Category: Reflections & Lifestyle

You may recall from my post on July, that I had a list of 10 things I endeavour to do or remember to keep in mind when I miss my husband while he is working away. Some of my friends who don’t have spouses that work away have asked me, how we do it? Or how do I stand it? It is simple, first of all …

1. Surround yourself with family
This seems self explanatory and I don’t just mean your own family but his as well.  His family helps make it seem like he isn’t gone. We both miss him terribly. My husband’s family is truly amazing. They have stepped in to help me with absolutely anything and everything. I absolutely love being apart of their family and can’t thank them enough for all they have done for my husband and I. 

2. Communicate as much as possible
Text or call or email every morning and every night and of course when you can throughout the day; we say good morning and good night every day. It starts us both off on a good footing, because the first thing I read is his message and it is the last thing I read before bed.

My husband always says that he is there to work, eat, sleep, repeat with little interaction with others; after all shiftmates end up on different sites and contractors come and go. With that kind of isolation at work, communication with your partner back home becomes super important to actively foster. Plus, it has allowed me to get a greater understanding and appreciation of what he does. The interest I show (and what he shows in my work, and I’m sure he has had to Google educational paradigms, curriculum initiatives and teacher acronyms to understand me) helps us feel better about being apart.

3 & 4. Get off the couch & Hobbies
And this has definitely been a priority for me as it aligns very closely with my New Years resolutions. I found it easy to fall into a bit of a depression when my husband is gone. Partly, because I miss him like crazy and also because we share the same hobbies so all the things that I derive joy from doing are very much tied to him and I didn’t feel like doing them unless he was around, it felt weird. I will admit, reluctantly that there have been weekends where I have gotten up and then just basically layed on the couch in pajamas till noon (or occasionally sometimes all day), just staring at the television like a zombie. Lately, instead of lazing on the couch and missing out on life, I have been putting in a workout DVD.

It is important to find yourself some hobbies; hobbies that are independent from him. It also helps you get off the couch; it takes your mind off missing him. I knew that I had to really work hard to figure out other things to do on my own and that were nearby otherwise I wouldn’t want to drive the hour into Edmonton. 

5. Lists
I make a lot of lists of what I need to do when my husband is away.  It keeps me motivated and it keeps me distracted. It also helps make sure that I get everything done that I need to, so when he is home we both have fewer chores to do and can maximize the amount of fun we can have together.

6. Clean House
In terms of the division of labour in our household, the housework is under my domain. I know that I may get criticized for this, but I prefer it this way. I grew up in a household with a traditional blue/pink – male/female job dynamic. My husband not only works away a week at a time, swinging nights to days but he also runs our business on top of doing innumerable things around the house. He doesn’t demand a spotless house; he understands that occasionally I might let the dishes pile up, the dust accumulate, the grocery shopping is overdue and that I have once again left the laundry in the dryer (especially during report card time). However, after living in camps or in a rented room I can only imagine that coming home to a clean house feels fantastic. Making sure I stay on top of it makes me happier, makes me feel like I am contributing and the less time I spend cleaning when he is home, the more time I can spend with him.

7. Meal Planning
If it was up to me and I hadn’t made a resolution to eat better, I would simply just eat crap while my husband is away. Meal planning has allowed me to eat better, and as a result feel better. I like planning out what I will cook for us when he is home.

8. Make Gestures
Even though I hate it when he has to leave, I try to do some things to help make it easier on him.

-make meals for him to take to work (I like doing this so he doesn’t have to worry about preparing meals himself and that way he doesn’t have to resort to convenience food)
-fold his laundry and help him pack
-stock the house with stuff that he likes (make sure he has his favourite coffee and snacks)
-wait up for him when he comes home

9. Don’t Cry
My husband knows that I cry when he leaves. I try not to pout or cry in front of him though; because it is hard enough on him already. Although I am sure he is touched that I love him that much but I know that he HATES seeing me cry…and he definitely doesn’t want to be the reason that I do.

