perspective

Day 3...

2012-02-09T15:54:00.001+13:00

Today, one of my darlings who left me at the end of last year came to visit. She made her mother drop her off at the school gate so she could run down and see me and be the first of my graduates to come visit. Still so sweet! Good thing she's not in my class anymore - she's almost as tall as I am!

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Today's favourite moment:

*students are updating their journals and showing me - they list the work they've done and the times... the following is the funniest converstation...

Me: What did you do for Math? You didn't fill it in.

Child: Circling.

Me: (Thinking, thinking, thinking...) OH! You mean rounding. Gotcha.

So freakin' cute!

What Warmed My Heart Today

2012-02-08T21:58:00.000+13:00

It's the second day of school and so far, I love my class. Every year, I feel so blessed to be working with such a great group of people (adults and children.)

I got nine new Year 5 students in my class this year (Grade 4 students) after a mass exodus of students at the end of last year (maybe I'm preparing them too well, so they feel well equipped to leave the safety of our Montessori class!) In these nine new students, I have some very interesting personalities. One of my new students (child x) is a bit different and definitely has some learning and social preferences (I prefer preference to challenge) but a very sweet child, nonetheless.

Like in any classroom (not just a Montessori class) the start of the year is very full on and busy, busy, busy. There's scarcely a moment to breathe, let alone sit down... so today, child x gave me their book to look at after finishing a bit of writing work, I put it down on the table to look over. At the same time, child y was mucking about, so like any other teacher would, I gave child y 'the glare' and put my hand out for him to hand me the thing he was playing around with. Child x looked at me, looked at my hand, and promptly put his hand in mine and held it - sweetly, gently and calmly... and he looked so genuinely delighted that I wanted to hold his hand, my heart melted and I stopped, took a deep breath, enjoyed the moment and let my heart fill up with love and gratitude.

What was your favourite moment today?

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Punctuation Hilarity

2012-02-01T19:46:00.003+13:00

Shared by a friend on Facebook. I laughed obnoxiously and loudly when I saw this and has made me smile after having to say goodbye to my mum.

It's Been A While...

2012-01-25T10:01:00.000+13:00

since I posted any grammar humour... and grammar humour makes me (and Megan and Sheba) soul happy.

Not sure of the source - saw it on Facebook. Laughed until I snorted.

Happy Birthday To My Best Friend

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000+13:00

Today is my best friend's birthday... fortunately, my best friend is also my husband.

I LOVE this picture. It makes me smile and my insides go all squishy when I look at it.

I could wax lyrical about how much I love him; how lucky I am to have him and how grateful I am for him every single day, even when I'm giving him a really hard time or I'm ridiculously grumpy.

But he knows all that, and I thinkthe whole world knows, because I'm pretty open about how crazy I am about this guy.

He loves me so much, he married me twice.

Happy birthday to my best friend, husband, rock, punching bag and protector. I love you an awful lot you know. Thank you for being so wonderfully you.

xox

The Alphabet Continues with 'Y' - Yummy In My Tummy!

2012-01-22T22:30:00.000+13:00

Thanks to Phillpa who suggested my letter 'y' subject - I am most definitely grateful for yummy food!

I have a love-love relationship with food. I love the flavours that explode in my mouth; the textures tickling my tongue; the experiments and the likely or unlikely combination of ingredients and tastes that come together to compliment one another perfectly. It's such good fun! Another reason I have a love-love relationship with food is one I have written about before, where I talk about the food I shared with my friends and the memories built around these meals.

Today was no exception. Phillipa and Truman came over today to see Mum and to join us for dinner. The table was groaning under the weight of steak, sausages and several salads. It was divine.

My apologies for the tragic photo of the spinach and strawberry salad I made. It was that good, that it was gone nearly instantaneously! (Or, I forgot to take one.) The recipe can be found here, on my recipes blog (at my Phillipa's super suggestion!)

It was great to spend time with great friends and we talked a lot about yummy food. This would probably be due to my new-found enthusiasm for making chutneys from our garden produce.

I love the idea of making my own jams, chutneys, relishes and preserves. Not because I fancy myself to be Nigella or Martha, but because I really like the idea of using and eating all natural ingredients, it (generally) tastes better and the simple fact that it is more economical. I really like chutneys and sauces, but I never buy them because I think they're simply too expensive and I just can't justify the cost. There's no need to justify anything now! I've got some bottles stored up already, ready to be relished (yes, that pun was totally intended... groan, I know.)

The latest creation - Green Tomato Chutney. Yummier than the first chutney, if that's possible! The recipe is here, also on my recipe blog.

Yummy food is both a panacea and a celebration in itself. There's nothing better then watching others enjoy what you've made for them, especially when it's made naturally, (hopefully) healthily and with a big dose of love and laughter. I'm so grateful for the many opportunities I've had to share my culinary creations with my friends and family!

Test Post - Please Excuse Me!

2012-01-21T21:31:00.001+13:00

ZPGUNNNM8FUT

Fun in the Sun

2012-01-20T21:32:00.000+13:00

The sun has finally come out to play this week - and what a glorious week we've had!

I thought we'd enjoy a pictorial journey through summer so far...

I finally finished Ellie's handwarmers that I started ages ago. Love the wool - hoping to make socks out of the rest (if I can remember where I put the ball of wool when I was done!)

Matt, Julia and Lily Sides (such a perfect triangle) came home to visit from Japan; Zahrina came home to visit from India - it was lovely to have some of the girls over for lunch to meet Lily and visit with old friends.

An AWESOME combination - homemade lemon curd (which I made at the beginning of the summer, with lemons from our tree - it was a bit runnier than it should have been, but still yummy) and long overdue sultana scones. They turned out perfectly... together, such a lovely pairing of my culinary awesomeness.

Mum, Rebecca, Fiona and myself out for a leisurely lunch at Masala in Mission Bay. Yummy in my tummy!


Homemade tomato chutney - made on a drizzly day with tomatoes from our garden. All the recipes I could find were for large amounts, so I made this half portion. The recipe is on my new food and garden blog, found here.

