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Time for a fresh start....in the same blog

2009-04-09T19:32:00.003+10:00

A fresh start. A time to babble some sort of rubbish. Who knows who will ready. Probably no-one, but I don't care. It's a space to just vent, to journal, to explore life....

Easter is already upon us. How fast this year is progressing is unbelievable. Not complaining!

Sigh

2008-12-15T12:23:00.003+11:00

I still don't have a job. I haven't even gotten an interview yet.

I think I need to start looking abroad....

*cries and dies inside*

Concerts, Museums and Formals, oh my!

2008-11-30T19:57:00.002+11:00

The concerts are over. For another year. They went really well, and I have lots of fond memories from them. I will not, however, miss the Sunday morning rehearsals!!

At the Museum, I weighed myself. Apparently I'm the same weight and a baby giraffe!! LOL

I also got to dig up dinosaur bones, dress up as a dinosaur and read dinosaur books. I knew there was a reason you take kids to the museum!!

The year 10 formal was on Friday night, and I was voted Kindest teacher! I was so blown away!! It was a great night. I got to dance and chat and generally have a good time. It was really nice to see the kids in a different light too, and not have to be yelling at them!!

Tomorrow I have off work cause I worked one Saturday. I think I shall pamper myself.

Trivia Facts

2008-11-22T14:41:00.002+11:00

As sad as this may be, these actually piqued my interest.

* When the Eiffel Tower was built in 1884, Parisians referred to it as "the tragic lampost"

* There is more than 25,000km of neon tubing in the signs on the Strip and downtown Las Vegas

* Lizards communicate by doing push-ups

* A newborn hedgehog starts to get their spines within 24hrs of birth

* A skunk can be detected by a human over a kilometer away

1 down, 2 to go

2008-11-20T18:19:00.007+11:00

Last night was the first concert. It was ok considering I really wasn't well enough to be there. I struggled through the first dance, but was ok through the rest. I think the drugs actually kicked in after that!

The night was some sort of hilarious disaster...Laura and I walked into each other in one dance, my necklace chocked me, so I had to move it back around, I almost fell over in a pirouette, one girl fell on her arse, another turned the wrong way, a couple of girls missed their cues (probably cause they missed a lot of classes), and our raffia skirts keep loosing pieces. I'm sure there'll be nothing left of them by the final concert!!

Blergh

2008-11-19T14:16:00.002+11:00

I'm sick. A virus they say. I have a dance concert tonight and can barely muster the energy to empty the dishwasher. *sigh* This is not good.

In other news, I spent a large majority of last night altering costumes after the dress rehearsal where one of my dresses almost fell off!!

I've now applied for 8 or 9 jobs, and have heard nothing. It's not looking good at all. There is a Maths job at the school I'm at, but I'm not really qualified for it. I'll apply, but not sure about it. I probably should have brought what I've already written home so I could spend whatever time I'm awake working on it. But alas, no I didn't. Oh well...

I think I shall go jump back into bed. I must remember to go to the Chemist and get Maxalon (anti nausea drugs) before the concert!

Warning: Rant

2008-11-10T21:27:00.003+11:00

Ok, so I get given raffia to make a skirt and some lycra to use for the waistband with photos of what it should look like. I do it Tuesday and take it in to dancing Wednesday and am told it looks awesome, it's perfect, yada yada yada. Take it to rehearsal Sunday. No comments apart from it's great etc etc etc. Tonight I rock up and everyone else's is completely different to mine, (they have a waistband that goes over the top of the skirt, and mine is a thick band through the skirt so there is raffia at the top too) even though I've been told all along the way that it was what I was supposed to do - it was the same as the photo. I'm rope-able. I cannot believe I was not told sooner. That I now have to go and change it. I'm not unpicking that many lines of stitching. No fucking way. I do not have the time nor the inclination to do that. Especially after no-one bothered to say anything beforehand...and actually no-one said anything to me tonight. I only know cause I saw others. I'm so fucking angry. And to make matters worse, we're still getting bits and pieces for the costumes like headbands etc etc. It's a fucking week before the concert and I'm not a 15 year old girl who can just get her mum to do it. I'm an adult who works full time and who doesn't have a job that just involves going in and coming home. I actually HAVE to bring work home...and it's reports time. 125 reports to write as well. When the hell will I have time to do the extra shit which should have been given out long ago. Costumes should be done and dusted a month before the concert at least. Then alterations can be made if necessary. Now it's too close to the concert. It's a bloody shambles and the owner/teacher of the studio isn't impressed either.

