I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas last year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I am still working my way through it! I wanted to share my most recent entry with you…
What about you?
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Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Covid has ruined a lot of people’s travel plans. My husband, my family, my friends and myself have all had to cancel trips; so we all have quite a bit of money sitting in our travel banks with various airlines. Spring break is coming. I haven’t been back to Victoria in ages –I love re-discovering locations from my childhood. Normally I cram in as many things as possible; but since Victoria isn’t super far and it’s relatively affordable, I can go back whenever to see what I missed. My itinerary this time is much more relaxed.
- As a Social Studies nerd; I have to go back to the Parliament Buildings; my all time favourite field was here in grade 4.
- No trip would be complete without a pit-stop at a museum; the Royal BC Museum will NOT disappoint.
- The totem poles at Thunderbird Park are breathtaking.
- I love food; at Inner Harbour there is fantastic fare.
- Butchart Garden & Victoria Butterfly Gardens are a MUST SEE; I still have vivid memories from the last time I went. These are also super family friendly locations; everyone of all ages will have a good time.
- Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hot
- For those art lovers: The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria as well as the Emily Carr House are so worth the stop!
- Victoria’s legendary Craigdarroch Castle absolutely has to be on your itinerary; the view of the city from the tower is incredible
- Whale watching
- A beer or wine tour
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Teacher Musings
Being a teacher is challenging and amazing at the same time! I am sharing some teacher musings with you today.
Stuff My Students Say…
1. “Even though you are really old; probably too old to have kids of your own, I think you’d make a good mom!”
(Such a wonderful back-handed compliment. Also, I am only 35… how old do they think I am?!?!?!?)
2. S1: “I am bored”
S2: (without missing a beat) “She’s not our cruise director!”
Me: *turns around with a completely caught off guard look on my face*
S2: (with a wink and finger guns) “My mom’s a teacher; I got you!”
3. “Morning, Mrs. Teacher, do I have some facts about cheese for you!”
(This was literally the first thing this kid said to me as he walked into the school; we had never talked about cheese before that –but we did for the next 15 minutes. Gotta say, he should host a podcast! It was AMAZING! Also, he has no idea that I LOVE cheese)
Hacks…
1. Wordle Warm Up/Reward
Capitalizing on the popularity of this site/game; we start our ELA period with the Wordle. If we are too chaotic during the day (three strikes) we don’t get to play the next day. OR, in non-ELA classes, you can also create your own with Wordles using key vocabulary from the unit you are studying. Each time you introduce a new word, get the kids to write down the definition, come up with an example, an ‘anti-example’ and draw a visual. They can create a master vocab list to study off of throughout the unit.
2. Hall Pass
Our students are notorious for LONG bathroom breaks; they just love to wander the halls. So now they have to carry around something large and seasonal. Example: a pumpkin in October, a sled in December, a pot of “gold” in March, etc. They hate it, but we enjoy it.
3. Getting Rid of Annoying YouTube Distractions
I don’t know which genius to thank for this; or even if I am super late to the game on this one, but; if you add a hyphen to the YouTube link (ex: yout-ube), students will be able to view the video without being interrupted by advertisements or get distracted by the inappropriate or extraneous video suggestions.
Latest TPT Buy…
The Princess Bride Movie Guide Activities & Answer Key
*I made the questions from the quiz into a Kahoot and the top three players got movie candy to enjoy during the next movie we watched in Film Studies. The kids LOVED making their own Fire Swamp Signs and creating a Miracle Max inspired recipe.
Rewarding Story…
I try to bring economics to life for my students; we do a scarcity activity with food; in the hopes that they take only enough for themselves to ensure that everyone gets some; recognizing that the amount of our resource (the food) is limited, why it may be limited and what is the best way to achieve public good (cooperation or individualism). Sometimes we play Monopoly and discuss capitalism, rules and regulations in the economy, consumer fairness, supply & demand, competition, pros and cons of monopolies. Yesterday, we wrapped up our Monopoly game and a kid who really struggles, yelled out to everyone: “SOCIAL IS THE BEST CLASS.” Watching the kids play really warmed my heart. Everyone was engaged, having fun, learning (even though they won’t admit it) and even kids who had conflicts with each other were able to forget them and come together and connect. It’s always nice when a lesson works as you intend.