A stunning sunset out of the upstairs hallway window. Red sky at night, sailor's delight.

And the following day was indeed stunning, so we legged it to the beach.


A small (tiny) sampling of the beans from our garden. I picked two full metal bowls of beans today. They are now safely blanched, dried and frozen for future consumption.

I really do love summer holidays! Two more weeks of this fabulousness - bring it on!

Clickity Clickity Clack

2012-01-17T19:00:00.002+13:00

I quite love this one... even more than the monkey or koala... Also happy that Isaiah liked his tiger!

Summertime - Sunday Evening Reflections

2012-01-15T23:05:00.003+13:00

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Today was the first sunny day in ages and I feel fabulous. I realised once again that my mood can be very dependent upon the weather and I've been a bit of a grump this week, what with the crap weather. I'm mostly disappointed that I haven't been able to do fun, summery, touristy stuff with Mum, which has irritated me. Upon reflection, I need to leave that nonsense behind and just enjoy having her here for the hols and cherish being curled up on the sofa, watching movies with her.

So in the sunshine today I pottered, cleaned, weeded, baked, dozed, read my book, giggled and stared out of the window at the water and the sunset. It was perfect - lots of me time, yet it was spent with two of my favourite people (Phill & Mum.) I love summertime.

Such a lovely way to end a dreary week and kick off a great week to come!

Your turn... What's your favourite thing about summer?

Heartwarming

2012-01-06T19:17:00.000+13:00

Please, if you only read one thing today, read this story about gender stereotyping and the general awesomeness of older brothers.

Made me miss my big brother a little bit more at this very moment. Big brothers = awesome.

This Says It All... Another Awesome Website

2012-01-04T11:03:00.003+13:00

I love social media and I love the things you stumble upon because of it.

In my never ending quest for wisdom and enlightenment, I read these articles (from a friend's Facebook link.)
30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself is a good list to help you refocus on the good in your life. When you're done with that, then head over to the follow up article, 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself.

If you've got time, then browse through the articles on Marc and Angel Hack Life, because there are far too many articles I like to link them all.

A lot of it is common sense and stuff we already know, but it doesn't hurt to hear it from someone else too!

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Finally! 'X' Marks The Spot!

2012-01-02T23:47:00.000+13:00

After I wrote about being a bit stumped on 'x' the other day for my Alphabet of Gratitude, I looked in that book I talked about and they had a great idea for 'x' which I was all set to "borrow." As luck would have it, I was suddenly struck with inspiration (I love that it usually happens that way... makes my alphabet feel a lot more genuine and unforced to me.)

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So... there - 'X' marks the spot. That's what I'm grateful for (and my resolution for 2012.)

A couple of months ago, I read the book "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Future" by Michael J. Fox. I got some fantastic quotes from the book, but of course I didn't have the presence of mind to copy them down before I returned it to the library. I also read "Always Looking Up" which was a bit of a biography and a bit of Mike's story about life with Parkinsons. A few things stood out for me in these books, but one thing in particular was the idea of living in the moment. You are where you are.

So... X marks the spot. I am grateful for living in the moment. I have some concerns about the future, but I can't really do anything about those, now can I? Phill is forever saying to me, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. There's no point worrying about it now, is there?" The past is in the past and can't be changed, but can be learned from. So right now, there is now - and my now is pretty fantastic! Can't help but to be grateful for that.

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Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T23:14:00.001+13:00

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Sorry this is a day or two late - I've been busy enjoying having Phill home for a few days!

I loved 2011. Of course, every year has its own ups and downs, but it is through those peaks and troughs I've find strength within myself and my relationships. There's been so much great stuff over the past year, it's impossible to keep track of it all, but off the top of my head... I've been so blessed to have had the opportunity to strengthen and redefine friendships over the past year. I've also been lucky enough to meet some fantastic new people at work that make me soul happy. I spent some amazing time with my family in Toronto this year, and while I love everyone at home, I'm most pleased I got to know my niece, Maya a little bit better. I could prattle on for hours and hours, but I shan't.

I just wanted to thank you for being part of my life... you are amazing and a beautiful soul.

Wishing you all the best for the coming year - may 2012 be filled with lots of love, laughter, happiness, peace, cupcakes, and more good stuff than you ever thought imaginable.

Happy New Year!

I'm Actually More Clever Than What I Give Myself Credit For

2011-12-30T00:26:00.002+13:00

I really am.

You see, I'm in a blue funk. I have been for a few days. I've been short-tempered with Phill, (and bless him, he's taken it all in stride - this man truly is a gift to me from God), I really didn't want to leave the house today. I had things to do, errands to run, but I dug my toes in and refused to leave the house. I was dressed in the morning and around midday, I changed into my slobby house clothes - that's how bad it was! In the end I did leave the house, since I had plans to go to Phillipa & Truman's for a bbq (Rebecca and I kindly invited ourselves over - so glad I went, because it was good fun - more on that tomorrow.) But now, I am home again, back to feeling that awful empty feeling in the pit of my stomach that makes me want to cry my eyes out.

I'm not sure what it is or why it is, but it's there.

So... I don't like it. Then I thought I'd work on my Alphabet of Gratitude, since I'm so close to done. Of course, that left me at 'x.' Earlier today, I wandered around the internet for a while and stumbled upon this blog today, by a beautiful, gorgeous, loving soul named Dyamond. It made me smile. It was a bit of what I needed. So I went back there and read some more and smiled some more. Felt some warmth creeping in to fill that empty pit.

Then, I thought I'd look for that book I wrote about ages ago to see what they had for 'x.' So I searched for it on my own blog... and I am actually more clever than what I give myself credit for. There it says, in my own computerized-stylized hand "If you're feeling a bit like you're lost in the wilderness, or even if you're just in a little spot of a blue funk, this is definitely a book worth picking up."

That's exactly how I'm feeling.

The amazing thing is that the simple act of writing about this little book over a year ago, shows me now that I have the foresight, strength and fortitude to pull myself out of any blue funk I may be ensconced in. It's okay to be in a blue funk sometimes as long as you allow yourself the time to feel and understand what's behind it, but then we have to remember to use the tools, friends, relationship and love (for ourselves and others) we have to pull us out to the other side.

