Storme Genge Blais:
CLASS OF 1962
Aylmer High SchoolClass of 1962
Aylmer, QC
Gonzaga University - Graduate SchoolClass of 1994
Spokane, WA
Queen's University - EducationClass of 1979
Kingston, ON
University of Ottawa - RecreologyClass of 1977
Ottawa, ON
Storme's Story
Aylmer was the only school where I stayed for for more than one year. 2 years and many good memories (only one bad - grad fiasco) however enjoyed the sports and the friendly people. I have often wondered if Anne became a doctor or if Harriet took over the import export business. I was so pleased when Jeannie tracked me down on Facebook. Because i am a teacher i use my maiden name on FB, gives me some privacy!
At the 10 year reunion i was already separated with 2 young daughters. My date at that reunion convinced me to try university so looked for a program with no math or science and discovered Recreology at U of Ottawa, and amusingly graduated with a BSc! I really wanted to work in an environment where people were enjoying themselves, however I soon learned that if there were any budgetary deficits, recreation programs were among the first to be cut. During this discovery process I did some time substitute teaching and walked out of the classroom with a smile that wouldn't quit. After that I went to Queen's for an Education degree, in Outdoor Ed, PE and French. After spending summers working for Dept of Natural Resources I received a call from BC with a job offer in Kitwanga, BC. Great experience, coached the teams, drove the bus, winter camped with the students, lived in a teacherage (trailer) installed a Franklin stove, chopped wood and generally had an interesting year. Only Jackie (my eldest) came with me as Nikki stayed in French Immersion in Ottawa with her Dad...
The next summer, collected Nikki and stopped off in Calgary en route to Victoria. Seems Calgary was in the middle of a Teacher Strike and my Calgary friends suggested I apply there, the rest is history! In 94 I completed my MA in Ed Administration but upon graduation I took a trip to Europe for 3 months. Met a lovely man in Nice, France but had to return to teaching in Sept. He came to Canada for my 50th (that October) and that Christmas suggested I move to France. Calgary schools are on a semester system so at the end of the semester Jan 95 myself and 3 girlfriends went to Mexico to celebrate my move. France was difficult, no friends, no family, tho Nikki and my Mum came to visit, and we travelled - Turkey, Hawaii, Greece, all over France & Monaco, but by summer 96 the Calgary school board called to ask if I was ever coming back, so I had a wonderful 2 years on the Riviera but...Expand for more
returned home.
I knew I would be working longer than most as I had started later and had taken off a few years to study and travel so I am still working but looking to retire June 2013.
I still ski even tho after my knee replacement 2 years ago it wasn't advised. I probably should have sold my motocycle too but I think I'll keep it for another year. As for family both my girls married and have children, Jackie 2 girls, Nikki 1 boy, 2 girls. I have been in a "married" relationship with Jim since 2000 and we have a summer home in the Kootenays, which we bought for retirement but have since decided we wish to remain in Alberta (or somewhere warm in winter). We both have family in Australia and that will likely be our next big trip.the year we met Jim took his 2 girls to Australia, they are grown and independant now. We have spent 9 of the last 11 Christmases in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - great friends, fabulous food, sun, sand and Pina Coladas - nothing else needed.
I sold the motorcycle in Feb, 2013. I'll be happy behind Jim, hopefully we'll get a couch (Goldwing), if not he will ride the VTX 1800 & I'll follow in the VW camper.
If anyone has news of Anne or Neila (Africa?) please share.
June 30 2013 RETIRED 30 years of teaching! The numbers don't add up and not because I'm still bad with math but because I was lucky enough to receive 2 sabbaticals & 2 years unpaid leave on the French riviera. Now it's time for more learning, more travel, more fun.....
Jan 2014: first on our bucket list was San Francisco & while there we were lucky to catch the last 2 days of the America's Cup race.
Next I spent 3 weeks in Costa Rica for some dental work - highly recommend DentistInParadise.com -& please use my name if you go! I had 3 dental implants and am returning in March for the crowns. Trained in USA, modern new facility & One of the best dentists ever!
We enjoyed Christmas in Calgary with family & have been skiing a couple of times.
Next trip is to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, this was #2 on our bucket list! Looking forward to the experience.
April will see me & my 2 girls in Puerto Vallarta celebrating Jackie's 50th birthday. We've booked an all inclusive on the beach so if you're down there we're staying at the Playa Los Arcos April 10-17.
We have our home in BC on the market but nothing is moving so summer will see us near Balfour, BC.
To be continued
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