 | You scored as Capt. Lee Adama (Apollo). You have spent your life trying to life up to and impress your Dad, shame he never seemed to notice. You are a stickler for the rules. But in matters of loyalty and honour you know when they have to be broken.
What New Battlestar Galactica character are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Battlestar Quiz
Friday, April 13, 2007
Fabulous Teaching Week!
I had such a fabulous week!
The grade one team started a unit on Master Painters. I started with studying van Gogh. The students are loving learning all about him. Really using effective teaching strategies and trying new things out. They really connected with the content and are thinking far beyond just the content that they are learning. Making connections from the paintings to themselves! I started using a Schema file and they are really getting it too! OMG!
One of my happy teaching weeks for sure!
On top of that, I had 2 lessons that were observed by the VP too. Made it through with a smile.
I LOVE my job!
The grade one team started a unit on Master Painters. I started with studying van Gogh. The students are loving learning all about him. Really using effective teaching strategies and trying new things out. They really connected with the content and are thinking far beyond just the content that they are learning. Making connections from the paintings to themselves! I started using a Schema file and they are really getting it too! OMG!
One of my happy teaching weeks for sure!
On top of that, I had 2 lessons that were observed by the VP too. Made it through with a smile.
I LOVE my job!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Nice Beaver
Walking around, looking at various vendors at the One of a Kind Show this year, I walked near a vendor with some neat t-shirts. I went closer to investigate. I read the t-shirts out loud to get the full effect.
Suddenly, a woman turns her head around with a look of shock.
The shirt I read said "Nice (beaver)" (an image of a beaver followed the word nice).
This was the first time a woman had ever looked at me like that! I quickly reacted and said that I was simply reading the shirt...
Lesson learned: don't talk about how nice beavers are near females
Suddenly, a woman turns her head around with a look of shock.
The shirt I read said "Nice (beaver)" (an image of a beaver followed the word nice).
This was the first time a woman had ever looked at me like that! I quickly reacted and said that I was simply reading the shirt...
Lesson learned: don't talk about how nice beavers are near females
Looking up
I was standing outside my new building, still under construction, admiring its beauty, when a construction guy came up to me and asked if I was a supply teacher. I was totally not expecting that. I told him yes, I used to do that, and he listed off some schools. They were all high schools, so I told him i only work in elementary schools. He had recognized me, not because I was not his teacher, but rather, I was the teacher next door to his brother last year. Sounds a little confusing, yes. I taught in a school with two kindergarten classes. My teaching partner taught this little boy and it seems, I was introduced to his older brother somehow.
All this, just standing on the street, looking up at the sky. It's a very small world.
All this, just standing on the street, looking up at the sky. It's a very small world.
Pedometer Results - March 2007
This month, I recorded the numbers of steps I took on each day using a pedometer.
I took a total of 288049 steps over 31 days, which average out to 9291.90 steps per day. Not too bad considering experts say you should take about 10,000 steps daily.
I've found that I typically do a lot of walking on one day, then do almost no walking the next. Staying at home means I sit too much!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Funny Laugh
Found this on Engadget today...
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/qa-with-the-laughing-wii-baby-245656.php
Such a funny baby!
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/qa-with-the-laughing-wii-baby-245656.php
Such a funny baby!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Nodding Handsome Man
So today, I totally surprised at what I am willing to do to find guy.
I was on the subway home after a long day downtown window shopping with mom and then the Opera with Paul. As usual, I am watching a TV show on my portable movie player. Per my usual routine, I look up once in awhile to know what station I am at, so I can get off appropriately when my stop arrives. I look up and it is North York Station, the 2nd to last stop. Not only did I see the usual blue and grey design of the station, I saw a handsome man standing on the opposite platform. I smile. He nods. HE NODS?!?
This has NEVER ever happened before. I smiled at a guy and he nodded at me! My heart starts to pump. What do I do? WHAT DO I DO?!?! The train rings its usual 3 tones and the door shuts. CRAP! I'm now on the train going North bound, and this handsome man who nodded at me is standing on the platform, waiting for the Southbound train. My mind is racing. What do I do now?