I guess on some level, what I'm trying to say is that I think it's pretty fantastic that I didn't need anyone else to start pulling me out this time - I just needed to look back on some of my own wise words and realise that what I need already lies within me.

A Fabulous Website I Never Knew Existed & An Excellent Time Waster

2011-12-28T14:08:00.000+13:00

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I have found my new favourite website. It's called Roots of She. I love this website - it's the same people who created Kind Over Matter (another fabulous site) - but I like this one even more.

"Roots of She tells a story, the story of the female experience, in all of its shapes, sizes and forms.
Big & beautiful.
Small & sassy.
Roots of She is a safe space to talk about the wide range of experiences that we have, this is a space that will let other women know that they aren’t alone, that no matter what, there is someone out there that knows what you are going through." (from the welcome page of the site)

Definitely worth a look if you have a chance.

Another new favourite is the best time waster in the world... even better than Facebook and it's tearing me away from my knitting! Pinterest is fabulous. It's an online pinboard where you can pin/repin and organise pictures of the bits you love - it's yet another form of social media, and I'll admit it - I love it. I'm on there, and enjoy playing... a bit too much!

Christmas

2011-12-21T15:42:00.000+13:00

I LOVE Christmastime. I really, truly do. A bit funny coming from a Muslim, I know, but I can't help it.

The festive spirit, the holidays (wahoo), and all that Peace on Earth and Goodwill stuff. It's awesome. I don't (only say) Season's Greetings or Happy Holidays. I also do not believe in calling it x-mas because I'm not Christian, I try to give my Christian friends the respect they deserve, by acknowledging the spiritual and religious significance of the day for them, just like they do for me - for example, one of my closest non-Muslim friends always emails/calls/sends a card every Kushali to say Kushali Mumbark to me. I love her so much for this simple act and thoughtfulness - in addition to the hundreds of other things that make her lovely of course!

What I love most about Christmas is the warm glow of love that surrounds the holiday season and the day itself. The presents don't hurt either, but not because of the fact that it's a present (while always fantastic), it truly is the thought behind it. That someone thought of and considered me enough to get me a token of their love and appreciation makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I hope that I do the same for them with my gift giving! I recently read a friend's blog post, Have a Very Materialist Christmas. I met Jonathan in university, and he is now an Anglican Minister. It is an excellent post and sums the whole idea of giving gifts absolutely perfectly.

Growing up we celebrated Christmas with our family. I think it started because of pressure from us kids while growing up in Canada - we wanted all that stuff that our friends did on the holidays too, but then we kept it going as we got older. We had a tree, some of us exchanged gifts (not all were comfortable with it, and that was always fine too) we gathered together and wished one another Kushali Mumbarak and a Merry Christmas. The best part was dinner. Sitting together in a huge group, laughing, talking, sharing and celebrating us, our love and our relationships was the highlight of our day. Some of my absolute fondest memories come from our Christmas dinner. Family was emphasis of our holiday time together.

A Kiwi Christmas Lunch - So different to what I grew up with, but just as awesome with the family!

I guess I feel like the messages that surround Christmastime such as Peace on Earth; Goodwill Towards All Men; Brotherly Love; the spirit of giving and the emphasis on family should transcend race and religion and really are applicable to all of humanity.

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So I'm wishing you a very merry Christmas, or Happy Hannukah, or a belated Eid or Kushali Mumbarak or anything else I could say to express the same sentiment.

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I wish you and your families well and hope the past year has been good to you and that the coming year is even better. I wish you strength and courage in the face of adversity and more strength in the knowledge that you are loved and very cared for.

Oh. Man.

2011-12-16T17:39:00.000+13:00

Every year, I think it's the hardest year to say goodbye to my students who leave me, but I think that they're just so awesome during the year, I forget how my heart breaks and swells all at once on the last day. Quite frankly, it's emotionally exhausting! I had an a lot of students leave at the end of this year, so it was a bit hard.

On Wednesday, we had our Montessori Leaving Assembly to say goodbye to our students who have completed the Montessori Cycle and are moving on to another school. Generally, I'm a blubbering mess on that day - I was pleased that I held it together so well on Wednesday... I cracked a tear when in his farewell speech, one of my boys thanked me especially and said that I taught him "important life lessons beyond academics and how to be a compassionate individual." My heart twisted a bit, but I mostly kept it together. Oh. Man. (#1.)

In a card yesterday, a parent thanked me for "helping shape xxxxx into a mature young man, although he's still got a long way to go, you've given him the best start possible..." again, my heart twisted. Tears! Oh. Man. (#2)

But today was hardest. I was doing alright. Teared up when I got another beautiful card from a parent, but the tears didn't actually brim over. Oh yeah! We said goodbye to our 5/6 students first and I felt my eyes getting a bit wet when I looked at their cheeky grins, sparkly eyes and just gorgeous smiles. But I was good! I held it together and made it all the way to morning tea. Thought I was awesome.

And then...

"So... uh... Tez, we lied and we weren't actually doing anything for the yearbook - the intermediate leavers have organised a gift for you and there was no parental input in this at all. We just wanted to say thank you to you." OH! MAN! (#3) Tears, tears, tears.

Not only did they give me a GORGEOUS eco-cup for my morning coffees, but the card... inside were the sweet and heartfelt messages...

Kept it together a bit...

But then... I read this poem that one of my girls wrote...


Oh. Man. Tears. (#4 & #5)

But it was this message that sent me straight over the edge. It's not only filled my eyes with many tears, but filled my heart with love, pride and a bit of selfish sorrow that she's going. She hugged me several times at the end of the day, so we cried together (more than once.)

Oh. Man. So many tears! (#6, #7 & #8)

Ten years ago when I decided to be a teacher, I hoped and prayed that I would make some sort of an impact on children's lives. I actually still hope for the same thing, each and every day. Today, however, was one of my high points in my career - it rates up there with when I left home and one of my boys organised all the students sign a Hockey Canada t-shirt that he bought me. (I cried my eyes out then too, but it was only my 3rd year teaching and I was too cool to cry in front of them, so I hid in the bathroom and sniffled away.)

