New Years Eve

Well the end of a decade is quickly nearing. I wonder if in some ways this has prompted me to do some much needed spring cleaning! I have managed to bundle no fewer than five bags of clothing (mine and my husband's) and I still have a couple more drawers to go through! I suppose I have held on to a lot of these clothes for a variety of reasons, though now I am taking a different approach to keeping items.

I will be sure to take some time to quietly think about my goals for 2010. Resolutions are not really my thing. I already exercise, I don't drink a lot and I don't have any vices so I don't really need to resolve to live a healthy life.

I do wish all of you a very Happy New Year! I hope that in the last few hours of 2009, you take time to reflect on the decade that has been. Remember that we cannot change the past. We should spend less time living in the past and worrying about the future, because we end up losing today!

I suppose that I have some wonderful memories of the 'noughties' - I worked in three amazing schools in that time. I married my wonderful husband, became an aunty. I think I was a bridesmaid about 6 times as well! Made lots of wonderful friends. Went to Vietnam and had the privilege of working with children who were orphaned or with profound needs. I learn't to ski, learn't to abseil and do a high ropes course! I travelled overseas five times in the decade and interstate quite a few times as well! Was evacuated from Lebanon by HMS Gloucester - a Navy warship. My husband was elected to local government and established his own business. It has been a huge decade. I think our family, on reflection has seen much happiness in this decade and I hope and pray that we have continued good health, happiness and prosperity.

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas friends! Am watching the carols now, before mass. A tradition that i wish to preserve forever! I hope that your Christmas is filled with much joy! While it is great to celebrate with family and friends, please remember to keep in your thoughts and prayers, those who do not have any family or friends. Those who don't have anywhere to go tomorrow. Those who - for whatever reason, are without hope. This is the season for hope. Let's keep those less fortunate in our prayers.

I hope your day is filled with wonderful and beautiful moments so that you can cherish them forever!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

This lovely handmade decoration is from Peru. The women who make decorations like this one are supported by the Sisters of Mercy. The money made from these gifts helps to sustain family incomes and support their families where no income exists. I love to support these women. I think their work is second to none and it values their skills and talents!

This is a brown paper bag (not quite a stocking) that contains gifts for my brothers in law and their girlfriends. This will be the first Christmas where none of my husband's brothers will be in Australia. One works in Dubai as does his girlfriend. The other is visiting with his girlfriend. It would have been good to spend Christmas with all of them but I wish them all the best!

Holidays!

How wonderful! The school year is over and we have just over five weeks to enjoy peace, quiet, family, friends, books, and whatever else takes our fancy!

Yesterday we finished with a lovely mass, followed by gift giving and a wonderful lunch with the entire staff! It was a wonderful occasion - the opportunity to sit with colleagues for a couple of hours and just talk. Talk without being interrupted by bells or for requests of any description! I didn't stay out after lunch. I was tired and was actually craving some time away from everybody and time with my husband. So, I went home and Mark and I went out to dinner to a local Thai restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Needless to say I was asleep from about 7:30pm last night! I quite enjoyed the 11 hours of sleep! Am looking forward to going for a long run now and then to finish the Christmas shopping! Have a lovely day!

Summer is in the air

I really love this time of year for a number of reasons. I love Summer - it is my favourite season. It is light, it is warm and because the school year ends, we spend much of Summer on holidays! I also love this time of year because we are moving closer to Christmas. I always have mixed feelings at this time of year, but for the first time this year, I am trying to keep very upbeat. I love the celebrations with family and friends. I love the liturgies at Church and in particular the beautiful classical music inspired by the coming of and the birth of Jesus. I love the simplicity of the season and I love to be able to help those who could never give me anything in return. That is what I really love about Christmas. What I don't like about this time of year is the excessive marketing of a religious season. It infuriates me that the 'image' of Christmas is about how the table is decorated, the size of the gifts, the clothing that one wears, the amount of food on the table... the 'image' construed by the marketing people in no way bears any resemblance to the season. Having worked for charity organisations in the past and continuing to assist where I can, I know how these images of Christmas can make those already living on the poverty line, feel stress and anxiety about the season.

This year, I have tried to not let the corporatisation of Christmas bother me so much. I am doing this, because I feel that the anxiety it causes me doesn't necessarily help to change the situation. I realise that I need to continue as I always have, trying to be an example of what Christmas really means. As imperfect a person as I am, I am enjoying Advent and preparing for Christmas. I hope that your preparations are going well!

It's almost Summer

Well, I can't even begin to cover all that has happened in the past few weeks. I am loving the fact my tomatoes are growing and I think I have won the latest in the battle with the aphids. The tarragon is looking very healthy and so is the dill, coriander and the leeks!

We have had numerous hot spells interspersed with cooler and humid days. I certainly hope that my plants will continue to thrive!

I am (still) reading "The Housekeeper and the Professor", a great novel that I have had to put down (reluctantly) in order to edit report comments, prepare for compliance, hsc marking etc etc etc. I hope to finish it today.

The other thing I have to do today is housework. Well, I'd best get to it.

Enjoy your weekend!

Authority

Good to see Malcolm take the reigns of the party. Press Conference is a success. I hope that the reported "spill" doesn't eventuate into anything other than a few over zealous pollies blowing off steam. Will be very annoyed if we are catapaulted into political siberia!!!

November

Wow, I know this isn't much of a revelation, but it is the first of November! I cannot believe how quickly the year has passed. At present I am enjoying the last of the sunlight. Went for a one hour run today, a one hour weights session and one hour of yoga, to compensate for all of the inactivity of sitting and marking papers in the coming week. Don't know if it works that way though!

Am still reading The Housekeeper and the Professor. It is going to take me a little while to finish as I had to put it aside to do some other work related reading.

Plants are growing and am really enjoying the verandah.

Tonight I am going to do some Christmas planning!

Have a lovely weekend

Well, this week has proven to be incredibly busy. I have found much of it extraordinarily busy in the sense that I have had a contract renewal (yes I have a job for three more years) run a professional development afternoon for teachers, attended the College Musical and done a whole host of other things that just appeared! I love that element of my job - the different things I get invited to do or to contribute to -

HSC marking commences tomorrow morning. I hope to find some time for rest. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Plants and Food

Well I have finally had an opportunity to take some photos of my growing garden and of my weekend breakfast meals.

These are photos of the main balcony of our apartment.

tomatoes

tarragon

leeks and the far black pot has coriander

basil and dill

Orchids, Japonaica, Tomatoes and Tarragon in this photo

Tarragon

I am so excited. Saw little purple buds on my Polygana X Damaisiana

Our outdoor table setting.

