Local and International Politics

Finance Minister Loyola Sullivan resigned yesterday. Wow, many people didn't see that one coming. I wonder how "Danny Boy" Williams and his team will cope now. With an election less than a year, it will be a year of yada yada yada. Waitaminute. Isn't politics like that all the time? ha

Saddam is dead. I am surprised "they" did it so quickly. Live by the sword, die by the sword, many would say. Still, it isn't going to stop the bloodshed that is happening every day. I see no end to this war.

later

Back in town & Pics of Casey

It was a hectic week, with travels to both sets of parents and managing the puppy. The only stress for me was the packing/unpacking of the car countless times. Wifey took it easy on that front.

Everyone seemed happy with our gifts, and more importantly, the food was good. I put on 5lbs, easy. So far my favourite present would have to be the 'U2byU2' book given to me by my sister and cousin. But I am sure the remote starter given to me by my lovely wife will definitely top the list one morning! ha

Corinne is back working. Nights. Yuck. So I am on dog duty. There has been progress - I toss her out the back door and she does her business and runs back in. A treat for her and a whiskey and 7 for me!

With my free time, I have begun to clean out the crawl space downstairs. The gem I found so far is Halloween chips - expired Nov 2003. I have told my wife any trinkets I find is in the garbage or donated. She doesn't care, because she ain't doing it! haha

Things to do...!
cgc

We Have Arrived

Well, I wanted to leave at a decent hour, but wify had some shopping to do. In her defence, she had to buy an outfit for MY mother, as the shirt I bought her would apparently only fit a smurf, even though the tag said 'XL.' (sorry mom, ya ain't that big)

We made it 10 minutes before doggy puked. My turn to clean. Lovely. The dog likes Baytona, except for Milo, my sister's black panther. Oops, I mean cat. The cat is a nut job (ain't all cats?) so they have been taking turns having 'time outs' in the kennel or barred in the washer/dryer room.

Me, I am recovering from stuffing my gut and drinking beer. Here for 2 days, then to Red Cliff.
Later.
cgc

Holy Sh*t!

I checked online this evening to see if my grad marks were in. An 85 and 88! Jesus, I'm smart!

About to start my second Guinness in celebration.............and recovery. Today, I shopped. I think next year I am donating $$ to charity in other peoples' names.

Not to be a good person, but to escape the mall.

ho ho ho

cgc

Subbing

In my last posting I mentioned I dreaded subbing Basic English at a local jr/sr high school. My fears were well founded.

What bothered me the most was the shear vulgarity of the students talking to each other as I TRIED to teach. Words like faggot, fruit, shit, f*ck came out of their mouths just as easy as the words. I asked them repeatedly to stop talking 'potty mouth' and they just laughed and said it was their everyday speech. I told them outside of school, that's fine, but in the class, it is a no-no.

They ignored me.

The next day I subbed a grade 4 class. It was a welcome relief. My greatest stress of the day was making sure a kid didn't eat their snot after picking their nose. I shoulda been an elementaty teacher. The kids fear because I'm tall. In jr/sr high, I'm a runt.

later

cgc

Hockey

Playing ball and ice hockey on back to back nights is taking a toll on this 33 year old. But at the same time, I feel good. Considering my limitations (speed, strength, reflexes) I am just happy to be playing. Unfortunately, after I play I am wired and have a hard time getting to sleep.

Beer helps. haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Burp.

House is very quiet, with wife and doggy around the bay. I may head out Friday for the weekend, depending on if I get a call to work. Tomorrow I am subbing at a jr/sr high school as a basic English teacher. Should be interesting!

later
cgc

B&E and Work

Been 4 break-ins in one local high school the past few weeks. News reports that they have an idea who the assholes are, just need to catch them. Of course, since they are minors, they will get a slap on the wrist. It must be so disheartening to the kids and staff to see their school wrecked like that.....

