Another school year begins

We have had the inservice, the open house, put away the supplies, fired up the coffee pot and prepared our rooms..... so we have no choice but to acknowledge that another school year is underway.

As always, it is a bittersweet event.  The summer is gone, the travels have been completed.  The photos are for the most part edited and the memories  have begun to fade a little.  The seniors have gone on to other things, the new freshmen are worried and there are new students who are going to try to find a place to fit in and be.

A few new teachers, who are also trying to figure out how they are going to fit into our crazy world, have begun their tenure at CHS.  As well as a new superintendent and high school receptionist, there will be new babies coming for some staff and retirements for others at the end of the year.

Myself, I have none of these milestones on the horizon- just the brand new schedule, the brand new students, even bigger classes in the elementary school and at least a little more time down there to prepare for them.  Not a lot but slightly more.  I will desperately miss a few of my missing kids, and am so eternally grateful for some who go over and above for me.  

It will be different in the winter when I no longer am an active team member of the musical.  I will give guidance if necessary, but I just can't do it again.  It makes me so sad in some ways and is a giant relief in others.  There are lots of other things to keep me occupied.

This year though, I have decided to embrace the changing instead of fighting it- I have a big evaluation year coming for my teaching that will hopefully be my last eval.  Those are no fun, people.  I want to stay a step ahead of all that paper work instead of playing catchup all the time.  That sort of data keeping sucks my soul dry; it is not me, it makes me panic and shuts me down.  I may be rolling my eyes and clenching my jaw, but with a little preparation and meditation I will get through it.  Along with the help of a couple of my friends. 

So here comes fall- BRING IT ON. Winter is next, come on- I'm ready.  The insanity of spring in the schools- I've done it before and I will do it again, and it won't kill me.  I have too much to do when it becomes summer again.

 Summer is for photography and kayaking and travels and joy.  And it will be here before I know it.

Travels with Debi: HELLLLOOOOO, London!

 I want it known that "Hello, London" should be read to yourself in a raucous, enthusiastic way, not sweet and polite.  And perhaps the tune to "tower of London" should be in the background as you say it.....  I am not asking too much I think!   London was amazing!

*** SO. MANY. LINKS contained in this post.....  have fun!

Many people have asked me what part of my trip I liked the best, and that is impossible to answer.  This was 2 different trips in one.  Departing from the countryside in Germany to  arriving in the literal center of London was quite a change.  I loved both parts so much, it would be like choosing your favorite child or, for me, deciding on my favorite season.  So much good in all!

Tower bridge

King's Cross Railway station

After my semi-traumatic trip by train, (I do plan to go and visit Paris properly, soon, YAY) I emerged from the halls and underbelly of that lovely train station to be greeted by a sight for sore eyes- Mr. Jonny Atter!  I may have to apologize to him for a truly overly enthusiastic greeting- some may say slightly hysterical- but that is my way.  There were big hugs all around for all of the people who met me after my various modes of transportation- I was so grateful to see all of them!

A very tired Debi in the garden at last

One corner of beauty

Mark and Jonathan's flat is a short walk from the train station, and it was so so lovely to finally sit in their beautiful little garden that is behind their basement apartment- all walled in and surrounded and protected. They have done so much with very little room.  It is just a joy to be ensconced in that little space.  We sat in the garden every day into the evening, what a wonderful delight.

I got to sit here and you should all be jealous

Water feature and Japanese maple- perfect 

A brief sketch of how I know Mark and Jonny enough to come and foist my presence on them for 5 days-  Mark was one of my art students back in the day.  It has been a hot minute or two since he has graduated, but that just doesn't matter.  We were pretty close when he was in school, but after he left to go to Chicago and then eventually back to Park Falls and then to merry old England, we became good good friends. Mark used to come visit me in the art room, sometimes do some art at night when I was working in my room, helped paint some scenery for the play (a wonderful redux) ....  eventually we were gardening friends and rumor has it that we may have bonded over sangria at one point before he moved across the proverbial pond.  I have spent time with Mark and  his Jonny every time that my favorite Pengie (that would be Jonny)  has come to see Wisconsin- every single time, I am honored to say.  I am always happy to have them here when they can enjoy our space and my gardens and all the things that they find special here.  Anyway, my biggest regret is that I did not go to their wedding, but hopefully this was almost as good.

