me around the room wherever I go and I'm constantly telling him to sit down, put his hand up, and wait his turn) pipes up with this, said with flair:

"Your shirt is ravishing!"

I couldn't help but crack up. "Yes, PuppyDog, that would be a compliment!" We were sure to define the word and then I carried on, smiling to myself.

After the meeting, BookWormGirl came up to me to clarify: "Ms., what does radishing mean again?" HA!

"RaVishing, my dear, not raDishing," I say, amused.

"Ooooh. That makes more sense."

Yes. Yes it does.

Ah, I love how these kids make me giggle! *grin*

~*~*~*~*~*~

Aaaand, just to make this the most random post in the world...

Holy cow (or should I say, holy wildebeest!) I have discovered, THE coolest thing. It's called Africam. I found it thanks to Troll Baby, and it's a live 24 hour webcam of a natrual watering hole somewhere in South Africa. During the day, the camera pans around to where the animals are, zooms in and out, all that fun stuff. At night, it switches to a night vision cam. I had it running all evening last night while I was working on the computer. So far I've heard all kinds of birds, really really screechy monkies, and seen a deer, a rabbit, some unidentifiable creature, AND a whole herd of freaking water buffalo! This morning (yes, I checked before work!) there was a great gang of wildebeest there. It is SO cool! Check it out, but be warned, you'll get hooked! (By the way, the clarity is sooooo much better than what you see here!)

It's a boy!

Kieran Josiah was born to Rachelle and Nathan on Saturday morning, 6 pounds, 1 ounce. He was born by (planned) C-section, which is how I knew that she was having har baby when I posted on Saturday. What I didn't know was how accurate I was. I began my post on Saturday at 6:20am. When I was talking to Rachelle this morning (the very best wake up call!), I asked her when Kieran was born. 8:23am. Minus two hours for the time difference, and I litterally was writing that as he was being born! Cool!

Woohoo! Two boys for Rachelle and Nathan!

Inconsitstencies

Last night I was talking with a friend about how I am so blessed to have a good job, and the means to have a comfortable life. I realize that that is not the norm for most people, and I am guilty of taking it for granted, for sure, but when I take time to reflect, I am so so so grateful for it.

Today at church the sermon was about justice and mercy, and what it means to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." A big part of that had to do with taking care of the poor. Something that really stuck out was the need to connect with all people, not just those in the same socio-economic status (or 'higher') as we are. I think it's pretty natural to make friends with people who are at our level (or 'above,' for lack of a better word), but really, how often do we - ok, I'll make it personal, do I - make it a point to connect with people who have considerably less than I do? And why is that?

It's not something that happens conciously, for sure, but what attitude is in me that I don't even realize? I mean, I know there are people out there who look down on people who are in a lower socio-economic class than them. There are all kinds of attitudes out there that prevent people from helping - or even just befriending - those who are in a 'lover' class than they are. And, I think, anyway, I don't have that kind of blatant attitude. But still, a lack of action based on some neutral attitude still has the same result: just that - a lack of action.

I was thinking today at church about how I can make a change in that area - to really get serious about the Bible's clear call to take care of the poor, the opressed, the orphaned, the widowed. I don't really know where to start. Our church has a number of programs that it runs that I could help out with, but I simply don't have the time this year with all the adjustments relating to my job. The thought occurred to me that some people have time to give, and others have money. As an invited guest was telling a little of his story during the service today - he lives on welfare and after rent and phone is paid for, he has $410 to live on each month. That's IT. - last night's conversation came screaming into my head. How is it that I have so much when others have so little? I don't have time to give, but I could certainly do without a few little things each month and make some shifts in the way I spend some of my income. I need to find a channel through which to do that, but it's an idea that began to take root this morning.

Cut to tonight. I was downtown for my dance lesson and had just parked in a little back alley lot behind the studio. I was trying to figure out how to pay at the stupid meter (trust me, it's stupid!) when a man came up to me and told me that I could actually park just around the corner for free. I was skeptical, but my friend went and checked it out and sure enough... so I moved my car. As we were walking away, the man asked if I would give him a few bucks, cause he got me free parking. Ah ha. Duh, why did I not see that coming? I muttered to him something about not having change, which was a total lie - I had a coupe of twonies in my pocket - and then muttered something to my friend about not giving money, I'd be happy to buy him food, but we were in a rush, blah blah blah. That IS usually my policy, but I mean, come on. After that whole thought process this morning, I couldn't even give the guy two bucks? After I had just NOT paid $5 for parking? What gives? I guess it just showed me that I really have a long way to go.

RIGHT! NOW! *updated*

As I type, my very bestest friend in the whole wide world is having baby #2!!!!

Why am I typing this instead of at the hospital? Well, she's about a million miles away in Iowa. I'm so sad that I can't be there, but SO excited for her and her hubby and their little guy! I can't believe she's a mommy of two! I'll post news as soon as I know. Not that anyone is dying to know, particularly, but I'm soooo excited!!!

*Update* Sorry, no baby news yet . Trust me, I'll be jumping for joy as soon as I know. But Barbara asked about how I came to have a very-bestest-friend-in-the-whole-wide-world a-way down in Iowa. Rachelle and I both grew up in North Vancouver. We met at youth group in grade 9 and have been friends since then. A year or so (is that about right Rachelle?) after getting maried, her husband Nathan got a job as a pastor in Iowa, so they moved! So there ya go, Barbara (and anyone else who was curious)!

Um... cool??

So taking a gander through my list of recent search words that have landed people on my site (none of which were interesting - I can't figure out if that's a good thing or a bad thing), I realized that a heck of a lot of people find my site by searching for all or part of the title of my blog. Yes, it's long. It can be shortened to "Awful Beautiful Life" or just plain ol' HelloHillary. Whatever. I've thought about shortening it, but I like the whole thing and you jsut don't get the same effect with a shortened version.

Anyway. Where was I?

Oh yeah. Search words. Well, it's a line from a Darryl Worley song, hence all the searches for it. I decided to find out how far up or down the Google hierarchy my site fell, so I typed in the full name of my blog. Holy cow! It's number two!

So I tried some variations, experimented, etc. Nothing particular to report, until I decided it would be fun to see what happened when I googled "crazy Hillary."

Number three.

Of aaallllll the internet, when people look for "crazy Hillary" I am the third website they will find.

Super.

*Update:* Go find out what happens when you search for the same thing on Yahoo. Go ahead. I dare you.

Just look up

So I was thinking of writing a big long list of things I was thankful for this year, but then remembered that that's what I did last year (hence my post yesterday!), and my list would be pretty much the same.

But I've been mulling over the words thankfulness and gratitude for the last few days, and I've realized that I need to keep those attitudes much more in the forefront of my mind. I've realized, particularly after reading my post from last year, that I take so much for granted. So. Much. Life gets busy, hectic, I just kinda end up living it, and don't take enough time to really see how blessed I am. Is it just me, or does it take a conscious effort to take a step back and be thankful? I know some people who have just made it a habit, so much so that they don't really have to think about it. "Oh, yeah, I need to remember to be grateful." No, it just spills out of them. I want to be like that!

Oh, but I am so blessed. A few things lately have really made me appreciate my family in particular. A friend commented to me the other day, "It sounds like you had a really good childhood," or something along those lines. And you know what? I did. I know nothing but a loving, supportive family, and for that I am so so grateful. My parents are awesome. They are always encouraging, always supportive, and more and more we talk about what's really going on in our lives. It's good. My brother and sister, too - we're getting to be better friends now, and I enjoy hanging out with them. I have grandparents who are crazy about me (hee hee!) and pray for me daily, and an extended family who are fantastic. The older I get, the more I appreciate my family.

I have a good job that I love, and a great environment in which to work. I have friends I know I can count on, be silly with, and grow with. I live in a place in the world where there is peace and, really, more wealth than we know what to do with.

Maybe it sounds cliche to list off these types of things: family, work, friends, peace... but really, the more I think about it, the more grateful I am for these things. Big and little, I'm trying to get better at seeing things through "gratitude glasses.*"

The biggest thing, though, that I'm thankful for is Jesus Christ. His sacrifice, his love. To remember to be thankful, really all I need to do is to just look up.

___________________
* Some kids story on tape when I was growing up was one of these "stories with a lesson" things. There was a song about "let's all have a gratitude attitude" and something about putting on gratitude glasses. Funny, the things we remember!

Looking back...

The nice thing about journals, online or otherwise, is that they allow a person to go back and to look over where they've come from. It's always revealing to read, and usually pretty encouraging to see the changes that happen over a year.

