I booked my flight yesterday, good deal! Perfect situation... a 10am departure, direct flight to Cancun, and a pretty good price ($250+tx). I booked it as a one way... tempting to leave it at that : )
I have received some news from the French connections in Mérida, and I will try to get things moving for a couple of teachers training workshops. I need a marketing local partner to spread the word, and a good space for the workshops. I'm offering to give 3 sessions - French, English and Spanish, for early childhood educators and elementary school teachers. We'll see what happens... it will determine how long I will stay in Merida, and of course it will determine the date of my return.
I feel a bit better, I think that I'm beating this cold of mine - but not quite 100% yet.
I'm doing some good admin work, trying to have everything settled by next week for the period from January to March inclusively. I'm almost there... schedules are done most of them confirmed, next will be invoicing. Cashflow is a good thing.
Training sessions to prepare for my own team, lining-up program content for the winter months... seasonal songs and activities, including Valentine's Day. There will be one session just before the Holidays, and another one on January 9th.
Chug chug chugging along, and trying not to think too much of where I was exactly one year ago...
Somewhere between Izamal and Sudzal, Yucatan.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Late Fall Weekend
Had a few friends over on Saturday night and made a taco feast. Cochinita pibil, baked rice, beans, guacamole, papas con chorizo, guacamole, pickled onions, pico de gallo... yum! When the time came to get fresh tortillas however, I was appalled to find out that our tortilla provider - La Tortilleria - had none whatsoever! The tortilla machine broke down... leaving the entire city of Toronto without fresh corn tortillas on a Saturday. Hard to believe... there must be another machine in town! So we had to buy a few packages of yesterday's tortillas - and do our best with that. It was okay I guess... after spending the day cooking and preparing the fillings, it was not the perfect outcome I had in mind. Oh well. We still had loads of fun - and everyone had a great evening.
This coming week will be a bit slower for me on the teaching front, I have a 2 week break in one of the schools. I am planning on getting up to date with my paperwork, and hopefully tackle a draft contract for my teachers. I am providing all the equipment and material, and with 4 teachers in daycares (including myself), it represents a fair amount in shakers, bells, scarves, rhythm sticks and other things. I also have to protect my client base of course. It will be interesting to see how it develops with my new teacher in the East end - he has some clients of his own already, and I'm hoping to convince him that it would be advantageous to work only for me and get all the material and training he needs. We'll see.
I have a cold. A bad one unfortunately. I'm trying to avoid a sinus infection by doing daily steam inhalations with oregano oil, I have installed our humidifier in the bedroom, I'm taking Cold FX to boost my immune system, I drink ginger tea, and I'm getting to bed early. I have had a plugged ear for 3 days now... I don't like it one bit... my voice gets weak easily and if I speak or sing too much I get in some serious coughing binges. If I lose my voice, I lose work and money pretty fast. So I'm hoping to keep it in check, and get healthy soon.
Sunday night... and here goes another week!
This coming week will be a bit slower for me on the teaching front, I have a 2 week break in one of the schools. I am planning on getting up to date with my paperwork, and hopefully tackle a draft contract for my teachers. I am providing all the equipment and material, and with 4 teachers in daycares (including myself), it represents a fair amount in shakers, bells, scarves, rhythm sticks and other things. I also have to protect my client base of course. It will be interesting to see how it develops with my new teacher in the East end - he has some clients of his own already, and I'm hoping to convince him that it would be advantageous to work only for me and get all the material and training he needs. We'll see.
I have a cold. A bad one unfortunately. I'm trying to avoid a sinus infection by doing daily steam inhalations with oregano oil, I have installed our humidifier in the bedroom, I'm taking Cold FX to boost my immune system, I drink ginger tea, and I'm getting to bed early. I have had a plugged ear for 3 days now... I don't like it one bit... my voice gets weak easily and if I speak or sing too much I get in some serious coughing binges. If I lose my voice, I lose work and money pretty fast. So I'm hoping to keep it in check, and get healthy soon.
Sunday night... and here goes another week!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
First Snow
First snow, a few flakes for a few minutes on my way home from teaching. And it reminded me that at this date last year, we had just begun our 3 month family escapade to the Yucatan peninsula, and we had just arrived in our little beach house of Xcalak.
Casa Caracola is a great little house, right in the Xcalak National Reef Park (www.casacaracola.com). That's where Tim, Dylan and Léo discovered the beautiful underwater world of the Caribbean - to my absolute delight. One of my favorite moments of the whole trip was when the boys finally decided that they were ready to go out with us on the kayaks, and snorkel around some of the many boulders of reef about half way between the shore and the reef barrier. They had been practicing right in front of the house for a few days, getting used to the snorkelling equipment. So when we got out Tim partnered with Dylan, and I was holding Léo's hand. We got in... he was unsure and worried that he could not touch the bottom... I told him to just hold my hand and let me gently pull him around. Soon enough he started to relax and look around, pointing enthusiastically at each colourful fish, and I could hear his 'ooos' and 'aaahs' through the snorkel... unforgettable moment.
