Monday, April 30, 2012

Thing 18- Forgiveness

Yes, yes...it has been a few days!

Today's question: What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive? 


I think the hardest thing to forgive was a certain person. Something came into the picture of a past boyfriend. True or maybe not true, but it caused a lot of hard times. It has taken me years to finally get past it. I must say though that it does feel good to be able to truly forgive.

Fitness note: I am 20 days away from a half marathon! Eeeeek! My life is so crazy and I don't know what I'll get my last training in. That being said I am SUPER STOKED!!!

Life note: I have an interview tomorrow! A catholic school division, so lots new. WISH ME LUCK!!! I really hope I make a great impression! Thanks to all my friends who have helped me out in this process. I am sad/scared to be leaving my school, but the anticipation and excitement is there too! A new page for Mme Maralee!!!

See you tomorrow! :) xxx

Friday, April 27, 2012

Thing 17- Wishful Thinking

Okay, so the past couple days have been BUSY!!! I have an interview on Tuesday that I have been preparing for, which is the reason for a missed day on my blog!

Today's Question: What is the thing you most wish you were great at?


I have two answers for this. The first is more on an internal/personal level and the 2nd is a more light hearted/external level.

For the more light hearted one there are many ideas...mechanics, art, sports...but which do I wish most for...I have decided I most wish to be a performing artist. Not one that is famous with paparazzi following me all over, but I would love to do the shows in coffee shops or even a little bigger venues. That's one thing I miss most about my childhood, because I love performing. I am picturing me singing with a guitar strapped around my shoulder.

On a deeper level, I wish I was better at managing stress. Work stresses me out most days. I spend my evenings working or thinking about all the things I SHOULD be working on. I would love some skills on how to be better an managing stress. I think I would enjoy every day a lot more.

Menu:  Supper tonight:  Maple Glazed Salmon...it's super easy and so delicious! Try it out! You'll love it!


Ingredients
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 lb salmon

1. Mix maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt and pepper
2. Put salmon in baking dish and coat with syrup mixture. Cover the dish and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 3 minutes, turning once.
3. Preheat oven 400 F.
4. Place baking dish in oven and bake uncovered for 20 mins or until easily flaked with a fork.


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Thing 16- Accomplishments

Wow! I am already more than half way done this 30 things challenge!

What are 5 of your greatest accomplishments?



1) Going to Kenya....this is something that changed my life! It took a lot of dedication to raise money in order to be able to get there. Once I got there, it changed my life! I have never experienced as many new experiences as I did in those 23 days. Something I will NEVER forget.

2) Getting a full-time teaching job straight out of university. I consider this a great accomplishment because I feel like I have accomplished so many things teaching and because of teaching! I even got to by a car that I actually am proud of owning!

3) Learning to play guitar. With a little help from my lil bro, a now ex boyfriend and lots of background knowledge with music I have been able to learn both chording and picking on the guitar. Its my friend that I bring everywhere with me! My guitar allows me some fun with friends, but also its a way of escape when I'm upset. 

4) Changing light bulbs on my car. Okay some of you may be laughing! But listen here....I don't just have any ordinary car..You can just pull out the light and pop in a bulb...ask my friend Todd, my bro or my bf. You have to weasel your way into the depths of your car! Ha its a slow process...but after doing one on my own last month I feel like an accomplished woman!

5) Half Marathon. Okay so...I haven't actually accomplished this quite yet, but I will have in less than a month. I have had many little accomplishments throughout my training and that has given me both outer strength and courage! I can't wait to say I have done the half marathon!!


FUTURE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS...can I just say that making it to the end of June is going to be the greatest accomplishment yet?! Haha just CANNOT wait for summer holidays!

Until tomorrow :) xxx

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Thing 15- Animals

If you were to be an animal, what would you be? A monkey!


I won't answer this in quite the depth that I teach my Grade 6s, but I will stick to giving you three reasons!

1) Monkeys get to act silly and play around! I love watching monkey videos, movies or live at the zoo. They are always bugging one another, just goofing off. In our society you are considered a lunatic if you do this all day!

2) Monkeys are adventurous! Think of a monkey in the wild! They get to swing from this branch to that, exploring the jungle! I LOVE exploring and would love to just be free to do just that!

3) Monkeys are nurturing! I love watching monkeys hug each other, or pick the dirt out of their partners back. Even though they are goofs, they really know how to love.

I don't know what it is but this week's theme for me and seems like a few others is : EXHAUSTION. Is it the millions of things going on in school, or the trying to find a job search with teaching, or the cloudy sky. Not sure but I could just curl up and sleep right now?! Well guess what?! Instead this Canadian girl's is going to shower up and watch a Disney Earth about...CHIMPANZEES! How fitting!!

