Still here.

Loving being a teacher. Right now I'm overjoyed and in awe of myself as I realize that I'm embarking on something. I'm going to set up a custom-made curriculum for my student. She seems serious about making progress and yet a bit scared. Luckily, so am I. But I want her to do well, so...Off I go.

Getting back to me...

And I am not afraid, because I will always have what God has given me. Words. And they will lead me on in wisdom, and sustain me through their love.
--me, a while ago

Lately, two of my many loves have been on my mind: teaching and writing. I'm continuing with my student. She's a wonderful lady--very sweet. Right now, though, my teaching methods are awful. I feel like I don't know what I'm doing 50% of the time. Being a newbie is terrible. Today I was trying to explain the pronunciation of simple words. One of our examples was "sow". I went beyond the "ow" sound (as in "cow"), to the possible "oh" sound--as in "tow". I also started to talk about the different meanings that "sow" can have. My student was overwhelmed. I was too. I can tell I'm moving too fast. I mean, really, when I was learning Spanish, my professors didn't shove everything down my throat all at once. What the hell am I thinking?!

On the other front, I'm getting a bit braver. I've posted mp3s at New Music Canada. I'm also going to record a few poems...It's not easy, being talented but completely unfocused. I have absolutely no attention span whatsoever. It's a wonder I made it through school!

Back in the saddle

As I await word from the B.Edu. gods, I'm doing what I love. ESL teaching. It's challenging. This time I have one-on-one classes with a lady who's a beginner. I'm very happy--and also, once more, in awe of my "powers" as a teacher.

Think about it. I feel like everything good and (un)holy that S ("S" for "student") learns about the English language will come from me. I better know my stuff.

Fortunately, I do.

Still, it's a lot of pressure. And in some ways, it gives me a buzz. At the beginning of my teaching career, it was hilarious. I kept shaking my head in awe, thinking "My God. I control these people's destiny..." :-P

Well not exactly that. But something pretty damned close.

Hmmm...

The new security measures that the US have decided to implement are nice. It'd be even nicer if they didn't pick and choose who to pick on. Note to homeland security: Terrorists can come from ANYwhere.

Musically speaking...I had hoped that my man Sam sang "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?"

I was wrong.

If the above link doesn't work, try this one.