Parthenon frieze portion

WHY no more pictures of this?? 

Interior of the British Museum

So Mark had to work on Thursday when I arrived, as well as the next day, so I got a quite expert tour of the central part of the city by my favorite English person ever.  I didn't even take my camera on the first afternoon as I was so over toting heavy things around that I just needed to be free.  We walked all over and saw so many buildings and parks and points of interest.  And the last stop we made for the afternoon was at the British Museum- which I had intended to get back to, but only saw it the one time.  And it was about 3 or 4 blocks away from their flat!  YOU GUYS I SAW THE ROSETTA STONE AND THE PARTHENON FRIEZES!!!!  I had a moment.  I actually had several.  We got there only about 45 minutes before the museum closed, so didn't have a ton of time.  I saw lots of Greek and Egyptian sculpture and it was just glorious.  Obviously I have to get back and see more. In case you are not an art person, this was a really REALLY big deal.

Covent Gardens

Covent gardens

The weather was just glorious there.  It was warm during the day but always cooled down nicely at night.  To protect their privacy I won't show any photos of the front side of their flat, or divulge details of where they live, but I will show you the garden!

This was the best view - wine glass in hand

No deer to eat all the plants either

The next day, Friday, we did a nice walking tour that included a ride on The Tube.  I hadn't been on an actual subway since I was in New York when I was in college.  This one was a whole lot nicer, let me tell you.  Where exactly we went I don't recall this moment, but I know that we ended up down by St. Paul's Cathedral and hopped on an old style double decker bus!  So fun!  We ended up over by the Tower of London and I found out some cool stuff about the River Thames.  Like it is a tidal river and I found out how the docks rise and fall with the water....  Really interesting.  We walked through some docks areas and ended up at a location called the Barbican Complex.  (The Barbs! :) )  I am highly disappointed I didn't take more pictures there,  but I was so busy gawking I guess I just didn't think of it.

And on the double decker bus with Jonny!

I believe this was the Dickens Inn

I don't even remember what this was....

I was just looking at a map of London and it is so fun to see the names of so many places that I was. Including the Subway stops!  I am really murky on what was when but the names like Russell Square, King's Cross, Charles Dickens highlights, etc.  I saw just so much in 5 short days that it is a jumble I hope to sort out when I start adding photos.  I may have to edit portions if Mark or Jonny have something to add or change.

I love wrought iron gates

One of the things I found interesting was how actually I wanted to know about history in Europe.  In school history was a massive snooze.  ugh.  But here I was constantly questioning- this is some remnants of the bombings in London.

I love the symmetry of this old Justice building

I can't quite remember this - but obviously it is an old part of the city that has been excavated and preserved

Tower of London

Tower of London (had no desire to go in, but loved seeing the outside)

Tower of London - such interesting stories of this place

I like to note that I manage to see some big-ass boats when I am out and about on holiday.  And this one was no different.  It is hard to differentiate, but there was a cruise ship, a couple yachts and then a few other things in this melange.

I LOVED how so many of the big buildings had colorful names- like the Shard!  

The Thames is a tidal river, and this dock rises and falls with the tides- who knew??

Another view of the Tower of London

Tower Bridge (not London Bridge, which is actually quite boring)

This is sort of a hard to find passage way to the Barbicon properties....

I wish I could say with more confidence what all of these things were and the stories and all.  I was very much overwhelmed at this point on the trip, but by the end I was beginning to become familiar with the landmarks I saw over and over again.  What a stunning city this is, and what wonderful hosts I had for my stay.  There is definitely more joys to come!