Until tomorrow :) xox

Monday, April 23, 2012

Thing 14- Strengths

I must say I like this post better than yesterday's!

Describe 5 strengths you have.


1. I find joy in little things. For those who know me, it doesn't take much to make my day or to get me excited! I love that part of me.

2. I am organized. Teaching demands organization. Sometimes I don't feel organized at school. I think that is because there are SOO many things to organize!

3. I am positive.  I always try to see the good in everything. I think finding in joy in little things helps one stay positive.

4. I am a good friend. I hope that is what my friends think anyways! Ha! I know I try hard to stay in contact with those both far and near, whether it's a text or visit.

5. Open- minded. I feel I am open-minded. I try to understand the other side of things and not to judge. My trip to Kenya I feel has helped me be more open-minded.

Okay...so this is harder than talking about my weaknesses!!

Today is vote day in Alberta!! My students loved their chance to vote!!

Until tomorrow!! xxx

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Thing 13- Weaknesses

Wow! How about this! I get to tell you all the bad things about me today!

Describe 5 weaknesses you have. 


1. I am not observant. As a teacher I consider this a big weakness. I didn't really notice this until I started hanging out with very observant people! ...Well there are two things that I am very observant about though..nice trucks and hot guys.

2. Perfectionist. I consider this both a strength and a weakness. I ensure that my work is done very well. I am probably harder on myself than others. This is a weakness though because usually this means I end up working more and sometimes I allow work to come in front of life.

3. I validate myself by the way people think of me. I am someone who has never cared what people think...I do my own thing and dress my own way. But I never feel good enough. I believe I have done a good job at something once someone has told me I have done a good job. If no one says nothing, then I self doubt.

4. I have a hard time making choices. Making decisions always take forever because I always think about my options. I am never sure which is the best route! I would love to be able to dive into things without worrying!

5. Trucks....I dream every day of buying one!! hahaha

Other than that...well I hope you all enjoyed the AMAZINGLY WARM spring day!!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Thing 12- A day in the life of...

BEWARE!!! You are going to be blown away by a Day in the Life of Canadian Girl! If you aren't good at handling intense moments...STOP READING NOW!!

My day starts with an alarm at 6..proceeded by 4 other alarms that conclude at 7:11. My goal is to be leaving at about the last alarm, but that doesn't always happen! Upon arriving to work I grab a coffee and then I work from around 7 :30 until 8:30 in my quiet class. At 8:35 the mayhem begins when 26 kids stampede into my classroom. My days are VERY structured...pee break at 10:15...lunch at 11:30...2nd pee break at 2:05 and the class clears out at 3:27...by 3:45 my class has returned to its serene environment.

Lately my after work schedule involves either the gym or a run. If I'm lucky Ill make supper...or grab something from the fridge and them I resume my work at home. This school work continues until I wear out..10:30 usually. I get to finish my day with my bedtime routine: Words with Friends, Scramble with Friends, Draw Something and Pinterest. If my babe is not working or hasn't fallen asleep then I get to finish my day off with a "highlight of my day" phone call.

Did you survive that insane day?! Haha I must say this is probably my most boring question to post yet.

FITNESS UPDATE: Today made a record of my fastest mile!! Yipee!!!! My lovely NikeIpod app says that in kilometers that was 5 mins and 37 seconds in a kilometer. Kind of a highlight to my running adventure so far!

Until tomorrow! xox

Friday, April 20, 2012

Thing 11- Pet Peeves

Ahh! How I love today's question! What are ten pet peeves you have?


Where to start really?!

1) Slow drivers- most are women or immigrants seems! rgh!
2) Slow drivers in the left lane...double argh!!
3) When gas prices go up- it gets harder and harder to buy premium for my car
5) When people don't flush the toilet!
6) Egotistical men..or people for that matter
7) When parents don't give their kids an opportunity to learn to take responsibility for their actions.
8) Smokers...to me it's the grossest habit ever and I just can't understand
9) Immaturity...I love kids but it bothers me when they don't act their age.
10) The  alarm ringtone on Iphones...I want to throw the phone whenever that sound comes from somebody's Iphone.

Well..an early post! Imagine that...yes yes...well it's FRIDAY!!!!! This weekend consists of formal girl's night supper and hopefully UFC tomorrow night! A fight I have been LOOKING forward too!!

