Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a most joyous and peaceful Christmas. I was blessed to be able to attend midnight mass as well as mass this evening. Midnight mass is one of my favourite masses of the Church's liturgical calendar. I was blessed to visit relatives today and have lunch with my family. I was blessed to be able to eat great food, share many gifts - both in giving and receiving.
I hope that your Christmas day is filled with joy and peace. I also prayed and remembered my many friends and relatives who are experiencing personal hardships at this time. Let us never forget that Christmas is a time that can symbolise hope and my hope is that 2012 is a better year for many of my friends and relatives. I also pray that it's a better year for the people of Japan, Christchurch, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Zimbabwe and for all those who are oppressed and in need.

Endings and beginnings...

This isn't going to be a post that reflects on the year in its entirety. Largely because it has been such a busy year and I haven't really had the time to sit and reflect. I have had a roller coaster ride of a year. While many wonderful things have happened to family, friends and I, there have been many trials that friends and family have had to endure. I think 2011 has brought much sadness, namely in the wake of the devastating earthquakes in Japan. I was in Japan, only weeks before of the earthquakes. I have friends in Japan and while they were safe, away from the earthquakes, the devastation to the whole country is enormous and ongoing. I mention Japan because I was fortunate enough to take part in an AEF tour to Japan. It was an experience of a lifetime. 

I have also come to the end of my time at the school where I work. I have absolutely loved working with my department, with the students, the general staff and the community. I can't begin to express how much joy, working there has given me. I leave with a sense of sadness because I feel as though that relationships with members of staff have begun to deepen. I leave with a sense of sadness because I won't actually get to see the fruit of the last four years, implementing innovation and change. 

I do leave with a sense of joy, because I have worked so hard and never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I was going to be a member of a College executive after 12 years of teaching. I feel this new beginning will sufficiently challenge me. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities and am relishing the many challenges. I am also a little nervous... I have such high expectations of myself and I know that my new employer has high hopes. 

Finally, I want to say that the new missal is now fully implemented and that marks an end and a beginning for liturgy in the Catholic church. As a practicing Catholic, it is a time of great change and reflection. 

I wish all of you the very best for Christmas and the new year. I hope it is filled with hope. 

Summer is here!

I always think that the first signs of Summer really being here are the cherries sold at the greengrocer and the lovely Australian Christmas Bush that is now flowering on my verandah! This morning I was pleasantly surprised with the first tomatoes of the season! My bruschetta garden is really taking shape. Will take some photos soon.

Have a great weekend!

Weekends

I've just returned home from the Australian Diabetes Council's annual Buzz Ball! It's their annual fundraiser and it was a real pleasure to be there to support the hard work of this organisation. My husband is quite involved, having established the first parliamentary support group which has bipartisan support. I was really happy and proud to hear people speak about how thankful they are that he has supported their cause at his given them a real opportunity to communicate their message. The most alarming message is that one Australian is diagnosed with a form,of diabetes every 5 1/2 minutes. He doesn't suffer with diabetes but his aunt was recently diagnosed as well as some of his friends. Seemingly healthy people developing it in their adult years,possibly as a result of a sedentary work life and minimal time to exercise.

In any case, the ball was a real hit and it was a real treat to hear acclaimed singer, Wendy Matthews sing some of her most loved songs. Todd McKenny was the MC and I was far more impressed with his efforts tonight than his efforts on tv.

I am really looking forward to spending some time with my amply tomorrow. Hopefully a film tomorrow night - oh and some gardening for good measure.

Finally did some reading for my masters as well!

Hope you've had a good weekend!

Spring Holidays

For 8 days of the school holidays, I went to Phuket, Thailand with my husband and a group of friends, for a wedding! One of our closest friends married his lovely bride at a gorgeous resort in Phuket. Both of our friends are Australian born, but just loved the idea of a destination wedding, away from Sydney.

It really was a wonderful occasion.

I will blog about Thailand a little more, when I have the time to sit and collect my thoughts. Until then, here are a couple of photos.... before the rains from the typhoon Nalgae came in and flooded the country...

Spring days

Some photos I've taken whilst out and about in the last week or so. I hope you enjoy them! The first three photos were taken at Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse. A most beautiful, picturesque reserve located on Sydney Harbour. The final image is a view looking across the Georges River from Sans Souci / Dolls Point across to Taren Point. 

Early mornings

I love early spring mornings. At present we are really enjoying some gorgeous weather. I am about to head off to the gym, as I do every morning. I find that beginning the day with exercise, really does help to strengthen the mind, body and spirit.
I've recently (as in last weekend) recommenced my outdoors running. I did two runs - one on Saturday and one on Sunday, around Botany Bay and it was just gorgeous!
I find that early mornings are just stunning. There are few people around, the light brings a real newness about the day that makes you want to leap into it and take on any challenge!
It is also at a point where it is at it's most hopeful, filled with the utmost of potential and possibility.

Have a lovely day!

Early Spring Morning

Father's Day was celebrated in Australia yesterday, and I was really pleased to be able to celebrate the day with my dad! We took him out to lunch and it was just fantastic! There was only four of us - my sister, mum, dad and I. It hasn't been the four of us for as long as I can remember, but we had a wonderful time. Everyone just seemed happy, genuinely relaxed and happy. My husband is away and my niece was visiting her father. For dinner, I spent it with my father in law and his lovely wife. Again, it was just the three of us as everybody else is away! 

In any case, I also managed to spend a little time tending to my plants and this morning I took these photos to share with you. I took these photos using a neat little app on my iPhone, called Camera Bag. 

Happy Spring (if you are in the Southern Hemisphere) and happy days to all of you! 

Last day of winter!