Travels with Debi: Transitions, planes and trains

If you have been following along on this journey, you have read that I am a nervous traveler- at least when I am alone.  When I am with someone, like my buddy the Mad-English teacher,  I am definitely in gawk mode.  I absorb my surroundings and I am pretty sure there are those who would like to tell me to quit gawking and keep up!   HAHA.  That is sort of my gig, being a fairly visual person and all.  I see photos and paintings and drawings all the time.  It makes me seem pretty distractible.

Hello Iceland

But this big trip was all by myself.  Even though I had the outer aura of calm (most of the time as you will find out later)  I was a wreck inside.  Which is why I wanted people with me until the VERY LAST MOMENT!!!  (apologies to Jonny and Anne-Sophie for the extra TLC I needed, lol)  The confidence I have gained is immeasurable, and I will have no problem going by myself again, but if nothing else--  I love having someone to talk to.  Shocking I know.

This is what I looked like at god knows what time of the day on the way from Iceland to Frankfurt- going on 20 hours of no sleep here.

But all the enforced quiet was not bad really. I do a lot of self reflection and thinking. It proved to me something I already knew, that I can indeed take care of myself.  That I do know what I am doing and that I don't have to have someone else to rely on.  I also have total knowledge that I do like having a companion while on my adventures, but it is good alone, though I have a lot of angst when something major like that is underway.  But fear just has to be conquered (compare this to clinging to trees in unusual places!) in order for life to be rich and fulfilling, and I am ALL about that.

I did this a lot- wine and reading my kindle.

 I really like being on airplanes, it is just something that I enjoy.  I actually giggle a little during liftoff, which I embrace with gusto. Anyone looking my way would think I was a little crazy and they could be right.  I was so so freaking fortunate to have booked Icelandair last winter, in a class called economy comfort.  Which basically was sitting in the first few rows of the economy class, but with no one sitting in the seat next to you.  Fabulous- I will pay a bit more to have more room to spread out.  (I like to have areas to lay all my stuff!)  So in March I got notice that they eliminated that option and- hang on to your cushy seats everyone- all four of my airplane rides were in freaking first class.  "Would you like some Prosecco?" she says when I sit down??  Why yes, yes I will take sparkling Italian wine when I was frazzled by my own mental activity to relax. And then choose wine to go with my meals.  And the superb espresso......  and the desserts.......  Oh hell yes.  It was a very good airline.  And real pillows and a blanket....  I am such a child.  HAHA  But it is the little things, you know?

So much food.  Did not finish the food, did finish the drinks!

I had one of these  (a glass of, not a bottle of) on the way there and one on the way back....  That chardonnay was super good!

So the train trips.  I did a lot of train travel in Europe- when we were in Switzerland we traveled up the mountain by train, while near Strasbourg to get to the city, and on the tube in England.  It is a pretty comfy way to go.  I think Wisconsin dropped the ball not building that passenger train system, but whatever.  Those were super modes of transport because of the people I was following around, whilst gawking.

A couple dirty window pictures of the train side of Paris.  I saw the Eiffel tower far in  the distance a while on the second leg of this trip, but no photos!

I had to get from Germany to London somehow, and while I could have done a plane again- somehow I ended up on the Eurostar.  There is a bit of a convoluted story to that; originally I was going to travel with Anne-Sophie to London because she had an event to attend.  But then she had to work and so I decided (with encouragement from others) to indeed go on the Eurostar train.  So the thing was, I agreed to this train when I had someone to hold my hand under the English channel.....   and it never occurred to me that I could change to a plane once I verbally committed to the train.

Really good espresso on the Eurostar- note the delicious chocolate they include- such class.  

If you want to put one of my biggest fears, claustrophobia, into one terrifying event- being under god knows how much water for heaven knows how long with no chance of living through a catastrophic event (yes I go there, don't judge me) that would be the Chunnel.  But since I was like about 2000 miles out of my comfort zone, I just said what the hell and went with it.  I mean how bad could it be?  And it turns out not bad at all.