I must comment on my day! Today started with group messages at about 6:45 from my work friends...yes we were discussing the dresses we were wearing...what shoes we should wear and what hairstyles would work best. Strange teachers you may be thinking! Well...today was formal day at school and we decided to up the School Spirit among staff. We all took out our bridesmaid dresses and sported them to school. I love my dress so it was fun to show it off! I have never received so many compliments! Kids of all shapes and sizes and ages were coming up to me and commenting on my pretty dress! My students were awstrucken..if thats a word.


 Notice the bulletin board title: Becoming the Best for the World!! Yes yes we sure are!!

I bought these shoes at Teacher's Convention time because I love the bling! Today was the first time I wore them.

Moral of the story: If you are ever feeling down...wear a pretty dress to work!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Thing 10- Embarrassing Moments

Before I answer the daily question I must say something about my day. Today a Grade 5 student in our school lost her mother. Her mom has been sick for several years. She often came into the school and we could always tell by her colour if she was doing well or not. It was heartbreaking to watch the 10 year olds deal with the news that their best friend lost their mom. Just think...her son and daughter will never have their mom around for big moments in their life..(getting her period, getting their driver's licence, graduating, getting married). I know both her kids and their mother was very dear to both of them. Mostly today just makes me ever so grateful that my parents have been able to celebrate with me all the big moments in my life so far. Little things you just take for granted.

Q: What is your most embarrassing moment? This is horrible...I am not trying to hide anything...but I honestly can't think of a really embarrassing moment! I think my brain has a great ability to put away any bad memories, as I often can't recall the bad things in life. One funny..maybe a tad embarrassing...but mostly funny moment this year was in class. I have a student Simon. In French and English you pronounce his name differently. Well one day this fall, I mixed the French with the English and called him Semen! The class got a good laugh at that!!

Tomorrow's the weekend!! xox

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Thing 9- Influential People

Today's thing (I feel like I'm expanding Dr. Seuss' book!) is all about 10 people who have influenced me.

1. My grade 11/12 Social Teacher- High school seems so long ago so I can't remember which grade he taught me. I was contemplating universities and he told me Campus St. Jean was best if I wanted to teach in French. I am ever grateful because my university as my French is soo much better than it used to be.

2. My sister Jodie- It is all because of her and her hubby that I now love MMA so much!

3. My mom- My mom is the reason why I am a teacher. I have been around kids since almost day one!

4. The people of Kenya- My outlook on life was changed significantly when going to Kenya. I give credit to the people I met, as they showed me happiness does not come from what we own.

5. My uncle- He showed me how to keep first things first. He also showed me how to find all the positives in a negative experience.

6. My friend Pam- She is the very reason why I decided to go to Kenya.

7. My grandma- I am almost sure I got my love of music from her! She was always strumming her guitar!

8. My boyfriend Clint- He has taught me how to be flexible. I always used to have to have my weekends planned a month in advance. I have learned to love the joy that comes from doing things at the spur of the moment.

9. Frazer- My friend Jodie's son- Frazer was born almost a year ago and only lived 43 days I believe. In that time there was so much love that went around in that family. There is barely a day that goes by that I don't think of this little angel. He was truly a fighter. I believe that his touching story and the little time he did share, will help me to be a better mom...when that day comes for me.

There you have it!

Fitness Journey:  A quick little update! Today my friend convinced me to spend 30 minutes on a Stairmaster! Boy will I be in shape if I keep that up! I had trouble going down my stairs tonight to get to my car! haha ...one step closer to being ready for my half marathon!!

xox

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Thing 8- Passions

Well...I have got to say I am struggling to keep up with this 30- Day challenge. My life some days just fill up so quickly!

Today's question: What are 5 passions you have?


1. Teaching- Although, my job is hectic and definitely takes over my life during 10 months of the year, I have to say I love teaching. There are those little moments where I burst out laughing from a funny comment, or I burst with joy when a student grasps a concept, or better yet a tear up inside when a student mentions how much I mean to them.

2. Music- Ever since I've been little I have loved music....it has always been a way to deal with my emotions...and have fun with friends. Today I LOVE having time to pick away at my guitar. One day I hope to have a piano back in my house! To top it off...I love discovering new music, and if you are around me enough....I always have music playing.

3. Snowboarding- I have been in love with snowboarding ever since I got a Roxy snowboard for my 16th birthday.I call my style, choose you own adventure because I hate just sticking to the trail. I love playing around in powder and picking my way through the trees. It honestly is my biggest natural high.

