Chocolate Milkshakes

"Happiness" on Mary Lake

Today, one of my students in grade 5 said the following to me when he heard I was going to McDonald's for lunch:

" Miss W, are you going to McDonald's for your birthday too? You should go to Kelsey's and get a chocolate milkshake. It is like... TASTING HAPPINESS!"

Guess where I am headed tonight?!

Fruit Salad

As I was about to put a spoonful of delicious fruit salad into my mouth, I heard this soft chanting behind me. I was in our staff kitchen helping the students in the spec. ed. class make fruit salad. Two of the boys who have autism (one of the boys I wrote about here) were finished their duties and sitting on one of the green leather staff sofas. As I turned around, I saw these boys peeking above the back of the sofa smiling mischievously and chanting my name over and over again. The comical part about this teasing was the accent coming out of the mouth of one of the boys. He has a Canadian accent but was chanting in his parent's native tongue! I had to turn away and laugh! It was the cutest thing. The teacher then piped in and told the boys, " we do not tease in our class, so please stop!" Immediately the boys said to me, "I'm sorry 'Kawwwin'!" I'm just thankful they didn't swear at me! I LOVE that these autistic boys have a sense of humour. This "incident" made my whole day! Must have been something in the fruit salad!

We can learn so much about life through students with special needs. I am grateful they are a part of our planet. It is my desire the world will come to value these precious ones more fully. It is a honour for me to work with these children on a daily basis. My life is richer.

High School memories and the explosion of the Challenger Space Shuttle

The "Catwalk," once a meeting place for students, now a "greenhouse."

Did time stand still? It was the same hustle and bustle back on January 28, 1986. Exam time. As I walked through those doors of my old high school and down that familiar hallway on my way to a workshop, students rushed past me with the same focused intent trying to get to their exams on time. A vivid memory came flooding back instantly to my mind. It was in this particular hallway behind the stage doors exactly 25 years ago while I was rushing to get to my grade 13 biology exam- on time- did I learn the news of the Challenger Space Shuttle. I could not believe it had exploded within seconds of take off. Millions of people were watching because it was the first time a civilian-a teacher- was on board. I haven't been in those classrooms for 25 years.

As I sat in my old English classroom for this workshop, I was transported back to my high school days. I LOVED high school so my memories of strolling those hallways and classrooms with my friends were good. It was a strange feeling for me sitting in the same desk where today my legs barely fit under the desk! Few changes have been made to RS McLaughlin C.V.I. since 1986. Still lingering are a few of my teachers who will retire at the end of the school year! The majority of my high school teachers were AMAZING and inspired me to excellence.

I noticed the science classrooms have been renovated and no longer have the desk/workstations with the bunson burner in the middle. I noticed the classroom where I learned how to type on the IBM electric typewriters is now a computer lab! The catwalk is no longer a place to sit but a makeshift greenhouse of sorts! The catwalk was an important part of our social times with friends in high school. How sad the students can no longer sit in the catwalk. The cafeteria has been repainted, however our "table" is still in the same spot! The original chalkboards with oak trim still hang in the classrooms. The classrooms now seem much smaller. An elevator has been installed. The old phone booth is now a storage closet.

The highlight for me was seeing the laminated posters of the school musical productions mounted on the wall of the hallway behind the stage. Every year I highly anticipated being involved in our school musicals. We had a blast. It was because of these productions I now adore the theatre!

I think time did stand still. At least for a moment anyways. I am grateful. My time in high school helped to shape me into the strong, confident, intelligent, loyal, honest woman I am today. Thank you teachers and staff at MCVI!

The infamous phone booth!

The following are the posters from the musical productions I sang and acted in...

The Magic of Memories and Muskoka Chairs

Muskoka Chair (or as my US neighbours call it, Adirondack Chair) August 2010, Port Sydney, ON

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. Hosting my cousins from Northern Ireland was wonderful, but I must admit, a bit exhausting. I started back to work in the middle of their visit, which proved to be a bit crazy! I am glad to be back to work and back to the fall routines mind you! One of the highlights during my cousins' visit was our camping expedition to the resort I spent all my summers at when I was a pre-teen/teenager! I hadn't camped there in years. Those were some of the best summers of my life.