Friday on my mind

Well the end of week one of term four has arrived! It has been an action packed week at school and I am now looking forward to taking things slowly (as much as that is a possibility) over the weekend. I plan on doing a lot of reading, gardening and cooking. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

To work, to work...

Well today marked the second day back to school. I truly cannot believe how quickly this year has passed. In 8 short weeks, our students will have finished their studies for the year, and will enjoy a long break before the new school year in 2010. It has been a busy but very inspiring beginning to the school term. Yesterday was the first day back for staff. It was a staff development day, meaning we had a day of professional development for staff. I was one of the creators and facilitators of the day. I truly love working on curriculum development and pedagogy. A colleague and friend, Penny and I worked on creating the focus of the day and we were so thrilled to have a wonderful guest speaker, Ruth Targett, to deliver the keynot address. Without a doubt, she is one of the best speakers and most highly regarded educators I have had the pleasure of working with. She has some great insights in the way teachers can differentiate curriculum to make it relevant and accessible to students. The best part of the day though, was the fact that some of our talented teachers led different sessions. It was fantastic! I read over the evaluations today, with Penny and with our boss and the evaluations were overwhelmingly positive.

I hope this sets the tone for the term...I have such an amazing staff and was so incredibly proud of them and their efforts! I see great things for many of them!

The other part of my day involved chairing the first meeting of my third term as Alumnae President of my high school. The committee has grown significantly. I loved it because we have now created a new award and it gives me an opportunity to work with the Principal who is one of the people I respect most in education.

Food and Friends

I have been really blessed this week with opportunities to catch up with friends over some lovely meals in lovely places in Sydney. On Tuesday night I went to Newtown for thai at my favourite Thai restaurant there - Thai Pothong. My dear friend Penny and I shared a couple of great entrees - Papaya Salad, Scallops and then a couple of mains - Green Chicken Curry and a dish of Green Vegetables. The food, needless to say was delicious! Mind you the Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, went quite well with the food and really complemented the dishes!

The restaurant has grown incredibly over the last few years. It has continued to expand in size and now boasts a gift shop as well! It still retains the lovely ambience and the staff are all very friendly.

It is well lit, but no with hideous flourescent lighting. There is quite a lot of Thai art that adorns the walls. It really does create a gorgeous ambience. We had a wonderful dinner and then went to Kuletos, a regular haunt of mine when I was a university student in the '90's for cocktails. The evening was so enjoyable! It was great to be able to catch up with a work colleague I can honestly call a friend.

Last night, I had dinner with my cousin George. He is one of the most inspiring and hard working teachers I know. He is also incredibly generous with his time and his knowledge is deep. We started with drinks at Clock Tower at Surry Hills and then went to Pizza e Birra. If you have never been to Pizza e Birra, it is an Italian restaurant in one of my favourite suburbs in Surry Hills. The pizzas really are something else! Dessert was some delicious cannolli filled with ricotta. Mmmm. Afterwards we went to another good place for a drink - The White Horse. Again it was a really enjoyable night and I suppose that both of these wonderful meals got me thinking about the importance of food in bringing together friends. The relaxed way in which we come together to share a meal is so simple, yet provides so much sustenance. It gives us an opportunity to nourish our friendships (as well as satisfy our appetites)

I truly believe that I exercise the way that I do (I did a 10km run before dinner yesterday) so that I can eat delicious food. I am quite happy about that arrangement, because I do have quite an insatiable appetite for good food, whether it be at a restaurant or a home cooked meal. I think I could be characterised as one of those people who dreams about the delicious meal that they will have and uses that as inspiration!

Good times aplenty

Well today (and yesterday) have proven to be wonderful days. Hours and hours spent potting plants, sowing seeds and rearranging the layout of the plants and furniture on the balconies has taken a lot of time. I have to say though, it does look great~ photos to come.

There really is great satisfaction in planting vegetables and herbs, as well as gorgeous plants. I am going to pick some tarragon and make a delicious french chicken dish for dinner.

Yesterday evening, I went to see Julie and Julia, a delightful film about my favourite topic - food!

It was lovely to be able to see it with a close friend who is also a great cook and is as passionate about food as I am!

Tonight I had dinner with another gorgeous friend. We has Thai at a beautiful place in Newtown, Thai Pothong. We followed with cocktails at Kuletos. Such a great time with friends over the last couple of days.

Cooking, eating, gardening, socialising and reading...I truly feel blessed. I hope your days are good ones too!

Orchids in abundance

Well, I had my very first go at separating orchids today. I am not sure how successful I have been, but with the advice my dear mum gave me, as well as the countless youtube videos that gardening enthusiasts and specialists have uploaded, regarding this very topic, I feel a little less nervous about the whole endeavour. I initially began with I think five pots of orchids. I now have nine pots of orchids. I was thinking, that if they continue to look healthy and flower, they will make more bulbs and I will have more separating to do - which means (hopefully) gifts for friends! I will wait and see. I want to make sure I have done it right, but am also excited at the prospect of giving orchids away as gifts (especially if I have grown them)

I have cleaned all of the dust from one of the balconies now. I had to mop a couple of times to really get the dust out of there. It took me forever (and it's only a small balcony)

It is the balcony that opens out from our bedroom. I am thinking about what I will put out on that balcony - Perhaps some orchids? Although I have a few other plants that I am growing here as well. In any case, I need to get ready to go and see that wonderful culinary movie (I hope) Julie and Julia!

Spring gardening delights!

Well, today has been a great morning so far! My gorgeous husband and I went for a wonderful walk through Carss Park and followed it up with a coffee. It was great to see all the sailing boats, as well as the early morning runners and walkers! I have been working hard to reorganise both balonies of our apartment. I promise I will upload some photos later. I am in the process of planting and transplanting plants into larger pots. I was very excited to see that the Oriental Lilly produced a little shoot. I have to go back to the nursery to purchase more potting mix and I need to find another stand as well.

I love school holidays! I get the opportunity to just spend time gardening, which I love doing as well as cooking and reading! I was quite pleased that I reorganised the linen cupboard yesterday.

After the balconies, I am going to the movies to see Julie and Julia with a dear friend.

Am still thinking about establishing a food blog.

A lovely Spring break!

My husband and I have just returned from a few days up the mid-north coast of NSW. We spent time swimming, walking, eating and just enjoying the time together. We took some great photos and I will post some soon. My sister and her family also holidayed in the same place - Port Macquarie. We had dinner together each night. We ate at two lovely restaurants and it was truly a wonderful time to just relax and enjoy each other's company. I was particularly impressed with my gorgeous little niece, who was so well behaved. She just amazed me with her manners and etiquette - something I think is absent in a lot of adults. It is good to see that our future generation are aware of manners and etiquette. She is only three - no tantrums, no squealing. She was so beautifully behaved.

