Christmas is coming!

I am experiencing a very busy time right about now. Having had to step up to replace a colleague who took some leave, I am also embarking on marking our state's English papers for the recent examinations for year 12. It takes about three weeks to mark and while I do enjoy the experience, I am acutely aware that if I don't start planning for Christmas, it will be a rush when the end of the school year comes!

Given that I am also going to Japan for two weeks in January, I will also need to get organised for 2011! So much to do!

I am thinking about gifts for family, friends and colleagues at present! I love gift giving!

I have enjoyed a wonderful weekend and even though it was for only a day, I went to the Sculpture by the Sea exhibit at Bondi. It is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy Sydney, the coast, sculpture, etc..

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!

One of my favourite movies about blogging and food

Well tonight I have settled in to watch 'Julie and Julia', directed by Nora Ephron (2009)

I absolutely love this film! It's amazing how this film just makes me want to cook up a storm. Right about now she is attempting to poach an egg for the first time! Reminds me of when I first poached an egg.

Anyway, I have made stuffed vine leaves tonight which were nice.

About to make a second cup of green tea. I love Sunday evenings! Hope that you have had a great Sunday evening.

I love blogging (am trying to do more of it) and food. In fact I might grab a glass of red and some French brie that I bought at the markets yesterday. Enjoy your evening!

Spring cleaning

Well this morning was wonderful. Personal training session was excellent. My husband officially opened the Oatley Spring Fair today! I was so proud of him. He delivered a great speech and it just added to the wonderful atmosphere on the day! I caught up with my soon-to-be sister in law for brunch and then did the grocery shopping.

I am now at the end of my 'break' as I have to do some spring cleaning! I have so many other things that I'd just love to do today but I also want a squeaky clean apartment! Ah the dilemma!

Has been a busy week so I had best get on to that housework! Time to crank up some music!!!

Hope you have a great weekend!

PS - the image is of cherry blossoms in Queenstown, taken almost two weeks ago!

A really long time between posts

Well it has indeed been a really, really long time since blog posts. I cannot believe how pressed for time I have been, in terms of trying to get time to reflect and post to my blog. I will write some good blog posts about my holiday to New Zealand. It was absolutely fabulous! For our fifth wedding anniversary, we decided to go to New Zealand. We spent our time on the south island. I strongly encourage you to visit this wonderful country.

More about New Zealand in a future blog post.

Well, the final term of the school year is just over half way into the first week. I am very happy that it has begun well. I am stepping into another role for the first 2 1/2 weeks of the term. I have had a very busy week so far, but I have really enjoyed the experience. I will say that I do miss sitting with my gorgeous colleagues in the staffroom. It is very quiet (which is fine to get work done, but I seem to be addressing people most of the time) and I miss the collaborative discussions.

I am really happy because today I have rented a brand new MacBook Pro. It is a 15" laptop and it has a widescreen and is just magnificent. It was definitely time for an upgrade. My MacBook had served me very well, but given that I rent laptops, there was little point in actually upgrading the ram in it.

In the holidays, my husband bought me my first ever DSLR camera. It is a Nikon D3000 and it is just wonderful! I am so keen to take a photography course. I have always loved taking photos and photography, so taking a course will be something that will help me to improve!

I hope that you have all been keeping well!

Happy days!!