Memory is an amazing gift. As I ambled down the steep, dirt pathways of the trailer park through the forest on our way to the beach, I recounted to my cousin the many crazy adventures I experienced at this "cottage country" get-a-way...

jumping off the rope swing...cliff diving off the rocks of the Canadian Shield...sunbathing in the Muskoka chairs on the beach...skinny dipping...campfires...s'mores...singing around the campfire...hayrides...horse back riding...honeymoon trail...summer friends...fresh air...clear view of the bright starry sky...chipmunks eating out of your hand...raccoons rummaging through our garbage... swimming out to the dock at dusk...Friday the 13th scare through the forest paths...Midnight Madness in Huntsville... cruising into Huntsville via the river and through the locks...Port Sydney rapids...Port Sydney beach Sundays...great 80's music like Bryan Adams, The Police...breathtaking fall colours...cross country skiing in the middle of winter...winter youth retreats...aawww...sigh...

The magic of memories made me realize I was truly "home."

Mary Lake, Port Sydney, Ontario, August 2010

Taking matters into my own hands...

***update below***

I decided to take matters into my own hands this morning. For 3 months, I have been dealing with parents who decide they want to avoid the "kiss and ride" line when picking up their children from school. Instead, they feel it is better to block staff cars so we cannot leave. ( I should mention here that our school is a "walking" school, which means all our student population live within walking distance. However, for some strange reason, parents who only live across the street, decide it is easier to get in their car and drive their children to school! It makes for a VERY chaotic parking lot. Whatever happened to walking your child to school. Ugh!)

Every day after work in order for me to be able to leave, I have to use my megaphone voice and detective skills to try to locate the parent who has decided to park their car illegally in front of my car thus blocking me in. (phew...that is a mouthful!) Administration has tried to correct this problem but these parents are not getting the message. I was EXTREMELY irate yesterday when I was blocked in for 15 minutes because we could not locate the parent who owned the car. I literally was almost ready to either kick his car so the alarm would sound and he would come running or get in my car and ram my way through! (Ididn't want my collision insurance to go up so I decided against the ramming!)

When my Principal finally located this man, he didn't even apologize. And most importantly, he didn't recognize he was illegally parked. You cannot block other cars so they cannot get out. What if there was an emergency? He was sooo rude to me. I have been more than polite to these parents ( most are the fathers) and am extremely appalled they show such disrespect to me. I understand it is cultural, but we are living in Canada now and women are respected in this country.

To try to remedy this frustrating problem, I came up with a great idea - so I thought. Here is what I did today...




I was eagerly anticipating the end of the day to see if anyone would dare block me in with my bright pink laminated sign taped to my car.

Guess what?

I WAS blocked in, but this time the parent was in the car. I could not believe my eyes. ***deep sigh*** He had the gall to say to me, " you can't post a sign like that on your car." (I can't believe he didn't like my pretty sign!) I angrily replied, " you are illegally parked and blocking me in so I cannot get out. I will call a tow truck next time to remove your vehicle." ***deep sigh***

New plan of attack for tomorrow!

**I had to stay late after work for parent teacher interviews Thursday night. Wouldn't you know when I peeked outside after school to see if anyone was blocking me in, to my amazement , not one car was blocking anyone in! I'll be! Today ( Friday) was a PD Day so no students were at school, just staff. So we'll have to wait and see what happens on Monday!**

'Tis the Season...

I love Christmas. I love the hustle and bustle this season produces. I love the excitement in the air. I love the colourful and bright decorations adorning my community and surrounding areas. I love that I still get to believe in Santa ( wink, wink;) ). I love shopping for Christmas gifts in the crowded shopping malls - really! ( though, now as I'm older, I can only stay in the mall for a short time!) I love that we have not completely forgotten the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating Jesus birth. I love that we spend time with friends and family, eating turkey and all the trimmings and Christmas pudding, drinking egg nog and playing board games! AND I love the various festivities that take place during the holiday season. Here are some of the celebrations I have been participating in...I have always wanted to take voice lessons, so I took the plunge in September and signed up! I have an incredibly talented and gifted teacher, Gayla. Her patience and confidence in me has motivated me to continue and I just might take my first voice exam in the spring! We had our Christmas recital yesterday. My, how memories flooded back to me of my childhood when I took piano lessons and participated in many recitals!

I had a good laugh at my first ever voice recital. I was the oldest participant! My competition was 5 year old piano and voice prodigies!!! My parents were even in attendance supporting me, just like the 5 year olds!! I was chuckling inside as I sat in the audience waiting for my time in the spotlight! Imagine the scene with me! Here are some visuals to help you...