Coming up to Thanksgiving again, I looked back at what I wrote last year. My post started out with, "I feel like I've been in a funk for a year." Wow. Yeah, I remember that. I felt like I just couldn't get out of this feeling that things were not quite right - with friends and relationships, with God, with just kind of life in general. It was so frustrating, because it just seemed like there was nothing I could do to stop feeling so... I don't know. So down. I couldn't seem to make things better.

I don't know when that changed, but reading that made me realize that that heavy feeling is gone! Poof! It must have been a gradual shift. Thank goodness for journals, or I may not have noticed! I still have ups and downs and whatever, but no more funk! Yay! I guess that can be the very first thing I'm grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend. It's a big one!

In the meantime, here's my Thanksgiving post from last year. It's funny, it pretty much all holds true this year, too. (But no, no, I'm not copping out... I'll write something tomorrow, too!)
_______________

October 10, 2005

I feel like I've been in a funk for a year. I'm tired of feeling this way. Sometimes when you're looking too closely at your problems or the things that don't quite seem right in your life, you can miss the big picture. It's time to lift my eyes up off of myself and get a change in perspective...

* Jesus Christ * fall leaves crunching underfoot * Nana, who has prayed for me every single day of my life * the chance to see some of the most magestic sights I've ever seen this summer * beginning a solid career at age 24 * those trees whose leaves turn colours from the inside out, leaving red leaves on the outside, yellow in the middle, and green closest to the trunk * having friends I know I can rely on when things are tough * oreo ice cream * my parents' example of a solid, lasting marriage * finally beginning to be friends with my sister * puffy white clouds against blue sky * country music that makes me cry because it reminds me of what's important * wonderful, friendly, caring landlords * the means to meet every need I have and more * my car (yes, MY car) which gets me where I need to go. Usually. * grace * living in Vancouver * having a life free of major disaster or pain * my pompom socks, which remind me of my best friend * hugs from kids * the experience of having loved * being raised in a Christian home * the chance to have gone to university * a wonderful roommate experience * a friend who is always able to talk sense into me * some painful experiences over the last year * a God who will never leave me * my suite * a church home that encourages me to be who I am, the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly * I am safe and warm at night * laughter * the night sky * memories * Camp Kawkawa * the touch of a friend's hand on my arm * joy * the security of knowing my parents will always be there for me, no matter what * the ocean * my dog * freedom * a season of searching * gerbera daisies * God's faithfulness * wind that whips my hair around my face * music * chocolate * not getting what I think I want sometimes * sunshine * second (and third, and fourth, and fifth... ) chances * being able to be myself * the constant struggle to figure out who I am *

My life, just as it is
where I have come from
the road I am pointed towards
the joy I feel when I remember all I have been given
the hurt and longing and confusion that comes with living
waking up every morning
to the knowledge that I am safe
in the hands of the creator of the universe
and that this same God
knows me deeply and personally... ME!
My life, just as it is...

For all these things and infinitely more, I am thankful.

I'm such a party animal

Friday night - time to party! I've done well the last two weeks, I must say.

Last week: three loads of laundry and some Indian take-out with my roommate Trudy (who is no longer my roommate - boohoo! She's moved onwards and upwards to her own place now, yay for her, wah for me!).

This week: Marking math tests and two weeks of spelling tests in front of some mediocre TV, reading some blogs, and falling into bed by 10:45.

I can't even contain my excitement about what may transpire NEXT Friday night. Perhaps I'll watch some paint dry! Yesss!

Oh MAN! I think this makes me officially OLD! :P

It doesn't take much

I didn't say anything until about half an hour till home time today. But there were clues. Oh, sweet clues that only I knew about, building them up, teasing them, all without them knowing what was going on... How I love messing with my kiddos! Hee hee hee!

As I said yesterday, I got two glowing reports from my substitutes from the last two days, and I was SO proud of my kids for being so well behaved. I decided that I would give them some popcorn and read a chapter or two from the book I am reading to them. It would be a great way to end the week - they've had a lot of work to do this week - and head off into the long weekend, plus, they'll be far more likely to be well behaved for a TOC the next time!

In the morning, I told the kids that we had to talk about the note the TOCs left for me, and that's what we would be doing in the blank spot on the "shape of the day" at the end of the day.

At recess, I popped four bags of popcorn in the staffroom, and right after recess I took my kids down to the library for book exchange. I took a slightly different route, being sure to parade them past the staffroom so they could get the full effect of the popcorn smell wafting through the hallways.

I asked, "Oooh, do you smell that popcorn??? It's making me HUNGRY!" I made sure every kid noticed it (how could they NOT?).

We got our books at the library, did our end-of-the-week jobs, and got all ready to go home. Then, with about 30 minutes to spare - the kids all sitting in their desks ,eyes on me, tables clear, I told them, in a very stern voice, "We need to talk about these two notes the guest teachers left for me. I think I need to read them to you."

They looked terrified! Ha! It was great!

I proceeded to read the notes, which included phrases like, "an exceptional class," "very well behaved," "no problems at all," "a lovely group." They started to get the idea. I had to wink at a few who were still confused. I then made the biggest hoopla about it...

"I am SO! PROUD! OF! YOU! These are the kind of notes teachers only DREAM about!" I said, placing the back of my hand on my forehead and flinging my head back. "WAY! TO! GO!" and so on and so forth...

I told them to wait right there, and I'd be back... I arrived back with my arms loaded up with four bags of popcorn and announced, "Remember that popcorn? It's for YOU!" Everyone erupted into cheers! Yaaay! So fun!

We dished out, found seats with friends, and I read them a chapter or two of our book while they chowed down. What a great way to end the week!

(I sure hope they don't expect this every time I have a sub! Hee hee!)

No, it's not PMS!

I have to say, I have never experienced as many highs and lows in a job as I have over the last month. I thought I was going insane - no really - completely and totally unstable - until I was at a workshop today and was reminded that this is totally normal for first year teachers.

One minute I am so excited about the new prospects of my job and the kids and all the cool stuff I will get to do this year. The next, I am dispairing at how ill-equipped and totally overwhelmed I feel, and am wondering how on earth I am going to be able to do this job with even a hintof adequacy. I worry about my motivation factor to spend the time required to do a good job. I think it's low. I am having SUCH a hard time keeping up with marking (and don't even get me started on planning!), and I feel like it's all I ever talk about. I feel bad for my friends, particularly those who I talk to often, cause that's all they hear from me. Marking, marking, marking, whine whine, whine.

In fact, I took a day off on Wednesday as a "let's try to avoid a breakdown" day. Beter one day off now than five days off later, right? I had two naps and got a little bit caught up on my marking, but by no means enough.

Then today (Thursday) I was at union workshop. One of the sessions was about the teacher rehabilitation program, and in talking about some of the services they offer, they made mention of new teachers totally elated one day and then balling their eyes out the next, and I went, "Ah HA! So I'm NOT going nuts!!!" Now I'm not in need of stress leave or anything, but it made me realize that hey, this is normal.

I'm trying so hard to find the balance between the much heavier workload I have now and keeping up with some of the things that are important to me - helping out at church, spending time with friends, etc. and I don't feel like I've got a good handle on it yet. BUT, these two days out of the classroom have given me a bit of a mental break, and I'm ready to go attack things again. Plus, I got a little boost today on my way home...


This was the first time I'd left my kids with a TOC (teacher on call) and I was a little nervous - how would they be? Well, I stopped by school on my way home from the workshop jsut to drop something off and to check out the note left by my TOCs. Both days, the subs left glowing notes about my kiddos. They said that they are a lovely class, had no problems, and that the days went great!

Ooooh! I am so proud of them!!! I can't wait to go in tomorrow and tell them how pleased I am with them, and what a great report I got back from both TOCs! They're SO getting a "Popcorn Friday" tomorrow (hey, a little positive reinforcement never hurt anyone, eh?)!!! Woohoo!

Maybe the popcorn will help distract them from the fact that I STILL don't have their math tests marked.... *sigh*

I think I'm just going to have to resign myself to riding the emotional roller coaster this year. Those of you who know me, consider this fair warning!

Hugs from God

Every now and then, I feel like God knows that I need a little cheering up. I love how he uses people to give little hugs - just to remind us that he's there, and that he loves us.

This week was a pretty gloomy one at school. We found out early in the week that the school board had grossly overestimated student enrolment for this year. All of a sudden, they found themselves with 1,100 fewer students than they thought they would have. And that meant that there would have to be cuts. Once all the numbers got crunched we learned that we had to cut ESL and resource staffing by 0.6 of a position. That may not sound like much, but it's basically one person, three days a week. It's huge. And it all gets cut from the kids who need it most. Yes, the argument is that, well, there are fewer kids, so it shouldn't make a difference. BUT, it just doesn't work that simply. It still means less support for the kids who need it.