Two options. Option One: Continue on my ride home and take the bus after I get off at the next stop. Option Two: Take a risk and go find the guy. I opted for the latter of the two. I actually paid very close attention to hear if there were any trains going Southbound as my train arrived at the next station. I didn't hear any trains. Upon arrival at the station, I got up and decided to stay on the train and wait for it to go back south again. My heart continues to race.
I sit down on an empty seat, then get up again, thinking I should change cars because the train stops at a different location going in the opposite direction. I make a guess as to which car this man might get on. I finally choose a seat and sit down. The 1.5 minute ride to the next stop seemed to last forever! I quickly took out a piece of paper and pen and write down my contact info, just incase I did bump into him.
The train is arriving at North York Station, I stand up. I look out at the platform as the train is slowing down. I don't see him. I look ahead. I look behind. Maybe I somehow missed him. The doors open. The chimes ring. The doors close. I don't see the man anywhere on this train. I even did a walk up and down the train, just in case I missed him coming on board. He was not on this train. CRAP!
Maybe, he got on the next car! I stood up by the door. I waited until the train pulled into the next station and quickly ran into the next car. My eyes wide open, my heart pumping very quickly. I walk down the car, looking at every man carefully as I walk by. Not here either! DAMN!
I wait by the door again for what seemed like the longest 2 minutes to the next station. The whole time, my brain turning scenarios out for me to consider. Maybe he gets off at this next stop. Maybe he ran to the other platform and waited for me at the next North bound stop. Maybe...
There...the failure of a false reality has set in. He was no where to be seen. I'll likely never see him again. It was a glimmer of hope on a very usual ride home though.
Lesson learned... Smile more. Look at people. Hope for a nod. Maybe HE will be nodding back someday.
If you are reading this handsome man... the date was March 16, 2007 @ 10:50pm. I was on the Northbound train to Finch, and you were standing on the Southbound Platform. :P
Here's hoping universe!
I was on the subway home after a long day downtown window shopping with mom and then the Opera with Paul. As usual, I am watching a TV show on my portable movie player. Per my usual routine, I look up once in awhile to know what station I am at, so I can get off appropriately when my stop arrives. I look up and it is North York Station, the 2nd to last stop. Not only did I see the usual blue and grey design of the station, I saw a handsome man standing on the opposite platform. I smile. He nods. HE NODS?!?
This has NEVER ever happened before. I smiled at a guy and he nodded at me! My heart starts to pump. What do I do? WHAT DO I DO?!?! The train rings its usual 3 tones and the door shuts. CRAP! I'm now on the train going North bound, and this handsome man who nodded at me is standing on the platform, waiting for the Southbound train. My mind is racing. What do I do now?
Two options. Option One: Continue on my ride home and take the bus after I get off at the next stop. Option Two: Take a risk and go find the guy. I opted for the latter of the two. I actually paid very close attention to hear if there were any trains going Southbound as my train arrived at the next station. I didn't hear any trains. Upon arrival at the station, I got up and decided to stay on the train and wait for it to go back south again. My heart continues to race.
I sit down on an empty seat, then get up again, thinking I should change cars because the train stops at a different location going in the opposite direction. I make a guess as to which car this man might get on. I finally choose a seat and sit down. The 1.5 minute ride to the next stop seemed to last forever! I quickly took out a piece of paper and pen and write down my contact info, just incase I did bump into him.
The train is arriving at North York Station, I stand up. I look out at the platform as the train is slowing down. I don't see him. I look ahead. I look behind. Maybe I somehow missed him. The doors open. The chimes ring. The doors close. I don't see the man anywhere on this train. I even did a walk up and down the train, just in case I missed him coming on board. He was not on this train. CRAP!
Maybe, he got on the next car! I stood up by the door. I waited until the train pulled into the next station and quickly ran into the next car. My eyes wide open, my heart pumping very quickly. I walk down the car, looking at every man carefully as I walk by. Not here either! DAMN!
I wait by the door again for what seemed like the longest 2 minutes to the next station. The whole time, my brain turning scenarios out for me to consider. Maybe he gets off at this next stop. Maybe he ran to the other platform and waited for me at the next North bound stop. Maybe...
