Saturday, April 28, 2007
Interviewed by Doggy Mama!!
The wonderful, gorgeous and talented Doggy Mama interviewed me recently. What fun! If you want me to interview you, just leave a note here in my comments and I’ll send you 5 questions to answer on your own blog!
1) How did you meet your hubby and how long did it take for you to realize that he is "The One?"
We met through mutual friends of ours. They set up a blind date and we went to their house for supper one night. We had been talking on the phone for for a few weeks before we met and then decided it was time to meet. Even though we lived 4 minutes away from each other, we had never crossed paths before. Our phone calls lasted 4 hours or more sometimes! John says he was hooked by the first phone call. I knew there was something special when I spoke to him the first time, but I think I knew he was "THE ONE" the first time we met. I know it sounds silly and cliche...and right out of a movie, but it's true! There was just something so sweet, and genuine about him.
2) What was the hardest part about leaving your "city life" for the island? What was the easiest part about it?
I think the hardest part of leaving my "city life" was leaving behind a job where I knew I had a paycheck every two weeks! I also knew I'd be leaving behind some very good friends, the access to movie theatres, lots of great restaurants, shopping, etc. In the city, it's so easy to get what you want, when you want it. The easiest part about leaving my city life was leaving behind the traffic, gruelling commuting to and from work, the congestion (too many people!!), the hectic lifestyle. I don't miss living in the city. If I want the amenities of the city, I just go for a visit. I go for a weekend, a few days, or a week...but there's a sense of relief knowing that I will be coming back to the island.
3) If you could travel to one place that you've never been, where would it be? What one place that you've already visited would you want to go back to?
I have always wanted to go to Australia ever since I was five years old. I have a tremendous weak spot the Aussie accent! LOL! Plus, I have always wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, and all the neat wildlife that exists there. I've also wanted to go to New Zealand because I've heard from some kiwi friends that NZ is absolutely breathtaking.
Hmmm...the next question is soooooo difficult! If I could revisit one place I've been to, it would have to be San Jose, Batangas (the Philippines). That's where my grandparents are from. I've got extended family there. It's such a great place, where people are so warm and have really big hearts. I can't explain it. It's just so down to earth and there, the less you have, the more you give. It was interesting to finally get in touch with my 'roots'. I'd been to my dad's homeland (Trinidad and Tobago) many times, so visiting my mom's country for the first time was special.
4) How did you begin hosting/tutoring students in your home and what do you most enjoy about it?
Short version or the long one? After university, I supply taught at a public school and the kids were brutal. It was the hardest job of my life, but I loved it because of the kids. However, I decided I didn't want to teach in public school because the kids we had there were such a challenge. I ended up going to Japan to teach and it was such a great experience. I loved my life in Japan. After two years, I returned home due to family reasons. My dad had gotten sick and that made me homesick and I decided to return to Toronto. I continued to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) at a school in Toronto and after 4 or 5 years, I moved to Manitoulin Island. I have wanted to open up my own Study Holiday Program and this is what I did. We host students and I teach them ESL. I follow a curriculum that I have tailored for each student, depending on their needs.
The thing I enjoy the most about my job is that the students not only learn the English language, but they also learn about life, friendship, Canadian culture, life in a rural North American setting, etc. Seeing the students' progress is remarkable. It's such a rewarding feeling.
5) What would your pefect day be like?
A perfect day would be just spending some quiet time with my husband! Perhaps going for a walk on the beach with Hubby and our pup...watching the sunset :) I know...simple and corny. That's me!
1) How did you meet your hubby and how long did it take for you to realize that he is "The One?"
We met through mutual friends of ours. They set up a blind date and we went to their house for supper one night. We had been talking on the phone for for a few weeks before we met and then decided it was time to meet. Even though we lived 4 minutes away from each other, we had never crossed paths before. Our phone calls lasted 4 hours or more sometimes! John says he was hooked by the first phone call. I knew there was something special when I spoke to him the first time, but I think I knew he was "THE ONE" the first time we met. I know it sounds silly and cliche...and right out of a movie, but it's true! There was just something so sweet, and genuine about him.
2) What was the hardest part about leaving your "city life" for the island? What was the easiest part about it?
