Well, today is officially a day of packing. Tomorrow we fly back to Canada for 8 weeks of summer camp. Victoria, Vancouver, Penticton, it is all going to be great!
By the way - Yesterday I achieved my goal in destroying everyone who crossed my path in horseshoes - I, along with my great partners: Blake Defieux and Don Quarrie, are now the undisputed 2007 Dong Bei champions of Horseshoes!!
Well, today our staff is going to celebrate the 140th version of Canada Day at our local beach. Since work is winding down and many of us are beginning to go back home, today just proved to be the best day to do this. So, what does Canada Day mean to me today? Two things: beer and beating the pants off of any chump in horseshoes. Happy birthday Canada!
No matter whether I was at school, at home or by myself, this was my day today - I am so glad that I am about 2 minutes away from going to sleep. Goodbye June 28th, 2007.
Yes, I must confess that while I was in grade six (the first time around) I tried my hardest to learn how to moonwalk like Michael Jackson. He was all the rage back then and I thought it was a pretty neat thing to do. To this day my primitive, white, rural-Canadian brain still cannot comprehend how it is done. But, deep down inside, I always wished I could have done it (I know Tanya Pelly would have gone out with me if I could have!) and as I sit here before you now, I still wish I can. Guilty as charged!
Photo courtesy of Hubert Wong
Here’s a nice shot of Dad and Svea taken last Sunday night at Gabe and Wanru’s wedding. She’s a growing little girl who has advanced in so many ways, while the old man just continues to dwindle away.
Yes, I know, maybe a bit of a cheesy song here, but, it does encapsulate perfectly where my mindset is right now. Classes are done, marks are in and one more test to invigilate and we are off on a plane this coming Sunday!
Thanks to a great night at Gabe and Wanru’s wedding, I found myself asleep peacefully on the Serengeti savanna under a giraffe. All is well!
One aspect I love about being in China is all the bikes. The chinese bike (or flying pigeon as it is referred to) is a classic, sturdy, no geared bike that, really, is the work horse of the everyday worker. Now, since Kaifaqu is a very affluent area, the bikes are not as prevalent, but in many other areas of China you see them in abundance. The flying pigeon has been for many years (and still is, really) the main mode of transportation and means of getting the job done for that blue-collared soul.
Stare deep into the middle of the moving vortex and see if you can hypnotize yourself. Give it an honest try, you might be surprised…
Well, this is it; today is the day. Today is the day that we as grade 12 English classes have been building for all year long: the English 12 provincial exam. Historically our students have suffered greatly on this exam, while we have flourished in every other course, usually beating the provincial averages by roughly 10% (if you care about statistics!) I know our kids are extremely nervous right now and I want to wish them all the best of luck. Today is your day. Good luck!!
Photo courtesy of Blake Defiuex
Quite recently, Maple Leaf held its annual graduation ceremony. This was my second year going to the big show, and I have to admit, I enjoy going to this event very much. As a student, I could have cared less about my own graduation(s). I never felt that sense of pride, or accomplishment, that was needed to truly enjoy the moment for myself; but as a teacher, I have a completely different opinion. As a teacher, the graduation ceremony is a day to honor the efforts of your students and feel happy for the job that they have done. They worked hard all year and this day gives them that moment to enjoy their efforts. I certainly feel more pride for their accomplishments than I ever did my own. The graduation ceremony is just such a happy day here at Maple Leaf and the students are so excited that you came and shared this day with them. So, as a teacher, I have come to realize the true meaning of this day and have changed my beliefs on it. It is an important and special day - and I would like to thank my students for teaching me that lesson.
Sorry for the bad quality of this video, but we were able to capture Svea really laughing the other day and we had to work with what we got. This was the first time we have heard Svea like this, and it was just so neat to hear her so happy. So far, she continues to be a happy and content little girl who just loves her big brother - as you can clearly see!
For those of you who have not been, here is a couple of nice photos of our home in China. Now, we live in what is called Dalian Kaifaqu (development zone), which is roughly a 20 min drive out of what you see here as the main downtown section. Dalian has roughly 5 million inhabitants and is growing by second. Relatively speaking, it is a beautiful city with a nice climate (although more snow in the winter would be nice - along with an ice rink!) But, it is what it is and we are very happy here. So, there you have it folks, Dalian, China - come for a week, stay for a lifetime!
