I know I last wrote not too long ago but I need to write this.
My sister Caroline met a wonderful guy last year: He laughs at ALL my jokes too therefore I love him.
They are so happy together.
I have just hung up with Caro and we spoke for about an hour and 75 per cent ( darn I can`t find the percentage sign on my keyboard )-% there -found it.
Anyway, She loves this guy.
I also like him because he makes her happy.
She has all the signs of someone in love :
1-A skip in her step
2- A constant smile : like she has a coat hanger stuck in her mouth.
3- She talks about him so much EVEN I want to marry him : I`m saying this in a positive way.
4- THE GLOW.
Although I am so totally 100% happy, thrilled for her, I kinda ( I feel guilty about it but what the heck ) felt jealous. There said it!
But then I started thinking and thought to myself : " Hey you beautiful but stupid girl-look who you`ve been married to for the last 15 years ( YES I married VERY YOUNG ) ."
Today it really hit me why I really love this man.
The little things.
I`ve been secretly keeping tabs of a list of things I love about this man.
It`s been going on for two weeks now.
Do you want the whole list or the top 10 ?
Here goes : Do you have an hour and a bag because brace yourselves- it WILL get really cheesy.
1- He`s an artist.Opposites attract.
2- He`s a great cook.Opposites attract!
3- He makes the best wings in the world.
4-He has integrity.
5-He also laughs at all my jokes even when they are not funny. He`s my best audience.
6- He`s a grreat listener-trust me even when I think he`s not listening, he`s listening.
7- He makes beautiful kids.Great DNA.
8-He`s SIMPLE-not complicated-easy-going.
9-He`s always calm even when I panic- I do that a lot.
10- He brings me my morning coffee at 7:30 in the upstairs bathroom while I work on my face and that EVERY morning for the last 15 years.
11- He tucks me in at night when I ask him.
12-He supports me in my projects no matter what they are.
13- He`s honest-no bluffing, no lies.
14- He`s tall : I love tall men.
15- He opens doors for me .
16- He has a great soul.
17- He makes me laugh.
18- He`s a great nurse when I`m sick.
19-He`s a drummer .
20- He makes a mean cup of coffee.
21- He doesn`t boss me and he never lets me boss him around.
22-I`m a rollercoaster.He can handle the ride !
I have known Pierre since high school ( sec.2 ) and when I think I know everything about him, he surprises me.
This morning, while I was teaching, he came to see me to tell me with a smile from ear to ear : " I just received your Chritmas gift and you`re just gonna go nuts !! "
all this while my 6 foot 3 man is jumping up and down.
And he adds : " I would really look forward to Christmas if I were you ."
And he takes off leaving me in the corridor with my mouth open.
Do you see what I mean ?
I honestly wish my daughter gets a man like her dad.
Poor future son-in-law, you have big shoes to fill.
My friend Guy at work once told me : You and Pierre are really happy huh ?
And I answered : He makes feel like a princess even 25 years later.
The best thing about this is that I look, observe my 8 year old son Félix and I see his dad in him- he`ll be just like him.
He makes me feel like a princess too.
So there, now you know why I don`t feel jealous of Caroline anymore but instead I see the love they share and I can`t keep from smiling because I feel Caroline is getting her share of love and happiness .
She deserves it.
To Nick I say : welcome to the Fröhlich clan.
You are officially a member of ( since last weekend ) The Bisons Des Prairies or AKA The Fröhlich brothers-in law secret club.
Seriously, you`re a super duper great guy.
You and Pierre are very similar.
Enjoy the ride with Caro, she`s a rollercoaster too!
I can confirm that your life will never be boring.
Take good care of her.
Treat her right or I will have to kill you- not me but very good Italian friends of mine.
Just kidding.
What do I think Pierre got me for Christmas : I haven`t found it yet but :
1- A new Red Sox t-shirt( I ruined my new favorite one while handling chemical products- I was house cleaning.
or
2- A Red Sox hand-made purse. EBAY
or
3- A Red Sox jersey.
or
4- A Red Sox tote bag.
or
5- A pink Red Sox school bag.
or
6- A t-shirt with : I`d Rather Be At Fenway on it.
Do you want to know how blonde I can be at times ?
I got a puppy last Christmas after months of hinting or should I say begging.
When Pierre walked in the door on December 24th with our new chocolate Labrador puppy with a Christmas ribbon around her neck I said : " Who`s dog are we babysitting during the holidays ?"
I was sure she was someone else`s.
Her name is Bailey`s ( one of favorite alcoholic beverages) but to this day my kids think it`s chocolate fudge because we use use Bailey`s in our family recipe.
So when strangers say aaaah Bailey`s like the drink, my kids are always quick to correct them and answer: No like mom`s chocolate fudge !!
Call childcare services now.
On that I`m off.
I`m visiting Rosie`s grade 1 class tomorrow morning : show and tell.
That should be very interesting.
And I`m bringing surprises-are they gonna love me or what ?
I`ll tell you all about it later.
And tomorrow night is parent-teacher night for both my kids.
My kids have great report cards but Félix-Antoine has been suprisingly obedient and doing some serious sucking-up with his mom.
So my question is : What will his teacher have to tell me aside that he`s very cute and intelligent ?
I am afraid.
I`ll keep you posted.
TaTA
Annie
mercredi 5 décembre 2007
lundi 3 décembre 2007
ROLLERCOASTER- BEAUTIFULLY UNDONE
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mercredi 21 novembre 2007
A PREMIERE !!
Oh what a day it has been.
It all started so nice and slowly.
And then I had a meeting with Karyna.
It was a great day, don`t get me wrong, but a crazy one.
I almost gave myself a feuille de route.
Slow morning because I busted my hand yesterday running around at school.
How did happen ?
WARNING : Getting off topic for a few minutes
I was running out of a meeting and running back to another when I ran into Jean-René Provencher`s desk corner -literally.
Banged into it left hand first.
It`s amazing how big and fast a hand gets all swollen up !
While I was holding back the tears, I run back downstairs to get Line Hébert ( first aid ) to fetch some ice and so she could confirm I would be fine and wouldn`t need to go to the hospital.
I still had 2 periods to give therefore no time to sit and wait in a hospital waiting room to read old magazines.
Couldn`t find Line.
What do I do when I`m in trouble and close to tears ? Run to my sister Caroline.