Work has been slow. Subbed two half days in a row. Today I was at an elementary school and I WAS THE ONLY MAN ON STAFF. When I walked into the staffroom the ladies actually said, "Oh, a man!" I'm cute, but not that cute. ha Personally, there needs to be more men in primary and elementary grades to be good role models. Hopefully I will pick up a few days in that school and be the rooster in the henhouse.

later
cgc

Doggy Life

Well, the mutt is cute. My wife is very happy to have the dog around, seeking attention. I don't mind - until the "accidents" start to happen. Since work is slow (no subbing) and the semester is over, I have been spending more time with the dog.

Note to self: don't let the dog sleep all day, because when you go to bed, she whines and you have to take her out of her kennel and play with her for 20 minutes in your underwear until she calms down.

Wife is taking Casey with her when she visits the inlaws next week. I will miss the affection, but not the smells and stains.

cgc

And Doggy Makes Three

The house is pretty quiet the past few days while 'da wife' is out around the bay with her folks.

After working 3 days and two nights of hockey, today was a day of rest aka sleeping in. But now it is back to my 2 courses, each with one paper left. Unfortunately, one is worth 40% and my partner lives outa town. sigh

The house will be less quiet on Sunday, when a puupy comes into our house. It is an EARLY xmas present for my better half, who has been aching for a dog for a year. The last time I got a dog I was 6. And my folks dealt with the training. I forsee 'accidents' on the floor and my slippers chewed.

Yes, I wear slippers. Call me an old man.

Anyway, the dog is a mutt and is small. Hopefully she won't take over the house and my wife won't forget about me. :)

cgc

NL Politics

Well, Danny Boy is getting a lot of shite of "cablegate." Can he expect anything different? The Liberals need ANY bone to chew on and beat to death, even IF it is a legit deal.

Persoanlly, that 15 million can go to a lot more things, such as Literacy centers, roads, etc etc etc

And then there is the madness with Paradise Elementary closing down. I can't imagine the stress the kids/parents/teachers are going through. But to think that school is the only one with poor air quality is being naive.

I subbed as a gym teacher today. Came home with a headache. I wonder tomorrow when I am subbing if I can play dodgeball and be the only one throwing? hehe
cgc

Singing Legionnaires

This past Thursday I witnessed one of the most moving things in my 33 years - singing Legionnaires. I was subbing at an elementary school all week ($$) and on Thursday we had a short assembly.

The kids sat on the gym floor and in marched a bunch of men in their 60s to 80s. Behind them marched a smaller group carrying the flags. For the next hour the men sang many songs about war & life. Needless to say all the teachers were spellbound and most of the kids as they stood in their uniforms, singing proudly.

(unfortunately some Grade 6's were idiots but I volunteered to give them detention. I enjoyed it).

I think more people are "getting it" with the current war 'over there.' A veteran doesn't have to be someone who fought in WWI or WWII - it can be a current member of the military.
cgc

I just don't understand

This past week in Newfoundland a man got sentenced several years in jail for stabbing two people. One was a cop. It was expected.

In another sentencing, a man got 6 months for leaving a scene of a crime. You may say no big deal, but the crime scene he left was a dead boy on a road. Apparently he doesn't remember hitting the kid. Oh, plus he had a few drinks but waited until it was out of his system before he turned himself in to the cops. Many people are upset. I can't blame them. If I went out and shot a moose today without a licence, I would probably get more jail time.

Sometimes it seems the accused have more rights than the victims in Canada.

On CNN this morning I found out that Saddam got the death penalty by hanging. ouch. Not a surprise there, considering the nutjob that he is. But he will probably win an appeal, saying if he is put to death, there will be a lot of civil unrest. Politics and the (in)justice system, how tangled they are!

later
cgc

Sickness & Interviews

I have pneumonia for the first time in my life. After running a temp over 38 degrees for four days my wife suggested a trip to the doc. A chest x-ray later confirmed it.

So now I am home, downstairs resting. With all the sweating and farting since Sunday, the rec room sofa may be on its last legs. And yes, this is the same couch that was "roughed up" getting downstairs.

Lucky for me my profs are understanding, and I have an extension on a paper.

I had an interview last Friday for a job I was already doing. Weird, eh? But I didn't get the gig. I came in second place. F@#k. Admin said I was fine, but they gave it to the guy with elementary training and I have jr/sr high school training. Then she said something that threw me - my personality is better suited to junior high school. Huh?