Today is the last day of winter. I have enjoyed the season, as I enjoy every season, but I must say that I am really looking forward to spring and then summer! I am really looking forward to some warmth! I spent a couple of weeks in January, in Japan which was great, but it was snowing! I feel as though I really need some warm weather! I am really looking to a friend's wedding in Thailand which will be wonderful.

change is in the air

Well in the past week I have applied for a position at another school, had an interview and have been offered the job! Next year I am going to be a curriculum coordinator at a girls' school in Sydney. It is an executive position and I am really excited about the opportunity. Actually, I am looking forward to the opportunity, but I am really going to miss my colleagues - primarily the gorgeous colleagues in my department.

Today I have finally had an opportunity to start thinking about the implication of my decision. Next year, my department will have a new coordinator and possibly up to two other new members of the department. I came into that department with a view to finding the best in each person and mentoring them to achieve their best. I think, in the main, I have been the encouraging leader I wanted to be. Another of my goals was to revamp programming and assessment, in a collaborative manner with my department. I think we accomplished that as well. I also needed to improve the results and that is something that as a department, we have worked well to do. In all, I am really very proud of my ability to lead my department. The thing I am most proud of though, is the wonderful, collegiate department that we have become. I just adore working with my colleagues and I will miss them terribly. I have never worked in a more functional department, a more collaborative department and with a department full of talented, generous and kind people.

I am so thrilled that these four years have been so wonderful. I am so pleased that my first foray into leading a department have been so positive. I know that I will have different sets of challenges in my new role.

I have learn't so much from the women in my department. I have learn't a lot about myself and have become the kind of leader I always wanted to be. It is through their patience, care, kindness and willingness to come along on the journey, which has contributed to the success our department has enjoyed. I have learn't so much from them that I will always be indebted.

It is rare that one has the privilege to work in a department such as mine. In 12 years of teaching, this is the only department where I have experienced such collegiality. I have maintained such great friends at each of the schools where I have worked at, in my career. I know I will sustain these friendships long after I have signed off on the last register.

The Ship Song Project

As an avid lover of the opera, I was so moved by this beautiful adaptation of Nick Cave's Ship Song. I hope you enjoy it. The sheer magnificence, beauty and emotion that is invested in the showcasing Australian talent, with the Opera House as the stunning backdrop. I love the Opera House. I watch at least three operas a year and at least one or two plays, not to mention anything else that might take my interest. I love just sitting outside, admiring the sails. I love taking a ferry or sailing on the harbour and seeing those beautiful sails from different perspectives. I hope you enjoy it! Whenever I get a chance to head to the Opera House, I take it! I think I would have been there at least once a week for the past couple of months. It's a most beautiful sanctuary.

Music and other things...

It has been a busy weekend of sorts. First and foremost the trial HSC marking was my first priority and I did get through most of what I had to do. It's interesting, to sit and read the thoughts of students, composed while under exam conditions. At times their responses were not too bad. They had made an effort to answer the question and had seemingly remembered the rudimentary aspects required when answering such questions. At times, there were answers that seemed to bypass the great teaching and learning that was evident in the classroom. Either way, the trial exams are just that. A trial. An emotional trial. A test of memory and understanding. A time trial. It's indeed the warm up act to the HSC.
Aside from hours and hours spent on marking, I did get to a couple of functions with my husband, to confirm details for our Thailand trip to celebrate a friend's wedding, to watch some fine episodes and drink a glass of red.
So why is this blog titled music? Well, I love music and I always have something on in the background. Today I'm listening to Billy Valentine. His voice is deep and soulful, which does well to match the lyrics! He was the vocalist on Boston Legal and I just love his voice!
In any case, I suppose we all have music that we listen to, or can at least associate music with experiences, events and emotions.

Have a great week!

Nostalgia

Just a few quotes that have been milling around in my mind of late.

"When people talk about the good old days, I say to people, 'It's not the days that are old, it's you that's old.' I hate the good old days. What is important is that today is good."
— Karl Lagerfeld

"She could sense it very clearly: for me, no less than for her, the past counted far more than the present, remembering something far more than possessing it. Compared to memory, every possession can only ever seem disappointing, banal, inadequate ... She understood me so well! My anxiety that the present 'immediately' turned into the past so that I could love it and dream about it at leisure was just like hers, was identical. It was 'our' vice, this: to go forwards with our heads forever turned back."
— Giorgio Bassani

"Pourquoi nier l’évidente nécessité de la mémoire?"
— Marguerite Duras (Hiroshima Mon Amour)

"No matter how fierce was the passion that gripped him, the fact is he was paralyzed, transfixed by the contemplation of his own past. Only something so momentous as to drive from his consciousness all thoughts of before and after could have propelled him forward. And with his eyes fixed on the past, he had no choice but to continue along its trajectory."
— Natsume Sōseki (Kokoro)

Some great places to eat out in Sydney

This week, I have had dinner at a couple of great places in Sydney. Firstly I returned to the Persian Room at Pyrmont which is becoming one of my favourites. If you have never tried Persian food, you should! It is so fragrant, so tasty and cooked with so much love!

I also tried out a new restaurant - a Greek restaurant called Parea Restaurant at Kogarah. This was also delicious - I always order lamb (why would't you in a Greek restaurant) and it did not disappoint. The meal sizes were generous and flavoursome.

Family, friends, flowers, food.

Yesterday: Lovely walk through Carss Park, lunch and dinner with friends. Time to rest (a little)

Today: My niece's first school picnic for family of all the kindy students. Much excitement in preparing for this wonderful day. Tonight we see Hairspray the musical!

Lots of time with friends and family. Enjoying the gorgeous sunlight. It seems as though everybody is in a better mood when the sun shines.

