Weekend reflections

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to a conference for modern language teachers ; that is to say, teachers of modern languages.  It was a rainy day way out in London suburbia  and this is the first time that I've ever attended a professional development conference where I knew no one.  I thought that I might see other French teachers from other private boards or even from my Brock days, but nope.  So I got the opportunity to meet some other people and have a lot of fun.  I was encouraged by seeing more ways to creatively engage my students in French - especially in authentic dialogue activities.  The final workshop was entitled "Amazing Race".  Although we were supposed to use cell phones to message back our answers, mine was simply not working so because no one else in my group had one, we ran back to our classroom every time.  It was a lot of fun.  It will be fun to try to implement something like this in Heritage.

After the conference I had a bit of time before Bible study in Brantford, so I did something I've never done before.  I went out to eat at a restaurant ALL BY MYSELF.  It was strange as I sort of felt like I was on display.  I felt that I was getting more stares than I would have received if I was with someone else.  Also, elderly people are the most curious about other diners.  I'm pretty sure that I was one lady's entertainment for the duration of her meal.  Awkward!

That evening I drove to Living Waters and it was good to be surrounded by friends and delve into discussions about history in relation to the Truth Project.  All in all - a good day!

Thanksgiving Day

Although Mom and Dad were in Myrtle Beach this year, the family still got together for our annual hike.  This year we went to Rockway Glen which was absolutely breathtaking.  We haven't done that hike in a few years and I was just blown away by the beauty of the rocky canyons encircled with the radiant colours of autumn.  The bright reds, yellows and rusty oranges only crusted the exterior surfaces of the trees with colour so as we walked through the forest, the majesty of a lush green Rivendell greeted us.

Cell phones

I suppose that cell phones are a necessary evil in today's modern society.  I have one but use it only for emergencies.  If I am working, it usually just stays in my car.


I like being social.  I like talking to people and just hanging out.  I often have things planned on the weekend so that I can enjoy others' company. Parties imply fun get-togethers with other people where you are social with them. At least, to me they do. However, I recently attended two parties where that understanding just didn't exist. At these parties, the understanding of being social was to sit in the same room while everyone else either played games or was in conversation with others via text on their cells.  It was the weirdest feeling - to look around a room with at least 10 people in it and see them on their cells.  Instead of making new acquaintances and having a real conversation with a real person in a room sitting on a real couch right next to you, the choice is made to isolate themselves from immediate society.  And when someone actually did start a conversation it was done with shifty eyes to make sure that the latest text was not missed or forgotten OR, no eye contact was never made.  Thanks.  Really meaningful.


Just to make this clear - I'm not banning texting from ever being an appropriate way to communicate.  If I need to send someone a brief message or reminder, I'll send a text.  I won't use my cell for extended conversations or if there are other people in the room.  It's extremely rude to them.


Does this mean I am getting old?  I can't abide the ways of today's youth?  Maybe.  Or maybe I just prefer being real and available with the people I'm with.  I know that I feel loved and cherished and important when people take time to focus on a conversation with  me and I like to have others feel the same.  Yes, with a conversation, you won't be able to hide behind emoticons or cyberspacial abbreviations.  You won't have the option of avoiding the individual. But your life will be more enriched when you have actual conversations with people - that I can promise.  

180 video - So moving

Scavenger Hunt pictures