The Latest

I am feeling great now: I am over the flu and post-flu effects, and a lot of exciting things are happening for Jon and I.

This week has gone by unbelievably quickly! I find it hard to believe that I only have a week and a half left of university classes! Soon I'll be off to my practicum till the end of April and *BAM* graduation. I've actually been preparing a lot in advance for my teaching, and I am feeling very excited about it!

Something very recent and exciting is that Jon received his acceptance to McMaster University Wednesday evening! Now we're waiting to hear from York and what they are offering Jon before we decide where we're off to...but the ball is rolling!

Two Thursdays ago Jon and I went out for a week-late Valentine's dinner. We went to Vesuvio which is in South Osborne area, and it was lovely. It's a small little place with brick walls and wooden beams. It was very cozy and romantic inside, and the food was excellent--best soup I have ever tasted! I love going on dates with Jon! The next morning, we went to Stella's for a breakfast together.

Speaking of dating when married...last week I went to my friend Alicia's "Epicure" shower, and part of the evening included introducing oneself and imparting a piece of advice for the bride. Now, I didn't think my advice was particularly funny, but when I said that it is important to keep dating and to surprise one another every now and then, almost all the ladies laughed at me! Interestingly, most of them didn't give any advice. I thought my words had wisdom to them...maybe only 2.5 years of experience, but wisdom nonetheless. Despite feeling weird about being laughed at,I was grateful to a lady I used to work for who was there, who backed me up when her turn came around! It was nice to have support from an 'older' person who has been married longer; someone people respect, too. I also told them that my parents have been married for 30 years and they still frequently date--and I love that!

Jon and I have been on a great streak as far as movie watching goes...two recents include Juno (finally saw it and LOVED it!) and Stardust. I had heard so many great things about Juno, so my expectations were pretty high--and I was not disappointed. It is such a funny yet extremely touching film that I would recommend to anyone. I want to see it again! Stardust, although a very different type of movie, was also very enjoyable. Jon described it perfectly: "It's like a really good bedtime story."

And one more thing...some of my flowers are still looking pretty from (the real) Valentine's Day! I love having them around.

The Flu and an Interview

Valentine's Day this year was spent in bed...it was hot and sweaty--buuut not for the reasons you might think. Since Tuesday, I have been pretty much useless as I have been down with the flu. I haven't had a full-fledged flu (high fever, coughing, stuffiness, aches, "etc.") in years, and this experience makes me quite thankful for that! Anyways, I've been out-of-commission and am now (slowly) on the mend. Jon has been quite the doter and has been in and out of our room bearing gifts of water refills, sprite, cold cloths, sympathy, and whatever else I needed. Thank you, honey! Jon also got me some flowers for Valentine's Day (which I loooove) and made an album of some of our dating pictures/honeymoon pictures.

One thing I was worried about was that I had my Winnipeg 1 School Division (and only) interview at 1:00 yesterday. I felt like poo. My mom kindly offered to drive me to the interview so I wouldn't have to bus in my condition, which was SO appreciated. Despite the flu, my interview went really well! So well, in fact, that the interviewers recommended to the Assistant Director of Human Resources that she speak with me, for a second interview! I waited for a while, and as I was fading quickly, I decided to approach the woman I was to speak with once I saw she was free. She told me she had an appointment before me and didn't know how long exactly... but then said the interviewers were really impressed with me, that I could go and it wouldn't affect anything, and that they will be contacting me about a job in the future; that I landed the "special little pile." And so, even though I am moving away and can't work there next year, I'd love to in May and June, and when I return.

The One Month Challenge has officially started and Jon and I are signed up this year! It's not too late for you, too! The sign-up deadline has been extended to the 18th. Basically, it requires you to drink/eat only fair trade 1)coffee 2)tea and 3)chocolate for 30 days. Jon and I have been purchasing only fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate for over a year now, but we'll still eat/drink non-fair trade if offered by others...but not this month!
Why do it?
Every time you choose a fair trade product you help to make a positive difference. By buying fair trade, you help to enable producers in developing nations to live with dignity. You invest in workers, in their families, in their communities. You invest in healthy natural environments that will continue to sustain us all.

Life Lately

My 3rd pie...key lime this time! The reason for this pie was that Jon and I went to my parents' for the Super Bowl last Sunday, and they were serving Taco Salad. In consideration of the Mexican theme (more like, my labelling of a Mexican theme), I thought a key lime pie would fit in nicely. And it did. I'm not really sure when or if I'll stop updating on the pie making...only time will tell.

Here are some happenings from the last couple weeks:
- Ayla (Alissa) and Gavin's (Sabrina) baby shower. Wow those babies are cute! It was fun propping them up beside one another and taking pictures of them, and holding them of course.
- Roger, (then pregnant) Kelly, and Cadance's visit --they now have another baby girl, Addyson Lee
- Movie watching with Jon: we saw a now favourite, "Born into Brothels." A must see documentary. Click here if you want to know more about it!
- Liam turned 9 (holy crap!) ... I started respite with him when he was 3.
- I marked 73 papers for a prof
- Handed in my application for a school division in Winnipeg (worked my butt off on my resume and cover letter!) ...and also finished my teaching portfolio
- Went shopping with Janessa
- Have been using the U of W insurance coverage for massages
- Had a mock interview with the principal at my practicum school (so helpful!)
- The beginnings of Alicia and Rob's wedding social are in place...everyone come! It's on April 4th.
- Went salsa dancing (and tango dancing) with Steph and Kara which was super fun! The tragedy of the evening, however was the loss of my interview turtleneck--boo hoo! I got really hot dancing so I took my turtleneck off...someone else had a similar one, and must have accidentally taken it...hopefully I can track it down before my Winnipeg 1 School Division interview on Friday!)

And that's a bit of my life lately.