Found her and at this point I`m crying because it really hurts like &**&?%$&?$/ !!
If Caroline got a dollar everytime I went to see for help after a stupid freak accident , she wouldn`t need to work...Piere either.
Anyways, she gets me ice in her office while I`m sweating lilke a pig.
She asks me how I did that and then tries not to laugh. Bless her.
When Pierre finds out, he asks me how I did that and asks : Did you fall again runnning around the corridors ?
No, not this time , I swear!
He didn`t laugh. Bless him.
It was better today, still swollen but couldn`t write with it today.
But tomorrow is another day.
Back to the topic of my day : it was going nice and slow ( honestly I wasn`t awake when I came in the school door this morning.
Then I had a meeting with Karyna in my ofice.
As you may have read at the very beginning of my blog, I moved to my new office because Paul Lachance promised me cake and coffee all year round.
Respecting his engagement, he offered Karyna and I pannetome and capuccino.
I had both while Karyna had cake ( a big piece ).
Paul served me about 4 small but strong cappuccinos while Karyna and I were passionately discussing a project for Intensive.
An hour later, saturated with both coffee and cake, we both head to the Intensive English classes ( Sec.1 to 5) to inform the students about an Intensive English logo contest
.
OH MY GOD ! Hyperactive is an understatement !
Imagine more two tennis balls bouncing off walls.
We didn`t know if the students were really listening hard or if they were afraid .
I think we scared the little kids in Sec. 1!
We are normally like this OUTSIDE the classroom Karyna and I but never INSIDE the classroom : we`re more reasonable, usually-normally.
Bottom line: we blame this behaviour on Paul -my favorite coffee pusher.
Seriously, I love working with Karyna, she`s very creative, efficient, a doer not just a talker and we get along great even when we disagree. Vive la difference.
So as the title stipulates way on top of the page, the logo contest is a premiere for the Intensive English program.
A $50.00 dollar gift certificate at Les Rivières will be given to the winner.
The logo must include :
1- English Concentration : the new name for the Intensive English program.
2- ESJN ( our school name )
3- Deadline : December 17th .
4- Winners will be given the prize December 20th before you leave for the holidays.
5- Write YOUR name at the BACK of the logo so we don`t see it while judging.
6- Give your logo to YOUR English Intensive teacher.
7- The judges are : Dany Dallaire, Karyna Cormier and myself.
Break a leg darlings !
Tata for now,
Annie
It all started so nice and slowly.
And then I had a meeting with Karyna.
It was a great day, don`t get me wrong, but a crazy one.
I almost gave myself a feuille de route.
Slow morning because I busted my hand yesterday running around at school.
How did happen ?
WARNING : Getting off topic for a few minutes
I was running out of a meeting and running back to another when I ran into Jean-René Provencher`s desk corner -literally.
Banged into it left hand first.
It`s amazing how big and fast a hand gets all swollen up !
While I was holding back the tears, I run back downstairs to get Line Hébert ( first aid ) to fetch some ice and so she could confirm I would be fine and wouldn`t need to go to the hospital.
I still had 2 periods to give therefore no time to sit and wait in a hospital waiting room to read old magazines.
Couldn`t find Line.
What do I do when I`m in trouble and close to tears ? Run to my sister Caroline.
Found her and at this point I`m crying because it really hurts like &**&?%$&?$/ !!
If Caroline got a dollar everytime I went to see for help after a stupid freak accident , she wouldn`t need to work...Piere either.
Anyways, she gets me ice in her office while I`m sweating lilke a pig.
She asks me how I did that and then tries not to laugh. Bless her.
When Pierre finds out, he asks me how I did that and asks : Did you fall again runnning around the corridors ?
No, not this time , I swear!
He didn`t laugh. Bless him.
It was better today, still swollen but couldn`t write with it today.
But tomorrow is another day.
Back to the topic of my day : it was going nice and slow ( honestly I wasn`t awake when I came in the school door this morning.
Then I had a meeting with Karyna in my ofice.
As you may have read at the very beginning of my blog, I moved to my new office because Paul Lachance promised me cake and coffee all year round.
Respecting his engagement, he offered Karyna and I pannetome and capuccino.
I had both while Karyna had cake ( a big piece ).
Paul served me about 4 small but strong cappuccinos while Karyna and I were passionately discussing a project for Intensive.
An hour later, saturated with both coffee and cake, we both head to the Intensive English classes ( Sec.1 to 5) to inform the students about an Intensive English logo contest
.
OH MY GOD ! Hyperactive is an understatement !
Imagine more two tennis balls bouncing off walls.
We didn`t know if the students were really listening hard or if they were afraid .
I think we scared the little kids in Sec. 1!
We are normally like this OUTSIDE the classroom Karyna and I but never INSIDE the classroom : we`re more reasonable, usually-normally.
Bottom line: we blame this behaviour on Paul -my favorite coffee pusher.
Seriously, I love working with Karyna, she`s very creative, efficient, a doer not just a talker and we get along great even when we disagree. Vive la difference.
So as the title stipulates way on top of the page, the logo contest is a premiere for the Intensive English program.
A $50.00 dollar gift certificate at Les Rivières will be given to the winner.
The logo must include :
1- English Concentration : the new name for the Intensive English program.
2- ESJN ( our school name )
3- Deadline : December 17th .
4- Winners will be given the prize December 20th before you leave for the holidays.
5- Write YOUR name at the BACK of the logo so we don`t see it while judging.
6- Give your logo to YOUR English Intensive teacher.
7- The judges are : Dany Dallaire, Karyna Cormier and myself.
Break a leg darlings !
Tata for now,
Annie
dimanche 18 novembre 2007
MOTIVATION FROM MY MOMs
Hi everyone,
Well people are reading this blog and obviously NOT reading recently since I haven`t written since October 8th.
A lot of you were not shy to tell me I was neglecting my blog and some of you even called me at home to tell me to get writing .
Thank you ! What a compliment. What a motivation to write.
Here `s what I`ll be talking about :
1- My excuse for not writing.
2- A project I`m working on that I KNOW you will love.
3- Literature stuff you`ll see in class.( sec.2 and sec.4)
Here goes : brace yourself, it`s a long one. Do you have 15 minutes ?
What IS my excuse anyway ?
A few reasons but I will explain the major one in a few lines .