Wednesday, on our professional day, we learned who it was that was going to be cut. It all goes by seniority, so the low (wo)man on the totem pole had to go, and then there would be a big shuffle to get everything covered again. Well that person ended up being one of the other grade 5 teachers at my school. You know, one of the ones who has been SO fabulous with encouraging me, helping me plan, and just basically being one of the most dedicated, enthusiastic, caring teachers I know. Yeah, her. Because she's a classroom teacher and you can't just leave the class teacher-less half the week, the next lowest person would be offered her job.

It all got very complex, but basically, the second lowest teacher, B - who has been running an absolutely fantastic life skills class for a number of special needs students - declined the piecemeal job of the other grade 5 teacher, P. Thankfully it means that P gets to stay, but it also means that B has to leave the school and take a permanent subbing job (she gets her wage still, but never knows where she'll be from day to day). It sucks sucks sucks that she has to leave. She, too, is such a dedicated person, and has been at our school (part time, hence the low seniority) for ages.

Everybody is really glum, and worried about how the ESL and learning assistance program will look now. Oh, and the piddly version of a music "program" that they were going to do for the intermediates (mandatory intermediate choir once a week)? That got cancelled cause of this whole kerfuffle, too. Super. We even cancelled our back to school social on Friday. Nobody feels like a party right now.

Anyway, that's been the climate at work this past week. Total suckage. It's brought up squabbles about all kinds of things - people are stressed out - and union vs HR debates and all kinds of yucky stuff, the biggest of which is B having to leave the school.

Needless to say, I was feeling pretty bummed on Thursday when I was leaving work. It was early evening, so most of the kids had gone home. But as I was walking to my car, I saw a little girl who was in one of my French music classes last year. She's in grade 4 this year, so she's what, nine? She smiled and me and said hello. In French, she asked me how my grade 5 class was this year, and did I like my new job. I told her I did, but that I missed teaching music, too. We talked for a few minutes and she told me all about her violin - she had joined strings this year, about her new teacher, about her summer. Then she told me that she missed having me as a music teacher. Aw!

It was such a little thing - just a cute little conversation with a former student, but it was so nice to have that little interaction. Among all the yuckiness, it was a total highlight of my week.

God knew I needed a hug and he gave me one in the form of a little girl named Jessica.

The worst limmerick ever

There once was a young lass named Hillary
Who got a cut on her little capillary
She can't rhyme a bit, this limmerieck is sh...oddy
Now what's a new rhyme word for Hillary?

Now see? This is what happenes when I blog over tired. I got nothin'.

Exhausted, embarassed, and enraged

Exhausted? Yep, that's me. It hit me like a brick wall tonight. I feel like I can't even move. Everything seems to be catching up with me right now. I think I've mentionned that I'm helping out with the Alpha Course at my church this term. Well, part of it is a one hour talk on video. You know, dark room, no moving, just listening... yeah, some leader *I* am - I couln't keep my eyes open. That makes two weeks in a row. Gah! I still heard everything, and (thankfully!) didn't do the head jerk thing, but still! What kind of example am I setting for people?!?! They're really good talks, too, it's not like they're the problem! This year will have me learning to like coffee yet. Heh, maybe I should stash some Red Bull in my purse for Wednesday nights! I really do need to get some better sleeping habits!

Embarassed? Check! On Saturday I went for a beautiful hike on Whistler mountain with some friends (a few pictures are here). Afterwards we headed back to town to get changed and to go hang out with our friend John who left yesterday for nine months of travelling through Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The only snag in that plan was when I got back to my car. Uhhh... where are my keys? Not in the usual key pocket in my backpack... not in the main part of the bag... or in the front pocket... oh crap. That's right. I had pulled just the essentials, or so I had thought, out of my purse before the hike and put them in my backpack, leaving my purse locked in the trunk. Apparently I had neglected to think about transferring my keys out. Yeeeah. That's greeeeat. I hung out at my friend Brian's place (where my car was parked) while I waited for a tow truck to come and unlock my car. Thank goodness I opted for that little bit of roadside assistance last time I renewed my insurance! The tow truck guy took no more than 1.7 seconds to pop open my door (good to know Civics are so secure!) and I opened the trunk and grabbed my purse, reaching my hand into the frot pocket where I usually keep my keys...

No keys. Well, they must be in the main part. Nope, not there either. Ooo-kay, how about this pocket. Nu-uh. Huh. Where are my keys?

Oooooooh. Riiight. I was in a hurry to transfer my stuff before the hike, so I took my lip gloss - and my keys - and jammed them into the mesh side pocket of my backpack. You know, the one I had with me hiking? The one that was sitting back up in Brian's appartment? The one I had all along? Yeah, that one. Soooo, basically, I called a tow truck for nothing. That's super. Welcome to yet another chapter in the life of Hillary! Bwuah ha haaa!

So, the last thing... this enraged thing? Yeah. I am SO upset right now. I don't want to get into it here right now except to say that some bad stuff went down in my school district and we just learned the implications of it today. It SUCKS, and I'm super mad, but I have nowhere to direct my anger/frustration/disappointment/whatever. GAAR! Yes, I still have my job, it's not that. I'll get into it later. For now I have to sleeeep. My roomate just blurted out, "Ugh! Why does it hurt to be awake?!?" That pretty much sums things up for me, too.

Goodnight!

Blogger blahs

I simply can not think of anything to write about these days. Man oh man. I was flipping through some old posts the other day and yikes, the quality control folks here at hellohillary land have fallen asleep on the job lately. But hey, I suppose I shouldn't be announcing to y'all that my blog sucks these days! I DO want you to stick around.

So my plan was, going into this year, to back off on all the nutso stuff I'm involved in and take it easy. Yeah, ummm... so that hasn't happened. I think it's actually physically impossible for me not to be busy. It's all fantastic stuff, though, and belive it or not, between dancing lessons, helping with the Alpha course at my church, young adults, and an every-two-weeks Bible study/prayer group with two girlfriends, I have cut down my involvement quite a bit. Oh well! I love it, and am always wishing I could do more. I still haven't gotten around to the photography course or African drumming lessons I was wanting to do back in the spring. Silly job. It keeps getting in the way of things I want to do.

In other news, life in grade five seems to be progressing well. It's funny, everyone is always asking me, "How's your class?" I never really know what to say. "Uhh... it's good!" Very intelligent of you, Hillary! Though it is SO nice to be in a workplace environment where people care and are interested in how I'm doing. I'm trying not to get so wrapped up in all the stuff I'm learning and all the big and little jobs I have to do each day (ugh, I never realized how much of an accountant I have to be as a classroom teacher. Collecting money for this, order forms for that... I'm a freaking bank!) that I forget about building up positive relationships with the kids. I'm not sure how I'm doing with that yet. We'll see.

In yet other news, I think God is trying to teach me about patience and trust again. Apparently I haven't gotten it the first nine thousand seven hundred and eighty-two times he's tried to teach me. I'm kinda thick that way!

Finally, I'd like to wish you all a happy last day of summer! Autum begins tonight at 9:03pm. I'm kinda sad. I mean, I'm already in fall mode with school starting and everything, but this has been the most amazing summer. Hiking, swimming, hanging out with friends, travelling... it's been so great. But I do love fall, too. I love the leaves, the crisp air, the smell of damp woods, drizzly Sunday afternoons spent cozied up with hot chocolate and a good book or movie. Yay for fall!

I now present...

No more tenants for me! That silly "rent my blog" thing has been empty for far too long, so I decided to put that space to better use...

My friend Brian is an extremely talented photographer, and seeing as I'm always telling people about his site anyway, I figured it was about time to highlight it here! He's done lots of travelling, too, so he's had no shortage of amazing images to capture. Check out the section in my sidebar called "Photography by Brian" or just click here to be taken to his galleries. Trust me on this one, folks, go check out his website!

Here's a taste of some of his photography to give you a little nudge...



Clicking the photos above will take you to a larger view. Click here for the gallery homepage.

One word

As an icebreaker/get to know you ativity at young adults tonight, we were asked to tell the people at our table our name and one word to describe how we were feeling right then. Gah! Only one?

I decided I needed to settle on 'excited.' Excited about my class, excited about new possibilities, excited about life in general, I guess. With that excitement comes a type of fear, too. Maybe fear is not the best word for it... apprehension? questionning? wondering if or how I'll know how to do the right thing? But overall, the last few weeks have left me really really looking forward to what's coming next. And that's a fun place to be in.

Tricky, complex, testing out new waters, learning to relate in new ways, learning about myself, learning about others. Even among the late nights, paper overload, little sleep, and general insanity which has been my life for the last few weeks, life is good.