4. Trucks- Even though I don't own one...I dream about owning one. GMC Sierra 2500 - Black...6 inch lift ..etc. etc...!!

5. MMA- If you are not an MMA person...this means Mixed Martial Arts. This is a new passion of mine, and currently I am not taking classes as I am trying to save money. I love watching UFC and anything related to it....and I look forward to when I can get back into it. Its a great workout and so much fun!!


FITNESS UPDATE!  I ran 12 k today in an hr and 12 minutes!! I have 9 km left to get to  my goal of 21 km and I have just over one month to get there! My new favorite after workout supper...scrambled eggs with spinach, red peppers and celery!! Try it sometime!!

Until tomorrow!

- Your Canadian Girl xox

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Thing 7- Dream Job

Believe it or not, my dream job is not the job I do right now. I do love my job most days, but it's definitely ALOT more work that I ever dreamed of! Kudos to any of you teachers with kids!

My dream job: Working for a foundation like Free The Children...in like Africa! Why? Well 3 years ago already (insert sad face here) I went to Africa! It was the time of my life. What I loved best is the simplicity of life. You were outside all day...with the happiest people on the Earth...no technology, no worries...a saying they have 'Hakuna Matata' meaning precisely no worries. My dream job would be to facilitate groups like the one I was in. The facilitators get to live in simplicity for a whole year, build relationships with the communities, help a good cause, and facilitate passionate travelers. 

Yes I know I would miss home, but I have to say my time is Kenya I think I was the happiest I've ever been. The experience made me so grateful for all that I have. I don't like the hustle bustle of our Western World...Kenya was anything but hustle bustle!

So there you have it!

Thing 6- Hard Experiences

This one was supposed to be a Saturday post, but I am pretending it still is Saturday! I will post Thing 7 this evening.
What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced? This is a toughy I find. My brain seems to blot out hard experiences from its memory. I think the hardest experiences I have faced are to do with people. I attach myself so quickly and so much to people that when they are taken away from my life, I find it hard. Whether it was break-ups, losing relatives, being far away from family...these experiences to me have been the hardest.


Friday, April 13, 2012

Thing 5- Happiness

I LOVE today's blog subject! I have always been a happy person! In fact my middle name has meaning that indicates me as a happy person.

Today's question: What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

1. First and foremost in my boyfriend! In the past 5 years, we have had quite the experiences..lots of ups and downs. In the past 5 months we seemed to have finally figured out our relationship and it has been some of the happiest times of my life. He is so loving and super supportive. He always has the right things to say when I am feeling down and need a little lift. I am really looking forward to all the adventures that lie ahead of us!

2. My nieces and nephews- I still don't have kids of my own, which I am TOTALLY fine with! This being said...my niece and nephews bring me so much joy! They are always excited to see aunty. The things that their little minds come up with are priceless! Again, I look forward to watching them grow!

3. My friends- at work I have developed some great relationships with many fine women. I am the youngest of them all and I love listening to all their stories and advice. They are one or two steps ahead in life, than I am ..so I have lots to learn from them all. Outside of work I have great friends too! Friends seems to come and go out of my life, but I always have some good quality friends. From them, I also feel so much support and love when I am going through a tough time.

4. Music- I LOVE LOVE discovering music! I can always fine the right music to go with my mood. Music has always been a part of my life and I plan for it to be around for a very long time!

5. Spring- Spring right now is bringing me happiness for several reasons: I am that much closer to summer vacation!! We experienced our first rain today! Super refreshing. Longer days = a happier Canadian Girl. The list goes on and on, but long story short Spring puts me in a good mood!

Okay last but not least, my new 2nd favorite salad! This comes from my sister's Eat Clean Cookbook and I love it!

Warm Chicken Salad

 Garlic and Herb Marinade: 3Tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp oil, 3/4tsp of oregano,2 garlic cloves and 1/2tsp of Mrs. Dash. You cut your chicken and marinade it in the sauce for 20 minutes in the fridge.

Meanwhile: Cook 3 cups of rotini pasta (I use rice rotini). And cut up 2 c of mushrooms, 1/2 c of red peppers (in strips), 2 c of spinach (minus the stems) and 1 c of feta cheese.

When the chicken is marinaded, you cook it and the marinade for about 5 minutes then mix it into the salad.

Here's a pic before I stuck the chicken in! DELISH!!


Until tomorrow! XOX

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Thing 4- Advice

I missed a day on my 30 day challenge. :( Work is just too hectic at times!  Well thing 4 is all about 10 pieces of advice I'd give my 16-year old self!

