BULA!!!!

Where did the summer go? For me, it was way to short this year. Next week I report back to school and another school year begins. I can honestly say I'm not ready to go back yet. This is one of those times I wish we started after Labor Day. Oh well.

The summer was nice. At first I thought it would be another wash out due to all the rain but the heat and humidity came in with a vengeance. I'm ok with it but I know it made it miserable for others. I can say I was very happy with having AC especially with baking for the markets.

We choose to do the Cohasset Market on Thursdays and the Hingham Market on Saturdays. This commitment along with working at CSCR kept me busy a majority of the summer but in a good way. I had a great group of kids to work with at CSCR and they had a great time mucking in the marsh collecting data. The markets have been good and hopefully this will continue into the winter season when things get slow. We shall see.

Ohio the end of July was nice. I had a great time visiting my sister and her family and got to see my folks. Dad's had a rough first half of the year. First surgery to correct a torn Achilles tendon, then surgery for a dead and gangrene gallbladder. Just when we thought things were better, Mom breaks her wrist while at Abby's bday party then Dad has to go back in for surgery because a gallstone blew the clamp off the bile duct from the gallbladder surgery. Thankfully Mom didn't have to have surgery on her wrist. But come on, how many times can these two people spend at the hospital or doctor's office?  Abby had a great first friend birthday party to celebrate turning 5. I made sugar cookies in the shape of princess crowns, tea cups, teapots, and flowers and made her birthday cake. She loved everything and had an awesome time.

After getting home from Ohio, I had one day to do laundry, square the house away, and pack for Fiji. Thankfully all the scuba gear was packed before I went to Ohio. We headed out to LA the beginning of August. It was nice to have a day and a half in LA. Bob was happy to have In-n-Out Burger. IT was an adventure finding it but once we did, he was happy. At least we were able to walk off the burger on the way back to the hotel. We were able to hook up with Corinne and Bill, fellow divers we met while in Cozumel one summer. They took us to a great Thai place and we were able to catch up on all the dive adventures they have been on. It was really great to see them. Being able to have a lazy morning and lounge by the pool before boarding a flight to Fiji was nice. In the future, I'll do this on the return flight also just to break up the flying.

It took 10.5 hours to reach Nadi, Fiji from LA. Bob slept a little and I was able to catch a little sleep also but none like we would have liked. If we were rich, we would have upgraded to business class or first class but not this year. As Bob said, maybe our 20th anniversary. Once we got to Nadi, we got our transfer and traveled 2.5 hours to the Pacific Harbor. We traveled along the Coral coast on Queen's Road and enjoyed the view. Rohan and Simone, from Australia, were also with us on this journey. They were married the month before but waited until the Honeymoon villa was available at the resort. Once we reached the harbor, we got our boat from Lalati Resort and Spa and took a 45 minute boat ride across Beqa Lagoon to the resort. Finally we arrived at the resort and were greeted with a Fijian song, coconut drinks, and a flower lei. While checking in, we were given foot massages that used shredded coconut to exfoliate and coconut milk (from squeezing the shredded coconut) to moisturize. Even being tired, you enjoyed this nice surprise.

We stayed in Oceanfront Villa #1 appropriately named Bambale, which means dolphin. The room was amazing and would be our home for the week. We decided to take a walk along the beach and look for shells and Bob took pictures. Eventually Bob took a nap and I took a Fijian cooking lesson. Our first night we experienced a traditional Fijian dinner and the Kava ceremony. Kava is definitely a drink I will never have again. It looks like muddy water and tastes like dirty socks, too much causes your tongue to go numb and can cause you to hallucinate. Kate and Max, also from Australia, got married on the day we arrived so the Fijian dinner was technically their wedding dinner/celebration. The food was amazing. We had a coconut/tuna cold soup before having fish, casava, tarro, and other goodies that were  cooked in the Earth Oven (a hole in the ground). We found out that all the other couples (5 in total) that were at the resort had just been married, got married within the week or within the month. Bob and I laughed and said we were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. Yep, we were the old farts at the table.

Our main purpose for going to Fiji was to DIVE. Most days we were the only ones with the Dive Master. The Dive Masters, Kirstin and Paul, both from England, were cool. They met in Mexico and have been traveling all over the world working as Dive Masters. Now this is a job I could really love. They had a dog named Dogg. Dogg was friendly and loved to be petted and even enjoyed extra muffins.