So I am back to square one. I hope the jr/sr schools start calling again, after telling them I have been booked for the past three weeks.
sigh
cgc

Video Clip

A really funny clip of a guy singing.

Kids

It seems the news is filled with stories of kids turning into nutjobs.

I read the paper today and the main story was about some kids, aged 7 to 11, trapping a disabled kid in a shed and burning it down. Lucky for the kid an adult came by and saved his ass. The cops can't charge the kids, but by Jesus a can of whup-ass is needed for the disturbed little buggers.

What are parents doing today? I am not a dad yet, but one is certain - I won't let the kid run the show. He (I gotta have a boy) will know who is the boss - his mother, then me (ha).

Everytime I hear a kid whine or complain, my toes curl. I just want to say, "Stop. The decision is final. Keep whining like that you will lose....blah blah blah."

As a teacher I find it hard to bite my tongue because it is the parent's "fault" in giving the kid the misconception that they are in control. All this touchy-feely kindness has gone WAY overboard. There is nothing wrong with a kid being scared of their folks. I was scared of mine.

And I turned out....ok. :)
cgc

What I Have Been Up To

It has been too long since my last posting...

I have been teaching 2 hours a morning at a local elementary since the end of September. I will know by Friday if the job will be mine for the rest of the school year. I would take a hit $$-wise, but having a year replacement time would look great on the resume. Plus, it gives me time to work on my Masters.

Speaking of my Masters, %&&*@$#$ readings and research papers. I long for the end of the semester already. As the cobwebs leave my brain, confusion enters. :)

Labels

On Friday I was called a metrosexual.

Me.

I guess wearing nice stylish shoes and a decent shirt warrents that label. ha My coworker asked where I got the shoes, we chatted and then she laughed and called me a metrosexual. She even asked if I plucked my eyebrows. I will not answer that.

I told if she ever saw me at my house, "slob" would probably be the label she would give me with my old jeans and beer t-shirts.

It makes me wonder how "dressed down" people get when they get home. If you don't socialize with your coworkers outside of work, then you really don't get to know them. Sure, sometimes it may be difficult to get together, or you may even dislike a person, but in my experience, a group that plays together while working together is a healthier group.

Time to go look for some stray hairs!
cgc

Shiny New Things

2006 has been a year of "news" so far: new leather sofa, new paint through the house (and some new walls!), new Masters courses, newly unemployed (but chance at part-time gig in a week), and finally - a new CAR.

Yes, me. 2007 Saturn Ion Couple. Blue. Shiny. Leasing. I like the new smell and the satellite radio and not having to share one car with my wife (sorry dear). Of course with the car comes the monthly payments and insurance. Sigh, my bubble is burst!

With all these changes in my life (not to mention moving back to NF) I am ready to move at a slower and CHEAPER pace. :)

later
cgc

Sheds

I read an article today about how men need their sheds. I never thought much about sheds and the manliness that comes with it until I moved into our house...

...I now have "shed envy." My shed is small, pinkish, unfinished, and has a crappy in-swinging door that opens up with a small gust of wind.

My neighbor's have "real" sheds. Big, blue, soundly built, with shelving. One has electricity AND a stove. And neither one leaks.

I think I am becoming domesticated. I walked about Canadian Tire today before AND after I worked out at the gym, looking at knick-knacks. Jesus, I think I need to go read some poetry!

later
cgc

Last Day of Summer & Stuff

As I walked through the parking lot to buy some grub, I saw and heard one of my favourite things - a single coloured leaf scraping across the pavement. Fall is my favourite time of year. I don't know why, maybe something to do with lacing up the hockey skates! haha

I am still beating the streets, passing out my resume to school. No calls to work yet, but I am not concerned. My Masters courses are keeping me busy enough! The one thing I noticed about the Elementary school is that they seem warmer. Jr and Sr high schools look very stale. No wonder kids feel like they are in jail! ha

I am making more of an effort to get into shape - less booze and more salad. Two years in Churchill and getting older has made me even softer. I am still going to the gym and one thing I notice is that women seem more stylish than the men. Here I am, with my Blackhorse t-shirt and any pair of shorts, sweating away, and next to me is some lady wearing the latest matching yoga outfit. If I spent that much money on an outfit, I wouldn't want to sweat in it!