I really do love my job... so grateful and so blessed.

The New Class Pet - v 2.1

2011-12-07T21:15:00.001+13:00

My boys came to me today, heads hanging low... Bruce was nowhere to be found... as I (not-so) subtly lifted my feet off the ground and sat cross-legged on my swiss ball (not an easy feat, but I was holding on to the table) while they sighed quite pitifully. I tried to contain my terror at the thought of big, hairy Bruce wandering around my classroom and forced a sweet smile onto my face.

Until one of them brightened considerably and gleefully informed me, "But Bruce has left lots of baby Bruces for us!" I think I went a little bit green at this point. I suggested Brucetta for a new name (since obviously he, was a she) but that wasn't nearly imaginative enough. No... this is what they decided:


K.A.T.E. - Killer Acrobatic Terrifying Energetic

How cute are they?! Since it's a girl spider, she obviously needs little hearts! I've never enjoyed a spider so much! To be honest, I've never enjoyed a spider before.

Regardless, they checked on her and her babies throughout the day (they reckon she went away to die after having her babies, like Charlotte.) They were overjoyed to find her hiding up in the corner of the windowsill around lunchtime. The boys were SO excited about all this arachnaction (you see what I did there?) that they ended up spending the morning researching New Zealand spiders and terrifying spider stories (which I told them they were not to share with me under any circumstances.) They were so engaged in their research that I didn't hear a peep out of them for the rest of the morning (which in itself is a bit of a Christmas miracle.)

I couldn't help myself and checked for her at the end of the day, but she was nowhere to be found. I was pretty grateful on some level that I wasn't being confronted by K.A.T.E., but felt quite sad for my boys. Crazy, but I hope she's there tomorrow.

A New Class Pet?

2011-12-05T15:29:00.001+13:00

I was thinking yesterday that it's been ages since I've written anything... not that nothing good is going on, but quite frankly, I've been knitting like a demon.

But this was too good not to share...

I came into class this morning and it was already hot and stuffy, so I went to open the window, and this is what I saw...

So of course, I had to check Bruce out.

Yep. There he is.

Apparently, one of the boys (the one who wrote the sign) says good morning to Bruce every day and it's our new class pet. Great. This boy's not going to be in my class next year... I wonder if he'll take Bruce with him in two weeks when we go on holiday. Maybe I'll suggest it - I'm sure his mum will love it!

Still - pretty gorgeous (my kids, not Bruce.)

exhaustion tempered by gratitude

2011-10-06T22:35:00.000+13:00

I'm exhausted for all the right reasons.
I'm too tired to write heaps, but feel like I'm going to explode with gratitude, so I had to share why I'm loving life so much (in no particular order...)

Great zoo trip yesterday - I love the zoo!
Cultural Fair today was AWESOME. The children who organised it did a GREAT job and the parents were an incredible help. The assembly in the afternoon was fabulous and everyone was well impressed with my students' square dancing. Particularly grateful that no one was absent and I didn't have to get up there and dance in their place!


The sign they started yesterday and finished this morning (just in time too!)

I'm going home TOMORROW!! (and finally get to check out the international Air NZ Lounge!)
Tomorrow is the last day of Term 3 - only 8 more weeks of school until the long holidays, summer and beaches.
I was bone tired today and was lucky enough to be served a lovely dinner by a lovely husband while I was sprawled in my chair.
I'm going to see Noah and Maya and give them the stuffed toys I made with so much love (and swearing.)
I'm going to see my Mum, Navaz and Shazeen!
And my friends!
I got lovely letters from my Year 8 students that I mentored for exhibition (not from my class.) It was a great opportunity to get to know some awesome kids that I don't get a chance to work with very often. My favourite lines: "You have made this exhibition a whole lot better with your happy and cheery personality day after day which has kept me motivated. You have helped me become more of a role model because you are such a great role model yourself." and "Once again I would like to thank you for givng up your time to help us make our presentation. And being the best mentor ever!"
I got some beautiful cards (and a box of chocolates which came in handy at the zoo yesterday) from a couple of my students recently... it made me cry when I read "I am so greatful that I can now not be hurt inside. I am also great-ful you have helped me with my Dislexia." (How much do I love that this child spelled Dyslexia wrong?!) "I know that they (classmates) are better but a know even more that I am better than them at somthing they are not... I can't imagine not having a teacher like you when I go (next year.)" (It was very hard not to correct that as I was typing!) (The words in blue were written with sparkly blue pen.) When I asked their mum about it, she said it was all her children's words - she didn't prompt them one bit. Gorgeous!
This is my 100th blog post!
I'm now going to up to my bed, and I have a roof over my head, a full tummy and am blessed with all that I need for a happy, safe and secure life.

It's cheesey and I don't care - I'm gonna say it...

2011-09-19T19:51:00.003+12:00

At a picnic to celebrate our wedding three and a half years ago. I still look at him that way... and I'll think I'll still look at him that way in 25 years.

I'm madly in love with my husband. When he smiles at me, my heart flip-flops, I get butterflies in the pit of my stomach and sometimes, I go breathless. Phillip makes me giggle like a girl and makes my heart sing. He is patient, kind, funny, smart and gorgeous.

There. I said it. (He'll roll his eyes when he reads this, but I don't care!)

So grateful for my Phillip and being so much in love (even if he pulls faces at the camera.)

Some of my favourite photos that Mike took during our Canadian wedding celebrations.

The World's Here To Play

2011-09-05T20:55:00.003+12:00

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Grateful for... The Rugby World Cup! I've always planned my gratitude for 'w' was going to be something else, but this is so very timely (the other one was timely, but I also had let that time pass...) I've got to do it!

The anticipation is starting to build and I love it! Today, while I was on road patrol after school, I counted at least twenty cars go by with a flag of some sort flying proudly out of the window. I couldn't help but to feel a big old smile spread across my face.

The news has been filled with (feel-good) stories about teams arriving and the reception they get at the airport. The first big crowd waiting was for the Samoan rugby team... there were about 2000 people there to greet them.

