Life in Melbun

What a sad little week for Shauna. I’ve been in Art for the past 2 weeks at “my school”. For Casual Relief Teaching, I’ve only been to 5 schools in 5 months and there is one that I have spent over 9 weeks at. So, what have I learned? 1) I hate teaching Art to every grade in the school 2) I would never teach only French or Music if I could because I want my own grade 3) Bribes work 4) Boys as young as 8 love boobs and 5) I am not scared to enter any class in the world.

I’ve been a Debbie Downer. I’ve become attached to the students. 80% of them have terrible home lives. They’ve never experienced love, some don’t have food, parent’s in jail, physically and emotionally abused, completely broke parents. I am very proud of fact that I am fair to all of the kids and believe they are all innately good. However, I severely dislike some of their parents. So many of them are just setting their kids up for failure. It’s beyond reading and writing… but simple manners, sharing, dealing with emotions. I’ve been purchasing healthy food, making up jobs just so I can reward kids, and coming home crying to Nic because I feel so bad for some of them. I had a little girl ask me if I would be her Mom. I’ve always been highly emotional and so I think it must be because I miss having my family around that I am so charged about this. I have a grade 5 student who has a 14 year old sister… that just got engaged. When I chatting about it with the Vice Principal, she told me that the sister was expelled from high school and pregnant. So that started my next brain wave. I ripped an idea from the internet and “Go Girls” will be starting up next Wednesday. It’s for all of the 4-6 girls with a focus on healthy self esteem, healthy relationships and goal setting. I am tailoring it to the needs of these girls, which is practically the hopes that the average parent would have for their child. For one of the Grade 6’s- it’s make it to high school. She’s thisclose to being kicked out.

In short, I am loving my job and feel that this experience will only make me a better teacher. Alright, so enough about my highly depressing stories of saving the children.

In my own personal life, Nic and I have our own little family here. We have lives outside of work and each other… well technically our friends are through work so maybe not? Nic has become a little shining star at work. He’s the old guy amongst his co-workers and they actually appreciate his experience around the job site. They are a bunch of 23/4 English guys… who really enjoy the booze. So much so, Nicholas missed our Friday night plans. He was going to be home at 5:15 and we’d eat then meet up with my friends. Well at 6:30… I got a text saying one more and then we’ll be home. Now, I am not a stupid girl. When boys go out on Fridays and they stumble across a case (or slab as it’s called) here, they don’t tend to be home when expected. (Especially when the said girlfriend goes out on a Tuesday and is home later and more buzzed then expected). He did get home much earlier than I thought he would---(dinner in hand)--- and promptly passed out. It warmed my heart to imagine him sitting there sharing tales of Canada like an old Grandfather.

This coming Tuesday (Nov. 2) is a National Holiday in Australia. No Thanksgiving or Halloween, but “Cup Day”. Everyone gets the day off for a horse race. On a Tuesday. If a teacher misses work on Monday, they have to supply a Dr’s note as to prove they did not take a 4 day weekend. Isn’t that ridiculous? So we’re going with our friends and I get to wear a fun hat (or facinator as they are called). I am so excited. A few of our friends are going out for Halloween but I haven’t decided if I will be. Dressed up + Traveler = Bad News. I may just go to the house party and then come home when they leave for the bar. Not much of a bar star these days. No, I spend my nights trying to think of ways to legally adopt underprivileged Australian children.

Our apartment is driving us nuts. For the amount of money we pay, it is not delivering. The pool and gym are seeming to be it’s only redeeming qualities these days. Our t.v. is messed, washing machine breaks like every other wash, our fridge was made for people UNDER 4 feet, our burners won’t start and our conventional oven cupboard won’t stand up by itself. Times are tough my friends. Besides that, I do like our home. It’s clean, has gorgeous views, is close to everything we need and has the best view of the fireworks.

I miss the comforts of home oh so much. A vehicle, bath tub, my bed, washing machine AND dryer. When I called my Dad to complain this week, he was a Chipper Charlie because they’d just entertained some friends they hadn’t seen in ages (25 of them to be exact) and one of my best friends was there… hanging out with my parents. I missed her and them so much at that moment but I couldn’t bring my Dad down from his Memory Lane high (or maybe they’ve switched up his meds), I dunno.

Whoever thinks Australia is full of gorgeous warm weather- you’re wrong. Apparently we’ve been here for the worst winter in 15 years… BUT EVERYDAY IS DIFFERENT. At least in Canada, you expect snow in December and sun in July. In one day in Melbourne, you can experience every single season. Friday is calling for 28 and Saturday a whopping 17. HOW? We’ve decided to live in Brisbane after Christmas (HOOOOT weather and gorgeous beaches). I can’t legally teach there, but the nice weather and non-city will make up for whatever lower paying job I have to take. However, I will miss the questions and bizarre statements I get everday. My favourite this week. Miss Clark are you ticklish? No. Can I check? Absolutely not.

I just asked Nic if he had anything he wanted to add to the blog. His answer “No”. So I guess this is where I’ll sign off.

Oh, we’ve been yielding questions about our buck and doe. We’ve decided against having one of our own but will gladly attend yours. We are kind of sort of thinking about something different we could do due to the flack we are taking for not having one. Nic suggested we rent a tent on my parents yard and have mechanical bull competitions instead. Let me know what you think.

P.S. How could I forget?? I deleted Facebook this week and am so so proud of myself. It’s only been 4 days but whatever, I was checking it twice every day. Maybe I’ll add it again one day down the line but for now, it just didn’t seem right that I was giving a first hand view of my life to people who don’t even say Hi to me when they see me in Zehrs. Nic claims he will be deleting his soon too- but I absolutely can not let that happen. When I am jonesing for a picture creep- it will be the only outlet. Don’t worry we are monitoring it, I’ve requested to not know his password so that I am not even tempted! Yes, I am that pathetic. Now I need a new goal though. Lululemon has become far too influential on my life. The bags that were popular for picking a goal… well I picked 3 in 3 years.. Get into Teacher’s College, Move to Australia and Delete Facebook. I need something AND NOT RUNNING A MARATHON. I think I would have heart failure. Oh, I’ve wanted to learn sign language. I think we’ve found my new goal!

All is well in Melbourne. We wish the same for you!