You've GOT to be kidding me... (300th post)

Well, I just learned a lesson. Never ever use a credit card to call Vancouver from a payphone in Amsterdam. Ev-ver. I called my parents and left a message (the entire call was under two minutes, I timed it) with my flight info so they could come pick me up at the airport when I got home. Turns out that phone call cost me $39.80.

And to think that I did that cause I didn't want to buy a 5 Euro phone card and only use a tiny bit of it.

Leapin' lizards!

Huh?

Can someone please explain this? Cause I sure can't! But still, it's kinda fun!




OH OH OH... I was ganna stop at one, but I'm sitting by myself at my computer laughing till tears are coming out at this one...



And if you want some more, try this, or this.

ADDENDUM: Yes, I realize most of you are looking at this going, "Ummm.... ooooo-kay." I was tired, hungry, and I'm getting sick. That's a better excuse than "I'm a wacko," which is probably closer to the truth! ;-)

Success!

I have officially survived my first week! Yes! I've been at school ridiculous hours this week, and hardly any prep or marking has even started yet, so I'm a little scared of what, oh, I dunno, report card time will bring, but I guess I'll drown under that load cross that bridge when I get to it.

I've met a few parents already, most who I had already met, albeit briefly, when I was teaching music. They've all been really nice so far, though I've been warned about one parent. But I've also been told about how to deal with this parent, so it'll all be good. I hope!

I've had a few parents come in to tell me a little bit about thier kids, which I appreciate. One parent added that his kid was a little worried about having me, specifically, as a teacher. He assured me that he had no concerns, though. I laughed - I had this child's class last year for music, and the class was a really tough one, so I always felt like all I did was grouch and gripe at them the whole year long, so yeah, I can see why the poor kid would be concerned! I have since been assured that this child now thinks I'm "pretty nice." Yesss!! Oh these poor kids. They still are pretty little. I have to try to remember what it's like starting a new school year: new teacher, new classmates, best friends in other classes... They're still pretty nervous, I think!

In other news, I've signed up for a dance class on Sunday nights! Who'da thunk it! The same friend that sucked me into going to an Irish Calieh (or however you spell it) - which I thoughroughly enjoyed - sucked me into an 8 week "Funky Swing" class. There's a whole group of friends going, and it's going to be a blast! I can't wait!

Back to school*

The morning air even felt different today as I headed to my car for the first day of school. It was cooler, and there was still a little bit of fog in the air. I could see my breath for the first time this season. "Here we go!" I thought, as I stepped into my car and headed to work...

This year feels SO much different than last year. Last year I was nearly dreading starting school again. I felt worn out, beat up, and out of ideas. The year, while overall still a good one, was tough. The change from teaching music to grade five came at the perfect time.

I spent all last week setting up my classroom, and I'm really happy with the way it looks. It's bright and cheery (woohoo, real live light! My music room was in the basement and so tended to be kinda dark!), it's colour co-ordinated, and it's all organized and ready to go (click the picture for more). It won't look like this ever again, but hey, a gal's got to start somewhere!


The kids were just at school for an hour today, but the real deal starts tomorrow. Kids will find out who their new teachers are first thing, and the year will get rolling. They don't know it yeat, but they're already going to have homework. Yeah, yeah, I'm such a meanie pants. They'll just have to suck it up!

The more I think about my job, and the way I even landed at this school, the more I am blown away by God's grace and provision for me. When I started at my school in September 2003, it was a part time music job, the absolute perfect thing for my first year of teaching. Just enough to live on, not too heavy a prep/marking load, and only 40 minutes a week with each class so I couldn't really screw them up too badly! ;-) I got laid off at the end of my first year, but ended up being hired back at the same school for the fall. My second year I was able to go to full time, in part by taking on teaching the French Immersion kids music, too. Yeehaw! Full time salary, plus I got to use my French. No layoffs that year thanks to a spring election, so I got to stay at my school again and by the end of my third year, had enough seniority under my belt to escape layoffs should they come about again. Of course, by the end of my third year, I was reeealy ready for a change. Huh, would you look at that? A grade 5 teacher was retiring. Now, with this position, I am working with the best team I could ever ask for - the other grade 5 class is shared by two teachers, both of whom have lots of experience, lots of materials, and lots of willingnes to share and help me out. They are the reason I'm not totally terrified this year!

Yay God for going above and beyond my expectations once again!
_______________________________________________
* This week has been BUSY! Proof positive is the face that I started writing this on Tuesday night and have only now completed it on Thursday! Oy!

Sad News

I just heard via Ellen's blog that Steve Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) died! He was stung by a sting ray while filming for a documentary that was to be called "Ocean's Deadliest." That's so crazy. I mean, in a way it's not a surprise that he died the way he did, but still, he was really young and leaves behind a wife and two little kids. I loved watching his show - he was such a great advocate for animals, and really was passionate about educating people about them. I know he had his share of controversy, but he was great. It's so sad!

Lacking

Grrr. I'm getting a little frustrated with all the things that I can't seem to get my hands on for my classroom! (Or, the things that should be standard issue, but I'm having to buy myself! I've been to the teacher supply store three times in three days. Welcome to having my own class, I guess.)

First of all, I went to buy some corrogated paper stuff to cover the bulletin boards with. You know, that stuff that every teacher on the face of the planet uses to cover their bulletin boards? It comes in a myriad of colours, lasts forever, and is great for a background when putting up students' art or work. Well, apparently they don't make it anymore. At all. There are only small scraps of reeeally ugly colours left at my school. Out of luck. I have to cover the boards in paper now. Yick.

Then I went to Office Depot to pick up a specific type of box that I need for hanging folders. Apperently they don't make those anymore, either.

Picking up some photos at Future Shop, I discovered that their lab is down, so some photos I ordered online - that I needed that day - weren't actually there. But, oh, I could just drive downtown and pick them up. Right. Downtown. Ridiculous parking rates. Crazy traffic. Construction. Nuh-uh. I sucked it up and picked them up. I didn't really have a choice.

Class set of scissors. Can't get one at school. I bought a set. Scissors!!

Overhead projector and screen. I asked for one. I might get one. Maybe. In 3 months.

But the biggest irk is that my classroom, in the year 2006, only has ONE semi-working computer. Last year, teachers were able to order a computer, complete with printer/scanner for their classroom if they needed one. I was told I couldn't get one cause I didn't really need it in the music room. The teacher in the room I'm in now knew he wasn't going to be there the next year, so he didn't order one. Arg! But maybe the NEW teacher (ie. me) would want one? Standard issue these days should be a computer for the teacher, and at least three computers for the students to use. On the plus side, I just bought a 512mB jump drive on sale 65% off! Score! At least taht will make things easier taking files back and forth from home. But seriously, anyone got a free computer they want to give me? *rolls eyes*

Ok. Whining over.

My class is really coming along. I was going to try to get everything done today and take a four day weekend. Ah, I was so naive. My goal is to be there at 7am tomorrow, work till they kick me out at 2, then go climb Grouse Mountain. Yessss!

Switching gears

It was somewhat of a shock to my system on Monday morning when I was standing in my new classrom at my school looking around wondering what on earth I was doing, just slightly less than 36 hours after my plane had landed. Was my trip even real? Was I just there? And now I'm here? Huh???

Today will be day four that I've been in my classroom, getting organized, hauling all the junk leftover from last year out, putting up new bulletin boards (with borders I've been told are totally "me"), rearranging furniture, getting my desk set up, photocopying some work for my little lovelies for the first week, doing a wee bit of planning for the year, and trying not to be terrified! Ha!

Things are starting to look somewhat ready to go, I think. I'm glad it looks that way, anyway! No, actually, I'm getting excited, too. Mourning the loss of summer holidays, but hey, that kind of comes with the territory. With this being my first year with my own class, I'm sure I'll make tons of blunders, but I'm looking forward togetting to try some different things. It will be such a nice change from doing all music, all the time! Hee hee, I wonder if that's what my kids will think we'll be doing! After all, I'll bet they won't even realize that, hey, I can teach math, too. And science. And art...

Grade 5, here I come!

Slowly but surely...

I've got a few more photos up. Just a teensy sample from Munich and Zurich so far. Click here for Munich and here for Zurich.

I'm home!

I got back about 11:30pm last night (Saturday). Apparently jet lag isn't a problem for me. I'm thankful for that! Both on the way to Europe and on the way home, I just set my watch during the plane ride, and that was that!

It seems really strange to be home in a sense. I can't believe it was jsut yesterday that I was sitting at the edge of a canal in Amsterdam eating pannekoeks, and now here I am in my own house...