Thus far, Tonga has had the biggest crowd waiting... apparently, they made so much noise, it drowned out the planes arriving.

This is amazing... utterly amazing! I would have loved to have been there this afternoon!

So far though, this has been my favourite. A flash mob that took place yesterday at our local mall (please pay attention to the guy with the dreds - quite fond of him, as well as the guy in the Puma shirt. Unimpressed. Whatever!) Awesome.

So grateful for living in the country that's hosting the Rugby World Cup this year!

Unkoalafied Success!

2011-09-01T23:19:00.000+12:00

I do love a good pun!

(Drum-roll please) Here is Noah's Koala... This was by far and away much more challenging than the monkey, but I'm pretty happy with it. Hopefully Noah will be too!

The most gorgeous kids, ever. I am so excited to see them next month!

And this time, the pressies I bring will be the ones I made with lots and lots of love... I can't wait!

A (Life) Lesson From A Student...

2011-08-31T19:14:00.000+12:00

My class makes me crazy, but I love them.
With all my heart, I really do.
Sometimes I need to growl and grumble at them.
But (I hope) they know that I adore them.

Today, two of my boys were giggling. Giggling, giggling, giggling. Non-stop titter, tatter, twitter, chuckle, chatter, giggle, guffaw... It was quite sweet (although to be honest, it was driving me a bit batty as well.)

Inspired by Faiza, I headed over to The Color Of website to find what colour 'giggling' is. I think this is quite perfect!

I mentioned it to his mum today over lunch (she works at our school.) I said I love that he is just so very happy; possibly one of the happiest human beings I've ever met in my life. I swear, the boy is sunshine in a sweet, endearing, energetic, little package. In her words, he's even happy when he gets in trouble. He's just happy. She told me that he literally bounds out of bed every single morning, finds his mum (no matter where she may be) and says "I need a hug." An 11 year old boy, who still searches out his mum for a hug, first thing in the morning? One word. GORGEOUS!

This child greets each day with enthusiasm, love and happiness. He is blessed with a fresh perspective daily, and is excited for what the day might hold. He is kind, empathetic and unbelievably friendly, regardless of what he's going through. I want to be like that... To come into each day with such positivity and unrestrained joy can only be good for you, right?

A wordle cloud of words from this post. Also loving this!

10 Good Things...

2011-08-26T16:56:00.001+12:00

Last year, when I was home sick, I wrote this post. I feel as though, being home sick today calls for a similar post. I'll tell the truth though, I'm struggling with this one today. I've even felt too poorly to knit and I'm missing Quiz Night tonight! Oh, the injustice!

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But, along the lines of my recent project of '10 good things' I'm going to give it a go... 10 positives about being sick today...

It's a bright sunny day, so the house is warm.
The cat has enjoyed having us both home (sick) today.
I watched one of my favourite movies ever, Love Actually.
I slept for about 13 hours last night.
I got to have a quick chat online with Shazeen
and she showed me some beautiful family portraits they had done.
I have the whole weekend to rest up and feel better.
I got to laze around in my trackies all day.
I am actively contributing to Kleenex's profit margin.
I had a nap on the sofa, with the afternoon sun shining on me.

Okay - not feeling physically better (yet.) But it could be a lot worse, right?

Going Bananas!

2011-08-21T21:38:00.000+12:00

Pictured here is my gorgeous niece, Maya and the monkey I made for her. I often tell Phill that I'm looking forward to going home to get to know Maya better. From what I hear she's feisty, funny and fabulous.

I hope this little token will let Maya know that even though I don't know her very well (yet) - she's very much in my heart!

Full To The Brim...

2011-08-09T22:11:00.000+12:00

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I must dispel any possible rumours that may be circulating due to my recent Facebook status... what I had said was "Tesneem Couper is full to the brim with happiness." I feel inclined to stress, there was no one singular reason for me to be full to the brim... I just was/am - which is a pretty great feeling!

As I lay in bed last night, I reflected upon my happiness and the sudden outburst of joy (and this post took shape in my mind.)

I'm very ashamed to say, that every time someone has asked recently "How's the new house??" I have responded (almost without exception) that it's fabulous, but cold. I then found that I would launch into our 'plans' for the house and how we'd like to warm it up... recently I stopped mid-blather. I checked myself. Then I tried to change my approach and talk about the fabulous aspects of the house. It's almost as though, I felt like people didn't want to hear me brag about how awesome our new house is, so I'd tell them what needed fixing. No one ever indicated that they wanted to hear what was wrong with the house - on the contrary, most people were very interested to know what is so great about our gorgeous little home.

So then I gave myself the following exercise - for each moan/groan/whinge of negativity, I had to find ten positives. This is what I came up with... (it wasn't easy at first, but like anything else - with practice it gets easier.)

My house is cold.

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We own this house!
There is a roof over our heads.
It is a lovely house.
It is cold because it is big and spacious.
It is cold because it is a bit older and therefore, very solid and well built (no creaky floors!)
We get to make improvements to the house and possibly add value to it.
I can now build a fire in the fireplace (I used to struggle with getting a fire going!)
It's a good excuse to cuddle up and stay warm.
It's the perfect weather to have a hot chocolate
or bake an apple crumble.

Ta-da! Ten things that are good about my house and it being a bit cold (yes, some of the links are a bit tenuous, but it takes time.)

I also tried this one (which is a common complaint in this day and age!)

I'm tired.

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I'm tired because...

I was up late, talking to my best friend (who also happens to be my husband - he was very patient and listened to me blather, even if he was super sleepy)
and then I insisted on a cuddle (please refer to #8 from the list above.)
I am passionate about my job and love what I do - so I actually work quite hard, but generally enjoy it.
I keep staying up late to read a really good book!
I am making my health a priority and taking the time to fit more exercise into my life, but sometimes I stay up a bit later to get other stuff done (although I've got more energy for it!)
I have work to do for JK (mosque) and so I feel blessed to have a leadership role within the community and can make a positive impact, even if it's in a small way!
I have work to do for the Montessori community in NZ and feel pretty chuffed that I was asked to help out and share some of my knowledge and expertise.
I have awesome friends and an active social life and get to go out with my friends quite a lot!
I may have stayed up a bit late to finish my latest knitting project - made with so much love and so appreciated by the recipients (or their parents at any rate, since it's usually some baby related item!)
I had a meeting that ran late, but on the bright side, I got to come home to a gorgeous man who had dinner ready and waiting for me. ♥♥♥

Positivity (and gratitude) are indeed contagious... with all this to be grateful for, wouldn't you be full to the brim with happiness too?