I think the hardest part of leaving my "city life" was leaving behind a job where I knew I had a paycheck every two weeks! I also knew I'd be leaving behind some very good friends, the access to movie theatres, lots of great restaurants, shopping, etc. In the city, it's so easy to get what you want, when you want it. The easiest part about leaving my city life was leaving behind the traffic, gruelling commuting to and from work, the congestion (too many people!!), the hectic lifestyle. I don't miss living in the city. If I want the amenities of the city, I just go for a visit. I go for a weekend, a few days, or a week...but there's a sense of relief knowing that I will be coming back to the island.
3) If you could travel to one place that you've never been, where would it be? What one place that you've already visited would you want to go back to?
I have always wanted to go to Australia ever since I was five years old. I have a tremendous weak spot the Aussie accent! LOL! Plus, I have always wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef, the Outback, and all the neat wildlife that exists there. I've also wanted to go to New Zealand because I've heard from some kiwi friends that NZ is absolutely breathtaking.
Hmmm...the next question is soooooo difficult! If I could revisit one place I've been to, it would have to be San Jose, Batangas (the Philippines). That's where my grandparents are from. I've got extended family there. It's such a great place, where people are so warm and have really big hearts. I can't explain it. It's just so down to earth and there, the less you have, the more you give. It was interesting to finally get in touch with my 'roots'. I'd been to my dad's homeland (Trinidad and Tobago) many times, so visiting my mom's country for the first time was special.
4) How did you begin hosting/tutoring students in your home and what do you most enjoy about it?
Short version or the long one? After university, I supply taught at a public school and the kids were brutal. It was the hardest job of my life, but I loved it because of the kids. However, I decided I didn't want to teach in public school because the kids we had there were such a challenge. I ended up going to Japan to teach and it was such a great experience. I loved my life in Japan. After two years, I returned home due to family reasons. My dad had gotten sick and that made me homesick and I decided to return to Toronto. I continued to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) at a school in Toronto and after 4 or 5 years, I moved to Manitoulin Island. I have wanted to open up my own Study Holiday Program and this is what I did. We host students and I teach them ESL. I follow a curriculum that I have tailored for each student, depending on their needs.
The thing I enjoy the most about my job is that the students not only learn the English language, but they also learn about life, friendship, Canadian culture, life in a rural North American setting, etc. Seeing the students' progress is remarkable. It's such a rewarding feeling.
5) What would your pefect day be like?
A perfect day would be just spending some quiet time with my husband! Perhaps going for a walk on the beach with Hubby and our pup...watching the sunset :) I know...simple and corny. That's me!
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About the Blog Author
City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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17 comments:
I like your answer to question number 5. Do you have a single sister? LOL!
Hi Uncivil!
To answer your question about #5, unfortunately, I have two brothers and neither are single! ;) LOL!
Thanks for all your comments on mah blog ;) I love reading them. You are hilarious!
Hey Chrissy,
Sorry, I've been MIA. Had to travel for work the whole week last week. Got back at Midnight on Fri! I have to go get ready for my date with Trent and I'll be back to blogging after the weekend.
Hi Chrissy! LOVE your answers! It was so much fun to get to know more about you! When I was writing the questions, I was getting excited to read your answers. :)
You're such a great person!!
Jane
Chrissy, fascinating answers from a fascinating woman. Your students are lucky to have you as their teacher. What an experience for them on the Island, and living in your home. The lucky ducks!
Girlie Monkey:
Cool! Thanks for checking in! ;) You'll have to fill me in on your date with Trent!!!
Doggy Mama:
Wow! You asked some really great questions! I couldn't have thought of better questions! Thanks for the interview!
Karen:
Thanks so much :) We are having fun with the students too, but some days it's a bit of a challenge!
I was interested to read your comments re NZ and Australia. Can you tell the difference between an Aussie accent and a Kiwi?
They are similar, but ask an Aussie to say fish and chips and they will (generally) say 'feesh and cheeps'. Therefore six becomes 'sex'. Watch those Aussies!
Merinz!
HAHAHAHA!!! YES! I can tell the difference between Aussie and Kiwi accents. They are similar, but at the same time distinct. I had a bunch of Aussie and Kiwi friends when I was overseas and it was so funny to hear the rivalry between the two groups! :) I was 'involved' with a Kiwi once upon a time...Gotta watch those Kiwis! ;) Well...gotta watch those Aussies too ;) Good times.