Really, I could keep going, but I know I need to sleep. God damn I'm pissed off.

TGIF!!!!

2008-11-07T12:33:00.001+11:00

The teaching profession is an interesting one

2008-11-06T20:42:00.002+11:00

First period, a student comes in late with a late pass saying 'McDonalds' was his reason for being late! Apparently he was too lazy to write Orthodontist Appointment. *eye roll*

Second period, students work silently while I mark their tests. Another teacher walks in to speak to them about the formal and comments on how lovely they are! Bribery works wonders. :D

Lunch, yard duty, a couple of students have their bags with them (they're not allowed) and almost decided on getting a suspension instead of giving me their name?! Another series of students are imitating whales after an apparently stimulating drama class. Disturbingly, they were quite good at it!

After school, at the local shopping centre, some students see me and stop me to say hi. I see a student who wasn't in class today. She was in school uniform. I quizzed her, she said she'd been at Harrison House (a youth service centre) so didn't pursue it, but advised her to tell welfare so someone knows where she is. She said she'll think about it, and they then proceeded to ask why I was at the shops and read my list!! They're good girls and it's kinda nice that they'll stop me and say hello...

FRIDAY TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Productive

2008-11-04T20:47:00.002+11:00

A productive day indeed.

Finished 3 costumes - Charleston, Slow, the 'I don't think so' costume, and a raffia skirt for the finale. Now I only have a leotard left!!! Concert is in 2 weeks!

I also saw Body of Lies with mum. Really good movie, well done and engaging. It's about a CIA agent who goes undercover in Iraq to capture the head of an Islamic terrorist group. I'm usually not much of a Leonardo DiCaprio fan, but he was good in this and totally believable. IMO anyway. Wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but I'd definitely recommend seeing it!

I spoke to a really good friend tonight! It made my day. I haven't spoken to her for ages and I miss her so very much.

The race that stops a nation

2008-11-04T09:40:00.003+11:00

Melbourne Cup Day today. Melbourne Metro gets a public holiday in honour of the 2min horse race!! Seems ridiculous, but it's true. And yes, I will be watching it. It's sacrilege not to.

Oh how I'm not patient

2008-11-01T18:03:00.002+11:00

We sewed costumes for 4 hours today. We kinda finished 2 costumes, but still have to do a lot to both of them before they could be considered finished. I also have to finish another, and start/finish a leotard. *sigh* I'm so over sewing costumes. Can't they just be done already? Can't they just be easier to construct?

Why can't I be more patient?

Inspiration

2008-10-29T17:29:00.003+11:00

I never thought a Maths PD could be so inspiring. I actually want to teach maths and engage my students in mathematical thinking and reasoning. Perhaps this is because I now have skills which will help me achieve this. Perhaps it's because I could understand it and see how I could apply it to my class, rather than pretending I have a class and having to apply it abstractly. I have another PD on Friday, and I am desperately hoping it is as good!!

My exam was last night. I answered all questions, but not sure I actually applied my knowledge in the best possible way. I think I may have passed, but I'm quite unsure. A lot of my fellow classmates were feeling quite similar to me, which I perceive to be a good sign! I'm going to miss some of the people in that class, but I also know I'll keep in contact with those I wish. At the end of the class, one guy said he was surprised and really touched that people were willing to share their experiences to enhance the understanding of others. It was definitely a great group of people and I learnt a lot. /soppy

Dancing tonight. :D

Eeeek!