10. Love
Don’t forget that bottom line; he is working his butt off for the family. Out of necessity. Out of love. Don’t forget to make time for love.

My best friend and I lightheartedly refer to each other as “Country Babe” and “City Babe.” I grew up in Vancouver and traded the city for country life in rural Alberta. She grew up in a very small town but relocated to the big city of Calgary. We both have traits that are a little country and little city.

There are a few stereotypes that go along with these identities of “Country Babe” and “City Babe,” however, we don’t always fit the mould.

Outdoors & Hobbies: Typically it is thought that country babes in general live for camping, fishing, quading, mudding and hunting. And while I love all of the above (except for mudding) I also enjoy going to the theatre to see musicals and ballet. I am also a HUGE Cirque du Soleil fan. Trips to the Art Gallery and museums are also on my to do list.

Lifestyle: Typically it is thought that country babes in general are sassy, “work hard & play hard” and love animals. True to fashion; this does describe me, however, my love of animals are limited to cats and dogs…Having never experienced farm life, I have NEVER ridden a horse, milked a cow or tended chickens.

Music: Typically it is thought that country babes in general rock out to the likes of Carrie Underwood, Reba MacIntire, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks and many other talented country music artists. While I do appreciate this genre of music I also have 90s pop, rock and metal radio stations on my presets list.

Clothes: Typically it is thought that country babes in general don the following articles of clothing… cowgirl boots, jeans, flannel shirts, big belt buckles and camouflage. True to fashion; I do own A LOT of camo used for both hunting and for occasional day-wear BUT I spend most of my time in formal clothes for work. I enjoy getting all “gussied up” in “fancy clothes” to have a night on the town at a hot new restaurant in city with bestie. Also, this country babe doesn’t own boots and a big belt buckle.

Attraction: Typically it is thought that country babes in general fall for men who have strong family values, are fit, often have a farmer’s tan and drive a truck. Even though Mr. Country Babe does tick these boxes there are so many more wonderful qualities he possesses; and the previously mentioned traits were not the only reasons I fell in love with him in the first place.

Vehicles: Typically it is thought that country babes in general drive lifted vehicles like a truck with big tires. But, I have a plain jane SUV that is automatic…I can’t even drive a stick. And, I have only driven a truck a handful of times.

Nightlife: Typically it is thought that country babes in general like to party it up and chug beers and dance the night away. While I do enjoy sitting around the fire with friends having a few drinks (not limited to beer) I am not attending  (nor have ever attended) country dances in barns. Secret: I doesn’t even know how to two-step! However, I did enjoy square dancing lessons in high school gym class.

Childhood has a profound effect on adulthood; I had the incredible good fortune of having a very happy childhood, something I realize not everyone has the luxury of enjoying. This blog post is not meant to brag rather it is meant to give you a glimpse into my life as well as express my gratitude. It also stems from the fact that I recently spent time at my childhood home…. and of course the photo albums came out therefore stirring up very fond memories.

For me, any moment with my dad is a treasured memory. I am not sure if I can limit myself and chose only one or even do it justice so I selected something else.

Although, I don’t quite remember meeting my cousin for the very first time because I was so young; but the number of photos I have of us together when he is only a few months old abound. Overall, it is difficult to find a photo without him in it.

I am an only child so perhaps this is why being with my cousin literally from the get-go is such an important time of my life. I never got the opportunity to be an actual ‘big sister,’ I never got to experience that excitement of mom and dad bringing home a new baby. However, I did feel that “big sister” responsibility and I was very protective over him.

We lived across the back lane from each other most of our lives and were babysat by our grandmother and each other’s mothers meant we were inseparable growing up. He really is like a brother to me. From sitting together in my dad’s recliner chair, opening Easter baskets on the living room floor, to running across the yard kicking a beachball and sitting on the swingset, to playing with our freshly unwrapped Christmas present on Christmas Eve, wearing matching outfits, always being invited to each other’s birthday parties, and  getting into trouble (usually because we were ganging up on his younger brother)….it was a wonderful time.