I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas last year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I am still working my way through it! I wanted to share my most recent entry with you…
What about you?
The clocks are changing March 13. In October 2021, we got to vote on a referendum question concerning Daylight Savings Time; however, nothing has been acted on with regard to it –so we continue to fall back and spring forward, even though this messes with our circadian rhythm.
If you are like me and find the transition in the spring more difficult than the one in the fall; here are some helpful tips.
1. Ease into it…
-Start the transition 10-15 minutes earlier (6-4 days) leading up to DLS
-Start DLS on Saturday instead of Sunday; this gives you a full day to live in your new reality
2. Consistency is key…
-I was able to figure out my optimum sleep window by tracking my sleep schedule and level of restedness on the Weight Watchers I app. I go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day –EVEN ON WEEKENDS! Obviously, things come up but I adhere pretty strictly to it.
3. On the dreaded DLS Sunday…
-And this may be a tough pill to swallow…wake up at your set time (RESTED OR NOT) and don’t nap (unless that is part of your pre-existing routine)
4. It’s all about the lighting…
-Natural over artificial because sunlight helps to reset our internal clocks. Enjoy the beauty of the sun; inside your home and outside!
5. Exercising…
-Try to exercise outside if possible. You don’t have to go hard core, simply taking a walk in the evening after dinner is super beneficial not only for digestion but also your sleep schedule.
6. Disconnect…
-Put your phones, computers, tablets away! It is highly recommended that you be free of screens for at least 2 hours prior to bed. If you like to watch TV before bed or even in bed; DON’T! It is highly recommended that you turn off the TV at least an hour before bed.
A friend of mine said that she was feeling, “rather fluffy” lately. She had tried a few weight loss programs and apps with little to no success. She had gotten an ad for Weight Watchers. We all know that when you have a support system / when you have a buddy doing a program, a course or whatever it may be, with you; everyone is more successful. So I signed up too! We have been doing it for about a month.
I have a long history with dieting and unhealthy eating habits and disordered eating. I have tried a million different things to lose weight or keep it down. But I must say I really like this program/app and I have made some much more positive food and health choices since using it. I haven’t weighed myself because I tend to fixate on the numbers and then develop some bad habits.
Why do I like WW?
-I like being rewarded for eating extra vegetables, drinking water, eating breakfast each day, exercise, etc
-Being points based rather than calorie based I am eating quality food rather than empty calories
-I like that it isn’t too restrictive; the zero points for favourites and fruits and veggies means that I can eat when I am hungry instead of starving myself. It really encourages smart food choices
-There are so many yummy recipes, pre-logged foods on the site I am not at a loss for food to eat
-My sleep pattern has gotten so much better since I have tracked it
-I drink at least 1750 mls of water a day; prior to starting WW I couldn’t remember the last time I had had water because I was drinking so much pop, juice and coffee
-Since I only have 23 points per day; I am really focused on not drinking my points so I basically don’t drink anymore
-You can also buy snack foods, equipment and other items to support your journey through the app
-Since WW is an established program there is so much support, tips, inspiration, recipes, out there online
Overall, this app has changed my mindset towards food; whether or not I drop weight, I feel better because I am treating my body much better.
I have found a TON of recipes that I absolutely love and I wanted to share them with you. If you are thinking about joining this is what you could be eating guilt free!
Breakfast
Everything Bagels (made with the 2 Ingredient Dough)
Avocado Toast
Blueberry Almond Oatmeal
No Sugar Added Blueberry Muffin
Snack
Fudgy Chocolate Cookies
Lunch
Tuscan Sausage & Bean Stew
Olive Garden Salad
Marinated Cucumber & Melon Salad
Quinoa Salad with Corn & Peppers
Greek Chicken Bowl
Dinner
Italian Sheet Pan Chicken
Hawaiian Sheet Pan Chicken
Chicken Sausage & Mushroom Pasta
Garlic Thyme Chicken with Cauliflower
One Pot Pasta with Cauliflower, Potatoes & Olives
I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas last year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I am still working my way through it! I wanted to share my most recent entry with you…
What about you?