Later
cgc

Guns

The news is depressing. From a man being mistaken by a bear and shot to death by his wife in rural NF, that "nut" in Montreal last week, and the war(s) in the Middle East, it is all too much.

Cops should have guns. That's it. Yes, if you are "going to get me moose b'y" that is fine - hunting for food. But there is no need for automatic guns in our culure.

And now people are getting more upset about our troops dying. They are SOLDIERS. They know the risk. Really, what can you do when a child rides up to you on a bike strapped with explosives? It is a different type of war, and Canadians have to realize that. Gone are the days of WWI and WWII.

And this is coming from a guy who only shot a BB gun. At his cousin. In the ass. Sorry Woody.
cgc

Back on Campus & to the gym

I feel old(er).

On Friday I went to MUN campus to run and few errands and go to the Grad offices. It felt good to be back, except when I was in line-ups. When I got my student card, I had to give my MUN ID. That number certainly aged me! haha It was a very warm day, so the "scenery" that walked around me was very pleasant to view - until I realized I had subbed a few of them!

Was at the gym yesterday. Going again today. Body already sore. The trainer said something about "no burning, no progress." Well, I must have progressed very well, considering how everything aches today. I WAS planning to play ball hockey this evening, but I think I will pass.....

My Grad courses started Wednesday. Already I feel overwhelmed. There are so many readings. I will need to be very structured with my time (ha) to be successful.

To the gym.......
cgc

Certified Pre-Owned vs Used

I need a car. Soon. And I know NOTHING about cars. My wife has been quite amused about my total lack of knowledge and interest in cars. When she asks me, "What type of car is that one?" I reply, "A blue one."

But the joke is now on me. My father gave me the last car I had. A '95 Neon. Apparently it is still ticking somewhere out around the bay to the guy I sold it to when I moved up north. I need wheels again now that I will be subbing in the city. And there are too many options.

Wife and father-in-law has been a big help (gawd bless their hearts) in giving me a few tips. Yes, I still kick the tire for some forsaken reason, but now I am comparing KM, warrenty, etc. I may turn into a "real" man yet! ha

'Used' is now a dirty word. Cars are now 'pre-owned.' Whatever. All I know, I can't afford a new one right now, between subbing and doing my Masters. And school starts this week! argh!!

later
cgc

Out on the Water

Finally got other pictures developed of our time out at Red Cliff last month. My parents and some of dad's family went to Barr'd Islands for a few days this past week. I remember going there as a child, smell of salt air, gulls screaming, watching the men gut and cut fish. Never did have a picture of that. Until now!

Here is one of the bigger ones caught that day.....


...but not as big as this one!


It was a great day.

Summer coming to an end

Wow. It is the end of August already. Where did the time go? Once again I had plans to read, write, and do house improvements. The house "improvements" is ongoing, no writing was done, and as for reading, does Sodoku count?

School will be starting soon. I turned down the half time teaching job in Gander to stay with my wife and sub in the city. Plus, I will be closer to MUN when I begin my Masters courses.

I had a relaxing time in Red Cliff, my wife's home town. It once had a population of about 300. Now there are about only 30 people in total. It is so peaceful. I love the sound of the birds on Red Cliff Islands and the smell of the salty sea.


My parents came over to Tickle Cove's "Dory Days" and had a great time. For my father, the area reminds him of growing up in B'arrd Islands on Fogo Island. Here is a picture of mom and dad relaxing on the rocks in front of Red Cliff Islands.



There is a famous song about Tickle Cove Pond. One night while I was playing cards in Churchill with my friends, this song came on. The guys from Ontario and Manitoba liked the song. I laughed and told them that my wife was from that area and I visit often. So Russ, here is the picture! (There is no beer in my hand only because it is outside of designated drinking area haha)

I spent a bit of time in Baytona as well. It is quite different than Red Cliff: flat, sheltered, and lots of trees! Once again dad requested my "weed whacker skills" but I didn't mind - the beer seemed colder!


later.
cgc

Reporting from Gander....