The diving was amazing. The first day the current was strong and it was an interesting time at the beginning of the dive but once you were underwater, you could hide around coral crops. Our first dive in Fiji we saw a White Tip Reef Shark and every dive after that we saw at least one shark. Pretty cool. Seeing soft corals, tons of coral species I don't know, many fish, lots of nudibranchs, flatworms, massive sea cucumbers, made the trip amazing. Some of the pictures came out great but I need to get better at using the strobe before we head to Utila in Feb.

We did a Shark Dive on our second day. Aqua Trek does the feeding but you are 10 feet away from the action. We saw 6 of the 8 species that usually come to the feast. We saw the Bull, White Tip Reef, Black Tip Reef, Silver Tip Reef, Gray Reef, and Nurse Sharks. We didn't see the Lemon or the Tiger Shark. I guess the day before the Tiger Sharks showed up. Oh well. We did purchase the DVD to show to friends and family later and you can see us. Bob and I waved every time the camera came our way. IT was amazing and something I would definitely do again.

The rest of week was spent diving. In the afternoons we would either hang at the pool, read, hang with others during Happy Hour, participate in activities or scour the beach for stuff. The last day we were there we decided to get a spa treatment, which was heavenly. 

Leaving Fiji was sad but all good things must come to an end. We highly recommend the Lalati Resort and Spa if you are looking for a romantic, secluded, remote place to be. We will definitely go back if we can.

So next week school starts and I'll be back to the grind. At least we have things to look forward to like seeing friends from Switzerland, going away for our Anniversary weekend, seeing my dad and this is just in Sept. Before we know it, we'll be gearing up for another dive adventure to Utila. Hopefully we will see Whale Sharks!

When I get some time, I'll post some pictures from Fiji. You can access them on my facebook page.
Until next time, CHEEERS (as Ala would say).

Summer is finally here. Yeah!

The rest of the school year went well and now summer vacation is in full swing. I'm busy doing summer research again this summer with CSCR and doing a few farmers market. My weeks comprise of research in the morning at the beginning of the week, baking in the afternoons, a market on Thursday and a market on Saturday. Somewhere in there, I'm logging dives towards my Masters Divers Certification and enjoying the summer heat.

At the end of the month, I'm heading to Ohio to bake a cake for Abby's birthday party. She is doing a Fancy Nancy/tea party/princess themed party so the cake is centered around that. Originally my sister wanted Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes but once she knew I was coming out, it's now a cake instead of cupcakes. I'll have to bring a lot of my stuff with me to Ohio but it should be fun. Before I head to OH, I'm designing a cake for a friend's surprise birthday party. It's a Hawaiian Themed cake.


We head to Fiji in 30 days. So looking forward to it and getting really excited. Not looking towards the long air flight and Bob's lack of sleeping on a plane. Maybe he can get some strong drugs to knock him out for the flights. Maybe there will be a position opening in Fiji for a teacher and I can stay there and enjoy God's creation. One can dream, can't one.


It is July 4th and it is cloudy here in New England. It's still Independence Day. So we're off to a cook-out with friends and some fireworks later on. Enjoy the summer, I am!

It's been a long time!

It sure has been a long time. The summer was packed with research with the Center for Student Coastal Research and with the North and South River Watershed Association. At CSCR, I was in charge of two research groups, Jacobs Meadow and Musquashcut. Students volunteered their time to do wetland monitoring through a variety of data collection. I also picked up a position with NSRWA helping collect data along the South River in Marshfield. The data collected through CSCR and NSRWA helps Coastal Zone Management get information on the health of wetlands and water quality along the rivers. This data is used for restoration projects or to see if the restoration in certain areas is improving the health of these wetlands. I had a great group of students and interns that helped collect data come rain or shine. I'm looking forward to heading back to CSCR for another summer of research.

Starting a new job has been taxing. I can honestly say I have never felt this tired, both mentally and physically, as I have this year. Getting use to a new schedule, new policies/procedures, new students has been interesting to say the least. I'm amazed at the apathy I see in the faces of the students I encounter daily. It's hard to change how one thinks when the community as a whole isn't big on stressing the importance of education. The students definitely keep me on my toes and there have been some highlights to date. The upcoming months should be interesting.