Mark and I took some lovely photos - we wanted to capture some of the elements we didn't capture, the last time we were there.

Today, before we left, we went to the Farmers' Market which was great! Of course, I can't bear to miss a moment to meet farmers and find out about their produce. I purchased some delicious cold pressed olive oil, mixed berry jam, Queensland Blue pumpkin, potatoes (brushed) , mediterranean chutney and tomato relish. I really believe that food that is not mass produced, or fresh produce that hasn't been sitting in refrigeration for a few weeks, tastes so much better!

Tonight I used the wonderful olive oil in a french inspired meal I prepared for Mark and I.

We also visited one of my favourite wineries in NSW - Cassegrains. I purchased a number of red wines and verjuice. If you have not used verjuice in your cooking - then spend a little bit of time with me and I will show you just how versatile it can be and how much depth it adds to your cooking.

Finally, I have also made some plans to continue to add to my garden. More on that in the coming blogs. Needless to say, I have decided that it is time to create a garden that moves beyond my orchids, succulents and ferns, to really embracing an edible garden.

A new blog

I have long thought about establishing a blog dedicated to all things food and drink. This is largely because I love to cook. I am trying to think of what to call it. I think it will be dedicated to not only my own culinary abilities, but also my experiences at food markets, reviewing new products, cooking courses and festivals! Stay tuned!

October Long Weekend

Well the school holidays are well and truly here. There is always a sure sign of the impact that the school term has had on me, and how this will influence the holidays. Today I woke up with a sore throat - now yes, I did cheer quite loudly for the Melbourne Storm, however, that was not the reason. It has been an incredibly long term. Long in the sense that it was 10 weeks, but truly busy. I really needed to draw on physical, emotional and mental agility to get through parts of it. I always find that the crazy-busy-frenetic moments are fine... until the school holidays. The holidays are a time when my body just stops and I sleep a lot (which I have done over the weekend) and occasionally get a sore throat (which I am trying to fight off!)

In any case, it will be a time for quiet. A time to clean thoroughly - to give clothes and extras away. A time to rest, to sleep, to do nothing, to swim, to run...to plant and to cultivate.

Spring Break...almost

Well today is the first day in months that I have come home and not had too many pressing deadlines to meet. I have things to do tonight, but am relishing the fact that I don't have to set my alarm for 3:15am and get up and work. I don't often do this, but last night I went to bed at 12:30am and woke at 3:15am. I did get a lot of work done! Not sure how the PM does it each night though.

Today was a good one though...got through lots of work and was able to engage in a few meetings. Today, was a hazy day. Some truly amazing dust storms swept across Sydney. It was like a scene out of Apocalypse Now Redux...all for exept the helicopters and combat attire. So many students absent from school. Dust was unbelievable... red dust covered everything.

I am now waiting for my gorgeous husband to bring home dinner....he said I was working too hard to prepare dinner!

I will soon share my plans for our Spring holiday! Not long to go now!

I Love Spring

Well Spring has well and truly lifted my spirits! The August winds seem to have subsided and we have enjoyed some beautiful days! Last Sunday was Father's Day and it was indeed a time to give thanks for family. My husband and I enjoyed Sunday lunch at my parent's place. It was lovely to have the buzz of family to enjoy and celebrate all that dads are renowned and appreciated for.

My father, my sister's father in law and my brother in law were the fathers of the moment! We enjoyed a sumptuous barbeque and array of desserts. It was truly a blessing to play games with my niece, pick herbs from my mum's abundant herb garden (they grow so much better in the ground than in pots) and talk to my sister and her mother in law and sister in law.

After lunch my gorgeous Mark and I went to a nursery to buy new plates for our barbeque and I picked up some gorgeous plants to add a little more colour to the verandah! I felt it was likc a design tv program - a before and after!

My father in law, step mother in law, brother in law and his girfriend where the guests of honour at our place on Sunday night. I put together some antipasto platters for entree. I barbequed some souvlaki for main, with sausages (my father in law loves continental sausages) and a greek salad and a delicious vanilla sponge cake, flavoured with fererro rocher (Christopher's Cake Shop, Kogarah) and fruit platter. Wines to match of course!

I love the fact my butcher makes the sausages on site, and the souvlaki are lovingly made. I think that lamb is one of the best meats to cook with in Spring.

I love supporting local businesses and value the relationships developed with small business owners.

Welcome Spring!

I just want to say that today is the first day of Spring and what a lovely day it has been! I hope that Spring brings much happiness to you! Lanston Hughes, a wonderful American poet once said..."I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face. "
That's how I felt and it was indeed a beautiful morning. Am all inspired to do some gardening now! Bring on the weekend!

Long time between blog posts

Sorry for not posting sooner. It has been an incredibly busy couple of weeks! I have had a lot of marking to do which took priority. I went to Melbourne last weekend which was fabulous and spent this weekend resting. I actually slept during the day today - first time in a VERY long time. Am going to try to finish the samurai sudoku now...just as soon as i make a toasted sandwhich for dinner. Hope your week is a good one!

Have a good weekend

Well I hope you have a good weekend. Spent much of this sunny day at the local library marking papers for my students. I did my usual training session this morning, getting stronger each time which is great. My husband and I had morning coffee at boboli - a gorgeous little sweet shop that I never get to go to because it is always closed by the time I get home each day from work. Today we went for coffee and I mentioned that I would come back to buy dessert for dinner. After spending five hours marking in the library I went back and asked for a couple of slices of Baklava - well, he gave me a whole box! I have decided his kindness (and wonderful baklava) should be rewarded so I will definitely buy some yummy homemade biscuits to take into work at some stage in the next couple of weeks.

I have a lot more marking to do and will go to buy a couple of things before I get back into it.

Whatever you choose to do - have a wonderful weekend.

Weekends - hope you have a good one!

From the moment I woke this morning the weather has done nothing but impress, warm and inspire. My personal training session this morning was great. I am actually feeling a lot stronger now, running further and further in each session. I am now training for two events - one is a 9km bridge run in Sydney and the other is a mini triathalon 300m swim, 3km run and 5km bike ride or something to that effect. I am definitely a lot fitter now than I was at the beginning of the year and am inspired to push myself further and harder each week.

I took my husband to the Eveleigh Markets this morning and ran into a couple of friends and their baby girl which was nice. We love buying produce from the farmers' market. Today I bought a lovely bunch of pale or dusty pink Lisianthus which I have put in our bedroom.

