In three days I will be done my final exam for this term, will have my final play rehearsals, then go to Toronto for my last Toronto party of 2009 with Jessica. On Sunday I will take the train home for the last time of the year, and then turn around a week later to come up this time by car (I hope) and head to England for the last part of the break, and to ring in the New Year.
The past month hasn't been all endings, however. I finished my teachers college applications, but that will be starting a new part of my life. My Honours Performance Series and Literature classes will be continuing next term, I plan to keep volunteering at the schools and library where I was this year.
I've been loving my house, especially living with Ali, and late night chats with Negine. I'm feeling really at home in the house, university, and city. It was a great idea to leave last year - it's made me happy to be back.
I'm training to do a 10km leg of the Hamilton Around the Bay Run at the end of next March with Ali and Steph (both also 4th year artscis). It's a hard season to train in, but it feel good to be exercising.
Lastly, today my "time share" arrived from Ryan. It is the clock that Richard Barkman made for us in Sachigo, and it's my turn with it! It was a wonderful surprise, as was the bag of beans, a muffin, garlic, a carrot, a potato and chickpeas that came along with it. I now understand that it is meant to be stew mix, but I was quite confused initially.
Next time I post it will likely be 2010, so thank you everyone for a wonderful 2009 - in England, Europe, Chatham, northern Ontario, Toronto and Hamilton!
Let the adventure continue!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Appeal to Gaia
Dear Mother Nature,
Stop being dark. Please. I thoroughly appreciate the change in seasons, and do not mind the cold. I love kicking the fallen leaves and the fact that the lack of ivy over my window now allows it to let in light instead of just a green glow. As soon as I figure out how to stop the draft coming from that same window, I will be perfectly content with the modern ability to regulate indoor temperatures, and relish in the cool crisp air when I step outside.
But please, let the sun stay out a bit longer.
I know that the invention of electricity may have made it seem that we humans do not need Mr. Sun. Despite our self-importance, however, I must admit that we come nowhere close to your ability when it comes to creating efficient lighting.
Blue has long been my favourite colour, and the number of shades you are able to provide are phenomenal. This navy blue, and the blueberry-stained hues of recent November evening are not quite what I had in mind when I imagined a perfect sky.
I appreciate that you are attempting to make up for these inadequacies with tonight’s meteor shower, but I somehow doubt that it will even come close to the attempts that humanity makes to substitute for your Sun. If you could instead give us trapped north of the 40th parallel an extra hour of sunlight at night, or maybe two, that would be excellent. An earlier morning would be fine with me as well.
This might seem like quite a bit of work for you, but please realise that I have a lot to do as well. When I walked home at 6pm, contemplating my applications for teachers college and math work I have to do, the lack of lighting made me approach these thoughts as if the night was already over, instead of having just begun. I’m also hoping to go for a run, but since that dangerous Nighttime is stopping by earlier each day, I am forced to avoid my favourite paths through your lovely creations of trees and streams in order to use the harsh fluorescent lighting of busy streets.
I will end this appeal by again thanking you for your consistency each year, but want to propose that change is not always a bad thing. If you could perhaps try out my idea for a year or two, I would be fine with you reverting back, if you feel that it is necessary. I look forward to your snowy season, and hope to come out and visit you soon.
Sincerely,
A Daughter of the Earth.
p.s. If it’s not too much to ask, could you also arrange for less slush this year? That would be great, thank you.
Stop being dark. Please. I thoroughly appreciate the change in seasons, and do not mind the cold. I love kicking the fallen leaves and the fact that the lack of ivy over my window now allows it to let in light instead of just a green glow. As soon as I figure out how to stop the draft coming from that same window, I will be perfectly content with the modern ability to regulate indoor temperatures, and relish in the cool crisp air when I step outside.
But please, let the sun stay out a bit longer.
I know that the invention of electricity may have made it seem that we humans do not need Mr. Sun. Despite our self-importance, however, I must admit that we come nowhere close to your ability when it comes to creating efficient lighting.
Blue has long been my favourite colour, and the number of shades you are able to provide are phenomenal. This navy blue, and the blueberry-stained hues of recent November evening are not quite what I had in mind when I imagined a perfect sky.
I appreciate that you are attempting to make up for these inadequacies with tonight’s meteor shower, but I somehow doubt that it will even come close to the attempts that humanity makes to substitute for your Sun. If you could instead give us trapped north of the 40th parallel an extra hour of sunlight at night, or maybe two, that would be excellent. An earlier morning would be fine with me as well.
This might seem like quite a bit of work for you, but please realise that I have a lot to do as well. When I walked home at 6pm, contemplating my applications for teachers college and math work I have to do, the lack of lighting made me approach these thoughts as if the night was already over, instead of having just begun. I’m also hoping to go for a run, but since that dangerous Nighttime is stopping by earlier each day, I am forced to avoid my favourite paths through your lovely creations of trees and streams in order to use the harsh fluorescent lighting of busy streets.
I will end this appeal by again thanking you for your consistency each year, but want to propose that change is not always a bad thing. If you could perhaps try out my idea for a year or two, I would be fine with you reverting back, if you feel that it is necessary. I look forward to your snowy season, and hope to come out and visit you soon.
Sincerely,
A Daughter of the Earth.
p.s. If it’s not too much to ask, could you also arrange for less slush this year? That would be great, thank you.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Home
I was able to come home for a week before going back to school. It was a bit rushed, but still nice. I wish I could have seen more of my grandparents, or had a chance to take my dad up on his offer of canoeing, but unfortunately one week isn't really that long. Today is the move back to Hamilton, where I'll be living with 5 other girls, including the ever-amazing Alessandra Gage, and another fellow Artsci, Negine. I'm excited to be moving into an actual apartment for more than 2 months, and to meet my new housemates.
My computer has finally been resuscitated, thanks to a family friend, and I am incredibly grateful. Or well, I will be more so when I get it back, but still, it's exciting to hear that Lil Veevie is alive again. I guess since she's further along in her life maybe she's now Lil WW, or Slightly more beaten up Veevie, but those just don't sound as nice.
So bedtime for now, and then the next chapter of my life begins. Time keeps rolling along, and I'm enjoying every minute. Thanks to everyone who helps me do it.
My computer has finally been resuscitated, thanks to a family friend, and I am incredibly grateful. Or well, I will be more so when I get it back, but still, it's exciting to hear that Lil Veevie is alive again. I guess since she's further along in her life maybe she's now Lil WW, or Slightly more beaten up Veevie, but those just don't sound as nice.
So bedtime for now, and then the next chapter of my life begins. Time keeps rolling along, and I'm enjoying every minute. Thanks to everyone who helps me do it.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A Final Morning of Calm
Composed Saturday, August 22, 2009; 7:08A.M.
It is 7am, and I just got back from using the internet behind the band office. The morning is beautiful, if a bit cool; I was wearing a scarf and light sweater, but was still chilly. Last night we stayed up late with our friend Danno, playing cards, going for a walk, and watching two movies. On our walk we saw the Northern lights, in a beautiful display. For a short time they even had a few colours and were dancing, although apparently it’s even more extravagant in the winter. Along with hanging out and just enjoying our last night, we finished up a lot of business – community books are now finished – and packed up most of the house. Today we just need to do a few final things at the school, conduct some interviews, and say our goodbyes.
