Open Evening, Earthquakes, Grammar, Ann Coulter & Spring

Warning: this is a hodgepodge of information. Read at your own risk. Possible side affects include: confusion, disorientation, frustration and disbelief at an English teacher's lack of structured writing.

Last Friday night was our school's Open Evening: a time when parents, guardians and friends can come and tour the school, as well as appreciate the talented student musicians (Oh, and a random, aspiring flute player. It's been years, but I finally picked the thing up again- something my old music teacher, Mrs. Sandra denDekker, would be so proud of, I'm sure!).





I enjoyed sharing my students' work with the visitors. Attached are a few pictures from the evening to give you an updated view of my classroom. I know, I know... more classroom photos. (By the way, there is more writing after all these pictures!)













































































































What a shock it was to receive an email from my mom, asking us whether we had felt the major earthquake that occurred in NZ. We slept soundly through all the traumatic events that others in the country were going through. Apparently last night, there was a small earthquake in our town as well. Once again, we didn't feel a thing! Only a few more days and it will be the end of my third term of teaching. I will then have a two week break, during which Sam and I plan on traveling down to Christchurch to help out those affected by the earthquake.





This past term has been my favourite so far: the kids were 'on to it', and the units we studied seemed to really spark their interest. However, as much as I enjoyed this term, I am desperately looking forward to a break. Many of my extra hours have been consumed with editing a book for a new author. It's been my first experience as an editor, and I found it quite valuable to refresh my grammar skills. (Please don't read this post too carefully, though!)

By this time, you are probably wondering how 'SAM de man' is doing! He's just peachy. I can't even express how thankful I am for all the extra work he has done for me around the house, while I have been editing: cooking dinners (and delicious ones at that!), folding laundry and doing dishes! He's still loving his job and has even managed to avoid further injuries to his body.



Both of us have joined a baseball league- apparently the top softball league in NZ! You can obviously conclude that it's not a very popular sport in this country. The teams are still pretty gung-ho: long practices each week, professional uniforms, complicated drills and lots of those tricky base signals! They've even shipped a guy over from Canada, found him employment and accommodation- simply to play on their team! I'm just pleased it's a little more tame than rugby... more suitable to us Canadian softies.

Spring is in the process of arriving. Although, its difficult to confidently say that in NZ. We've definitely experienced one of NZ's trademark characteristics: four seasons in ONE day. That's right- spring, summer, fall and winter; warm, hot, cool, and freezing.

















































































































































































American politics seem to be my latest 'thing'- well, that's not entirely accurate. Let me rephrase: Ann Coulter is. In my humble opinion, the woman is refreshingly direct, honest, succinct and full of 'spot-on' insights. I love the frenzy she creates within the liberal media. 'Good on her!' Here and there, I have enjoyed a quiet night, sipping on some NZ wine, while watching clips of blubbering Canadian reporters trying to control this politically incorrect woman. I honestly think most people who interview her don't understand what satire is! I was severely disappointed in my fellow countrymen: rather than address her opinions in an educated and mature manner, they resorted to analyzing her extended eyelashes and rather thin waistline- except for Michael Coren, who actually let her get a few words on air.





I'm sure there are so many other details to fill you in on, but I need to get back to work. Oh ya- one minor tidbit: Sam and I have decided to stay in NZ for a while longer! Thought you might like to know that :). We've committed to another half-year- basically until July, 2011. We didn't really feel ready to leave yet, and this provides the school with another half-year to advertise for a Christian English teacher- possibly even in North America, since my departure will coincide with the end of the North American school year, thus allowing Canadian or American teachers to move to NZ during their summer break. So, if you know any Reformed English teachers who might want to teach half-way across the world, tell them to apply!
Sam and I really look forward to basking in an entire NZ summer, but are definitely going to find it strange to spend Christmas on the beach- a tradition many people here hold to dearly!
This is an abrupt ending, but now I really do need to get back to work. Thanks for stopping by.