While I was travelling, I kept thinking that my 'regular life' just seemed like this distant hazy memory. It's kind of wierd to be back now - back to church, back to lunch with friends, back to work (sob!). But it's still good to be home (at least kind of!). Back to my own bed, back to a decent shower I don't have to wear flip flops in, back to street names I can pronounce. I'd just like to apologize to any people of Dutch origin for how badly I mutilated your language while I was in Holand. Eek.

Anyway, I have so much swirling around in my brain right now: letting experiences soak in, feeling like I'm somehow different now than I was before I left, wondering how soon I can go on my next trip... I'm sure some will come out here, but I still have to get unpacked and start going through my photos! Oh boy, that's going to be a job and a half! Ha, I still have a post to finish that I started in Amserdam about Belgium and Holland!

I know I keep saying this, but I'll try to have a selection of photos up tonight or tomorrow to tide you over while I'm working on getting the whole lot up on my site.

All in all, I'm home, back to real life. When people ask me, "Hey, how was your trip?" I just don't know how to respond. Words can't really express it, but I'd have to say, amazing, fantastic, the best thing I could have done. How soon can I go back????

Time flies...

Yikes! It's been a week since my last post! Be warned, this post is rather long! I've been writing it in pieces as I go, between limited internet time, crazy French keyboards, and many very busy days. But hey... here's what I've been up to the last week...

So I think I've figured out what makes me grumpy when I'm travelling (other than hunting for the letters and symbols on this French keyboard - they're all mixed up!). Good thing, too, cause it's happened twice now and it's been no fun. No fun at all. I get grumpy when I spend the first half of my day travelling, getting to city around noon. I feel like the whole day is wasted, especially when I have to wait in lines at the train station, bus depot, tourist office, etc. for infornation. Blech. BUT, the days always seem to redeem themselves, like in Nice, when I went out with a big group from the hostel.

Or like in Aix En provence, when I was just about ready to book it out of there I was so frustrated with trying to find the information I needed. Things all worked out, though, and I did some shopping, went for a lovely walk in a very pretty park outside of town, and lucked out on a ticket for the huge huge huge Cezanne expedition that is in town right now. Man, that town is obsessed with that man! Hee hee. In the early evening, I bumped into Rachel, the girl I hung out with in Nice. We went for a drink and hung out in town for a bit, doing some serious shopping in the Cours Maribeau - a big wide boulevard lined with all kinds of little outdoor kiosks/shops.

The next morning I headed to Avignon. Yes, I saw the bridge. And yes, I danced on it! I toured the Pope's Palace and took a little cruise on the Rhone. I had been hitting the wall a little in travelling, getting grumpy, feeling like maybe I'd had enough, but I loved Avignon. I was back into high gear seeing, doing, (eating!) and enjoying. It also helped things that I was staying in the cutest litle bed and breafast, hosted by about the most hospitable woman I have ever met! One of the best things I did in Avignon was go to a brass ensemble concert at the Pont (bridge) d'Avignon. The group was from Vienna and played all kinds of clssical music, singing, dancing, and all-round entertaining along the way.

The next day I took a day trip to Arles, where VanGogh spent a lot of time. I saw a number of different places that he painted, like the hospital where he stayed and its courtyard, and the famous Cafe de Nuit. I had dinner there! (The food was terrible, but hey, I ate there! *shakes head*) I took a city tour, seeing the Roman arena, forum, theatre, and baths. It still boggles my mind that buildings that are so old are being used. But the highlight of Arles had to be what I did in the afternoon...

I was getting reeeally sick of seeing cities, and, being in Provence, I really wanted to see some pretty countryside. Are you ready for a crazy story? I had originally planned on finding a route to go for a bike ride, but then decided to try for a guided bus tour that would take me to a whole bunch of different places in Provence, including a wine tour and tasting. BUT, the lady at my bed and breakfast suggested I rent a car and gave me some really great places to go visit. I was all set to do that, and was halfway through the process of renting when it occured to me that I can't drive standard. Ug! I KNEW I should have learned that a long time ago! No car for me... by that time it was too late for the tour, so I went back to the bike ride plan. It turns out that was the best thing I could have done...

After my walking tour, I found a little place that rents bikes, grabbed a map, and headed out into the countryside (not before having to navigate a few rather busy traffic roundabouts. Yeah, that was kinda nerve racking!). Fields, hills, the hot sun and a clear blue sky stretched waaay out ahead of me. (No lavender, though, I guess I have to go back again in July when it blooms!) It was absolutely beautiful! I rode along a quiet country road, came accross a roman aqueduct, and went to a tiny litte village with a windmill up on top of the hill. It was an absolutley beautiful day, and so good to get out into the country.

Early the next morning I caught the TGV train to Brussels. Man, that thing is fast! My only "oops" moment was forgettting to pay at my bed and breakfast! I realized somewehre in the middle of France that I hadn't paid! My host had driven me to the train station at 6am (see? Sweetest lady ever!) and we both forgot! I was MORTIFIED! I called her as soon as I got to Brussles, and we've got a way to get it sorted out, but yikers! I can't believe I did that!

In all, the south of France was really beautiful, but I tried to do way too much with not enough time. Four cities and two villages in five days is NOT the pace at which one should take in Provence. I enjoyed it, don't get me wrong, but next time - oh, and there WILL be a next time! - I'm going to go much slower, go to more markets, spend more time in the countryside. I didn't do Provence justice, for sure.

My internet time is quickly running out, and this post is already waaay too long, so I'll post about Belgium later. I'll leave off by saying that I'm now in Amsterdam, and have only two more nights left. I can't belive it. I almost have forgotten that I have a life back in Vancouver. It seems very strange to have to go back to it in two days.

I don't wanna!!!

ARG!

Well, I just spent about 45 minutes going through my photos from the last two weeks or so, all set and raring to upload them. I had copied them to a folder on the computer, then the computer crashed and I lost all the selections I had made. So, wasted time for me, and no photos for you. Grrr.

Sadly, I did leave Vernazza, and headed to Nice. Nice is a big city. I got super grumpy on my way down to the beach. I was walking through a major construction zone (they're putting in a rail/tram line all along one of the major streets) so it was loud and dirty and stinky. It was also grey and really realyl humid. Yuck yuck yuck. I got to the beach, raring to swim anyway, when it started raining. Pouring, in fact. Disgruntled, I headed to the (horror!) McDonalds and downed a milkshake while looking over my city guide and just wanting to leave. Urg.

Things bucked up a bit after that. I met a whole bunch of people in my hostel around dinner time and we all headed out to a bar for the evening. It was a pretty hilarious night, mostly thanks to this crazy Turkish guy in the group who was OBSESSED with his hair. So much so that he'd go to the mirror in the bar and check it every ten minutes or so. Then, if he wasn't happy with it, he'd restyle it. With beer. Hey, he had no gel. Oy. Anyway, it was a really fun night.

I headed to Eze today, a little medieval town between Nice and Monaco, with Rachel, an Aussie from my hostel. In the afternoon, I did actually manage to get to the beach. The waves were crazy. Some were nearly twice as tall as me! Most were only as tall as me. Ha! I got pounded into the ground more than a few times. I'm gonna be sore tomorrow! :)

Anyway, it's late, and I'm frustrated with computers. Sorry 'bout the pictures. It's tricky to actually get them from the camera to the CD to the computer to the website while I'm on the road, and it takes a really long time. Maybe I'll do a few next time. Rar.

Tomorow: off to Aix-En-Provence...

Paradise Found

When I stepped off the train, I could smell the sea. Seventy-eight steps from the door of my pensione/room and my toes were at the edge of the Medditerranean. I had arrived in Vernazza, one of the five towns of the Cinque Terre.

The sea was rough the evening I arrived, and the waves pounded the breakwater sending spray far up in the air, the foaming white water contrasted against the turquoise blue of the sea and the golden light of the sky as the sun began to set.

Behind me was the town, one building running into the next, tiny back alleys with countless stairways and passages, every building a different colour - red, yellow, pink, white, tan... all with big green shutters on the windows. The yellow clock tower over the tiny church chimes over the village every half an hour, the only reminder that time is still ticking in this little village. The piazza was crowded with restaurant terraces, umbrellas, and countless fishing boats - lined up along the streets and all over the square. The din of conversations and dishes could be heard between the crashing waves. Behind that still were rows upon rows of terraced vinyards up on the steep slopes of the hillside.

I knew right away that the time I had booked here would not be enough.

My first morning, I picked up some fresh fruit and a brioche and ate at the water. It was much calmer than the night before, but still every now and then a particularly large wave would crash over the wall, making people scurry back to avoid getting their feet wet. Restaurateurs were setting up, people were everywhere taking their morning caffe, and a few fishermen were coming in with their catch. I ate slowly, emjoying the sea and the sun, not able to believe where I was.

