I'm sick!

I really hope that good ol' Murph doesn't screw me over for the flight Monday. I wake up this morning with a major headache, throat that feels like it's on fire and congestion. It literally feels like my head is full of snot, my ears are plugged and my eyelids are dragging me down completely. Too graphic? Oh well.

Now, I normally don't mind this (I've gotten a sinus infection before and it's nothing I can't handle) except for the fact that I have a fabulous near seventeen hour flight to tend to in 2 days. My fav South African doctor (the one who always advises me to send his regards to my family) doesn't work on Saturdays. Lucky me, I got to check myself in to a walk-in. My favourite! Note the sarcasm, please.

Thankfully the doctor was kind and prescribed me some meds and some over the counter stuff. Fingers crossed that I will be allowed into and out of the country. I know everyone is so uber paranoia when it comes to viruses. Hopefully this is just a sinus thing or allergies.

Oh a happier note, got together with friends for a wine and cheese Friday. It was so cute and I got some very nice going away gifts. A care package from Trish and Canada Ts from Carla and Natalie, which everyone signed. Tons of Won from Rose - thank you so much! Thanks to you I am now a millionaire haha (sure does beat being sued for a mill) and a beautiful bookmark from Kathy. 3 bottles of champagne and everyone brought cheese, fruit and dessert. Well ladies, and Nick, that's the last of gang photos for a year :(

Today I went to my uncles for a BBQ. It was great to see everyone! Tomorrow I'll be going to my Nonno's for a Father's Day lunch and that is my last day in Toronto.

So weird!

Alright it's late now. Talk soon,


Steph

An E2 visa is nothing special

I have my passport visa in my possession! It ONLY took 2 months and though it is merely a sticker in a little book I was excited to actually be holding it yesterday.
I dread thinking about the multiple entry visa's process. eek! Glad E2 is over and done with.

The interview was so funny. 3 simple questions, an awkward pause and a laugh.

Flight is booked... yes!
Bags are packed? Not a chance.

I leave monday morning with a stop in Vancouver so I'll arrive in Incheon Tuesday afternoon.

This is surreal.

my second home

Consulate again today.

"Come back for your interview Thursday," I overhear the chief visa lady tell Sam. Samantha dares to ask "Can we do it today?" NO. No. That was it... "no"

Hey, you tried! They love seeing us I think... So we will go back Thursday and fingers crossed.

Updates?
Today is my mom's birthday :)
Ohh and I graduated Summa Cum Laude! wo0!!

Steph

All dressed up...

And no place to go? Well, that's what it felt like for a while.

I've been anticipating my convocation for weeks now. Story is, I was on my way to Ottawa... got a call from my friend asking where I was. Apparently I wrote down ceremony #9 but that is only for J/I and I/S... It was actually supposed to be at 2:30 in the afternoon, ceremony #8 for P/J.

Lucky me, still on the road and grad starts in 30 minutes? In a nutshell, I missed my own convocation. Hey, listen... human error, people make mistakes ok? “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” Thanks Ghandi!

:( I was so sad for so long. Missed out on the excitement, pictures and seeing friends from teacher's college...

Nothing a lobster dinner at Luxe and dessert at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier couldn't fix.
Laugh with me here, people.

Oh ya, tomorrow I might get my visa I assume? I got my issuance number finally! Now it's time to pay fees, get my passport stamped and meet for an interview. Found out that my employer needs a copy of my BEd diploma. Funny, I never actually received it.

I asked them for it and they looked at me and said "you missed it? Ya, it's in the mail. Sorry"

I replied, "no but you don't understand I am leaving the country and I need it i'm going to korea and I need to give it to the director of the school as soon as possible maybe scan it in is there anything you can do there is no way it's already in the mail".

Mhmm... all in one breath.

Later I went to info service at Ottawa U. They gave me some transcripts and a letter that stated I had graduated. At a fee of $40 of course. For 5 enveloped and some paper. Gotta love the institution.

I learned to count to 10 in Korean today. That is it I think.