I bought some lovely dutch carrots, broccoli, shiitake mushrooms, swiss brown mushrooms, baby spinach leaves, dutch cream potatoes, shallots, navel oranges, braeburn apples and pink lady apples. Was a great purchase! Will do some cooking tomorrow! Visited my butchers Nick and John and of course walked away with some lovely meat. I can never understand why people would buy their meat already wrapped in plastic in supermarkets. It really tastes nothing like meat freshly purchased from the local butcher. The meat really does taste better!

I have this wonderful noticeboard which I ordered last year for my fabulous department. In any case, I lost the key and then miraculously found it whilst cleaning out the home office during the school holidays. I went to Spotlight today and was overwhelmed (literally) by the Martha Stewart Craft items on sale there. I love Martha Stewart! Alas, I resisted all temptation and purchased some lovely letters to spell out English Noticeboard and then some safari type pictures for the Book Safari theme for my classroom. I think it's time that I make my classroom a little more visually aesthetic.

Tonight, we are going to a friend's place for dinner. It should be a lovely evening and a lovely close to a beautiful day! Tomorrow... now that will be time spent with family and then some marking that really needs to be done!

Time is never time enough

I feel that I must concur with the sentiments expressed by one of my fabulous work colleagues in her blog about time passing by so quickly. We are almost at the end of the second week of term. there are eight weeks to go, and while that sounds like a long time, it isn't.

I have found that this week has been a most unproductive week in terms of my administrative role, thus far. Unproductive in the sense that I have done nothing other than mark papers for my year 12 students (whilst pushing to the side the year 11 papers that I didn't finish in the holidays, but MUST do this weekend so I don't have too much marking to do when the Trial HSC starts)

Today I seemed to deal with students behaving badly and try to provide support to a few colleagues. All of this is a very important part of my role, and one that I take seriously. I have always maintained that it is a real privilege to teach students. Likewise, it is a real privilege to work with my colleagues.

I cannot seem to resolve though, the growing piles of paper on my desk at school. It seems as though my desk at home is now a haven of minimal clutter (no clutter actually) which promotes clarity of thought. My desk at work, however, resembles a mind trying to remember too much, do too much and cluttered all the way through. My goal for Friday is to do some tidying and filing. I would have thought my time would be better spent preparing lessons and providing some good instruction regarding a whole range of education issues, but, alas, as for all teachers... it seems the teaching just has to fit in with the overcrowded curriculum and expectations placed on us from every level. I do hope that at some stage I arrive home before 7:30 during this term. It would be nice to see the sun setting or to go for a walk and relax before dinner. I really need to rethink the whole work-life balance. I will...just as soon as my desk at work is clear...

Have a lovely weekend everybody!

Well the first week of the school term has come to an end! I have to say the week has just flown! Indeed I feel as though I may have blinked and missed parts of the week. I have sat and contemplated the week for the past few minutes. I have thought about how truly lucky I am to be teaching at such a great school with such a talented staff. I truly am blessed to teach with such a dedicated staff who work so tirelessly for their students. I am in the process of preparing lessons for next week. You might be wondering why I am doing this on a Friday night (after my lovely husband took me out for dinner - that steak was just what I needed) instead of going out afterwards? Well I have a lot of marking to do this weekend, so I felt it best to get as many lessons prepared for the week as possible.

I do hope to get a bit of rest over the weekend. I don't want to work during every waking hour. I do have a 1 1/2 hour personal training session tomorrow morning and I hope to go swimming on Sunday. Aside from that, I might visit the local library and sit and do some marking there.

If I get through a lot of work... there will most definitely be baking and cooking on the menu. Whatever you decide to do, however you choose to spend your weekend - enjoy!

Evening delights

After two days back at work, I am pleased that my efforts to keep my desk decluttered at work and home is working. I know this might seem like a minor observation and one that possibly does not need mentioning, but the one thing that I was always able to do but can't seem to manage at the moment, is maintaining a tidy desk.

I spent a good three days or so in the holidays rearranging and reorganising my workspace at home. I am pleased with how it looks and how there is no clutter on my desk.

I feel that my desk is always indicative of my state of mind.

In any case, my tidy desk is one of my delights...the other was spending 2 1/4 hours at the gym tonight. I worked very hard for that period of time and goodness it does promote clarity of thought. It is amazing how much energy one gains from expending energy lifting weights and power walking. I have now made an arrangement to meet my brother in law and his girlfriend at the gym at 5:30am tomorrow for a session.

My other evening delight is the cup of chamomile tea that I am about to drink, whilst quietly contemplating the day and the rest of the week. Indeed they are evening delights.

So begins another school term

Ahh, term three...that period of time where we farewell the winter and delight in the coming of spring. A time where we hope that our year 12 students have been in hibernation, studying for the trial HSC examinations and will come to flourish in about four weeks time. Hmm... term three, students realise it is the beginning of the downhill slope for the rest of the year. They only have one more academic report to recieve...so one more chance at self improvement before the end of the year... one more semester to develop an intrinsic motivation for practising essay writing and for keeping a journal.

Term three offers me many challenges, but also much hope. It will most certainly be the business end of the year for me, so to speak. I have three year 12 classes and will need to give these students as much energy and time as I can possibly expend. I imagine that I will forever carry the bag of marking around with me. I hope that this term will be productive and fruitful. I feel that I have accomplished more this year than last year. I feel a lot better about my role and my ability to meet the needs of my students and staff. There is no formal debating competition this term (though I have two social debates organised) and so hopefully I will have an opportunity to do what I love most. Programming, designing and redesigning teaching and learning programs. That is my real passion. I love programming. I love sitting there with the syllabus and with a text and creating possibilities to enhance the deep understanding of my students.

My hope that as term three commences, I am filled with enough energy to achieve these goals... Did I mention that we had 11 hours of parent teacher interviews today? So begins another term!

Tea, cupcakes and handbags

I joined a couple of colleagues and attended an Adobe conference about digital media technologies and learning. As someone who is an avid user of technology, I have to confess that I was unimpressed with the conference. There was little interaction and essentially we were 'talked to' for a few hours. Do these organisers think that students would honestly sit there for hours on end quietly and politely. Moreover, would they be prepared to sit there at length and listen to someone talk to them for hours. In any case, on the way home I bought 6 cupcakes. I didn't actually eat any of them on the way home. This is one of my indulgences these holidays. Last week I stocked up on Tea 2 tea and today I thought it was a good idea to buy some cupcakes. Lovely little cupcake store in the gorgeous Queen Victoria Building. The six flavours I bought were: Red Velvet, Chocolate with Vanilla cream topping, Banana, Carrot, Sticky Date and Vanilla with Chocolate cream topping. I made a lovely pot of French Earl Grey tea and Mark and I shared the Sticky Date and Cholcolate with Vanilla cream cupcakes. Talk about taking tea! Was blissful!