Now normally when my students are absent from school, mom or dad have to sign the student`s agenda (page 8) to motivate their absence.
It`s a bit ironic how my absence is due to the fact that my mother or mothers are the reaons why I was absent .
I have two adopted moms : Let`s call them Mary and Susan for the sake of this blog.
Mary is a mom I met 8 years ago in a professional or school context. Circumstances made us grow closer and Mary became a mother figure, a mentor, a friend, a model , a confidant :
a close friend or associate to whom secrets are confided or with whom private matters and problems are discussed ( dictionary definition ).
She `s also so much more than that. She is my little voice inside my head - my internal mom. She`s the one telling me to slow down, take care of myself, validates what I do and think.
She`s also one of the few I LISTEN TO when it comes to advice !
In September I find out she has breast cancer.
I mentally went nuts. I do not believe it, I don`t want to believe it and I do not even want to think about it !
Then it hit me. It really affected me and was very sad for a long time.
Now, normally in a situation like this I would run to her but I couldn`t. She was the one needing help this time. But how do I help someone with something you know nothing about : breast cancer ?
Well you do what you can .
You encourage them, you pray for them ( I do that a lot lately for her ) .
I also have a second mom : I `ve known Susan for 15 years.
She was the school nurse at school for many years. She now works in a CLSC.
She was also unavailable lately because she was fulfilling her longtime dream : being a nurse in the northern part of Québec ( Natashquan ).
We called and e-mailed each other but nothing is better than actually talking to someone in person. So my 2 moms were unavailable and I was abit saddened by the whole thing.
Susan is back now ! We are actually having coffee together tonight. I can`t wait to hear her stories from her experience way up north.
Do my 2 moms know each other you ask ? Yes they do .
So now you know why I was absent : mentally absent from my blog : the plate was full .
I try as much as possible to be positive in my blog because if you want negative stuff just turn on the news .... and I couldn`t be positive in my blog lately. I needed to step back for a while.
BUT I AM BACK AND WITH A VENGEANCE !!
I have been told I am nuts or crazy ( in a positive way here people !) since I can remember. I accept it. Life is good in Annie`s world and you are welcome in it if you are nice, but I can actually confirm it : Life IS good when you`re a bit bananas.
Here`s the thing : I was working on a personal project when I suddenly thought about my students ( my students have a way of finding their way in my personal life sometimes ) and how they would enjoy the fruits of my personal investigation !!
As I was working on my project I was thinking : What are you thinking, you`re nuts? !
But I continued working on my project anyway thinking I won`t take NO for an answer and will go all the way with this.
And I did and It`s working! I can`t say what it is yet because there are still some details to settle but the bottom line is I got a YES from certain people and I just went nuts.
I don`t know why Pierre didn`t have a heart attack when I got the positive reply.
Here`s how it went down people :
I send an e-mail to some very friendly people on a certain Sunday thinking : I`ll get a negative response but what the heck .
I send them an e-mail on a certain Sunday .
I get a positive response the very NEXT day,Monday.
Are these people nice or what ?
The thing is, I checked my e- mails upstairs Monday night at 10:45 and what I did NOT know is that Pierre is sleeping downstairs on the sofa.
When I read the e-mail and read the positive response I screamed and ran downstairs!
Pierre woke up.
He thought I was having a heart attack !
So when I finally got downstairs yelling OH MY GOD OH MY GOD Pierre thinks I`m having an attack but cannot quite understand why I`m smiling ear to ear at the same time .
I had to wait a few minutes for Pierre to get his blood circulation come back to his head and those were the longest minutes.
Pierre had no idea that I had sent an e-mail and had no clue about my personal investigation.
I wanted to see the reply before talking to him about it.
When I finally could tell Pierre, he was suprised,happy but still mad at me for almost killing him with my reaction .
Now it`s still a top secret thing because like I said, things need to be confirmed .
No the Pope, Céline Dion, Mr.Harper are not coming to school !
They are very inspiring people who I KNOW for a fact will inspire a lot of you : an AHAAAAA moment. Their story is so great and inspiring you won`t want them to leave.
You`ll meet people who were DESTINED to do what they do .
You won`t be disapppointed.
Final point for today. Literature stuff. No no don`t go, it is interesting.
I was almost late for work Friday after lunch because of a short story !
Didn`t eat lunch because of the short story either .
Let me explain :
Friday 12:05, I go home for lunch. Pierre is busy with the school radio so I have the house to myself.
Prepare lunch but before attacking my sandwich I decide to check my e-mails.
And for a reason I don`t remember I end up on one of my favorite websites : an archive of short stories.
One of my favorite short story author is Dorothy Parker. She writes the kind of short stories you read in bed: They`re light , funny and funny.
Anyway, I start reading and really lost track of time. Why ? Because obviously it was good and it was so darn funny.
Next thing I know, it`s 1:05 !
I haven`t eaten but I had one heck of a good read and laughed.
I grab 2 oatmeal cookies and jump ( literally ) in my truck.
What is the title of the short story ?
You`ll have to come and see me.
I will print the story and we will read it in class.
Throughout the story I had one of my sec.4 kids in mind.
When we`ll read it, you`ll surely recognize him. I know he will ! And yes it is a HE.
Here are my new projects :
1- Read the book Double Dutch from an American author I had the pleasure to meet in Montreal a week ago.
This is for my sec.2 kids.
If it`s good, we`ll read it.
2- Truman Capote: American author.
Breakfast At Tiffany`s is a book composed of : a novella ( short novel ) and 2 or 3 short stories.
Mr. Capote was a weird and original man. His biography is really interesting.
Gotta read his stuff, he has a very unique style of writing. Asked Santa Claus for his other books-including the one he never finished because he died before he could . Am I a masochist or what ?
3- I ordered new grammar books ( do want cheese with your WHINE ?) for my sec.4 because they have a BIG ministery exam in January and I want new stuff to prep you guys.
One is titled : Grammar Naturally. Can`t wait to check that one out !
Before I go, I`d like to thank:
Patrick at school for reminding me to write my blog and helping me out with very technical and multimedia stuff. I love you too.
Paul: for personally delivering me a latté in a bowl and panettone in class Friday while I was teaching. You really DID like my caramel. I`ll bring some more when I make some.
Katherine for rubbing her face in my classroom door window just to make me laugh.
Works every time.