It is because of our childhood that we are still close today; I still feel like he is my brother rather than my cousin and I am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life. 

Some of the MANY things you come to realize or become part of your life when your husband is a professional outfitter and hunting guide…

1. You need to be prepared that a simple shopping trip together can turn into a spontaneous scouting expedition for the next great shoot; and the binoculars better be in the console!

2. Every time you drive passed a field and see birds, you pull over and drop him a pin.

3. His eyes light up like a kid on Christmas when you tell him that you found a ‘Landownership Map’ for the counties in your allocations; online…and for free!!

4. When you hear geese or ducks at home… it’s probably your husband practicing his calling…don’t go running to the window with excitement to see if a flock is flying over…you have been fooled many times before… and will continue to be fooled.

5. You enjoy hearing the stories of your incredibly kind landowners; some who proudly still live and farm on generations old land. You also look forward to meeting and getting to know your clients.

6. Your heart melts when you watch your husband passing on his love of hunting, the outdoors and conservation to your young nieces and nephew. Whether it is explaining how to process birds, sharing the delicious meals and jerky he makes from wild game or letting them quack and honk away on a spare call.

7. Never try to tune his calls…ever… They won’t sound the same after that… (Or so he says).

8. You will never be rid of the feathers and down after processing hundreds of birds for clients…it gets everywhere …just deal with it till the season is over.

9. He meticulously searches for the ‘right’ camo to use…for clothing and for the blinds…And as a result you have been educated on all the types available…Realtree MAX-5, MAX-4, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades, Duck Blind, Cabela’s Seclusion Backwater….and the list goes on. Sometimes it seems like he is the Goldilocks of Camoflague: ‘This one is too dark for corn, this one is too light for peas…but this one is just right for barley.”

10. When setting up you will hope that your ‘brushing in’ abilities pass muster. You will be amused when he curses over there not being enough stubble straps on the flaps of the blinds…and then you realize he’s got a point.

11. That small deceiving looking box wrapped so nicely at your birthday will never be a piece of jewelry…instead it’ll be kickass Lynch Mob Goose Call. Also, the standard gifts you get each other will be gift cards to hunting stores. Everything on your registry for your wedding will be from Cabela’s. He’ll also buy you your own 12 gauge Mossberg as a Christmas present. (To be honest, you are MORE than okay with this!!!)

12. He makes you a better hunter, each and every time he takes you out; and he will ALWAYS, ALWAYS have time to take you hunting even if he is exhausted from back to back groups of clients.

13. You thought he was obsessive compulsive about the camo….just wait till he sets up the decoys, and then continually tweaks the set up…he is up and down out of his blind like a Yo-Yo! But he wants to make sure that everything is perfect!

14. He will be gone before you get up for work in the morning; because he has to get the jump on the birds –sometimes it seems he lives in his truck.

15. You wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for any other out there.

This is what my daily life was like BEFORE the pandemic. Currently, our days look VERY VERY different and continually change as per direction from the government and the board. I really miss the “old days”…

6:20am: Your extremely obnoxious alarm jars you from your slumber. The first thought as you cross the room to shut that racket off is: “How many days until the weekend?” Sometimes a tear is shed at this time as you realize it’s only Monday. 

6:25-7:00am: Daily ablutions; while in the shower the butterflies start as you hope that the lessons you have planned for the day will dazzle your students and impress your administration when he comes in for an impromptu observation. It is also at this time that you struggle to make sure your hair, make-up and outfit are on point; if not the kids will let you know…and they don’t pull any punches!

7:10am: You check your email quickly. There are 12 from Pinterest; as a result you remember all the projects you told yourself you would complete this term (but you know you won’t get around to it; you only have 4 days left of your allotted marking period to provide thorough feedback on 40 essays therefore that colourful bulletin board about literacy will have to wait). There are several announcements from head office. Four from parents and two from students asking about assignments that are way overdue, the test that is happening today and requesting homework for a two week vacation that is needed by 3pm. One from your boss outlining the happenings for the week which reminds you that you quadruple booked yourself pretty much all week, but no sweat you can have that parent meeting, tutor a student, have a student club meeting and do lunchtime supervision all at the same time. 