2008-10-28T13:52:00.004+11:00

I have an exam tonight. So much has been happening that I have done very little study. *scared* Apparently it's not very long, so at least that's in my favour. I did look at it this morning, so hopefully I'll know enough to get 40% on the exam.

Today I've also updated my resume. Now I need to tackle the selection criteria for a job I have found. I shall do that tonight, if my exam finishes early-ish. Otherwise I shall be doing it tomorrow and tomorrow night. The application is due Friday. I really just need to find what I wrote on my application for this job and change it a bit to reflect all the skills I have learned and things I have done this year. It'll be a decent amount of work, but seriously, I just need to do it.

Last night I got home from work at 6.40pm-ish after an anaphalyxis, CPR and Epipen training course. I went to bed at 7....and woke up at 6.30 this morning!! :o I was planning on going to dancing last night, but come my alarm at 7.30, I just couldn't get out of bed. I was way too exhausted!! Yay for good sleeps!

Fuck, life sucks sometimes

2008-10-26T22:00:00.002+11:00

Saturday...at work volunteering to help out with the testing for the year 7s coming next year. Principal tells me that it's unlikely there will be a position for me next year. No job. She said that if there is a position, their intentions would be to roll me over, but there isn't any...unless someone they don't yet know about decides to leave. *cry* *cry* *cry* I love this school, the staff, the students. I have support and friends. I have to start again. I have to find a job. I don't know that I can do this. WTF is life so fucking hard for some and easy as shit for others. *grumble*

Saturday afternoon improved with the company of Yana and the purchase of tap shoes! :D Yes, I'm learning to tap!! I also went out to a great trivia night Saturday, followed by a quiet late night watching of Two and a Half Men.

This morning I had dancing at 9am. GAH!! I need more coffee next week! It was good though, and I actually got to see my dance in a space that is stage size, as opposed to the side of a hall. *shrug* It worked too!!! :D Bloody lucky really, considering the concert is in 3 weeks!

After an extended break...

2008-10-24T13:14:00.002+11:00

I have decided to return. Renee has inspired the blogging Katie. :)

I have nothing to say.

Wait.

WTF do I always get extras when I want to do something?! What's with that?

And WTF does everything happen at once?! I have a million things to do this weekend and all I want to do is sleep!

/rant

Now I shall eat....

Odie as a HotDog

2008-05-28T17:45:00.000+10:00

moar funny pictures

Harumph

2008-05-06T14:59:00.003+10:00

When will this week be over?

Canoeing

2008-04-22T19:57:00.004+10:00

Today was the year 8 outdoor ed excursion to Lillydale Lake to go canoeing and kayaking.

The lake itself is used widely by local community groups and the public. It's about 28 hectares, and is situated within a 100 hectare parkland. It is an absolutely beautiful space. We utilized the mini-beach area as a base and docking point.

The students participated in both canoeing and kayaking, doing one in the morning and swapping in the afternoon. I was all ready to go, however there weren't enough canoes or kayaks for me to get out onto the water, so I spent the day strolling around the lovely parkland and sunning myself. It was quite entertaining to watch the students capsize and fall into the freezing water!! I am however, absolutely exhausted. Crowd control is so much more difficult on an excursion than in the classroom, despite being one of three teachers.

Tomorrow is pancake breakfast!!

Thank God It's Friday

2008-04-11T22:27:00.000+10:00

Now I can sleep. Lots.

High School Musical....The Ice Tour

2008-04-06T17:15:00.011+10:00

Yesterday Kahlee, Nick and I went to High School Musical on ice. I was pretty impressed with the way the each show was condensed into 50min - the first half was High School Musical, and after interval, High School Musical 2. I was not so impressed with the average age of the crowd, which was brought up only by the sheer number of parents required to bring and supervise their offspring. I did however think all the kids singing along were very cute, as with the little girls in EHS Cheerleading Outfits with pom-poms. Awwwwwwwww

Rumor has it

2008-04-04T21:14:00.006+11:00

Rumor has it Janet Jackson will commence her tour sometime in September. Fingers crossed she stops in Australia.

