Dear All,
It's been a while since I've posted and while I have thought about writing my last update, I end up watching Scrubs or something instead of sitting to write. By the way, after starting "Scrubs" when I was still supply teaching all over the place, as a way to ease my anxiety in the mornings while waiting for a call I've now reached the end (of an era!). Time to move on to another television show as a means of relaxing at nights!
I returned back to England at 2:30pm on Friday January 9th. After leaving Ennismore at 1, catching a shuttle to the airport (actually a relaxing way to travel!), arriving at the airport, accidentally pulling my cross off at security, and taking two flights, it was a tiring day! I arrived into Heathrow at 10:30 AM so 5:30 AM at home. From there I had to get through security, find my luggage and then go through customs. The flight attendant had me scared into declaring my crackers and crystal light but yet when I went through customs, the agent basically laughed at me! ahah He just kept saying "So it's not tobacco?" I caught my coach to Southampton and then had to lug my suitcases around into the city centre to top up my phone. I walked through the front door at 2:30 with noone home! What an odd feeling! I felt so drained and wasn't sure whether I wanted to eat or sleep! I always find travelling an emotionally tiring experience and this was no different. I'm sure that the lady who sat beside me in the lounge at Pearson thought I was an emotional wreck. After being home for such a wonderful time and seeing friends and family, it was time to head back to reality.
As usual with my first few days back, I find that my appetite is most affected. My stomach doesn't know what's going on! We went to the Lime bar friday night to have a welcome back drink(s) with the tenants of 67 Cedar (that's us!).
The past 3 weeks I've continued at the same school I was at since the end of October. Though I'm not in the same class consistently as I am in school supply, I like waking up and knowing where I'm going. Meaning I can leave at the same time every day. Has anyone noticed I like consistency? ahah
On Friday 23rd January, I was in a year 3 class (grade 2). I find at this school, year 3 is not quite my favourite if I'm putting it nicely. They're very chatty and just cheeky monkeys. During my day in that class, I had about 3 children at different times underneath tables refusing to get out, one throwing things at other students, and one that after I'd sent her to the office twice (and they sent her back) vomited in assembly. It was such a joyous moment when the teacher was lecturing the students on sitting quietly and one jumps up (while I'm trying to motion at him to sit down!) and says loudly "Julia just vomited!" I had to step my way through the rows of sitting children and crouch down beside her. Once I ensured she was feeling a little better, I had to grab her puke bucket and lead her out of assembly. When I went to dump it in the toilet, the toilet overflowed. Just my luck!!
Over the past few weeks I've had great games nights with some Canadians (and a Brit!), wonderful Skype dates with my cousins, the Scates girls, and of course phone chats with my Anne, Auntie and family at home. On Saturday night of my first weekend back, I called Anne at 1am for me and we chatted for a few hours while I cried to her. I love my best friend and the times we spent chatting!
On Wednesday 28th January, Hannah and I went to see "The Sound of Music" live at the Mayflower Theatre. It was really well done, but let's be honest, nothing can match Julie Andrews! I enjoyed going to "Ebb &Flow" for the first time with Hannah to eat dinner and our redhead time! It was a great hump day activity to look forward to (even though we spur of the moment ordered tickets the night before! ahah)
This past weekend, Zoe, Ryan, Emma, Jesse, and I had a game night. We played Cluedo (British version of Clue) card version. It was fun to sit around with good friends and laugh!
Lately, I've been feeling distant from the friends I have here. I attribute it to the upstairs, downstairs aspect, but my loneliness has been creeping in. it's times like these that I pull out my book "To Bless The Space Between Us" from Anne and read some of the celtic blessings written in there. It's the small things that make me feel connected to her.
Last weekend (Jan 24th), got a package slip through the door (funny because usually when we're not home they leave the package with neighbours). Jesse got one as well so on Monday I got home, dropped off my things and walked to the Royal Mail Depot. They found Jesse's parcel no problem but couldn't locate mine. He told me they'd have to search for it and then deliver. Not even an hour after returning home, I got the call saying they'd found it and would deliver it the next day. When I told them that I wouldn't be home until after 4, they said it would be an issue.. We decided they could redeliver it on Sat. Well, on Saturday, I got my package! It wasn't the one I was expecting (I thought it would be the one I mailed myself with crackers, cherry candy canes and maple syrup.. but perhaps that was has been deemed too Canadian and got turned back at the border hhaha). Instead the package was from my Anne! She'd sent me an umbrella (my other one broke while at home and while I did buy one when I got back here, it turned out to be broken when I opened it the first time. So knowing that I liked the umbrella Anne bought for me before, I asked her to get another one for me.. yes, I know it sounds crazy getting an umbrella from Canada when I practically live in the rain land!), some kleenex, and fingerless mittens made by the same company that makes our Solemate socks! It really brightened up my day!!
I've been so lucky to have found such a kindred spirit in Emma! We chat almost every day and I know she offers me a listening ear (and I to her as well). It's been great getting to know her better! She even did my nails last night and man was that a process (including but not limited to 2 coats and a special UV RAY machine!). I was even adventurous and didn't go purple this time! Be proud, people!!
Until next time,
Jenna