Had a job interview this morning for half time senior high English teacher at Gander Colleigate. About as far away from teaching grade 6 in Churchill as you can get! haha

Running on fumes. Up at 5:30am to drive from Red Cliff to make interview. Once I started seeing spots I pulled over at Joey's Lookout in Gambo for a nap. Considering the fog, there wasn't much of a view anyway! haha

I went cod fishin' yesterday with wife and friend of her dad. Felt good to be out in the water, seeing Red Cliff and Tickle Cove from another point of view. But what was the best was the smell of the water, the gentle rocking of the boat...and the sensation of hauling a cod over the side of the boat!

Pictures will be developed and posted soon. Driving out to my folks now for the night. Fresh cod for supper!
cgc

Mood Swings

Today was the big day - my wife went back to work after a 2.5 month break. Getting up very early and driving her to work was a shock to the system, which needed to be fixed by a afternoon nap. But as the day wore on and the house remained quiet, I realized one very simple thing - I missed her.

When she called later on I told her. She thought it was cute. I think it is a sign of weakness. But I will need the space once my master of eduation courses begin.

Then I called my (former) union representative in Manitoba. Blue Cross/Frontier forced me to make Health payments when I taught in Churchill while I was covered in Newfoundland. When I found out I was told, "Don't worry, you will get your money back." I got some back, but today the woman who SAID I would get my money back said that no more was coming, by her (incorrect) calculations. I was pissed. The simple fact is that I paid in 'x' amount of $$, and only received a fraction back. Even this English teacher knows something is still rotten in the state of Denmark.

Right now I wish I knew how to contact one of those shows that helps the little guy out when he is getting screwed by a corporation/company to get my money back!

sigh
cgc

Bloated Movies

Wife and I watched Pirates 2 today. Very long movie. Major editing needed. It reminded me of King Kong. Peter Jackson's version. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

It seems when a director/producer has some success, their next movie must be "bigger and better." Now, I DO admit I have a very short attention span, but seeing countless shots of scenery,or elongated sword fights in between actual dialogue bores me. Now, you may argue that summer/popcorn movies are made to be enjoyed, not evaluated. But there needs to be a limit to fluff.

True, there are MOVIES and then there are FILMS. I watched Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang last month. That was a film. Weird, funny, sick, but good. Wife didn't like it. She also didn't like Anchorman, so you know our sense of humour is a bit off. :)

I am hoping that the Fall/serious/artsy/awards movies coming up are better than the junk in theatres at the moment.
later
cgc

Back in town

I was out around the bay visiting my parents and in-laws. A good trip, with lots of food, cold beer and sleep. Some people may ask, "How is that different from your everyday life?"

Good point, for I am at 195 pounds. "Sweet f*@k!" I thought to myself when I first stood on a scale several weeks ago. I am lucky to be a bit tall. But now all my clothes are a little bit "snug." Less beer, more action is needed. But my wife likes the added junk in the trunk.

The world is nuts.

Wife and I were shopping at the Price Club/Costos today. And Xmas stuff was out! Notice how I wrote 'xmas' and not Christmas? As much as I HATE the intentional misspelling of words, seeing decorations on August 10th warrents only an 'x.' I am not a religious man, but Christmas to me is being with family and friends (the ones you like) and enjoying your time. NOT spending every last cent and being trampled to death at a mall.

And now the new flying rules that came out today. Air Canada will love this. I can see the price of a bottle of water being 2 bucks and any little snack 5 bucks. I DO agree with stricter rules, but I hope things calm down soon. I do not plan to fly soon (goodbye Churchill!). Thank gawd.

later
cgc

Destroying your house to improve it

Have you ever watched a toddler try to force a square shaped object into a circular hole? The kid keeps banging and banging. And sometimes screams. Eventually the kid learns...

Last night my wife wanted to move the sofa and loveseat downstairs. Leather furniture arriving Wednesday. Very sweet. I knew before we started that the sofa would not make it. It was too frigging long to make the two turns and sets of stairs.