What a week, what a week, what a very good week!

2008-04-04T11:21:00.025+11:00

What a wonderful week!

I saw Maroon 5 on Sunday night, courtesy of Kahlee , which was fantastic! *grin* Greatest birthday present! Their supporting acts were One Republic and Brandi Carlile, which were also brilliant. Both Brandi Carlile and One Republic had cellists whom were amazing. The cellist for One Republic was so versatile and it was clear how much he loved his music! I could have sat and watched him for hours!

Monday was spent relaxing with an hour long back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by lunch in the Dandenong Ranges (next to a fireplace, of course!) and shopping with Kahlee. The weather wasn't the best, but the day certainly was!

Wednesday was the Celine Dion concert. OMG! She was AMAZING and SPECTACULAR! I still cannot believe I went and saw her. Every song, every movement was just awe inspiring. She is simply one of the greatest voices of our time. Her dancers were sensational, as was expected. There were a few guys who flipped out of nowhere, which was just awesome to watch! Anthony Callea was her supporting act, and was also extremely good. Celine, however, was just mind blowing!

Thursday was a busy but good day, consisting of a nice simple breakfast in the city and lots of shopping at Chadstone Shopping Centre. Kahlee, Nick and I went to Build-A-Bear and enjoyed creating our very own, very adorable bears! Koko Black was also on our to-do-list, and was simply extravagant. The mousse martini and ice-cream martini's came out with chocolate spirals and all sorts of other chocolate toppings. Unfortunately none of us could finish due to the richness of the desserts. Very much recommended for the chocolate lover, however.

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T20:35:00.004+11:00

All my lights are off. Actually everything is off. I'm currently running my laptop off battery (which I know had to be charged at some stage) and sitting in a room lit with candles. I'm enjoying it. Just sitting here listening to music, played through my laptop.

I think it should be longer than an hour, but I also believe this is a good start, a stepping stone to bigger and better things. We need to do more, now.

My amphibian friend

2008-03-23T11:08:00.003+11:00

Found a frog in our pond today!!

Step Up 2: The Streets

2008-03-22T19:39:00.005+11:00

Loosely follows on from the previous movie in that it follows the story of a grown up Andie (Briana Evigan) (Tyler Gage's (Channing Tatum) younger sister in the first movie). It explores the trials and tribulations of Andie's attempt to fit in both at the Maryland School of Arts, and with her street crew, the 410.

While at MSA, Andie hooks up with Chase (Robert Hoffman), the MSA director's brother and most popular student. They set up their own crew after Andie is booted from the 410 for missing a number of rehearsals and attending MSA. The MSA crew eventually battle at 'the streets' competition, despite the very clear disapproval from the school.

I would give this film 4 stars out of 5. It's entertaining, the music is awesome, and the dancing is mind-blowing!!

Thank God for the internet!

2008-03-18T18:33:00.003+11:00

Am at work, at parent/teacher interviews, and, well, here. No interviews for at least another 15 mins, if they turn up. Have had a couple stand me up so far.

Hand is healing, sorta. The current X-Rays show no change, which is good. Means it hasn't moved! The doc took the plaster off and now it's just bandaged. She said the plaster was just for extra support, but it's ok for me to use my wrist and move my fingers. And now I can shower without a plastic bag over my arm! Woot!

School finishes this week! I have one more day of work, a whole day conference, and then I'm done for 2 weeks!

Not much else is happening. Sadly.

Advertisment lmao

2008-03-12T14:03:00.002+11:00

This is currently my favourite ad!

For some reason I can't embed anything, so just click on the link!

