Sunday, June 25, 2006

Finally I've finished a new book

Born Lucky
RSM Harry Fox, MBE
One D-Day Dodger's Story

Craig B. Cameron

This book was an incredible read. Harry Fox is a Queen's Own veteran (I play flute and piccolo in the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Band and Bugles)and I have met him on several occasions. In his early 90s, Harry is still as sharp as ever. Captain Cameron was the Padre of the Queen's Own until recently.

Even though Harry went to Italy (hence the term D-Day Dodgers) with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment (Farley Mowat's regiment) he never forgot his roots with the Queen's own and went back to them for one year following the war. He retired from active military service in 1947. After many years away he returned to the Queen's Own Rifles Association and has been active with them ever since.

This book is an amazing account of near misses. Because a Regimental Sargent Major (RSM) has many responsibilities, Harry seemed to be everywhere at once, always just missing the shot that seemingly had his name on it. He recieved the Order of the British Empire (MBE) citation for maintaining Tactical Headquarters (to supply ammunition) extremely close to the front line. He is funny and serious, always a gentleman. After years of telling his stories on Sunday afternoons at the Queen's Own Legion on Lakeshore, Capt Cameron suggested writing it all down.

As we move further and further away from this time in our history, and as our vets diminish in numbers everyday, we need to think about how we are going to remember. Once a year for two minutes at 11:00am on 11/11 is not enough. In our society of followers, what would most people do if asked to die for what they believed in? Is there anything we believe in that strongly anymore?

Saturday, June 24, 2006

So near yet so far...

3 more days at Howe!!!

Still trying to get the last essay for my course done, but it is really hard to motivate myself especially since I don't need this French qualification for my new music job.

Went to Masa last night, love the food there. It's a Japanese dim sum type restaurant where you check things off and they bring them to your table. But because it is a buffet price they charge you for wastage. That's where I like dim sum better. Because you pay for the individual piece orders, if you order too much, you can take it home.

I can't believe how much is going on this weekend...

Pride - I usually go, but there's just too much to do
TO Jazz Festival - I'm a volunteer and I have a shift from 3-7pm
Cousin's baby shower - can't go but will send gift

Crazy!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Been Waaaay Too Long

Well school is almost over, only 8 more days with the kids. Another day after that for a final staff meeting which will be at my new school. I'm looking forward to meeting the people I will be working with and I anticipate that I will be at this school for at least the 4 years of my 4 over 5.

Had my condo warming last night. It was a little more sparsly attended than had originally rsvp'd yes, but that's ok, because all of the important people were there! We had fun hanging out.

Disappointing that I had changed the date to accomodate the Poland trip, yet no one who is going on that trip made it.

I am still trying to get a last minute ticket to Belgium for my two friends weddings. If I do go, it will be from July 7th to Aug 4. I may go to England or Italy or both as well. Not sure yet. I do miss Europe though. It's been a while since I've been.

Still have to complete my FSL course which is weighing a bit heavily on the mind.

Back to work!

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Rainy Saturday

I feel a little stressed and over busy.

Had a great de-stresser today. Went to a quaint little manicure spa with Amy to finally use my gift certificate from my birthday in November. Very relaxing.

Did some shopping at H&M (I love that store, when I was in England I shopped there all the time!) according to the what not to wear book. Was money well spent and came away with some great pieces.

Big news! I have a new job! I'm so excited. It's a full time vocal music job, K-6. It's also closer to home which is great.

Have been marking, but am still behind. Have to get to it, report cards are due on June 9th! Also have to work on my French course inquiry, which is proving to be very time consuming. It's also hard to be motivated, when I know I won't be teaching French next year, and don't really need the course. But I was so close to finishing it and it will guarantee that I am more marketable for future teaching jobs. Music and French is a good combination.

Looking forward to my condo warming, but am concerned that more people have not responded. I really need to know numbers for the catering.

Am looking forward to the summer, but not as much as I thought I would be. I know this has to do with the fact that 5 months later, I still have dehabilitating pain and swelling due to my ankle injury. After doing some research on the net and talking to others who have had it done, I am going to talk to my Orthopedic Surgeon (have an appointment on June 12) about hardware removal. Hopefully after the pain and discomfort associated with the surgery itself has cleared up, the chronic pain will be gone.

Trying to eat more healthily, so am doing a lot more cooking. It's exciting to make food, but I need some more creative ideas!