But yet, we tried. Our next door neighbor came over to help. Or save us. THREE FRIGGING HOURS LATER the sofa was in my rec room.

But there was some....damage. The sofa is now looking.......older. And there are many, many holes, scrapes, and dents in walls. But to top off everything, we have to take DOWN my bathroom wall just to the blasted sofa into the rec room.

So today a trip to KENT was needed to buy some gyproc, lumber, nails and door framing. The recovery continues. Anyone know a good plaster guy?

What have I learned? One: my neighbor is an AWESOME guy and I need to buy him a LOT of beer. Two: when we sell this house, the sofa comes with it. Or I will attack it with an axe.

Housekeeping

I have painted the kitchen. More importantly, to my wife's satisfaction. :) Sure, there are a few touch-ups, but it is better than paying some stranger to come into MY home and pay him money to paint!

We are getting new kitchen, bathroom, and porch flooring tomorrow. More $$. But it is needed. The dark spots on the canvas are growing! haha

It feels good to be productive doing housing upkeep. I was late getting on the bandwagon, but hopefully with each passing year, I will learn some new skills.

Time to tear up the old canvas and remove baseboards. Without cracking them. :)
cgc

Trains, Automobiles, and Planes

I am back in Newfoundland. For good.

I left Churchill by train on Saturday, July 1 with my roommate and his folks to Thompson. If anyone ever takes the train to Churchill, paying 44 bucks for a berth on a bunk is a GOOD thing. You get access to a shower and less yahoos running about.

Then it was a 8 HOUR ride in a minivan to Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg. Now, don't get me wrong, the farm county looked "nice," but being on a straight, flat road with the same scenery for 8 HOURS can leave a Newfie a bit numb! haha Lucky for me Jesse's folks were very hospitable and a bit of alcohol was consumed before bedtime. :)

My flights were uneventful except for one thing - the new personal individual touch screens for each passenger. How cool! No more having to sit through a "family movie" for the snot-nosed kids on board! I quickly picked a movie to watch, and the flight flew by quickly (pun intended).

Everything was going great, but with only 8 minutes left to my movie, the captain turned off all monitors to land! Nooooooooo! So what do I do? Will I rent a movie only to watch the last 10 minutes? Sigh. The movie was "V for Vendetta." It was OK.

My last week in Churchill went by quickly. I was low-key on leaving. A few hugs and "see ya laters." We still had our usual Friday night game of cards. The thing I will miss most about Churchill is the friendships I made and our little Friday night social club. As for the kids, I passed them all and wished them a happy life. I also told them to "grow up" to be ready for Grade 7! haha

Back to fixing up the house.
cgc

NF Politics

Although I am back in Churchill to finish off the school year, I am still following Newfoundland news. Of course the BIG story is overspending by certain members in the House of Assembly.

Are we to be surprised? You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours has long been a problem in Newfoundland politics. A small population base, even smaller number of people with power ie $$ and you get an insular culture.

Danny Boy Williams has booted Ed Byrne, and looks even better by doing it. All he has to say is, "I wasn't here when all this sh*t happened but I will deal with it" and he looks even better.

And the Liberals are floundering....
later
cgc

the countdown

The kids are wacky. It doesn't get dark until 11pm up here in Churchill and it is affecting the kids. Plus it is the end of the school year!!

Report cards are just about done, but I am still trying to teach Math formulas to prepare them for next year. I believe it is a losing battle! But at least I can leave here with my head high, saying I worked until the end.... :)

This time of year is always funny. The kids want out, the teachers want out, but the parents are dreading the summer! haha I am looking forward of getting back to my wife, house, and family to relax and recharge for next year.

Work to do.
cgc

up-keep

Well, fixing up the house has begun. And I need to develop some painting skills, fast!

My better half has decided that the entire house needs to be repainted. Who am I to argue? We have been in this house for three years now, with only the kitchen, master bedroom and rec room painted. So a bit of a change would be nice.

