A little night music...

*I currently have Classic FM blasting in the background, hence the anglicized version of my blog title (if I knew how to spell the German title I would, but I'm far too lazy at the present time to Google it). I've become accustomed to waking up in the morning and immediately turning on Classic FM; it's very soothing, especially directly before heading off to work. I suppose I've picked this up from years of wandering into my grandparents kitchen in the early morning, only to find my grandfather, an hour already into his day, drinking coffee, reading The Philadelphia Inquirer, with NPR (though this has changed as of a few years ago when my family renamed the station to 'National Palestinian Radio' instead of 'National Public Radio' due to their stance on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict--no surprise there are some in the family who stopped listening to NPR; a few of us who, wouldn't admit it out loud, still do listen to that station...) blasting in the background. Mozart, Strauss, Bach, Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Wagner, and so many more danced through the kitchen, sometimes with great grander, and other times, with less intensity, never losing their beauty. To me, as a young girl, it all sounded relatively the same, and trying to remember who wrote what almost seemed like an unattainable task. However, to my grandfather, it as like remembering the alphabet; the only question that seemed to throw him for a loop, from time to time, was who was conducting the piece during that particular recording. At that point my grandmother and he would begin to argue (in more of an endearing way than anything) about who the conductor actually was. And from time to time he would quiz me about which instrument was playing during various times in each piece; even to this day I find I quiz myself to see if I can correctly identify each instrument. Following this my grandmother would start making her amazing wheat pancakes with real Maple Syrup.

It's amazing how many memories are recalled, not only smell, but sound as well. I must admit, I'm most certainly looking forward to going home for a few weeks.

Last weekend was great, what with having a very relaxing weekend spent in London. We spent Saturday faffing about in the morning and then heading to the Tate Modern. Can I just say that, if you don't go in there with an open mind, you will come out from most of it thinking 'what in the name of G-d was that?' At least that's how I felt coming out of many of the exhibits we saw. Regardless, it was nice to go to a gallery for the first time in a while. Following the Tate and a few drinks, we went to see 2012, which was a definite guilty pleasure movie. I highly recommend going to see if it you are looking for a brainless, but relatively exciting movie. A definite great way to spend 9 months!

'And it's a winding road...'

*I know it's been about a month since I last updated, but it's been long nights at work followed by a week up north for half term. Next thing I knew we're almost into the second week of November; where time has been flying off to these past few months is beyond me.

*Half term was brilliant! Adam and I rented a car and headed up north to where he grew up followed by a two day stay in Newcastle and a few hours spent at the Harry Potter Castle (HP nerds, eat your heart out!). It was really cool seeing where Adam grew up--quite different to the suburban hell that is Mahwah. And while the the closest shop is only open a few hours a day, the rolling hills, endless sky, and abundance of fresh air (minus the occasional smell of cow poop) were all rather refreshing; it was like visiting Tornado Alley in the States, minus the rednecks, confederate flags, Dennis Quaid, Jodie Foster, and (of course) tornados. Not to mention, our five mile runs were easier than any run I've ever experienced. I don't think you could ask for a flatter surface.

Following our few days spent in Lincolnshire, we continued up north to Newcastle for two nights. After a hellish time getting into the city, being locked INTO a bloody car park (you'll need to ask me to explain the whole situation because I do not feel like typing it all out now), and then having to pay an arm and a leg for our parking (apparently the Jury's Inn in Newcastles doesn't have their own car park...), we finally made it up to the room. Following that joyous experience, we headed out for one heck of a session.

The next day we made our way up to Alwick (I think that's the correct name) Castle; the same castle that you see in the HP movies (they even show the visitors exactly where on the castle grounds Harry learned to fly). Aside from that, the scenery was gorgeous; something out of a painting. Following this we headed back to the hotel for a quiet evening out and headed back to MK/London the next day. All in all it was an enjoyable trip! Not to mention being able to spend time with Adam for more than two days a week was awesome as well. I have pictures that I will attempt to put on facebook (a few on here to give you a sneak peek) eventually.

*I know it's the 5th of November and I realise it is customary to shoot off fireworks, but must the kids around this area shoot them off every five minutes (and so close to houses for that matter?!)?? It's been driving me nuts now for about three hours. Not to mention I've had two people from the SAME charity knock on my door within the same hour asking for money; I realise that I live in a semi well off area, but I'm only a teacher! There is an actual reason for the saying 'you don't go into this profession for the money'. What a crazy night this has been.