Hope that you are having a lovely afternoon. Am in the throws of looking for a lovely handbag for work. It needs to be well made, functional and looks good. It needs to be able to be taken from day to evening. Needs to hold its shape and take a bit of weight. Any ideas?

Have a lovely weekend

What plans do you have for the weekend? The weather in Sydney should be sunny, even though it is still quite cool. I only have a couple of things planned - a personal training session early tomorrow morning, perhaps a movie with my husband tomorrow night and then lunch with my husband's brothers on Sunday, as one of them is visiting from Dubai.

I hope to be able to redesign the home office....so I have been reading a number of inspiring interior design blogs. I found pictures 1 ,2,4 on Flickr and picture 3 from the moleskin website, so I hope they inspire you to enjoy the weekend!

Food Glorious Food

I love cooking! I love to try new things and to experiment with food. Over the last couple of days I have cooked fish. Last night I cooked some delicious salmon fillets with a lovely salt and pepper crust. Tonight I made some wonderful garlic prawns (recipe courtesy of Bill Grainger), blue-eye cod with hollandaise sauce (sauce recipe courtesy of Maggie Beer) and a fresh salad. It was wonderful to have the pots and pans going on the stove top and the dishes in the oven. I loved cooking with some fresh herbs as well, particularly dill.

Today I did a spot of shopping with my wonderful husband and we purchased lots of tea from our favourite tea shop, Tea 2. You can find a link to on the main blog page. We bought Sydney Breakfast, French Earl Grey, Earl Grey and New Zealand Breakfast teas. We love the tins in which they come packaged. We now have all four of them lined up on our bench.

This is an image I found on google images, of my favourite tea blend from T2 - French Earl Grey.

Nostalgia

I spent part of the day in the car, driving across different parts of Sydney to attend a baby shower and to run a couple of errands. During this time I was able to listen to some interesting interviews on the radio. The first one was with a young woman from Texas who is a Guerilla Knitter. She is here in Australia to promote her work. I was very excited to hear the interview because it made me think of Melinda, who has indulged in some Guerilla knitting of her own. This lady from Texas has a display outside the Opera House, so I will have to go and have a look.

The next interview that I listened to, that subsequently continued with listeners sharing their responses, was to think about something that was prevalent in your childhood, that you don't see much of today...and it makes you feel a sense of nostalgia.

Well, all of this got me thinking...a woman from Texas has inspired many people to turn ugly urban areas into warm places. The idea that one has pride in their community is a great lesson here! The other thought that I had was about nostalgia. It is true... I don't see merry-go-rounds anymore, and hardly any swings and slippery dips and climbing castles that we had as children. Hopscotch isn't around and neither are jacks. A sense of melancholy came over me because all of those experiences were so positive and so pivotal in my childhood. All of the games involved others (real and imagined)

I look at how different things are today for young children...their days seem regimented and there appears to be a need to create a tangible outcome from every activity. I look forward to one day having children and to allow them to play and to dream... to create games in the garden, imaginary worlds and all that made my childhood so happy.

This sense of nostalgia has made me think about all that was great about my childhood, society at the time and made me think about how my values haven't really changed all that much. That's why I love reading so many of the blogs by designers and cooks and crafty / arty types. Their ideas, their creations are handmade and have so much character. I love reading about their lives because even though many of them live on the other side of the world, their attention to detail, the finer details - whether it be interior design, cooking, making craft, entertaining, gift wrapping or writing thank you cards, all of it celebrates the finer details that make life enjoyable and valuable.

The final comments of each interview referred to how during times of recession (as the globe is experiencing now) people retreat into their local communities and homes. They take up sewing and knitting etc etc. I think that this is partly to explain for the resurgence in a lot of this, however, I don't believe it is the only reason. I also believe that it is because people want to be connected to others...whether it be friends, family, colleagues, neighbours. Many people enjoy being online and conversing with others across the globe, yet people also like to be connected to others. Now that's nostalgia.

Baby Shower

Today is a close friend's baby shower. It is very exciting as we are all anticipating the birth of her first baby! In order to really celebrate in style we are having 'High Tea' at Gunners' Barracks at Georges Heights. It isn't too far from Mosman and there are fabulous views of Sydney Harbour, looking out across Rose Bay and Middle Cove. I have included some photos from a previous High Tea indulgence at Gunners' for Jen's Shower Tea. Enjoy your day! Happy

Bastille Day to my French friends! I will post a Francaise inspired blog later today! Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!

Monday musings

Today I spent the day making lists of things to do and crossing them off as I accomplished each task. I completed 13 of the 26 tasks on the list which was very satisfying! In any case, I realised that we need a hat and coat stand. So these are some images of coat / hat stands that look good. I have found it a little hard to find them online, but will do a little more research tomorrow and visit some antique stores.

Holidays

The end of semester one holidays are so eagerly anticipated. For one thing, we have just had 22 weeks this semester. One of the longest semesters since the school term became four terms instead of three terms. I think that every teacher I have met along the corridors at work, or chatted to on the phone or through some social networking mechanism, has commented on how dfficult it was to get to the end of term. I believe that across the state tonight, hundreds of teachers will be curled up on the lounge, perhaps with a good book, some knitting or watching something on television. In any case they will breathe a sigh of relief....a collective sigh of relief. For they wont have to race off to work on Monday morning, having spent a good part of the weekend marking papers and rushing to get through the housework in time for work on Monday. It is time to go slow. Time to take stock of goals and dreams. Holidays provide us with the opportunity to rest. To release the tension that builds up - particularly in the last couple of weeks of term.

Today began with my very dedicated soul turning up for a personal training session. I have felt the urge to remain at home, but alas my body and to a greater extent, my Catholic guilt wont ever allow me to cancel or postpone a session.

Following the gruelling 1 1/2 hour session, I went home and got ready to head to Surry Hills with my husband for a beautiful brunch at Lumiere. I think you would love it - a vibrant restaurant / patissierie. It was lovely to sit back and eat a delicious field mushroom and chorizo omelette with a couple of aromatic cups of coffee, whilst reading the paper and watching the world go by.

