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