I'm back!

Today is day that will live in Infamy.

I have completed my two years as a drama teacher and am Officially an English Teacher at KES.

Over the moon with excitement.

New job, new flat....

I think things are looking up for me.

Here's to the summer. Here's to the changes.

Here's to the future.

100 books

The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here.

Instructions:
1) Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read.
2) Tally your total, add it to the note title.
3) Tag others and pass it on. If I tagged you, it is because I think you love to read, like me!

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (x)
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien ()
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte (x)
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (x)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (x)
6 The Bible (Extracts) (x)
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (x)
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell (x)
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman ( )
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens ()
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (x)
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy (x)
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller ()
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare (x more or less)
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier (x)
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien ( )
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk ()
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger (x)
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger ( x)
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot ()
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell ()
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (x)
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens ()
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy ( )
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams(x )
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh ()
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky ( )
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (x)
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (x)
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame (x)
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy ( )
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens ()
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (x)
34 Emma - Jane Austen ()
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen ()
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (x)
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini ()
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres ()
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden ()
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne (X)
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell (x)
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown (X )
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ()
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving ()
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins (x)
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery ()
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy ()
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood (x)
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding (x)
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan ( )
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel (x )
52 Dune - Frank Herbert ()
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons ()
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (x)
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth ( )
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon (x )
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens ( )
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley ( )
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon (X)
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez ( )
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (x)
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov ( )
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt ()
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold ( )
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas ()
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac ()
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy ()
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding (X)
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie ( )
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville ( )
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens (x)
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker (x)
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett (X)
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson ()
75 Ulysses - James Joyce (x)
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath ( x)
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome ()
78 Germinal - Emile Zola ( )
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray ()
80 Possession - AS Byatt ( )
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens (x)
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell ( )
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker ( )
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro (x )
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert ( )
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry ( )
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White (x)
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom ( x)
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ()
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton ()
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad ( x)
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery (x)
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks ( x)
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams ()
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole ( )
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute ( )
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas ()
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare (X)
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl (X)
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo ()

WOW

15 Minutes of DEAD SILENCE! And the work is fantastic!!


LOVE the Gush!!

I write here because Twitter is blocked...Blogger is not yet considered innappropraite!

The GUSH is back!

I remember the good ol' days of Gushes. My baby, my claim to fame as an English teacher. Well, I've resurrected the Gushes in my drama class. Today we are writing our first.

I have given my pupils 12 props. Random props like a Russian Hat and a tambourine, and they have to create a story about the props. It's been five minutes and they are dead silent....scribbling away. The Gushes have magic powers, they really encapsulate people.

One kid suggested "What does air taste like?" I like that one....

Power to the GUSH!

Having the Flu in the UK

When you've got the flu, you've got the flu. There isn't much to be done. You have contracted the germs, so now you deal with them. So what happens when you contract this dreaded disease when living in a place that ISN'T home? You have to play the game like a local.

I've caught my fair share of germs while working in a secondary school. I often feel as though I was given the short end of the deal when I was allotted my immune system, because I always seem to have some sort of cold, cough, headache, stomach ache, etc. You name it, I've contacted it. And today, for the first time in a long while, I had to call in sick to work.

Now, I'm not all about calling in sick. I remember there was a huge uproar surrounding Benylin's advert suggesting people take a day off to recover. But if we're going to make an arguemnt, you don't want to pass your germs along to anyone else. And really - how am I meant to combat a rowdy group of 30+ kids in a chaotic, movement based classroom? I'm not stupid. I know when I'm outnumbered.

So I made the call and then what? Mommy wasn't here to bring me cough syrup or make me soup. I had to fend for myself. Lucky for me I had a nice collection of Olbas Power Flu and Covonia Cold and Flu syrup. I've been around the block a few times with the cold medicines, and I found that these work the best.

After three days of feeling like proper waste, I was able to get up and shower. And I think I actually look like a human. Well done. Although it is a bit disturbing that these poor people in the advert are dragging themselves into work - SPREADING THEIR GERMS - but being supported by Power Flu. Are we really that much of a work enforced society?

http://www.powerflu.co.uk/tvadvert.html

And today is Sunday

Today Ronan and I went on a little road trip to Burnham Market. We weren't happy that almost everything was closed, but we did have a laugh anyways.

Burnham Market is one of the best things I've seen in Norfolk in ages! At The Hoste Arms we had a cup of tea and it was one of the ideal little country pub settings. Fire, people drinking pints at 11:00 in the morning, misty day..... it was fabulous!

We also got to check out the Hat Shop - tons and tons of hats. Something I've never seen in mass quantity. Impressive collection.

After, we headed to Wells next the Sea -- killer sweet shop. The rest wasn't that impressive. It wasn't the best of days, to be fair. But it was not too bad. And to get out of the Lynn for a day - Fabulous!

