Friday, November 21, 2014

15th to 21st November

15th – 21st November
This has nothing to do with my teaching in Taiwan but I want to shout out huge congratulations to my cousin who amazingly placed 3rd  (in her age/gender division) in the Arizona Ironman that was held today. She placed an overall 276th out of 3202 competitors.   She now qualifies to compete in the Kona Ironman in October 2015.  We’re all so proud of you Jenn Ogg. (London Police Officer and athlete)
Nothing too out of the ordinary this past week but that’s not saying it’s boring either J
I go to school and teach what I can despite my circumstances and I have to say that the students demonstrate over and above their respect towards me. 
It doesn’t matter whether they know me or not, simply if I’m walking (with crutches) anywhere on campus, a student will approach me and ask if I need assistance.  Many of them will simply take that bag I’m carrying and carry it for me to wherever I’m going.
I don’t see a lot of that happening around Humber or Canada for that matter.
At school on Monday was a visiting professor from the University of Florida who was talking to faculty of the Culinary / F&B / Baking departments about various teaching methodologies and modalities.  I was to attend however after my 5 hour class in the morning, my leg gave me a lot of pain and I simply wasn’t comfortable staying longer at the school.  Yes, perhaps I’m pushing myself too much and too early still, even though it has now been 6 weeks since the accident.  The Doctor did say that it would be at least 3 months before healing takes place.
I vented slightly to Paul today after class about my inability to move like I’m use to which is affecting my attitude, enthusiasm and mental state.  I cannot acclimatize myself easily to my situation and it’s challenging for me to say the least.  For me not to move around with 100% mobility is driving me crazy.
It’s Tuesday and my theory class doesn’t begin until 4:30 and finishes at 6:30 so not so challenging today for me.  I’m taking in some treats I purchased on the weekend for the students as a few of them like to sleep during class.  I know the material is dry and I agree cannot be the most exciting but I throw in videos and talk about real-life situations. 
I remember a couple weeks ago when I asked the students why do they fall asleep and why are they so anxious and excited when class finishes at 6:30 and the reply was that they are hungry and at 6:30 after class their peers just finish a practical cooking lab and bring them food…hahaha    So I think the small chocolates might give them enough energy to stay awake for most of the class.

NEW LIBRARY OPENING VIDEO


One has to respect and appreciate the passion the Kaohsiung People have towards their city. 
I’m now an official member of the Kaohsiung Library and apparently I can use my membership at any public library in the city.
There are 7 floors of the library and each floor has a variety of English printed books.  I have not browsed around as it’s too challenging for me at this time due to the crutches but I hope soon to take a good walk about.
The check-out and return processes are quite user friendly and convenient.  Both are automated but of course you can always use the face to face process.
There is an automated machine whereby you scan your ID and then scan the book(s) you are borrowing and that’s it, good to go.  Upon returning, there is an automated machine on the ground level and the same process applies. Then you simply place your book in the area where the door opens and then it closes and your book is then whisked away to somewhere.  Love the system.
Today (Wednesday) Lee and I went to his sister’s café (Café Bird) for lunch and it was very good.  Had a huge salad that we shared plus a latte.  I asked Nana (Lee’s sister) to prepare a sandwich for take out and I gave it to Peter.  He likes sandwiches and Café Bird prepares delicious food.
Well, we exited the café and stood (with crutches in hand) by the curb waiting for Peter then as he approached I was the first off the curb onto the street to move forward towards where Peter would stop.  I looked forward instead of down and would you know, my left crutch went into a hole that was in the street.  The crutch went down at least a foot or until it reached part of the crutch that divided outward so it couldn’t go down any further.  The opening was just large enough the crutch fell in.  My God what a jolt it was for me and because of that I abruptly moved my right leg unintentionally and it gave a bit of a twist.  I shouted out for all to hear that’s for sure….yikes I’m thinking I sure hope I didn’t do any damage. 
I’m getting so fed up with this injury now it’s pushing my limitation of patience.
Home now, had another latte…I’ve calmed down.
Tonight (20th) myself and Jasmine (International Office) administered the Humber English Exam for interested NKUHT students wanting to do their 1 year study at Humber commencing next July 2015.
There were approximately 100 students who showed up for writing the exam and they had 1.5 hours to complete it.  It consisted of 2 essay type questions.  Most of the students were finished in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
I left around 7:30 and Peter (taxi) had already arranged one of his friends to meet me at the front entrance of the administration building to drive me home. 
As soon as I sat in the taxi and stopped shuffling about, I became aware of the music he was playing.  I was taken back to my early childhood days (60’s).  Just as we were exiting the grounds of the school, the song ‘lemon tree’ began playing.  This was being sung by ‘Peter, Paul & Mary’ and OMG as much as I didn’t want to listen to that genre of music, I was mesmerized and taken back in time.  The next few songs being played were all from that era and just brought back childhood memories.  I will say that the ride home was quite relaxing to say the least.
I texted Lee to ask him be ready for going over to the new library to take some night shots.  The lighting on the new library is quite impressive and draws a lot of people for a leisure walk about.  A relaxing end to a long day.
Friday (21st)
My morning advanced baking and pastry class would be my first time with this class since accident I would attempt the practical component.  Monday’s class was the first of this week and it was exhausting for me. (5-hour class)  Today’s class is 4hours.

I did the demo with the assistance of my teaching assistant and one other student.  It is slightly awkward standing in one position and alternatively having to sit down during the demo portion but everything worked out good and sure I was a little tired at the end but still had energy and good motivation.  This is due to the energy level these students give. 

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