Missing you always

Remembering Ruth

Ten years, a decade of loss

Has it really been that long for us?

You were our laughter, you were our love

Hard to believe, you now watch us from above

That fateful November day, broke all our hearts

Bodies with no souls, we were just moving parts

Time heals everything, but this still aches

Wanting it to stop, where are the brakes?

Finding solace in one another, this strong family

A mother of mothers, you are our legacy

Roses still grow, their sweet scent of you

Raspberries ripen, I pick them for you

So many changes, we got through them somehow

Do you know you have 26 great-grandchildren now?

George is our rock, he's so strong inside

Loving us all, taking it all in stride

Holidays are the worst, and the best

With a toast and a "Ho-Ho," you are blessed

Remembered by all, even the new

For the love you gave us, we thank you

The youngest of the old, the oldest of the young

I promise to keep faith, what you created will never be undone

And I'm at peace, knowing you found the fountain of youth

Living on forever through us, our dear, sweet Ruth

Written in loving memory of my great-grandmother, Ruth Creuzot

November 29, 1920-November 8, 2000

Journal Entries of a TIC (teaching in training)

I am currently attending University in a post-degree program to become a secondary school teacher. Along the way, I am discovering things about others, and myself that really reflect on this profession.

Today’s topic: Students with learning disabilities.

We (myself and my peers in the program) are all taking the same courses, obviously. On Thursday during lunch break, 5 of us sat together and began discussing which classes we liked, which ones we did not, homework, etc. Sounds like normal stuff right? Wrong. We eventually began discussing a class that is teaching us how to educate students with learning disabilities as well as gifted students. This is a brand new course, never put in the curriculum before. Considering more students than ever are displaying learning disabilities (physical and mental), this is an important topic to consider. Future teachers need to be made aware and educated on how best to deal with student with disabilities.

I won’t get into too much detail, but one of the things we recently learned is that many students with disabilities never get the help they need because they are put on waiting lists for resources because funds are limited. Teachers are responsible for not only recognizing a students’ needs, but also in assisting them to make sure their needs are met. It can be very overwhelming as a teacher can be responsible for up to 30 students per class, for a potential of more than 100 students in a day. The trick is finding a balance between assisting those who are considered average learners and those who are not, in order to give equal assistance to all. We were discussing how to make sure everyone’s needs are getting met when one of my peers said something that really disturbed me.

I will not mention names, that’s not fair or necessary. It doesn’t matter who said it, it’s the fact that it was said. In trying to determine how to assist each student’s particular needs, this one peer said that it would be easier to turn away from the ones who didn’t need that much “obvious” help rather than trying to deal with it because it was too overwhelming and they would probably get put on a waiting list anyway.

…

This did not sit well with me.

I was immediately ashamed for this person that they were coming into this profession with that kind of thinking. If you don’t plan on giving equal opportunities to everyone and you are not prepared to work hard to make sure everyone succeeds, then why would you become a teacher? No one has ever said that it’s going to be easy. It’s hard work and it’s a struggle, like any other job. But I believe it is THE MOST rewarding job a person can have. That being said, you are responsible for assisting students’ educational development and you should only have their best interests at heart.

The peer was embarrassed and tried to laugh it off but another peer said they were "disturbed,” and two others remained silent. I spoke up (no surprise, I’m not one to keep my opinion to myself) and stated that approach was the wrong way to enter this profession and that it was the exact opposite of what we were being taught to do.

We kind of let the conversation drop because it could have gotten very heated, but I can’t get it out of my mind. I can’t help but think, what if that were my kid? What if my kid was struggling in school and a teacher decided to “overlook” their learning difficulties because it was easier on them? It’s just awful; it makes me feel sick inside. I would be so furious with that teacher, who chose selfishness over my child’s right to learn. As a teacher, I believe you have to approach each student as if they are YOUR child. You want each one to succeed and get there as easily as possible. They aren’t yours biologically, but why would that matter? They are all there to learn and you are there to guide them and help them in everyway that you can.

Growing up, I struggled with math. If I didn’t have teachers who went out of their way to give me extra help, I never would have graduated. My brother is dyslexic and school was a major struggle for him. Without his resource teachers, he would not have graduated elementary school (or at least not with a lot of difficulty), never mind high school to become the successful, educated person he is today. I myself have worked with students’ who have had learning disabilities and I know how hard it is for them. To be so frustrated at yourself for not understanding something that everyone else seems to get “so easily.” But watching their faces when they figure it out, that “ah-ha” moment is priceless. It makes the extra time, the many explanations given in as many different ways as you can think of, totally worth it. That is what teaching is all about.