7:15am: Frustrated by the last look in the mirror you quickly change at least one article of your clothing while trying hard not to mess up your hair and make-up. Then you quickly scarf down your oatmeal and hop in the car.

7:25-7:45am: You drive to work, mind whirring; trying to formulate the perfect responses to all of the emails or rehearsing the phone calls you will be making once you get to school.

7:50am: GET COFFEE FROM THE STAFFROOM. You slurp it back as fast as you can; on the way to your room while burning your mouth, but you know if you don’t drink it now it will be cold the next time you get a chance to take a swig; which will probably be around 2pm.

7:55am: Agenda written on the board; yet each student will still ask you, “Teach, what are we doing today?” 

7:57am: You hustle back down to the staffroom to put your last minute copying in the machine.

7:59am: You curse the blasted machine as it has jammed again…in about 20 places. Following the instructions to clear the jam you break into a sweat, knowing that you are running out of time and the buses will be arriving soon and you haven’t done any of your correspondence.

8:00am: Finally the photocopier is clear and placated…BEEP…out of paper…of course; you fill both trays and hit COPY once again.

8:03-8:15am: You sit down in front of the phone, take a breath and dial; the rehearsed conversations take place and go well. Just when you think you can begin to breathe, you realize it’s your day to unload the staffroom dishwasher. You somewhat resemble the Tasmanian Devil as you put the cutlery in the drawer, plates in the cupboard and mugs on the shelf.

8:17-8:35am: The buses arrive and you put a wide smile on your face and greet your students. You are genuinely happy to see them of course. You chat with them about anything and everything as they get their food from the breakfast room and put their things away.

8:40am: Bell goes; time for class. You rush to the staffroom and grab your photocopying, and book it to your room; knowing that you still have a couple emails to write.

8:45am: Anthem and announcements.

8:50-10:47am: Teaching and learning; the part that you actually live for. This indescribable time when the magic happens, albeit occasionally interrupted by a late student or a minor power struggle over a phone. While you challenge, inform and grow the horizons of your young charges a massive amount of emails flood into your inbox once again from various educational stakeholders.

10:47-11:30am: Prep time. Every day you are grateful that you have this time to regroup and get things done! Emails are responded to, reflections about the morning’s lessons occur, tweaks are  made to the plan book, you set-up some assignments with their weightings and outcomes in the (live) electronic gradebook, on more essay gets marked, you check on the progress of your online students then send them reminders about due date and lastly you set up for the class after lunch. 

**[As an English teacher, I know that was a run-on sentence. It was done for effect, hopefully you ran out of air as you tried frantically to finish the sentence…just like I frantically try to get everything done during the day!]

11:30am-12:15pm: You inhale a granola bar and an apple on the way to the gym for supervision and after opening the equipment room you pop into the conference room to provide add your two sense to the meeting going on there. After popping into the gym to make sure that everyone is in one piece you rush back to your room to let the Students’ Union kids in so they can run their club and finally you hurry down to the library to work through a few questions with one of your students.

12:18-3:00pm: Teaching and learning once again; you are in your element!

3:05pm: Classroom clean up

3:08-3:15pm: Hallway supervision to make sure all the kids get out of the building in time to catch their buses. It is at this time when a ton of kids can’t get their lockers open and you rush to help them with their combinations. 

3:17-3:30pm: With the students gone (and the hallways looking like a tornado ripped down it, scattering papers, books, pencil cases and often at least one shoe and a mitten); you tackle the correspondence

3:35-4:00pm: You drag your tired bones down to the staffroom and flop on the couch and catch up with your coworkers who you haven’t seen all day despite teaching in the same hallway because you all have been going full tilt.

