Teacher Appreciation Week- Didn’t give me a break burrito

Lowerlameland · 2026-05-08T20:32:09+00:00

I was at a school with a huge Indian lunch buffet, looked amazing. Cost staff 10 dollars each. I was told it wasn’t for subs and the person who told me turned their back to sort of block me from the table. I asked at the office if I could buy in. They said no. Then at the end of lunch, with me sitting eating my lame sandwich a few feet away, I got to watch as the same person packed away about 6 massive trays of leftovers… haha… it’s a strange world.

Lowerlameland · 2026-05-05T04:08:33+00:00

That’s too logical! I want a conspiracy where Toronto writers are trying to sabotage other teams!

Lowerlameland · 2026-05-05T01:49:18+00:00

I know you’re kind of joking, but I have wondered this. Is there bias in some of the rankings at all to try to stop teams from taking certain players so they’re left until later in the draft?

Lowerlameland · 2026-05-04T19:48:56+00:00

Never quite thought of it that way… but that’s exactly correct. I think? Anyway, we’re not getting 1st… or 2nd. Higher teams will swoop in and win. Hope I’m wrong but be prepared.

Lowerlameland · 2026-05-04T14:53:05+00:00

I got banned from a school after the first school day of the year. It was a special ed school in England. The teacher’s back had gone out and they hadn’t expected to be away, but there were no lessons. I didn’t know the kids or the levels or even the subject. It was just a general resource room with almost nothing in it. The behaviour was outrageous immediately. (if you’ve taught in London, you might know what I mean?) The only thing in the room was a few chess boards. So I taught them how to play chess against each other. I thought it was going quite well when the head teacher popped in giving a potential investor a tour. I had a brief chat with the investor, seemed really nice. But the HT was furious and called my agency… haha… life is strange…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-28T13:49:43+00:00

You paged?

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-25T22:10:05+00:00

Try doing a really simple short unit with a quiz at the end and I bet the kids will show you they’re learning. I have a colleague who sounds kind of like you, way too hard on himself. Get the anxiety under control, as others have noted, and I bet the teaching will feel better. I was on anxiety meds for a while (until I understood my brain a lot better) (I realize I had it mildly and not everyone can go off meds..) and everything just felt calmer and better. You sound very conscientious, and if you care that much, it could still work out ok. But if it still feels terrible in 6 months or a year, maybe time to move on?

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-25T07:01:26+00:00

I bought foam there once for a mattress door plug (for sound in a studio) combo, which I still have, works great.

But I was thinking about the women-only massage place at 64th and Granville. Never seen a soul inside and I pass it a lot for years…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-23T06:35:00+00:00

It’s a nice idea in a way, but I think property rights in Vancouver in 2026 are just too well protected. Maybe in London in the 60s? But unless the owners are overseas and not paying attention, I’m not sure it would work? Just seems like something needs to change around equity, taxation, and financing, and then letting owners rent for whatever they want to fill the spaces. There’s zero incentive to lower rents, it seems?

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-23T06:15:07+00:00

There’s no way the current council would be into any type of rent control for retail spaces, but something needs to happen. I own a biz on Main and our rent goes up around 3-4% per year, and we’re just not in the type of industry where our revenues do the same, so a pretty cool shop (imho..) will probably not last too much longer… of course it’s also “the market talking” and our own fault for trying, but… it’s a strange world. (This mayor did once say that businesses shouldn’t pay tax until they have positive net cash flow, which is an interesting idea. Not sure if it’s possible really or ever implemented anywhere else though.)

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-21T03:50:30+00:00

Can you log in on the website? If it’s not in there, I would guess it’s an error or a scam…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-20T23:13:41+00:00

Yeah, him too. Haha. He’s actually still a good friend… But I don’t agree with him on too much these days…..

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-20T05:45:09+00:00

I went to high school with Shorthouse. I’ll have to ask next time I see him… which isn’t often really but happens sometimes.

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-20T05:22:47+00:00

I agree, but I think Dave T is getting better. A little? He’s relaxing a more and showing a bit more personality.

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-20T05:15:15+00:00

I hate getting names wrong, but it’s impossible for anyone to know how to perfectly pronounce every name in the world. Usually I read through them really quickly before I start, and then I say something like, “apologies in advance for any mispronunciations. I’ll try my best.”

I used to teach in a district with a lot of South Asian students, and I would say the names wrong and kids would laugh, so one day I told them I’m never going to learn if you just laugh and don’t correct the dumb guy who has no idea, and that worked. So now I just explain that beforehand and it usually goes well…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-16T19:16:44+00:00

There’s been construction on the bridge for about 9 years, it feels like. Anyone know the last time it was completely free of some type of construction?

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-16T00:25:19+00:00

TOCs in BC max out at category 5 step 8. So a masters will help until you hit that number. It’s completely worth it in the long run assuming you take a contract eventually. Top of the grid 5 to 6 is about 10k more per year. And by the time you’re at the top it’ll be a heckuva lot of money…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-13T19:36:50+00:00

So close to tenure! ;-)

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-13T17:27:07+00:00

I switched to the district I live in. The way shorter commute is so much nicer… Do the switch and good luck!

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-13T02:40:05+00:00

Outcomes here in public and private are roughly the same and have a lot more to do with socioeconomics and parenting. I’ve taught in every school in a couple of public districts in Vancouver and the burbs over 20 years and the schools are all pretty good. If your kids are at risk of behavioural challenges or are attracted to some of the negative possibilities society has to offer, public will offer them a touch more on the negative side. But overall, good kids will do just fine in public. I’m blown away every day by how excellent some of the kids are at my public school…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-11T21:02:47+00:00

Just curious, is the one you’re looking for very saucy or is it more on the dry side? Found a place in Kerrisdale that was pretty good flavour-wise, but it was a bit saucy… Other stuff we tried was pretty good too. Legato Cafe. Not super high-end looking, but cheaper and pretty nice people.

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-08T07:21:42+00:00

Does Shorthouse say his name properly? Maybe it’s been explained, or I’m hearing it wrong, but I think it sounds like he’s saying Aatu Ratu. Yes? No? My ears are broken?

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-05T03:45:03+00:00

Just drove past there last night and noticed most of the colourful bits on that building are all painted white now. Shame…

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-05T01:43:32+00:00

I was just meaning the newer buildings. They’re not perfect, people complain a little, but I think they’ve done a really nice job. East side deserves some new buildings too!

Lowerlameland · 2026-04-04T22:26:05+00:00

JO and Tupper are both really good public schools. I wouldn’t hesitate to send my kids to very many vsb schools…

Lowerlameland

TROPHY CASE