Trip preperations

I can't believe how smoothly everything is going as far as my big move to China is concerned (not that I'm superstitious - but knock on wood - just in case).   I managed to get my passport, medical exams/form, vaccines and contracts signed all within two weeks of my initial job offer.  I think that this is due in part to the fact that I live in a small NB city with no wait times for normal outpatient tests at the hospital. All I really have to do now is wait for my visa, purchase some insurance and get myself packed and out the door.  I am hoping to be in China just before October, so that I can be in Beijing during the celebrations/military parade which is taking place in Tian'anmen Square: http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200901/20090121/article_388779.htm  Although I wonder if that would be a much to overwhelming time to arrive to an country that is such an overwhelming change to begin with?

China Here I Come!

I got offered a job in Beijing teaching at the Canadian International School of Beijing. I am SO taking it, and very excited at that. I expect to be blogging a lot more, since I have a feeling my life is about to become a whole lot more interesting. I think that I will also rename my blog to fit the appropriatness of my new living arrangements. This is assuming blogspot is available in China and I have a sneaking suspicion that it is not. This would put a dent in my plan to blog more. Check for links to a Chinese approved blogspace if this turns out to be the case.

Yipeee!

Finished Poem - at least for now

So, after a couple of days of thinking about it, I have finished the poem I have started the other day in memory of the seven BHS boys, and Mrs. Lord and also for the four survivors. I decided to make it 12 lines, signifying each person who was in the van, because the survivors need to be remembered during this time also.
Here goes:

Pari Passu

Hand in Hand
You walk together now
Where death does not exist.
Away from the pain and sorrow
That has cast its shadow here.
I will not throw stones of blame
Because, I too, live in a house of glass.
But, I will remember you and through these dark days
The ease of your smile, the warmth of your soul
Will, but if for a moment, bring joy to my life.
Together we will remember
Hand in Hand.

~Tessie Hickey, January 15, 2008

Tragedy in my Hometown

This weekend has been one of mourning for the whole community of Bathurst, myself included. Although I am away at school, I have been deeply touched by the horrible accident that led to the death of seven students and teacher Beth Lord. I did not know any of the students directly, but I do know many of the families, including siblings, parents and cousins of the deceased. I am so upset by this incident that it is hard to find words. I have spent the past couple of days thinking about the families, and how they are coping with this awful accident. I am worried most of all about Mr. Lord, the coach, driver, and now widower. I hope that he will be able to come to terms with this accident, and see it for what it was, a terrible accident that could of happened to anyone. In my pain and my own attempts to cope, I have started a poem. It is unfinished, but this is what I have written so far:

Pari Passu

Hand in Hand
You walk together now
Where death does not exist.
Away from the pain and sorrow
That's cast its shadow here.

I will add three more lines, leaving me with one line for each of the deceased.

More information about the accident can be found at: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/12/nb-crash.html

My heart goes out to everyone who has lost their loved ones, in this accident and any other. To the families of Nathan Cleland, Nicki Quinn, Codey Branch, Javier Acevedo, Nick Kelly, Daniel Haines, Justin Cormir, and the Lord family, I hope you can all find peace and comfort in memories during the days to come.

Probably the first and only entry

I am in the middle of writing a paper and ran out of ways to procrastinate. Then it dawned on me - I can start a blog. I am not much of blogger, but I am pretty big on finding new ways to procrastinate.

My paper, in case you are wondering, is a media assignment that was due on Friday (yes.. that's three days ago). I have to pick a piece of media (film, literature, art etc.) that can be used to teach some aspect of Canadian Studies. I choose the log drivers waltz vignette made in the late 70's by the national film board:

http://www.nfb.ca/film/log_drivers_waltz/

BUT, I just can't seem to get into the groove of writing my paper. Maybe I should have picked another media, I was also considering The Chemical Worker's Song by great big sea, and Bud the Spud or The coalboat by Stompin' Tom. If none of these are familiar, and you are Canadian (or even if you are not) - I suggest checking them out.

I guess thats all for my first post. I will probably post again when I have another opportunity to procrastinate.