Time Flies...

I cannot believe that I successfully completed the First Week of School as a Real-Life Teacher!! What a whirlwind. I liked each day more that the last. My kids are adorable and my word they are great! They are learning quickly (although I do have to stay on them). We had a wonderful week getting to know each other and although I have lots to do this week-end to prepare myself for next week, I'm looking forward to it. After school today a bunch of us gathered to play some volleyball...it was hilarious but we had a good time! According to Joel and Michael, I do no right...ever. hahaha After playing for a while and doing a wee twisting of an ankle a few of us headed to The BoatHouse for a delicious meal. My word their food and drinks are delicious!! Following our lovely evening of sitting on the deck we walked to The Village for 2 for 1 Margaritas. We had a great time but by the time it was time to go dancing a bunch of us couldn't do it. I am exhausted!

My First Day of School.

Well, I have successfully completed my First Day of School as a Real Life Teacher!!! What a roller-coaster. I was a ball of excitement and nerves this morning, thinking 'have I got everything' (which I know is not realistic haha). The day was long as I had the kids all day (no preps) but it was great. We did a lot of routine and procedure practicing and had fun with some Name Games and Getting to Know You exercises. Having the First Day done and over with makes me feel much better but don't get me wrong, I'm still nervous/excited about this incredible responsibility that I have. It's a wild feeling being the greeter rather than the greeted on the First Day but I really enjoyed it. I have a lot of personalities in my classroom but I think we're going to have a fantastic year!!

Overwhelming...

As a kid growing up I did Not appreciate the work that my teachers put into their lessons each day. Seasoned teachers make teaching a room full of sponges (kids) look so easy!! I have spent the last two days in my classroom getting organized for The Big Day - The First Day of School. It's been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster (anxious, happy, excited, terrified, etc.). Thank goodness for interns (how strange to say that as I was an intern just a few short months ago) and the wonderful teachers here at ISNS! Everyone is being very helpful and I'm trying not to bug people with too many questions. 

Thus far I'm beating Jet Lag (well, I like to think I am). I have been waking up early to get my work-outs in at the park before the amazing heat and humidity get too overwhelming. Although I love working out in the am it does make it difficult to stop sweating...all day!! 

Time to get some rest, Big Day tomorrow!! I am finding it hard to believe that it will be my First Day of School as a teacher and not as a student!! Yikes. 

Smooth...Knock On Wood

I Made it to TO!! I guess I wasn't quite ready to leave yesterday but the China Gods felt I was today...thank goodness! Mom, Dad, and I were up again this morning at 3:30 and headed off to the airport...Dad driving while Mom and I kept an eye on the stars (determined that if we could see stars that had to mean that I could fly out). Qualified Star Readers (yes, I might add that to my CV). We got my bags re-tagged, I saw a friend who I haven't seen in a long time (Stephanie Boyle) in line on her way to Korea, and then we sat and chatted for a little while. Note to all: the second "official goodbye" makes you look like a controlled and composed pro (or a heartless human being) to all onlookers. Although it was very difficult saying goodbye (Officially) to Mom and Dad I think the three of us would agree that we handled it (in public) a tad bit better than yesterday. I am really going to miss my family (JB included) and friends but am ready to get this new adventure underway!! Thanks to technology (when it works), it'll be like I never left (Dad, I know this excites you ;) hahaha)!
Oh and for those of you who heard the 'beautiful' stories from my last trip over to China...
The first thing the stewardess said to me upon boarding the cramped aircraft (tin-can with wings): 
"You are so beautiful"...and it begins! hahaha

'You Say Goodbye & I Say Hello'

Silly of me to think that after spending the month of August saying my 'last goodbyes' and then saying 'hellos' again (no passport, no visa, no documents, no tickets, etc.) that I would allow myself to think that I would Actually fly out this morning. Apparently I needed to say one last Hello and Goodbye to my incredible parents. Long and Funny but really not so long and funny story short....I was up at 3:30am, said my 'last goodbye' to my boyfriend (that was fun..) and drove into foggy Saint John with my Mom and Dad (secretly carrying a toilet paper roll in my bag *sniff). Thanks to  'The Fantastic Man Who Shall Not Be Named', manning the AC desk, both of my bags were tagged and loaded onto my flight without issue (issue being, extra pounds). After a wee nap and a surprise guest in the seat beside me I realized we were still on the ground. Short part of the story, I didn't fly out. My dad had to come back to SJ to get me and I'm rebooked to try again tomorrow morning. Up Side, I got to spend a couple of extra hours with JB and have the whole day/night with my parents!! 

Here We Gooo.

China. It's down to the wire for the big move..of course I'm still waiting on the arrival of my passport, visa, and ticket (minor details). It's all very surreal (that I'm moving to China for the year...not so much that everything isn't perfectly in order) and goodbyes have begun. Although I have the best intentions to keep everyone up-to-date we all know that Life Happens and Time Flies. For this reason I thought trying my hand at the blogosphere might be the perfect way to keep everyone up-to-date about my Adventures Abroad, both inside and outside the walls of my Grade 2 classroom! Enjoy:)

Peace&Love