Now, I'm resting up -- plenty of recovery this weekend from the dreaded QTS....but now it's OVER.

I'm going to conclude the day by watching The Wizard of Oz on Five and signing randomly to Flashdance.....

Thank you, thank you.

I have FINALLY completed my QTS. It was a long, difficult process, but it's finally over.

I learned a few important things along the way. So some words of wisdom for those who are going to do QTS as an OTT:

1. ASK for what documents they require right at the start. ALL of the required documents. And get them right away.
2. Book in to take the QTS skills test as soon as possible. Don't wait until you are completing the portfolio and doing all of you portolfio r other work - get it done early early early.
3. Get yourself a mentor. An actual mentor that is well seasoned in the school. And make sure you are working on the portfolio each week WITH that mentor.

Can you tell I've had a bit of a difficult experience. But it's ok. Because it's over. And now - we wait for the official documents, just so I know it's not a mistake.

Firsts!

I had my first Indian Takeaway last night. We had veggie Korma for Valentines day. Well, Anti-Valentines Day. I'm impressed by the amount of things I am clueless about. Just a note: Some common phrases in American are not so polite in British Engish. Be careful what you say.....

Back to the Korma....I really liked it. And I hate curry. But that was fantastic! And the confetti rice made me very happy!

I'm hoping all of the premonitions come true though. Our lives are way swish.

Two Words

I'm really in need of something mindless tonight.....

So here we go....


USING ONLY TWO WORDS! (it wasn't that hard)

1. Where is your cell phone? right here

2. Your significant other? HA HA

3. Your hair? really bad

4. Your mother? she's great

5. Your father? funny guy

6. Your favorite? Tesco Dancing

7. Your dream last night? Scary Man

8. Your favorite drink? Grape Juice

9. Your dream/goal? Doctorate Degree

10. What room you are in? Bed Room

11. Your hobby? musical theatre

12. Your fear? being alone!

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happily Married

14. Where were you last night? right here

15. Something that you aren't? Dirty Man?

16. Muffins? love it

17. Wish list item? designer shoes

18. Where you grew up? The ville

19. Last thing you did? Personal Statement

20. What are you wearing? Pajama pants

21. Your TV? quite little

22. Your pets? what pets?

23. Friends? "pretty girls"

24. Your life? can't complain

25. Your mood? fulfilled tonight

26. Missing someone? my family!

27. Car? no way

28. Something you're not wearing? baseball hat

29. Your favorite store? Office Max

30. Your favorite color? bright yellow

33. When is the last time you laughed? ten minutes

34. Last time you cried? last month

35. Who will resend this? no one

36. One place that I go to over and over? my work

37. One person who emails me regularly? Pam B

38. My favorite place to eat? ohhhhh chipotle!

It's been far too long since I've posted. But hey - I'm a good girl. I've taken to hand-writing in the diary Dave got me before I left for England! We had our first SNOW day on Thursday. It seems that everyone was getting them and I just happy we jumped on the Snow train as well - even if we had like two inches of snow.

Warm and Toasty

It might be cold outside, but I'm actually nice and cozy. That doesn't usually happen, but it's true!

Well, the holidays are over and it's back to the good old routine. I enjoy routine, I really do. I really need to get back on my "rise and shine" timetable, but I'd say I'm doing pretty well. Coffee has been my best friend these past few days.

The two days of work has been great as well. My New Year's resolution was to not sweat the small stuff. I worry far too much, and I'm going to make a conscious effort to keep myself calm. And 7 days in, I'm doing well and I'm really enjoying it. Today I even managed to get four sections of my QTS portfolio done. When you actually sit and do it, it goes fairly quick. That was in about two hours. Not too shabby. Now, to get the 29 other ones done.

I'm currently singing very loudly to Brian Adams. Can't go wrong with that.

Well, it's 10:00 - and that means I'm getting into bed. It's a bit earlier than normal, but by the time I actually fall asleep, it might be just the right time.

Here's to a good start to the new year.

The Year in REVIEW!

January
1. Did you have a new year's resolution this year?: Yes! To Pass my driving test and get a car!
2. Who kissed you at midnight?: Hendo, Gemma, Teanby, Hendo's family....Jane?
3. Have you ever been to times square to watch the ball drop?: Still a no - but I did see Big Ben at Midnight via TV.

February
1. Who was your valentine in 2008?: Henson! We were coming back from holiday in Sicily!
2. What did your valentine get you?: She probably got me a coffee!
3. When you were little, did you buy valentines for your whole class?: Oh yes. I still give them out!

March
1. Are you Irish?: Oh yea 50%
2. Do you wear green on St. Patty's Day?: No. In fact, it was a complete miss. HOW sad!!!
3. What did you do for St. Patty's Day in 2008: Nothing. I went to work. Taught. Went home and went to bed.

