As I drove to work yesterday morning, the news reported that a shooting had occurred just down the street from the school where I work. Apparently one person was wounded and one was shot dead. A sick feeling came over me as I wondered if any of our students would be affected by this tragedy. Curiosity got the better of me so I took a minor detour towards the crime scene. Life in the neighbourhood looked normal except for some yellow police tape and two cop cars patrolling the house. I was a bit surprised. No journalists, no forensic teams, just two cops drinking their Tim Horton's coffee.
I recited my daily verse, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." What would this Monday bring. This was the second murder in the neighbourhood in less than a week. Would there be tears? Frightened children? Would our day be spent counselling grief stricken children?
Life was normal at school that day. No tears, no counselling sessions, no fear, only apathy.
The shooting victim was an uncle of a girl in one of my classes. All she said to her teacher was, "I'm sorry I couldn't study for my test, but my uncle got shot last night."
Wow!
As I said in my blog last week,
"How do we protect these children. How sad to think this is the world we are passing on to our precious children. This is too big of a weight for them to shoulder. "
But,
"This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Monday 28 January 2008
Encounters
Disclaimer: I have a picture of the following event but unfortunately cannot access it from the cell phone. Maybe one day I will be able to post the picture!
gum (gum) 1 a sticky juice, obtained from or given off by certain trees and plants, that hardens in the air and dissolves in water. 2 chewing gum 3 a gum tree; eucalyptus 4 often, gums, pl. the flesh around the teeth. n.
I was having dinner with a friend at one of our favourite local restaurants, Jack Astors, when our lives intersected with an unforgettable eccentric woman.
eccentric (ek sen' trik) 1 out of the ordinary; odd; peculiar. 2 a person who behaves in an unusual manner.
We prefer eating our meal at the bar as it is a great people- watching spot ( and faster service). Prior to our encounter with this woman, we were discreetly watching a young guy make his moves on a young woman having a drink with her girlfriends. She was clearly giving him mixed signals. Being me, I foolishly told our bartender what we were doing and added, "those girls over there are hot for you." An hour or so later, we notice our bartender nestled in between this young man and the young woman. He was obviously finished his shift and acted on my comment. The poor young man struck out that night.
In the meantime, we meet Liz, who sat down beside me. While waiting for her take out order, she began chatting with me. Clearly, she had been drinking thus our conversation was more animated and interesting!! Liz was one of those persons who had no problem entering personal space! Out of the blue, she leaned in and said,
" I love your hair!"
I replied with a thank you then carried on my conversation with my friend. Shortly after, she LEANED in again and EXCITEDLY said with a HUGE grin,
" Oh my goodness, you are like me, I can see your gums when you smile too!!"
Finally, Liz received her take out order and was ready to leave. Suddenly, she fell off her chair and tumbled to the floor. (The take out order was safe!!! ) My friend and I tried to conceal our laughter. I know it's not funny to laugh at such an event but in light of our whole encounter with Liz it seemed appropriate. As she picked herself up, we saw her "gum exposed smile" and the wave of her hand bidding us goodnight.
My friend and I are anticipating another encounter with our new friend the next time we eat at Jack Astor's.
gum (gum) 1 a sticky juice, obtained from or given off by certain trees and plants, that hardens in the air and dissolves in water. 2 chewing gum 3 a gum tree; eucalyptus 4 often, gums, pl. the flesh around the teeth. n.
I was having dinner with a friend at one of our favourite local restaurants, Jack Astors, when our lives intersected with an unforgettable eccentric woman.
eccentric (ek sen' trik) 1 out of the ordinary; odd; peculiar. 2 a person who behaves in an unusual manner.
We prefer eating our meal at the bar as it is a great people- watching spot ( and faster service). Prior to our encounter with this woman, we were discreetly watching a young guy make his moves on a young woman having a drink with her girlfriends. She was clearly giving him mixed signals. Being me, I foolishly told our bartender what we were doing and added, "those girls over there are hot for you." An hour or so later, we notice our bartender nestled in between this young man and the young woman. He was obviously finished his shift and acted on my comment. The poor young man struck out that night.
