Noble Institution for Environmental Peace - I'm Teaching in November!

          Well, after 4 months off, I will once again be in front of a classroom on Monday.  I will be teaching at Wycliffe College (U. of T.) for the month of November.  Nineteen teachers and department heads will be arriving from Shanghai, China on Sunday and I will be teaching them about our educational system.

          I have taught international students before and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.  Last evening I submitted my final draft of my course curriculum and this morning I sent off my student handouts to be printed for the first week of classes.  Truly exciting!!

Halloween

          I started the day by walking to yoga class, weight-training, and finally walking to my friend, Camilla's (pseudonym).  Total distance walked, had to be 4 kilometers.  We sewed for a couple of hours and I chatted with her husband, who always makes me laugh.

          Then my son and I went grocery shopping; I cooked and put out the Halloween candy.  It's pouring rain outside, making it difficult for the children to "trick or treat".


          About 15 kids came, dressed in creative costumes, enjoying the event in spite of adverse weather conditions.

Ste. Anne's Spa in Grafton - Loving It

          Over the years I have visited Ste. Anne's Spa many times to celebrate milestones in my life.  When I became pregnant with my last child I did a Diva Day with my friend.  When my eldest daughter got married I also attended Ste. Anne's with her and her bridesmaids.  When my daughter announced her pregnancy with my grandson; off we went, once again to our beloved Spa.

          Not all of the visits commemorated happy occasions.  When my Dad passed away after a lengthy illness, I went to Ste. Anne's with a friend.  When my daughter's marriage ended abruptly, we also spent a day at Ste. Anne's.  Last June, when I retired from my workplace after 25 years of service, my friend and I did a Diva Day at Ste. Anne's.  And the tradition continues ...

          There is so much I love about Ste. Anne's.  It balances my life and replenishes my spirit.  I settle down in the wonderful ambiance, scented with healing fragrances, adorned with beautiful art, and experience a new or favorite treatment.  I have almost tried them all.

          My body is nourished with award-winning cuisine, yoga and deep relaxing meditation.   Whatever drew me there is quickly forgotten as I become one with the venue.   I leave with a sense of surrealism and the feeling lingers for some time.  It is my chosen spot!

Loving Tuesday

          This morning I texted Daniel and let him know that I didn't like the fact that he was criticizing my friends, while keeping his precious, ie., closed entry into facebook.  I don't want or need a response from him.  In fact, I would like to not hear from him again.

          On a brighter note, Jason (pseudonym) called me this morning and we have made plans to go for a walk tomorrow morning.  He asked if he could bring something.  (How thoughtful!) I said that a small latte would be great.  By the way, his favourite movie of all time is "What dreams may come" with Robin Williams.  I googled it and definitely would like to see it.

          I need to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening doing math questions in preparation for my students.  All of this work is calisthenics for my brain, which I appreciate.

          Yesterday I walked around the neighbourhood with Nancy, went to yoga and later did weights, so it was physically beneficial.

Thank God it's Friday

          Last semester when a student threatened me in front of the whole class and the administration did not take it seriously, I decided it was time to get out after 25 years of teaching.

          This week 2 math teachers have been killed by students.
http://globalnews.ca/news/914988/suspect-dead-after-nevada-middle-school-shooting-reports/
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/24/justice/massachusetts-danvers-school-killing/

Fast Forward to Thursday

          My daughter dropped off my grandson at my doorstep at 6:45 am this morning.  I turned on the "Treehouse" Channel, gave him a chocolate cookie, I baked for him last night, and went back to bed, lol.

          He kept coming into my room with "Mona, look at this" and "look at that", so I finally got up; it was easier.  He is very busy!

          The handyman is coming at 11 so we can both watch him repair faucets, bathtub drains, the screen door; exiting actually, for a 4 year old!

Tuesdays Child is Full of Grace

          Yes, I was born on a Tuesday.

          This morning my friend, Mary, invited me to go shopping with her in Richmond Hill.  Of course, I agreed.  First stop was a bagel shop.  We bought fresh bagels, had one each, along with a great cup of coffee!  I also bought a delicious blueberry strudel to share with my son.

          We went to Indigo.  I checked out the new books and bought my friend, Dimitri (pseudonym),  an Italian bound journal and birthday card to give to him on Thursday when I take him out for dinner.

          Next, we headed to a Specialty Cheese shop to purchase olive oil, mortadella, Havarti, pizza and milk.  We also went to a Meat Store to buy grain fed chicken, veal, fish and beef liver.  The final stop was an Italian grocery store where I bought vegetables, ciabatta bread, chocolates and tuna.

          As soon as I arrived home I put on a veal, vegetable stew; letting it simmer for hours.  I also warmed up the pizza and made my son two toasted bagel tuna sandwiches for his lunch tomorrow:)

          My student arrived and we spent an hour working on Advanced Functions 12.  Then I walked to the gym to do a Zumba class with my daughter.  Fortunately she gave me a lift home since the weather had gotten quite cool by 7 pm.

          This evening I will help my son with Math and spend some time relaxing and reading my new book.

my son at his high school rugby tournament

I Love Mondays

          Yesterday I went for a walk around the neighbourhood, with Daniel and Chloe.  The weather was fabulous!  In the afternoon I went to see the play, "You Can't Take it With You" at the Newmarket Theatre with my girlfriends.

 

          This morning I went to traffic court to get an adjournment for a stop sign infraction.  It was granted and I have hired a paralegal to do the case for me.  My friend, Mary (pseudonym), attended, and we followed this appointment with coffee and bagels (my treat).  I gave her a new book to read; one which I have just finished.