We adopted another dog the beginning of Novemeber. Her name is Paisley and she is 22 months old. She is a Weimer just like Orion and is very lovable. She was free to a good home and had been a great addition to the family. Seeing both Orion and Pasiley run around the yard or play around always brings a smile to your face. She has her little quirks. She is still timid but is getting better at having strangers around. She is a food hound, I even think worse than Sam was. She is known to jump in your lap while you are watching TV, not a small feat since she is 62 pounds. Getting her was a good decision. Orion has a playmate and isn't so lonely anymore. He did have to learn to share. For the most part he is good at sharing, especially the attention, but he still isn't big on sharing the toys. He'll take what she is chewing on even if he has been chewing on something else for a long period of time. At times he plays the gentleman card and will offer her his toy. 

The holidays were split between MA for Thanksgiving and VA for Christmas. It is always good to see family members and to eat good food. It was nice to meet my new nephew and to see my cousin's little boy. It's funny when you think about it. Growing up, we cousins would bet who would get married first and who would have kids first. My cousin Scott won the getting married first but my sister won having kids first. It is really cool to see all the little kids hanging around interacting and of course they are so stinking cute. During these times, I wish I lived closer to my side of the family.

Bob and I will be celebrating our 10th year anniversary this year. We booked a dive trip to Fiji. Yep, Fiji; one of the places I have always wanted to go to. We were looking a several places in the Caribbean and threw in a few wish places as well. We were surprised that a trip to Fiji cost only a few more dollars than going to Bonaire or Curaco. With all the things Fiji has to offer, it was a no-brainer. We're heading out in August and I'm so looking forward to it. Just being able to see the marine life found in that region of the world will be a pleasure in itself. One highlight we get to do is a shark feeding dive. We'll be able to see Bull, Black Tip, Sliverside, Nurse, and White tip sharks. I'm so hoping to get some killer photos while we are there. Who knows maybe we can move there! Now that would be AMAZING.

Winter is hanging on here in New England. I'm heading to Texas in a week so hopefully Spring will decide to come back with me and the temperatures start to warm up. I can honestly say I am sick of seeing snow. It has been fun to snowshoe but I have decided that I still can't LOVE it. Guess I'm just a Southern girl through and through.

Guess that is about all of an update for now. Life is still a journey and the ride sure is interesting.

Thank you God for the job!

 Since April, I have been filling out applications, sending out resumes, hounding contacts looking for another job. Losing your job in today's economic times can add additional stress to your life no matter who you are. I loved my job. I loved the people I worked with, the parents and the students I interacted with, and the district. Leaving on the last day of school was very hard for me however, I have always been a firm believer that when God closes a door, He ALWAYS opens a window. God doesn't let His children down. As His word says, He has a perfect plan for each of us and that all things work together for good.  To be honest during the last few months I wasn't quite sure what His plan was and at times threw a self-pity part but I still had faith that He would take are of me. I have seen Him provide for  my family when my dad lost his job not once but twice. I have seen Him work throughout the year. I knew He would take care of me in His time. There was nothing I could do about losing my job. Everything was in His hands.  I took on additional research projects this summer to save money just in case I didn't have a job when my insurance ran out and because God is good ALL the time, I don't have to worry about where I will be come the fall.  I interviewed at a local high school not far from my home one day and was offered the position the next day. God is good.

Moving to a new school district will be challenging. Getting to know the staff, the administration, the faculty, the students will be overwhelming. But I know that if this is where God wants me, it will all work out. He'll give me the strength to make it through each day. He will not fail me. So a new chapter in my life begins. A new journey. I'm excited and looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Thank you God for my new job. Thank you for the additional jobs this summer. Thank you for loving me and providing for me even when I fail. You are an awesome GOD.

New journey...

Instead of traveling to Costa Rica with students, I'm looking for a job. I was told at the beginning of our spring break that the principal is going in a different direction next school year and I don't fit the direction he is going in. So needless to say, after June 18, 2010, I will be without a job. Finding one right now seems to be a daunting task since there really aren't many postings looking for a high school teacher with my experience along the south shore. I'm even entertaining the thought of getting out of education completely.

So for awhile, I will be exploring the wonders of my state and surround areas instead of heading to the tropics or some other exotic place. I'll be joining thousands of individuals trying to find a job. That in itself is a journey! Wish me luck.

"Leave Her, Johnny, Leave Her!"- Cohasset Belize/Guatemala 2009

  "Leave Her, Johnny, Leave Her!" -Cohasset Belize 2009

Oh the work was hard and the wages low, Leave her, Johnny, leave her. 