*For all of those people who still read my blog: I am back in the States from the 18-2nd of December/January! PA: 18-23 ; NJ: 23-24 and 26-27 ; LI: 25 ; MD: 27-1. Let me know if you want to meet up! So excited to see everyone!

*Off I go to bed; I've been pulling 11 hour days as of late and I am exhausted. FUN FUN!

Fork in the road...

With the stress of work at the moment, I think I'm becoming slightly jaded with how I'm viewing Westernized Education. There's a point when you realize that teaching is one of those occupations that can easily be classified as a 'thankless profession'. Day after day you stand up in front of a group of students who may or may not care to listen, or appreciate, what they have at hand, depending on their mood, or even the weather. You prepare these kinesthetic, visually aesthetic, song and dance type lessons, only to find a third of your students actually appreciate what you have done for them in that seemingly insignificant hour. Meanwhile, you have students in places like Ghana, Libya, Zimbabwe, just to name a few, who are happy simply to see one book to two students, rather than three or four, a chalk board with actual chalk, and a person who cares enough to stand up in front of them, day after day, and help them gain the most precious gift of all: an education.

Then again, I think there's a reason why most teachers choose to vote Democrat; it's a profession where you do not see immediate results, much like what the members of the Republican party often expect to see. Instead, education seems to be an occupation where the results of your hard work shines through 10 to 20 years down the line when, that once awkward pupil is now helping modern medicine branch off and find new ways to help those in impoverished countries, fighting in a court for the 'little guy', starting up a billion dollar cooperation that employs thousands of people during a time of an economic crisis, or even running a country.

As a side note, I think I officially found my favorite teaching quote a few weeks back: 'In teaching, you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and remains so, for maybe 20 years' - Jacques Barzun.

And yet, at 23, I question whether or not this is who I am. Am I experienced enough to ensure that the 'generation of tomorrow' is equipped today with the tools to properly run our country and world (it's a scary thought really...something that has, more than once, kept me up at night). Sometimes I look out the window of my classroom and think back to when I was in middle and high school. We had one day a year when people could follow around the Principal, VP, guidance counselors and a variety of other staff members. These students would dress up in suits and dresses, looking like shrunken adults, and get a taste of what it was like to run a school. Sometimes, that's what I feel like; a child playing dress-up for a day. What do I know outside of my degree and the ability to analyze a bunch of shriveled up old dead guys and gals (in all honesty, I love those shriveled up dead guys and gals...)?

Maybe, as said before, the stress of work is starting to get to me. But I still can't kick this nagging question in the back of my head: Who am I and where do I go from here?

Ah Pari...

*My Paris trip finally arrived, though it seemed as though it would never happen. Last week was beyond long and mildly frustrating during certain points. Regardless, it all seemed to wash away once I was on the train heading into London. I arrived at Kings Cross about an hour two early so I had the opportunity to catch up on some reading. I decided it was in my best interest to leave all work at school.

We arrived in Paris, after being delayed for a good 30 minutes, around 10:30. At that point we were both rather exhausted. Queing for a good hour to get a taxing wasn't at all helpful. Finally, we got to our hotel. I was a bit apprehensive about our choice of places to stay as some of the ratings for our hotelon tripadvisor.com seemed to be rather scathing. In all honesty, I think those people who gave the grim reviews came to Paris to stay in their hotel rather than go out out and take in what the city has to offer. It certainly was a 4 start hotel (with the exception for the lobby, which really did look like something out of Dracula). By the time we checked in and put our luggage down we were both beyond hungry. Unfortunately, we were surrounded by upscale shops, which meant nothing was open at 1130pm on a Friday night (with the exception for Bars--they don't serve food after a certain hour so they were useless). After wondering for a good 20 minutes, we were flagged down by a guy who, at first glance, gave the impression that he could be a potential junkie. It turned out the guy was from Texas and on vacation for one of his friends weddings. He had decided to stopover in Paris for a few days to do a bit of sightseeing. Ironically enough, he was also trying to find food, but had been just as unsuccessful as us. So the three of us banded together and I managed to spot a dimly lit convenient store that sold over priced food and other such related things. I don't think a box of fresh rasberries and a chicken sandwich ever tasted so good together.