1. Take any travel opportunity you can! The working world you get for the rest of your life!

2. Spend as much time with your family (Aunts and Uncles) as you can! ...you never know when they won't be around!

3. Enjoy mom's cooking to its very most! Even if its oober healthy...you won't find better.

4. Never quick singing and playing the piano!!

5. Develop a sense of self worth...it doesn't matter how well others think you are doing...its all about being proud of yourself.

6. Be spontaneous! You don't need to be planned a month in advance!

7. Friends will evolve as you do...THAT IS OKAY!!

8. Don't go to bed mad at your friend....it's so not worth it!

9. Enjoy your brother every moment you can....it's not as much fun when you are big and no longer living in the same house.

10. Take shop class....mechanics is actually a super cool thing!!

These are a little random! I'd like to hear what you would have told yourself.

Side note: So last night I made a deliciously wonderful supper...but then I wasn't hungry anymore... so it became a deliciously wonderful lunch today! I will try to post the recipe tomorrow! You must try it!

Much love! From your very own tired out Canadian girl!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Thing # 3- Family

Describe your relationship with your parents...this was the original question, but I'm changing this to family.

I am very close with  my family! I feel very fortunate that we are all so close! I am not one to talk on the phone for hours, so living 5 hours from my parents and 4 provinces away from my sister and 8 hours from my brother is never easy. Growing up my brother and I were what you would call besties...so it is especially hard having him so far away. For the most part my parents and I see eye to eye...except for the odd thing. What I know though is that they are always there for me...whether it is dad giving me money or car advice, or mom giving me relationship advice. I am VERY lucky to have the parents I have.

Also...this challenge is not my own idea, so I must give credit to its creator...http://cherishinghopesanddreams.blogspot.ca/2012/01/30-things.html

Side story: Today a girl fell asleep in my class!! Legit! We were laughing hysterically and it still took a minute for her to wake up! I didn't realize I was that boring of a teacher! :D4

Tomorrow: Thing 4 and a tasty recipe!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Thing 2

Today's thing is : List 3 legitimate fears you have an explain how they became fears.

Fear #1- I am scared of bees and wasps. ....I must say I have developed some strategies of how to deal with this fear, but it has taken 20 years to figure develop these skills. When I was 3, we were saying goodbye to some company outside, my mother holding me. I don't know how, but a bee flew in my mouth. I think I was stung, but to be honest I really can't remember. But since that day I have been so scared of bees etc. I used to screen and run away...this  I did for many years...even to the point of crying. Now I just close my eyes and hope and pray that the bee or wasp or hornet just leaves me alone.

Fear #2- Having someone close to me die. I don't know how this fear developed, but I do know that I am sure it is because I become attached to people so fast. I am a person who feels things deeply. When someone else is sad...I hurt.

Fear #3- I am scared of hurting myself snowboarding. I have seen and heard of so many freak accidents. I hate wearing helmets, but I know they help so much. When I don't have my helmet with me, I take it easy, but pray that I don't take a random tumble that cracks my head. I am not too scared of breaking bones, but rather getting a concussion or worse, a head injury. That being said I still go hard at it every time I board!


No extra thoughts today....gotta rest up before getting back to work. :S

Sunday, April 8, 2012

30 things

I am trying a thing I found on Pinterest...its called 30 things. I am going to try to write a post each day with one thing about myself...I would encourage you to join!! Write yours as a comment or even do it on your blog. If I get time I will also post some cool recipes! With my day off tomorrow I am going to plan out a healthy week meal plan with NEW recipes! 

Well here goes my first item of the 30 things challenge...List 20 random facts about yourself.

1) I have never been on a cruise before.
2) I didn't own a cell phone until I went away to University (Kids nowadays have them by the time their 10!)
3) I started piano lessons in Grade 2 and Singing lessons when I was 12. 
4) I get more nervous performing in front of people I know than a large crowd of unknowns.
5) I LOVE Pinterest.
6) My bedtime routine is : Scramble with Friends, Words with Friends, Draw Something and Pinterest!
7) The furthest away from home I've been : Kenya. 
8) My birthday is ALWAYS close to May long weekend...or part of the weekend!
9) I love FIVE gum.
10) I could look through showhomes all day long.
11) I love sending and receiving snail mail...I need to be better at sending!
12) I used to be a big tom boy...inside I still am!
13) If I had the money, I would drive a truck with a 6inch lift.
14) I have been a maid of honor twice.
15) I used to want 6 kids.
16) I've always dreamed of adopting. 
17) I am currently highjacking a parking stall...FOR FREE!! ...been for months!
18) The last time I moved houses was all of 1 1/2 blocks away.
19) I love people watching!
20) I love Sunday Drives. 

There you have it! Hope you enjoy and check back for tomorrows!