I liked this person, but now I’ve completely re-evaluated their worth and my respect for them has dropped considerably. In fact, I can’t help wondering why they got into this profession if they aren’t planning to give it their all. Is it summers off? Did they think it would be easy? What is in it for them if not to help everyone achieve higher learning for all of their students? I’m so disappointed because this gives teachers a bad rep. My only hope now is that they learn something over the next year to change their way of thinking for the better.

“The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” -Unknown

Michael Buble!

What a fun weekend! On Saturday morning, Alana, Janice and I headed over to Vancouver. It was supposed to be Lindsay, Janice, me and Sandra but Sandra had to cancel because of a family emergency and Lindsay wasn't feeling well. So she was kind enough to give her ticket to my aunt and the three of us headed off. We knew it was going to be a crazy weekend because the first thing we saw when we got off the ferry was a red pickup truck caught up in the tide. Three guys with rope were trying to save it but the water was up to the steering wheel..bummer dude. Shortly after, some Jersey Shore wannabe hit on Janice, he was so drunk he reeked of alcohol. Janice kept repeating, "I'm married" but he wasn't listening to her. It was hilarious for us observers but Janice was annoyed. When she didnt give him the response he wanted, he turned to the girl next to him and asked her to put her number in his phone. What a creep.

We got to our hotel (Sandman) around 2pm and we went for lunch at Moxies where we had delicious raspberry-kiwi margaritas. We went shopping at Pacific Centre, but I didn't buy anything. We saw a couple of people dressed like zombies and we had no clue why until later at the concert when Michael Buble pointed out that it was zombie day...who knew?

We met up with my friends Jyoti, Sukh and Nav for dinner (at Moxies again). We had terrible service but it was great to see pieces of the entourage again and everyone got along really well. Us three ladies went directly to the concert afterwards and it was amazing! I wasn't impressed with the opening act, Naturally 7 or whatever, I just wanted to see Michael Buble. He didn't disappoint. He was funny, charismatic and amazing. He sang all my favourites plus two songs I didnt know. He also donated all the proceeds from his concerts to the Vancouver Children's hospital. wow, what a guy. I noticed he had a ring on his finger and I was heartbroken until he announced that it is an engagement ring. Yess, there is still time for the wedding to be called off, hee hee.

At one point in the concert, Michael came down into the audience. We had floor seats and right beside our row was a small platform. Michael came and sang two songs on it and I was right at the edge. He reached out into the audience and grabbed my hand! I was in shock. He then put his hand on the railing and I put my hand over his...I know it's creepy but I have no idea what came over me. I turned into one of those screaming 14 year old girls! Whatever, I touched Michael Buble!

Ha, after the concert we went to the Shark Club but we didn want to pay the fee to get in, so we went back to Moxies. Sean and Ryley joined us for a drink and then we headed up to our hotel. None of us slept well. AJ talked in her sleep and kept me up. At one point she got up and forgot where she was and walked into the wall! We've been bugging her ever since. She also walked into my suitcase twice and after the second time we heard, "F*#G suitcase!" Hilarious, it was so hard not to burst out laughing.

The next day we met up with Sean, Ryley and Meg for brunch at Glowbal in Yaletown. They served us a basket of mini donuts when we sat down...heaven! It totally reminded me of the Calgary Stampeded, how I missed mini donuts. Of course I ate 3, I couldn't resist. Meg and I split two breakfasts but Sean actually ate two breakfasts! Well, he didnt finish his pancakes because he ran out of whipped cream. Ryley nibbled on two poached eggs and some fruit and Janice had issues getting a tea latte from the waiter. He had no idea what it was and ended up serving her something that resembled swamp water. Poor Janice just wanted some tea!

Sean and Ryley went their own way after breakfast but we ladies went to Canada Place and then to Robson Street. It was nice of Meg to spend the afternoon with us. She dropped us off at the train station around 3pm and we skytrained it to the ferry terminal, which is cheap ($2.50) and easy. We made the 5, had dinner and then we were rather exhausted. I slept well, nothing like your own bed. It was a fabulous weekend.

Jyoti's Wedding

Wow, what an incredible weekend! I am finally recovered, lol. Jyoti and Harj's wedding was the best I have ever been to. I will have to go day by day to describe everything.

