One of the very few films that I enjoy watching over and over again is called The Holiday and in the storyline, there is a friendship built between Iris (one of the leading roles) and an ex-Hollywood director from the earlier times named Arthur. For those of you who haven't seen The Holiday, essentially it's about two women who switch homes for two weeks, mainly because they have areas in their lives of which no longer make them feel fulfilled, and coincidentally they are both having no luck with love. Iris, from a small town outside of London, England, switches houses with Amanda from California and the two characters both find love and happiness in their new locations. In a conversation with Iris, Arthur goes on about how much love he had for his wife and one of the reasons he loved her so much was because of her incredible level of gumption.
Gumption. Hmmm.. The first time I heard this word was actually during the first time that I watched The Holiday and I instantly wanted to know the meaning of it because of the way the lovely and intelligent old man talked about his wife. The Oxford dictionary defines gumption as "the shrewd or spirited initiative and resourcefulness." Which then probably leads you to the question of, "Why is she writing about gumption"?
Well, first things first, it has taken me an incredible amount of gumption just to being living here in France. I've never lived on my own before, I've never had to deal with banks and administration procedures, nor have I ever had to deal with being away from the people who make my life so wonderful, for such a long period of time. All of the things that I am experiencing here are new to me, and heck yes, it has been stressful, BUT I can already feel the amount I've "grown up" since only arriving here four weeks ago yesterday.
This job has also required me to have a lot of gumption because I am taking a huge leap and making progress with my dream of becoming an educator. Lesson planning, keeping my students engaged, time management and the behavioural aspect are all things that this job is requiring me to be doing - and woah, I am only 20 years old. It feels amazing when I get a group of kids who have the desire and willingness to hear me speak (and act out) English, even when the most they can understand is "Hello" and "How are you?". I enter the schools and can hear the students shouting "Oui, Oui, l'anglais aujourd'hui!!".
Like life, gumption comes with a few bumps and bruises along the way - but that's where character building and resiliency follows through. In my mind, gumption is having the guts and perseverance to do something that scares you, something that you know will make you come alive, and something that you dream about and catch yourself thinking about on a regular basis. There comes times in our lives when opportunities are on our horizons but we second guess them, and think about the possibility of the whole idea of it failing, and the negativity distracts us from how wonderful this thing in front of us has the chance of becoming. The majority of the time, with a little bit of our new favourite "G" word, new and magical and life altering things can happen.
I am definitely a strong believer in the idea of us having one shot at life and it's up to us to make it worthwhile. A wise high school chemistry teacher of mine wrote something in my 11th grade yearbook that said, "Life is what you make of it, Sam. Nothing more and nothing less." Having gumption will take you places; metaphorically and literally, and it all comes around to the importance of saying "Yes" more.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
In the Swing of Things
Hey guys,
I think I am just going to post whenever I get an hour or so to write an entry, rather than only posting on Sundays.
I've been dying to update you all about Nuit Blanche. Last, last Saturday night, I had the opportunity to go to Paris from 5pm - 6:45am Sunday morning to take part in the annual Nuit Blanche festivities. I just want to start out by saying, that night was the coolest, craziest and most adventure filled night of my life and it still feels like it was all just a dream. I cannot decide if sitting at the top of the stairs at the Sacre Coeur at 3am while overlooking the Paris skyline, drinking wine from the bottle by the Notre Dame Cathedral, singing at the top of our lungs on the metro, or making our way to the Louvre and then to the Eiffel Tower grounds at 4am and being the only ones there is my highlight so I am just going to go with the whole night being one huge highlight. After walking more than 12 miles within our 12 hour duration in Paris we were exhausted and all conked out on the train ride home. The art part of Nuit Blanche was exhilarating and we were able to check out so many galleries and exhibits. It was an incredible experience.
The weekend passed by quickly and so did the week. We began to observe in our classes, sorted out our schedules met the students and the teachers. On the Thursday and Friday of that week was devoted to more meetings and then at last, the weekend was here. It was a quiet weekend which was kind of nice for a change and then I finished it up by having crepes and wine at one of the many restaurants on Rue Nationale with my Canadian friend, Ariel.