Four year old Davis....
Six year old Sarah....Five year old Daniel ( who chatted with us prior to the recital...he was a cutie who took a liking to my parents and I!!)...Forty-one year old Karyne singing "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)...Believe it or not, I was actually very nervous. I am naturally an alto, however, Gayla is trying to expand my range, thus the song she chose for me was VERY high! I made it through, with Gayla's amazing accompaniment! We were instructed to bow or curtsy after our performance, so here my mom tried to get a pic of me curtsying!My voice teacher, Gayla, and I...My supportive parents with Gayla and I!
I am grateful my parents love me and care enough about me to attend my voice recital! It was a fun afternoon.Christmas is a time for giving and a time for receiving. I love the generosity brought out in people during this time of year. I wanted to share these pics of a pillow my friend "Maryne" bought me a while ago. She knows I collect Centennial paraphernalia. I was born in 1967, which happened to be Canada's 100th birthday: "Centennial Year." The actual day Canada became a nation was July 1, 1867. In honour of being a Centennial baby, I was given a silver spoon, silver cup, and a special certificate from our Mayor. Over the years, I have collected other Centennial objects. I think my favourite is this pillow. Why? Can you see the mistakes on the velvet pillow? No? Let me share...

First, I believe each triangle in the Centennial emblem is suppose to represent a province in Canada. I didn't know Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Gaspe were provinces in Canada!! To see the correct provinces and territories of Canada, go here.
Second, check out the spelling of Ottawa and Gaspe...Ottawa is missing a "t" and Gaspe is missing the accent over the "e." I am not able to type it either on this English keyboard!

I'm not sure where the pillow was made but obviously no one checked the final production!


"For unto us a child is given..."
Another celebration I am taking part in this weekend is my church choir's Christmas program. We have four performances over the weekend..two left, both today, one at 3:30pm and the last one at 6:30pm. We have worked hard all year to put this together and are a bit weary! It is a wonderful program celebrating our Saviour's birth. It always amazes me we never tire of the age-old story!

In the midst of all these festivities, I continue to work for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign...Here I am at the LCBO. The customers are soooo generous. It is lovely to chat with them and hear stories of how they were helped as children through this very Kettle Campaign. I am thankful for churches like the Salvation Army who reach out to their community in this way!Here is the view from where I am standing. It was a lovely sunset that night.

What is Christmas without a "Gingersnap Soy Latte!"

Here are the cards we hand out to customers who donate....

The modern day version of the "Christmas Kettle..."

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas and happy new year!

Five things I have observed thus far while working the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles at the LCBO : ( "Liquor Control Board of Ontario." My American bloggy friends, I should explain that here in Canada you can't buy alcohol at the local convenience or grocery store. It is regulated by our government and can only be bought at any LCBO location or Beer Store.)

5. At least once per night, I watch shoplifters walk right out of the store with hundreds of dollars worth of alcohol under their winter jackets,while the security guard is texting his mates AND the other employees are busy doing their jobs. The police department should hire me! One becomes quite observant while trying to pass the time!
4. Great customer service.
3. All cashiers are on deck. Lines are never allowed to get to 5 people in length, with the exception of Christmas hours.
2. The majority of customers are men - of all shapes and sizes!
1. A great place for single gals to meet single men - of all shapes and sizes!

Who will be our next Prime Minister of Canada? (My first political rant on my blog)

Just like our friends to the south of us, (I tried to be creative using the red, white and blue of their flag, so the words you can't see say "to the"!!) we are having ourselves an election here in Canada. October 14, 2008 is our big day. I just received my election card in the mail today. I have no idea who I will vote for so I need to do some careful research-and do it quickly I might add. Our Prime Minister didn't give us much time unlike our US neighbours who have been campaigning for over a year! ( Our Prime Minister just called the election on my birthday!) I am disillusioned with all the party leaders yet do want to make an informed vote this Federal Election. Canadian elections have to be one of the quietest election campaigns in the entire world - really we are pretty apathetic as a whole nation.

Don't worry, I am pointing the finger at myself as well.

I heard this GREAT analogy today from the teacher in the grade 3 class where I work in the mornings. She wisely cautioned her students to stop "pointing their fingers" at fellow students for mistakes made before taking a good look at their own life. Using her pointed hand as a prop, she showed the students that for every pointed finger there are 3 others facing back towards YOU. A compelling visual reminder of how we should treat our fellow human beings. Thanks Dar!