Caroline : for being just as excited as I was when I shared my new project with her Tuesday morning in her office. She`s taking care of some stuff for me too.
And finally but not least for 2 special people I can not name: for being nice enough to say yes and giving my kids in class the opportunity to be inspired by real living people.
It will be worth the trip I promise you.
And to Pierre for not divorcing me after the Monday night incident.
I swear I wasn`t trying to kill you !
MUSTANG MOMENT - A MINUTE OF SILENCE PLEASE
Pierre and I can`t wait for April. You guessed it, my 1973 Mustang is in hibernation till then. We get to see her everyday ( it`s so cruel ) but we only get to SEE her .
I miss the sound of the motor, the smell of the leather seats, the wind in my hair, the sound of ACDC playing while I`m driving,the feeling of of driving a REAL car. I know, I know, I need to take my medication.It`s an illness. We bought her new accessories . Too cool.
On that I say TATA, I will be back soon, promised .
Although I love it when you verbally comment my blog, I do like it when you leave a comment.
Come on, leave a comment.
Annie Fröhlich
Well people are reading this blog and obviously NOT reading recently since I haven`t written since October 8th.
A lot of you were not shy to tell me I was neglecting my blog and some of you even called me at home to tell me to get writing .
Thank you ! What a compliment. What a motivation to write.
Here `s what I`ll be talking about :
1- My excuse for not writing.
2- A project I`m working on that I KNOW you will love.
3- Literature stuff you`ll see in class.( sec.2 and sec.4)
Here goes : brace yourself, it`s a long one. Do you have 15 minutes ?
What IS my excuse anyway ?
A few reasons but I will explain the major one in a few lines .
Now normally when my students are absent from school, mom or dad have to sign the student`s agenda (page 8) to motivate their absence.
It`s a bit ironic how my absence is due to the fact that my mother or mothers are the reaons why I was absent .
I have two adopted moms : Let`s call them Mary and Susan for the sake of this blog.
Mary is a mom I met 8 years ago in a professional or school context. Circumstances made us grow closer and Mary became a mother figure, a mentor, a friend, a model , a confidant :
a close friend or associate to whom secrets are confided or with whom private matters and problems are discussed ( dictionary definition ).
She `s also so much more than that. She is my little voice inside my head - my internal mom. She`s the one telling me to slow down, take care of myself, validates what I do and think.
She`s also one of the few I LISTEN TO when it comes to advice !
In September I find out she has breast cancer.
I mentally went nuts. I do not believe it, I don`t want to believe it and I do not even want to think about it !
Then it hit me. It really affected me and was very sad for a long time.
Now, normally in a situation like this I would run to her but I couldn`t. She was the one needing help this time. But how do I help someone with something you know nothing about : breast cancer ?
Well you do what you can .
You encourage them, you pray for them ( I do that a lot lately for her ) .
I also have a second mom : I `ve known Susan for 15 years.
She was the school nurse at school for many years. She now works in a CLSC.
She was also unavailable lately because she was fulfilling her longtime dream : being a nurse in the northern part of Québec ( Natashquan ).
We called and e-mailed each other but nothing is better than actually talking to someone in person. So my 2 moms were unavailable and I was abit saddened by the whole thing.
Susan is back now ! We are actually having coffee together tonight. I can`t wait to hear her stories from her experience way up north.
Do my 2 moms know each other you ask ? Yes they do .
So now you know why I was absent : mentally absent from my blog : the plate was full .
I try as much as possible to be positive in my blog because if you want negative stuff just turn on the news .... and I couldn`t be positive in my blog lately. I needed to step back for a while.
BUT I AM BACK AND WITH A VENGEANCE !!
I have been told I am nuts or crazy ( in a positive way here people !) since I can remember. I accept it. Life is good in Annie`s world and you are welcome in it if you are nice, but I can actually confirm it : Life IS good when you`re a bit bananas.
Here`s the thing : I was working on a personal project when I suddenly thought about my students ( my students have a way of finding their way in my personal life sometimes ) and how they would enjoy the fruits of my personal investigation !!
As I was working on my project I was thinking : What are you thinking, you`re nuts? !
But I continued working on my project anyway thinking I won`t take NO for an answer and will go all the way with this.
And I did and It`s working! I can`t say what it is yet because there are still some details to settle but the bottom line is I got a YES from certain people and I just went nuts.
I don`t know why Pierre didn`t have a heart attack when I got the positive reply.
Here`s how it went down people :
I send an e-mail to some very friendly people on a certain Sunday thinking : I`ll get a negative response but what the heck .
I send them an e-mail on a certain Sunday .
I get a positive response the very NEXT day,Monday.
Are these people nice or what ?
The thing is, I checked my e- mails upstairs Monday night at 10:45 and what I did NOT know is that Pierre is sleeping downstairs on the sofa.
When I read the e-mail and read the positive response I screamed and ran downstairs!
Pierre woke up.
He thought I was having a heart attack !
So when I finally got downstairs yelling OH MY GOD OH MY GOD Pierre thinks I`m having an attack but cannot quite understand why I`m smiling ear to ear at the same time .
I had to wait a few minutes for Pierre to get his blood circulation come back to his head and those were the longest minutes.
Pierre had no idea that I had sent an e-mail and had no clue about my personal investigation.
I wanted to see the reply before talking to him about it.
When I finally could tell Pierre, he was suprised,happy but still mad at me for almost killing him with my reaction .
Now it`s still a top secret thing because like I said, things need to be confirmed .
No the Pope, Céline Dion, Mr.Harper are not coming to school !
They are very inspiring people who I KNOW for a fact will inspire a lot of you : an AHAAAAA moment. Their story is so great and inspiring you won`t want them to leave.
You`ll meet people who were DESTINED to do what they do .
You won`t be disapppointed.
Final point for today. Literature stuff. No no don`t go, it is interesting.
I was almost late for work Friday after lunch because of a short story !
Didn`t eat lunch because of the short story either .
Let me explain :
Friday 12:05, I go home for lunch. Pierre is busy with the school radio so I have the house to myself.
Prepare lunch but before attacking my sandwich I decide to check my e-mails.
And for a reason I don`t remember I end up on one of my favorite websites : an archive of short stories.
One of my favorite short story author is Dorothy Parker. She writes the kind of short stories you read in bed: They`re light , funny and funny.