In the meantime, we meet Liz, who sat down beside me. While waiting for her take out order, she began chatting with me. Clearly, she had been drinking thus our conversation was more animated and interesting!! Liz was one of those persons who had no problem entering personal space! Out of the blue, she leaned in and said,
" I love your hair!"
I replied with a thank you then carried on my conversation with my friend. Shortly after, she LEANED in again and EXCITEDLY said with a HUGE grin,
" Oh my goodness, you are like me, I can see your gums when you smile too!!"
Finally, Liz received her take out order and was ready to leave. Suddenly, she fell off her chair and tumbled to the floor. (The take out order was safe!!! ) My friend and I tried to conceal our laughter. I know it's not funny to laugh at such an event but in light of our whole encounter with Liz it seemed appropriate. As she picked herself up, we saw her "gum exposed smile" and the wave of her hand bidding us goodnight.
My friend and I are anticipating another encounter with our new friend the next time we eat at Jack Astor's.
Saturday 26 January 2008
A Portrait of my Mother!
Since my previous post talked about my dear "S", I thought this would be a good time to tell the story of the above picture I came across when I was cleaning out my files last weekend!
"S" drew this portrait of my mother two years ago when she was in grade 5. This portrait created quite the frenzy in the class. Before I arrived to the classroom one afternoon, "S" had shown her drawing to the majority of the students ( most of whom are black, mixed and East Indian - I tell you that fact because it provides context for the story). So, when I arrived, immediately I was bombarded with the following question, " Miss Whalen, is your mom black?" Their puzzled looks caught me off guard as I had no idea why they were asking me about my mom. Quickly, I figured it out. I saw my dear "S" waving a picture eagerly in her hand. The title said, "Miss Whalen's mom."
I instantly understood the confusion. You see my students knew I was white as snow yet according the "S"'s picture, I should be mixed like creme caramel or darker brown like milk chocolate!!
"S" has met my mother and knows she is white, but in her world all mother's should look like her own! This portrait of my mother is cherished!!
Thursday 24 January 2008
As much as I tell "crazy" stories about my students and as much as I may complain about them, there are many great teaching moments that make it all worthwhile! Today at school was one such moment!
The intermediate students (200+) had an assembly this afternoon with a motivational speaker, who was introduced as a poetry reader. Immediately, I thought, " oh great... we the staff are going to be dealing with so many behavioural issues during this assembly…these kids are not going to listen to someone recite poetry…” I quickly tried to hatch a plan of escape but not before our guest began speaking. As mama always says, “never judge a book by its cover.” I should have listened to mama!! This poetry reader captivated the audience. At the end of his presentation, he asked the students to imagine that the auditorium was filled with 2 million people. He then told them to write down what they would say to those 2 million people if given the opportunity. So, for the next few minutes, I watched the crowd participate in this exercise. My dear “S” , who I have blogged about before, came and sat by me. Knowing she probably wouldn’t understand this exercise, I made an attempt to help her pen her thoughts.
Finally, our guest asked if any of the students wanted to share publically what they had written. I was almost in tears listening to some of their thoughts and poems. Why? Because they were raw and honest and good. But most of all I was sad that the common underlying theme of their stories was their fear of living in a world with gun violence and terrorism. This is a pre- teenage world that is foreign to me. When I was in jr. high school our biggest fear was not passing a test. How do we protect these children. How sad to think this is the world we are passing on to our precious children. This is too big of a weight for them to shoulder. How did our country of Canada , our province of Ontario get to this point. It makes me sad. Yet…
In the midst of this sadness, a bright light shines to bring hope, simplicity and humility to our little corner of the world. My dear “S” wanted me to read what she wrote. This is what she would say to those 2 million people,
“Hi! How are you? I am “S.” I was going shopping with my friends. I love my family. Always smile. I love to do many activities. The end.”
Her voice. She is using it well! No fear just unconditional love to everyone ( especially to a couple boys – Yes, even this autistic teen has her jr. high school crushes!)
Once again, God gently reminded me to continue to shine His light in this dark world. As cliché as this sounds, it is truth: He is peace and is the answer for the world today! Have no fear!