Immediately, I thought about the story in the Bible of the adulterous woman who was brought before the temple courts where Jesus was teaching. The leaders ( teachers of the Law) wanted her stoned according to the Law and taunted Jesus to see his reaction. His response was this, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Low and behold, no one threw a stone at her! In fact, they retreated and left the temple. Jesus then spoke to the woman and asked, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one sir." He then declared, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."
(John 8)

Great wisdom admidst the political turmoil of His day.

Yet I digress. Back to the point of my post...

I have always seemed to take a "haphazzard" approach to politics. One of the many reasons being these questions that have plagued my mind:
Does my vote even matter- really matter? Is my voice even heard? Are any politicians making a difference in running our country? We never seem to be happy with any government in power? We always seem to find fault with every Prime Minister?

Other reasons for my apathy? Stripped bare...Fear. Fear of not clearly understanding the issues, fear that my decision could be wrong and alter the course of history, ( okay, so I'm a bit dramatic here!!) fear that our country will end up in a greater mess than when it all began on July 1, 1867. Fear that ends in surrender.

NOW, I am determined to turn my apathy into educated interest.

After all, my female Canadian forefathers sacrificed a great deal so I could have the right to vote TODAY. I can't give up. I can't let fear prevent me from taking a stand for what I believe in and ensuring the safety of these beliefs. My vote DOES matter and DOES make a difference. I just need to make certain I know what I believe and what each party/leader believes.

A friend of mine recently sent me an email full of great questions to ponder in helping me to assess these beliefs:

*Should corporations serve people or vice versa?
*Should Canadian politicians work to protect and strengthen the Canadian economy first or grow the global economy first?
*Do you agree with Trudeau's quote, "The government has no business in the bedrooms of the nation?"
*Should tackling environmental problems aggressively and intelligently be a big part of our politics?
*Are women, GLBT's and minorities deserving of equal rights and equal pay with everyone else?
*Would you agree that the best economic policies help protect the poor and grow and protect the middle class?

In addition, there are other issues close to my heart, such as the future of the education system and its affects on our children.

I have alot of homework to do so I better sign off and get busy!

On October 14, 2008, I will stand my ground and boldly make the best decision for the future welfare of our country.

Survival, Birthday Cake and TIFF

Survived my first week back to work- a feat in itself, especially with the intense humidity! My new schedule is crazy busy, along with my fellow EA's, but I am enjoying the students I will be working with this year. No doubt, I will have a few more student "yarns" to share here on my blog.

I am celebrating my birthday all weekend - why not, eh?! I am heading down to TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) tonight with my sista's to stalk some celebrities - hopefully Brad Pitt and George Clooney, and ya'll know how I feel about my George! You know I'll be posting pics of my adventure!

On Saturday, I am heading up north to a friends cottage with my folks - you know the ones with no inhibitions!

Then on Sunday, my actually birthday, I am having some friends pop on by for some of my mother's AMAZING chocolate torte - which is our family's traditional birthday cake!

A fun-filled weekend...for more, stay tuned!

School's Out For Summer!

Today was bittersweet - saying goodbye to cherished students who will be moving on to high school while at the same time excited to be embarking on a two month holiday away from the present student population!

My summer adventure begins on Sunday. I am flying to Northern Ireland for 3 weeks to visit my relatives, friends and hopefully meet up with a bloggy friend and his wife!

Bittersweet memories.....

Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony

Last night I was privileged to witness "C" graduate! He did a great job... we were afraid he wouldn't cooperate! Here he is walking on stage with the help of two of his classmates. He hammed it up in front of the audience! Definitely a proud moment for his family!

My "whale" tattoo!
A couple of years ago, my best friend and I had a tattoo adventure together to celebrate our impending midlife crisis, which hasn't occurred yet, the midlife crisis that is! I LOVE this tattoo because it is my personal trademark. I have been drawing this whale next to my name since I was 12 years old. ( for those who don't know...my last name is "Whalen!") People would always ask me how to spell it and I would always say, " like a whale with an n at the end." The history of my whale will help you understand the next few pics!

A Thank You Card from the Grade 3 Class I Worked In all Year

Isn't that GREAT! I LOVE this card! They even made it a pop-up whale...sooooo creative! Future Hallmark employees??!! They were so excited to give it to me and now I understand why! It is my favourite card from students thus far! Their teacher, Mrs. "B", is my favourite teacher to work with at "The Farm." ( the nickname for our school, "ValleyFarm") AND I'm not just saying that because Mrs. "B" reads my blog!!:)

I can breathe a sigh of relief for another great year! Looking forward to the lazy, hazy days of summer!

a sad day for my hometown

GM Truck Plant will be closing in 2009. That means 2600 people will lose their jobs. Oshawa won't be the same. I hold a special place in my heart for GM for two reasons....one being my dad worked at GM in their computer division for over 30 years...the second reason being I worked in the Truck Plant for a summer during university. GM was good to me and I have many fond memories working the line as a 20 year old "naive" student worker!