Thursday July 29, 2010

I flew to Vancouver in the evening and Jenny and her boyfriend picked me up from the airport and took me to Richmond to have dinner at Goo. We ate SO much sushi, it was fantastic. Jenny and I were so consumed with the food that we completely forgot about our connecting flight! ha, thank goodness Jon was on top of things. We unfortunately flew on a shitty Dash 8, which creaks, shakes and makes you feel like you can drop out of the sky any second. Thankfully we arrived safe in sound in Penticton just after 11pm and we were expecting Neil to pick us up (Jyoti's oldest brother), but Suhkdeep greeted me with a huge hug. She has spent the last 3 months in S.Africa working on her Masters for her World Health studies. Her sister Nav was waiting in the car for us, we stayed at their place. These girls are just lovely, they are such great people. Anyway, they took us to the house where Jyoti was trying to dry out her Mehndi. There were two huge tents in the backyard, tons of family members, music and drinks. Neil asked me if I wanted to play beer pong, but I politely refused. We were all exhausted. We quickly tried on our saris (perfect fit) and then headed to Suhk and Nav's house to get some sleep (I only got 4 hours).

Friday, July 30, 2010

Suhk made us breakfast and then we all headed to Jyoti's house around 11am. I forgot how hot it gets in the Okanagan. Because Jyo only lives 10mins from the girls, we decided to walk and we literally melted on our way over. I actually tanned! There was a ceremony (I forget what it was called) where we rubbed a yellow paste on Jyoti to cleanse her. Her mother stood behind her with her hands on her head and ladies of the family took turns holding a blanket above Jyo's head and it had coconuts or something in it. We all got a turn at 'cleansing' Jyo. It was pretty entertaining. Afterwards Jyo got cleaned up and the rest of us got our Mehndi done. It only took 10 mins but has to dry for at least 3 hours. I only got the tops of my hands done, it was pretty cool. Then us ladies (we nicknamed ourselves 'Jyoti's posse/entourage) took Jyo to get her hair done and then we went back to the house to get ready for the engagement party at the Penticton Temple. We had to cover our legs and heads, so we got all dressed up. Jenny lent me a dress and we all had shawls to cover our heads. I've never been in a temple before and really its like a huge living room with carpet and a runner down the middle leading to the, well I will call it an alter. A man (priest?) chants and you walk up to the alter, donate some money into the box, bow by kneeling to the floor and then sit on the left hand side (men sit on the right). It's not as strict as a regular church because you can speak and move around while the prayers are going on. It was rather long as Harji's family was late, but afterwards there was some really good food. I love Indian food. Jyoti's family was in charge of the food and they did an excellent job.

After the temple, we went back to Jyoti's family home and there was another ceremony where her maternal uncles put bangles on her wrists after dipping them in water and milk. They are gorgeous red and gold bangles and she had to sleep in them, she isnt supposed to take them off until after the wedding. Then there was dancing! This was really fun and we all took turns dancing in the middle. We all had to get up early the next day for the ceremony, so we didnt stay too late. Luckily, I slept real good that night (poor Jenny didnt).

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Wedding day! I was up at 6am and Suhk drove me to Jyoti's house at 7am. Jyo was getting her hair and makeup done (I had done my hair and makeup at the house and Jenny put fake eyelashes on me). I quickly got dressed and then Preet (the other bridesmaid) and I put on our jewellery and bindis (jewellery on our forehead) and put them on the little flower girls (there were 4). We helped Jyoti get dressed and then I made sure we all had our flowers. Jyoti's family escorted her out of the house to the limo (of course we were late leaving Penticton). It was just the wedding party in the limo (Me, Preet, Jyo, the flower girls and Jyoti's cousin Tasha). We were all so tired, so it was a mostly quiet ride to Kelowna. The flower girls were hilarious because they were in car seats, but whenever the limo stopped, the car seats would all slide foward and crash the girls into one another. We freaked out, grabbing them and pulling them upright, but they thought it was so much fun! They were giggling like crazy and we eventually gave up and just let them have fun. Preet fell asleep on my shoulder.
We got to the Kelowna Temple at maybe...9:30am? My parents were the first people I saw when we stepped out of the limo. I hugged them quickly and then we rushed Jyoti up to a private room and then I came back down to get her food and water. I managed to chat with my parents a little bit and introduce them around and get some pictures. Then I was back in the room and the rest of our posse showed up soon after.

Harji and his family showed up and us girls all blocked them from entering the temple with red ribbon. We wouldn't let them in until they gave money to the flower girls (they got $20/each).

Jyoti was so calm before the ceremony, it was amazing. She looked stunning, all in red and gold with gorgeous jewellery and her gown was breathtaking. Plus it was heavy and she wore it ALL day. She wasn't nervous but I was! I totally had butterflies in my stomach right before the ceremony, which Jyo thought was pretty funny.