While I was away, teaching up north, my wife finalized the colour scheme. But yes, I did have SOME say. :) Yesterday this rookie started on the porch. Was it a coincidence that it is the smallest room in the house? I think not. If my skills are not up to par, I forsee a "professional" coming into my house, and money coming out of my pocket!

Of course, with new paint, comes new flooring. Our kitchen floor is....disgusting. White does NOT cover up dirt. It will be nice to walk into the kitchen and not see spots everywhere, wondering if it is food, dust, or a crunched bug. ha

Next month comes the leather sofa and loveseat. After a three year search (we are picky apparently) we found something we BOTH liked and called it our 2nd anniversary present. The old sofa and loveseat go downstairs. Hopefully. It will be a tight squeeze. But then I will have a sofa, tv, computer, and bathroom downstairs. I'll only need to venture up into the sunlight for food!

Break time is over.
later
cgc

the bookcase

What is worse than packing up all your belongings for a move?

Unpacking.

I have been home in Newfoundland now for about two weeks. Yes, most of my time has been dedicated to supporting my wife as she recovers from surgery (she will be ok). But still, there are clothes on the floor and on the spare bed as I am trying to get organized.

But what is worst is the computer room, otherwise known as MY part of the house. ha My growing collection of short stories, poetry and teaching materials are on the floor, against the wall.

I have a dilemma. We have a very small bookcase. I want to take all my books and organize them to my liking. In other words, get rid of all my wife's medical and nursing textbooks. How can Cohen, Shakespeare and Hemingway be alongside these books?

But I got "the look" from my wife. Her books stay. Or the bed will be cold.

Now I must go pack for my two weeks back in Churchill. Then UNPACK. And PACK again, and finally UNPACK for good. Amen.
cgc

Home with Me Wife

Travelling first class is sweet. From Winnipeg to TO I enjoyed a nice meal and a couple of glasses of red wine, relaxing in my spacious chair. I noticed the band members Billy Talent walking past me into 'coach.' I guess being a successful Canadian band is not THAT good! ha

From TO to St. John's I was back among the little people. :( But it was quiet and we didn't arrive till 4am.

After doing report cards, coming up with lesson plans, and having one last night of cards and drinks with the guys, I flew out Saturday morning. I am still fighting the mental fatigue and time difference. Friday was rough. My co-workers kept either asking or telling me if I was going to be back in three weeks. It felt good to be missed, but being with my wife as she recovers from surgery is more important!

As you can see, she looks cute in plaid! :)

Long Weekends...

...are too short.

It was a decent weekend. A social gathering Friday night, and a game of cards at a friend's cabin Saturday night.

And both times I fell asleep. I guess I could make excuses, but it seems I am always the first one to nod off, in any situation. I'm sure I make for boring company and puzzled looks! "There he is, passed out on the sofa again."

I was never one for late, late nights with tons of booze. Now that I'm older, and not out dancing the night away, the booze hits me sooner. Playing cards is not the most active "sport!" ha

It is Monday night. I am flying back to Newfoundland Saturday morning. There is SO much to do personally and professionally before I bid adieu to this community in the north and go back to my waiting wife. :)

later

Friday Night Rituals

I really enjoy my Friday night game of cards with my buddies. Even when I lose, which happens 95% of the time. By the time Thursday comes around, my co-workers are wondering who is hosting this week's game. Each one of us have our reasons to play: getting out of the house, away from the wife and kids, addicted to gambling, an excuse to drink, etc.

Mine?

Just to relax, have a bottle of wine, and hang out with "the boys." After a week teaching 12 year olds, I just want to decompress for a few hours. And hopefully get decent cards!

Last night we had 10 players, a couple of new faces. It is always interesting to figure out the playing style of someone new: tight, loose, etc. Me, I am pretty conservative. I don't have much of a poker face, so the guys know I have good cards 99% of the time (did I mention I hardly win?).

Now with the impending move back to Newfoundland and all the joy that goes with it (living with my wife & going to school) I realize that it will be the Friday nights with my circle of friends that I will miss most of all. And the question is: Will I be able to find such a good group of guys back on the rock?

I hope so. But it won't be the same.

cgc

I Hate Making Sub Plans

It is 12:07. In the morning. I am still at school. Sigh.