There is a trail running between all five towns. Vernazza is the second town, so after breakfast, I caught the train to Monterosso, just five minutes down the line, and began my walk. The first thing I saw in Monterosso was the beach: long stretches of blue and white striped umbrellas shading matching deck chairs lined up three or four deep all along the shore. I wanted to stop right then and there and jump in. Again, I couldn't believe where I was!

As I was on my way to the start of the trial, I met another girl - Erin - about my age and we decided to walk together. Up and up along a narrow path, past lemon trees, vinyards, tiny gardens, and little shrines with pictures or statues of the virgin Mary built into the hillside. Every three steps it would seem we would come accross a new view (and so needed to take a new picture!). We walked all the way to Vernazza just marvelling at where we were.

A highlight of the Monterosso-Vernazza trail was coming accross an older Italian man sitting under the shade of a tree selling homemade Limoncello. A few lemons were scattered on the around beside the bottles, I'm sure for effect. I bought a bottle - how could I not?!

Erin had to go back at Vernazza, but not before a great chat at the train station. It turns out that she's a Christian, too! She offered to pray for me before she left, so sitting there waiting for the train, we prayed together. It was such a blessing to meet her and have a chance to talk and pray with someone! Funny how God always knows just what we need.

I continued on to Corniglia, through vinyards and groves of olive trees, past fig and lemon trees, listening to the sound of the sea below me, smelling the thyme, lavender, and rosemary that grows on the hills and in the gardens.

On through Corniglia, to Maranola, and finally along the Via Del Amore to Riomaggiore. Terraced hillsides, colourful towns perched high above the sea, and waves rolling into the rugged, rocky coast were constant views.

When I got back to Vernazza, I grabbed my bathing suit and went for a swim. In the Mediterranean. HOLY COW! (Hey... Church - well, kinda - a hike and a swim... sound familiar? :P)

I asked around in town and easily found a place to stay for a third night, so I spent today just hanging out - another breakfast by the water, taking in some views from the castello on top of the hill here in Vernazza, going down to Manarola again to look around, chill out for a bit, reading and journalling in the garden that it attatched to my hotel, high above the sea, looking down to the next town. Life jsut slows down here in the Cinque Terra. I even have been running into the same people - tourist and locals alike - and have chatted with all kinds of people from all over the world. This has been a vacation within a vacation. I know now where I want to come for my honeymoon one day! :P

I have to say goodbye early tomorrow morning. I don't want to leave. The towns, the views, the sea... and the FOOD! Oh my goodness. Pesto (which originated here!), seafood (yes, seafood! I had pasta with fish one evening!), wine, pasta, gelato, tiramisu... mmmm.

I was worried that I would be disappointed after how much I had heard about this place and how excited I was about coming here. You know, you hear so much, then when you get there, it's good, but not as good as you thought it would be. This was nowhere near the case. I am absolutely blown away. I could stay here forever.

Maybe I will...

Buon Giorno d'Italia *updated*

Oy. I don't even know where to start. I was thinking on the train on the way to... where? I have no idea... that I almost need a day or two to just not do ANYTHING new and let all the experiences, sights, sounds, and various other sensory input sink in. I think my brain is getting overwhelmed. Where did I last leave off? I think I was in Zurich. Man, that seems like a lifetime ago. I think it's been three days.

I really really enjoyed my time in Switzerland. It is SO beautiful there, and the people are so friendly. One highlight - out of so so many - would have to be "renting" a bike - they're free in Zurich! - and riding along the lake until, when I was at the farthest point of my ride from the city, a big black cloud rolled in, the wind picked up, the skies opened, and it started to POUR. I figured, there's nothing I can do about this, so I may as well enjoy it. I had some fun with my camera and my umbrella at the water's edge. Again, as soon as I can, I'll get some photos up.

The great thing about having a rail pass is that whenever you want, you just head to the train station and hop on a train to wherever you want. It's so easy! I decided to leave Zurich for Luzerne in the late afternoon. I also decided to jsut hang out at the hostel in Luzerne that night to try to meet some people. That's another nice thing about travelling. Don't like the way things are going (ie. eating alone all the time)? Change it! I bought some groceries - which was an experience in itself: picture me, after learning that none of the staff in the bakery or deli spoke English, ducked around a different aisle with my dictionary looking up how to say "Where can I buy a little bit of mustard?" in German - and made dinner back at the hostel. I ate with four people from New York. One of the couples seemed intent on talking about how pot and prostitution should be legalized, and telling stories about how they bough hash in France and got busted as soon as they stepped off the train in Italy. Something to be proud of. Sheesh. The other couple, though, was really nice, and we ended up hanging out the next day, too.

It was grey and raining in Luzerne, but both this other couple (Liz and Andrew, they do have names!) and I figured, well, we only have one day here, so let's go for it! We wanted to go for a hike, so we headed for Pilatus, a nearby mountain. It was really raining when we got there, and we decided we'd be miserable if we hiked, so we took the gondola waaaay up, walked around at the top (nearly freezing our fingers off - it was near zero the whole time, and super windy. Brrrr!), had lunch, and took the world's steepest cog wheel railway down. Most of the time it was a 40-48% grade!

All the "Swiss stereotypes" are there for a reason. The little brown and white houses dotted all over the hillside, red flowers tumbling out of window boxes. The dingle dangle of cow bells from high up on the hills. The hoot of the train whistles or steamboat horns sounding as they transport people up and down the alps and accross the lake. It really is incredible. I of course took full advantage of being in Swizterland by going to a folk show. Cow bells, yodeling, flag throwing, alpenhorns, the whole bit. I even got to try an aplenhorn and got bitten by a cow! It was such a hoot!

On my way from Luzerne to Verona, where I am now, I stopped for a few hours in Lugano, in the Italian part of Switzerland. It is way south, and I figured it would be sunny there. What a great decision! It was ab-so-lute-ly beautiful! I walked waaaaay down from the train station to the lake and enjoyed a lazy afternoon of strolling along the water, hanging out under a tree with one of the most beautiful views I've seen yet, going for a swim, and lazing around in the sun. La dolce vita!

I got in to Verona at nearly 11pm, and realized I had no map or directions to get to my hotel. Of course, the tourist office was closed. So, Hillary had another little adventure, with even less Italian thant I had German, relying on people knowing how do decipher my broken broken Italian and knowing where I wanted to go. Hee hee. Adventure abounds! (Don't worry, mom, I'm safe and sound, see?)

I've spent today roaming around Verona, seeing various castles, the ruins of a Roman theatre, and just generally enjoying the very distictly Italian city. I might have even treated myself to two gelatos today. But shh! I'll never tell! In about 15 minutes, I'm going to go see Aida in the Roman arena here. Last time I was in Verona, I got shafted in seeing the arena, so this time around, I'm not going to miss it! Just for kicks and giggles, click here for a picture of my at 17 in front of the arena. Promise not to laugh? That's me in the Mickey Mouse T-shirt. Uggg. High school. Say no more. For those of you who know the story, see the ice creams? Grrr! (For those who don't know the story, see the post below!)

Hmm... the lady at the internet cafe just rolled down the big metal gate-thing in front of the door. I think that's a sign. I'm going to head off. I have my inflatable pillow in my purse, all ready for the opera (hey - YOU try sitting on stone steps for three hours!).

Ciao!

*UPDATE* Well, actually, you never saw the original, cause for some reason it never published. I saw the opera! It was SPECTACULAR. Spec. Tac. U. Lar. Only, we didn't get to see the last act, because all of a sudden, thunder crashed, lighning flashed, and the first few drops began falling from the sky. The orchestra fled for shelter and the opera was suspended, then cancelled as it began to POUR! People - in all their opera finery - were making mad dashed for the exits, covering their heads with umbrellas, cushions, programs, whatever they could. It was incredible how fast the vendors whiped out little rainjackets for sale. I made my way out to the street and walked back to my hotel, laughing my head off all the way there.

Opera. In a roman arena. Cut short because of a freak thunder storm (which continued all night!). Walking down narrow Italian streets, soaked to the skin. Singing, "Well, I love a rainy night!"

Life could not have been better than it was right then.

Verona

There is only one city in my trip that I am returning to: Verona*. I was here ten years ago on a band trip between grade 11 and 12. It has a reputation as a very romantic city, as this is where Shakespeare placed Romeo and Juliet. But for me, the biggest draw is the Arena. When I arrived in Verona in 1996, I was blown away. It still amazes me today that somehting that was guilt 2000 years ago still stands, and still is used!