This week we only had camp for two days, Thursday and Friday. Late last week a community member passed away, and so we assisted with the wake on Monday and Tuesday and funeral events Wednesday rather than running camp. This was in line with community procedures, as some other businesses and workplaces were also shut down this day, or devoted to funeral preparations. Although it could tend to be tedious work over long days of cleaning and cooking, it felt really good to be helping out in the community in another way. We had a few people mentioning how much it was appreciated, and on Thursday the family of Josh, the man who passed away, came by camp to thank us and give us each a pair of moccasins, which each member of the family put money toward buying. It was an incredible and completely unexpected gesture, and definitely made us feel that our work was recognised, despite the fact that the recognition was not necessary.
Thursday and Friday were both smaller days of camp, and we ran them in a fairly laid-back manner, sometimes allowing campers to decide between activities, and offering many prizes. Thursday night we sent campers home with a scavenger hunt and Human Bingo, both of which had many participants follow through with, and some even got their family member involved!
Now I’m back in our team kitchen, a bit cold, but running high with enthusiasm from the summer and excitement to get back to Thunder Bay, and back home. I haven’t been in Chatham-Kent since 2008, making this the longest I’ve ever been away from home. I can’t wait to see my grandparents and the highschool friends that are home. I will only be back for a week, and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that that week will fly by. Time’s been racing by, but I’ve been enjoying every moment. Since starting this blog just over a year ago I’ve lived in about eight different cities, towns, and villages, but could not decide which one has been best. There are no comparisons possible. For now I will just say that Sachigo has been an incredibly strong community, and I’ve been very impressed with how well people come together, how forward everyone was in approaching us, and how accepting they were of having us as newcomers in their community. I’ll miss Sachigo Lake, and I hope today isn’t the last I see of it.
Now I’ll finish off, while only a handful of others in Sachigo are awake, except for the crows and ravens that greeted me on my walk to the band office, and the soft sun that is just starting to burn its way to life for another day.
Wishing everyone all the best, and a wonderful end to the summer,
-V.
It is 7am, and I just got back from using the internet behind the band office. The morning is beautiful, if a bit cool; I was wearing a scarf and light sweater, but was still chilly. Last night we stayed up late with our friend Danno, playing cards, going for a walk, and watching two movies. On our walk we saw the Northern lights, in a beautiful display. For a short time they even had a few colours and were dancing, although apparently it’s even more extravagant in the winter. Along with hanging out and just enjoying our last night, we finished up a lot of business – community books are now finished – and packed up most of the house. Today we just need to do a few final things at the school, conduct some interviews, and say our goodbyes.
This week we only had camp for two days, Thursday and Friday. Late last week a community member passed away, and so we assisted with the wake on Monday and Tuesday and funeral events Wednesday rather than running camp. This was in line with community procedures, as some other businesses and workplaces were also shut down this day, or devoted to funeral preparations. Although it could tend to be tedious work over long days of cleaning and cooking, it felt really good to be helping out in the community in another way. We had a few people mentioning how much it was appreciated, and on Thursday the family of Josh, the man who passed away, came by camp to thank us and give us each a pair of moccasins, which each member of the family put money toward buying. It was an incredible and completely unexpected gesture, and definitely made us feel that our work was recognised, despite the fact that the recognition was not necessary.
Thursday and Friday were both smaller days of camp, and we ran them in a fairly laid-back manner, sometimes allowing campers to decide between activities, and offering many prizes. Thursday night we sent campers home with a scavenger hunt and Human Bingo, both of which had many participants follow through with, and some even got their family member involved!
Now I’m back in our team kitchen, a bit cold, but running high with enthusiasm from the summer and excitement to get back to Thunder Bay, and back home. I haven’t been in Chatham-Kent since 2008, making this the longest I’ve ever been away from home. I can’t wait to see my grandparents and the highschool friends that are home. I will only be back for a week, and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that that week will fly by. Time’s been racing by, but I’ve been enjoying every moment. Since starting this blog just over a year ago I’ve lived in about eight different cities, towns, and villages, but could not decide which one has been best. There are no comparisons possible. For now I will just say that Sachigo has been an incredibly strong community, and I’ve been very impressed with how well people come together, how forward everyone was in approaching us, and how accepting they were of having us as newcomers in their community. I’ll miss Sachigo Lake, and I hope today isn’t the last I see of it.
Now I’ll finish off, while only a handful of others in Sachigo are awake, except for the crows and ravens that greeted me on my walk to the band office, and the soft sun that is just starting to burn its way to life for another day.
Wishing everyone all the best, and a wonderful end to the summer,
-V.
Monday, August 17, 2009
One Week Left!
Composed Sunday, August 16, 2009
This past week was incredibly diverse. We had widely fluctuating numbers, anywhere from 38 to 50 campers throughout the day, and we didn’t know whether or plan for a morning of 12 or 27 campers. We worked it out, switching last-minute from rotations to full group plans or vice versa, and being thankful for the two summer students who have been working with us. We had a bit of violence in camp, which caused a bit of stress (nothing too dangerous, and not malicious, so all is well), but I think we have it worked out now. Overall, Ryan, Lizzy and I figured that it was a successful week, and we were really excited for this upcoming week.
After a stressful Thursday, I had baked a chocolate peanut butter cake to release late-night stress, and we were pretty excited to eat it on Friday. The cake, however, was nothing compared to how happy we were when on my trip to the post office Friday I picked up 3 care packages – we each received one last week! We jumped around the kitchen squealing like schoolgirls, and then opened our packages. They contained dried fruit, Belgian chocolate, trail mix, books, and a Cosmo magazine. Many thanks go out to Lizzy’s mom (whom I am now in love with), Ryan’s dad, and the wonderful, beautiful, amazing Carrie Rudolph. Our dentist/children’s author friend who we made while he was in town for two weeks had given us his leftover groceries when he left, so now we’re definitely set for our last week. I also received a letter from Lauren McWhinnie, the angel of a girl I worked with last year that is back in the same communities, which made me miss her and Webequie incredible amounts.
On top of all that excitement, there is also a lot of sorrow in Sachigo this week. At the Chief’s meeting in Chapeau, one of the community members of Sachigo passed away. He had been acting as a translator at the meeting, and it seems that he was a highly respected man, and with such a small community, most people knew him, were related to him, or are close with someone who fits into those two categories. The wake will be taking place tomorrow and Tuesday, and the funeral is on Wednesday, and these will be making use of the school, so we had to move out early. It looks like we won’t have camp this week except for Thursday and Friday, but tomorrow and Tuesday we will be trying to do something informal on the baseball field if council approves and the weather holds out.
Since we didn’t need to be planning for camp this week, we spent the weekend helping to clean out a house and attempting to access our own. Ryan locked the keys in the house, so we had quite an adventure trekking around town to find alternate keys, and eventually finding out there were none, and instead we were told to resort to hatching through the drywall in a crawlspace underneath the duplex, and crawl from our side of the building into Ryan’s. Watch for photos, which should be going up next week. We’ve also been playing a lot of cards, and our new friend Dan (a.k.a. Danno), a 21 year old from town, has taught us how to play Hockey, Elimination, and Steal (my favourite so far), as well as a 2-person version of President, and Lizzy taught Ryan and I how to play Spite and Malice. I hope I’ll have some willing students upon my return to Chatham/Hamilton/Toronto!
One week until I’m home. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone – I miss you! England friends – I miss you too, and I’m sad to be gone!
Hugs and Smiles from Sachigo!
-V
This past week was incredibly diverse. We had widely fluctuating numbers, anywhere from 38 to 50 campers throughout the day, and we didn’t know whether or plan for a morning of 12 or 27 campers. We worked it out, switching last-minute from rotations to full group plans or vice versa, and being thankful for the two summer students who have been working with us. We had a bit of violence in camp, which caused a bit of stress (nothing too dangerous, and not malicious, so all is well), but I think we have it worked out now. Overall, Ryan, Lizzy and I figured that it was a successful week, and we were really excited for this upcoming week.