I've started teaching this week and so far it is been a pretty great experience. I feel like I am still on the right path so that's always reassuring. I only had one bratty class yesterday who wouldn't and couldn't stay still or concentrate for more than two minutes, but I made due. My other classes were all actually pretty amazing considering it was the first time and I am just some random girl from Canada with a "weird" accent. Haha.
These last two Tuesday nights, my roommate Katie and I have hosted a dinner soirée night with some of the other assistants. On our first night, we prepared tacos and then last night we had really yummy ham and cheese savoury crepes! Our guests consist of two girls (Megan and Ariel) from Canada, one girl (Ruby) from Ireland and another girl (Sonya) from Australia... then of course Katie is from the UK and well, ya'll know where I hail from. It is really entertaining to listen to all of our different accents. Tuesday night will always be something to look forward to now as we're making it a tradition.
After this week, I have my first two week break (already!!!) and I think I am going to hop on this mode of transportation called the "Megabus" and ride on over to London and Canterbury in the UK. One of my Education friends from the University of Winnipeg is living in London for the year and then Gimli gal, Holly M. is studying over in the Kent region. I should be a good time. I will update you guys on that when I return.
Hope all is well. Home in just under 70 days for Christmas!!
Love, love,
Sam
I think I am just going to post whenever I get an hour or so to write an entry, rather than only posting on Sundays.
I've been dying to update you all about Nuit Blanche. Last, last Saturday night, I had the opportunity to go to Paris from 5pm - 6:45am Sunday morning to take part in the annual Nuit Blanche festivities. I just want to start out by saying, that night was the coolest, craziest and most adventure filled night of my life and it still feels like it was all just a dream. I cannot decide if sitting at the top of the stairs at the Sacre Coeur at 3am while overlooking the Paris skyline, drinking wine from the bottle by the Notre Dame Cathedral, singing at the top of our lungs on the metro, or making our way to the Louvre and then to the Eiffel Tower grounds at 4am and being the only ones there is my highlight so I am just going to go with the whole night being one huge highlight. After walking more than 12 miles within our 12 hour duration in Paris we were exhausted and all conked out on the train ride home. The art part of Nuit Blanche was exhilarating and we were able to check out so many galleries and exhibits. It was an incredible experience.
The weekend passed by quickly and so did the week. We began to observe in our classes, sorted out our schedules met the students and the teachers. On the Thursday and Friday of that week was devoted to more meetings and then at last, the weekend was here. It was a quiet weekend which was kind of nice for a change and then I finished it up by having crepes and wine at one of the many restaurants on Rue Nationale with my Canadian friend, Ariel.
I've started teaching this week and so far it is been a pretty great experience. I feel like I am still on the right path so that's always reassuring. I only had one bratty class yesterday who wouldn't and couldn't stay still or concentrate for more than two minutes, but I made due. My other classes were all actually pretty amazing considering it was the first time and I am just some random girl from Canada with a "weird" accent. Haha.
These last two Tuesday nights, my roommate Katie and I have hosted a dinner soirée night with some of the other assistants. On our first night, we prepared tacos and then last night we had really yummy ham and cheese savoury crepes! Our guests consist of two girls (Megan and Ariel) from Canada, one girl (Ruby) from Ireland and another girl (Sonya) from Australia... then of course Katie is from the UK and well, ya'll know where I hail from. It is really entertaining to listen to all of our different accents. Tuesday night will always be something to look forward to now as we're making it a tradition.
After this week, I have my first two week break (already!!!) and I think I am going to hop on this mode of transportation called the "Megabus" and ride on over to London and Canterbury in the UK. One of my Education friends from the University of Winnipeg is living in London for the year and then Gimli gal, Holly M. is studying over in the Kent region. I should be a good time. I will update you guys on that when I return.
Hope all is well. Home in just under 70 days for Christmas!!
Love, love,
Sam
Saturday, 5 October 2013
Settling In
Hello again,
I have made it through the first week, which may have actually been the longest week of my life. I'll get into that in a minute.
I know, I know, it isn't Sunday. But to be fair, tomorrow I will be sleeping due to spending the entire night tonight 7pm - 6am, celebrating and taking in all of what I can of Nuit Blanche in Paris. For those of you you who haven't a clue of what Nuit Blanche is, it's essentially one night of the year when all off he museums, cathedrals, EVERYTHING is open to the public free of charge for a night of art, partying, cultural activities and good times - in Paris. Sounds amazing.