Oh... and the best news! Some more of my Orchids have flowered and they are the most delightful yellow colour! I cannot wait for them to open a little more!

All things technological

It has been a very exciting couple of days! First and foremost I received an invite to join Google+ which is a fantastic social networking site! So much better than Facebook! I have had fun actually creating circles on Google+. Circles for work and friends. I've also been very lucky to have purchased an iPad2. Really enjoying the fact I can now read almost every major newspaper and news outlet using their respective iPad apps.

Technology is so powerful. I think the internet has really revolutionised the way that we access information. I can summarise it by saying that the internet provides so many more possibilities and opportunities to explore, create and collaborate!

Good food that I've eaten just recently

I tried this lovely duck dish at the Sydney Good Food and Wine show. Recipe by Marion Grasby. I met her at her book launch at Shearers Leichhardt and also got a signed copy of her book. Looking forward to trying some of her recipes.

The above two cupcake pictures are the cupcakes that my niece and I baked together on our 'Cupcake and Craft' day. We had so much fun and she delighted in decorating them, especially after she learn't how to use the icing bag!
This is one of the homemade pizzas I made last night. This was taken on my iPhone using the app 'camerabag' which has the Magazine filter. The dough is an olive oil dough. Can provide recipe if anyone is interested. It is topped with a little of my homemade pizza sauce, some caramelised onion jam, buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, goats fetta and rocket and torn basil leaves. It was delicious. There were other pizzas but they were eaten before I thought to photograph them.

The above two pictures aren't particularly great, but I did want to highlight the green and pink 'Persian Fairy floss.' It is so delicious, so 'grown up' - a little is enough atop of a dessert to give it some extra sparkle!

Holiday bliss

Have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this break. Have deliberately done no school work as yet - though I have set aside part of Monday, Tuesday and Thursday to get some work done. I have really given myself a chance to just rest and it has proven to be very good.

I have got back into an exercise routine and have cooked and baked a lot in the first week.

I have also spent time reading cookbooks and researching cooking techniques.

Next week I hope to spend some time on photography. I am off to see Faustus next Wednesday and La Boheme next Saturday so next week is definitely my arts / theatre week.

I do love school holidays. I lament at the thought that the activities that give me so much joy, seem to be put aside when the school term comes about. Furthermore, I may actually do some research for my Masters next Thursday / Friday. I think that I should be ready to commence!

For term three, I am going to try to develop a better work - life balance. I know that I say this quite a lot - I was able to do this at the beginning of the school year, but it didn't last.

Tonight I made pizza from scratch... was delicious!

Cupcakes and Craft day

There is nothing more that I like, than to spend time with my gorgeous niece Emily. Today my sister, mum, dad and Emily came to my place for a cupcakes and craft day. My little niece is 5 years old and she likes nothing more than to cook, bake and make craft. Today I had prepared some canvas boards, purchased some paint and craft items for her to create some art work to hang in her room.

It was a most wonderful morning where she painted a fairy and added some flowers and butterflies to her design! Following this, we made cupcakes and I taught her how to use an icing bag. Needless to say there was a lot of mess, but it was ever so much fun!

It was really lovely to just relax with my parents, my sister and niece. It was a time when we could chat and relax.

Hope you have had a lovely day!

Holidays - oh happy days!

Well, as much as I had been hoping for the holidays, I have to say the utter relief that has washed over me has been great! Term two was such an incredibly busy term at school. In many ways, it felt busier than in previous years, but I don't intend to dwell on it. I really do enjoy my job and I love the colleagues in my department - as I've said on countless number of occasions. I enjoy being there, but getting sick towards the end of the term did make it very difficult.

It really is amazing how after only a couple of days away, I am beginning to feel relaxed and am really looking forward to these holidays!

I have a couple of items on the 'to do' list, one being to get back into a proper exercise routine. I find that my mood is very closely linked to whether I have had time to exercise, so yesterday I spent a couple of hours exercising and I must say I felt very good after it! I'm trying not to overdo it just yet, as I am still recovering from the cold or winter bug.

Yesterday I made the official move to the lovely 'banker's desk' in our study. My lovely husband used it for his previous business, but now that he has an office away from home, he doesn't need it. It's amazing - he's had this desk for years and he's given it to me (and fought off his many friends who wanted to buy it from him) - just shows how lovely he is! I should mention I do have quite a big desk of my own, but it's contemporary and lacks the character of the banker's desk. He uses my desk if he needs it. Works well!

For breakfast, I have just brewed some green tea and am having toast with gooseberry jam. I have always wanted to try gooseberry jam and was lucky enough to have purchased some whilst away at the Hunter Valley!

Hope you enjoy your day!

Must see football

Every year, some of our good friends and my husband and I await with anticipation the Sydney Swans v Collingwood Magpies game in Sydney. My friends and I are all Collingwood supporters and my husband is a very proud Sydney Swans supporter. I wasn't able to cheer much as I have lost my voice and was rather conscious of undoing the good work of being indoors for a couple of days had done.. Here are some photos that I took using my iPhone 4. I used a photography app called "Camera Bag" which has a range of filters.

I hope you enjoy... oh, and the 'pies won!

Change of plans

This weekend, I was supposed to go to Canberra - for an amazing dinner tonight with friends and then a conference tomorrow. It seems my body had other ideas - after losing my voice and clearly not shaking whatever bug it is that I've got, my husband and I made the decision to stay at home. Needless to say I am really, really disappointed that we couldn't make the journey. Not being one to wallow in self pity, I did put those thoughts to the side. The positive that emerges from this is that it's the first meal I get to have with my husband this week! That's something to be grateful for, so tonight I cooked an amazing spaghetti bolognese - because it's one of my husband's favourite meals. It has been a great week of cooking - Persian Chicken in a Pomegranate and Walnut sauce served with rice cooked in the Persian style , Moroccan Chicken with a great Couscous and tonight I made Spaghetti Bolognese. I also had the strawberries tonight.