          Next, I walked to the gym, did a yoga class and weights.  I came home to have lunch and cook dinner for my son.  This afternoon, I have an appointment with the paralegal and then plan to visit my friend, Nancy (pseudonym), to go for a walk.  I will bring her a new book which I think she will enjoy.  I need to get in as many of these beautiful fall days as possible.

          I told my son that we will be doing Math every evening in an effort to improve his grades.  So after the walk this is on the agenda.

The Friday after Thanksgiving

     Yesterday I attended Yoga at the gym and Daniel was following me around like a puppy.  It's amazing what ignoring him (and his bad behaviour) will achieve.  He came up to me several times and said that he wanted to see me on the weekend and wanted to be invited to plays, musicals and concerts.  My response:

          didn't you say you didn't want to be stalked ... and don't you have to work
          every Friday? ... and you always say no to everything :)

     Today I am catching up on my facebook and blog posts, writing the next Chapter of my book, "Food", cooking for Jonathan and taking Chloe for a walk (since I am dogsitting this weekend).

     This evening I plan to attend a Zumba class, then go out dancing at a newly renovated bar in Aurora --- need to have some social interaction and fun!
     

Copyright Protected

     As of October 13, 2013 at 4:41am Eastern standard time, I do NOT give Blogspot or any entities associated with Blogspot permission to use my pictures, information, or posts, both past and future. By this statement, I give notice to Blogspot it is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this blog and/or its contents. The content of this blog is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law (UCC 1-308- 1 1 308-103 and the Rome Statute). 

The Thursday After Thanksgiving

     Last evening, as I was falling asleep, the phone rang.  It was Daniel, telling me what he was up to and sealing it with three "I love you's".  This is the guy who on Friday told me that he didn't want to be stalked (which I don't do, really?), has to work every Friday night, and refused my friend request on Facebook.

     This morning, before I got out of bed, my cell beeped and I received a picture from Victor of himself, bare chested, getting ready for work (not too hard to look at, trust me).  He asked me what I was up to today and I replied:
               Off to yoga class, then weights, lunch at Nicole's, walking, then going to 
               my son's rugby match (if his team makes it to the final), then working on
               a chapter of my book, then starting my new artwork, then cooking for my
               son, helping him with his Math, then hopefully meeting a handsome dude 
               for dinner or drinks, lol.  How about you?
His response:
               You are very active, that is a turn-on!
The truth is being alive is a turn-on:)

     It turned out that Victor contacted me at 7:50 pm and we were both too tired to get together but, on the other hand, Mary and Gerard (pseudonyms), invited me for dinner, we shared an expensive bottle of wine, which I brought, and watched the opera, "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi from La Scala in Milan, in blue ray high definition.  The music, costumes, acting were superb!

The Wednesday After Thanksgiving

     After I returned from seeing "The Right Side of Wrong", a romantic comedy, last evening, I received a short text from Daniel (pseudonym).  It felt non-obligatory and uncaring.  A couple of lines transpired and we left, each our separate ways.

     I finished the book, "tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom; which was definitely a spiritual experience, addressing love and the meaning of life.

     This morning I received a message from Vince giving me his text number.  I texted him and we had a lovely flow of words.  He asked for my picture and I sent him the one I took on Sunday in Sudbury.  He said it was beautiful.  He also sent me his picture and I put it as my screen saver on my blackberry.  It feels good to look at a sweet guy who is happy and complimentary.

     My daughter brought Ali over because he felt ill, so I am baby-sitting the little guy today.  I gave him 2 doses of belladonna for his sore throat and upset stomach.  He threw up twice but felt well enough afterward to eat a carrot stick and a healthy bar.

     I spent several hours doing Vector Calculus Math at the kitchen table.  It is pushing my cognitive brain to the limit but I love it.  If only I could push my heart to the limit with love; that would be an amazing experience.  Perhaps with Victor (pseudonym), it will be possible.  I am certainly open to it.

     Now the little guy and I are off to the hair dresser to have my blonde highlights touched up.  The weather has warmed up and it is a beautiful fall day!

     I tutored my Calculus student this afternoon; the cleaning lady came over; Nicole dropped by for a visit; I helped my son with Advanced Functions 12 and my daughter picked up Ali.

     Now I'm off to the grocery store and then a 45 minute walk before bed.  Today was definitely too intense!

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving

     Today I did everything I aspired to.  I began my day by checking my facebook, hotmail and blog accounts. Then I spent time revamping my manuscript.  I made some significant changes due to feedback I received from a few friends who read my blogs.  I know the message I want to convey and I want it to be healing.

     Next I worked on a dress for the upcoming Sinfonia concert.  I wanted to add blue tulle to a "little black dress", contrasting textures and design.  I also opened up the front a bit.  Once completed, I designed a matching tulle shawl to complement the outfit.

     I cooked a turkey-vegetable stir-fry with rice and greens for my son's dinner; ate lunch and took a much needed break, visiting my neighbour and friend for a little "tender loving care".

     I proceeded home and began doing Advanced Functions 12 in preparation for my student, arriving at 4 pm.  I worked with her on Rational Equations, both Linear and Quadratic for over an hour.

     Then I went outdoors for a 45 minute walk around the block, enjoying the fall weather.  My plan for the evening is to work on a new art collage project and go see "The Right Kind of Wrong", a romantic comedy, about a girl who writes a blog about her relationship, lol.