There...the failure of a false reality has set in. He was no where to be seen. I'll likely never see him again. It was a glimmer of hope on a very usual ride home though.
Lesson learned... Smile more. Look at people. Hope for a nod. Maybe HE will be nodding back someday.
If you are reading this handsome man... the date was March 16, 2007 @ 10:50pm. I was on the Northbound train to Finch, and you were standing on the Southbound Platform. :P
Here's hoping universe!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Tesla
Ever since I played Command and Conquer, I've always been fasinated with Tesla Coils. Here is one neat example...
The Ultimate Car Protection
Funky Transporter Effect
"Eye of Sauron"
Images from: Tesla Coil Sparks
The Ultimate Car Protection
Funky Transporter Effect
"Eye of Sauron"
Images from: Tesla Coil Sparks
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Keeping Positive
In keeping with the ideas of "The Secret", I'm focusing on the good points that I've learned rather than harping on what I didn't like. This is hard work, when you want to bitch about something...
No Fun
We have these assemblies called "Silent Assemblies" at school. The idea is that you walk silently down to the gym and sit silently while a presentation is happening. It's a great management tool. However, this past Tuesday, a group that came to the school to present gave me a shocking reminder that children need to have fun.
At the start of the production (a bunch of skits about bullying) the actors tried to hype up the students, by getting them to respond. All the students sat in complete silence. Not sure how they were to react. After all, they were told explicitly that it was a serious presentation and there will be "NO LAUGHING".
How embarrassing to be working in a school where students feel fearful to cheer and respond how they think it is appropriate.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see how these rules affect children's learning and how I would NOT run a place of learning.
At the start of the production (a bunch of skits about bullying) the actors tried to hype up the students, by getting them to respond. All the students sat in complete silence. Not sure how they were to react. After all, they were told explicitly that it was a serious presentation and there will be "NO LAUGHING".
How embarrassing to be working in a school where students feel fearful to cheer and respond how they think it is appropriate.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see how these rules affect children's learning and how I would NOT run a place of learning.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Early Start
I've been trying this new thing this week. Wake up early, start work early, end day early.
So far my feelings about it...
1. Great to get into work before everyone else. No one to disturb me.
2. I'm productive for about 30 minutes and then it all slows down again
3. I'm dead tired by the end of the day.
4. I need to sleep by 9:30pm to wake up for 6am
5. I need to do it for a few weeks to see the over all effect.
I think its a great idea, its just the matter of actually doing it that will stop me maybe. I'll keep trying!
So far my feelings about it...
1. Great to get into work before everyone else. No one to disturb me.
2. I'm productive for about 30 minutes and then it all slows down again
3. I'm dead tired by the end of the day.
4. I need to sleep by 9:30pm to wake up for 6am
5. I need to do it for a few weeks to see the over all effect.
I think its a great idea, its just the matter of actually doing it that will stop me maybe. I'll keep trying!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Totally Pissed Off In Sleep
I couldn't believe the fact that I woke up because I was dreaming about work.
As a new teacher, we were offered a workshop on a new assessment tool. Usually you go to these workshops to gain something for yourself to use in the classroom. Things are simply not quite like that at my school. The night before the workshop, we got an email saying that we will be the first group of people to be in-serviced on this new tool, we will be expected to share our learning with the entire staff at a staff meeting.
1st problem:
As a new teacher, we have a lot on our plates, just trying to everything working and prepared in the class. Who has time to go prepare a presentation for the staff?!?
2nd Problem:
We were TOLD the day of the workshop that we will be presenting to the entire staff. It’s one thing to be asked, or volunteer to present to the staff. It’s a totally different thing to have a presentation thrust upon you.
So the one who told us about this task is part of the admin team, and she is on an admin track, meaning she’s trying get into an admin position in the near future. Here in lies the problem. It is my belief that the admin actually didn’t ask us to do this presentation. It is this career driven person who decided it was a good idea to do this and told the admin this is what she wants to do. This little stunt is suppose to give the current admin a sense that she takes initiative. This woman decided the week of the meeting to say, we are going to plan for this presentation. Fine. A good idea since we hadn’t met up since the workshop.
