SOL

Now, I don't know about you but when I see those three letters strung together, there is only one thing that pops in my mind... Shit Outta Luck. But that isn't what they stand for here in Virginia. They actually have educational meaning! Go figure. Here they stand of Standards Of Learning. And they are the prescribed learning outcomes for the state. There are many and they are long and often ambiguous... so I feel SOL sometimes in reaching them with some of my students, but there you have it... SOL... a whole new acronym!

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Okay... apparently this bridge is a world wonder. It is over 17 miles long in each direction and has 4 man-made islands. It also has a heap of tunnels too. The pictures show you it all, but it doesn't tell you about the yummy in my tummy fried shrimp we ate at the first island, does it?! No! hahaha Jealous? Well, get on out here!

Harbour Cruise

See, I really was there. It was chilly and windy but it was worth it! Tons of fun! I recommend it to anyone out this way ever. Hope you enjoyed the pics. No real need for explanations.

Not So Far From Home...

Thanksgiving weekend for Canadians was this past weekend. You can check my cooking blog, COOK IT UP, for a show of what I tried to piece together as a meal but this blog is all about teaching and traveling. So I will be posting about 3 posts about that in regards to my Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. My friend, Jen who teaches in NC, came down and we decided to hang out in Norfolk, VA for the weekend. For some reason I am always more at home in a big city or a coastal town. Norfolk (or as pronounced by some of the locals: Naw-fuk), is a pretty cool version of both. It's a city but it isn't disgustingly large (which I do love, by the way), and it is right on the water. It's got it's scarier neighbourhoods and it has the glitzier sections too. We saw it all. I think Naw-fuk will always have a special place in my heart... hehehe Look at the other blogs for pictures of our harbour cruise as well as our trip out to the middle of the waterway.

Back To School Night

Back to School Night is the night where all the parents are invited to come to the classroom after their children have been in school for a few weeks so that they can see how things are done. Most teachers dread the night because they have been in school all day and then they have to put in extra hours to make presentations and things for parents to take home. I, on the other hand, love this night. I use it as an opportunity to schmooze with the parents. I love to schmooze! I love to talk with parents, connect with them and get to know them as people, not just signatures on a page. I wish everyone looked at it that way, I think we'd have a lot more fun at these events. :) So teachers out there: have fun, put on a smile and get your schmooze on! And for you parents out there: have fun, put on a smile and make your teacher laugh!!

Out and About in DC

I think this is the building for the Environmental Protection Agency. I just really liked the building. It was raining, so you can't quite see the glory of the building, but I hope you can see the beauty of it.

This is the front entrance of the National Museum of American History in the Smithsonian. It is a beautiful building.

The memorial. We walked clear across the Mall to see it. Lyndsay knew just where to go to get this good shot. Hopefully another time, I'll go and see it closer up. I loved being in DC and can't wait to go again.

Another part of the Smithsonian. I believe it was one of the art museums. We didn't go inside this one, I am saving it for another time.

The red castle as it is called. Again, another part of the Smithsonian. There were so many buildings!! I think I'll have to go back several times to see all that I want to see.

The memorial from further back.

The red castle.


A carousel just by the red castle. It made me think of my childhood. I am so glad for things like carousels because children enjoy them still and make memories just as I did as a child. See, even though everything changes, some things remain the same and connect us together.

National Book Festival in Washington, DC

This is a picture of Judy Blume just before she signed my book. I was so excited to meet her. I waited for over an hour to have her sign my copy of her book Iggie's House. It's my favourite of her books as it addresses civil rights and the development of cross cultural and interracial friendships. It speaks of tolerance and I love that. Meeting her was such a thrill and worth the wait.

The book fair sign. I was just so excited to be there.

Not that you can really read all of this but it is a list of the authors that were there. I really only stood in Judy Blume's line but there were plenty that I wanted to meet... Nicholas Sparks, Paula Deen, David Shannon, Jodi Picoult, and more! What a great event but there are thousands and thousands of people present.

The tents where the authors sat to meet and greet their fans. There were 18 of these tents and then several tents where authors were making presentations to the public. There was a book selling tent as well and I believe there may have been a food tent. PBS also had a tent that was full of activities for kids and they even had book characters dressed up for kids to take photos with. Amazing... I don't think I'd do it again, but it was a blast to go just the once. The whole thing takes place on the mall in Washington, DC. It was a wonderful setting. Too bad it rained that day.