It has been a great evening. A day filled with nothing but rest (and the odd email and tweet) but an evening filled with warmth, a great meal and wonderful company. Am feeling rested. Voice still not returned, but incredibly thankful to be able to spend the evening at home, with my husband.

Dinner tonight

I was just so pleased to have (finally) left work for the day. It was cold and dark, but soon the days will get longer. Tonight I decided to make Moroccan Chicken and Couscous. It was just delicious! I loved the fact that I could use a whole host of spices (and herbs) to create such a flavoursome meal. I find that preparing and cooking a meal is rather cathartic.

For dessert, I created my own recipe... nothing lavish, but I warmed some honey and vino cotto on the stove, while whisking vanilla and marscapone together. I placed the marscapone at the bottom of the bowl, then some strawberries (cut in half) and then topped with the vanilla and marscapone. Use a vanilla bean. Scrape the inside and use that. I know some recipes call for cream to be whisked into the marscapone, but I didn't have any and it all tasted fine.

You could also cook the strawberries in a sugar syrup with some lime juice if you wanted to.

Enjoy your evening!

Dinner

Well tonight, after feeling unwell for a while, decided to cook something to awaken my senses and give me some energy. I was so inspired by the recipes in "Pomegranate Soup" that I cooked two of the dishes mentioned in the novel. The first is called Fasenjoon which is a Persian chicken stew with walnut and pomegranate sauce, served with chelow - rice cooked in the Persian style.

I have to say that for a first attempt, it was very tasty. I think I will try a different recipe next time as I think I would like a more subtle taste of walnuts. I think I did get the sweet (sugar) and sour (pomegranate syrup) balanced in the stew.

I am not sure what I am going to make for dinner tomorrow night. Possibly another chicken dish, but something from another part of the world - maybe Lebanese, Greek or Morrocan. Am really engaged in the Middle Eastern / Mediterranean dishes at present. Last month I couldn't cook enough Thai, Chinese or Japanese.

A journey travelled through a most delightful novel...

Well I must say that the road to recovery has been longer than I had anticipated. I am feeling much better now, but yesterday afternoon, not so good. I suspect that working so hard and little down time (and being around so many people who are unwell) has left my immune levels much lower than usual. I also attribute this to the lack of exercise I've done in the past three weeks. Nevermind, am on the mend and today gave me the opportunity to rest and read.

I finished reading a most delightful book, "Pomegranate Soup" that I mentioned in a previous post. What a delightful read it was! It has inspired me so much, that I am going to cook a Persian dish for dinner tonight. Not sure which one, but I am sure it will be delicious! I loved the way food and place were woven through the novel. I must admit that her descriptions of the fragrance of food, the power of spices and the history of many of the dishes has inspired me to read more about Iran. The connection between food and events was also quite powerful, the way in which she would refer to the Revolution and how the memory of those events was triggered by a particular food or meal. For me, that is something that is so incredibly powerful and incredibly true.

I tend to attribute food to particularly experiences, so my memory of an experience can be triggered by preparing a meal or using an ingredient. I don't know if it is commonplace and everybody thinks like this when preparing meals, but this was something inherent throughout the narrative that resonated so strongly within me.

I love to cook and I love to cook for other people and reading this novel affected all of my sensibilities! I have the next novel, Rosewater and Soda Bread and I hope to start that tonight (even though I have tax returns and a pile of marking to do)

I will be sure to post what I cook tonight and let you know if my senses are delighted as much as the characters were when trying the Persian food for the first time!

A time for rest

Well I was wrong to think that the many viruses and bugs that are slowing and stopping people in their tracks would somehow avoid my body. It seems that I too, can succumb to the bugs and viruses of the day. I suspect this is because I have been burning the candle at both ends. Three fundraising dinners this week, and I was sick as well!

Thursday night through to Saturday morning was just rest. There is no other way to overcome the viruses of winter. Well, rest and lots of water.

In any case, in between naps I have continued reading 'Pomegranate Soup' and I am loving it! It has inspired me to learn more about how to make Persian food. I am now trying to locate pomegranate paste. I have found the rose petals used in the recipes and I have found a good supplier of saffron. 1g at $20/g. I will be shopping around!

I am really enjoying this novel. The characters are beginning to come into their own and the town is really coming to life. Lots of little complications are woven into the narrative, which help to create a mosaic of the community!

Anyway, I have promised myself one more search for Persian ingredients - have you seen the Persian Fairy Floss? I can't wait to try the saffron flavoured one!

Enjoy your weekend!

What I'm reading now...

Aside from the huge pile of essays on my desk at home (I don't seem to get any time to mark them at school) I have begun to read 'Pomegranate Soup' by Marsha Mehran. It is set in Ireland and follows the story of three Iranian sisters who seek refuge in Ireland. It is a fictitious story, but interestingly the author is Iranian and has lived in Ireland. I am enjoying it thus far and will be sure to share more of my thoughts as I progress. At present I love the way she creates atmosphere. The characters have emerged as rather quaint with their own idiosyncrasies. Ballinacroagh sounds like an interesting little village for as the setting for three Iranian refugee sisters.

Well I had best get to my reading.

A day to reconnect...