I am heading back to Newfoundland to support my wife while she recovers from surgery.

I need to prep for a sub for at least NINE days. It is hell. It is not that I don't have an idea of where I am heading in the last month-and-a-half, but it is all in my head, not down on paper!!

Argh!

Deep breath. Must be professional. I hope to gawd my sub is decent. And the kids aren't nuts. : (

Bedtime.
cgc

Thoughts

The daylight is getting longer but yet each day seems to pass by faster...!

The school year is coming to an end. I was denied a leave of absence to begin my Masters program so now I have to resign. As my father says, "One door shuts while another one opens."

So I have to resign. From my first REAL job. And it bums me out. I have learned SO much and have made relationships but I have to walk away...to the most important relationship of my life - my best friend, my wife.

She has been quite the trooper. To marry me only to see me leave a month later to teach in Churchill. It hasn't been easy for her, and she deserves better. I have learned quite a bit as a teacher in the past two years, but I have learned that being next to your wife as you fall asleep and wake up is more important than having a job.

With that "said" it is time for me to rant about moving.

Jesus, it is a pain in the ass. Of course my main thoughts are about my hockey equipment and BOOKS. My collection of short stories has grown with each trip to Winnipeg. Even the unread ones are more valuable to me than my sweaters. :)

And with each move, a person leaves things behind. There are a few items of clothing and household goods that I will never wear/use again. But the inner packrat in me screams "No, no!" But just the thought of getting screwed by Calm Air or Air Canada with my luggage weight makes me realize, "Fuck it. I'm traveling light."

later
cgc

Hump Day

Another Wednesday has passed. The kids were good today. My small class was even smaller than usual, and they are still enjoying the Poetry unit.

But then we had a staff meeting. zzzzzzzzzzz............... Looking around the room, I wasn't the only educator with eyes glazed over. I would rather be in front of the kids, teaching. Just last week I was in Winnipeg, going through more professional development. I keep wondering about each presenter: Do they enjoy this more than being in the classroom?

It was nice to experience the weather, but I'm sorry, the city just seems...blah. I am from Newfoundland. I need the sea, hills, colours. The only colour I see in Winnipeg involves stop signs!

Now I am back in Churchill, my current stomping grounds for the next two months. I was accepted into Memorial University's Masters program for the upcoming fall, so once again I will be back in Newfoundland with my wife (GREAT!) and be a student!

Bedtime.
cgc

Turkey, Church, and Death

Well, Easter weekend has passed and once again I had too many helpings. This year was a rare occurrence: three invites for the three days!

Being a man of sound mind but lacking skills in the kitchen, I did not pass up the glorious opportunity. Now my jeans are asking, "What the hell happened buddy?" while dreading tomorrow morning. Coffee can only take a man so far.

And as for Easter............I am a non-practicing Anglican. My memories consist of chocolate, palms, and more people at church than usual. I always looked forward to the chocolate, especially my sisters', which seemed to taste much better after I consumed mine!

As for church now, the only times I enter the hallowed halls are for weddings and funerals. My mother says I will need it one day, aka my funeral. I reply I want to be cremated and tossed into the sea. That pisses her off. Sorry mom.

cgc

Are Sundays ever long enough?
No.

Sleeping in is great, until the couple in the apartment above me begin to fight, shout, or complete another drug transaction (if I had a dollar for each time a local stood outside, throwing snowballs at their window...!).

Alas...

Each Sunday I plan to relax, yet 'get ahead' on my paperwork. But often, I end up at the local restaurant with friends and coworkers for coffee and breakfast. Countless refills later, errands are next to be done....and the day is half gone.

I admit, I am VERY easily distracted (tv & web surfing). Now I am in the infancy of blogging. Lord help me, will I ever get all the kids' schoolwork corrected?

Stay tuned.....or is it surfing?
cgc

little steps

Ok, I admit I am jumping on the blogger bandwagon. It's like dipping your big toe into the lake, testing the waters, after all the other kids have jumped in and are screaming your name....

Give me time....

Back to ice cream and the hockey game!