Until tomorrow,

Steph

A few days pass

Two days ago - Neve, Nick and I (or shall I say Woo and Elcheapo) had a great time spending 2 hours debating on where we would go for dinner. With irreconcilable differences, both friends went head to head discussing their POV for dinner of choice.

After neither won the war we settled for a simple and well known restaurant, doddled for an hour or two and then went back to my place for a movie. Yet the friendly debate did not stop there... discussion arose about oh, the ever so popular 'relationships' theme and on and on we went, bla bla. Morals and beliefs reigned true to some, while others would only laugh at the concept. It was a fun night, anyhow.

Not to worry Nivine, we will go to Woo some other day. Promise! But some really bad news: I accidentally deleted the pics!! argggg. Shame on me.

Yesterday was full of errands, shopping, finalizing etc. for the trip.

Later in the night Carla and I ventured to Brampton to visit Samantha. Met with many interesting stories/people along the way we laughed and moved along, though the choice for places to go in Btown is not very promising.

After I received an invite to go to a bonfire near the lake from two guys at Tim Hortons (washroom stop) we continued on the search for Wendy's for Albie. She wanted a frostie. Sorry, no frostie this time :(

I got my visa issuance number and found out what levels I will be teaching at the school. VERY exciting news! I'm going back to the consulate on Tuesday because Sunday/Monday we're going to Ottawa for commencement. Then, after we meet again on Tuesday they will schedule an interview for us.

Days fly by!

Nat & I went for all you can eat Japanese at this new restaurant that just opened up near us. After shopping we thought "Let's get a boat" and it quickly turned into all you can eat lunch, which then sufficed our appetite for 3 straight days. These were the most delicious pan fried udon noodles i've ever had, thus far, in my entire life. We ordered 3 plates full. omg delish!


At the restaurant I spotted my friend George cooking! Then, I saw him walking downtown. I was tempted to call out his chinese name, which I will not divulge on this blog but did manage to take a 'random pic'. So George, here you go my friend! Two spottings in one week.

Today I met with Samantha. Of course did a ton of shopping - ughh. Wayy too much for my own good. Anyway, finally found some rainboots and picked up the essentials and a new Korean phrase book. Then we went for dinner at an Indian restaurant on Queen. It was amazing!

Finally, we walked to this little waffle place near Eaton Center and then sat and watched the Luminato festival... part of it I guess. We will be going to the finale of the festival on Saturday. There were some amazing art pieces there and of course, people 'dancing in the street'... literally - and no, this is not New York city.

I think that's all I really want to write about for now. Being downtown today made me, as always, remember that I live in a beautiful city where there is such diversity!

Toronto, I will miss you!

Drinks at the Distillery

Since Kurt and Sam work downtown they thought it would be a nice idea to meet after work. Of course since I am currently unemployed they asked me to come too. I tagged along because, afterall, I can't say no to a glass of wine... or two. & two very good friends. Here are some photos.

A Lie or Something like it

A compilation of artifacts that are the result of free verse prose as a means of therapeudic liberation from a young female perspective.

25 things you didn't know about me.

Here goes...

1. I highlight books I read for enjoyment because I like to go back and re-read the quotes. 2. My tv is almost always turned off but I pay for cable. 3. Toronto is, and always will be, the place I call 'home'. I am a city girl. 4. I have been sued for a million dollars. 5. I live in a one craft-room apartment and sleep on a futon because stickers and sparkly glue are more important to me than a real bed. 6. Everyday I walk to school or work and usually I enjoy it. 7. My life would not be complete without a nice cup of coffee, a good book and my best friends. 8. I own a personal laminating machine because I like everything to be nice nice. 9. Sometimes I can be a real cynic. 10. Doing things that make a difference in the world make me happy inside. 11. If I like a song I’ll listen to it on repeat over and over for an hour and when I get tired of it I’ll change to a new song. 12. I can’t cook. 13. I was an intern with a fashion magazine and have over 30 published articles. 14. A few years ago I applied to film school and got rejected. Now, looking back, I'm so thankful. 15. In my past life I was probably the cookie monster. 16. I’m a little bit of a perfectionist and have to dissect any piece of writing or art so that I can make sense of it, though it never has to make sense to anyone else… 17. I used to hate sports, now they aren’t so bad. I played coed indoorn soccer on an intramural team last year. My mission was to score before the end of the season. Last game some jerkoff kicked the ball of the wall, it hit me in the face and broke my glasses. I didn't score. 18. I want to teach and travel all over the world. 19. My favourite authors are Nino Ricci, Robin Sharma and Mitch Albom. 20. I made a little boy cry. 21. I order a grande non fat no foam hazelnut latte… and always listen to what the person in front of me has ordered, just cause. 22. I failed the pig disection in highschool. 23. People with a lot of money and bad attitudes really annoy me. 24. I wish John Lennon was alive in my time. I could be his Yoko. 25. Before I die I’m going to write a children's book, run a marathon, live in Europe and film a short.