The ceremony was long but very interesting. I didnt understand a word of it but Jyo and Harj had to circle the alter 4 times, Jyoti following Harj and being escorted by a male member of her family at each corner. After 4x, they were officially married. Then everyone in the temple lined up behind them and gifted them with money. It was a loong line but after it was done, there was more delicious food! I stole a couple of mins to say goodbye to my parents. I feel bad that I never got to really visit with them and that they had to head home, but a maid of honour's duty is never ending. I had to make sure Jyoti's money was safely given to her mom and then I had to make sure her and Harj got to eat. Preet was with me and we were the last to eat, I'm sure of it. There were some traditional games after the food and then lots of pictures with people before Jyo, Harj and I piled into vehicles with member of his family and we left everyone behind at the temple on our way to Vancouver to meet Harji's family. We did stop at a park to get pictures done. It was beautiful and Jyo and Harj looked radiant.

I must admit I'm not a great traveller and I slept for most of the trip. It was the lack of sleep, excitement and good food and I literally passed out. I rode in a vehicle with Harji's sister in law Anita (super nice) beside me, Jyoti and Harji in front of me and Gupreet and Makesh up front driving. Gupreet was a great driver, she got us to Surrey in 3.5 hours. Then there were more traditions as Harji's family greeted them and fed them sweets and welcomed them into the house were more prayers were given and money and then dancing and food. I'll admit that at this point I was just going through the motions. I was a zombie I was so tired. I have no idea how Jyoti managed it all, she's amazing. We headed to downtown Vancouver around 10pm and there were fireworks that night so the streets were utter chaos. We dropped Jyo and Harj off at their hotel and then Gupreet and Makesh dropped me off at my brother's apartment in Yaletown around 11:30pm.
Sean was great, he was still up and he had my bed ready along with some soup and a bun. It was delicious. We chatted for a bit but then I literally passed out I was so tired. I slept on an air mattress and come morning there was no air left in it (I swear it was revenge on Sean's part, hee hee).

Sunday August 1, 2010
Sean took me out for a really good breakfast at Cafe Medina and then I did my nails and Sean drove me to my hair appointment (he was pretty much my chauffer) and then we went to the reception. Jyoti was getting her hair and makeup done and then off for more pictures with his family, so I didn't want to interfere in any of that. Sean came with me to the reception where we met up with the rest of the entourage. The hall was decorated beautifully and Jyoti and Harji's guest book was filled with gorgeous pre-wedding photos of them together, they turned out really well, I had to write on almost every page of the book! We had a great table near the front and Jyo and Harj entered after about an hour to the Black Eyed Peas song "Tonight's gonna be a good night." They looked fabulous. I was the first one to make a speech. I was so friggin nervous I couldnt eat and thankfully the bar opened before I went up. Sean got me a triple vodka something as they werent serving wine. It did the trick. I don't remember anything about my speech, I always forget them as soon as they are done. But I got lots of compliments on it, which was nice. There was a wicked dinner and then dancing for the rest of the night. Oh my goodness dancing and everyone dances! There wasn't anyone who didnt hit the dance floor at some point. It was all Indian music but towards the night they played 2 english songs, one which Neil requested, (Snoop Dog) and one I requested for the bride (Temperature by Sean Paul...her favourite!). It was a lot of fun and I got some good pictures. Poor Jyo never got to eat anything and I pretty much dragged her out of the hall for some fresh air and made her eat fruit and drink some water. The night never ended until 3am, but I didnt want to leave until I saw them get safely into their limo. It was an insane weekend but def the best wedding I have ever been to.

Congratulations Harj and Jyoti!

As Time Passes...

I feel very sentimental today. I keep reflecting on past things. I think it's because Jyo is getting married in two days and, although I'm thrilled for her, I'm also kind of sad. I just remember back when we were kids, goofing off, going shopping, playing with make-up, running from our brothers. Crazy fun times. 21 years later and we are still the best of friends.
One of the guys at work today admitted that he and another co-worker used to make fun of me behind my back when I first returned from Australia because I picked up slang and accent. I really didnt think I had, so this surprised me. They would msn back and forth whenever I said an "Australian" word like "ye" or "I reckon." Little creeps! Actually, I find it amusing. I had no idea I picked up stuff that was noticeable. I certainly didnt keep it long but it is fascinating how you pick up other languages from being around them.
My Grandpa had to have surgery on his heart, we had quite the scare. He is just fine and recovery nicely now but it wasn't a pleasant couple of days. Thank goodness my grandmother is so strong and was able to cope with it all. She's a trooper. My parents were also there to help out, which was really great. They are on holidays this week, enjoying wineries, boating and visiting with friends in peachland. I think this is their first kidless summer holiday. Wow.

