.....which way is up???

.....some days, it feels like life is whipping by in a blur of readings, lectures, quizzes, papers, tutorials and recently with rehearsals....

The school was originally built for High School teacher candidates and the interior reflects that approach with the lockers, auditorium, classrooms, and cafeteria.  The faculty is isolated from the main campus and adjacent to a public school. Despite my current age, it often feels that I am right back in those days of moving between classes and socializing in the cafeteria with classmates and students I have become familiar with in after class activities. It is a small community in an environment where individuals often forget that what they say or do often finds its way back to the unintended recipient.  It is a great reminder to always be respectful of others and to be mindful of the things you say and do.  As a teacher, it jogs one's own memory of what it was like to be in high school and to remind yourself that young high school students may not have the tools to cope with situations that present themselves through the familiarity and proximity of a variety of personalities.  It is also an opportunity to fine-hone interpersonal skills and understanding that it is a skill that few individuals have perfected.

I am currently enrolled in a group study and educational opportunity in 'emotional intelligence'.  It is a great course that gives one an awareness of how one deals with stressful situations, how one deals with their emotional stressors and finally being given the tools of how to effectively deal with these emotional stresses.  It could not have come at a better time for me in my life's journey. Looking out for my parents through family difficulties, balancing my own home life with the many demands of schooling, battling fatigue and seasonal illness.....like I said....great timing to learn how to deal more effectively when energies are at minimum.  Every bump in the road is an opportunity to learn something and to take away a new skill.

Rehearsals are going well and I find such fun in acting out a part that allows me to have creative licence in complete silliness!!  I wish I had been braver in high school to pursue more extra-curricular  activities. It is an amazing experience creating social connections with colleagues you may not necessarily ever come in contact with. It has inspired me to pursue cross-curricular development with other disciplines. My wonderful friend Brenda has been pivotal in making my costume out of two wedding dresses donated by a fellow actor.  The play will be in the auditorium for the public from Feb 13-16.

There is only 5 weeks left of classes as we ready ourselves to go into our second practicum. There are just a few projects/papers left to go before that time.  I am looking forward to go back to the classroom!!

Lydia's 'Unicorn' poem has made it into a children's collection of poems through the school system. A very proud moment for all of us.  This will be my second child to achieve this!!  Children are such a blessing to watch as they grow up and become their own person!!   Mitchel is being a typical teen....I have to give him credit for trying to once again pull the wool over our eyes.....which earned him a school detention for skipping.  Will is doing quite well, working full time and applying for a career move.  My better half is amazing and supportive through this challenging adventure,  I am a very lucky woman, surrounded by supportive family and friends.

To my dear friends who are starting their cancer journeys, I send you love and strength to keep on going!!  To Dianna, who lost her battle this week - thank you for your inspiration and words of encouragement.
M