The intermediate students (200+) had an assembly this afternoon with a motivational speaker, who was introduced as a poetry reader. Immediately, I thought, " oh great... we the staff are going to be dealing with so many behavioural issues during this assembly…these kids are not going to listen to someone recite poetry…” I quickly tried to hatch a plan of escape but not before our guest began speaking. As mama always says, “never judge a book by its cover.” I should have listened to mama!! This poetry reader captivated the audience. At the end of his presentation, he asked the students to imagine that the auditorium was filled with 2 million people. He then told them to write down what they would say to those 2 million people if given the opportunity. So, for the next few minutes, I watched the crowd participate in this exercise. My dear “S” , who I have blogged about before, came and sat by me. Knowing she probably wouldn’t understand this exercise, I made an attempt to help her pen her thoughts.
Finally, our guest asked if any of the students wanted to share publically what they had written. I was almost in tears listening to some of their thoughts and poems. Why? Because they were raw and honest and good. But most of all I was sad that the common underlying theme of their stories was their fear of living in a world with gun violence and terrorism. This is a pre- teenage world that is foreign to me. When I was in jr. high school our biggest fear was not passing a test. How do we protect these children. How sad to think this is the world we are passing on to our precious children. This is too big of a weight for them to shoulder. How did our country of Canada , our province of Ontario get to this point. It makes me sad. Yet…
In the midst of this sadness, a bright light shines to bring hope, simplicity and humility to our little corner of the world. My dear “S” wanted me to read what she wrote. This is what she would say to those 2 million people,
“Hi! How are you? I am “S.” I was going shopping with my friends. I love my family. Always smile. I love to do many activities. The end.”
Her voice. She is using it well! No fear just unconditional love to everyone ( especially to a couple boys – Yes, even this autistic teen has her jr. high school crushes!)
Once again, God gently reminded me to continue to shine His light in this dark world. As cliché as this sounds, it is truth: He is peace and is the answer for the world today! Have no fear!
Tuesday 22 January 2008
The Haircut!
The end result!
I was in desperate need for a haircut so tonight I took a trip to my hairstylist, stopping off at Starbucks for a sugar-free vanilla soy latte before I succumbed to the wrath of the scissors!
Sunday 20 January 2008
The urge to play in the snow tonight - Am I crazy? It feels like -25 C out there!
At 7pm tonight, it was -13C but with the windchill, it felt like -25C. I decided to get a headstart on clearing off my car so I wouldn't have a ton of snow to clear in the morning before work. I bundled up and ventured outside. After cleaning my car, I decided to stay out and play in the snow!!:) It was so beautiful -- calm, quiet with only the sound of crunching snow under my feet. I LOVE that sound!! It was a peaceful evening and I wanted to enjoy the moment.
The moment didn't last long due to the intense cold but I was able to capture some of it on camera!
Enjoy along with me!
The snow was blinding and stinging my eyes as I attempted to take a self portrait!
I thought this was a cool shot of the tree shadow on the freshly fallen snow!
Here is my "clean" car!! Three minutes before it was lovely and clean!!!
Saturday 19 January 2008
Maps, maps and more maps...
I LOVE maps. I don't recall the specific moment I became fascinated with maps. However, I do remember one significant event that changed my life forever.
An ENORMOUS, hard cover edition of the "National Geographic Atlas of the World" was delivered to our door. I could not open it fast enough. I remember lugging it to my room and placing it carefully on my floor. A huge grin filled my countenance as I leafed through the pages of this beautiful book. Over the course of the next few years, I would study in detail the maps that filled these pages! I would dream endlessly about visiting some of the exotic countries and cities one day! I would refer to it when I had many Social Studies/Geography projects to complete. Sadly, I don't know where this atlas ended up, but its memory still lives on in my mind!
Linked to my love of maps is my love of travelling. I am grateful to my parents for the many travel adventures they gave their children. I fondly remember many crazy and long road trips exploring Canada and the US; camping adventures; and travelling abroad to Great Britain- the home of my ancestors. Without fail, I would pour over the road maps to see the places we were travelling to, how to get there and what wee towns, roads and interesting sights were nearby.