It was lovely to sit with my husband and discuss articles in the paper and talk about the day ahead. A spot of shopping (to buy a top for the skirt I bought last week) for my wedding outfit was indeed lots of fun. I love shopping local. Wherever possible I shop locally. There are a few fabulous clothing stores (not chains) near my place and I have come to know the owners and staff. The service is second to none. They love their work. They have pride in their stores and their products. It is a real pleasure to shop at these stores. The service is fabulous and I walked away with a gorgeous top, cardigan and an amazing necklace with gorgeous beads. It really made the outfit!

The wedding was wonderful - I had a great time with my husband, watching Glen and Emma exchange vows. Catching up with family and friends is indeed something that gives me much joy.

I have to say the first day of the holidays has more than met my expectations. To be able to sit back and relax on the lounge, after having done so much today, but not feeling rushed, tired or worried that I only have 'one day to go before work' made the day so much more enjoyable.

Happy holidays to my teacher friends and colleagues and to anyone on holidays now! Enjoy the time to rest and rejuvinate your mind, body and spirit.

Winding down...

Winter is a time to hibernate. I am almost certain that it isn't simply plants and animals that hibernate or sleep in Winter. I believe that we need to do the same. Teachers are not very good at hibernating or slowing down. With the approach of a weekend or holidays, many of us see the time to plan lists of things to do. Our lists are often filled with a balance of home chores, marking (particularly if you are an English teacher) and things we'd like to do - like go to the library or do something else for ourselves.

Teachers anticipate the holidays because it is a time without routine. We don't move to the sounds of bells, obediently every fifty minutes. We can choose to be as introverted as we would like. Many people think that I am an extrovert and to be honest, there is part of me that is an extrovert. As I get older I must say that I have become more introverted. I anticipate the times that I have at home, where I don't have to speak (though I do love to converse with my husband) and I can think whilst pottering among my plants or writing in my journal.

For these holidays I have decided to make a list of no more than five things. Total. Five things that I HAVE to do during the holiday break. I anticipate time to relax, to hibernate, to sleep and to be. I am looking forward to being somewhat introspective. I anticipate that a little bit of time out of the rat race, so to speak, will be far more beneficial to me for what I believe will be a huge term three.

The art of tea drinking

The merits of drinking tea have been widely publicised. Ancient writings depict the merits of tea drinking and modern musings also depict the benefits of tannins and antioxidants for the health and wellbeing of the body and soul.

It is amazing how a cup of tea can settle an unsettled stomach while at the same time, warming up the body after a day out in the elements. Tonight, my wonderful husband just made me a cup of green tea. He served it in a lovely porcelain tea cup for me. That lovely attention to detail is one thing that I value about our relationship. He knows that I love my tea in a porcelain cup. I love leaf tea and particular I love the way in which tea is lovingly prepared.

Below I have included some pictures of tea, tea cups and tea pots. All inspiring. All colourful. Enjoy! (All courtesy of the fine people at flickr)

Winter Solstice weekend

This weekend happens to be the Winter Solstice. Traditionally, it marks the mid winter period, as well as the shortest day of the year. There are also countless cultural and religious practices and observances that are associated with the solstice. I was somewhat inspired by this and decided to do cook and bake. I made a lovely Vichyssoise, served warm, not chilled. I made some wonderful braised lamb shanks....slow cooked, until the lamb was almost coming off the bone. For dessert I made a delicious Cardamom Sour Cream Cake. I agree with Melinda's sentiments about the benefits of using seasonal produce. This morning, my wonderful husband made some freshly squeezed orange juice. 

Aside from cooking and baking, I have followed intently the plight of the Iranian people after the elections earlier last week. That - and the horrible injustice of Aung San Suu Kyi's incarceration. This weekend marks her 64th birthday. If you get an opportunity, you should leave a message on the website set up - 64 words for Aung San Suu Kyi. Additionally, you can also follow the Iranian election protests on twitter and youtube. I have really liked the fact that technology is being used to give voice to the voiceless.. to the marginalised and those for whom basic human rights are but a dream. 

History and Memory

I am about to teach a unit to my year 12 students, titiled "History and Memory." In this unit my students will consider how the representation of history through culture has shaped people's memory and the collective memory of historic events. The focus of our study will be Stephen Frear's film, The Queen. It is a well constructed film that utilises real footage of historic events throughout the film. I am really interested in this concept and it made me think about the role that culture has in the representation of history. Today I watched one of my favourite films... "Charlie Wilson's War." This film details the work of Congressman Charles Wilson's successful efforts to thwart the then Soviet's attack on Afghanistan. I have also purchased two films today that could also fit into this category - "Downfall" which was nominated for the Academy Award's Best Foreign Film category in 2005. I also purchased Frost / Nixon. I look forward to watching both of these films. I suppose this genre has always interested me - actually politics and military history are two passions of mine, so I think the idea of the social or cultural construction of history has been an interest of mine. 

I am not sure how my students will respond to some of these big, conceptual ideas - some of them very sophisticated and really requiring some life experience. In any case, I am sure they will approach this study with the same interest and fervour as they did, for our study of Hamlet.

Long Weekend #2

Sundays. A lot has been said about Sundays. One famous proverb that comes to mind is "A Sunday well spent brings a week of content." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet of the 19th century once said of Sundays that "Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week."  I do think that the Bible, one of my favourite books, does capture the reverence and significance of Sundays - most eloquently. 

"Thus the heavens and the earth and all their array were completed. Since on the seventh day God was finished with the work he had been doing, he rested on the seventh day from all the work he had undertaken. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work he had done in creation" Gen 2:1-3 (Courtesy of New American Bible)

So Sunday was a beautful day! Sunday morning began with our attendance at Sunday mass, followed by a delicious breakfast at Cronulla Beach and walk along the beach. We saw the winter swimmers take to one of the ocean pools. I actually wanted to have a go, but it seemed like a male competition. It was so sunny, so bright, so warm and so lovely to be able to share the morning with so many other happy people going about their Sundays. We decided to take the road less travelled and drove through the Royal National Park to then join the Grand Pacific Drive. It is a picturesque drive through the National Park along Lady Wakehurst Drive, then the coastal road, along Sir Lawrence Hargreave Drive towards Wollongong and beyond. We drove along this beautiful stretch of road, drinking in the scenery and the lovely fresh air to Clifton, where we parked our car and walked across the Sea Cliff Bridge. The Sea Cliff Bridge is not only a beautiful piece of engineering brilliance, it is also the bridge that has once again allowed access to the beautiful coal towns like Coal Cliff, Clifton and Scarborough, to name a few. Each town is in between the National Park and the ocean. The best of both worlds! I am sure you can imagine the diversity of the environment.  To describe the beauty of the natural environment in words would not do justice to her sheer magnificence, so I have included some photos for you to enjoy. We continued to meander along this beautiful stretch of road until we got to Scarborough. We had lunch at the Scarborough Hotel. This was one of those places that was closed off to the travelling public, because of the construction of the Sea Cliff Bridge. I should mention that the bridge replaced the road that used to wrap around the cliff. The rock falls became quite frequent, with boulders landing on the road. The government closed the road and built the bridge which is set back a distance from the side of the mountain. It is now safer and is a beautiful drive. Incidentally, we would recommend the 'Salt and Pepper Squid' for lunch at the hotel. Delicious. 

