Teachers Unite Against The Provincial Government!

Well, it has come to this: strike action.

If you're looking for me, you can see a peak of my red hat on
the far left of the pic. (working hard, Jen!)

This is my first picketing experience. During my past public school teaching gigs (in Ontario and New Brunswick), the threat of a strike always seemed to be looming (I honestly don't know how serious it was, but there always seemed to be talks about strikes during our meetings), but an agreement came to the rescue before the teachers ever hit the picket line. 

Not this time.

At 7am, on a Monday morning, I was in good company.
(we look at little bit too cheerful!)

In solidarity we stand against education cuts. For more info: http://www.cegep-heritage.qc.ca/savequalityeducation/ and a video clip: http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=735606

An appreciation of the Gatineau Hills as our backyard. 

Discovering New Places

We discovered an Ecological reserve/ Conservation area about 45 minutes from our house: La Forêt LaBlanche.

We followed trail #3: le ouaouaron (the bullfrog)

The forest has six well-identified and well-maintained trails (with benches and picnic tables on route).

The 2.4 km loop was a rocky terrain, but flat around the two lakes. There were informative panels along the way, describing the trees, the vegetation, the birds, etc. encountered. Forêt-la-Blanche has one of the oldest growth forests in Eastern Canada and some of the trees did look like they were 400 years old!

We had a great time and, for the most part of our walk, we had the forest to ourselves.

Whirling leaves

Jumping in the forest

It was Simon's b-day on that day, so it was extra special!

Snacks kept Margot going.

Us

Margot got a free ride near the end of our hike

Ready, Set, Go!

Last weekend (Thanksgiving), Margot ran her very first race! It was a 1km, named "The Turkey Trot". Well, she did more than trotting! She ran her heart out.

Pre-race

Her two biggest feats:
-Running all by herself (without a parent)
-Running the entire 1km course (and not walking)

The annual event was Fall Colours, which hosts many different races (from marathons to 1km) every Thanksgiving Sunday. The 1km course is around the Cumberland Village (a pioneer village).

Warming up.
The sky cleared up.

Simon ran the 5km. He did quite well (!) and came in 7th place (out of 289). Apparently, the 5km course was quite hilly, albeit beautiful with the colourful leaves.

Simon passing those slow pokes!

Approaching the finish line. Only 100 meters to go!

Overall, it was a lovely morning filled with smiles and good cheer!

The racers: father and daughter

Margot ran 1km in 6.01 minutes!
Here she is enjoying her well-earned granola bar.

I Dance on Thursdays

It's about time that I write about my extra-curricular activity, since it's been going on for about a month. Every Thursday evenings, from 7:30-8:45pm, you can find me in my Beginner Contemporary Dance class at The School of Dance.

We're a group of 10 students, all beginners and all ages. No show offs there! It's a welcoming energy.
The facilities are beautiful, the teacher is fabulous and the percussionist who accompanies us is very talented. Live music and dance go hand in hand.

This is a beginner's class, so we're not doing anything too fancy…yet.
A few side stretches, pliés, dégagés, relevés, chassés, spine work, jumps (fun!), turns (deceivingly confusing!) , travelling across the room, leaping over imaginary puddles.

But, above all, it's so much fun! Time flies! I feel rejuvenated and youthful (extra youthful!). Dance is liberating!
I concentrate so much to follow the teacher and the beats. It's such a different way of thinking and moving. I also need to trust that my body has "marked" the steps or mini-choreography. There are no breaks. It's work from the moment we step into the studio.

I'm sorry to inform everyone that there won't be a performance… :)