I was even more enthralled because I had read a series of books in high school (and many times since then, too!) that were set in ancient Rome. A major character in the book is a gladiator, so much of the story focusses on what went on in the Arena. The books were highly researched and, as I found out when I took classical studies courses in university, very historically accurate. I was SO excited to be able to go into a Roman arena and see a piece of ancient history.

As a safety precaution (we were all highschoolers) we had to go around in groups of six people. I couldn't find anyone who wanted to go into the arena with me, so I just decided to go with the chaperones. Eventually, five other people agreed to go, as long as we could do some shopping first.

Well.

They browsed through some postcards, bought some film, nosed around in a few shops, no big deal. Then they decided they wanted ice cream, so we waited (and waited and waited and waited) in line. AFTER they got ice cream, they decided they should probably go to the bathroom. One at a time, everybody went. By the time that was all done, it was time to meet up with our group and move on the the next city. Our meeting place was right in front of the arena, and as I looked up at the 2000 year old arches, I saw the band director waaaay up top, waving down at us. I was sooo disappointed. I had to fight back tears back in the bus.

So, darn it, THIS time round, ten years later, I'm going to see the arena!

* My apologies to those of you who have heard this story (over and over and over!) I see you raising your hand. That's right.

Pictures, Pictures!

I have only downloaded Paris pictures so far, but here are a few! Enjoy! Click here to see them. For those of you not familiar with Flickr, when the new page opens, click on a photo to see a larger version and a decsription, or click "View as slideshow" at the top right corner of the page.

I'm in Zurich right now and will head to Lucerne later today for a few days. I'll be in Italy (Verona) by Saturday night, woohoo! It's nice to see some mountains again - I was starting to miss them! I'm mostly enjoyig travelling by myself. I'm not meeting as many people as I thought I would, but I think that's mostly cause I'm never actually AT the hostels except to sleep! Sometimes it's a little lonely - like last night at dinner, just me and my Raclette (a traditional Swiss dish) surrounded by groups of friends and couples everywhere - but it's also kinda nice to just have all this time to myself. It's kind of serene. Plus, if I'm feeling lonely, I can just drown my sorows in Swiss chocolate, mmmmmmmmmmm! :-P

Grüsse aus München!

Yikes, time is flying! I'm in Munich right now, and I'm leaving early tomorrow for Switzerland. I didn't even say anything about my last day in Paris! I mostly spent it in Montmartre, the hill above the city famous for artists and a "bohemian spirit." I have to say, this was my favourite neighbourhood in Paris by far. It's much more like a little village (and hey, Amelie takes place there, too! I saw the grocery and the cafe - Les Deux Moulins - where she worked in the film. So fun!). I spent some time just chilling at a piano bar, eating a crepe and writing in my journal. It was a perfect Sunday.

Sunday night I left on an overnnight train for Munich. That was a neat experience in itself. I quickly realized, however, that the easy part of my trip was over. You know, the part where I speak the language. It was great being able to just speak French wherever I went, and I realized when I couldn't even ask where to get some breakfast on the train in the morning that things were going to be a little different from here on in. Good thing I have my trusty phrase book with me!

Paris was amazing, but I kept SUCH a hectic pace. I totally pooped myself (and my poor aching feet) out in jsut three days. I was kind of thinking on the train that I need to strike a better balance between tryig to see and do everything and just chilling out and enjoying what I can, and not worrying about what I can't. After all, that's what next time is for, right? Munich was much more like that. I am staying with a friends that I met 5 years ago in Quebec at a French language school, and so she met me at the train station. She had gotten breakfast and a day pass for the transit system for me, and also had a map, a key, directions to her house, and a cell phone she borrowed from her work for me! Holy smokes!

I dropped off my stuff, had a nap, and went I to explore Munich. I ended up taking a city walking tour, where I learned all kinds of neat things about the city. I also met Anna, a woman from Winnipeg, on the tour. She and I were planning to do the same tour of the Dachau concentration camp the next day. We met up for the tour and then just hung out at a beer garden and chatted over a couple of Radler (beer mixed with sprite). I am now a beer drinker, folks. Yeah, yeah, bug me about it not being real beer, whatever. It's a first step, leave me alone! ;) A few good Bavarian meals, a few good beers, a few (ok, a lot) of pictures, and a very sobering tour of Dachau, and off I go now to Switzerland.

For those of you who are asking me if I'm taking pictures, let me jsut say this: it's going to take me WEEKS to sort through, post, and write captions for all the stinkin' photos I'm taking. I've got almost 700 already. In five days. And no, I will not subject any of you to all of them. I'm still working on geting a few posted here. I hae to get them off my camera first. Soon, I hope (mainly cause my cards are filling up!).

So thanks for all your comments! It's always fun to read them when I get a chance to check email! For now, I'm off to bed. I have to leave Colleen's place at 6:10am tomorrow! Eep.

Hope you're all doing wonderfully! I'll try to post again soon!

Tschüss!

Ten things I've learned in Paris

Number one - All the chairs on the terraces of the cafes face the street. It's like rows in a theatre. I think that's kinda of neat - all the better to watch the world go by.

Number two - Those buttons on the poles that have the walk/don't walk signs do not control pedestrian lights like they do at home. Instead, a recorded voice repeats what intersection you are at - over... and over... and over... - until the light changes. It's especially loud when there is a big crowd of people who saw you push the button. Funny, that.

Number three - Many major monuments and buildings are beautifully lit up at night. It makes for some great photos. Those lights, however, all shut off at 1am. I learned this immediately after I had found the perfect spot to take a photo of the Hotel de Ville (city hall), had set up my camera, had my body all contorted and my finger on the button. *poof!* No more lights. WAAAAH!

Number four - The Metro closes at 12:30am. This is why I was at the Hotel de Ville at 1am. I went out for a very late dinner, missed the metro cutoff, and so had to walk back to my hostel.

Number five - it's a reeeally long way from where I ate dinner (near Notre Dame) to my hostel. It took me an hour and a half on foot to get back.

Number six - It wasn't too bad, because Paris is really easy to find your way around (when armed with a map!). Of course, as I was jotting this thought down on my walk back to the hostel, I missed my street and all of a sudden found myself in a muuuch quieter neighbourhood with no restaurants or touristy stuff whatsoever. I ducked into a little tiny cafe to check my map and it turn out I had walked ten minutes past my turn. Oops.

Number seven - Red lights in Paris actually mean stop. So do amber lights. They don't mean, like they do in Vancouver, keep driving, only faster, cause hey, I've got somewhere to go! It took a while to realize what that strange feeling was. It was cars stopping at red lights. Huh. Someone come teach Vancouverites that... please?!?!

Number eight - Number seven is a good thing, because heaven help you if you are a pedestrian in the way of a car. In Vancouver, cars yeild to pedestrians. Here, cars say, "I'm a car, I am powerful, you are in my way, and if you don't get out of the way, I WILL MOW YOU DOWN!"

Number nine: There is nothing better than lunch in the Jardins de Luxembourg: baguette, cammenbert, grapes, and white wine overlooking the gardens, a large pond, and the Palais de Luxemburg.

Number ten: Unless, or course, it's sitting in Troccadero Park on the grass above the fountains, just hanging out watching the sun set over and through the Eiffel Tower.

Bonjour de Paris!

Here I sit in my hostel in Paris, soooo tired, but sooo pumped! I arrived safe and sound last night. I flew into Amsterdam and then took the train into Paris. I couln't believe I was really here! Once I got settled in my hotel room I wandered the neighbourhood (and had no less than 10 men say hello and ask me how I was. I'm just gonna go with 'they were being friendly and welcoming me to their city) and found a little cafe near the train station for a crepe au sucre. What a perfect first evening!

Today (Friday) I went museum and monument crazy. The Louvre, the Musee D'Orsay, Notre Dame, the Centre Pompidou, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower (by night - I'm going to go again during the daytime), and tons of squares, parks, and monuments.

OK. The Eiffel Tower. Did you know it SPARKLES?!?!?!?! Once it gets dark, not only is it all lit up, but every hour on the hour it SPARKLES with tons of tiny lights for maybe 10 minutes or so. SO COOL!

I couldn't belive the art I saw, too. THE Mona Lisa. The stature of Venus de Milo. Paintings by Degas, Money, Rodin, VanGogh, Cezanne, Toulouse Loutrec... I mean, I guess in the back of my head I knew that's what I would be seeing, but wow. I was blown away. Absolutely. Blown. Away.

Tomorrow holds more museums (I'm making the most of my two day museum pass) and some exploring. I'll try to get a few photos up soon (hoo boy, there are tons!). Thanks for checking in!

A bientot! (See you soon!)

Bye bye!

Thank you (especially those of you who know me in person!) for putting up with all my giddiness and insanity the last few weeks. Man, I've been annoying myself, so your patience with me has been much appreciated!

