let me clarify

...after driving home from work today and speaking about my opinions on the TDSB's decision...and trying to clarify to him what I was trying to say as he was in disagreement....(but he now understands what I was trying to say)....I want to make sure that I haven't offended anyone and that I clear up a little about what I wanted to say. Without going into too much detail, I just want to say I TOTALLY agree with creating a school that will help underpreviledge kids achieve success and happieness in their lives; but why not call it just that " a school for underpriveldged kids", why the title Afrocentric? By creating a title you are then giving other cultures opportunities in the future to open up their or our own schools based on their own determining factors.
...and as for the Catholic school system comment..I dont necessarily want to teach in the catholic system...I just feel that I grew up to believe that i can do anything in life...and the fact that I am restricted from doing something makes me question the school system.
alrighty then...off to my 8km time trial!
ps. please feel free to share your opinions if you agree or if you think I am off the rocker ;)

I Do Not Agree!

Trustees approve Afrocentric school for TorontoTue. Jan. 29 2008 10:45 PM ET
toronto.ctv.ca
Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have voted to approve an "operational model" for an Afrocentric school, a controversial plan to help struggling black students in the city's education system. "The strategies developed by our staff following consultation with our communities, will hopefully more effectively address the needs of youth who have historically struggled in TDSB schools," John Campbell, chair of the board, said in a press release late Tuesday night.

As I learned of this decision today in class I was shocked!! I am still struggling with the concept of the catholic school system...did I not grow up to believe that thall shall not be discriminated on race & sex? therefore does the fact that I can not teach in a catholic system go against those morals? (That is a whole bag of worms that I don't care to get into while I am having a one way conversation)...but are we not going backwards when we agree to have an afrocentric school in Toronto? Imagine one were to request a school that is for whites only? Education is universal, therefore we should all be taught together! The decision they made I feel will only cause uproar for years to come! Ah!

welcome lil cohen!

Over the weekend a very good family friend Lauren (Conforti) & Shane DeLeronde had a little baby boy: Cohen Ray DeLaronde, born at 5:13 am on Saturday, January 26, 7lbs. 7oz., 48cm. Amazing news! I can't wait to meet the little guy! Now Mitchell has a new friend to play with! Laur and Shane I wish you all the happieness in the world with your plus 1! xo (I think he needs to grow a little to fit his super cute outfit...but he sure does look cozy!)
P.s Happy Birthday Mom!!

Scrabulous!

So I might have a new addiction...which I am trying to peer pressure others to join ... S.C.R.A.B.U.L.O.U.S! It all started on Wednesday when friends from class, Katie and Nicole were playing Scrabulous through facebook. I enjoy the odd application on facebook, such as quotes from fav tv shows...however I tend to get on and get off facebook as fast as I can!! but I am a wee bit hooked and am excited when I go online and see it's my turn to create a word. Josie, Heather, Katie and Steph are my fav opponents as they are quick to the punch! Now facebook needs to somehow get Cranium online too...or not!

Why God Made Little Boys

When I was a new baby my godmother Brenda Conforti gave me a plaque with a poem of "Why God Made Little Girls". I had it hanging in my room even at my birchview house...so I thought I would dedicate this entry to Mitchell:
Why God Made Little Boys
God made a world out of his dreams
Of wondrous mountains, oceans and streams,
Prairies and plains and wooded land,
Then paused and thought,
"I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas,
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow,
Sturdy, strong like a tree and so...
He created boys, full of spirit and fun,
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins."
When He had completed the task He'd begun
He secretly said "That's a job well done."
...and to the future girls that will be coming into our lives (miss Rice-Swing) here is the poem that I remember well.
Why God Made Little GirlsGod made the world with its towering trees,
majestic mountains and restless seas
then paused and said, "It needs one more thing."
Someone to laugh and dance and sing,
to walk in the woods and gather flowers,
to commune with nature in quiet hours.
So God made little girls with laughing eyes and bouncing curls,
with joyful hearts, and beautiful smiles, enchanting ways and feminine wiles.
And when He'd completed the task He'd begun,
He was pleased and proud of the job He'd done.
I know I know these are not very politically correct...but I think they are cute! xo

Heath Ledger

Shocking and very very sad! Heath Ledger passed away today! My heart goes out to his friends and family!
http://www.cnn.com/
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said. The Academy Award nominated actor was 28. "Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN. "This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet." The pills
appeared to be over-the-counter sleeping medication, said police spokeswoman Barbara Chen. Ledger was unresponsive when he was found by a housekeeper who had gone to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse in the Soho apartment, Browne said. The apartment is owned by the actress Mary-Kate Olsen, The New York Times reported. Ledger was declared dead at about 3:30 p.m., Browne said.
Watch complete coverage of the sudden death of actor Heath Ledger. Tonight, 11 ET/PT on Headline News
In 2005, the actor played Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret relationship. The role earned him the Oscar nomination. Ledger was born in Perth, Australia. He has a young daughter with actress Michelle Williams, his co-star in "Brokeback Mountain." "He was just so respected in the industry," said Kim Serafin, senior editor of In Touch Weekly. "It's just horribly tragic. He was just a fine actor and a good person, so this is horribly sad and very unexpected." Ledger was always focused on his career, Serafin said. Some of his other film credits also include "A Knight's Tale" in 2001 and "The Four Feathers" in 2002.
I will always remember watching 10 Things I Hate About You and thinking...this guy is coool! so sad :(