But now once more ashore we'll go, For it's time for us to leave her.

Chorus:

Leave her, Johnny, leave her. Oh leave her, Johnny, leave her.
For the voyage is done and the winds don't blow and it's time for us to leave her.

From the Chilly north, to the sunny south, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

Just to catch some rays and let our skin hang out, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

We soaked up rays just to get a tan, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

While we bounced along in our big white vans, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Ross Wooly's here and what a hunk, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

He wows the girls when he bares his trunk, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Tina's next, but first in the shower line, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

When her hair is wet she's feeling fine, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Katie D. is blessed with a brother twin, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

She spends her time taking care of him, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Tyler is that lucky brother twin, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

He quietly lets her be a mother hen, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

A heartthrob sure MacKinzie is, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

She's effervescent with lots of fizz, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

No Tory Heart is one of a golden pair, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

Of course that simply means her hair, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Now Tori Lehr is the other one, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

Her golden hair shines in the sun, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Now Tori and Sam are both named Lehr, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

They've gotten used to breathing really thin air, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Sarah loses this, Sarah loses that, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

What she doesn't lose is what's attached, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

The spice seller came to Kristen M., Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

She bought some tea to feed her 'friend', For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

August sure is an EMT, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

I'm glad he didn't have to me, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Conor is the one who sucked the hot sauce down, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

On the floor next day, it was he they found, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

O, Erika put the Marie Sharp down, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

She beat the girls in the whole big town, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Carly S. lugs a really heavy bag, Leaver her, Johnny, Leave her.

It almost had to have a special tag, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Graham S. came along to help all he could, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

He was at his best when it came to food, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Jeanie was afraid of 'bout all we did, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

But she came right through with a courage big, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

David T. won the test as the hot sauce king, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

He discovered that Maire burned both his ends, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

D.J. Weiss loves to feed all his little friends, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

The biting bugs will never end, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Susan S. we can't leave out, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

When the river was deep she jumped right out, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Jon Fortin came to learn all he can, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

If he learns any more his head will expand, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

Now the real thanks must surely go, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

To the teacher who really made this go, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

We clap for you who bring us Joy, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

Without your help this would never go, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

And now from your guide, just one last word, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

I'm awfully glad you (and you and you...) were all aboard, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

And so my friends on the homeward track, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

The adventure road will bring you back, For it's time for us to leave her.

(Chorus)

....After landing in Boston....

The trip is done and we're tired to the bone, Leave her, Johnny, Leave her.

But of how good it is to be back home, For it's time for us to leave her.

Leave her, Johnny, Leave her. Oh, Leave her, Johnny, leave her.

For the voyage is done and the winds don't blow, and it's time for us to leave her!

BELAY!!!!!

-words written by Dr. J. Philip McLaren and Joy Higgins

-sung by Dr. J. Philip McLaren to the tune of "Leave her, Johnny, Leave her!"

Journey's End...Day 9

Early start since we would be driving straight to the airport back in Belize. Since the girl at the Belize border decided to make things 10x more difficult, we had to book it to the airport. Keeping up with Doc, dodging pot holes and sleeping policemen, avoiding drunks walking into the road sure made for a challenging drive. However we arrived in plenty of time. All bags got checked and Doc sang his version of a sea shanty "Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her!" The kids were touched though some of them were nervous about missing the plane.  While on the plane, I handed out the essays. Just a reminder to the kids that though this trip was fun, it was still a class. Let them know that the journals and their essays were do a week after we got back to school.

In Houston, customs took 2 hours but at least we were in the same terminal as our connecting flight. Unfortunately we were unable to pick up some food before boarding so there were some hungry students on the plane. It's always nice to hear "Welcome Home." We arrived in Boston on time and sang the last verse of "Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her!" before heading out to baggage and the waiting parents.

The journey may have ended but the experience of the journey lives on. Wrap-up dinners, FaceBook group, college essays were just a few items that came about from the trip. One chaperon was able to share his experience in a graduate course since the topic was the on the Mayans and how they invented the number "0". Another chaperon made the pineapple upside down cake from a recipe given to her from the cook at IZE. Younger high school students are already looking forward to the trip planned for their senior year. The excitement and experience of this trip lives on in the lives of these students. It was an amazing trip and the students were outstanding. This is an experience that will live on in me also.