Anyway, I start reading and really lost track of time. Why ? Because obviously it was good and it was so darn funny.
Next thing I know, it`s 1:05 !
I haven`t eaten but I had one heck of a good read and laughed.
I grab 2 oatmeal cookies and jump ( literally ) in my truck.
What is the title of the short story ?
You`ll have to come and see me.
I will print the story and we will read it in class.
Throughout the story I had one of my sec.4 kids in mind.
When we`ll read it, you`ll surely recognize him. I know he will ! And yes it is a HE.
Here are my new projects :
1- Read the book Double Dutch from an American author I had the pleasure to meet in Montreal a week ago.
This is for my sec.2 kids.
If it`s good, we`ll read it.
2- Truman Capote: American author.
Breakfast At Tiffany`s is a book composed of : a novella ( short novel ) and 2 or 3 short stories.
Mr. Capote was a weird and original man. His biography is really interesting.
Gotta read his stuff, he has a very unique style of writing. Asked Santa Claus for his other books-including the one he never finished because he died before he could . Am I a masochist or what ?
3- I ordered new grammar books ( do want cheese with your WHINE ?) for my sec.4 because they have a BIG ministery exam in January and I want new stuff to prep you guys.
One is titled : Grammar Naturally. Can`t wait to check that one out !
Before I go, I`d like to thank:
Patrick at school for reminding me to write my blog and helping me out with very technical and multimedia stuff. I love you too.
Paul: for personally delivering me a latté in a bowl and panettone in class Friday while I was teaching. You really DID like my caramel. I`ll bring some more when I make some.
Katherine for rubbing her face in my classroom door window just to make me laugh.
Works every time.
Caroline : for being just as excited as I was when I shared my new project with her Tuesday morning in her office. She`s taking care of some stuff for me too.
And finally but not least for 2 special people I can not name: for being nice enough to say yes and giving my kids in class the opportunity to be inspired by real living people.
It will be worth the trip I promise you.
And to Pierre for not divorcing me after the Monday night incident.
I swear I wasn`t trying to kill you !
MUSTANG MOMENT - A MINUTE OF SILENCE PLEASE
Pierre and I can`t wait for April. You guessed it, my 1973 Mustang is in hibernation till then. We get to see her everyday ( it`s so cruel ) but we only get to SEE her .
I miss the sound of the motor, the smell of the leather seats, the wind in my hair, the sound of ACDC playing while I`m driving,the feeling of of driving a REAL car. I know, I know, I need to take my medication.It`s an illness. We bought her new accessories . Too cool.
On that I say TATA, I will be back soon, promised .
Although I love it when you verbally comment my blog, I do like it when you leave a comment.
Come on, leave a comment.
Annie Fröhlich
lundi 8 octobre 2007
All You Teachers Out There : Check This Out !
So while I`m listening to The Cranberries ( Thanksgiving- cranberries, do you get it ? ), I had to make an announcement.
Starting today, I will post a special thought of the day to all teachers. Hopefully they will inspire you. Whenever possible I will give you the source of the quote in case you want to do some reading on the source.
I will also post the quote of the day on different subjects with its source. Facts on the author of will be given since they won`t necessarily be authors. They might be a politician, playwright, novelist, poet, philosopher and the list goes on.
Since there`s no time like the present, here we go :
Inspiring thought for teachers .
When we give of ourselves, we gain the most.
A sacrifice made for the betterment of someone else is a gift that, by its definition, is seldom acknowledged. But through these silent acts of love, we experience our greatest growth.
Author unknown.
Just so you know, teachers will never admit to themselves or others that this is part their job, that`s what they do. Which is fortunate since it would ruin the whole act in my opinion. Genuine giving shouldn`t be preceeded by trumpets and horns. Giving must be a secret almost. But that`s just me.
Quote Du Jour :
One is not born a woman, one becomes one.
Simone De Beauvoir ( French existentialist novelist, essayist, political activist, feminist )
On a total different note, I painted a cliché this weekend. No , actually it was my husband but I am totally responsible.
I hate clichés.
1.
a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox.
How can you paint a cliché ?
First you need kids. Then you decide to redecorate their bedroom.
If you have a son, you paint his bedroom like the Montréal Canadiens.
If you have a daughter, you paint it pink and add lots of ballerinas and dollhouses.
Hey I know , clichés are so well you know, cliché. But we just redid Rosie`s bedroom and I have to admit it : I LOVE IT !
It`s so pink, so girlie, so princess.
I`m so jealous !
At thirty something, I wish I had her bedroom !!
I surprise myself walking in her bedroom, just standing there in the middle of the room with a cup of java in my hand and just staring at the walls.
It`s so pink you want to eat it. It`s so cute, you want to live there permanently.
Have I lost my head ? NYES.
You see, when you have a daughter, I realized, you relive certain experiences, joys, periods of your life when YOU were a little girl and those of your sisters too. But always have to keep in mind this is NOT your life in INSTANT REPLAY but a sort of déja -vu.
And to think I wanted a second son when I was pregnant with Rose.
Girls I knew since I am the eldest of 3 girls and a baby brother.
I wanted to be surrounded by boys for a change.
But life has a way of throwing you stuff you need and not what you want. So when I gave birth to Rose-Anne, I thought to myself : So what is it I have to learn from this ?
This question is answered almost everyday. She is not a mini-me ( THANK GOD ) and fortunately we are so different. I learn more from her than she from me, I am sure.
So as a famous saying goes : Thank God for little girls !
And before heading off, think pink.
Annie c;
Starting today, I will post a special thought of the day to all teachers. Hopefully they will inspire you. Whenever possible I will give you the source of the quote in case you want to do some reading on the source.
I will also post the quote of the day on different subjects with its source. Facts on the author of will be given since they won`t necessarily be authors. They might be a politician, playwright, novelist, poet, philosopher and the list goes on.
Since there`s no time like the present, here we go :
Inspiring thought for teachers .
When we give of ourselves, we gain the most.
A sacrifice made for the betterment of someone else is a gift that, by its definition, is seldom acknowledged. But through these silent acts of love, we experience our greatest growth.
Author unknown.
Just so you know, teachers will never admit to themselves or others that this is part their job, that`s what they do. Which is fortunate since it would ruin the whole act in my opinion. Genuine giving shouldn`t be preceeded by trumpets and horns. Giving must be a secret almost. But that`s just me.