My date with Grafton

One of my favourite streets in the world is Grafton Street; the main street in Dublin. I tend to venture to Grafton every day to either go shopping, enjoy some lunch, have some chai tea at Butlers, people watch and or just to walk around for something to do. This street has a "all man for himself" kind of approach in that people will take you out if you are just 1cm in their way...I have learnt it the hard way...and have been pushed around many a times (also seems to be the busiest street I have ever seen!!). I am getting pretty good at dodging people and steering clear however when I seem to want to take charge I pull my cell phone out, put my head down and walk my own path (doesn't always work though). Any who so as I was saying this is the best street one could ask for! My fav stores are: Brown Thomas & BT2 (Ireland Holts...though it is only a museum for me), Office (shoes), Oasis (clothes), Dublin Rocks (diamonds..ha!), Butlers Chocolate (for my Chai's), Cafe Bar Deli (restaurant), Avoca (nik naks), Powers Court (food & piano music) and drum roll please TopShop (for everything)! For all of you with Ireland on your list of places to go I recommend Grafton Street to be your first stop.
ps. my mom sent me some super cute pics of Mitchell...oh man he is getting even cuter!
pps. notice the Canada flag over the entrace of Brown Thomas...oh ya!

Spears

UPDATE: (MTV.UK said that Britney and her man were playing a practical joke on the media...well then)
When scoping out Teddy&Moo.com this morning, I came across this picture! Britney and her paparazzi (only in it for free pics and money) boyfriend checking out preggo tests. Why oh why?! Her list just keeps getting longer...she just needs to pack a bag, head to a remote posh island, read lots of books, do some yoga or meditation or something, relax on a beach and get out of the spot light for a minimum of a year! JT where are you?
Ps. Happy Birthday to Katie and Lindsay!

Dublin Forecast

The Dublin forecast! This morning I put my running shoes on to run my old route and the second I went outside it started to pour rain...lovely! I always find it so funny looking at the Ireland forecast because the weather man and lady must just sit in their office and laugh while coming up with new ways to say cloudy & raining. "Showers, rain, sprinkles, mist, downpour, storm..."

Wednesday: INTERMITTENT CLOUDS 3-7°C (raining now though)

Thursday: PARTLY SUNNY WITH SHOWERS 5-9°C
Friday: SHOWERS 5-10°C
Saturday: RAIN 6-11°C
Sunday: INTERMITTENT CLOUDS 5-9°C

Tonight heading to my favourite restaurant on Grafton: Cafe Bar Deli...anyone who came to visit me way back when has definitely eaten there. The place has the most amazing salads, flat bread and pizzas!..also great atmosphere as it's right in town! Ok time to venture outside!

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love

Worth the download...she is very popular over in Europe. Thought I would share...not sure if she has made it over to Tdot.

I just can't get enough! Super cute!

Day two..

So after work today I made my way over to the hospital to see mommy, daddy, nana, grandpa, my auntie gwyn, cousin elecia and Mitchell...and let me tell you Mitchell was cute yesterday but today he is even cuter!! I just can't get over the little noises he makes, and when he yawns I just can't help but smile! He definitely has some personality! I am leaving to go to Ireland on Thursday for a week, so I have decided to take more than enough pictures (also videos too!) to show Andrew and so I can keep staring at them when I am gone, I also can't wait to see Andrew again....and to visit Topshop where I will grab some more lil outfits for Mitchell to represent! I got him the cutest onsie that looks as if he is in a rock band last time I was there! ahhh!
Thank you everyone who sent your wishes...I have passed them all on to Jodie and Matt xo ~ I promise not to post pictures everyday...but give me a little time to gush over my nephew and to get use to the idea my sister is a mom and has a son! wow! Good luck to the new family who is at home right now, settling into this new chapter!
Ps. I also want to say congratulations to Angela & Jason! Amazing news! You both are going to be such amazing parents!
Pps. Did anyone see Cashmere Mafia on Sunday night? (The new Sex & The City)...with our exciting news I forgot to PVR it...but want to know if it has potential.
(if you click on the pictures you will be able to see them much better..fyi)

Introducing...Mitchell Robert Binkley

Today the most amazing thing happened...my sister gave birth to a baby boy!! Even though I had 9 months to prepare for his arrival I didn't know one could be over joyed and in such awe upon his arrival! Mitchell is the cutest lil' thing I have EVER seen! I am so happy for Jodie and Matt, they are going to be such great parents! and jodie was fabulous today! I am still a little speechless and unsure of what to say...but I do know the next generation is here and I can't be more happier and blessed to have Mitchell Robert Binkley in all our lives!