This past week has been crazy. I've found out that I will be working, not in one school, not in two schools, but THREE different elementary schools throughout Tours. Yes, I am still only working 12 hours a week but with having to lesson plan for three different schools, my free time will soon be consumed. It'll be great though. I live in the south part of Tours, just south of the Cher River and two of my schools are in the very north part of Tours, north of the Loire River.. so, a lot of my time will be me just chill in' on the busses in trams, but I guess that will be a good way to get a good view of the city to start with.
The two schools that I have been placed at in the north have been the most welcoming so far. The other one is located in the center of Tours and I didn't have as good as vibes as I had with the other two. And first impressions mean a lot to me so I suppose we shall see how it all goes. This week coming up will be a lot of me talking about where I come from! about me and just getting familiar with each of the schools. I am looking forward to it.
Monday was the day that myself and my new friend, Jenny, from the UK, were driven around by this lovely lady named Corrine who is a coworker of my program contact in Tours, Sandra. Just before lunch time elle a dit (she said), "Nous allons chez moi pour dejuner, d'accord?". Quick little translation there, we will be going to my house for lunch, okay? Of course Jenny and I looked at each other with excitement as we had no idea what to expect. We get to her house for lunch and oh my goodness, I've never experience lunch like this before. Her husband and a guest were in the kitchen when we arrived and we headed straight for the gazebo like place in the back yard. The tables were all set nicely topped with different wines and baguettes. We sat and ate there for close to two hours. That is one thing about the French of which I really adore - meal time to them is so important and meaningful. Everyone comes together and just enjoys themselves, chatting about things that are light and joyful and there's lots of laughing, and it was just perfect. I don't think I ate dinner that night because I was still so full from lunch. It will be something I'll never forget.
On Tuesday, all of that assistants in the Orléans-Tours region met in Orléans, France for a day of orientation and tours. It was a beautiful city but a very long, information-filles day so we were all pretty exhausted on the train ride home. My Canadian friend Ariel and I had actually purchased the wrong return ticket (my bad) so we illegally hopped the other train with the other assistants.. Hehehe. Bad ass, I know. ;) A few of us have made plans to have a taco dinner at my apartment for this coming Tuesday. Making friends has been one of the easiest parts of this journey so far which has been extremely helpful.
I am finding that the only times I begin to feel homesick is when I've been on the he tram for too long and my mind wanders.. or as I am going to bed.. also when my mind wanders a lot. My dad has actually already mentioned this to my mom, so it isn't a secret anymore, but I will be back in Manitoba for Christmas and I cannot wait. I mean, I love it here, but it will be nice to spend time with fam and friends during the time of year when specific events like Christmas and New Years are meant to be spent with loved ones. I am really happy and thankful that this is able to happen.
Last night was my first little experience of the nightlife in Tours. Had some drinks with quite a few of the other assistant and did some more friend making. It was a fun night and I am looking forward to being with all of them again tonight.. but in Paris!!
I wanted to list a few things that I've noticed about living in France thus far:
1. Crosswalks will kill you if you do not have street smarts. Here there are white stripped lines on the road that indicate that that is I a place where you can cross, but cars don't stop for you.. Unless you make angry looking eye contact (which I think I have mastered because I have a decently easy time stopping traffic).
2. People do not smile back when you pass them on the sidewalks.
3. Peanut butter is ridiculously expensive.
4. Wine can be ridioulously cheap, although it obviously doesn't taste as good. But hey, it does the job.
5. French young men are alllll attractive. I has a very handsome guy check me out on the tram and I thought I was going to topple over. Confidence booster!!
6. It is very important to carry an umbrella with you at all time as it goes from sunny to raining in like 0 to 60 seconds. I've learned the hard way a few times.
But yeah, I think that is all that I had to tell you. I am almost a legal citizen here now as I am almost complete with all of the paperwork.. Yay.
Hope all is well with everyone who reads this.
Love, love, love,
Sam
I have made it through the first week, which may have actually been the longest week of my life. I'll get into that in a minute.