Okay, party people in the house, may I have your attention please?

2011-08-06T20:05:00.000+12:00

This song has been stuck in my head all day. I can't help but to smile when I hear it.
It reminds me of summertime, Popsicles, growing up, Junior High, and good times... when Hip-Hop was fresh, new and largely unoffensive. How can you not love it?

The Soothing Sounds of Needles Clacking

2011-08-05T22:10:00.000+12:00

For Krystal's gorgeous wee girl - I whipped this beauty up in less than a week... I'm presently feeling very pleased with myself.

" It is a peculiarity of knitters that they chronically underestimate the amount of time it takes to knit something. Birthday on Saturday? No problem. Socks are small. Never mind that the average sock knit out of sock-weight yarn contains about 17,000 stitches. Never mind that you need two of them. (That's 34,000 stitches, for anybody keeping track.)
Socks are only physically small. By stitch count, they are immense."
— Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much)

(The above quote makes me feel even more pleased with myself, since I recently finished my first pair of socks. As I believe I previously mentioned, they took ages.)

Awesome Socks!

2011-07-30T22:53:00.000+12:00

I'm pleased to present my first pair of handknit socks. I'm sad to say that they're a tiny bit too big for me, but of course, that's not stopping me from wearing them (with a great deal of pride, thankyouverymuch!) They took the entire school holidays to make, but it was so worth it.

They're made out of a gorgeous merino wool that I got off of trademe. It was a bit of a challenge (and I may or may not have accidentally used two different patterns for the heels, but Phill says that's just so I can tell the left sock from the right one - I like that theory and I'm going with it.) I'm up for making another pair after a bit of a break... but preferably a pair that fits, or maybe I'm just being fussy.

Patting Hazel with my warm, merino sock clad feet.

What's Your Sentence?

2011-07-26T10:13:00.001+12:00

This past weekend, I was in Wellington at a meeting and a leadership workshop. I was a bit reluctant to go initially, as what I really wanted to be doing was pottering around my (gorgeous) new home. As is always the case, I ended up being pleased I went - it was a good chance to get to know other Montessori professionals a bit better. I also got to catch up with LeeAnn and Warwick when they treated me to a decadent and divine dinner at a French restaurant.

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The workshop gave me some things to think about in terms of my goals and my passion... I've been mulling ever since. One thing we were asked to do (which I found quite challenging) was to come up with "our sentence." A sentence to explain the way we want to be remembered. I thought and pondered and wondered... this is what I came up with (This is the one I had originally, then I added more to it to when we wrote it on the wall... but in the end, this is the one I like best): "She made others feel happy, loved, safe and supported."

They showed us this video in the workshop - the idea of the sentence is in Dan Pink's book Drive. I'm looking forward to reading it.

What's your sentence?

Eight; Huit; Acht; Ocho; Ba; Otto; Oito; Aath

2011-07-25T21:12:00.000+12:00

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I've always liked the number 8. There's something lovely about a number that is not only a perfect cube, but also a Fibonacci number. The Chinese consider the number 8 to be a lucky number (not that I'm Chinese, but a nice little tidbit to throw in.) In addition, Scorpio is the 8th astrological sign of the Zodiac... a bit of symmetry what with me being a Scorpio and all.

Now, it appears that last year I had the date wrong in my blog post - I was a week too early... tomorrow (July 26th) is the eight year anniversary of my arrival in New Zealand.

Happy anniversary to us, New Zealand... it's been fun so far - I can't wait to see what other surprises and adventures you have in store for me!

(re)Starting Small

2011-07-17T23:10:00.000+12:00

Recently, a few people have commented that this site has been very quiet. It has been. Things tend to get busy and the things I truly enjoy get relegated to the back burner... such is the case with my writing. Moving house, knitting up a storm, writing reports and just life have all been a touch overwhelming and I allowed myself to be swallowed up a bit. I'm happy to say that my head is back above water and I can see clearly once again.

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The thing is, when I write, I spend ages putting my thoughts together and putting pen to paper (or click clacking away on my keyboard.) I simply felt like I didn't have the time to write properly, so then I'd rather not do it at all. Unfortunately, this is often the attitude I take with a range of things, (going to the gym is a prime example) which is not the right attitude.

So now, it's time to (re)start... Start walking with that attitude of gratitude once again.

A few weeks before term ended, Chief Dan Daly came to our school from the U.S. to speak to the children. This man was amazing. He was involved in the rescue efforts after 9/11. I felt shivers racing up and down my spine and tears prickling my eyes as I recalled that day, the reactions of the students in my class and the days that followed the attack.

Chief Dan tours around the world, speaking of what he calls the "true legacy of 9/11; a legacy of courage, compassion and the power of the indomitable human spirit." He told of the selflessness and love from strangers and volunteers from all over the United States.

I can't express it any better than he does on his website. He says:

"It is my hope that we can all continue to be inspired to perform these selfless acts, and to make the changes necessary in ourselves and our communities to bring about true world peace.
As a retired NYC Firefighter who served at Ground Zero I feel compelled to keep the memory of September 11th alive in a positive way."

How awesome is this guy? He spoke to the children (and teachers) about "The Five Keys to Success & Happiness." Since it is not my programme, I won't share the Five Keys with you (because that'd be disrespectful to Chief Dan, and I just don't roll like that) but he did remind us "To walk with an attitude of gratitude."

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Today, I am especially grateful for the support of my gorgeous husband and beautiful friends. What about you?

So Freakin' Cute!

2011-06-22T20:02:00.000+12:00

I had this wool and needed to make something cute with it.