Quote Du Jour :
One is not born a woman, one becomes one.
Simone De Beauvoir ( French existentialist novelist, essayist, political activist, feminist )
On a total different note, I painted a cliché this weekend. No , actually it was my husband but I am totally responsible.
I hate clichés.
1.
a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox.
How can you paint a cliché ?
First you need kids. Then you decide to redecorate their bedroom.
If you have a son, you paint his bedroom like the Montréal Canadiens.
If you have a daughter, you paint it pink and add lots of ballerinas and dollhouses.
Hey I know , clichés are so well you know, cliché. But we just redid Rosie`s bedroom and I have to admit it : I LOVE IT !
It`s so pink, so girlie, so princess.
I`m so jealous !
At thirty something, I wish I had her bedroom !!
I surprise myself walking in her bedroom, just standing there in the middle of the room with a cup of java in my hand and just staring at the walls.
It`s so pink you want to eat it. It`s so cute, you want to live there permanently.
Have I lost my head ? NYES.
You see, when you have a daughter, I realized, you relive certain experiences, joys, periods of your life when YOU were a little girl and those of your sisters too. But always have to keep in mind this is NOT your life in INSTANT REPLAY but a sort of déja -vu.
And to think I wanted a second son when I was pregnant with Rose.
Girls I knew since I am the eldest of 3 girls and a baby brother.
I wanted to be surrounded by boys for a change.
But life has a way of throwing you stuff you need and not what you want. So when I gave birth to Rose-Anne, I thought to myself : So what is it I have to learn from this ?
This question is answered almost everyday. She is not a mini-me ( THANK GOD ) and fortunately we are so different. I learn more from her than she from me, I am sure.
So as a famous saying goes : Thank God for little girls !
And before heading off, think pink.
Annie c;
samedi 6 octobre 2007
Thank You
Well it`s that time of the year where we get a breather ( a little time off ) and can actually breathe .
It`s Thanksgiving folks so bring that turkey on .
Actually, turkey on Thanksgiving isn`t so popular here. It`s more of an American and Canadian tradition. Too bad, turkey is underrated.
I know you guys prefer the 4 days off to the food, so do I ; but let us not forget WHY we`re off in the first place.
I do not want to turn all religious but think about this . Putting aside the Catholic element to the holiday, this holiday is necessary.
First to take a break before the hectic schedule leading us to the christmas holiday and most importantly and the word says it all: to give thanks, to be grateful.
Thanksgiving is entirely linked to the period of the year we call HARVEST.
Farmers harvest what they sowed last spring. Thanks to their harvest, we may have a diverse variety of fruit and vegetables on our tables.
Yeah so what I hear. We are so used to living in a society where abundance is a daily thing that we so often forget that it is not like this GLOBALLY.
We are privileged. We don`t have to hunt for food and water. We don`t have to walk miles to fetch water. We just jump in our cars and go buy some. Not everyone on the planet can do the same.
It`s not my fault I was born on the right street !! No it certainly isn`t but can we at least recognize that we are fortunate? Can we at least appreciate, if only for a day, the fact that we live in society where bare neccessities like food , fresh water, peace, education, health care and respect of our civil rights are often taken for granted? Just turn on the local news and see for yourself that NOT everybody lives in the same conditions as we do.
Oh, this is not a guilt trip but just a little pause to say : wouldn`t it be fun if for a change we had more of this attitude : It's not having what you want ,It's wanting what you've got.
Appreciation and being grateful do go hand in hand. But first we must recognize what we have and NOT take it so much for granted ( prendre pour acquis ).
I sound so serious. NO I am not a preacher in my spare time.
Speaking of : you know how the saying goes " Practise what you preach and do what you teach " ?
I am embarrassed to say I didn`t do that on Friday.
Let me explain . Friday October 5th was a ped day for us teachers while you guys were busy preparing the turkey. Ped days consist of meetings ,reunions and personal work ( correction, preparing exams etc. ) in other words : fun stuff.
Friday morning started with a staff meeting at the library with the 3 principals. Mr. Pruvost had us grouped in small groups to perform a very specific job.
I couldn`t do it. The job was fairly easy to do. The problem was I couldn`t focus, concentrate.Plus at my table were teachers I like to have fun with. In a social context this would not have been a problem but when you have a job to do, it becomes one.
I was sitting next to Katherine Bourgeois with whom I have a special bond. She really makes me laugh. And she doesn`t need to talk. Just writing about it makes me laugh. And I obviously make her laugh too.
So we did just that. Oh Katherine was much more disciplined than me. She wrote all the things we had to write for the rest of the team and came up with very good ideas while we were brainstorming.
But I MUST NOT sit next to her. If we had been 15 years old and sitting in a classroom, we would have been separated by the teacher right away.
And this is my point. Teachers are not that different from students sometimes. We have more self-discipline but we do not apply it all the time. No, let me rephrase that : I do not apply it all the time. Taking responsibility is afterall, part of being an adult !!!
But there are people at school that have this effect on me. I turn 12 ( years old ) when I`m around them. And there are also some people I just love to make laugh. They`re so much fun to have fun with. Anyway, to be continued.
I want to take the opportunity to thank certain people :
1- A certain English teacher named Guy : for getting all dirty because he was hiding on the ground next to my truck in the school parking lot to scare me by going " BOO". I didn`t get scared but I certainly laughed . And eventually he did too.
2- A certain science teacher named Pat who watches a certain tv program I love and lets me talk about it all the time . He always sincerely listens to me .
3- To Katherine. You make me laugh and feel like a kid .
4- To Karyna who likes to ask me English stuff. You make me feel useful and needed.
I also ask her English stuff too.
5- To my kids : for making me feel what truly is unconditional love.
6- To my husband : because you are always there no matter what.
7- My sisters : they represent unconditional love, a common history and tons of fun.
8- My students : because they are so darn cute when they work hard in class !
9- Baileys : my dog and walking partner. For leading me places when I need to .
10 - My Mustang : for making me feel like I can do anything ( except speeding $$$ ).
Old Mustangs are just plain BEAUTIFUL. I can`t explain it.
11- My books : what a great addiction. The look , smell and texture of books are simply addictive. I`m sure I `ll die holding a book in my hand.
12- To life : for offering me choices and opportunities.
On this note I wish you a great Thanksgiving weekend.
