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.