3rd Problem:
She decided she was going to run our planning meeting. We gave some ideas on what might be good to include, and then IT started. She took over. She decided for us that it would take this long to do this part, we can’t do that part, we need to have this and that, but keep that other part out. She neatly typed up our tasks and emailed it to use on the spot. Efficient, YES. Our presentation, NO.
4th Problem:
We were told at this planning meeting that it was not just a little presentation. The new teachers were to RUN the entire staff meeting! Teachers like to actually EAT their lunch at lunch time, so typically, staff meetings are sit and listen type events, but participate when needed. This one is going to be a “working meeting”. The rest of the staff will need to read through parts of this new tool and report on what they learned/gathered from it.
I had no idea I felt so bitter about this whole thing until it woke me up from my sleep.
The root of the problem lies in a few things:
-Staff at this school is just expected to do things.
-No one is asked nicely or suggested to volunteer to do anything, we are just told.
-The feeling that admin thinks, Staff are unwilling to go beyond their call of duty.
-You can’t get out of something, for fear of backlash.
“Welcome to
SO PISSED OFF!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Negotiation Skills, Computer Skills, Weekends, Child-less Days
Today I have gratitude for...
Negotiation skills
Well, I'm not exactly sure if it's really negotiation or not, but here's the story. I put an order in for a new computer 2 weeks ago because my laptop screen was flaking out on me. It was suppose to be picked up last Friday, and it's 1 week behind schedule already for the pick up. I have called daily this week and last to find out when I can pick up my computer. Two days ago (Tuesday), they told me I can pick it up on Thursday. I called today, and they said I'll have to wait till next week because the case hasn't arrived yet! This is when I got a tad bit upset. To make the story short, I told them my expectation is that I get the computer delivered as promised. If not, they have to make it up to me. They suggested giving me a cheaper case. I suggested that would not be a good idea, since it is their problem and they really should make it up to me for my inconvenience. In the end, I got a call back saying they are willing to either upgrade the case for me or upgrade the CPU. According to the website, the CPU would have cost $60 + tax and the case about $20+tax. I'm not THAT dumb! I went for the better CPU and cheaper case! The thing is, after I ordered the machine, I thought that I should have spent a bit more on the CPU, but regretted it. Now I got what I wanted and didn't have to pay anything for it. Amazing. Maybe this "law of attraction" thing does work... Hmmm
Computer Skills
I promised a co-worker I would get the data off her old laptop. I did that today with a bit of trouble shooting. The darn thing wouldn't let me open any drives the conventional way in the windows interface. I have to thank my DOS days again for this... :) Who would have thought they would need to use the xcopy /s command in this day in age! yikes!
I also secured a wireless network for the VP. He actually brought the whole laptop and router in. Easy fix.
It feels nice to be able to help people solve their problems. As minor it is for me, I know they wouldn't have been able to do it at all.
Weekends
I am really looking forward to seeing my friends this weekend. That is my top priority these days. I spent the night Wednesday at Kaarin's place. We made dinner, watched a movie, chatted about life and work. It was so much fun. So relaxing for a weeknight!
Child-less days
Kaarin has a 2.5 year old. As much fun as they are at work or seeing them for short periods of time, children are just not the same when they live with you. I think I'll remain child-less for a few more years yet. As much fun and pleasure they are to have, there are some really sobering consequences to your way of living.
Negotiation skills
Well, I'm not exactly sure if it's really negotiation or not, but here's the story. I put an order in for a new computer 2 weeks ago because my laptop screen was flaking out on me. It was suppose to be picked up last Friday, and it's 1 week behind schedule already for the pick up. I have called daily this week and last to find out when I can pick up my computer. Two days ago (Tuesday), they told me I can pick it up on Thursday. I called today, and they said I'll have to wait till next week because the case hasn't arrived yet! This is when I got a tad bit upset. To make the story short, I told them my expectation is that I get the computer delivered as promised. If not, they have to make it up to me. They suggested giving me a cheaper case. I suggested that would not be a good idea, since it is their problem and they really should make it up to me for my inconvenience. In the end, I got a call back saying they are willing to either upgrade the case for me or upgrade the CPU. According to the website, the CPU would have cost $60 + tax and the case about $20+tax. I'm not THAT dumb! I went for the better CPU and cheaper case! The thing is, after I ordered the machine, I thought that I should have spent a bit more on the CPU, but regretted it. Now I got what I wanted and didn't have to pay anything for it. Amazing. Maybe this "law of attraction" thing does work... Hmmm
Computer Skills
I promised a co-worker I would get the data off her old laptop. I did that today with a bit of trouble shooting. The darn thing wouldn't let me open any drives the conventional way in the windows interface. I have to thank my DOS days again for this... :) Who would have thought they would need to use the xcopy /s command in this day in age! yikes!
