Summer is just around the corner, and I have lots of plans! The last class of my MA program will be on June 15th, so I’m almost free (although I will still be working on two final papers - one on the history of English language education in Japan and the other on corrective feedback - until August 1st). I’m going to take June 17th off to relax and celebrate my birthday, and I’ll probably watch the new Jurassic World movie. In fact, I’m planning a dinosaur-themed party, complete with Jurassic IPA beer. Look for a T-Rex in the background of my lessons soon! 

After the 17th, I’ll return to a full time schedule on Cafetalk and start working on new materials for my lessons. I may also apply for training as an IELTS examiner, but I might wait until October to do this. At the end of June and all through July, I really need to make time to visit some people that I haven’t seen in a while, which will involve a bit of traveling by train. My grandmother hasn’t left her house since March 2020 because of the pandemic, so I’d really like to visit her. 

Of course, I have some series to watch as well! I need to finish Moon Knight, Kenobi, and Stranger Things season 4, and I’d like to see the new Dr. Strange movie as well. I’m also looking forward to getting back into building LEGO models, which I haven’t had much time for lately, starting with a medieval blacksmith! As the weather gets warmer, I’ll also have to enjoy my balcony more, which might mean getting some new plants and furniture. A new IKEA has opened in downtown Toronto, so I may have to make a trip over there! 

I guess it will be a busy summer, but I hope it won’t be too hot. This week, we’re enjoying sunny days in Toronto with a temperature around 20 degrees, so it’s very pleasant right now. Hopefully, it stays that way for a while!