The next day we walked along the Sien. Adam was such a trooper--Paris in the Autumn is so incredibly lovely and seeing as I have a new camera, I now have enough pictures to cover my entire apartment. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at a small cafe near the Lourve, were scammed by a homeless person who claimed to have found a guys wedding band (he got a euro out of us, not too bad really), walked through the little island that Notre Damn is located on, watched some street performers, and then headed back to our hotel. That night we ate in a restaurant that was so posh, I turned to Adam at one point during the meal and said 'I feel like an impostor.' Despite the fact that the price of the meal utterly made me cringe, it was worth every penny; the service was immaculate and the food was aesthetically pleasing (both to taste and sight). I have never eaten in a place as wonderful as that in my life--I feel almost guilty to have experienced a place like that at only 23.

The next day we met up with my cousin Aurelia and her fiance, Benjamin. It was so lovely to see them, and I'm so excited for their wedding in November. After lunch they took us around, showing us City Hall, Jarden de Plants, and Luxumbourg (sp?)--it was such a wonderful afternoon--I felt as though I was wading through some Hugo novel. After they left we made our way back to the hotel, packed up our belongings, and headed back to Guarde de Nord for our train out to London.

Over all it was a simply fantastic trip. I'm having trouble putting up my pictures on facebook, so bear with me, those who are eager to see them. Hopefully they'll be up by the weekend.

Time to get back to work. Planning and what not for tomorrow. Thank goodness it's Friday already!

'I'm thinking of what Sarah said...'

*For all of you who know where the title comes from, don't worry, I'm not sitting in a hospital at the moment, watching a friend or loved one 'die', as Ben Gibberd sings about so melodically in 'What Sarah Said' from Death Cab For Cuties album 'Plans'. It is, however, a wonderful CD to wake up to after, what was, an incredibly long and stressful day yesterday and an even stranger dream from last night.

*Monday's are probably the worst at work for teachers. Not only are they met with students who simply do not want to be there based on the mere fact that it is Monday, but we also have meetings until 5pm every Monday. I'm not saying they're not useful, simply commenting on the fact that after arriving at work at 730, most teachers staying until about 6pm or later on Monday's, simply because we were unable to get work done between the hours of 3-5. Ouch. Last night I dragged myself home, made dinner, cleaned my kitchen, planned for my year 12 lesson today, spoke with Adam for an hour, and then dragged myself to bed, all by 930pm. I feel a bit like a child or an elderly woman, falling asleep at 930 in the evening. And yet, I suppose it's to be expected when you're working 11 hour days most of the week (that is what comes with being a teacher--I knew this going into the profession). Regardless, I still manage to have a life outside of school, what with frisbee, running, my wonderful boyfriend, and spending quality time with friends; I suppose when you're in this situation, you just have to. There's no room for 'I'm too tired' or 'I've had a long day' because, let's face it, everyone works, and everyone puts in fairly long hours as well (regardless of their occupation). Yes, there are times when I just simply collapse, and that's just how it is; however, I think that if I were to let the fact that I'm tired after work get in the way of me taking part in a variety of activites after work, I would have very little social life left. It's nice to know, a good year and a few months into teaching, that I've found my happy medium.

*This past weekend Adam and I ran our 5K with all the tree huggers around London (the charity was for planting trees in and around the London area--so I'm not kidding when I say 'tree huggers'). We did it in 30 minutes, but that was only because I had to stop and walk a bit--my stomach began cramping up and that pulled us behind. To think I could have done it in about 28 minutes--there is always next time! My next race is the half marathon in MK (though that's not until March). This year I'm planning on 2:10:00 instead of 2:17:00.

*Paris this weekend! Ever since I was taken to Paris by my grandparents back when I was a sophomore in college, I've always wanted to go with someone I loved (of course I love my grandparents! I'm talking about a significant other). This weekend is going to be simply wonderful; I can tell already. A lovely 4 star hotel, during a brisk autumn weekend, in the City of Love! It's almost too romantic that I'm feeling a bit nauseous ;) (Just kidding of course).