After a stressful Thursday, I had baked a chocolate peanut butter cake to release late-night stress, and we were pretty excited to eat it on Friday. The cake, however, was nothing compared to how happy we were when on my trip to the post office Friday I picked up 3 care packages – we each received one last week! We jumped around the kitchen squealing like schoolgirls, and then opened our packages. They contained dried fruit, Belgian chocolate, trail mix, books, and a Cosmo magazine. Many thanks go out to Lizzy’s mom (whom I am now in love with), Ryan’s dad, and the wonderful, beautiful, amazing Carrie Rudolph. Our dentist/children’s author friend who we made while he was in town for two weeks had given us his leftover groceries when he left, so now we’re definitely set for our last week. I also received a letter from Lauren McWhinnie, the angel of a girl I worked with last year that is back in the same communities, which made me miss her and Webequie incredible amounts.
On top of all that excitement, there is also a lot of sorrow in Sachigo this week. At the Chief’s meeting in Chapeau, one of the community members of Sachigo passed away. He had been acting as a translator at the meeting, and it seems that he was a highly respected man, and with such a small community, most people knew him, were related to him, or are close with someone who fits into those two categories. The wake will be taking place tomorrow and Tuesday, and the funeral is on Wednesday, and these will be making use of the school, so we had to move out early. It looks like we won’t have camp this week except for Thursday and Friday, but tomorrow and Tuesday we will be trying to do something informal on the baseball field if council approves and the weather holds out.
Since we didn’t need to be planning for camp this week, we spent the weekend helping to clean out a house and attempting to access our own. Ryan locked the keys in the house, so we had quite an adventure trekking around town to find alternate keys, and eventually finding out there were none, and instead we were told to resort to hatching through the drywall in a crawlspace underneath the duplex, and crawl from our side of the building into Ryan’s. Watch for photos, which should be going up next week. We’ve also been playing a lot of cards, and our new friend Dan (a.k.a. Danno), a 21 year old from town, has taught us how to play Hockey, Elimination, and Steal (my favourite so far), as well as a 2-person version of President, and Lizzy taught Ryan and I how to play Spite and Malice. I hope I’ll have some willing students upon my return to Chatham/Hamilton/Toronto!
One week until I’m home. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone – I miss you! England friends – I miss you too, and I’m sad to be gone!
Hugs and Smiles from Sachigo!
-V
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Our first week of Sachigo Lake camp!
Composed Friday, August 7, 2009
Today was the final day of our first week of camp in Sachigo Lake. We had a community treasure hunt, and it was the best day all week – in terms of both weather and camper behaviour! Campers went around town to six stations, where they completed word searches, jumbles, decoding, jigsaw puzzles, and scavenger hunts to lead them back to their starting point, and then claim their prizes of having their faces painted! We were lucky that our numbers went up again after yesterday, where there were only 10 campers in the morning (but still 20 in the afternoon). Today was back to normal, with just under 40 campers in total joining us.
At the end of the day, Ryan and I went to have a radio slot from 7-8pm, and we were joined by a number of our campers. Two of them read the crumpled word stories that they completed earlier in the week, and then five girls and Ryan read out the Radio Play adaptation of “SpongeBob’s Slap Shot”, which I organised a couple days ago. We went a bit over time, but it wasn’t a big deal, as there was nothing scheduled after us, and it was just proof of how successful the slot was going!
Earlier this week was quite hectic fairly consistently. Our activities have been going really well, but campers have a tendency to go out into the halls, where school staff members are working on cleaning the area. Discounting this, things are running really smoothly, and Sachigo has been draining, but amazing!!
You might think that the lack of internet would make me, an internet addict, have more free time than imaginable, but this has not proven accurate. Instead, I have found myself even busier than last month, prepping different areas of the camp and classroom. Lizzy’s taken to teasing me about the fact that I am rarely without paperwork in my hands. It works well though, because I keep occupied and there’s less paperwork for other people! It also pays off because I haven’t had to make as many meals!
Last week the Dentist came to town, and he’ll be here until next Friday. He’s a 30-year-old U of T graduate, and has started joining Ryan and I on our morning runs, so we are now up to a full three people in the running club! There were three other new faces in town this week; two girls were in to run a Science Camp, and a third woman was here doing evaluations of the camps in the community. Having the science camp meant a bit of competition for campers, but we were able to meet with them and arranged it so that our hours were opposites, and that seemed to work out pretty well! Next week we should have some people returning from CLE in Thunder Bay, but a local baseball tournament is on, so our numbers could skyrocket, drop completely, or stay constant. In other words: who knows?
I’m hoping that the nice weather stays for a while yet (I had two days in shorts!), and that next week runs smoothly. Lizzy’s feeling a bit ill, but hopefully a relaxed weekend will fix that, and then we can all be on our feet running for Monday.
I can hardly believe we only have two weeks left. Muskrat and Sachigo have both been astounding, and I hope I keep myself posted on them in the following year.
My favourites from this week:
Just kidding! (Really? No! Just kidding! So no? Yes! Just kidding!)
Ut-ta bun-ga shoon-i-ah. (Give me money.)
People in M.D. have been talking about us to their friends here!
Book borrowing!
Jumping into a freezing lake at 10:30pm under a full moon.
That’s all from me for now!
-V
Today was the final day of our first week of camp in Sachigo Lake. We had a community treasure hunt, and it was the best day all week – in terms of both weather and camper behaviour! Campers went around town to six stations, where they completed word searches, jumbles, decoding, jigsaw puzzles, and scavenger hunts to lead them back to their starting point, and then claim their prizes of having their faces painted! We were lucky that our numbers went up again after yesterday, where there were only 10 campers in the morning (but still 20 in the afternoon). Today was back to normal, with just under 40 campers in total joining us.
At the end of the day, Ryan and I went to have a radio slot from 7-8pm, and we were joined by a number of our campers. Two of them read the crumpled word stories that they completed earlier in the week, and then five girls and Ryan read out the Radio Play adaptation of “SpongeBob’s Slap Shot”, which I organised a couple days ago. We went a bit over time, but it wasn’t a big deal, as there was nothing scheduled after us, and it was just proof of how successful the slot was going!
Earlier this week was quite hectic fairly consistently. Our activities have been going really well, but campers have a tendency to go out into the halls, where school staff members are working on cleaning the area. Discounting this, things are running really smoothly, and Sachigo has been draining, but amazing!!
You might think that the lack of internet would make me, an internet addict, have more free time than imaginable, but this has not proven accurate. Instead, I have found myself even busier than last month, prepping different areas of the camp and classroom. Lizzy’s taken to teasing me about the fact that I am rarely without paperwork in my hands. It works well though, because I keep occupied and there’s less paperwork for other people! It also pays off because I haven’t had to make as many meals!
Last week the Dentist came to town, and he’ll be here until next Friday. He’s a 30-year-old U of T graduate, and has started joining Ryan and I on our morning runs, so we are now up to a full three people in the running club! There were three other new faces in town this week; two girls were in to run a Science Camp, and a third woman was here doing evaluations of the camps in the community. Having the science camp meant a bit of competition for campers, but we were able to meet with them and arranged it so that our hours were opposites, and that seemed to work out pretty well! Next week we should have some people returning from CLE in Thunder Bay, but a local baseball tournament is on, so our numbers could skyrocket, drop completely, or stay constant. In other words: who knows?