Today we had a staff day. Being a teacher in a Catholic school, the focus of the staff day was on spirituality. We had plenary sessions run by Catholic Earth Care. We also were given opportunities to engage in a couple of workshops of our own choice. I chose the same one, that I have chosen each year - The story of the Presentation Sisters' Order, the foundress, Nano Nagle and the charism as it is in our school today. I like hearing a Presentation Sister, bring to life, the charism of the order and set challenges for us in our daily work. It is like a nourishment. To hear Nano Nagle, how as a young Irish woman, met the calling of the poorest of the poor in Ireland and then systematically being credited to beginning Catholic schooling in Ireland is amazing. To think of how women, young women, over a hundred years ago were able to see a need, then meet the need to create a better society is really, really inspiring. I never, can never tire of hearing her story and hearing of the work the Presentation Sisters do, on a daily basis. They even have a seat as an NGO at the UN!

The other workshop I chose was to read, but I also had a half an hour reflexology session. It was just the most wonderful way to slow the thought processes right down. It made me realise how much I missed the quite, down time.

Taking this and finishing with a liturgy of the word, I went home and decided to go to the local library. I borrowed a number of books, one of which a cook book titled 'Manna from Heaven' by Rachel Grisewood. Tonight, whilst updating this blog and doing some marking and reading, I am waiting for the delicious Dark Chocolate and Hazelnut biscuits to bake! The recipe called for milk chocolate, but as I am not a fan of milk chocolate, I decided to substitute with Dark chocolate. I hope it works out okay! I haven't baked biscuits for a very, very, very long time. I am not sure how they will turn out, but given I was so successful in my Lemon, Chicken, Vegetable and Noodle soup the other day, I figured I should give 'sweet' a go!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the day. It has allowed me to stop and slow down. It has enabled me to clear my head of some of the clutter - the to do lists for one!

I will post a picture of my batch of biscuits once they are done!

Flowers and Food

Oysters with Tetsuya's Vinaigrette

Peking Duck with minced Apple wontons

Shiitake and Scallops Gow Har

Stone Temple Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Beautiful Orchids on Bedroom Verandah

Beautiful Orchids on main balcony

Breakfast at Rosebud Cafe, Rozelle

My delicious lemon chicken, noodles and vegetable soup.

It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to upload pictures. So, I have decided to upload pictures of my gorgeous Orchids. Yes, almost 6 years of persistence and they reward me with some beautiful flowers! Finally!

I have also uploaded some wonderful food that I've prepared myself (the chicken, noodle and vegetable soup) and food that I've eaten out.

I hope you enjoy these pictures! Pictures of my weekend away at the Hunter Valley will come. I will dedicate a post to the Hunter Valley Gardens! They are worth a post!

Internet disasters this week

Don't you just hate it when technology fails? Why is it that when report comments need to be uploaded to the reports program, when staff require you to print marks that need to be imported into the reports program and when you are out of school for a day and all of your lessons require students to access their learning website, that the entire network crashes... and why does this extend beyond a day... into Tuesday?

I feel that in so many ways, we have progressed in our profession. I believe that we are so much more accountable and technology has allowed for much greater scrutiny and transparency of what we do. Furthermore, when the technology fails, it sets me back a whole two days.

Hopefully, what I planned to do on Tuesday, i will now be able to do on Thursday.

Bring on the long weekend!

On a happier note - my orchids look divine and yes Melinda, pictures will come, I promise!

Something other than work...

It has been a busy week. Am doing some work at present for an organisation, helping to write a book for students. Needless to say, have quite a bit of marking to do this weekend - all on Module B, Witness (think HSC English)

Lots of great things happening - namely students working hard and writing some wonderful stories. Lots of student work that we (my fabulous dept) will publish on our department blog.

I have also been asked to tutor several students, all of which I have turned down, but will help out one student who is willing to work with my most crazy schedule. I meet her today.

Looking forward to seeing the lights in the city as part of the Vivid festival.

I also promise to upload some photos. Yes, it has been a while.

My orchids are in bloom and look amazing. Must take photos and must upload. This has been almost six years in the waiting!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Busy times!

Well I always maintain that the second term of the school year is the busiest (along with term 3) and this term has continued to provide such busy times!

I have a lot of marking to complete in the next couple of weeks, but have to balance this with so many other tasks at work. I often wonder how people actually achieve a work-life balance. I've never had a lot of quiet time anyway - and less so now.

I really enjoy my work - putting in long and hard hours does provide excellent gains for my students and my staff. It is fulfilling and there is so much that needs to be done that life is never dull at work!

I hope that if you have had a busy week, that you are able to take the time out to rest over the weekend.

An update of sorts

A busy weekend filled with cleaning, sorting, rearranging etc. I did some marking and school work, but also found time to do some exercise, predominantly running. I didn't cook this weekend at all, but did visit my parents' place today for lunch. I did bring home some fresh lemons and lots of herbs - thyme, parsley, basil and rosemary so that should inspire some dishes this week.

I am going to bed to read now. It is taking me a while to get back into reading (because whenever I start reading, I seem to fall asleep)

Last week was a very busy week at work and beyond. I attended one ball which was wonderful. This week I have one function on Friday evening (not sure about the weekend)

I am looking forward to the long weekend in June though... Hunter Valley and time on a vineyard I think will be precisely what the doctor ordered!

This evening was wonderful - just returned home after dinner with friends. Life is so incredibly busy but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Hope you have a great week!

Out and about in Sydney...

Sydney is my home and these are some pictures of warmer times in Summer, taken at Manly and on the harbour. The first two photos were taken at Manly, one of Sydney's most iconic beachside suburbs and the following three were taken on the ferry ride from Manly Wharf (photo one) to Circular Quay, Sydney. As you can see it was indeed a glorious day!

Manly Wharf

Manly beach

A cruise liner docking at Circular Quay

A ferry that resembles the ferry I was on, whilst taking this picture

I love these sails... The Opera House.

