It's an update - state side. I headed to London on Wednesday night with Amy in preparation for my flight on Thursday. Georgie picked us up at the underground near her and took us for dinner at the Hilton. The story is that we stayed at the Hilton. That's the story. We're sticking to it.
The flights were fine - after ten hours of being in the air I was more than happy to hear "Welcome to Cleveland." I'm not sure I'm really impressed by American Airlines, but what can you do when you're on a budget?
Home-Home has been an interesting experience. My family has been great, my grandparents appreciative. Jen and Travis came out for a bit last night - that was excellent! I was so happy to see them. The boys - well - some people just don't get it. And quite frankly I'm not going to go out of my way to deal with people who are prats.
It seems when you pick up and move some people can't forgive you for that. And they can't grasp the concept of different time zones. No wonder the British dislike Americans....cocky and unaware there is a world beyond them. Well - you can see that in some of my friends. Maybe by the time I leave they will find it within themselves to come and visit me....and if not, I'm no worse off.
I do miss my UK family terribly! If I could have the UK family and the US family at the same time - how great would that be! As I have told them, I will be back for New Years eve. My current attention is focused on Christmas.
Christmas for my family consists of that Italian tradition of the seven fish. Not very american.....British...but Italian. I love being so cultural. Hopefully everything pans out. I have some cool things I would love to share with my family and friends! I spent a lot of time thinking about the perfect christmas gifts - can't wait to share them!
Well - I'm going to get my day going. It's 6:30.....but that's 11:30 UK time. I am not getting adjusted to this time zone at all!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Countdown!~
4 More teaching days
6 Days Until an Outing in London
7 Days Until Departure for the US of A
12 Days until CHRISTMAS
15 Days Until the Return Flight to the UK
18 Days until New Years Eve!
21 Days until the start of Spring Term
42 Days until Half Term Break!
My....How time flies....
6 Days Until an Outing in London
7 Days Until Departure for the US of A
12 Days until CHRISTMAS
15 Days Until the Return Flight to the UK
18 Days until New Years Eve!
21 Days until the start of Spring Term
42 Days until Half Term Break!
My....How time flies....
Monday, December 3, 2007
Just another manic Monday....
Living it up in the UK. Now that our first term is almost complete I look back at everything that has gone down since I moved here in August.
School is still brilliant. I can say that our staff is probably the best teaching staff I have ever worked with - in terms of academic matters and matters outside school. People generally care about each other and their well being. In the other schools I have worked in it always seems like it's every man for themselves.... What happened to community? Sure, there are things we disagree with here, but we still work and function together as a family. I really like the atmosphere here. It's excellent.
My teaching skills have definitely improved. I realize that it takes a lot of energy to be the kind of teacher I want to be, and some days I just don't have that energy. I'm still working out how to be poorly and still teach with high energy. Any ideas would be much appreciated. I also feel that my strategies have improved - MUCH better than they used to be. It's neat to be teaching drama because it really has helped me work on my discipline. I think transferring that to an English class will be much easier with my feet planted firmly.
Becoming British - well, I haven't exactly dropped my Americanisms - but I have a feeling that is why people tolerate me.... I can just declare "I'm a dozy Yank!" and all is well! I have become very used to a wide variety of foods though, and I have a secret crush on jaffa cakes and tea. I have no developed an accent, although I've learned some new words that I now sprinkle into conversations. I'm very proud of my ability to use "pikey" and "sod" in every day conversations.
And my British family? They are pretty much the coolest people ever. I never feel left out and I already have plans for New Years - I've NEVER done anything for New Years! I'm so excited!!
Overall I'd have to say the move to the UK was a brilliant idea. Even though I am ill at the moment and am getting ready to go to the doctors for the forth time since I've been here - I can honestly say that I'm happy.
....Now....if Mr. Right comes along....well, that will be a whole nother story....
School is still brilliant. I can say that our staff is probably the best teaching staff I have ever worked with - in terms of academic matters and matters outside school. People generally care about each other and their well being. In the other schools I have worked in it always seems like it's every man for themselves.... What happened to community? Sure, there are things we disagree with here, but we still work and function together as a family. I really like the atmosphere here. It's excellent.
My teaching skills have definitely improved. I realize that it takes a lot of energy to be the kind of teacher I want to be, and some days I just don't have that energy. I'm still working out how to be poorly and still teach with high energy. Any ideas would be much appreciated. I also feel that my strategies have improved - MUCH better than they used to be. It's neat to be teaching drama because it really has helped me work on my discipline. I think transferring that to an English class will be much easier with my feet planted firmly.
Becoming British - well, I haven't exactly dropped my Americanisms - but I have a feeling that is why people tolerate me.... I can just declare "I'm a dozy Yank!" and all is well! I have become very used to a wide variety of foods though, and I have a secret crush on jaffa cakes and tea. I have no developed an accent, although I've learned some new words that I now sprinkle into conversations. I'm very proud of my ability to use "pikey" and "sod" in every day conversations.
And my British family? They are pretty much the coolest people ever. I never feel left out and I already have plans for New Years - I've NEVER done anything for New Years! I'm so excited!!
Overall I'd have to say the move to the UK was a brilliant idea. Even though I am ill at the moment and am getting ready to go to the doctors for the forth time since I've been here - I can honestly say that I'm happy.
....Now....if Mr. Right comes along....well, that will be a whole nother story....
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