I’m hoping that the nice weather stays for a while yet (I had two days in shorts!), and that next week runs smoothly. Lizzy’s feeling a bit ill, but hopefully a relaxed weekend will fix that, and then we can all be on our feet running for Monday.
I can hardly believe we only have two weeks left. Muskrat and Sachigo have both been astounding, and I hope I keep myself posted on them in the following year.
My favourites from this week:
Just kidding! (Really? No! Just kidding! So no? Yes! Just kidding!)
Ut-ta bun-ga shoon-i-ah. (Give me money.)
People in M.D. have been talking about us to their friends here!
Book borrowing!
Jumping into a freezing lake at 10:30pm under a full moon.
That’s all from me for now!
-V
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Ryan, Victoria and Elizabeth: Putting the R, V, and E in pRoactiVE!
Composed Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wait a minute, Victoria. Where are you again? Well, seeing as you did not realise you could just scroll down to the previous blog and see, I will just tell you. I am in Sachigo Lake, Ontario. It is, I believe, the third furthest north community in Ontario, and so we have been receiving approximately 40 minutes of summer every two days since we arrived on Monday. But wow, is it worth it.
Since having on Monday I have made myself very much at home. I filled my room with 67 photos and postcards, am set up comfortably on a queen-sized bed (I had a box spring and mattress on the floor in M.D.), and I have a closet, drawers with a vanity mirror, and a standing set of drawers, most of which are empty. I definitely see how people could live in this house for a year.
The house, however, is not the best part of arriving in Sachigo by far. When we first arrived we were able to meet all of the council, and although it took almost an hour to be set up in our house, it did eventually occur. Lizzy and I are in one half of a duplex, and Ryan is on the other side. We do most of our eating and socialising on that side so that he doesn’t get lonely.
In the past three days we have had the task of trying to get to know the community, and run registration for campers. After sitting for about 14 hours total in M.D. doing registration, and having it turn into a mini-camp, we decided to cut back those hours and focus more on set up and planning. We only had 6 hours over two days this time, but registered 30% more people in the shorter time span! Perhaps that’s because Sachigo is about triple the size, with about 600 people living here.
While we were shopping for some camp supplies in the store, one of the local artists, Richard, invited us to come check out the shop where he designs all of his art. On Tuesday night we visited him, and along with showing us a magnificent array of art, he invited us to learn some as well! On Wednesday we went back to make Tamarack birds, made from tamarack wood, which smells lovely. We went out to collect branches, came back to clean them, and then formed the birds using only string, twigs, and a ball of string, nylon, and tamarack clippings. Pictures should be posted within a few weeks either here or on facebook.
As well as nightly art sessions, Ryan and I are attempting to start up a running club, although we are currently the only members. We’re going out every morning at 8AM for a jog around the community, which takes about half an hour. We have put up some posters and hopefully soon some others will join us. Tomorrow I think we might even convince Lizzy to come along!
One of the things I am most excited about is that we were invited to have our own radio slot here! We’re on just before curfew, 10-11PM. It is a great honour, and an awesome way to be able to get into the community and advertise camp. Tonight we had our first broadcast, and we will be back on tomorrow. The three of us played music, had camp reminders, and read from the novel Twilight. We even turned it into a bit of a radio show for our last page, with Lizzy narrating, Ryan speaking for the father, and I played Bella. It was thoroughly entertaining. I’m pretty pumped to see what we decide to do tomorrow!
Well, it is now midnight, and tomorrow is our first day of camp (as well as another day of our morning Running Club!), so I should be getting to sleep. I only have access to internet at the school during working hours, so this will be posted either tomorrow or Saturday. Apologies that I haven’t been able to reply to emails and messages lately. I did not get a chance to access the internet at all until today, and I am not sure when I will next, but keep them coming. I love hearing from everyone, even if it’s just a short note.
Good night, stay well, and enjoy your last month of summer. I know I will!
-V
Wait a minute, Victoria. Where are you again? Well, seeing as you did not realise you could just scroll down to the previous blog and see, I will just tell you. I am in Sachigo Lake, Ontario. It is, I believe, the third furthest north community in Ontario, and so we have been receiving approximately 40 minutes of summer every two days since we arrived on Monday. But wow, is it worth it.
Since having on Monday I have made myself very much at home. I filled my room with 67 photos and postcards, am set up comfortably on a queen-sized bed (I had a box spring and mattress on the floor in M.D.), and I have a closet, drawers with a vanity mirror, and a standing set of drawers, most of which are empty. I definitely see how people could live in this house for a year.
The house, however, is not the best part of arriving in Sachigo by far. When we first arrived we were able to meet all of the council, and although it took almost an hour to be set up in our house, it did eventually occur. Lizzy and I are in one half of a duplex, and Ryan is on the other side. We do most of our eating and socialising on that side so that he doesn’t get lonely.
In the past three days we have had the task of trying to get to know the community, and run registration for campers. After sitting for about 14 hours total in M.D. doing registration, and having it turn into a mini-camp, we decided to cut back those hours and focus more on set up and planning. We only had 6 hours over two days this time, but registered 30% more people in the shorter time span! Perhaps that’s because Sachigo is about triple the size, with about 600 people living here.
While we were shopping for some camp supplies in the store, one of the local artists, Richard, invited us to come check out the shop where he designs all of his art. On Tuesday night we visited him, and along with showing us a magnificent array of art, he invited us to learn some as well! On Wednesday we went back to make Tamarack birds, made from tamarack wood, which smells lovely. We went out to collect branches, came back to clean them, and then formed the birds using only string, twigs, and a ball of string, nylon, and tamarack clippings. Pictures should be posted within a few weeks either here or on facebook.
As well as nightly art sessions, Ryan and I are attempting to start up a running club, although we are currently the only members. We’re going out every morning at 8AM for a jog around the community, which takes about half an hour. We have put up some posters and hopefully soon some others will join us. Tomorrow I think we might even convince Lizzy to come along!
One of the things I am most excited about is that we were invited to have our own radio slot here! We’re on just before curfew, 10-11PM. It is a great honour, and an awesome way to be able to get into the community and advertise camp. Tonight we had our first broadcast, and we will be back on tomorrow. The three of us played music, had camp reminders, and read from the novel Twilight. We even turned it into a bit of a radio show for our last page, with Lizzy narrating, Ryan speaking for the father, and I played Bella. It was thoroughly entertaining. I’m pretty pumped to see what we decide to do tomorrow!
Well, it is now midnight, and tomorrow is our first day of camp (as well as another day of our morning Running Club!), so I should be getting to sleep. I only have access to internet at the school during working hours, so this will be posted either tomorrow or Saturday. Apologies that I haven’t been able to reply to emails and messages lately. I did not get a chance to access the internet at all until today, and I am not sure when I will next, but keep them coming. I love hearing from everyone, even if it’s just a short note.
Good night, stay well, and enjoy your last month of summer. I know I will!
-V
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Final Words from Muskrat Dam
I’m writing this on our second-last night in Muskrat Dam. The internet is currently down, so I’m unsure of when I’ll post it, but I figured it was time for an update.
Our last week was a bit hectic (particularly in the morning), but really good. We had a couple scuffles between morning campers, so had to ask a few parents to keep their children home for a day, but after that it mostly cleared up, although a few of the previously quiet girls got a bit catty with some of the boys gone and more attention on them! In the afternoons we had all girls for the lat few days, and only five or six campers most days, but it was a lot of fun! On our last days we did face painting, had a three-round Walk Off competition in a classroom-turned-catwalk, and did an egg drop challenge, which ended with Ryan kicking the egg compartments at a brick wall. None survived. One of our afternoon girls also got the rest of the group to make thank you cards for us semi-secretly, and then gave them to us at the end of the day! They’re so sweet!
