My First Day at School

  Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Blah Blah Arctic

I was heading to school when I noticed a crowd in the field in front of the elementary school.  I had heard Stephen Harper was in the North and the clean cut guys in trench coats with earpieces was my big clue that he was going to speak.

Mackay and Entourage

Peter Mackay introduced him and a couple others spoke and then Harper made an announcement about a new icebreaker and naming it Diefenbaker.

Dan Watches On

Dan was in the crowd so I told him that I thought Peter Mackay was cute and that I was going to see if I could get a photo with him.  I joked that I would slide my hand down and then apologize that I had touched his bottom.  Dan dared me. 

We stood about for an hour and froze our fingers.  I was glad of my hat and sorry for not bringing mitts - but then, my plan was to head to school.  I was pleased when I saw Roman, my new principal, and a few others walking towards the event.  This meant I wasn't late and that I could stay.  When it was all over but the photo ops Dan took the camera and I headed for Peter Mackay.

Peter Warming his Hands

We shook hands and he asked where I was from and I told him I was born on the East Coast as was he.  He  then asked about my job and how long I'd been here.  He noticed Dan and asked if I wanted a picture.  We posed and smiled and my hand on his back slipped to his butt and then I apologized and he said he didn't mind at all so I laughed and said then I'd just leave it there.  He gave me a big smile then turned to Dan and said, "East Coasters are frisky" and chuckled.  I then told him I enjoyed him on 22 Minutes and Rick Mercer and he commented that Rick sure gave him a hard time.  I complimented him on how he was quick-witted and gave Rick back as good as he got.  Dan couldn't stop laughing and showed me the photo.

Warming up BOTH of my hands

It's quite cute because it was taken just at the moment I covered my mouth for my "oops".  Bruce and Sheila were there, too, and they howled at my story.  They decided to have pictures taken with Stephen Harper so I said I would take it.  We found out that there was a professional staff photographer so I put my camera away and once Bruce and Sheila were done I figured what the heck and got one taken.  I didn't let my hand slip.

Harper comes to town

Greets RCMP

bows to RCMP

Blah blah Arctic

Blah blah icebreaker

Blah blah Diefenbaker

 

Premier Floyd Roland

Warming up Peter's hands

School today was meetings and then more meetings and then another meeting.  I got a copy of the curriculum guide.  Oh dear.  I was told not to have high expectations, but I wasn't prepared for the lack of info.  Mind you, I don't think the BC Guides are much better.  They are philosophical in nature and the fartherest thing from a recipe book you could find.

My room is dusty.  No it's not - it's downright dirty.  I have washed one shelf, moved a few items around and now realize the only thing to do is put EVERYTHING on the floor and WASH all surfaces and then put things away.....AFTER they've been dusted.  That should only take 10 hours or so.  Welcome to my weekend!