Raise your hand if you are a bonafide bookworm!
I spent the last month checking out a new author, Wilbur Smith. My husband is a longtime fan and has been ‘suggesting’ that I read the books. And, I should have known that he was going to be right… I LOVED them! So far I have read the Courtney Series; this next series focuses on the Ballantyne Family from the 1860s-1980s.
1. A Falcon Flies
→Set in the 1860s, this novel is about Fuller Ballantyne who goes missing in the African wilderness. His two children embark on a quest to find him although their secondary motivations are opposed; the daughter wishes to spread Christianity and fight the slave trade where as the son wishes to strike it rich from Africa’s resources. While on the journey from England to Africa, Fuller’s daughter catches the attention of two men –one a slaver and the other, British Captain Codrington. Meanwhile, Fuller’s son fulfills the prophecy of desolation for the African people by removing a stone falcon from a cave during one of his expeditions.
2. Men of Men
→Set between 1870-1890s, this novel is about Zouga Ballantyne and his sons Ralph and Jordan. The family hopes to strike it rich with diamond mining at a time when Cecil Rhodes and his contemporaries control parts of South Africa. The family is caught up in the negotiations with and betrayal of the Matabele people.
3. The Angels Weep 1890s &1970s
→Set in the 1890s and the 1970s, this novel details the passionate fight of Black Africans for self-determination and freedom from the oppression of the white settlers. The Ballantyne’s suffer personal losses; this turns Ralph against his former allies among the Matabele. The novel fast-forwards to the continued struggle for independence; however, the Ballantyne Scouts led by Ralph’s great-grandson, Roland.
4. The Leopard Hunts in Darkness
→Set in the 1980s, Rhodesia has become Zimbabwe; Craig Mellow the cousin of Roland Ballantyne, has left the country –like many white settlers at the time. Nostalgia gets the better of Craig and he decides to return to Africa to buy the family farm. The conflict for independence and the aftermath of it has turned tribe against tribe, upon his return, Craig gets caught up in it; ivory poaching, espionage and a governmental overthrow.
*Triumph of the Sun →I read this as part of the 3 Series of the Courtney Novels; however, it didn’t come out until 2005
*King of Kings 1880s
→This novel is a sequel to Triumph of the Sun; and was published in 2019
Penrod Ballantyne and his fiancee, Amber Benbrook are on the verge of living happily ever after following the hardship they encountered a few years earlier. BUT, Lady Agatha has other plans. She tries to break them up by sullying Penrod’s reputation. Amber returned to the company of her sister and brother-in-law in Abyssinia. A distraught Penrod finds solace in opium dens but an old friend in the Italian army comes to his rescue. With the invasion of Abyssinia as a backdrop, Penrod and Amber find their way back to each other.
Categories
Current Addictions
Ad·dic·tion
/əˈdikSH(ə)n/
noun
- the fact or condition of being dependent or “hooked” to a particular substance, thing, or activity
Book: Hunting by Stars (A Marrow Thieves Novel) by Cherie Dimaline
App: Weight Watchers
Activity: I’ve have finally jumped on the Wordle bandwagon.
Song: Brave by Ella Henderson
Food: Off the Eaten Path’s Hummus Crisps: Rosemary & Olive Oil
Drink: Piña Colada Smoothie
Movie/Show: Next Level Chef
Cosmetic: Bamboo Pore Refining Mask from Juice Beauty
Clothing: Lace Shoulder Long Sleeve Top
Jewelry: Short & Suite’s Braided Gem Ring in pink
Product: K-Mini Coffee Maker
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February’s OOTD
This is the perfect casual outfit for running errands!
Top: Ombre Plush Tunic Hoodie from Ricki’s
Pants: High Waist Yoga Leggings from Ricki’s
Accessories: Gold Knotted Hoop Earrings from Ricki’s
Shoes: Stan Smith (in cloud white) from Adidas