Some day I would like to go back and scuba dive the Chinchorro with the boys. That would be fantastic.
A nice vision of a possible future adventure - but in the meantime we are very much looking forward to spending the Holidays at home this year. As much as I could do without snow pretty much forever, the boys missed it last year and although it was cool to have a Christmas palm tree, there's nothing like the smell of an evergreen in the living room, with the fireplace crackling. Tim would like to make a skating rink in the park again, it will all depend on the weather of course. We're never sure if we will get enough snow to go tobogganing during the Holidays here in Toronto. That's actually the only reason I wish for snowy cold winter weather... so that the children can enjoy and play. I sure remember those outdoor winter times from my own childhood - skating with my sisters, making snow forts, snow ball fights, snow shoe hikes, and the feeling of having snow caught in your sleeve on your wrists, or not feeling your big toe anymore from the cold. I grew-up in Quebec City, Canadian capital of the snow (so say Quebec city people...). I don't remember being cold when playing outside, I only remember having a great time. In that spirit, I hope it will be a white Christmas. Cheers!
Casa Caracola is a great little house, right in the Xcalak National Reef Park (www.casacaracola.com). That's where Tim, Dylan and Léo discovered the beautiful underwater world of the Caribbean - to my absolute delight. One of my favorite moments of the whole trip was when the boys finally decided that they were ready to go out with us on the kayaks, and snorkel around some of the many boulders of reef about half way between the shore and the reef barrier. They had been practicing right in front of the house for a few days, getting used to the snorkelling equipment. So when we got out Tim partnered with Dylan, and I was holding Léo's hand. We got in... he was unsure and worried that he could not touch the bottom... I told him to just hold my hand and let me gently pull him around. Soon enough he started to relax and look around, pointing enthusiastically at each colourful fish, and I could hear his 'ooos' and 'aaahs' through the snorkel... unforgettable moment.
Some day I would like to go back and scuba dive the Chinchorro with the boys. That would be fantastic.
A nice vision of a possible future adventure - but in the meantime we are very much looking forward to spending the Holidays at home this year. As much as I could do without snow pretty much forever, the boys missed it last year and although it was cool to have a Christmas palm tree, there's nothing like the smell of an evergreen in the living room, with the fireplace crackling. Tim would like to make a skating rink in the park again, it will all depend on the weather of course. We're never sure if we will get enough snow to go tobogganing during the Holidays here in Toronto. That's actually the only reason I wish for snowy cold winter weather... so that the children can enjoy and play. I sure remember those outdoor winter times from my own childhood - skating with my sisters, making snow forts, snow ball fights, snow shoe hikes, and the feeling of having snow caught in your sleeve on your wrists, or not feeling your big toe anymore from the cold. I grew-up in Quebec City, Canadian capital of the snow (so say Quebec city people...). I don't remember being cold when playing outside, I only remember having a great time. In that spirit, I hope it will be a white Christmas. Cheers!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Shaking it off
Yep - shaking it off and moving on. I had some difficult times with one of my sisters over the past 8 months or so, and I made a move to make nice - I called her. She was as relived as I was, and It feels very good.
I try to keep all my relationships positive and honest, and there are very few people who would make me turn 180 degrees and walk in the opposite direction (I can think of only 2). We all have our reasons to react a certain way... I just don't understand why some people can't acknowledge that their behaviour is nothing more than simple human nature - and that is that. It's nothing unusual I guess, we all have our share of big disappointments when it comes to people. One thing is for sure, I don't want to turn my back on my own sister. We're good, and we will be more careful with each other's feelings.
For the spring trip to Telchac Puerto and Mérida, I am looking at flights these days and I find it pretty expensive... so I will have to go for the cheaper options and not book a direct flight. Just $100 difference is huge, because $100 goes a long way in Mexico. I should also book my Mérida hotel very soon since 5 de Mayo is on a Saturday - it will be a busy time.
In a very different way this weekend is super busy for me - I'm putting the final touch to the teacher training session that I am doing on Monday morning. I wrote many music charts today, and finished the lesson plan and process for my new piece, which is progressively built over a series a 3 classes on rhythm. Introducing notation and form, and getting students to read and write simple rhythmic partitions. I like to put an emphasis on learning theory to write music, more than to read it. One day left, and now all I need is to line-up some voice warm-up exercises, a canon, and a song with 2 or 3 parts harmony. I'm considering a beautiful traditional French 'ronde' called 'Vent Frais', and a traditional song from Ghana : Tue Tue. Looking Forwardto it!!!