THANKS for reading,
Annie c;
It`s Thanksgiving folks so bring that turkey on .
Actually, turkey on Thanksgiving isn`t so popular here. It`s more of an American and Canadian tradition. Too bad, turkey is underrated.
I know you guys prefer the 4 days off to the food, so do I ; but let us not forget WHY we`re off in the first place.
I do not want to turn all religious but think about this . Putting aside the Catholic element to the holiday, this holiday is necessary.
First to take a break before the hectic schedule leading us to the christmas holiday and most importantly and the word says it all: to give thanks, to be grateful.
Thanksgiving is entirely linked to the period of the year we call HARVEST.
Farmers harvest what they sowed last spring. Thanks to their harvest, we may have a diverse variety of fruit and vegetables on our tables.
Yeah so what I hear. We are so used to living in a society where abundance is a daily thing that we so often forget that it is not like this GLOBALLY.
We are privileged. We don`t have to hunt for food and water. We don`t have to walk miles to fetch water. We just jump in our cars and go buy some. Not everyone on the planet can do the same.
It`s not my fault I was born on the right street !! No it certainly isn`t but can we at least recognize that we are fortunate? Can we at least appreciate, if only for a day, the fact that we live in society where bare neccessities like food , fresh water, peace, education, health care and respect of our civil rights are often taken for granted? Just turn on the local news and see for yourself that NOT everybody lives in the same conditions as we do.
Oh, this is not a guilt trip but just a little pause to say : wouldn`t it be fun if for a change we had more of this attitude : It's not having what you want ,It's wanting what you've got.
Appreciation and being grateful do go hand in hand. But first we must recognize what we have and NOT take it so much for granted ( prendre pour acquis ).
I sound so serious. NO I am not a preacher in my spare time.
Speaking of : you know how the saying goes " Practise what you preach and do what you teach " ?
I am embarrassed to say I didn`t do that on Friday.
Let me explain . Friday October 5th was a ped day for us teachers while you guys were busy preparing the turkey. Ped days consist of meetings ,reunions and personal work ( correction, preparing exams etc. ) in other words : fun stuff.
Friday morning started with a staff meeting at the library with the 3 principals. Mr. Pruvost had us grouped in small groups to perform a very specific job.
I couldn`t do it. The job was fairly easy to do. The problem was I couldn`t focus, concentrate.Plus at my table were teachers I like to have fun with. In a social context this would not have been a problem but when you have a job to do, it becomes one.
I was sitting next to Katherine Bourgeois with whom I have a special bond. She really makes me laugh. And she doesn`t need to talk. Just writing about it makes me laugh. And I obviously make her laugh too.
So we did just that. Oh Katherine was much more disciplined than me. She wrote all the things we had to write for the rest of the team and came up with very good ideas while we were brainstorming.
But I MUST NOT sit next to her. If we had been 15 years old and sitting in a classroom, we would have been separated by the teacher right away.
And this is my point. Teachers are not that different from students sometimes. We have more self-discipline but we do not apply it all the time. No, let me rephrase that : I do not apply it all the time. Taking responsibility is afterall, part of being an adult !!!
But there are people at school that have this effect on me. I turn 12 ( years old ) when I`m around them. And there are also some people I just love to make laugh. They`re so much fun to have fun with. Anyway, to be continued.
I want to take the opportunity to thank certain people :
1- A certain English teacher named Guy : for getting all dirty because he was hiding on the ground next to my truck in the school parking lot to scare me by going " BOO". I didn`t get scared but I certainly laughed . And eventually he did too.
2- A certain science teacher named Pat who watches a certain tv program I love and lets me talk about it all the time . He always sincerely listens to me .
3- To Katherine. You make me laugh and feel like a kid .
4- To Karyna who likes to ask me English stuff. You make me feel useful and needed.
I also ask her English stuff too.
5- To my kids : for making me feel what truly is unconditional love.
6- To my husband : because you are always there no matter what.
7- My sisters : they represent unconditional love, a common history and tons of fun.
8- My students : because they are so darn cute when they work hard in class !
9- Baileys : my dog and walking partner. For leading me places when I need to .
10 - My Mustang : for making me feel like I can do anything ( except speeding $$$ ).
Old Mustangs are just plain BEAUTIFUL. I can`t explain it.
11- My books : what a great addiction. The look , smell and texture of books are simply addictive. I`m sure I `ll die holding a book in my hand.
12- To life : for offering me choices and opportunities.
On this note I wish you a great Thanksgiving weekend.
THANKS for reading,
Annie c;
lundi 1 octobre 2007
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
No I am not dead nor was I kidnapped ! I am alive and kicking .
Ok so I am not kicking too high but I an alive and well.
In general I hate routines : doing the same thing all the time : get up, go to work, dinner, kids`s bath and homework. Hate the school routine. But let me tell you lately I like it . After the last couple of weeks I appreciate the routine now.
Like some of you already know , Rosie had a cast. She broke her wrist while playing outside . I was just getting rid of the guilt I felt when I got a phone call from Curé Brassard school.You guessed it : one of my kids got hurt at school. This time : Félix-Antoine.
Get here quickly they tell me. So I jumped into my truck and off I went.
I`m in the school yard and see this trail of blood and say to myself : I hope it`s not Filou`s blood.I follow the trail from the yard to the school cafeteria.
IT WAS! There he was , all bloody and crying with an ice pack on his nose. The minute he sees me , Filou starts crying . I breathe in and out slowly and keep telling myself : YOU are the ADULT here, do NOT panic.
I didn`t.
So off we went to the hospital with a swollen nose , blood all over his shirt,shoes and pants. We didn`t have to wait long at the hospital. After an x-ray, the verdict was a broken nose.
How did he break his nose you ask? By standing too close to a buddy who was batting a baseball.
He received the bat right on the snout.
Ironically, we were at the hospital that SAME day. In the morning, Rosie saw her doctor to get her cast removed !
Now that is 2 breaks in 3 weeks ! That is a bit too much for my nerves. And I am so not kidding.
I worry all the time for my kids, family and even my students. Now this episode just ate a lot of my energy.
Hence the absence.
I just couldn`t concentrate.
But now, all is well. Back to the routine which I welcome with open arms.
On an other subject. I have told my Sec. 2 students that they will visit Ottawa in May. Most probably May 15 and 16. They are so pleased.