Day 1 off work

2008-03-11T18:08:00.000+11:00

Today was my first day off work. I went into work to hand in forms, walked home (30-40mins), corrected a few assignments, checked my email, fluffed around, read a bit of a book (can't remember what it's called), watched Oprah and caught public transport to see my doctor! My doctor re-bandaged my arm and was suitably impressed with my ability to injure myself so severely simply by walking! Ok, so I'm supposed to be resting, but I seriously can't! Tomorrow will be more relaxing.

I ordered the Anastasia/Thumbelina double DVD pack last week and it arrived today! Good timing for my more relaxing day tomorrow!

A day out

2008-03-09T20:04:00.003+11:00

This afternoon we went to the famous Beechworth Bakery, and even though it was the Healesville store, it was still really good. I ordered the Death By Chocolate slice and a coffee thickshake. Both were excellent but I wouldn't want to do it everyday....or even every week. On the way home we stopped at Ringwood Lake for a nice stroll.

I'm still struggling to do everything, though some things are getting a little easier. I'm starting to plan my week. I'm already bored at home and it's Sunday.....augh!! At least public transport kills time!! So sad!

Ouch!!

2008-03-07T16:25:00.004+11:00

I slipped and fell at work and have now fractured my middle bone in my hand (the one that extends down from my middle finger). Work Cover claim and a week or more off work. I am absolutely gutted. I actually love my job and the kids and I know I will just be bored at home. I will be able to catch up on sleep though! The nurse at work was/is wonderful and she let me cry and just sit for ages and she took care of me so well. It was what I really needed.

Can't drive atm either. So annoying. Hopefully by the end of next week it'll be feeling a bit better!!

A new TV addiction

2008-03-04T19:45:00.003+11:00

I never thought I'd enjoy it, but Women's Murder Club is good. It's a bizarre mix of Law and Order and Sex and the City (sorta). Plus the main cast is women! Yay for that!

Still stuck on So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Think I always will be! Although I don't understand why they have the need to create new dance styles. What the **** is Swap, Animation Hip Hop and Contemporary Disco? Huh? Crazy people.

My kids have started noticing my obvious use of pink on a daily basis! The girls think it's funny. The boys don't really care.

Working Hard

2008-03-03T12:05:00.003+11:00

Sitting in the lecture theatre with my year 10 students. We just finished watching an old documentary called "The Fight To Be Male" on genetics, and are now watching Mythbusters. It seriously sucks to be a teacher sometimes. :) (The worst thing is needed to pee badly and not being able to!)

The weekend was awesome. I slept all day Saturday, quite literally, and mooched around Sunday. Unproductive, but very relaxing and much needed. I did manage to do some cooking, which was good.

Here's to the last 5 day week before holidays!

Thank christ it's friday

2008-02-29T12:38:00.001+11:00

I just want to sleep.

Cosmopolitans = Hangover

2008-02-23T21:03:00.004+11:00

Last night I stayed at my friends David and Alli's after having a lovely dinner and a few too many Cosmopolitans and other assorted cocktail concoctions! I had such a wonderful night and haven't had so much fun in a long time! We played a rather interesting game of Trivial Pursuit whilst downing much alcohol, and followed it up with a few games on the Nintendo Wii. Needless to say, the activities got harder and harder with the increasing amount of alcohol (and chocolate) consumed!

This morning proved to be interesting, after a night of lying in bed after using the toilet countless times and wishing the room would stop spinning! I was surprisingly well after some much needed Vegemite on bread and coffee! I'm still feeling quite seedy....

Today, after a slow start, proved to be quite fun. I went shopping with Yvette in the morning

and spent the afternoon with some of my extended family. It was quite lovely! Whilst shopping I found the perfect accessory for my MacBook. A pink protective cover! And thanks to my grandfather, and a recent birthday for that one!