I finished this gorgeous little sweater yesterday (yes, while I should have been packing.) Is it possible to be in love with an article of baby's clothing? I'm so pleased with it... it's so very easy to make me happy!

Just 5 More Minutes...

2011-06-16T13:20:00.000+12:00

Yesterday, I wrote a poem with one of my writing groups, which seemed to sum up how I feel most mornings...

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"Waaaah, Waaaah, Waaaah" screams my alarm clock,

Rousing me out of a dreamy slumber.

Five more minutes, I plead... rubbing my crusty eyes.

I yawn and stretch my limbs like a cat basking in the sun,

But I am a sloth.

I burrow back under my duvet like a mole.

"Smaaaaaaaaaaack!" I whack the snooze button.

Five more minutes.

Bliss.

A friend of mine today made a good point - we always just want 5 more minutes... to eat our lunch; to talk to our friends; to read our book; of peace; to finish the marking; of cuddles or 5 more minutes to say goodbye...

I love my extra 5 minutes of dozing in the morning (okay, it's more like 30 minutes... today it was 45.) It is delicious... a little bit extra, that I'm cheekily adding on, when I know I shouldn't.

Both of these songs are called 5 More Minutes... I think I've found two new songs to add to my ipod.

What's your favourite "5 more minutes?"

Swoosh!

2011-05-26T21:07:00.000+12:00

Today, as I drove home in the torrential downpour, I arrived at the very deep puddle that I always forget about when I'm driving through the rain. When we first moved here, I was hesitant to go through it in my little, low, sporty car. It used to a bit of a liberating feeling driving through it and seeing the water swoosh up in a big wave on either side of the windows. Fun, fun, FUN! As the days (and torrential downpours) wore on over the years, like everything, I lost that little thrill and I didn't really think much of it... it was the final hurdle some days before I'd get home - thoughts like "Drive through the puddle, get home, do this that and the other..." would tramp through my head. Swoosh would go the water, and then I'd be home. Sweet.

Back to this afternoon - I pulled over as another car approached the little lake on Felix Street. I figured a bit of courtesy on a wet afternoon couldn't be a bad thing... especially where I was feeling so very tired and a bit fed up. I just wanted to get home, so I thought a bit of Karmic Kindness was in order. Swoosh went their car - and as they drove by, I saw that the back window was open and fully out of the window hung a young girl (about 9ish) with a look of pure, undisguised, joy. A child's joy... that awesome joy that as adults, we sometimes forget. The delight in a simple, fun SWOOSH! It was awesome.

I then took my turn driving through and loved every second of my swoosh! (I may have even sped up a bit to get a bigger wave!!)

Thank you, pretty young girl, for reminding me to take joy in the everyday fun things in life - especially when it's rainy and dreary outside.

What everyday thing have you taken joy in recently?

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'U' is for unconditional

2011-05-22T22:38:00.000+12:00

Now, to go along with my general blogging absence, this post has been written in my mind for the last few weeks (at least.) Actually, it's been written since April 20th, when our home went unconditional and it became ours, (with no conditions - as the word implies.) It was just a matter of sitting down and translating it from inane chatter and excitement in my mind, into a tangible, written form of jubilation. I also had to get over my overwhelming sadness about Dad; since that fog has lifted, I can see things with more clarity once again.

It makes me indescribably grateful that Phillip and I have found our (dream) home. After tears, torment, tantrums, arguments and immeasurable frustration, we have a house. Not just a house, but a very, very, very fine house. I know most of you have seen the photos of Facebook and commented on them, but really, I've posted for me to admire once again.

The backyard and vege patch.

The front.


The view from one of the 'guest' bedrooms.

Our cat-to-be, Hazel! I'm so excited to have a cat again - the vendors can't take her to Canada with them, so we've agreed to take her on.

We have to get out of our flat. Not in a "I'm sick of this place, we simply must leave!" kind of way, but "You have x number of weeks to vacate this property, as it has been sold."

The last six months have been full of tumult, drama, hopes and disappointment - it's such a feeling of relief to know that there's an end (of that particular stress) in sight.

But wait, there's more! It's the feeling of a new beginning and a fresh start. A home that is our own, that we can paint the walls and decorate and enjoy as ours. A home that we can fill with touches of ourselves, to welcome guests and have room to move. A home in which we can grow, laugh and love.

I'm so excited and thankful that Phillip and I will be starting this awesome, new chapter together in the next 5 weeks... actually, the closing date is in 33 days; not that I'm counting.

Clickety-Clack Go My Knitting Needles II

2011-05-22T19:25:00.001+12:00

It's been three weeks since I've written... it wasn't for lack of gratitude, but lack of time (and an equal measure of laziness. I can totally admit it.) Given the choice between finishing my projects and writing, I'm generally selecting my knitting as the outlet for my creativity. Maybe it's because it (more or less) allows me to turn my brain off. It's lovely and relaxing and somewhat addictive. I also love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a project and it looks really good. As an adult, I found that feeling was lacking in my life and I didn't realise it until I started knitting again. I'm sure that when we have our home, I'll have lots of projects to feel accomplished about, but until then, I'll keep clickity-clacking away. So thankful that I have found something that quiets my mind. (For some reason, I couldn't turn these photos around... sorry!)


I couldn't give up my pretty new wool that I bought in Rotorua - I knit these gorgeous handwarmers for no one else, but moi! As a side note, I'm also loving my new nail polish.

I knit this little cross over cardi for Matt and Julia's upcoming bundle of joy. I'm a bit concerned that it's a bit of a masculine colour, so I may knit a little pink heart to sew onto the front.


Katy's got warm hands as well as feet, courtesy of moi. I had knit these for myself, but she really liked them and I didn't have enough time to do a set before she left, so I gave her these cuties.

My Heart Is Finally Full of Gratitude

2011-05-01T20:28:00.000+12:00

Okay. I'll say it. I've been struggling with being grateful for the last few weeks.