This year is a first for me : I will totally organize the trip but other teachers will go with my students.
But why they asked ?
Well it`s simple : 3 reasons.
1- Health reasons : I`m not getting any younger .
2- Family reasons.
3- Personal reasons.
Although I won`t be there, they will have a wonderful time. As long as no one brings a baseball bat !!! It`ll be hard this year to see the buses depart and not be on it. But every good thing comes to an end. I so wish I could but just CAN`T anymore.
On a bright note, I must say I have recently noticed something new.
My students have felt at home in class really early on this year.
When I see them walk into class you can easily see it. They feel at home. They come in with a smile, draw on my board, chit chat together. They are relaxed. This phenomenon usually is noticed a bit later into the year. I even have a nickname already. It`s quite cute. You`ll have to ask me in class.
Hmmm. I `ll have to investigate.
Here`s the word of the week or should I say MONTH: CRANKY
1.
ill-tempered; grouchy; cross: I'm always cranky when I don't get enough sleep.
2.
eccentric; queer.
3.
shaky; unsteady; out of order.
4.
full of bends or windings; crooked.
5.
British Dialect. sickly; in unsound or feeble condition; infirm.
[Origin: 1780–90]
Let me explain. Aside from the fact that my kids have a new hobby of breaking bones, I have cut back on sugar a lot lately. For health reasons.
Well this is a side effect. For me anyway. I would quit smoking and it wouldn`t be any worse I am sure. I AM SUGAR DEPRIVED- CRANKY.
This usually lasts a few days but this time it`s been like this for 2 weeks now.
And it really is a drug for me ( sugar ). I had a piece of my husband`s birthday cake last weekend , and it was pure heaven first of all and I was back to normal : happy, smiling, funny, patient ( at least more than now ).
So I apologize to anyone who has suffered from my sugar withdrawal ( Julie Houle : you know what I mean ).
What are the symptoms of sugar withdrawal : whiny, cranky, you want to cry for no reason, very impatient ( you snap at people for no reason ), you feel blue and then some.
I am sure my husband wishes I would wolf down an Oh Henry sometimes. Bless this man. He is very patient.
So on this, I`ll go have a chocolate bar- just kidding.
I`ll have a nice cup of mint herbal tea - my NEW addiction.
Talk to you later.
Tata,
Annie c:
Ok so I am not kicking too high but I an alive and well.
In general I hate routines : doing the same thing all the time : get up, go to work, dinner, kids`s bath and homework. Hate the school routine. But let me tell you lately I like it . After the last couple of weeks I appreciate the routine now.
Like some of you already know , Rosie had a cast. She broke her wrist while playing outside . I was just getting rid of the guilt I felt when I got a phone call from Curé Brassard school.You guessed it : one of my kids got hurt at school. This time : Félix-Antoine.
Get here quickly they tell me. So I jumped into my truck and off I went.
I`m in the school yard and see this trail of blood and say to myself : I hope it`s not Filou`s blood.I follow the trail from the yard to the school cafeteria.
IT WAS! There he was , all bloody and crying with an ice pack on his nose. The minute he sees me , Filou starts crying . I breathe in and out slowly and keep telling myself : YOU are the ADULT here, do NOT panic.
I didn`t.
So off we went to the hospital with a swollen nose , blood all over his shirt,shoes and pants. We didn`t have to wait long at the hospital. After an x-ray, the verdict was a broken nose.
How did he break his nose you ask? By standing too close to a buddy who was batting a baseball.
He received the bat right on the snout.
Ironically, we were at the hospital that SAME day. In the morning, Rosie saw her doctor to get her cast removed !
Now that is 2 breaks in 3 weeks ! That is a bit too much for my nerves. And I am so not kidding.
I worry all the time for my kids, family and even my students. Now this episode just ate a lot of my energy.
Hence the absence.
I just couldn`t concentrate.
But now, all is well. Back to the routine which I welcome with open arms.
On an other subject. I have told my Sec. 2 students that they will visit Ottawa in May. Most probably May 15 and 16. They are so pleased.
This year is a first for me : I will totally organize the trip but other teachers will go with my students.
But why they asked ?
Well it`s simple : 3 reasons.
1- Health reasons : I`m not getting any younger .
2- Family reasons.
3- Personal reasons.
Although I won`t be there, they will have a wonderful time. As long as no one brings a baseball bat !!! It`ll be hard this year to see the buses depart and not be on it. But every good thing comes to an end. I so wish I could but just CAN`T anymore.
On a bright note, I must say I have recently noticed something new.
My students have felt at home in class really early on this year.
When I see them walk into class you can easily see it. They feel at home. They come in with a smile, draw on my board, chit chat together. They are relaxed. This phenomenon usually is noticed a bit later into the year. I even have a nickname already. It`s quite cute. You`ll have to ask me in class.
Hmmm. I `ll have to investigate.
Here`s the word of the week or should I say MONTH: CRANKY
1.
ill-tempered; grouchy; cross: I'm always cranky when I don't get enough sleep.
2.
eccentric; queer.
3.
shaky; unsteady; out of order.
4.
full of bends or windings; crooked.
5.
British Dialect. sickly; in unsound or feeble condition; infirm.
[Origin: 1780–90]
Let me explain. Aside from the fact that my kids have a new hobby of breaking bones, I have cut back on sugar a lot lately. For health reasons.
Well this is a side effect. For me anyway. I would quit smoking and it wouldn`t be any worse I am sure. I AM SUGAR DEPRIVED- CRANKY.
This usually lasts a few days but this time it`s been like this for 2 weeks now.
And it really is a drug for me ( sugar ). I had a piece of my husband`s birthday cake last weekend , and it was pure heaven first of all and I was back to normal : happy, smiling, funny, patient ( at least more than now ).
So I apologize to anyone who has suffered from my sugar withdrawal ( Julie Houle : you know what I mean ).
What are the symptoms of sugar withdrawal : whiny, cranky, you want to cry for no reason, very impatient ( you snap at people for no reason ), you feel blue and then some.
I am sure my husband wishes I would wolf down an Oh Henry sometimes. Bless this man. He is very patient.
So on this, I`ll go have a chocolate bar- just kidding.
I`ll have a nice cup of mint herbal tea - my NEW addiction.
Talk to you later.
Tata,
Annie c:
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