*I have a few pictures to put up here with my new camera from this past weekend. I think I'm going to start putting up pictures into an online photo album (only pictures that come out really well). And speaking of pictures, I am going to (hopefully) have a wonderful photo op this summer when I travel with Adam (and I believe a few other people) from England to Mongolia by car to raise money for people in Mongolia (clean water, better educational facilities/supplies, medicine, etc.). You can check it out here. I'm so incredibly excited!

Year 2.

*Today was my first full day back at school. I couldn't help thinking about my first full day of teaching last year; looking back on the the scene, it was something out of a horror film. There was a moment where I knew I had officially lost control of my year 8 class and the temptation to run out of the room screaming was quite overpowering; a stark contrast to my classes today. I'm satisfied to say that I'm still here, one year later, still going strong. My ultimate challenge, or perhaps, challenges, begin(s) tomorrow, when I meet, for the first time, my year 12 students. A step above the lower school and two steps below university students, I'm worried I'm going in expecting far too much of them. Luckily, these students are the best of the best from year 11 last year, which will make my job slightly easier. As my next step will (hopefully) focus more on post 16, I've decided that my main focus, with regards to improving and moving forward with my teaching, will be on post 16 teaching skills. And finally, my biggest challenge, by far this year, will be my year 10s. Looking at my roster, I have some students from last year whom I know that, as early as day 1, I will need to 'lay down the law' for them with regards to deadlines, behavior in class, and becoming more responsible. They're not going to like me-- I can certainly tell you that right now; however, they're going to be thanking me when most, if not all, either meet or go beyond their targeted grade.

*I'm starting to get serious with my graduate applications. I've started my personal statement, contacted one of my two references, and decided on the piece of writing from undergraduate that I'd like to use. I'm nervous, excited, and anxious all at the same time. I feel as bit like I'm applying (again) for undergraduate; only this time, I have all of the credentials, and not some asinine standardized test holding me back from where I truly want to go (in hindsight, the SATs did force me to go to Towson; something that I actually am grateful for).

*Adam and I booked our hotel for Paris and we're set to go on the 25th of September. This place is so much of a steal it's practically ridiculous: 165 per person for two nights in a 'Deluxe Room' that has a terrace (and this is the kicker) looking out on the Eiffel Tower! The rooms are beautiful, the ratings were fantastic, and the location could not be any better! All I can say is Happy Birthday to the both of us :)

*Tree-Athalon on the 19th of September in London. 5k to raise money for planting trees in and around London. If you have any questions, would like to donate a pound to add to my 25 pounds, or just want to come watch on that Saturday, here's the link: http://www.tree-athlon.org/

Final thoughts on freedom...

*The summer has certainly come and go much faster than I would have ever expected. Even as a child, summer vacation seemed to drag on forever; perhaps it was due to the fact that I attended a summer camp comprised mostly of incessantly spoiled, bratty, and over all rude children, who, eventually turned out to be, the same type of people who made my days in high school that much more miserable. I always seemed to dread summer, no matter how much I destained school. Whether it was the unruly children in my camp group, my on going weight gain (I seemed to gain the most weight during the summer--without a doubt due to the 'snack shed' we had at camp and later a result of the fries and tomato soup (to name a few things) at Kutz sleep-away camp), or my final days as a councilor, miserable because I was working with younger children who, more times than not, would stick unforseen things up their noses, summer time was always met with a bit of negativity. Luckily, I've moved on from that. Instead of scoffing at days laying out on the beach, attempting at my poor excuse for a tan, I welcome it with open arms. And nothing beats curling up in a well ACed coffee shop with a book or two that you've been trying, yet failing, to finish during the school year. Summertime now means visiting friends and family for a longer period of time than three weeks. And while I still find running, and doing any sort of sport, during the summer to be incredibly difficult, I have mostly over come that with the help of a gym and summer league (when I played) two nights a week. Needless to say, this summer was six weeks of well deserved relaxation and the new school year is certainly met with an open mind.

*A few bits and bobs here:

-Spent the weekend here in Nottinghill and attended the Nottinghill Carnival for the first time; such an incredible experience! Probably would have enjoyed myself a bit more had I been able to drink (stupid medication--at least I'm done with that). Overall, great time!

-More pictures taken with my new, and incredible, camera. I'll post some on here and the rest on facebook.

-Paris with Adam in three weeks. So excited! And congrats to my cousin and her, now, fiance! Can't wait to see both of them in three weeks when I visit!

-Must be off! More later :)