Jyoti's Bachelorette

Whew, what a weekend! It was a whirlwind of fun! I took the 8am ferry and Jyo picked me up. We checked into the hotel downtown just after 11am and Gina was waiting in the Starbucks across the street. She met us in the lobby and Jyo was really surprised to see her, which was great. We put our luggage in our room and sat on the King bed chatting for awhile. But I was starving, so we walked to the Vancouver Art Gallery and had lunch on the patio. It was very hot and I lightly burned my shoulders (again!). After that we walked around downtown before going to Jyo's apartment to meet up with her cousin Preet. Luckily everything was downtown and close, so we didn't have to cab it everywhere. We met up with the other girls around 3pm for the dance lessons (which was a hoot). However, we made a promise to one another just to share those pics privately, so I won't post any.

After the dance lessons (where some of us started drinking), we went back to the hotel and had chips and cupcakes that Preet made and chatted and everyone got to know one another. We started to get ready for dinner and I opened the champagne and we toasted Jyoti. The champagne was really good, I'm pretty sure I consumed half a bottle! I was tipsy for dinner. We were all looking pretty foxy, rigged up in pink and pink accessories! We put on pink tattoos, makeup, accessories and jewellery, and we made Jyo wear a tiara with veil, a sash, carry a purse with a stuffed dog in it and a flowered lei bracelet as well. It was a lot of fun.

We ate a ton of sushi for dinner and I tried sake for the first time. It was disgusting, tasted like turpentine smells! Gina and Jyo were the only ones who liked it and they got a bit tipsy off it. After dinner we all walked back to the hotel, making Jyoti do things on her "Scavenger hunt list" which of course, are all embarassing. We have great photos. At the hotel some of the girls left and the rest of us put on pink face masks and pink glow stick bracelets and headed to the club.

We went to Tonic, as I had VIP passes for us. The music was really good but the club was lacking in cute guys. We got Jyoti drunk (again) and wandered the streets again some more, making her complete the list. I won't go into great detail about what happened that night, it was just a lot of fun and there were a lot of laughs. We returned to the hotel around 3 and, thankfully, slept in.

Shoes, shoes, shoes

Wow, okay it's been a long time since I've written a new entry. Let's just start by saying I am not running and no chance of it now that I have a second job. It eats up all my spare time and I'm much too exhausted to run when I do find some.
Yes, I've got a second job at a shoe store. Hilarious, I know, yes I can see the irony. However, I love it. I get a discount, I work with nice people, there is no stress and I love the social aspect of the job. I'm good at it too (shocker). The hard part is being on my feet for 4-6 hours. I'm not used to it and I have to soak my feet in cool water when I get home because they are so sore. However did I serve 8-12 hours shifts? I must have been used to it or I was just younger and adjusted better.Sean thinks I will get used to this in another week ortow, I hope he's right. At the moment, I work 3 shifts/week but I've asked for more hours.
I'm no longer on the cleanse but I am taking the Candida Stop pills everyday. Sometimes I take 2/day, sometimes I take 3/day but it's improved my skin and my headaches and I'm also sleeping again without any troubles. I don't restrict my eating but I don't go nuts either. I have an egg white omlette everyday for breakfast, I have a salad with protein for lunch and I eat plain yogurt everyday. I eat veggies and meat for dinner and I NEVER eat pasta. I haven't had pasta since March and I'm fine with it. I am trying to control how much carbs I eat, some days are better than others but it's definitely what my body does not like. I am almost out of HIT and I truly believe the yogurt is the best substitute for it. Plain yogurt has the natural, much-needed good bacteria for your body. I'm still consume sugars (yes, I'm aware they are a carb), but again, all in moderation.
Jyoti's stagette is coming up in Vancouver on the 17th. I've arranged everything and paid the deposits and everyone is coming. I'd get excited if I wasn't so stressed. It's a lot of responsibility. Her bridal shower is the following day, hosted by Amina and myself. I hope Jyo has fun, that's the only thing that matters. The wedding is at the end of the month.
I'm adding Ryley's blog address on the right side of this page. She is Sean's girlfriend, who is currently modeling in Tokyo and it sounds like a great experience. Her blog is interesting and she's a sweetie.
Oh yeah, I've also updated my blog layout. I hope you all like it, I think it's refreshing (and I love the books)!