So You Think You Can Dance....Australia

2008-02-18T20:01:00.003+11:00

I'm addicted. It's the first nomination/elimination week. I don't really have a favourite yet. I like Demi, Khaly, Anthony, Hilton, JD, Rhiannon and Kassy. The rest are fine, but I'm not so sure I like Courtney. *shrug* I'm not sure yet.

Speaking of dance. I taught the inters tonight. With the inters and seniors combined I will have about 22 or 23 people on stage. Eeeeeeek. That's a lot of dancers on a very small stage. I will make it work. Just need to get smart and do group work... Need to work on that! We did the costuming tonight - black trackies, fluro singlet, white (or graffiti pattern) vest & a bandana. I'm looking forward to it!

Anyways, Courtney has been voted off and so has Khaly. Happy about Courtney. SOOOOO upset that Khaly has gone. I love his style! *sigh* Probably should have voted. *shrug* Bring on the rest of the season!

D Day

2008-02-15T18:17:00.003+11:00

Today is the day my brother moved out of home and onto campus at his university.

I've spoken to him and he's happy. Half sloshed and happy. I, on the other hand, am ecstatic. I have already cleaned to entire upstairs and bathroom. So happy to be clean again!

TGI Friday!

I'm looking forward to a very relaxing weekend.....

Addicted

2008-02-12T20:18:00.001+11:00

I am addicted to Mahjong.

It's sad. But true....

Where the hell did the weekend go?

2008-02-10T17:04:00.000+11:00

My first weekend at home since starting full-time work. Where the hell did it go? It's not supposed to go that quickly!!

Saturday consisted of appointments and shopping with mum....I got a towel and a maths game I can get the kids to do if they finish early. It's quite a lot of fun actually!

Sunday consisted of doing all the chores and shopping with mum.....I got more towels and a cute top that I can wear any season! Mum and I had San Churro hot chocolate today whilst shopping. TOO much chocolate. Never again. I couldn't finish the mocha shake, and we couldn't finish the dark chocolate mousse cake we shared. TOO rich. Nice, but rich.

Sleepy. My body clock seems to be set for 7am, which I woke up at today without an alarm. VERY annoying!

Work tomorrow! :)

School

2008-02-07T19:44:00.000+11:00

School. All day, every day. I love it! I love the kids, I love the school, my colleagues, the content. I really am as happy as a pig in mud!

Today we started Genetics. My talkative class were essentially silent. Asked excellent questions (which I should have noted but didn't) and were thinking at or above the level they are at! Yay! I also had an extra...for a music class....and was supervising a student teacher! Boy do I feel old and experienced! hehe

Nothing terribly interesting has happened at school. No interesting remarks or questions from students as yet.

My brother moves out to uni next Friday. So excited. I'll be able to clean upstairs and keep it clean! Woot!

SO tired.....

Sydney and the central coast in a weekend

2008-02-04T18:30:00.000+11:00

Friday

My birthday! Spent the day at school and enjoyed every minute of it, as I seem to be doing at the moment. I left straight from school and went to the airport to catch my flight to Sydney! The flight was good and I slept most of the way. My driver in Sydney didn't know where the hotel I was staying at was, which was interesting, but he soon found it and I was soon settling in. Having dinner with Robyn was definitely the highlight of my night. We had some great Thai food, followed by a delicious mud cake Robyn bought for me for my birthday! We spoke non-stop for hours I think. It was so great to finally meet her, and I really enjoyed her company on my birthday. Great birthday in all!

Saturday

Kahlee and Nick picked me up from the hotel at about 7.30 so we could check into Star City and go off for bre

akfast. SO good to see her again!! Kahlee and I walked into to city and caught a bus out to Paddington to meet Krissy for breakfast in a very lovely little cafe. After breakfast we strolled around a local market, at which I bought some earrings. Krissy kindly dropped us back in the city and we did some shopping and made our way back to Star City to pick up the car for a drive out to Bondi. The GPS navigator got us lost so many times. I'm sure it had no idea where we actually wanted to go (to the point where our nicknames are now Paris (Kahlee) and Nicole (me)). We did a bit of shopping, walked along the beach and grabbed some lunch before we headed back to the hotel, where we had a spa and a nap before our big night. After a lovely spa and much needed sleep, we primped and pampered ourselves to go to the Hilary Duff concert with Tanya and Robyn. It was awesome! We were sitting and eating prior to the concert when a girl walked past, whom we all thought needed extra length on her dress....anyway, it turns out it was Ricki Lee Coultar who was her supporting act.