One of the other highlights of the week for me was responding to penpal letters from Kingfisher. Lauren sent us a pack of letters from there, and it was really nice to read things from the campers I haven’t seen or heard from in a year, and Lauren sent me a really nice letter as well. The best part was that both the afternoon campers and a number of the older morning campers decided to write responses to the letters. I was really impressed with some of our 7 and 8 year old campers who we worked with, and actually constructed decent letters! It was really impressive how well some of them have picked up on some simple phonetic and grammatical patterns. Up until then I had questioned the benefit of some literacy activities at the camp, but I really think having something to bridge the gap in the school year for them is definitely beneficial.
Evenings this week were another opportunity for us to engage with the community on another level. I had talked to one woman at Family Day, and she arranged a boating trip for us with her husband and one of his friends. Lizzy and I went out in one boat and Ryan in another, and we went for a four hour boat ride after camp. Despite on-and-off rain storms, we had a great time. The rain might have meant damp underwear by the end of the trip, but we were also privileged to see some amazing storm clouds and rainbows! The dampness did mean, however, that our attempts at fishing were cut short. Apparently having your rod in for about five minutes in two different locations isn’t a good recipe for catching dinner.
Today (Saturday) we ran a barbecue for our campers, parents, and other community members. We had about 30 people come out, and were able to get some good feedback about the camps, provide burgers and Smokies (sausages), and play some games! At the end, our community liaison and a few other community members said a prayer for us, and presented Ryan, Lizzy and I with a pair of moccasins each! They fit like a dream and are incredibly warm. I feel so lucky that we were accepted into the community so well, and that they gave us so much of their support. I will definitely be sad to leave on Monday morning!
After the barbecue we returned home to do some paperwork and finish up some final things in our house when we had a knock at our door, and two campers announced that they had pudding for us. Lizzy glanced out the window and quickly realised that “pudding” meant water balloons. While the adults next door looked on, laughing, we launched our attack, with Lizzy and Ryan running out the back door with cups and bowls full of water, while I created a diversion by keeping them talking through the front door. We exchanged water balloons with water bottles and lard containers full of water for about 15 minutes before we called it off, and retreated back inside (with doors locked) to dry off and finish paperwork. I felt it was an appropriate end to the day.
Now it’s time to finish off so I can get some sleep and be ready to win some cribbage tomorrow. I taught Lizzy and Ryan, and they managed to beat me today on my makeshift board (I drew one out, and we used playdough, pen caps, and pills as pegs). I’ll get them in the next game! But for that, I must be well rested.
One full day left, then Sachigo! Thanks to everyone who has been keeping in touch – it’s great to hear from you! Please forgive any poor correspondence on my part, as our internet has played up quite a bit, and we don’t have a phone in the house. Whenever I know what we have available in Sachigo, I will pass along the news.
Keep well!
-V
Our last week was a bit hectic (particularly in the morning), but really good. We had a couple scuffles between morning campers, so had to ask a few parents to keep their children home for a day, but after that it mostly cleared up, although a few of the previously quiet girls got a bit catty with some of the boys gone and more attention on them! In the afternoons we had all girls for the lat few days, and only five or six campers most days, but it was a lot of fun! On our last days we did face painting, had a three-round Walk Off competition in a classroom-turned-catwalk, and did an egg drop challenge, which ended with Ryan kicking the egg compartments at a brick wall. None survived. One of our afternoon girls also got the rest of the group to make thank you cards for us semi-secretly, and then gave them to us at the end of the day! They’re so sweet!
One of the other highlights of the week for me was responding to penpal letters from Kingfisher. Lauren sent us a pack of letters from there, and it was really nice to read things from the campers I haven’t seen or heard from in a year, and Lauren sent me a really nice letter as well. The best part was that both the afternoon campers and a number of the older morning campers decided to write responses to the letters. I was really impressed with some of our 7 and 8 year old campers who we worked with, and actually constructed decent letters! It was really impressive how well some of them have picked up on some simple phonetic and grammatical patterns. Up until then I had questioned the benefit of some literacy activities at the camp, but I really think having something to bridge the gap in the school year for them is definitely beneficial.
Evenings this week were another opportunity for us to engage with the community on another level. I had talked to one woman at Family Day, and she arranged a boating trip for us with her husband and one of his friends. Lizzy and I went out in one boat and Ryan in another, and we went for a four hour boat ride after camp. Despite on-and-off rain storms, we had a great time. The rain might have meant damp underwear by the end of the trip, but we were also privileged to see some amazing storm clouds and rainbows! The dampness did mean, however, that our attempts at fishing were cut short. Apparently having your rod in for about five minutes in two different locations isn’t a good recipe for catching dinner.
Today (Saturday) we ran a barbecue for our campers, parents, and other community members. We had about 30 people come out, and were able to get some good feedback about the camps, provide burgers and Smokies (sausages), and play some games! At the end, our community liaison and a few other community members said a prayer for us, and presented Ryan, Lizzy and I with a pair of moccasins each! They fit like a dream and are incredibly warm. I feel so lucky that we were accepted into the community so well, and that they gave us so much of their support. I will definitely be sad to leave on Monday morning!
After the barbecue we returned home to do some paperwork and finish up some final things in our house when we had a knock at our door, and two campers announced that they had pudding for us. Lizzy glanced out the window and quickly realised that “pudding” meant water balloons. While the adults next door looked on, laughing, we launched our attack, with Lizzy and Ryan running out the back door with cups and bowls full of water, while I created a diversion by keeping them talking through the front door. We exchanged water balloons with water bottles and lard containers full of water for about 15 minutes before we called it off, and retreated back inside (with doors locked) to dry off and finish paperwork. I felt it was an appropriate end to the day.
Now it’s time to finish off so I can get some sleep and be ready to win some cribbage tomorrow. I taught Lizzy and Ryan, and they managed to beat me today on my makeshift board (I drew one out, and we used playdough, pen caps, and pills as pegs). I’ll get them in the next game! But for that, I must be well rested.
One full day left, then Sachigo! Thanks to everyone who has been keeping in touch – it’s great to hear from you! Please forgive any poor correspondence on my part, as our internet has played up quite a bit, and we don’t have a phone in the house. Whenever I know what we have available in Sachigo, I will pass along the news.
Keep well!
-V
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The last week in Muskrat Dam begins...
Last week was amazing. Simply amazing. Yes, we had a few behaviour issues at camp, such as a five year old whipping markers around the room to the point of us needing to send him home to stop him from blinding someone, but with these few exceptions, it was phenomenal. We were not able to use the gym, and the rain kept us indoors most of the time, but this was a blessing in disguise! It allowed us to do some cool projects, such as making Play-dough, which then became volcanoes, was then painted, and exploded! This took a series of days, and gave a bit of continuity to the camp. We also played some fun literacy versions of Musical Chairs, and have been having around an hour a day of reading and alphabet practice with our younger campers. They only learn syllabics until the end of grade one in school before being introduced to English letters, so we are working hard too help them with their spelling and phonics.
This week we're expecting a drop in numbers, as some families are leaving town, a few older campers are going to a Junior Rangers camp, and one or two more are starting jobs. However, some of these campers expressed that they don't want to leave, and that they want to stay at our camp instead! Win!