Sunday was indeed a contrast to Saturday - both lovely days, but for different reasons. The time spent with loved ones on Sunday is indeed a blessing as these times don't often come as frequently in our busy lives. To be able to take the walks that we did, to be able to enjoy the natural landscape in its pure, idyllic form is indeed something to marvel. How many people can say they live within an hour's drive of something as magnificent and as beautiful? Or live in a city that is aesthetically pleasing? Truly this is a blessing and a privilege. 

I hope that you are enjoying your weekend! 

Long Weekend #1

Well we are one third into Queen's Birthday Long Weekend and what a beginning it has been! I began yesterday morning with a real sense of earnestness and anticipation. A 1 1/2 hour personal training session, with lots of outdoor running, resistance, push ups, weights and boxing is always a great way to bring in the weekend! Afterwards I enjoyed a lovely coffee with my husband. It was lovely to just sit in a local coffee shop, enjoying the ambience and reading the newspaper. Incidentally I read a most interesting and thought-provoking article about the importance of poetry. There is little that is more gratifying than indulging in a cup of coffee, or freshly brewed tea, with a newspaper and sunshine!

Last night I saw P!NK in concert - Funhouse tour and I have to say that it was one of the most magnificent spectacles I have ever seen! The theatrics, the music - piano, cello, and violins to name a few, the different music genres that she incorporated into the concert, the trapeze acts and of course P!NK's singing was just outstanding! It was a sensory impression that created a feast for the eyes! The colour and the cosutmes and the lighting was fantastic! In any case, her lyrics (and covers that she performed) revealed her diverse interests and talents in music (she played the guitar), singing and athleticism - her dancing, trapeze acts and no break in the concert!! 

I have liked P!NK but would never say that I was a huge fan, largely because I tend to be an old soul when it comes to music. I have to say, that I was pleasantly surprised and now realise there is a depth to her, that I had not taken the time to see previously. She is indeed a talented artist!

So, it has been a very long day! A thoroughly enjoyable Saturday. What will today hold? Different experiences - time away from the city, time to walk and take photos, time to spend with my husband. Time to be.

Moments in time

Last night I had a lovely reunion of sorts with two former colleagues...both of whom are extraordinary women and extraordinarily talented in their respective roles as educators. One is the most talented teacher-librarian I have ever had the privilege of working with and the other, is the most energetic teacher consultant I have worked with, who is now a manager of Education at Apple Education. She spends her days visiting schools and showing them how to not only incorporate technology into the classroom - but reasons for it. Working with both of these women at the same time was indeed one of the best experiences of my teaching career. When working together, we knew that what we did was cutting edge - really pushing the boundaries of teaching and learning. Challenging students to become inquisitive, self-directed learners. Truly that was one of the most amazing and fulfilling experiences of my teaching career - how lucky I was to have had that experience!! 

Last night's dinner - while a wonderful catch up, reminded me of who I am as a teacher - and my core principles and values. It also reminded me to take stock of all of the administrivia that clogs up the learning process and to get back to what is core - effective, engaging, interesting and authentic teaching and learning experiences. 

Welcome to Winter

Today is the second day of Winter and what a lovely day it has been! When I think of Winter, the first thing that comes to mind is the comforting, warm and hearty meals that my mother served up to us, day in and day out. From the warm porridge in the morning, to the lovely aroma of roasts or freshly baked cakes in the afternoon and evening, it isn't hard to see why Winter for me is synonymous with food. Incidentally my other passion, red wine also reminds me of Winter. Full bodied red wines, namely a mature Shiraz, or even a blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also remind me of winter. The maturity and depth of taste accompany, so beautifully, the meals that adorn the tables in Winter.

Food and Wine are two of my greatest passions - granted. Another passion is reading and I have read a number of literary masterpieces that in some way or another mentioned Winter.

The first poem that came to mind was Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, 'Frost at Midnight.' It is a poem that establishes the beauty of nature - an idyllic image of a city covered in a blanket of fog and snow in Winter. I will leave you with one last thought from Pietro Aretino, an Italian poet and writer of the 1500's...who had indeed lived an interesting life to say the least. He was quoted as saying. "let us love Winter, for it is the spring of genius." To all of my friends in the southern hemisphere - enjoy Winter!

Keep a look out for details about the Sydney Winter Festival... an iceskating rink will be constructed near St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney. 

Reflections on the 9-5 and the rest of it!

Melinda rightly prompted me to add a post to my blog. She's right. I have not blogged much in a while and it isn't because I have had little to say! It's 'that time of the year' - the catch cry of many a high school teacher who is juggling report writing with the marking of assessments and programming and planning. Add to that debating and a whole host of other activities that make up the ever increasingly demanding life of a teacher and that gives you some reason for my lack of posting! So...this post is about work!

Someone whom I admire, Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." and I think that this is so true. It speaks true because teaching is altruistic. Francoise De Motteville once said "The true way to render ourselves happy is to love our work and find in it our pleasure." When I think about my colleauges, my amazing colleagues, I can really see both of these quotes ring true. Essentially their altruism, their dedication and hard work bring forth the most amazing results from their students. To see a student suddenly understand something - to see them slowly finding their place in the world is indeed a privilege that I imagine is not extended to most people in their daily 9 to 5 routine. To be able to contribute to the formation of a young person - to help shape them and prepare them for the world beyond the confines of the school community is indeed something that gives life to the 9 to 5 of the everyday. One of my favourite quotes about teaching is "Teachers who inspire know that teaching is like cultivating a garden, and those who would have nothing to do with thorns must never attempt to gather flowers." It is a great quote that reflects the reality of teaching. I think all teachers would agree... 

Autumn at a crossroads

I took a long, hard look at the park near my place today and noticed that finally the leaves were developing a lovely crispness to their exterior... yes there is still much green adorning the branches of trees, but ever so subtly, Mother Nature has finally allowed the leaves to fall to the ground and turn a lovely red, or yellow or brown. It reminds me of some phrases in a poem by Robert Frost... The Road Not Taken... two roads diverged in a yellow wood. I love that Autumnal description of the yellow wood....and then to the road that wanted wear...

