Cup 30 - Angela

July 27, 2014

Do you have some friends and colleagues who you admire so greatly and from whom you've learned so much, but when you trace back to the beginnings of the friendship you remember YOU were originally assigned to teach or mentor THEM?  Angela is definitely one of those people in my life. A student teacher of mine back in 2004, Angela and I were "assigned" to each other by the University of Calgary.  (For all the criticisms people sometimes make of the U of C, they got this one right!)

Originally from PEI, Angela did her first degree in Ontario before following a Boy further West, to then pursue her teaching degree.  Just that in itself is so admirable to me - the girl who has never lived more than a 15 minute drive from her parents her whole adult life (and currently the distance is about 4 minutes...).  What else is admirable about Angela is her whole, laid back attitude and big picture perspective.  She is very much a "whatever-happens-happens" person, who doesn't tend to stress or over-analyze or over-plan but for whom things always seem (to me) to work out.  Move West?  "I'll get into university there."  Get married while staring a career?  "No problem."  Have our first baby while in my first job?  "Someone will hire me again later."  Change schools 4 times amidst 3 mat leaves?  "See?!  Someone WILL hire me again later!"  Buy one house, then move to another, then move to yet another?  "Well it takes awhile to find our dream location for our now family of 5 young kids (plus two big dogs and a cat.)"  Angela has room in her head and her heart for all of it.

Angela is a natural teacher and a natural leader.  People in and out of the profession gravitate towards her knowledge and demeanour.  She relates to people of all ages and students especially appreciate the respect and equality she affords everyone.  She is never condescending nor judgmental.  She was wise beyond her years, even ten years ago and so you can imagine how inspiring her points-of-view are now!

Angela and I enjoyed lemonade in her latest (but sounds-permanent) home in Cochrane.  Her kids were doing their thing and her husband, Dwayne was doing his.  (He is handy, creative and talented in many ways that complement Angela and benefit their family.) I invaded on a "day before we go camping" weekend but she didn't make me feel like I was imposing at all.  Our visit was relaxed and encompassed the variety of topics we hadn't caught up on since we last saw each other far too many years ago!  As with many of the friends I have been catching up with this year though, it doesn't matter how much time passes between visits.

Something about Angela that I DO like to give myself credit for is about her youngest son, Rhys. Knowing they were expecting a boy, they liked the name Reese.  I believe I suggested the alternate spelling that they went with.  Perhaps several other dozen people did too, but no one needs to tell me that!...  As I opened with, other than the spelling of Rhys if I taught her anything ten years ago I'm really not sure,  but over the years she has consistently helped me to re-align and re-focus my priorities and has reminded me what simplicity and being in-the-moment  looks like.  What would our world be like if we all adopted these traits?

Cup 29 - Kirsty

July 20, 2014

(As I blog from my backyard on a hot, July day the snowy image to begin this entry seems a contradiction.  It's my favourite though. Of all the Christmas cards I received last year, this was the best, and the one I went out of my way to show everyone....who also agreed it was the best.  How could I not share it again here?) 

How lucky was I the day that Kirsty was hired to join my school as I found out she only lived about three blocks from me in Tuscany?!  Not to sound selfish - but our school's professional gain was also a bonus to me personally as we formed a carpool and thus a great friendship.

She makes no secret about me not being her first.  (Nor was she mine, although I'm not sure I ever told her that before, until now...)  Having previously worked in Langdon, there were many a carpool buddy before me.  But I don't mind sharing as knowing Kirsty well is totally worth it.   (Especially the day the alternator went in my car and we had to pull over on the QEII highway before having it towed. Luckily her dad is a mechanic with trustworthy friends in the City!)  

Kirsty is as funny as she is smart.  And this girl is SMART!  When it comes to her job, she has such amazing insights and wisdom yet has only been in the career for about 10 years - and only in her current role for less than 5.  She is one of those teachers whose craft is innate and she is able to share her expertise with colleagues far more "seasoned" than she in a safe, yet authoritative way. As much as people appreciate the knowledge and experience she bring to a conversation they further appreciate that she does this with humour and calm.

Kirsty makes people laugh.  She makes me laugh.  She appreciates the small (hilarious) things about kids and makes them laugh.  Kirsty can see the "funny" in most situations.  She is self deprecating and never mean.  A wicked sense of humour despite some incredible challenges in her life.  From family to personal health to life's crossroads - we've all faced some things similar - Kirsty is wisely matter-of-fact in dealing whatever current hand she is dealt.  I suspect her demeanour and perseverance have bought her as far as she is today.  Blessed with a beauty of a baby girl (the snow angel above) and a talented husband (although....when you gonna make an honest woman out of her, Chris?!  HaHa - how 1950s of me...) Kirsty has fought hard and earned her every reward.  So deserving.

Having changed schools, the opportunities for Kirsty and I to carpool now is down to only once or twice a month and, like all the friends I blog about here, I miss the days when our time together was more plentiful.  Our trip to the Farmer's Market this week had little to do with the vegetables and everything to do with the conversation.  It's so great to re-connect with people as "real" as Kirsty and I hope there are treacherous winter days in our future where we can continue to share the stress of the commute while having a laugh to ease the burden.

Thanks Friend!  (a Kirsty-ism...)