She was really quite good. Her wardrobe was possibly not the greatest choice as she kept hiking up her dress and I think we even saw nipple at one stage! Hilary was really entertaining and I would love some of her costumes! It did, however, take us over 30mins to get out of the actual carpark!

Sunday

After a late night we were up at 5am to ensure we could get out to Newcastle and back before my flight home left. I tried checking in at 5am and accidently chose the "Yes, I am carrying dangerous goods" option, and couldn't continue the check in which meant I had to be at the counter an hour before my flight instead of 30mins. Stupid! Anyway, we got off early, stopping for coffee and food along the way, and made it to Newcastle by about 8.30am.

This was amazing within itself. The GPS decided to take us in circles until we defied it and went straight! Newcastle was very beautiful, and it was lovely to see the central coast and meet some of Kahlee's family. The kids were adorable! From there we travelled out to Salamander Bay to see friends of Kahlee and Nick's who have just had a baby boy. Again, a great family, and a great time. We chose not to use the GPS on the way back and I'm convinced it was much easier! We stopped half way again for a much needed walk, stretch and food. We managed to get decent food at a little cafe-type place, where Kahlee and I had a roast dinner and Nick had a sandwhich/burger thing! We even managed to get back to the Airport by 8pm for check-in. The guy at the check-in counter didn't even ask me questions or check my bag! I slept the whole flight home and fell into bed when I finally did get home. Odie was super excited to see me, to the point that he didn't even bark when my driver came to the door!!

Monday

Back to school today. Was incredibly hard getting up, but after coffee and some fresh air, I was fine! Really enjoyed the day, but the staff meeting was less than exciting. And now I am going to bed!!

First Day of Classes

2008-01-31T17:45:00.000+11:00

Today was the first day of classes for me. I had 2 year 10 science classes and yard duty. The science was fine. The first class was a bit rowdy, but it was directly after they received their lockers, timetables, and had their assembly. The second class was beautiful. In both classes I wanted to use a projector, however we had no power in the classroom, except lights which are on a different circuit. I emailed the maintenance guy, and he thinks there was a trip in there. Awesome. So I had to think on my feet and I just wrote the stuff on the board. I still don't have photocopy credit either. Tomorrow I hope! Yard Duty was long, and it seemed even longer considering the rain and general weather gloom. So far I have really enjoyed it all, and it doesn't even seem weird that I'm in the classroom without any other teacher! I am wrecked though. SO tired. Just want to go to bed now.

This weekend I'm in Sydney, and simply cannot wait. I leave straight from work tomorrow for the airport, and return late Sunday night. SO excited.

Desks, Stationery and Meetings, Oh My!!

2008-01-29T17:15:00.000+11:00

Today marked the beginning of the school year, for teachers anyway. It was filled with meetings, photos, preparation and receiving stationery, filling desks and having a laugh over lunch. It is *so* nice to be in such a lovely school and working with such wonderful people. Just about every staff member I have met so far is overly helpful and willing to give their resources to help! It's wonderful. And I feel so very comfortable there. It's almost like home already! Oooo, and I had to answer the phone in the staff room. I felt very big! LOL

Tomorrow the year 7, 11 and 12 students begin, and the rest of the school on Thursday. I need to prepare lessons for Thursday and Friday. I have no idea what I am going to do with them. The room I'm in for year 10 Science severely lacks technology, so that could be interesting! I will find something. Worksheets may be the solution!