And with that.... I'm off!!

Bits 'n' bites

* Introducing... Trudy! Woohoo! I have a new roomie! August really seems to be the month for friends staying with me. Last year it was my friend Cathy who was here from Australia doing an occupational therapy practicum. This year it's my friend Trudy who's crashing at my place while she finds a place to stay! Yippee! Of course, I'll only actually get to be roomies with her for about a week and a half, but hey.

* Sunday Tradition: Yesterday I did the last (for now!) in a series of Sunday hikes. Just cause I had to work doesn't mean I can't enjoy my vacation on the weekends! Every Sunday in July a small group of friends and I have gone for a hike and then for a swim in the ocean. It's been dubbed the "Sunday Tradition." The only day we didn't swim was yesterday cause it was cold-ish and kinda rainy, but I figure, it was raining, so we got wet... that counts, right? I'm trying even to think of all the hikes we did: the Chief (in June), Brother's Creek, Deep Cove/Quarry Rock (ok, that doesn't totally count as a hike, but I'm keeping it in anyhow!), Hollyburn, Elfin Lakes, High Falls Creek. I think that's it. It's been so great to get out into the mountians and enjoy.

* Elfin Lakes! I can't believe I haven't talked about this yet. This is just going to be the Coles Notes version... My friends Brian, Rebecca, Dave, Angela, and I went camping/backpacking two weekends ago ('member my freakout about having so much to do and still going camping? Hee hee). It was AMAZING. We hiked in to camp in Friday evening and got to watch the sun set over high alpine meadows and snowy peaks as we hiked. Saturday we did a day hike to the rim of an old volcanic crater. Most of the valley had been scraped away by a glacier hundreds of years ago, so it was fairly barren, but so beautiful. And hot. It was somewhere in the range of 35 degrees that day. Hot hot hot. BUT, there was still snow! It was perfect, we'd grab a handful and rub it on our necks or our arms to cool off. Or we'd 'help' eachother get cooled off via snowball fight! We hiked up a ridge but decided to take the gully down. We boot skiied and bum skiied down most of the way. Wheehaw! The evening saw us swimming in the lake (coldcoldcold!) and eventually lying out looking at the stars, complete with several of the shooting variety. We hiked out on Sunday, went for a swim in the ocean when we got down, and finished the evening with burgers and beer (a margarita for me!) in Kitsilano. Ahhh. It was beeeeautiful!

Pictures from the weekend are here (I was going to tantalize you with a few perview photos, but dumBlogger isn't letting me upload photos... again! Ach, just click the link!)

* Taking care of business: Whoah boy. I woke up this morning and realized that I have TWO days till I leave. TWO. I thought that, oh, about three seconds ago there were still two WEEKS left. Appartently not! I have been on the go since about 6:30 this morning cleaning, packing, organizing, phoning, booking (I got my nights booked in Vernazza - YEAH! I was having a hard time and thought I wouldn't be able to stay there), running errands, and shopping for random trip stuff. Still. It's insane. BUT, I crossed almost everything off my list today. If I play my cards right, I can be done everything by early evening tomorrow and just chill out. YESSSSS!

* Somebody stop me: My two splurges today? Decent-ish seats for Aida at the Roman arena in Verona, Italy, and an mp3 player. I wanted some music to take, I was going to rip a bunch of my CDs into mp3s then cram a bunch of albums onto a few discs and just use my discman. I tired it, then realized my discman is 10 years old. Mp3s no workie on 10 year old discman. Grrr. So I sucked it up and joined the mp3 crowd. I got a smoking deal on it, plus a free extended warranty (it had been purchased and returned, but still is in perfect condition). Turns out when I plugged it in to charge it, it's full of music, too! Score! Is that normal, or did I just inherit the previous owner's playlist? Whatever, free music! Yippee!

* Adrenaline: I think that's about the only thing keeping me going right now. I really should sleep. Once the laundry is done. And the blue bin'o'junk is cleaned out (the one where I shoved all the stuff I didn't have time to clean up before I had company on Saturday. Yeah. You know you do that, too.). And once I play around with my new mp3 player. Ha!

More Summer School Cuteness

This series of drawings was given to me by Elsie, a 5 year old in my morning class. She had been watching me closely that day and had drawn four portraits (look closely... she even drew my flip flops!). I asked her to explain each one...


(1) "You're at the piano" (2) "You're looking for Plexers*" (3) "You're looking at the question book." (4) "You're tired."

How true it is, how true it is. But yay! It's the last day of Summer School!
___________________
* Plexers are little word puzzles I put up on the board each day, like " laJUMPke " Anyone? Anyone?

Dis-card

Welcome to yet another glimpse of my inner crazy...

I'm doing a major cleanup at my house right now, and once again, I am faced with the dilemma of what to do with old cards. I have a stack of them that I just don't know what to do with. I hate throwing cards out, because the person obviously cared enough to pick it out, write it, and send/give it to me. On the other hand, if I kept every card ever given to me, I would need a whole room just to store them. I might be kinda messy sometimes, but I will NEVER end up like those poor folks on "Clean Sweep" with one room in their house devoted to piles and piles and piles of useless junk! Nevah!

Particularly meaningful cards I keep in a special box, but the rest? I waffle around and eventually put them into the recycling, but not without much guilt, and then usually only after they've been sitting in a file or a pile on my shelf for months and months. Why do I do this? It's not like I'm going to insult the person who gave it to me! Sheesh, it's just a card!

What do you do with cards you are given?

That's it! *UPDATED!*

I have had enough. My monitor is crap and my back is a twizzler stick everytime I sit down at my computer. Which is often. I just downloaded my pictures from my fantastic fantastic fantastic weekend and they look like garbage on my way-too-dark monitor.

I am leaving right. now. to buy a new monitor. No, really. I've said it before (here and here) but I'm going this time.

Stay tuned (right, cause you really care that much! Tee hee).

------------ UPDATED, 9:17pm ------------

Oh my gosh! The colours! They're so bright! My back! It's straight!
(My desk! It's so clean!)

_____Before______________________________________After_____
Notice how washed out the colours are in the 'before' picture? Before I knew my old monitor was so bad, I thought my photos looked bad cause of my camera. I adjusted each and every one so that the colour looked "right." D'oh.

Bye bye old monitor!

I am certifiably INSANE

I have aBOUT a bazillion things to do before I leave. Stuff to do, stuff to buy, bookings to make, cities to research. A house to get spic and span (oh and trust me, there's a LOT to do in that departnemt) before my friend moves in for the month of August. And one more week of summer school to teach.

And I am going camping alllll weekend. It's gonna be fantastic, and I wouldn't cancel for anything, but
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Two weeks from RIGHT NOW

I will be sitting in the airport, waiting to board my plane. HOLY SMOKES! When I put that little ticker up there I nearly had a heart attack, cause it was telling me 15 days. Surely I punched in the date wrong. But noooo! I have SOOOO much to do still, EEK!

Ok, I'm going to give you fair warning. I will be posting a whole bunch about my trip in the next two weeks (and will do as much posting as I can while I'm away, cause hey, that's kinda one of the points of a blog, now, isn't it!).

Anyway, I'm just sitting here squealing with glee cause I found out that the day I arrive in the Cinque Terra (5 tiny fishing villages on Italy's north west coast), there is a fireworks display! A spectacle of lights set off from the beach over the sea, says the website. Squeeee!

My delight

Tonight was our young adults BBQ down at Kits beach. It's once a month during the summer - we all bring something to BBQ, hang out, play some goofy games (yay - water balloon toss!), and have a brief talk/discussion time. Part of the discussion revolved around the question of what we take delight in. It was so good to be able to stop and reflect on that again tonight.

Even just the word struck me. Delight. How often do we as adults feel delighted at something? Why does it seem like it's only children who delight in things sometimes? I want to be more of a person who takes delight in things, who thrills, who marvels at the world around me - the big stuff and the little - and at all that God has done for us.

I feel like I'm getting a fresh sense of who God is these days, and of how mind-blowingly huge his love for us is. Between good talks with friends, the current sermon series (Darrell Johnson) at my church, and spending a whole lot of time in the mountains and at the beach, I'm finding lots of opportunity for delight these days.

I find my delight in nature, particularly the ocean (I've mentionned this before). The quiet and the earthy smell of the woods and the majesty of the mountains around me, too, puts me in awe of God. Music touches me in a particular way, too, and when the two of those are combined, wow.

I also take delight in the sunset, gelato, giggling kids, blueberry crumble, being silly with friends, giving or getting a hug, rollercoasters, the sun on my face, a good talk with a good friend...

What do you take delight in?