I have no shortage of administrative work, but it will have to wait until late afternoon on Monday. Good to be this busy, I'm grateful for having a healthy business and to provide for my family. It doesn't only take hard work, it takes a good dose of luck, and a good sense of humour to lighten the harder times. I look at what I have built in the past 4 years, and I'm very proud. Keep moving forward!
I try to keep all my relationships positive and honest, and there are very few people who would make me turn 180 degrees and walk in the opposite direction (I can think of only 2). We all have our reasons to react a certain way... I just don't understand why some people can't acknowledge that their behaviour is nothing more than simple human nature - and that is that. It's nothing unusual I guess, we all have our share of big disappointments when it comes to people. One thing is for sure, I don't want to turn my back on my own sister. We're good, and we will be more careful with each other's feelings.
For the spring trip to Telchac Puerto and Mérida, I am looking at flights these days and I find it pretty expensive... so I will have to go for the cheaper options and not book a direct flight. Just $100 difference is huge, because $100 goes a long way in Mexico. I should also book my Mérida hotel very soon since 5 de Mayo is on a Saturday - it will be a busy time.
In a very different way this weekend is super busy for me - I'm putting the final touch to the teacher training session that I am doing on Monday morning. I wrote many music charts today, and finished the lesson plan and process for my new piece, which is progressively built over a series a 3 classes on rhythm. Introducing notation and form, and getting students to read and write simple rhythmic partitions. I like to put an emphasis on learning theory to write music, more than to read it. One day left, and now all I need is to line-up some voice warm-up exercises, a canon, and a song with 2 or 3 parts harmony. I'm considering a beautiful traditional French 'ronde' called 'Vent Frais', and a traditional song from Ghana : Tue Tue. Looking Forwardto it!!!
I have no shortage of administrative work, but it will have to wait until late afternoon on Monday. Good to be this busy, I'm grateful for having a healthy business and to provide for my family. It doesn't only take hard work, it takes a good dose of luck, and a good sense of humour to lighten the harder times. I look at what I have built in the past 4 years, and I'm very proud. Keep moving forward!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Loving my job : )
Just realised that I will be in Merida for the '5 de Mayo' celebrations... hurray! I might be a lone observer however, since it looks like I will be the only one sticking around after the Telchac gathering. Still, Merida is a very festive city and I'm sure that I'll get busy enjoying the downtown scene. A play, a concert, the museums, and one the usual outdoor presentations of the Ballet Folklorico de Merida - a visit to the market, a pizza from my favorite casual joint and hopefully, catch the Tuesday night serenata. If I can do all that in 3 days, and see a couple of friends, and get to meet a few new business contacts, I will be satisfied. The truth is... I would stay there for a few months and I'd be fine and dandy. But no can do. Maybe in a few years...
Teaching is fantastic, I feel inspired and energised. It's a screaming reminder that I get whenever I am in the classroom : I love teaching music above all, and everything else that comes with running a business suddenly makes much more sense. There is my business self in the office, and the payoff is that I get to be my music teacher self in the classroom.
While reviewing my lesson plans, I remembered that I needed a new rhythmic piece for grades 4, 5 and 6. I could'nt find one in all my books... so I wrote one. After all, I know exactly what I need - and it came to me spontaneously, as for all the other little songs I have written so far. I ran with it and decided to use it for the very first set of classes (it's to introduce notation), and it worked very well. Best of all, the kids loved it!! I will document the whole thing (partition and teaching process), and add it to my teacher training workshop for Monday. A 3 hour workshop for grade 4, 5 and 6 teachers - which I am finalising this week. I still have a few partitions to write for the manual, but overall it's all good to go. Teaching adults is a lot of fun, and I love to give them tricks to make their job a bit easier. When it comes to teaching music, many of them are not comfortable. So I bring it back to the basics with fun activities, and most of the time it dissipates their anguish and gives them confidence. If their students can do it, they are very likely to be able as well!
And with that, my office self is busy booking the Petit Atelier team for the period from January to March. It's looking excellent! I have a new teacher for the East end, and a first gig for him too. He is a fairly well known artist on the French Toronto scene, and he teaches French and Music in the daytime. I am thrilled!!! I will be training him in December, and he will be starting in January. I am hoping that he will have a couple of days available for me in his weekly schedule, but in the meantime I'm happy to start slowly - and adding clients overtime as he gets more comfortable.
Okay - time to go! Teaching 5 Kindergarten classes today, and it's all about beat and rhythm. Watch out for those rhythm sticks!!!