Autumn reminds me of that poem and the fact that in a season of transition... we do get to a crossroads and do need to make choices.

A Weekend of Opportunity

It has been 'one of those weeks.' A week where work seemed to dominate almost every waking hour of the day. The demands of my role, along with my inability to rid my body of this ongoing throat ailment has meant that my usual willingness to meet each challenge has been tempered by my impaired health. It reminded me - someone who has seen a doctor once in the last 18 months, of how lucky I am, and, how much I do take my health for granted. I don't mean that in the sense that I eat the wrong foods or don't exercise, rather I am talking about how I have in some ways expected so much of myself, constantly pushing myself hard - whether it be work or sport or anything. Being sick allows for compulsory 'down time' - and for me I have been forced to have some of that over the last week. No running, no gym classes...just resting (when I'm not working)

The title of this post reflects my hopes for the weekend. I am about to go for a 1 1/2 hour personal training session, followed by a visit to Eveleigh Markets with a dear friend, Helen. The rest of the day is free for me at home with the anticipation of a family birthday dinner tonight, and Mother's Day tomorrow. Thus, without hesitation I can safely say that this weekend will be a weekend of opportunity - opportunity to do the things that I love, with the people that I care most about for the weekend. Hopefully there will be an opportunity to cook soup, to plant and to tend to my plants, to read and to finish some of those work tasks that seem to call me from the table in our dining area. 

Sans Voice and sharing it with the world

If you somehow happened to have succumbed to the phenomenon that is facebook or twitter, you will have no doubt been subjected to my recent microblogging about the loss of my voice. Yes, I will acknowledge here and now, that this blog post will be somewhat self indulgent. Posting or tweeting about my voiceless existence is self indulgent. That I want to share my current physical ailment with the rest of the world...well at least my online 'friends' or 'followers' depending on whether you are a facebook or twitter type is really self indulgent. Thinking about it led me to think about the point of microblogging, posting and tweeting. What do I want my 'friends' or 'followers' to do after reading my post? Do I want them to post a reply, wishing me well? Actually - no. I don't. Because those who know me well, know I am a very private person. So why post about my voice? I think it has something to do with how I see myself and how others see me. Words are 'my thing.' I love words...and the power that they have to evoke emotions, persuade, and the power to enact positive or negative reactions. Losing my voice in a sense forces me to take a step back... perhaps to do something else I quite enjoy.... to listen, to observe and to reflect. 

Mea Culpa

Just a quick note to say sorry for not posting for so long. I have been away in tropical North Queensland (far north of Australia) and have not had access to my blog. It was indeed  a magical holiday. I promise I will contribute more very soon. I have uploaded a couple of photos from Port Douglas...just to give you some context.

Holidays #1

Dear Melinda so aptly titled her post - 'anticipation' and how true this is! Not only have we celebrated Easter after awaiting its arrival with anticipation, but we also find ourselves at the beginnings of the school holidays. Two and a half weeks to rest and relax. Five of those days will be spent in tropical North Queensland for a wedding in Cairns and then for some relaxation at Port Douglas. For this week... I have planned to watch some of my favourite movies. I have already watched The Wizard of Oz, Patriot Games and The Graduate. I plan to do some cooking, gardening and a lot of exercise and catching up on the books piled high near my bed. 

Making a Difference

I was prompted by a fabulous colleague yesterday at work to add to my blog. Yes, the past week has been incredibly busy. On the gardening front, my endive has just quadrupled in size as have the sage and tarragon. On a cooking front, I made some pesto, recipe courtesy of Maggie Beer. (Is there anything she can't cook?) Last night, after two hours at the gym I got home and made dinner, using some of the pesto and then baked a cake - a butter cake. It's amazing, when just reflecting on the every day activities, how many people contribute to making a difference. 

I had a surprise (but very welcomed phone call) from a dear friend (who I think still reads this blog from time to time - do you DJ??) It was so lovely to chat with him and find out about him and his gorgeous Mim - the phone call, albeit short, really made a difference.

Reading 'dropped stitches' again this morning, which never ceases to inspire me, really made a difference, as did its author's comments in the staffroom yesterday. You are going to go places!

On the work front - there is so much of it to do, but I am still confidently separating the forest from the trees. It's the only way to cope with carrying 6kg of marking.

Aside from all of these delights - friendly phone call, colleague's blog, lots of work to do, success in the kitchen and garden, I couldn't help but focus on an episode of 4 Corners last night. It was entitled "The Bullies' Playground." Follow this link to watch the episode.  http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2009/s2533505.htm 

It was an horrific, but sadly not a surprising (given my experiences as a high school teacher) account of the extent to which bullying can contribute to the loss of self esteem, but also the rise in incidence of clinical depression and even suicide. There was a real focus also on cyber bullying and also on the use of mobile phones. The reporter, Quentin McDermott deserves some kind of accolade for using his investigative journalism talents to bring the the fore, an issue that I am sure many law makers, educators and the like wish would just go away. Whilst I work at a place that takes all incidences of bullying seriously, I have also worked with young teenagers who have been emotionally scarred from such incidents. As a teacher, I have read the horrid email transactions, the msn transactions threatening a young student's life - her friends, family, everything. There have been times where it has taken every professional bone in my body to not want to lash out at the bully - I can't even begin to imagine how a parent must feel in such a situation. 

I think that this documentary has made a difference - if for nothing else, it is a conversation starter. By beginning this conversation, I hope that it will prompt you to have a conversation - and then, it will spread. It is time that we stop trying to pretend it doesn't happen, or that it is part of some school yard hierarchy. It should never be about deciding a pecking order in the playground. Everybody should have a place at school. A right to be who they are, not who everybody else wants them to be. A right to express their individuality, without fear. A right to be treated with dignity and respect. Everybody has the responsibility of speaking up. Speaking up when somebody's rights are being curtailed by another. Speaking up is the only way that bullies wont get away with their behaviour. They thrive in the veil of secrecy that they impose on their victims. Remove the veil of secrecy, and you take away some of that power. 

Watching the documentary also raised the issue of computers in bedrooms and mobile phones in bedrooms. I couldn't believe the number of children who had computers and mobile phones in their bedrooms. Call me old fashioned but if parents are a little more aware of what is exchanged (not prying or spying on their kids - but promoting an environment where their child can tell them about the cyber bulling without fear that the connection to the internet will be cut) then some of this could be curtailed. 

In any case, the documentary is there. Please watch it. Please talk about it. As cliched as the title of my post is - you will make a difference.