This past week we have been able to integrate really well into the community. We had a band counsellor/deputy chief come into the morning camp and play guitar, and a parent come into the afternoon camp and bake bannock with the campers! We also got out into the community during a treasure hunt in the morning (which we're repeating Monday for the older campers), and we cancelled Friday afternoon to go to Family Day events at the baseball field instead.
For "Friday's Family Day: Part One" there was a feast, with lots of hamburgers and smokies, and a number of competitions, such as egg toss and piggy backs - women carrying men! During all this we were painting faces, and Ryan and Lizzy ran some games (I was still painting!) After the feast we were asked to judge cakes in a baking contest, and so got to try some of each and award about $400 in prize money! The top cakes were a fruit and yogurt pizza, a chocolate cake with strawberries around it, a lemon meringue cake, and a cake designed to look like a hamburger! Later on that night we also went into the forest behind the church to look for envelopes that were hidden and contained descriptions of prizes ranging from "Sorry, try again next time" to a laptop! Unfortunately, it was 11pm, very dark, and our flashlights, eyes and detective skills didn't allow us to find anything; it was a lot of fun though!!
"Family Day: Part Two" was Saturday. We didn't take part in the fishing derby, as we lack both rods and a boat, but we took this time to plan camp and bake chocolate drop cookies! We went up for more games, and this time brought some books, boggle, beads and a ball (lots of B items apparently) for the kids to use. Between this and throwing around a football, Ryan and I managed to win $90, and Lizzy took the lead with beading with a number of kids. Ryan was on the winning teams for both a relay race and leap frog race, which won him $20 total, and I won $20 for being the first to cross the finish line while balancing a marble on a plastic spoon - in my mouth! Ryan and I each won a backpack race, for the men and women respectively, where you had to run in a race against time while carrying a heavy backpack. He traded the 1st place fishing rod for the second place prize of $50, and I decided to donate the set of pots that I won to the school, to stock up their kitchen a bit more. (It's not as altruistic as it sounds - I wanted to be able to use them to cook for camp this week too!)
While at the event we go to know a number of the adults better, and they are all very welcoming! One woman has given us a ride to the field a couple times, and she has offered to arrange for us to go boating on Wednesday night with her husband, and is also trying to make sure that a Bingo night runs before we leave; Ryan and I need something to spend our money on besides sweets at Louie's shop! Also, I was trusted enough to drive someone's truck down to our house to take the cookies up to the feast. It was very kind of him, and amazing to be back behind the wheel after months in England on busses!
I don't know how it will be possible to top last week, but I have faith that between this community and our ideas for this week's camp, we'll do it somehow! On that note, I'm off to bed. One of the most important things I've found for running a successful camp is to sleep enough! So I best sign off so that I can be up in time for a morning jog and setting up another treasure hunt. Hope all is well in the lives of anyone reading this! Have a wonderful summer.
-V. :-)
This week we're expecting a drop in numbers, as some families are leaving town, a few older campers are going to a Junior Rangers camp, and one or two more are starting jobs. However, some of these campers expressed that they don't want to leave, and that they want to stay at our camp instead! Win!
This past week we have been able to integrate really well into the community. We had a band counsellor/deputy chief come into the morning camp and play guitar, and a parent come into the afternoon camp and bake bannock with the campers! We also got out into the community during a treasure hunt in the morning (which we're repeating Monday for the older campers), and we cancelled Friday afternoon to go to Family Day events at the baseball field instead.
For "Friday's Family Day: Part One" there was a feast, with lots of hamburgers and smokies, and a number of competitions, such as egg toss and piggy backs - women carrying men! During all this we were painting faces, and Ryan and Lizzy ran some games (I was still painting!) After the feast we were asked to judge cakes in a baking contest, and so got to try some of each and award about $400 in prize money! The top cakes were a fruit and yogurt pizza, a chocolate cake with strawberries around it, a lemon meringue cake, and a cake designed to look like a hamburger! Later on that night we also went into the forest behind the church to look for envelopes that were hidden and contained descriptions of prizes ranging from "Sorry, try again next time" to a laptop! Unfortunately, it was 11pm, very dark, and our flashlights, eyes and detective skills didn't allow us to find anything; it was a lot of fun though!!
"Family Day: Part Two" was Saturday. We didn't take part in the fishing derby, as we lack both rods and a boat, but we took this time to plan camp and bake chocolate drop cookies! We went up for more games, and this time brought some books, boggle, beads and a ball (lots of B items apparently) for the kids to use. Between this and throwing around a football, Ryan and I managed to win $90, and Lizzy took the lead with beading with a number of kids. Ryan was on the winning teams for both a relay race and leap frog race, which won him $20 total, and I won $20 for being the first to cross the finish line while balancing a marble on a plastic spoon - in my mouth! Ryan and I each won a backpack race, for the men and women respectively, where you had to run in a race against time while carrying a heavy backpack. He traded the 1st place fishing rod for the second place prize of $50, and I decided to donate the set of pots that I won to the school, to stock up their kitchen a bit more. (It's not as altruistic as it sounds - I wanted to be able to use them to cook for camp this week too!)
While at the event we go to know a number of the adults better, and they are all very welcoming! One woman has given us a ride to the field a couple times, and she has offered to arrange for us to go boating on Wednesday night with her husband, and is also trying to make sure that a Bingo night runs before we leave; Ryan and I need something to spend our money on besides sweets at Louie's shop! Also, I was trusted enough to drive someone's truck down to our house to take the cookies up to the feast. It was very kind of him, and amazing to be back behind the wheel after months in England on busses!
I don't know how it will be possible to top last week, but I have faith that between this community and our ideas for this week's camp, we'll do it somehow! On that note, I'm off to bed. One of the most important things I've found for running a successful camp is to sleep enough! So I best sign off so that I can be up in time for a morning jog and setting up another treasure hunt. Hope all is well in the lives of anyone reading this! Have a wonderful summer.
-V. :-)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Muskrat Dam Week 3
Third week in Muskrat Dam and second week of camp. So far we've had really good numbers - around 30 a day, with both morning and afternoon combined. We've been doing group reading and smaller letter recognition activities with the younger campers. We are supposed to have ages 6+, but we have a lot of 5 year olds at the camp, and since they don't learn English letters until the end of grade one (they're taught syllabics until then, which are First Nations letters), we can't really do writing activities. Small steps!! The older campers, aged 10-13, who come in the afternoon, are also really into a lot of the activities, and we've done a couple other projects with them. We worked on a community book last week, and this week they are doing their own personal timelines! The younger campers also did a community alphabet book, only on a smaller scale.
The community has been really welcoming so far. Last weekend we went to an anniversary party at the ball diamond, where there was a lot of food, and then we ran a baseball game with the kids afterward. Yesterday (Sunday) we went to a double birthday party, that again had loads of food, and we were able to secure some guests to come into camp this week! One of the counsellors will be coming in to play guitar tomorrow morning, and Thursday a parents is coming in to bake bannock with the afternoon group! Between that, the great food, and a break in the weather, Sunday was fabulous!
The past week we've been keeping vegetarian (except for at the community dinners - there is no way I'm turning down venisson!), and it's definitely easier on the wallet than last year was. Lizzy, Ryan and I have been spending our time cooking lots of bean and lentil dishes, playing on websites made for 12 year olds, and playing card games! I taught them 9-5-2 and have won the past nine games, so I think Lizzy might have us switch back to Rummy, or we may learn three person Euchre! Also, Ryan and I have also been running a few kilometres every other day (well, he runs daily, but I only join him on odd-numbered days!), and tomorrow the three of us are going to Aerobics! I hope it's actually on! We've gone to a couple things up on the other side of town - "Uptown" - and either arrived late or found out that there was a location change. Fingers crossed that tomorrow won't be like that!