4:05pm: Bathroom break…finally…

4:10pm: As you are on your way out with your tote bag full of marking you hear your name called out over the P.A…you have a call on line number one. You think about making a break for it, but you turn around and head back.

4:45pm: Now you are off the phone and feeling tense so you head home, knowing that you still have to stop for gas and make dinner before hunkering down for the evening with those essays.

5:30pm: You are home. Teacher clothes are shed in favour of some comfortable fuzzy pajama pants. Feeling drained you put a frozen pizza in the oven and set up what your husband calls your “marking nest” … piles of papers, rubrics, textbooks, a chromebook, a package of funky coloured pens that litter the coffee table or kitchen table.

6:00pm: Carefully eating dinner so that you don’t slop on the homework you mark for a few hours until your husband tells you; “It is bedtime, you need your rest!”

9:30-9:45pm: You pack up your “marking nest,” pick out your outfit for the next morning and set that obnoxious alarm. Then you climb into bed for a fitful night of sleep as you stress about the days to come while also looking forward to the assembly, the project presentations, finding out if Bobby passed his driver’s test, the spirit contest at lunch, the band concert and volleyball game after school tomorrow. At some point in the night you wake up to make note on your phone of something you have to do tomorrow.

This is not your typical, “What’s In My Bag” feature; now that bird hunting season is here I’ll be ditching my Kate Spade tote and carrying around my blind bag.

My blind bag is a Cabela’s Shell n Bird Belt. I love it because it has three zippered compartments and I can have easy access to my ammunition. Plus, there is room for a water bottle and a small thermos of coffee. I can also clip a heavier pair of winter gloves to it for those snowy hunts. It may look small but it is not!

So, what is hiding in those zippered compartments???…

-Hunting wallet; with my ID, licenses and permits
-Pack of Kleenex
-Hot Hands
-Knife
-Snack
-Gloves (thin)
-Head lamp
-Gun lock/keys (stowed in there during the hunt)

In addition to the blind bag; I also carry with me my lanyard (of course). Compared to my husband’s, mine is rather scarce. My attachments include…

-Whistle for the dog
-Duck Call (Miss. Priss Single Reed Duck Call by Duck Commander)
-Goose Call (Buck Gardner’s Canada Hammer II Performance Series Goose Call)
-Three Finishers by Adrenal Line

The importance of planning to the teaching profession is EVERYTHING. We plan for: lessons, units, assessments, which resources to use, student needs where we adapt, modify and accommodate varying levels of student abilities, classroom management strategies and communication with stakeholders; just to name a few. There are a tremendous amount of ways and schools of thought on how planning should be done.

Much of what we do is done digitally, for example there are e-plan books, marks are all live online, students complete and submit work on Google Classroom, preferred communication by a lot of stakeholders is via email, Individualized Student Profiles (ISP) are living documents completed by all those teachers working with identified students and updated each term on Google Documents; need I go on?? However, personally I just need a traditional, old school teacher planbook.

It is not that I am old school and anti-technology in terms of my teaching but since I spend so much time PLUGGED IN during the day; it is nice to go back to basics…back to pen and paper. Sometimes I find technology alienating though. As much as we are a connected society we are very isolated behind our screens. Plus, it is ALWAYS good to have a back up!

I had a beloved plan book but the publishing company discontinued it and when I did find something similar; it was WAY too expensive. I spent the past two years making and formating my own on Google Docs and then printing them out and keeping them in a binder; but a binder was just too cumbersome to bring home all the time. I was in Education Station shopping for resources this past summer and I found my new perfect coil bound plan book and it was only $20! The only thing I have to do is add tabs to separate the sections.

What does my plan book look like this year? It has…
–Monthly Calendars
–Daily Plan Pages
–Seating Plan Pages (with space to write comments)
–Timetable
–Meeting Notes Page
–Parent Communication Tracker
–Record Keeping Scoresheet
–Resource List Tracker
–Directory