So there you have it.

I Live for the Little Ones

Unpacking has always bothered me. Probably not as much as packing but it's definitely up there on my list of annoyances. When I came back from Ottawa I left all of my stuff in boxes... lots and lots of boxes. I took from these boxes only the most important things, then stuck the others in the garage. Who knows where I will be in a year from now... no use packing, unpacking, packing and unpacking again.

I found a few notes that some students wrote for me. It's the greatest feeling ever -- knowing you've made some sort of an impact on a child. Teaching is absolutely one of the most rewarding things and it's sort of unexplainable how great of a feeling you get when you helped a young mind flourish.

They say your philosophy of teaching often changes over time. I wrote this a year ago and I don't think I'd change much:

A CITY OF SHINING LIGHTS

As I write this belief statement I peer out my window, twenty-one floors up, and notice the sparkle of lights across the cityscape. The beauty overwhelms me and I must stop to think – what could possibly be this breathtaking? When I envision my classroom I think of it being a city, where students must build their skyscrapers of wisdom.

Education is the concrete base that supports a solid foundation for students in their academic careers and in life. I believe that students have the right to an education and positive work environment that fosters ethical learning, pro-diversity and equity. Each building is different and special, yet they all contribute to the uniqueness of what the city has to offer. Similar to the concept of equity in the classroom, my students would learn that though they may have differences in learning styles, development or physical appearance, each student contributes to our class group.

Parents and communities are the pillars and walls to the skyscrapers of knowledge. My mission, as a future teacher, is to act as a support beam for my students. My goals are to prevent these buildings from collapsing and crumbling. I will advise the students that they all begin with a base, but it is their job to build from this and work their way up. I would like each of my students to acknowledge that, with enough motivation and hard work, all is possible.

Each student deserves the very best education as well as the opportunity to understand that they have the capacity to build their tower as high as they dream. The sky is the limit!

I think that the how of learning is just as important as the end result and I know that positive reinforcement, creativity, respect and integrity can enlighten youth in their journey of building. I will provide all of my students with the materials and resources that will help them become future architects.

My philosophies and beliefs reside on honesty, integrity, ethics and the arts. My career goal is to one day bump into one of my past students, and together admire the nearly immaculate utopia that we can say we have built.

Click here for some pics of notes from students.

They make me smile!

Ohh ya, 2 weeks LEFT!!!!

BBQ and BFFs

Last night I thought I'd invite friends of Sam and I over for a bbq evening filled with drinking and an insane amount of food. First we had lots of drinks and yumm bbq, followed by a campfire (smores, oh yes!) and a starfish piñata care of Rose. I should not forget the delicious desserts, shots of hypnotique from the greatest Greek shot glass on earth and flip cup tournament. It was amazing to see everyone and I'm so glad I have so many great friends! :)

I am leaving really soon! When we arrive in Seoul Sam and I will be in a hotel close to the school for 10 days. Then, because we asked to be in the same building, we are going to be rooming together at my place for 27 days. Sam will get her own apartment after that. Thankfully we are in the same building. I'm glad they did that for us. I sort of think we will end up rooming together for most our time there... either that or we will be having dinner at eachother's places all the time -- if we don't go out. Anyway, not much more news EXCEPT

I graduate on Sunday! Back to Ottawa I go. Only for a day, my commencement.
My B.Ed. diploma awaits.