I also secured a wireless network for the VP. He actually brought the whole laptop and router in. Easy fix.
It feels nice to be able to help people solve their problems. As minor it is for me, I know they wouldn't have been able to do it at all.
Weekends
I am really looking forward to seeing my friends this weekend. That is my top priority these days. I spent the night Wednesday at Kaarin's place. We made dinner, watched a movie, chatted about life and work. It was so much fun. So relaxing for a weeknight!
Child-less days
Kaarin has a 2.5 year old. As much fun as they are at work or seeing them for short periods of time, children are just not the same when they live with you. I think I'll remain child-less for a few more years yet. As much fun and pleasure they are to have, there are some really sobering consequences to your way of living.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Reliable Technology, Old Computers, Good Energy, Tea
Today I have gratitude for...
Reliable Technology
I was trying to backup data from a college's old laptop today. It was seriously screwed up 'cause the OS just wasn't behaving like it was suppose to be. So I rebooted into Safe mode and I could at least see all the files. I went to insert a USB flash drive, but it didn't recognize it at all. Good thing for good ol' 3.5" floppies! I didn't have any on hand, so i'll have to manuall transfer the data off... good thing its only 4MB of data, and not 4GB! yikes!
Old computers
I remember when I was younger, my parents gave me an old junky computer to play with. Having learned computers from the OS level, like DOS really helps with stuff I do now. I remember fondly of trying to install a game using many disks and hoping that I have enough room on the HD. "Please please please install... or else I'll have to delete another 5mb of data! Oh when HD space was precious. Mind you, HD space is still precious, there's just more of it to work with :) I think I can fill up as many drives you give me...
Good Energy
I really enjoy talking to people with good energy. I always feel good when I talk to people like Pete and Terence. Very calming and I find grounds me a little bit. A feeling of happiness always comes after.
Tea
I was feeling really tired today after work. I almost fell asleep as I was tutoring! YIKES! I came home and had a cup of caffeinated tea... I haven't had real tea in a long time. Boy, now I'm wide awake. I didn't realized how much I missed Tea, Earl Grey, Hot. Not too often and not too late in the evening though. I think I may be up a little bit tonight, even though I'm dead tired.
Reliable Technology
I was trying to backup data from a college's old laptop today. It was seriously screwed up 'cause the OS just wasn't behaving like it was suppose to be. So I rebooted into Safe mode and I could at least see all the files. I went to insert a USB flash drive, but it didn't recognize it at all. Good thing for good ol' 3.5" floppies! I didn't have any on hand, so i'll have to manuall transfer the data off... good thing its only 4MB of data, and not 4GB! yikes!
Old computers
I remember when I was younger, my parents gave me an old junky computer to play with. Having learned computers from the OS level, like DOS really helps with stuff I do now. I remember fondly of trying to install a game using many disks and hoping that I have enough room on the HD. "Please please please install... or else I'll have to delete another 5mb of data! Oh when HD space was precious. Mind you, HD space is still precious, there's just more of it to work with :) I think I can fill up as many drives you give me...
Good Energy
I really enjoy talking to people with good energy. I always feel good when I talk to people like Pete and Terence. Very calming and I find grounds me a little bit. A feeling of happiness always comes after.
Tea
I was feeling really tired today after work. I almost fell asleep as I was tutoring! YIKES! I came home and had a cup of caffeinated tea... I haven't had real tea in a long time. Boy, now I'm wide awake. I didn't realized how much I missed Tea, Earl Grey, Hot. Not too often and not too late in the evening though. I think I may be up a little bit tonight, even though I'm dead tired.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Computer skills, Communication, Positive thinking, Self Control
Today, I have gratitude for...