April
1. Do you like the rain?: Not at all.
2. Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year? Nope. And no one played one on me.
3. Do you get tons of candy on easter?: Lucy in Year 7 gave me a Galaxy bar and Hendo's mum gave me an Easter Egg!

May
1. What's your favorite kind of flower?: I'm still working on that......
2. Do you like the spring?: Yes. Skirts and NO PANTY HOES
3. What would you think of as a spring color?: Yellow!

June
1. What year did you graduate from school?: 2002 and 2006 -- waiting for 2010 for the MEd.
2. Did you go on any vacations last June?: Nope, we were still in school!

July
1. What did you do on the 4th of July?: Work! I did say "Happy 4th!" and everyone said "Shut up, Yank. We got rid of you, We abandoned you."
2. Went on any vacations during this month?: Went on holiday to the HOME....odd as it sounds.

August
1. Did you do anything special to end off your summer?: Got locked in a mall in Chicago because of Tornado warnings?
2. What was your favorite summer memory of '08?: Hendo and I going out every night and not having to pay for a single drink.
3. Do you go swimming a lot in the summer?: No. The only water I go in is my bath....
4. Do you go to the beach a lot?: No....but now with a car, maybe?

September
1. Who is your favorite teacher?: Bezzeg - and at Cambridge John Finney. He is brilliant!
2. Do you like fall better than summer?: I like the relaxation of the summer, but I do like the feel of Fall.

October
1. What was your favorite halloween costume? All the way MAY! from a League of their Own
2. What's your favorite candy?: Haribo sweets mmmmm
3. What did you dress up like this year?: Nothing. Dad was here, we didn't celebrate. We went to Wembly to see US football and dressed up at angry tourists.

November
1. Whose house do you usually go to for thanksgiving?: Mine.....It was a miss this year because "Peter Pan" opened! So perhaps I could say the Darling house and the home of the Lost Boys....
2. Do you like stuffing?: Yes.
3. What are you thankful for?: My UK family.

December
1. Have you ever been kissed under mistletoe?: Still a no.....still. Really. I did buy it this year from creepy old men.
2. What do you want this year for christmas?: I asked Santa for a sexy man.
3. What's the best present you ever got for Christmas?: This year my mum got me the books "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" - she knows me all too well....
4. Do you like cold weather?: Not a chance....

1) How would you rate your 08(1-10)?: I'd say a 6. I was tired and there were some really good times.

2) Where were you when 2008 began? West Lynn

3) Who were you with? Jane's family had a party - so her fam and friends, the Hendo's, Gemma, Chris.....

4) Where will you be when 2008 ends? In West Lynn - with Hendo's family - chilling in the living room!

5) Who will you be with when 2008 ends? Hendo's!

6) Do you have a new years resolution for 2008? Don't Sweat Small stuff. If in doubt, ask friends. LONDON. And I'm putting a Sexy man on this list (as Santa didn't get one for me).

7) Did you fall in love in 2008? No. Not even a date. Unless you count 'date night'

8) You regret it? No. It was horrifying what I went through, but it was pretty impressive that I made it out alive.

9) Did you breakup with anyone in 2008? No.

10) Did you make any new friends in 2008? Yes! All of my Cambridge mates - Pero and Laura and Jenny. The lot of them are fantastic! And then there is the cast and crew of Witches of Eastwick. They are BRILLIANT! Mr. Sir, Daddio, "joe" from Continental (and his free ice cream from first class), Brendan Teahan, Paddy (Who lives with Brendan and has a sister named Margaret-Ellen), Senator Duck, Marc Norris

11) Who is your favorite new friend? I don't have favourites.

12) What was your favorite month of 2008? February - going to Sicily for the first time. August. No school, for starters, but the trip to America was fantastic!

13) How many different places did you travel to in 2008?: Oh I did well with this. Palermo, Sicily - Milazzo and Novara (along with some other cities), Dublin, Ireland (TWICE). In England: Nottingham, Stone Henge, Birmingham (what a shit hole), Castle Rising, Magdalen, WALPOLE, Tilney All Saints, Huntington....how about London and the Movieum?

14) Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008? Physically? No. Mentally - yea, I really have lost touch with a lot of people.

15) Did you miss anyone in the past year? Yes. I miss Jen Lillash!

16) What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008? I'm loving Mamma Mia!

17) Do you enjoy where you are now? I'm ok.

18) What was your proudest moment of 2008? Taking a bow on the Corn Exchange Stage for Witches of Eastwick.

19) What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008? I The many times I've been scolded at work.

20) What are your plans for 2009? Rock out at Cambridge, really rely on the girls, LONDON.


2008 was shocking. So shocking it is actually shicking. I did so much, and I'm really proud of what I've done, especially in the world of theatre. I directed three plays and was in one. All in the span of one year. That's incredible. But something wasn't sitting right. Not sure what that is, but it really wasn't me. I feel like the old me is back. I'm armed with my mates and my "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" book.

Well, my Cosmo horoscope is looking pretty good!


Bring it on!