Maiden Speech

Today was a day of great joy. Today, my husband delivered his inaugural speech in State Parliament. The Legislative Assembly chamber is known as 'the bear pit' and if you have ever caught part of question time, you will come to know that this is indeed an apt name. Today my husband delivered, what I think, is one of the best maiden speeches I have ever heard.

He spoke about his philosophy, the history of the electorate, his hopes and what he hopes to achieve for the electorate and he thanked all of his supporters, family and friends.

It was a speech that greatly impressed me. He was so incredibly inspiring.

I can't wait to hear him deliver speeches in state parliament now. He is so community minded and I hope today is the start or the continuance of something wonderful for him. It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and close friends today. To share the moment.

It was certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that he took with great humility and reverence for the great privilege to represent our local community.

Royal Wedding

Sorry for the second post, but I almost forgot! I was invited to a friend's house for a Royal Wedding party! Photos to come - it was a wonderful evening. Had my first really late night in a while - didn't get to bed until almost 2am - which is a late night for me!

We watched the wedding, whilst sipping on french champagne and eating delicious canapes.

It was a fabulous evening and I was thrilled that all who attended the party dressed up to the nines! It was a great evening with great friends!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look like the happiest couple! I sincerely wish them all the very best for a long and happy life together. I did shed a little tear, when I thought about Lady Diana and how proud she would have been of the Duke of Cambridge.

I loved the duchess's dress. It was akin to the style worn by one of my style icons, Princess Grace Kelly. Both dresses were quite similar, particularly the top part of the dress. I thought the bridal party looked wonderful and I really enjoyed watching the service.

I hope you watched it and enjoyed it!

Weekends

This is the last weekend of April. It has been a month of immense change. My husband's election was the biggest and most wonderful thing that happened this month! Life is slowly returning to some normalcy which is nice. We attend a lot of community functions which is great, but I am pleased that after a function this evening, we went to dinner together to a local Italian restaurant and are now at home, relaxing.

I look forward to some more zucchini flowers - one has bloomed which is great.

Photos of the zucchini flower and the orchids (which will bloom in a couple of weeks) will be posted soon!

Look forward to doing some more cooking and exercise this weekend!

Hope you are having a lovely weekend!

ANZAC DAY

Today is ANZAC Day. This morning I accompanied my husband to a dawn service in our local area. Each year he lays a wreath as part of the service. This year, he was able to do this in the capacity as the state member of parliament for the area. I was really proud of him. I was really proud to stand alongside ex-servicemen and women and their families. There were so many people in attendance, in spite of the inclement weather this morning.

They shall grow not old, as those who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the rising, we will remember them.

Lets we forget.

Easter Greetings to you!

Happy Easter! Today has indeed been a wonderful day, beginning with mass, then lunch with family and supper with friends.

Easter is a wonderful time of the Church's calendar. In fact, the Triduum is my favourite time of the liturgical calendar. Time to reflect on your life. Time to plan for the following year.

The risen Christ is symbolic of hope and new beginnings.

Blessings to you and to your family!

Holidays

Holidays are a great time to reconnect with friends and spend more time with family. Am pleased that I have been able to do this. Am also pleased that I've been able to get back into some exercise and go on some lovely walks.

Am hoping to get the DSLR Camera out in the next couple of days, and play with the settings. Have finished a lot of marking and also put some time into creating some teaching resources. Felt that I needed to tie up a few loose ends.

We have been blessed with some great weather. I am also really thrilled about my Orchids. They are going to flower this year! So very excited about this! One will flower in about a couple of weeks. There are four more to follow suit!

Property hunting is sort of happening... it's always the case that when it's school holidays, there are few if any properties on the market!

I have been pleased with some of the great steamed fish recipes I've tried. I made some vegetable soup a couple of days ago. Delicious!

Property hunting

Property hunting - some love it, others loathe it. Friends of mine are busily looking at homes or apartments to buy - their own little piece of Australia. I know how they feel. Property hunting is a difficult task - but when you do find that wonderful property to call your own, it is a great feeling. I recall when we purchased our apartment. We were so excited - such a great place to live. Great facilities, shops and services nearby. A stone's throw walk to the bay. I suppose I should keep that in mind through our next phase. House hunting!

Joy

Well Thursday afternoon, at precisely 2:43pm, the incumbent conceded defeat and my husband was declared the winner. The formal declaration of the ballot takes place on Tuesday, but let me assure you that my husband has already begun his work as the new State Member for Oatley.

Last night, I accompanied him to his first function and what a great function! Hurstville City Council's wonderful Arts and Culture department has been working in collaboration with the C3West organisation, on a project to reflect, in an artistic manner, the Community Strategic Plan. http://www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au/Begin-Again.html

I have added the link so that if you are interested you can read more about it. There were a number of local members of the community - ballroom dancers, singers, etc who appeared in the short video clips. I met the Director of MCA Sydney who was very happy to lend her support to the event. C3West is part of MCA Sydney.

It was great to attend the evening. This morning we have a fete and a couple of other engagements and hopefully, this afternoon I can go to the gym and relax and read.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Election result too close to call

Well it's almost 7am in Sydney. I think I slept for about five hours or maybe six last night. I did not sleep on Friday evening and haven't had much to eat. I can't even begin to describe the feeling right now... about 800 votes ahead, but not quite at the magic percentage required to stave off a recount of votes.

Instead of sleeping right now, I am awake. Wide awake. In two hours I will spend the entire day scrutineering as a recount begins. A result wont be known in the seat that my husband contested, against the incumbent Minister (won't be a minister now, after the result of the election) for a week. I would rather be in my husband's position than that of the incumbent. He held the seat for 12 years with a margin of 14.4%

It seems at last count, Mark was ahead at 14.9% with 95% of the vote counted.