Computer skills
The VP today asked me about a computer problem at home, and it is basically a problem that most novice users have - not knowing enough for their own good. He has spyware and didn't install his wireless network properly. I'm giving him some free tools to use to get rid of the spyware and told him to find someone to help him secure the network. So dangerous!
Clear communication
It is when there is trouble or problems that ones communication skills are called into action and put to the real test. Relationships can crumble based solely on communication skills, and I think its one of the most valuable skills to have. To have people who are able to communicate clearly are just so valuable.
Positive thinking
Even though a relationship opportunity evaporated just today, I feel quite neutral about it. I know in the back of my mind that it will happen at some point, and I think I've just stopped worrying about it. I told myself a few weeks ago, that I'm just going to focus on myself and I don't feel nearly as bad that the whole thing didn't work out. Just let the universe guide the way.
Self control
I haven't been on a dating/hunting site for 2 weeks! Yay! I've found more time to blog it seems.
Computer skills
The VP today asked me about a computer problem at home, and it is basically a problem that most novice users have - not knowing enough for their own good. He has spyware and didn't install his wireless network properly. I'm giving him some free tools to use to get rid of the spyware and told him to find someone to help him secure the network. So dangerous!
Clear communication
It is when there is trouble or problems that ones communication skills are called into action and put to the real test. Relationships can crumble based solely on communication skills, and I think its one of the most valuable skills to have. To have people who are able to communicate clearly are just so valuable.
Positive thinking
Even though a relationship opportunity evaporated just today, I feel quite neutral about it. I know in the back of my mind that it will happen at some point, and I think I've just stopped worrying about it. I told myself a few weeks ago, that I'm just going to focus on myself and I don't feel nearly as bad that the whole thing didn't work out. Just let the universe guide the way.
Self control
I haven't been on a dating/hunting site for 2 weeks! Yay! I've found more time to blog it seems.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Gratitude: Friends, "The Secret", Origami Videos, Holidays
I am grateful for...
Friends
Friends who are there when you need them. I really appreciate friends who really care and are just available when you need them the most. Friends you simple enjoy spending time with, it doesn't matter what you end up doing.
"The Secret"
A guy I met online a few weeks back suggested I watch the movie, "The Secret". The content is a cross between spirituality and positive attitude in life. The idea that there is a "law of attraction" and thoughts attract things to you. Its the general gist of what Terence told me about sending the list of qualities in a man into the universe. It mentioned gratitude, which triggered me to think of the gratitudes I wrote when Oprah suggested it. So here I am again, starting it up. I think I'll try it out and see how it will work in my life. Remove the negative and focus on the positive.
Origami Videos
I've found several really neat and useful origami items on TechEBlog that I've actually used in real life now. There's a paper cup and paper box which I am finding very useful, but easy to make. Lots of other neat things too...
http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/7-cool-things-you-can-make-with-paper
Holidays
I've never realized how important holidays are in life. It really is a time to re-energize, get your life in order, see friends and relax. I really needed this break. The only problem is, I want more of it now! :)
Friends
Friends who are there when you need them. I really appreciate friends who really care and are just available when you need them the most. Friends you simple enjoy spending time with, it doesn't matter what you end up doing.
"The Secret"
A guy I met online a few weeks back suggested I watch the movie, "The Secret". The content is a cross between spirituality and positive attitude in life. The idea that there is a "law of attraction" and thoughts attract things to you. Its the general gist of what Terence told me about sending the list of qualities in a man into the universe. It mentioned gratitude, which triggered me to think of the gratitudes I wrote when Oprah suggested it. So here I am again, starting it up. I think I'll try it out and see how it will work in my life. Remove the negative and focus on the positive.
Origami Videos
I've found several really neat and useful origami items on TechEBlog that I've actually used in real life now. There's a paper cup and paper box which I am finding very useful, but easy to make. Lots of other neat things too...
http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/7-cool-things-you-can-make-with-paper
Holidays
I've never realized how important holidays are in life. It really is a time to re-energize, get your life in order, see friends and relax. I really needed this break. The only problem is, I want more of it now! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)