Memories include...

• not understanding why all the men whistled at me as I ran up the stairs to the bathroom. I quickly learned my lesson when one of the full -time female workers pulled me aside to give me the heads up that my "girls" jiggled as I ran and warned me to walk the next time
• being privy to the best practical joke ever on my first day of work...PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED. SOME SCENES OF SEXUAL CONTENT... Here's how it went down: I was sitting on a stool, minding my own business in the "trim and hardware" division, waiting for the next truck to come into the bay for me to work my magic on it, when out of the corner of my eye I saw a commotion. I quickly recognized the men were looking at a dirty magazine laying on the desk nestled behind the line. Suddenly, I heard some screaming, laughter and some choice explisive words and then an employee emerged with a look of shock and embarrassment on his face. At that point I looked over pretending not to be fazed by the commotion - it was my first day after all- when I noticed this employee was wet in his private area. Immediately I was stunned. I could not believe this man could NOT control himself at work. GROSS! It was going to be a long summer! The stereotype of working on the line was coming true before my very eyes. Have no fear, I too soon joined in the laughter as I learned this horrifying scene was all part of a bigger plan - the best practical joke ever! I know I have a sick sense of humour! You see, some guys rigged a water gun under that desk. They would lure male employees over to the desk by telling them they had a dirty magazine for them to look at. This ploy worked well because things can get pretty boring on the line! AND men are men after all! When the men were looking at the magazine, another unsuspecting employee would start pumping the water gun and PRESTO! Their secret was safe with me that summer!
• I was able to read a couple of novels over the course of the summer. Now, in the car plant, you were able to read a book a week but on our line, we were too busy!
• I learned how they build trucks and I am proud to have my handiwork written all over the 1989/1990 GMC, Sierra and Chev models!
• I gained a new education in male bonding
• I learned some of my fashion tips by viewing the gallery of "Sunshine Girls" plastered all over the guys' lockers!!!!
• making great money, which paid for university!

THANK YOU General Motors Oshawa Truck Plant! Here's to you! I am still driving a GM vehicle!!

This "Road Rage Babe's" new problem.

A dear co-worker of mine has been in the car with me on two occasions when I have allowed my road rage to get the better of me. You remember my confessions of road rage? I thought confessing would be an effective strategy for helping me eliminate this problem. Obviously not. Today, I had a minor setback. It is that "time of the month." But, I shouldn't really use that as an excuse should I!!!



I was trying to find a parking spot at Costco and became impatient with the van in front of me, who was waiting to pull into an empty spot. I had my eye on the spot directly across from this space. My co-worker and I had limited time as we had to be back to our Autism course in 30 minutes. Finally, the van pulled into his spot and as I was about to enter "my" spot, a car coming from the opposite direction pulled in. I couldn't believe it. I was mad. Apparently ( I say apparently as I really don't remember exactly my reaction ) I said with hand gestures - no, not obscene gestures, I just talk lots with my hands, " you took my spot." She clearly was not happy with me and angrily said, " I didn't know you wanted that spot."



My poor co-worker friend was so embarrassed. She did casually make a comment to me in fun when we saw the woman in Costco. It went something like this, " you are a Christian girl...get it together."



Back at our Autism course, I couldn't get her comment out of my head. I felt so remorseful. What kind of example was I as a Christian? Yikes. Didn't I recently write a blog about walking our talk. What a HUGE lesson for me today. Even though I make light of my "road rage" stories, I need to stop the behaviour. I need to honour God in all I do, even in my driving habits. I don't know why I didn't make that connection before. Probably because I am usually alone when I am driving. I asked God to forgive me and now need to ask my co-worker to forgive me.

And maybe I need to enroll in behaviour modification therapy!

P.S. I just want to point out my road rage only started when I moved back to this area where I grew up. There has been a HUGE increase in population and very little increase in infrastructure to accommodate this influx, thus the major traffic issues. I'm not excusing my behaviour, but it explains why so many people have road rage issues in this area, including myself. Although my co-workers feel it is because I'm sexually frustrated!!! hehehe!! We won't go there!!:)