It's been awhile since I blogged, so I guess the first thing I am thankful for is blogging this evening.
It has been a crazy second year of teaching in England. I also assumed that after Year 1 everything got easier, but that's a lie. New classes mean I need to do all new data and seating plans. Marking plans and styles change at schools so I have to find 'shortcuts' or get into the groove of new ways of marking all over again. In addition, second year teachers can no longer use the excuse that they don't know what they are doing or didn't know they had to do anything----everyone knows we do!
However, even through all the craziness of a new school year I am still thankful for many things.
1) I am thankful for my family. Even though its been almost a year since I saw them last I am still getting constant support from my family back home. I am also thankful for the soon to be new member of my family, my future nephew!
2) I am thankful for my friends, in Canada and in England. As with my family, even though I haven't seen many of them in over a year, I am thankful for my friends back home who have stayed in touch and kept me grounded to my life back home.
I am thankful for my friends that I have made in this country, whether they still I've in England or not. They have and continue to support me in my every day life, let me vent about stupid work issues or share a drink (or two) with after a long work week.
3) I am thankful for Skype. Its amazing how far technology has come that I can video call my family and friends as often as I like. It almost mass it seem as though we are not half a world apart.
4) I am thankful for having a teaching job. If i were to be in Ontario right now, the chances of me having a full time teaching position are almost none. The chances of me even supplying are risky. The opportunity to have my own classroom and teach full time is the best and even when I have bad student days I still love what I am doing.
5) I am thankful for well behaved kids and/or strict parents. Even if I have a terrible class(es) in a day or week. there are always those few students who make my job amazing. They are polite, kind, sincere and helpful whenever possible. My most recent encounter with this group of students is having the opportunity to start at make-shift Model United Nations club with a small group of these students.
6) I am thankful for the 27th of every month. PAYDAY!
7) I am thankful for the ability to travel. If you hadn't guessed or heard it yet, I am addicted. I love travelling the world and seeing/experience different architecture, culture and life. I am so thankful for the opportunity to travel and experience the world.
8) lastly, I am thankful for days that it doesn't rain! England has hit its winter season of rain, rain and more rain. I am now thankful for days that it doesn't rain.
Happy Thanksgiving!