Outstanding espresso on the Eurostar

So let's cut to Paris.  Of which I have virtually no photos of, btw, and I have to get there to visit it properly.  Ok, so while making plans for the Eurostar, there were no open seats on the one that goes through I think Brussels (I can't remember for sure), so HEY WHY NOT TRAVEL THROUGH PARIS????!!!  RIGHT???  This is what happens when you make those arrangement 3 days in advance.  It turns out that in Paris I had to change trains, which wouldn't be that big of a deal, but then I had to also change train STATIONS.  Well the Gare du Nord was only a few blocks from the Gare de L'est and after consultations with Jonny and, primarily, my wonderful friend Paula who coached me for a good solid 30 minutes via messenger the day before I left, I decided I didn't have to take Uber or taxi service.  6 min. walk!  Come on, I can do that.  She told me how it would look, what to look for and mostly that I had to stop and buy a croissant in Paris because they are better than they are anywhere in the world.  Well I am a believer and I did get that croissant and kind of am unclear where I actually ate it.  Must have been on the train.

This was Strasbourg I think - I learned really fast how to read these guys

Another life lesson I have learned for the second time whilst traveling overseas is to not f-ing overpack because you will regret it- greatly.  So I discovered I could have left about 1/3 of the clothes I had with me home- and that is just part of it.  And I will not forget it the next time.  And while I figured it out in Germany, it was reinforced in Paris.

The thing about train travel is that your big suitcase does not magically disappear, like on an airplane,  to reappear later - also by magic- at your destination (for the most part- we all know airport  and baggage horror stories), and you have to drag ALL of your bags (including your ridiculously heavy camera bag) through the stations.  And when you have to change said train in the middle of your journey, you have to drag them through the streets of Paris.  Oh boy.  So, rolling suitcase with my carry-on attached to the top, and my camera bag on my arm with my purse on my shoulder was quite interesting.  But I stopped every 500 feet or so to check my map, which thankfully had many recognizable places marked (think: McDonalds and Western Union).  I was at first seriously paralyzed when I got finally out of that station and saw signs for the Gare du Nord and then I had no idea where to go when I got out onto the street.  In retrospect, since the one way was sort of dead end there was only one correct way to go.  But my mind was frozen.  I had to find my way through part of Paris- holy crap ---why didn't I just fly?????  So. Paula in my mind, and the fact she researched the name of the main street- Magenta I think- and I had her directions about where to look and things to notice, I trudged off.  When I got to an angle in the road after a few blocks, and I had no idea where to go next as the signs disappeared, I piteously asked a stranger in the street, with my best French (of which I know close to nil)- Gare du Nord??  And there, with a point, I was kindly directed to see it at the end of the angled road. WHEW!!!  I imagined I had plenty of time, close to an hour.

My lunch on the train- I didn't eat the mystery meat, of course. Really- I had a little quinoa, a roll and dessert- and wine.  :D

Well except I was not expecting a seriously lengthy line in PASSPORT CONTROL.  Turns out London is a little edgy about terrorism, and so you have to go through some security to get there.  And the train station there in Paris seemed more than slightly understaffed.  FFS people, that was ridiculous.  So I drag all that crap up those stairs to be directed toward the end of line that was unseeable.  But first I had to stop and get a landing card- a card identifying where I was staying in England that I had to hand in.  And since I needed a pen and (as my sister Rose has mentioned) I will actually talk to anyone, I struck up a conversation with some fellow English speaking travelers and borrowed a pen.  And long story short, a very kind man let us in front of him instead of us having to go all the way to the end of the line.  It took FOREVER as it was. And I was panicked at the thought of missing this train.  Fortunately, I was waved through because I was smart enough to book first class tickets (I had to, I deserved it.  lol) and I managed to get on the train with some really really fast walk/run action.  I aboarded within 5/10 minutes of it leaving.  Of course it turned out that I went the wrong way on the outside of that train and got on 5 cars away from the one I needed to be on, but I had Anne's voice in my head telling me to just get on and figure it out from there.  (Believe it or not, this long incident has been shortened for your reading comfort)