More news later.

The cupboard is almost bare...

Well this weekend has been filled with hours and hours of campaigning. In fact, Saturday - the whole day was dedicated to campaigning. Street stalls from 8am to 12:00pm and then the afternoon at prepoll until 5pm left me feeling very tired (but pleased to be doing all that I could for my husband's campaign)

Today I began the morning with breakfast and a campaign meeting with the candidate and campaign director.

I have to say that this is the first weekend where we have had two dinners at home. I have had two dinners and one lunch at home. A huge treat for me. I have almost eaten out for every meal since October last year. My family came to visit (I got to see my beautiful niece today) and we had a wonderful home cooked meal. For anybody who knows me well, knows how much I truly love to cook. Last night I cooked some vegetables and meat - we wanted something very simple. For dessert I cooked some figs in the oven and served them with some vanilla bean ice cream. I realised when I opened the fridge and pantry that they are both incredibly bare.

This is not new - in fact, since the campaign has really kicked in (just before November) I haven't really had much of an opportunity to shop for the ingredients that I would ordinarily find in my pantry (a walk in pantry) and my fridge. This is because I am very fussy. I can't buy any particular pasta or oil or vino cotto. I can't buy meat from a supermarket - actually I can't buy very much from a supermarket. I love food and I love finding out about the origin of all the food I buy. This period from November to April has made me realise I am incredibly unrealistic about how I approach shopping for food, but sadly I can't see myself changing.

I have restocked my tins of tuna (for work) and have found some staples that should see me through the week. Mum prepared some delicious meals that are now in the freezer, so a home cooked lasagne is on the menu this week. I was pleased with the varietals of lettuce that my niece and I picked from my garden today, for the base of our salad.

I suppose eating all that is in the pantry is a good thing - it really encourages no wastage and some creativity. I did find some orecchiette so I will be sure to do something with it tomorrow night.

I am busily adding all the things I haven't had an opportunity to do for months to my to do list - things like socialising with friends, hosting dinner parties, reading, cooking, baking, knitting, writing, finding a house etc etc.

Another natural disaster

You may recall that I was fortunate to spend two weeks in Japan, on a study tour run by the Australian Education Foundation. In that time, I visited some of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to, in my life. I have well over 3000 photographs from this two week trip. Japan is a place of great beauty. Natural beauty that radiates peace and calm and serenity. From the lovely moss gardens and Zen gardens to the quiet pockets of space amidst the busy hustle and bustle of cities like Osaka and Kyoto. I will never forget the falling snow and watching the sunrise and sunset.

Japan is a country that lies on a rather active fault line. When in Japan, I recall on a number of occasions, being told about how they were due for the 'big one.' By that, they were referring to the big tsunami and big earthquake that would devastate their country.

My heart goes out to the Japanese people and my condolences to those who have lost loved ones and their homes.

There is so much devastation in the world at the moment. Floods in QLD and Victoria, bushfires in WA, earthquake in Christchurch, unrest in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia to name but a few and now the earthquake in Japan and tsunami to hit countries in the Pacific.

I will most certainly keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. What a dreadful beginning to 2011. I hope and pray that such devastation is over and people can begin to rebuild their lives.

Something that is most apparent is the sheer wonderment of the devastation that natural disasters can cause and at the same time, be so spectacular in how quickly they move. I have the greatest respect for nature. It is so beautiful and so seductive. Nature lets us believe that we are in control, yet seeing images of the mud slide just take in large homes like they were made of paper, shows how nature can assert her power and ferocity.

Garden update

I was very, very pleased to see that there are a number of very healthy looking seedlings (both tomato and zucchini) growing in pots on my verandah and the peas are also taking off! I received a copy of The Digger's Club seed book to loan for a little while and I am really inspired by the many different kinds of seeds that I can buy!

My husband and I are hoping to buy a house in the next couple of months, so part of me wants to buy lots of seeds so that I can grow them in what I hope will be a sizeable garden!

Already I have plans drawn up for the kind of vegetable / fruit patch that I want - one for every season of the year!

I suppose it all really comes down to the place that we decide to buy and the sun / shade factor as well as space!

One thing that I have learned, is that I can grow almost anything in a pot and this has given me great satisfaction.

I love Autumn because zucchinis and peas will come into their own, taking pride of place in many dishes that I hope to cook. The tomatoes will form the base of my own homemade pasta sauce and tomato sauce, so I really look forward to days spent in the kitchen in the holidays! Will be a welcome relief from the frenetic activity of work at present!

Preparing my late Summer garden for an Autumn feast

I have just enjoyed a weekend of cleaning. I truly believe I have the cleanest apartment in Australia. There is not one thing out of place. The kitchen sparkles, as do both of the bathrooms. Dust has been banished, the floors are mopped and carpet, vacuumed. I cannot tell you how much satisfaction I have received from cleaning my apartment. I really wanted to leave work early, just so I could spend some time in a lovely, clean and peaceful place.

So much am I pleased with my efforts that I turned my focus onto the verandahs. Both balconies have gorgeous plants. The balcony off my bedroom has the most luscious growing plants. So many orchids (which I will feed tomorrow) and ferns adorn the verandah. It is like a floor of green and lots of green hues.