I carried on the tradition of travel myself and have been so fortunate to explore those" National Geographic exotic countries and cities" I had dreamed of travelling to one day. I can't believe some of the experiences I have had travelling! I feel so blessed. ( maybe I will have to write about some of my travel adventures in another blog entry- especially I must write about the time I met an angel on a train in Italy!!:))
Alice Steinbach's book, "Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman" has played a significant role in my travels as of late. She is so inspiring and helped me take my travel adventures to the next level: observing, immersing myself fully in the culture, listening, smelling, being confident and creative, taking everything in, breathing, truly relaxing, bravely exploring, meaningful conversation with strangers, reflecting on lessons learned. One such lesson: " how to stop rushing from place to place, always looking ahead to the next thing while the moment in front of me slipped away unnoticed." (p.13)
An ENORMOUS, hard cover edition of the "National Geographic Atlas of the World" was delivered to our door. I could not open it fast enough. I remember lugging it to my room and placing it carefully on my floor. A huge grin filled my countenance as I leafed through the pages of this beautiful book. Over the course of the next few years, I would study in detail the maps that filled these pages! I would dream endlessly about visiting some of the exotic countries and cities one day! I would refer to it when I had many Social Studies/Geography projects to complete. Sadly, I don't know where this atlas ended up, but its memory still lives on in my mind!
Linked to my love of maps is my love of travelling. I am grateful to my parents for the many travel adventures they gave their children. I fondly remember many crazy and long road trips exploring Canada and the US; camping adventures; and travelling abroad to Great Britain- the home of my ancestors. Without fail, I would pour over the road maps to see the places we were travelling to, how to get there and what wee towns, roads and interesting sights were nearby.
I carried on the tradition of travel myself and have been so fortunate to explore those" National Geographic exotic countries and cities" I had dreamed of travelling to one day. I can't believe some of the experiences I have had travelling! I feel so blessed. ( maybe I will have to write about some of my travel adventures in another blog entry- especially I must write about the time I met an angel on a train in Italy!!:))
Alice Steinbach's book, "Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman" has played a significant role in my travels as of late. She is so inspiring and helped me take my travel adventures to the next level: observing, immersing myself fully in the culture, listening, smelling, being confident and creative, taking everything in, breathing, truly relaxing, bravely exploring, meaningful conversation with strangers, reflecting on lessons learned. One such lesson: " how to stop rushing from place to place, always looking ahead to the next thing while the moment in front of me slipped away unnoticed." (p.13)
Also, she inspired me to try something fun that helps to recapture and preserve the memory of those travel adventures: sending postcards home to myself from the places I have visited. With much anticipation, I await for the card in the mail that allows me to relive and reflect on my travel journey.
I look forward to many more crazy road trips and journeys to far away places before I die.
And.....
Maybe one day I'll unearth that precious National Geographic Atlas somewhere in my parent's attic! What a wonderful gift that would be!
I look forward to many more crazy road trips and journeys to far away places before I die.
And.....
Maybe one day I'll unearth that precious National Geographic Atlas somewhere in my parent's attic! What a wonderful gift that would be!
Exhilerating!
Friday 18 January 2008
Confessions of the Road Rage Babes!!
Last night I discovered I am not alone in my road rage issues, although I have improved significantly since purchasing an automatic! My fellow comrades on the road shared similar missives about their experiences with crazy drivers. It felt good to confess some of my explisives used in the car ONLY - so far they have not escaped the confines of my forest green "senior-mobile!" So, my road rage babes - you know who you are- I thank you for being transparent and willing to share! Here's to life on the road!
Thursday 17 January 2008
Out of the mouth of babes --- NOT!!
Today, after spending twenty patient( like Job!), creative minutes helping one of my grade 2 students ( age 8) with his language worksheet, he had the gall to look at me and say in a exasperated tone,
" Do you know that you are wasting my time."
My mouth dropped about 50 feet! I could not believe this eight year old student, with some learning difficulties, had the nerve to speak to me in this manner. What is happening to our children in society today? It is unbelieveable and scares me to think what they will be like as adults.
" Do you know that you are wasting my time."
My mouth dropped about 50 feet! I could not believe this eight year old student, with some learning difficulties, had the nerve to speak to me in this manner. What is happening to our children in society today? It is unbelieveable and scares me to think what they will be like as adults.
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