So I went through that train- bam (bam means I hit my luggage into someone to some degree)...... sorry........bam- oh i'm so sorry........... bam sorry!! bam, oh excuse me, I am so sorry.... through Five. Freaking. Cars.  Sigh.  So I offloaded all that stuff on the luggage rack,, except for camera bag and purse and collapsed in my seat- a single, spacious window seat!  :D  A very calm, cool and kind older French lady across the aisle looked at me (who was not calm and or cool at all- definitely a stressful and HOT hour) and said- Travel is so stressful, no?  And she smiled and so did I because that was just what I needed to release my stress.  I am pretty sure I must have looked a bit frazzled. And then she told me I was bleeding and I had to laugh- I got a blood blister from my camera bag on my arm.  So I went to the SUPER NICE AND BIG!!! bathroom (as opposed to an airplane) and cleaned myself up and pulled myself together.  And I think I had a glass of wine with lunch so there was that.  Trains are nice.

This is where we began going down under, but I didn't really even realize that was what was happening at first. And you really never see the water at all ever.

Basically by the time I got to the English Channel, I couldn't have cared less what was going to happen to me.  To surrender like that is freeing. hehehe

I was amazed at the size of these crazy train stations- but I guess it all makes sense when you think about it.

Now this is a train station and some superb weather! London

 At the end of my London stay, I knew that I had an" easy trip on the tube to get to Heathrow". So I wasn't too worried about that and the guys said I would have lots of practice.  Frankly I thought that meant we were taking a little side trip to Heathrow.  Well I was wrong and was told that no- it is an hour to Heathrow, it was too far away.....  what fresh hell is this going to be??  So my sweet Pengie Jonny helped me get my stuff down to that subway- and I was well coached on where to stand so I could slip my bags into this particular corner and how to read the info inside the subway car and other useful things. And it was the end of rush hour, so there was going to be some crowds on the tube for a while.   I began my trip standing in the doorway, holding my bags close (overpacking sucks), then I was able a few stops later, squeeze myself closer to the corner I needed, then eventually stood right by that corner and after about 30 min. was able to sit down right by my stuff. Good times!  Actually it wasn't bad at all- when observed from post-trip.

In the lounge in Heathrow- coffee and biscuits!

So, there is a lady at Heathrow that holds a special place in my heart.  She was so kind and she directed me to expedited check in that apparently I was entitled to in Minneapolis too (ahem) and also directed me to the lounge where I could sit until boarding (ditto Minneapolis) and mentioned that I should watch my time and my gate because there are no announcements in the lounge.... thank you you sweet woman, Icelandair and yes, I will also thank karma.  So I found my way there, parked myself in a nice lounge chair and had again some outstanding espresso and had true quiet and relaxation for over an hour before finding my gate.  It was delightful.

This was so so good.

By the time I made it back to Minneapolis, I was one relaxed girl.  Airports- please.  This is a piece of cake. Iceland airport, pfft. Easy peasy  And terminal 2 at MSP is awesome because it is small and easy to deal with  and at that time, there was NO ONE else arriving from overseas, and when one has SAGA class on Icelandair, you get to get off the plane first and your luggage comes out first...  and so you can get to customs faster.... and call your amazing sister to come and get you quicker...

So so many people told me that I would be fine-you will have such a good time.  You are so brave- you will do great!  So many people told me to relax and enjoy, to ask people to help if I need it,  to trust myself in effect.  That is not easy for me, I have had people second guessing me and question my decisions.  Most of that happened many years ago, and finally I am following my instincts and make those voices go away.  We all have those ghosts from the past that make us doubt. Doubt our worthiness.  Doubt our value. Doubt our ability to do new things or really embrace the unknown and the joys in life. I will find things that might not be right for them, but certainly are for me. This is personally my ultimate of clinging to things in unusual places.  Clinging to my ability to do things in spite of being terrified at times and "just" anxious at others.  And ultimately finding my joy.