Anyway, I must sign off now, or else I will be having a tired day at camp tomorrow! Good night!!
-V
The community has been really welcoming so far. Last weekend we went to an anniversary party at the ball diamond, where there was a lot of food, and then we ran a baseball game with the kids afterward. Yesterday (Sunday) we went to a double birthday party, that again had loads of food, and we were able to secure some guests to come into camp this week! One of the counsellors will be coming in to play guitar tomorrow morning, and Thursday a parents is coming in to bake bannock with the afternoon group! Between that, the great food, and a break in the weather, Sunday was fabulous!
The past week we've been keeping vegetarian (except for at the community dinners - there is no way I'm turning down venisson!), and it's definitely easier on the wallet than last year was. Lizzy, Ryan and I have been spending our time cooking lots of bean and lentil dishes, playing on websites made for 12 year olds, and playing card games! I taught them 9-5-2 and have won the past nine games, so I think Lizzy might have us switch back to Rummy, or we may learn three person Euchre! Also, Ryan and I have also been running a few kilometres every other day (well, he runs daily, but I only join him on odd-numbered days!), and tomorrow the three of us are going to Aerobics! I hope it's actually on! We've gone to a couple things up on the other side of town - "Uptown" - and either arrived late or found out that there was a location change. Fingers crossed that tomorrow won't be like that!
Anyway, I must sign off now, or else I will be having a tired day at camp tomorrow! Good night!!
-V
Sunday, July 5, 2009
After final performances, goodbye parties, nights of very little sleep, a lot of travel, seeing my parents in Toronto, a beach day, and training...
For the month of July 2009 I will be mostly in Muskrat Dam, Ontario. It's the furthest north I've ever been in Ontario, and the third Aboriginal Community I've lived in (if you can count 3-4 weeks somewhere as living there!). I am again with Frontier College for their Summer Reading Camps, the same program as I did last year.
A bit about Muskrat Dam. The community has just over 200 people, and is not far from the Manitoba border - by plane of course. It is only reachable by plane or ice road, but scheduled flights come in about every other day (and so mail is delivered this often). The community is incredibly friendly, especially the kids; the black flies and mosquitoes, on the other hand, are not as kind. It's been fairly cool here, and the couple morning I've gone running with my teammate Ryan have been quite brisk. And the briskness is referring to the temperature, not our pace, haha.
My teammates are both pretty awesome people. Ryan and Lizzy are both from Dalhousie university, and are friends with Orion, my teammate from last year. As of today we've moved in, done registration while running some games, planned our first week of camp, attended an anniversary feast, played evening games with some of the older kids, and been visited and watched by a group of 11-12 year old girls about 3 nights in a row. We usually give in and go out to chat or play tag with them, but right now we decided just to open the curtains and inside door, and they're standing outside the windows watching us read and type on the computer. I can hardly imagine how exciting that must be.
In unfortunate news, my computer decided to die. It is showing what some Mac used call "The grey screen of death", and can be fixed by reinstalling the start-up CD. I, however, did not bring said CD to Muskrat Dam, and so am using Lizzy's computer. I am uber-thankful that we had two here in the first place.
Anyway, I think I'll wrap this up here and get some more administrative work done. If anyone wants to send any mail (and that will make me love you more), you can do so by writing:
Victoria Weaver
Literacy Camp
Muskrat Dam, Ontario
Canada
P0V 3B0
Cheers! ;)
Victoria
A bit about Muskrat Dam. The community has just over 200 people, and is not far from the Manitoba border - by plane of course. It is only reachable by plane or ice road, but scheduled flights come in about every other day (and so mail is delivered this often). The community is incredibly friendly, especially the kids; the black flies and mosquitoes, on the other hand, are not as kind. It's been fairly cool here, and the couple morning I've gone running with my teammate Ryan have been quite brisk. And the briskness is referring to the temperature, not our pace, haha.
My teammates are both pretty awesome people. Ryan and Lizzy are both from Dalhousie university, and are friends with Orion, my teammate from last year. As of today we've moved in, done registration while running some games, planned our first week of camp, attended an anniversary feast, played evening games with some of the older kids, and been visited and watched by a group of 11-12 year old girls about 3 nights in a row. We usually give in and go out to chat or play tag with them, but right now we decided just to open the curtains and inside door, and they're standing outside the windows watching us read and type on the computer. I can hardly imagine how exciting that must be.
In unfortunate news, my computer decided to die. It is showing what some Mac used call "The grey screen of death", and can be fixed by reinstalling the start-up CD. I, however, did not bring said CD to Muskrat Dam, and so am using Lizzy's computer. I am uber-thankful that we had two here in the first place.
Anyway, I think I'll wrap this up here and get some more administrative work done. If anyone wants to send any mail (and that will make me love you more), you can do so by writing:
Victoria Weaver
Literacy Camp
Muskrat Dam, Ontario
Canada
P0V 3B0
Cheers! ;)
Victoria
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Study Abroad in under 1000 words.
Term One:
Arrival off the plane, have had little too eat since landing. Tired, jet lagged, and arriving a day late. Into my room to unpack, and then meet housemates. A floor full of jocks, two girls like my friends at home, an American, a stoner, and my floor of Creative Writers. All third years, and not going out until alter. I want to meet new people, and quickly. There’s a Casino themed night on for my residence – no, “residence” is now called college – and the bus to town leaves at 9. I get changed and ask housemates for clothing advice. Attempt some hellos as I get on the bus and fail, but outside the club I meet some friendly faces. All first years, but all excited. Discussing the White T-Shirt party I missed the night before. I meet Shimol and Katherine Tate – theatre types, to become incredible friends. They probably don’t even know how good. A week of orientation – sitting around being told things I no longer remember. Going out too many nights in a row and loving it. The first week is full of hanging out with my American housemate, Josh, and a guy from Carlton/Calgary, Lee, who was quite a lifesaver and adventure partner all through the month. Auditions for plays, trying out different societies, all of first term filled with Black Comedy. Winning over housemates with Canadian Thanksgiving and baking galore. 16 pounds of chocolate for Emma’s birthday. Walking to town – never knew that the line “Would Popeye have eaten Spinach? If so, that just wouldn’t be fair to Jesus” would affect me so. Touring the UK, meeting family and new friends. Woman in Black scaring me to the point of leg-clawing. Bonfire Night in Edinburgh, after McMaster swinging friends, exploring underground and having Haggis with Canadians. Tigger. He was crazy, but perceptive enough. He called it. Stress over exams, essays, final performances, meeting Joe’s family after only 3 weeks. Flying home with goodbyes to Josh, and an early flight to London.
Home for Christmas. Snowstorms. Travel. Mafia. Family. Everything expected and more.
Term Two:
Return for a proper English pub New Years. Back to uni to write essays, then back to go to Dublin with Joe. A new quick start with auditions, Vagina Monologues, gym memberships and a JCR International Representative position. Back to the world of balancing a play, student politics, and an increasingly tense house – I’m lucky enough not to be too involved. Learning guitar slowly – very slowly. Valentine’s Day a day early, then my Ali-Valentine for the next week. In Manchester every Saturday for a month. Airports, protests and Steve’s birthday. Free plays, getting closer with Lucianne thanks to R.ST332, and meetings galore. Eating better since cooking for both myself and Joe, and working well together making new concoctions. Lots of Devising, many nights out, and what I think was a failed One World Week. Discovering Psych studies. Going to the cinema, discovering the Lake District, and then taking off for Europe!