Ahoy Me Pirates and Wenches

2008-01-27T10:14:00.000+11:00

Last night was Alli's Pirate and Wench party! *So* much fun! We had rum punch, drumsticks, fish fingers, palm tree cake, and the best part was it was dress up! *squee* Sadly, no-one came as Johnny Depp. Sing Star became a main attraction some time after 10pm with all the rising stars taking part, whilst the rest of us sat, watched and enjoyed the drunken entertainment!

Today is my last day at EzyDvd. Whilst I'm sad at the farewell to the friends I have made, I am super excited to finally get out of retail and begin my career. I am, however, considering watching Pirates of the Caribbean as an ode to last night! Arrrrh!

A teacher

2008-01-26T12:49:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was orientation at the school I will be working at. So exciting. We got all the boring, but important things - School Charter, Welfare and Discipline policy, Frameworks, School Rules - and some more exciting things like our desks, timetable and we were shown how to use the very exciting coffee machine!!! Yes, there is a coffee machine in the main staff room, complete with 2 types of coffee (weak or strong) and steamed milk for only a 50c honesty donation. I think I will be in heaven! Our Learning Area staff rooms also each have microwaves, a fridge, an urn, a flatbed sandwich press, couches, and possibly a dishwasher!

Aside from all that, I really truly believe I will be entering the right job for me. The others I was speaking to were all very nervous, but I'm not. I'm excited. I'm unsure as to whether that is a good thing or not, but for now I'm looking at the positives of it all!

We officially start Tuesday with a day full of various meetings and info sessions. Students start Wednesday or Thursday (depending on what year they're in) and the first week is on an alternate timetable so all students will meet each of their teachers within the first day of school. Otherwise, there is 4 periods a day - 2 long (90mins) and 2 short (45mins).

I am now enjoying my long weekend before the chaos begins!!!!!

Coffee, movies and dancing

2008-01-24T20:54:00.000+11:00

So today started out with a wake up text and continued into a rather fine day.

Catching up with Nat is always a joy. Stories of our adventures are always fun to remember, and speculation into our new adventures can be equally as fun! And of course coffee and underwear shopping cannot be beaten, especially with friends!

Sweeny Todd *finally* came out today. Such a good movie. The cinematography and score were fantastic, and, as all Burton movies are, was intensely entertaining. Add to this Helena Bonham-Carter and Johnny Depp. *drool* The amount of blood is quite disturbing, but is quite well done with snippets of humour intertwined. I would have to agree with most of the critics in giving this movie 4.5 stars!!

Dancing was on the cards for tonight. I rocked up thinking I was doing Vince's class, and was surprised to see another teacher, but was not disappointed. The routine was *hot*. Loved it. Totally different style than other classes I do. More poppin' n' lockin' than anything else. Made me think and sweat. Good class.

Tomorrow is orientation at the school. Looking forward to it!

Why?

2008-01-23T12:30:00.000+11:00

I woke up to the news that Heath Ledger was found dead in his Soho apartment by his housekeeper. I shed a tear and messaged everyone I knew who would be equally as devastated. Even dad was upset, and he very rarely even knows who is who! I have been watching FOX News and Sky News Australia all morning. I think this is something I will be keeping informed about.

2008.....

2008-01-21T13:04:00.001+11:00

2008. A new year. New beginnings.

My "resolution" for this year is to try new things. To experience things I never have and to live life while I can. And considering it's now almost February, I have actually begun this resolution.

I start a new job as a Science and Maths teaching next week. Boy has that come around fast! I'm incredibly nervous, yet excited. It will be challenging, and I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I'm looking forward to starting. To being "grown-up" and having an income!!

Have been asked to teach Hip-Hop classes again this year and the school I dance at which is very exciting. I am now deciding whether to integrate the two classes and have one routine, or choreograph 2 routines. One might be easier and less time consuming, but definitely not as challenging or as exciting!

We shall see what the year ahead brings...