Cup 28 - Deb

July 13, 2014

A colleague, another mom, a sister, my "contact", a great friend and a ton of fun.  This is Deb.  She wears lots of different hats in my life.  Let me tell you about each one...

A colleague:  Deb and I worked together for almost six years.  I think I mentioned, in my post about Jackie, that the RJ office was (probably still is) a constant source of laughter and levity. Going to work was never going to WORK but rather, going to spend time with my extended family.  Deb is excellent at her job - very knowledgeable, organized and patient.  She answers peoples' questions with grace (often the same ones over and over) and always has a "smile" in her voice.  She is one of those people I feel fortunate to have learned from during my career.

Another mom:  She just is.  Her own, ACTUAL, children are similar in age to me and so I often relate when hearing about them.  Like MY actual mom, Deb is a traveller and a socializer, enjoys the theatre, her grandkids and hosting at her home. Her daughter has followed Deb in her career endeavours, as I did when my mom left teaching.  Many similarities.  The greatest being their optimistic and genuine personalities.  Both are wise.

A sister:  I don't actually have a sister to compare this relationship to, but Deb is a confidante to gossip with, talk about reality TV, discuss shopping and advise on hairstyles.  She has been a great "auntie" to Brier and kept a ready stock of various treats to spoil him with when he visited - main course AND dessert!  I already told you Deb is part of an extended family and so both mom and sister fit!

My "contact":  Need concert tickets?  Never mind - Deb is MY person and so therefore spoken for.  She has hooked me up numerous times with presale password and links to many concerts. Though somewhat big on the western scene, she doesn't partake in my country shows and so Derek and I have been the beneficiaries of her connectedness.  Deb and I did see Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble  and Phillip Phillips (my favourite) together.  I mentioned sisters, right?

A great friend:  Well, see above!  I don't know how a person could ask for anything more from a friend than all that I've already mentioned.  In addition, we have many acquaintances in common - both human and fur-babies.  One of our cats, Itsy, was born at Deb's farm and we both adore golden retrievers.  One of my good friends, Jill, is her sister's cousin through marriage.  Before I knew Deb, I taught a few of the Ferguson clan from her extended family.  There are just all sorts of reasons why it was in the stars that we know and love each other.

Deb is out-going and boisterous and the "ton-of-fun" label just fits.  Her interests are varied thus her stories are vast.  It was my pleasure to visit Deb, at her lovely farm house last week, and I look forward to more visits  to come.  It takes longer to catch up now that we may only see each other a few times a year.  Every time will be well anticipated though.

I'm glad Deb looks good in hats!

Addendum:  HaHa - I just went back and re-read the post I wrote about Jackie (Cup 24).  Turns out I started it out in almost an identical fashion!  Wonderful ladies, both of them.  I am blessed!

Cup 27 - Jenny

July 6, 2014

"Dzenana.  It rhymes with banana.  Or, you can just call me Jenny..."

Jenny!!!!!

This girl is a breath of fresh air.  Never will you meet anyone so optimistic, energetic, upbeat, stylish, courageous or beautiful.  I met "Jenny" in August of 2012 and we only had the pleasure of working together for one year.  In the year that has passed since, I have missed her. Jenny is a friend who you cannot help but smile when you are around her as she has a contagious personality.  Jenny grew up in war-ravaged Bosnia but immigrated to Canada a few years back. Probably because of her experiences as a girl (I can't even imagine, when I hear her stories...) she truly demonstrates an appreciation of every day and expresses genuine care towards every person lucky enough to spend time with her.  Last week, I was one of the lucky ones as we met over coffee at the kitschy diner, Cadence, in Bowness.

Jenny has spent the last two years as a Kindergarten teacher (next year, Grade One) and these little ones are so fortunate to be starting their school careers with "Mrs. T."  (Did I mention her last name is Tahmiscic?)  To say that Jenny oozes love for each of her students would be an understatement.  She is creative and innovative, reflective and adaptable in her classroom.  She shares and collaborates but also isn't afraid to forge her own path where it fits her students' and her style.

I've mentioned her style twice now.....One time, in reference to her Reggio classroom but one cannot help but also notice and comment on her fashion sense and unending collection of dresses, shoes, scarves, jewellery, bags, tunics and many other beautiful items.  She dresses herself in an eclectic, fun, colourful way and turns many heads in doing so.  I look for similar items when I go shopping (as IF I could pull it off...) but Reitmans doesn't seem to carry the same things that Jenny finds in Italy or Spain or China!.

Jenny is adventurous and spontaneous.  It is not uncommon for her to be dashing off to the other side of the world for even just a week (or less!).  Her travel photos suggest she seizes every moment and appreciates every detail.  The photos that she graces capture her expressions of fun, love and awe.  I live vicariously....

Dzenana is a gift and is generous in giving gifts.  Simply because I had expressed interest in her weekend plans once, I was soon the recipient of a "How to Host a Murder Mystery" and my friends were the beneficiaries of her thoughtfulness.  She and her students also gave me treats on my birthday and I received lovely silver earrings after one trip to Italy.  Why she thought to include me in her shopping trip I do not know but was so pleased!

I hope everyone has a Jenny in their life.  Of course, not because of her generosity in what she might wrap in a box, but because of what she gives in spirit.

Love,

Andrea

PS - Everyone also really likes her husband, Omar.  He is similarly kind and fun....but mostly he is as beautiful as she is!  (Evidence left!)