can't type. too tired.

day two completed and I am wiped.

can barely stay awake and if it wasn't for an impromptu skype call to Australia I would be in bed by now.

...and now I'm off.

More details as I regain consciousness.

here is a picture of my favourite little guy

Blondie update

In other news, little pup Blondie is adapting well to being home alone for a longer span - I hope she keeps this up as mid-terms or exams come around!

Here is her latest, and greatest "trick"

...watch for the leap!

The call

I didn't wait too long - a few hours and the call was received. I was offered a position for one semester at a wonderful school.

...and yes, it did include the math. I would start tomorrow (Wednesday).

On Wednesday I put on a casual, comfortable yet powerful outfit complete with my lucky sandals, ready to meet new people and start a new page. I arrived 10 minutes before the start time - not too keen and early, but just enough to say "I am professional". Apparently TOO professional - today was "breezy" and started "around" a time. I introduced myself to those around me, and as each new person entered, I was sure to continue my kind "hello, I'm Jackie, I'm new to the school" and each person would give a welcome followed by a "where are you coming from?" or "how long have you been an LTO?" (contract teacher). There were moments of "Jackie" very fun, lively telling a story or a joke and then there were other times of my shy, reserved self that would poke through.

"Teaching one math!? really!! you are brave!"

"you have a math background?" - as if they could see plainly on my face that not one stitch of my body enjoyed math.

each time I responded the same, almost as if I was asked about religion.

"I am believer of math but I am not a big practicer" people giggled at this - but it's true. I WANT to be able to do formulas, answer equations, graph but at a young age I told myself "I can't" and just gave up. Plain and simple. I am quite honest to those who ask - it is one of my regrets in life.

Now I can regain some of it - find a new passion in teaching it as well as learning it. I am older , I have gained more life experience so I can't help but think - will this be like that novel I read in grade 10 and hated - only to love at age 20.

Today at school was a bit different - the feeling of the new person began to resonate and each time I got nervous or scared I reminded myself of how I felt at my previous position both at the beginning of the year and then at the end. It is very comparable to a young child going to sleep-away camp for the first time, crying "I don't want to go!" only to beg to stay longer when it was over.

It will take time, as most things do.