The main balcony that leads out from our lounge room houses our Palm Tree, Christmas Bush, Japonaica tree, another Orchid, Lavender, an assortment of succulents and now my autumn harvest: zucchini, peas, tomatoes, Tuscano Nero (Kale) and two kinds of lettuce. I really hope that there are days in the coming weeks where I can take some time out to tend to my gorgeous garden. I have to say, there really is something cathartic about cleaning and gardening. I always find that I become more spiritual, reflective and contemplative when I am out with my plants, or I have cleaned. I know it sounds somewhat strange, but I think there is real merit in physical work - it's rewards can be immediate (clean apartment that I don't want to leave) or long term (hopefully a bountiful harvest for autumn)

One thing that I haven't finalised is my Masters Reasearch Thesis. This I need to get to -

though I do love a good awards ceremony and the Oscars is on tonight. Have to say that I am looking forward to watching it this evening. I have not been on Twitter or Facebook since the Oscars was aired live. I have also managed to avoid any news broadcasts. I do love the spectacle, the glitz and the glamour. I suppose I love celluloid. I can really appreciate the creativity and ingenuity that comes with creating a film. I have a close friend who is a producer, a director and actors who work so hard. What I love about awards ceremonies is that it rewards people who are great at their craft. Albeit not every great director is recognised at the Academy Awards, but there are some amazing artists out there and it's great to see them recognised.

I think that it is something that teachers need more often - people to affirm and validate what they do. Great teachers should be recognised for their talents and for what they contribute. They add value to our society and deserve recognition. If there could be an awards ceremony, I would love to host it and I would give everyone in my department an award.

Anyway, if you follow the awards season, I hope you were happy with the results.

Beautiful Christchurch, my heart goes out to you...

Images from my second visit to Christchurch...

Christchurch, located on New Zealand's South Island, is one of my favourite cities in the world. It is pretty. It is picturesque and some of the loveliest people I have ever met, live in that city. I have travelled there twice. It is one place that I would travel to over, and over again. It is a city with a big heart. How difficult it is to watch the ongoing footage and read the many tweets coming from that city. The earthquake has all but flattened many significant buildings in Christchurch. One such building to incur damage is the cathedral. I have visited that very cathedral on a number of occasions each time I visited Christchurch. I loved visiting it each morning, to see the beautiful rays of sunshine beam through the doors and windows. The voices of the choir radiated through the cathedral. The last time that I visited, last October, there was a very moving art exhibition from young artists living in Gaza. Displacement.

Something that saddens me is that one of the places I stayed at, the Hotel Grand Chancellor on Cashel St, at this moment is in fear of collapse. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful a hotel it is. I loved it so much that my husband and I were planning to return later this year to Queenstown and Christchurch. We wanted to stay there again. The staff were most accommodating and hospitable. We marvelled at the magnificent views from our room which was located very high up. When we stayed there, there were a number of aftershocks. I remember the room felt like it swayed when we stayed there. I really hope that the building doesn't fall. I hope it can be salvaged. It is a symbol of the engineering and architectural grandeur in Christchurch.

I am also saddened because Christchurch is not just 'another city experiencing devastation.' For me, there are many faces, many wonderful teachers I met whilst at the ULearn 2010 Conference. I hope and pray that they are okay, that their students and school communities are okay. I also think of the Egyptian taxi driver who migrated to New Zealand two decades ago to create a better life for his family. He spoke with such pride for his city. Christchurch is his home.

I think about all of these people as, transfixed, I see the tragedy and carnage unfold on my television screen. I know that I can turn off the television at any time and walk away... though I don't because I know that my friends across the Tasman are confronted with that devastating reality.

I plan on donating some money to the Red Cross who has set up an appeal. If you are able to donate something, then please do.

2011 The year of study

Well this year has certainly become the year of study. I am a recipient of a scholarship to complete a Masters Research degree. I am also completing a middle management leadership course and I have just found out that I have been selected as one of 1500 people across the world, to enter the Apple Distinguished Educators' two year course and attend their institute. I really am so excited about all of these opportunities. I will have to really, really organise my time. I am really looking forward to my study adventures and am going to start another blog, just blogging about my study experiences. A little like a learning journal.

Japan 2010

Some pictures from the most amazing study tour led by the Asia Education Foundation (@ Melbourne University)

Felt so incredibly privileged to attend.

The first image is of some shoes I saw at a former geisha's house in Kyoto. Thought I might photograph them. It's amazing how Japanese women get around in these shoes.

The second image is of the floating shrine gates at Miyajima. It is a world heritage listed place and incredibly picturesque. A real feeling of calm permeates across this little island.

The third picture is a monument to Sadako - the young Japanese girl who died after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She believed that if she made 1000 cranes, she would live. Visiting the Peace Park and the Museum and hearing a survivor speak of his life and ordeal is something I will never, ever, ever forget. There is no way you can ever walk out of a place like the museum without shedding a tear. Every artefact was attached to a name. I am not going to post those pictures. Some are just too graphic, but I did photograph them, because they tell a story and are a reminder of why nuclear weapons are a threat to world peace.

The fourth picture is of my host family. Takiko San and Towako San. Such lovely women who made me feel so incredibly welcome. Takiko san cooked the most delicious dinner. It was such a privilege to be allowed into the home of this most generous Japanese family. They live in Osaka. We went to an Onsen, Nara and a Shinto New Year's Festival in Osaka.

Met the most amazing people. My group leader, Meredith is one of the most inspiring women I have ever met. The final picture in this collection is of her and I. She is fluent in Japanese and is Director of Teaching and Learning at a girls' school. She is the kind of leader I aspire to be.

Welcome 2011

Well Sydney has put on the most glorious weather! Long, hot summer days reign at present! Am thoroughly enjoying the bright sunny days. Have enjoyed a dip in the ocean and lots of bbq's with family and friends. Eaten a lot of good food. Now thinking about my study trip to Japan. For two weeks, I will leave the warmer climes of Sydney for the winter wonderland of Japan. Hope you have had a good start to the year!