There is a lot of rivalry between the two countries, often battled out on the sports fields. There have been some classic 'incidents' in the past.
And jokes and references to the early convict ancestry of Australians all figure in the banter.
But its all in good fun and really we share similar backgrounds in many ways. Most of us have an Aussie branch of the family, myself included - an Uncle, Aunt and numerous cousins as well as our youngest son living in Sydney.
Merinz:
Yes! The banter was fun to observe! My Aussie and Kiwi "mates" loved to give each other a hard time. All in good fun, of course!
Can't wait to see pics of the grandbabies!
Blimey! You have no single sisters? What about single mates? I like Canadian girls. What a bunch of laughs!
I must say that I am severly disappointed that the UK is not on your list of places to visit. Tsk! Tsk!
"some very good friends, the access to movie theatres, lots of great restaurants, shopping, etc."
Ok -- that's the REASONS why I love the city. You kidding me? Anyhow, I think it's great that you've experienced city life and country life. It's GREAT.
A life that's simple and sweet: Life on Manitoulin . There -- that's the title of your biography.
A sixth question would probably be: Do you speak any of your "ancestral" languages? i.e., Filipino, Trinidadian English, Chinese, etc? :-)
Pete:
Hey! I would LOVE to go to the UK. It's on my list of places to visit. The question asked for only one though! (I know I answered two though!) I've visited mostly Asia, Indonesia, North America, and the Caribbean so far.
CK:
Yes, I know :) Those are all great reasons to live in the city. I guess I've lived in big cities my entire life and have traveled to a lot of big cities. For me it's fun and exciting and all, but I'm glad I've got access to all that if I want...and that I have the reassurance that I'll be coming home to our peaceful island. Can't wait to see ya, girlfriend!!
Kim:
Great question! You know what? I WISH I was taught my ancestral languages! I can understand Tagalog, but can't speak it. Well, I speak broken tagalog (bits and pieces...a word here and a word there). When I went to San Jose, Batangas for a visit, my relatives there were laughing their heads off whenever I tried to speak their language. They kept saying I had an English accent when I spoke. My lolo Totoy even said, "Just speak English". Urgh. The thing is, I was trying to speak their language, but apparently it was funny. I even bought a filipino/English dictionary when I was there. I guess you can say, I got a little discouraged. We ended up with my relatives all speaking tagalog and me answering in English.
I never learned Chinese, which really saddens me. I think it would be a great language to learn. I do speak English (obviously--and it's my first language), French (my second language, since I grew up in Quebec), Japanese (I taught English there and had no idea how to speak, read or write. I studied it afterward to ease communication) and Spanish.
If you can understand Japanese now, Chrissy, Chinese will be a breeze. It has the same basic principles. Verbs normally come first before the nouns. :-)
And, please go ahead and ask me five questions. I'm starting to get curious on what people might find interesting about me. (In relation to my previous entry, Mineistheearth's Topic of Choice.) Sorry, sorry - a bit of shameless plugging there. :-)
BTW... Lolo Totoy's name is one great oxymoron. If you literally translate it to English, it means "Grandpa Little Boy." We normally call anonymous little boys "Totoy," anonymous little girls "Nene," just like Americans have their John and Jane Does. :-)
This could be your retort the next time your relatives laugh about your Tagalog. A big hug to you for trying, Chrissy!!! I mourn for the others who don't even bother anymore.
HAHA! I know :) Grandpa Little Boy sounds so funny! He's my grandmother's youngest brother. He's the baby in the family and the youngest of that generation. That generation is starting to die off (urrrgh...that sounded bad, but wasn't meant to sound that way).
I developed a soft spot for "Lolo Totoy" (as everyone in San Jose calls him). He is so funny and though he can't speak English, and my Tagalog sucks, we still manage to communicate. Often, it ends up in the most comical, messed up, misunderstood conversations. Too funny!
I even have about a dozen aunts that we call "Tita Nene" and two elders we call "Lola Nene". My nickname, which all my filipino family refers to me by is Tin-Tin. I always hated that! My cousin Rouel's nickname is Bong-Bong and Rene's is Ren-Ren. Jennifer's is Jen-Jen...so I'm guessing filipinos like repeating names? :) Oh, and my uncle's name is Tito Boy and I'm sure we have a Tita Baby too! LOL! :)
PS. I'm thinking up your 5 questions as I type this! ;)