I know, I know, it isn't Sunday. But to be fair, tomorrow I will be sleeping due to spending the entire night tonight 7pm - 6am, celebrating and taking in all of what I can of Nuit Blanche in Paris. For those of you you who haven't a clue of what Nuit Blanche is, it's essentially one night of the year when all off he museums, cathedrals, EVERYTHING is open to the public free of charge for a night of art, partying, cultural activities and good times - in Paris. Sounds amazing.
This past week has been crazy. I've found out that I will be working, not in one school, not in two schools, but THREE different elementary schools throughout Tours. Yes, I am still only working 12 hours a week but with having to lesson plan for three different schools, my free time will soon be consumed. It'll be great though. I live in the south part of Tours, just south of the Cher River and two of my schools are in the very north part of Tours, north of the Loire River.. so, a lot of my time will be me just chill in' on the busses in trams, but I guess that will be a good way to get a good view of the city to start with.
The two schools that I have been placed at in the north have been the most welcoming so far. The other one is located in the center of Tours and I didn't have as good as vibes as I had with the other two. And first impressions mean a lot to me so I suppose we shall see how it all goes. This week coming up will be a lot of me talking about where I come from! about me and just getting familiar with each of the schools. I am looking forward to it.
Monday was the day that myself and my new friend, Jenny, from the UK, were driven around by this lovely lady named Corrine who is a coworker of my program contact in Tours, Sandra. Just before lunch time elle a dit (she said), "Nous allons chez moi pour dejuner, d'accord?". Quick little translation there, we will be going to my house for lunch, okay? Of course Jenny and I looked at each other with excitement as we had no idea what to expect. We get to her house for lunch and oh my goodness, I've never experience lunch like this before. Her husband and a guest were in the kitchen when we arrived and we headed straight for the gazebo like place in the back yard. The tables were all set nicely topped with different wines and baguettes. We sat and ate there for close to two hours. That is one thing about the French of which I really adore - meal time to them is so important and meaningful. Everyone comes together and just enjoys themselves, chatting about things that are light and joyful and there's lots of laughing, and it was just perfect. I don't think I ate dinner that night because I was still so full from lunch. It will be something I'll never forget.
On Tuesday, all of that assistants in the Orléans-Tours region met in Orléans, France for a day of orientation and tours. It was a beautiful city but a very long, information-filles day so we were all pretty exhausted on the train ride home. My Canadian friend Ariel and I had actually purchased the wrong return ticket (my bad) so we illegally hopped the other train with the other assistants.. Hehehe. Bad ass, I know. ;) A few of us have made plans to have a taco dinner at my apartment for this coming Tuesday. Making friends has been one of the easiest parts of this journey so far which has been extremely helpful.
I am finding that the only times I begin to feel homesick is when I've been on the he tram for too long and my mind wanders.. or as I am going to bed.. also when my mind wanders a lot. My dad has actually already mentioned this to my mom, so it isn't a secret anymore, but I will be back in Manitoba for Christmas and I cannot wait. I mean, I love it here, but it will be nice to spend time with fam and friends during the time of year when specific events like Christmas and New Years are meant to be spent with loved ones. I am really happy and thankful that this is able to happen.
Last night was my first little experience of the nightlife in Tours. Had some drinks with quite a few of the other assistant and did some more friend making. It was a fun night and I am looking forward to being with all of them again tonight.. but in Paris!!
I wanted to list a few things that I've noticed about living in France thus far:
1. Crosswalks will kill you if you do not have street smarts. Here there are white stripped lines on the road that indicate that that is I a place where you can cross, but cars don't stop for you.. Unless you make angry looking eye contact (which I think I have mastered because I have a decently easy time stopping traffic).
2. People do not smile back when you pass them on the sidewalks.
3. Peanut butter is ridiculously expensive.
4. Wine can be ridioulously cheap, although it obviously doesn't taste as good. But hey, it does the job.
5. French young men are alllll attractive. I has a very handsome guy check me out on the tram and I thought I was going to topple over. Confidence booster!!
6. It is very important to carry an umbrella with you at all time as it goes from sunny to raining in like 0 to 60 seconds. I've learned the hard way a few times.
But yeah, I think that is all that I had to tell you. I am almost a legal citizen here now as I am almost complete with all of the paperwork.. Yay.
Hope all is well with everyone who reads this.
Love, love, love,
Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)