Until next post,

Steph

Miss it Already?

Wine & Nachos

Kurt and I met up last night. We ran into Trish, David & Sam. Got a table for 5 and chatted about stuff, ya stuff. Looking forward to attending one of Kurt's events - so proud of him. We will team up soon enough, Bright Ideas in the works. Anyway, after multiple glasses of wine and and rambling it got pretty late super quick. A work night - not for me though. Better take advantage of it while I can.

Just got an email from the director of the school I'll be teaching at. She asked me for my B.Ed. diploma but I have yet to receive it. My convocation is in a week. 5 hrs to Ottawa one last time to get a piece of paper. I'm eager to see those who will be attending grad but sad many people won't be there. But, as Tony says... he will watch us from Seoul via internet. We'll miss u Tony & Sarah but I will see you both soon enough :)

A whole year gone, so many friendships made... 8 months seemed so long when I left for Ottawa. It flew by. I am guessing another year will fly by too. I am leaving so much behind but I know that when I come back home it will be there waiting as well. Hopefully with open arms.

Four is Better than Two

Sweetness over hilarious chats, whipped cream included
& reminiscence of our youth.
Rushing into a saving place and venturing back
to reality... but don't you feel better?

Oh my, the years pass too quickly.
Ferris Bueller was right.

"After all of this is gone
Who would you rather be
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones
Seriously, you're gonna make mistakes,
You're young
Come on baby play me something like
Here comes the sun
Don't go
Stay with the all unknown
Stay away from the hooks
All the chances we took
We're so close to something
Better left unknown
I can feel it in my bones"

Notable Moments

So I figured I'd add together some pics from last year for ya. Here are some notable moments from 2008 - terrible movie making, I know. But I tried.

See you,

Steph

Eyecare, TMT & Sleepyness

Alright so today started off with going to my optometrist and picking up sunglasses. I must express my lack of enthusiasm (especially at 1:45am) toward sunglasses. It is completely justifiable for this reason only: I hate it that so many people can spend so little on sunglasses. Even if I wanted to buy a $12 pair of sunglasses I wouldn't be able to. I'm blind as a bat and if you need a prescription you automatically have to pay up. It is really such a shame, when a less than $100 glasses frame turns into nearly $500 because of the damn lens.

Anyway, now that I am over that and had my vent session I will tell you a little more about the events that occured in my life today. Got the sunglasses, found a new pair of glasses. The ones I have now broke during a soccer game. A player on the other team decided to kick the ball off the wall and it nailed me in the head, breaking my glasses in two and forcing me to use super glue to mend them as soon as I got home. That was 4 months ago. I am due for a new pair.

After the eye doctor I went to the Promenade... haven't been there literally in years. It was nice and I found some things. My cousin said to me the other day "sorry steph, but you really to replace those" pointing to my less than perfect flip flops. Yes, for those who have seen me wear them every day of my life for the past 2 yrs... they are the ones that I wore camping, the ones with the rhinestones.

While in the mall I got really excited when I saw TMT. I completely forgot that there was a Japanese food market in there. I love that place and am intrigued by all the different foods but always end up leaving with pocky sticks, seaweed for sushi, lychee green tea drink and noodles. I held off on the pocky sticks this time around. I wish that they had these ones: "Another variation of Pocky is the My Calorie Pocky (マイ カロリー ポッキー, mai karorī pokkī?), which has 1/4 the calories of regular chocolate Pocky." If they did I would buy them.

Kiwi pocky? I've seen it all. I wonder how this tastes.

Later we dropped off taxes. Yes, late... I know. The shame. Well better late than never. And now it's getting really late actually. Must wake up tomorrow and prepare for a BBQ with friends.

Excited to meet for coffee with all the girls tomorrow night. We might hit up a cafe on college or rely on good ol' starbucks. Wherever we go I know it will be fun. Cause' it just is :) hehe

Take care,

Steph