Eurotrip.
Limerick with Jackie – and Andrea!, Paris with Nicole – and Devin!, Hungary with Nha and Tamas, Amsterdam with Devin – and Alanna!, Southern England with Mom!!! Met Aunt June, Hazel and Shirley, and Andrea came to Bath!!! Return to Manchester, then up to Lancaster. 3 essays in as many days. Term begins.
Term Three:
The end is near, and it’s nerve-wracking. Especially with exams. More free theatre. More meetings. BBC Headroom, Grub Club, Jackie visits. Lake District. Hours of devising for a final performance. Moving up dates for departure to allow for work. Go Ape. Blackpool. Fewer nights out and a bit more sleep. Waiting for Tim Hortons. Don’t want to leave but missing home. Planning for work, while finishing modules. Planning goodbye parties and hellos. Trying to try every new thing before it’s too late.
The end is near.
Grassing someone up. Tossing. Uni. Module. Course. Flatmates. Maths. Football. Knackered. Cheers. Rubbish. Bin. Mobile. Pants? Jumpers. Shirts. I shall. Ta. T-ra. T-ra-La. Love. Aye. You alright? Slag. Going to mine/yours. Bangers and Mash. Gherkins. Courgettes. Bap. Barm. Buttie. Sarnie. Bell end. Sorted. Half five. Fringe. Apple Mac. Getting off with. Pull. Snog.
New Skins. Dr Who. Mock the Week. QI. Top Gear. Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Jeremy Kyle.
OreGAno, AluMINIum, ToMAtoes, MargarINE, SAra, SCARb(o)rough, Edin“bra”(burgh). Mir-ror. LOOOOOk. Uz, Buz.
Diggles Milkshakes. Greggs. Dialects changing so quickly. Scouse and Yorkshire intonations and fluctuations. The lack of the letter “R”, or adding it in where it is not required. Pawn/porn. Shu-up!
Full English breakfast. Double decker. Yorkie. Picnic. Lion bar. Star bar. Jaffa cakes. Daim. Drifter. Galaxy. Minstrels. Revels. Milky bar. Milky Way.
Walkers. Tango.
Why doesn’t Boots sell Boots? What did I think Tramp was in Lady and the Tramp before I realised tramp meant homeless person? How do I ask for salad, and just get lettuce with other things in it, rather than a sandwich with dressings? I'm still confused about salads, and where relish, sauce, salad and such all fit in. What is dinner/supper/tea and when do I eat or drink them? Did the explorers just get lost and want to name things in relatively the same locations as when they were in England?
Arrival off the plane, have had little too eat since landing. Tired, jet lagged, and arriving a day late. Into my room to unpack, and then meet housemates. A floor full of jocks, two girls like my friends at home, an American, a stoner, and my floor of Creative Writers. All third years, and not going out until alter. I want to meet new people, and quickly. There’s a Casino themed night on for my residence – no, “residence” is now called college – and the bus to town leaves at 9. I get changed and ask housemates for clothing advice. Attempt some hellos as I get on the bus and fail, but outside the club I meet some friendly faces. All first years, but all excited. Discussing the White T-Shirt party I missed the night before. I meet Shimol and Katherine Tate – theatre types, to become incredible friends. They probably don’t even know how good. A week of orientation – sitting around being told things I no longer remember. Going out too many nights in a row and loving it. The first week is full of hanging out with my American housemate, Josh, and a guy from Carlton/Calgary, Lee, who was quite a lifesaver and adventure partner all through the month. Auditions for plays, trying out different societies, all of first term filled with Black Comedy. Winning over housemates with Canadian Thanksgiving and baking galore. 16 pounds of chocolate for Emma’s birthday. Walking to town – never knew that the line “Would Popeye have eaten Spinach? If so, that just wouldn’t be fair to Jesus” would affect me so. Touring the UK, meeting family and new friends. Woman in Black scaring me to the point of leg-clawing. Bonfire Night in Edinburgh, after McMaster swinging friends, exploring underground and having Haggis with Canadians. Tigger. He was crazy, but perceptive enough. He called it. Stress over exams, essays, final performances, meeting Joe’s family after only 3 weeks. Flying home with goodbyes to Josh, and an early flight to London.
Home for Christmas. Snowstorms. Travel. Mafia. Family. Everything expected and more.
Term Two:
Return for a proper English pub New Years. Back to uni to write essays, then back to go to Dublin with Joe. A new quick start with auditions, Vagina Monologues, gym memberships and a JCR International Representative position. Back to the world of balancing a play, student politics, and an increasingly tense house – I’m lucky enough not to be too involved. Learning guitar slowly – very slowly. Valentine’s Day a day early, then my Ali-Valentine for the next week. In Manchester every Saturday for a month. Airports, protests and Steve’s birthday. Free plays, getting closer with Lucianne thanks to R.ST332, and meetings galore. Eating better since cooking for both myself and Joe, and working well together making new concoctions. Lots of Devising, many nights out, and what I think was a failed One World Week. Discovering Psych studies. Going to the cinema, discovering the Lake District, and then taking off for Europe!
Eurotrip.
Limerick with Jackie – and Andrea!, Paris with Nicole – and Devin!, Hungary with Nha and Tamas, Amsterdam with Devin – and Alanna!, Southern England with Mom!!! Met Aunt June, Hazel and Shirley, and Andrea came to Bath!!! Return to Manchester, then up to Lancaster. 3 essays in as many days. Term begins.
Term Three:
The end is near, and it’s nerve-wracking. Especially with exams. More free theatre. More meetings. BBC Headroom, Grub Club, Jackie visits. Lake District. Hours of devising for a final performance. Moving up dates for departure to allow for work. Go Ape. Blackpool. Fewer nights out and a bit more sleep. Waiting for Tim Hortons. Don’t want to leave but missing home. Planning for work, while finishing modules. Planning goodbye parties and hellos. Trying to try every new thing before it’s too late.
The end is near.
Grassing someone up. Tossing. Uni. Module. Course. Flatmates. Maths. Football. Knackered. Cheers. Rubbish. Bin. Mobile. Pants? Jumpers. Shirts. I shall. Ta. T-ra. T-ra-La. Love. Aye. You alright? Slag. Going to mine/yours. Bangers and Mash. Gherkins. Courgettes. Bap. Barm. Buttie. Sarnie. Bell end. Sorted. Half five. Fringe. Apple Mac. Getting off with. Pull. Snog.
New Skins. Dr Who. Mock the Week. QI. Top Gear. Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Jeremy Kyle.
OreGAno, AluMINIum, ToMAtoes, MargarINE, SAra, SCARb(o)rough, Edin“bra”(burgh). Mir-ror. LOOOOOk. Uz, Buz.
Diggles Milkshakes. Greggs. Dialects changing so quickly. Scouse and Yorkshire intonations and fluctuations. The lack of the letter “R”, or adding it in where it is not required. Pawn/porn. Shu-up!
Full English breakfast. Double decker. Yorkie. Picnic. Lion bar. Star bar. Jaffa cakes. Daim. Drifter. Galaxy. Minstrels. Revels. Milky bar. Milky Way.
Walkers. Tango.
Why doesn’t Boots sell Boots? What did I think Tramp was in Lady and the Tramp before I realised tramp meant homeless person? How do I ask for salad, and just get lettuce with other things in it, rather than a sandwich with dressings? I'm still confused about salads, and where relish, sauce, salad and such all fit in. What is dinner/supper/tea and when do I eat or drink them? Did the explorers just get lost and want to name things in relatively the same locations as when they were in England?
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