Teaching is fantastic, I feel inspired and energised. It's a screaming reminder that I get whenever I am in the classroom : I love teaching music above all, and everything else that comes with running a business suddenly makes much more sense. There is my business self in the office, and the payoff is that I get to be my music teacher self in the classroom.
While reviewing my lesson plans, I remembered that I needed a new rhythmic piece for grades 4, 5 and 6. I could'nt find one in all my books... so I wrote one. After all, I know exactly what I need - and it came to me spontaneously, as for all the other little songs I have written so far. I ran with it and decided to use it for the very first set of classes (it's to introduce notation), and it worked very well. Best of all, the kids loved it!! I will document the whole thing (partition and teaching process), and add it to my teacher training workshop for Monday. A 3 hour workshop for grade 4, 5 and 6 teachers - which I am finalising this week. I still have a few partitions to write for the manual, but overall it's all good to go. Teaching adults is a lot of fun, and I love to give them tricks to make their job a bit easier. When it comes to teaching music, many of them are not comfortable. So I bring it back to the basics with fun activities, and most of the time it dissipates their anguish and gives them confidence. If their students can do it, they are very likely to be able as well!
And with that, my office self is busy booking the Petit Atelier team for the period from January to March. It's looking excellent! I have a new teacher for the East end, and a first gig for him too. He is a fairly well known artist on the French Toronto scene, and he teaches French and Music in the daytime. I am thrilled!!! I will be training him in December, and he will be starting in January. I am hoping that he will have a couple of days available for me in his weekly schedule, but in the meantime I'm happy to start slowly - and adding clients overtime as he gets more comfortable.
Okay - time to go! Teaching 5 Kindergarten classes today, and it's all about beat and rhythm. Watch out for those rhythm sticks!!!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Chilling now, and chilling then
Fall keeps making itself comfortable here in Toronto, cooler days and even cooler nights. Life seems well balanced these days, I'm in a groove to handle more work all around. The home front is good, lots of home cooking, good weekday routine, on top of things with the books... it seems that we're somewhat managing - but with our usual sense of looming chaos never too far. It's a fragile balance.
I have a lot of teaching lined-up for the next 8 weeks, and I am in the midst of reviewing all my lessons plans. I haven't been working in schools over the last year because of our 3 month family escapade to Mexico - I invested my efforts on making sure that our team of teachers was good and solid during our absence, and it was the right thing to do.
Although I feel little rusty when it comes to teaching, I know that it will all flow nicely. My program is looking great, and I'm very comfortable with it. It's so exciting to be teaching Orff again... a welcomed change fafter a full year of teaching Music in Early Childhood. It's interesting to teach young children of course, but with school age kids I can take things to another level, have fun with more challenging activities, dig into the theory, and sing in 2 parts harmony! Yay!
As for the trip in late April, I have made no progress in finding a paying teaching engagement in Merida. I have to send another couple of emails and try to make something happen - I hope I can. But at the same time, I have decided to chillax a bit on the planning of the next trip. I will do my best to arrange a teaching gig before I go in the spring, and whatever happens, I will just enjoy my visit to the fullest - work or not. I will still volunteer a couple of classes in Telchac, and take the opportunity to do some new Spanish material. As for the rest, it will be about the simple enjoyment of being there. It may cost a little more than I had planned, but my business growth is worth celebrating too! It's a nice candy dangling at the end of a very good school year. And I shall eat it all. No brainer.
I have a lot of teaching lined-up for the next 8 weeks, and I am in the midst of reviewing all my lessons plans. I haven't been working in schools over the last year because of our 3 month family escapade to Mexico - I invested my efforts on making sure that our team of teachers was good and solid during our absence, and it was the right thing to do.
Although I feel little rusty when it comes to teaching, I know that it will all flow nicely. My program is looking great, and I'm very comfortable with it. It's so exciting to be teaching Orff again... a welcomed change fafter a full year of teaching Music in Early Childhood. It's interesting to teach young children of course, but with school age kids I can take things to another level, have fun with more challenging activities, dig into the theory, and sing in 2 parts harmony! Yay!
As for the trip in late April, I have made no progress in finding a paying teaching engagement in Merida. I have to send another couple of emails and try to make something happen - I hope I can. But at the same time, I have decided to chillax a bit on the planning of the next trip. I will do my best to arrange a teaching gig before I go in the spring, and whatever happens, I will just enjoy my visit to the fullest - work or not. I will still volunteer a couple of classes in Telchac, and take the opportunity to do some new Spanish material. As for the rest, it will be about the simple enjoyment of being there. It may cost a little more than I had planned, but my business growth is worth celebrating too! It's a nice candy dangling at the end of a very good school year. And I shall eat it all. No brainer.
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