There have been the odd dazzlingly-bright spots here and there (weddings, anniversaries and house purchasing - truly awesome) but overwhelmingly, the emotion I've was one of being sort of pissed off. I have a lot of anger and frustration about Dad's passing and the fact that today is the one year anniversary of that day. My heart was too full of anger, frustration, sadness and self-pity to be full of gratitude. It wasn't a great place to be, but I'm not going to apologize for it. It's natural and I'm okay with that.

I'm also okay with the fact that there have been floods tears over the last few weeks (just to clarify, those tears have been mine.) Usually, they would come at random and often inopportune moments. Sometimes there would be torrents of tears, at other times it would be just a trickle... but they've been there, constantly threatening to come out and wreak havoc upon my carefully applied eyeliner and mascara. One day, I started crying while putting on my eyeliner. Then I poked myself in the eye with it. After that I'm not sure if I was crying about Dad or the fact that I was momentarily blinded with a black slash of crazy Japanese liquid eyeliner across my eyeball. I like to think that I was rocking the heroin chic raccoon look that day. I can giggle at that now, but I couldn't when it happened.

Now that today has (more or less) ended, I'm feeling... lighter. My grief hasn't lessened but as I lay on the sofa, staring blankly at Phillip I felt my heart fill up. (HA! fill up - Phillip? Get it? That was totally unplanned. I'm such a dork. Even dorkier - I'm not going to edit that out.)

Seriously though.

I am so freakin' loved! I'm not trying to be immodest, but in that singular moment, I stopped to think. It came in a deluge - I was thinking about Phillipa, who sent me a text first thing this morning to offer her company and hugs if I needed it; about Shazeen, who has been checking up on me for the past few days; about Faiza who sent me so much love and so many hugs over the phone that I couldn't help BUT to feel them. Then there was hearing the sound of Mum's voice that made me feel miles better... just hearing her was enough. That was just today. I have had friends and family sending me so much love and support and propping me up over the past year, it's unbelievable. How can I forget that and have a pity party?

But Phillip. Wow. I am so in love with that man. I don't know that I can express how thankful I am for him. For his patience, his love, his slightly off-beat (and sometimes inappropriate) sense of humour, the hugs, his understanding, his intuitiveness and his just knowing. I look at him, and my heart smiles and I know I'm home. I am so grateful that he is my husband.

My heart is full of love and gratitude again. That's how Dad would have wanted it.

At The Risk of Getting Emotional...

2011-04-14T22:05:00.000+12:00

Tomorrow is Katy's last day teaching with me. I've been a bit grumpy and short with her recently, simply because I don't want her to go. I mean, I'm ridiculously excited for her and even a bit jealous - she's young, gorgeous and has the world at her feet - she's off to Italy to continue her Montessori training in Bergamo - how could I not be a bit green-eyed? In the kindest way possible, of course!

Katy and I at Wai-o-Tapu (Sacred Waters) during our (fabulous) class trip to Rotorua.

Here's the thing... as we sat and had one of our chats yesterday, it occurred to me (probably for the hundredth time, but that's the benefit of having an appalling memory - each time is like a new discovery for me) that Katy and I probably spend more time together in a week than Phillip and I do.

Co-teaching is very much like a marriage - we get fed up with each other and grumpy with one another all the time... but then we get over it. There are times either one of us has come to work in a foul mood and after a: stern talking to/good laugh/hug/cry/rant/rave we're alright - it seems we generally know what the other needs. Sometimes, we've laughed so hard we've snorted and had tears in our eyes. There have also been buckets of tears shed about sadder things... I knew that after Dad died, I could go into school and cry on Katy's shoulder. Anytime. That helped me immeasurably. The other day, we dissolved into giggles at an eyebrow raise and a lopsided grin - it actually happened more often than you'd think. We have giggled like school girls in class and the children would stare at us, wondering what on earth had gotten into us. We grumbled and groaned like old ladies. We understand each other. We've shared deep dark secrets, our hopes, dreams and fears. We hold nothing back when we're talking to each other. She's listened to my same stories a hundred times (the downside to having a terrible memory), yet she never complains... It's a very special and rare connection to have with a co-teacher... one that (thankfully) has crossed over into a very real friendship.

Yes, I know you can see right up my nose and it's not the most flattering photo of the two of us... but it was a good time!

It's also been so good to see Katy grow as an educator; to see her become more confident and capable in class. She asserts herself more each and every day and I think she will be an inspiring an dynamic Montessori teacher when she is done her training and has her own class.

As the children sang their song (You're Amazing by Bruno Mars, with a bit of lyrical editing, because I did think it was a bit weird if they sang about kissing her lips) I felt tears pricking at my eyes, as I do now, and so I will blink rapidly now, as I did this afternoon and think of the great things that wait for her.

Katy, I am really proud of you for following your dreams to Italy - taking that big leap into the unknown will bring you untold adventure, which I think you'll love! Thank you for the support, hugs, coffees, giggles, cups of tea, stories, gossip and enthusiasm for life... I am grateful for having had the opportunity to have taught with you over the past 15 months. I look forward to hearing your stories, my friend. I'll miss you.

A little more lady like... seconds before the previous picture!

p.s. - Italian shoes. We have the same size feet. Just sayin'. (Handbags are also okay.)

Happy Birthday to An Amazing Woman

2011-04-11T19:37:00.001+12:00

Today (in Canada) was Mum's birthday. I tried to write something yesterday (on her NZ birthday) and I drew a blank. I stared at the blinking cursor, getting more and more irritated with the single, vertical line flashing at me. "Write something. Write something. Write something." That's what was saying (shouting) to me. I'm finding it frustrating.

I mean, how do I adequately express how thankful I am for my mum? How do I explain how inspiring and strong she is? Can I do it justice? Do I say that sometimes I sit and wonder how she can be so much of everything for everyone, and always has been?

How do I express my gratitude for the way she raised me? The strong values and belief in myself that she instilled in me? What about the fact that she willingly sacrificed anything and everything for us at the drop of a hat... How about when she'd take control of things when no one else would, even if it was a crap job? She'd do it. End of story.

She pretends like she's a hard arse, but she has a heart as big and vast as the ocean and has never hesitated to open her heart, her arms and her home to others.

I suppose I can't really do her justice. You'll just have to take my word for it. When I was younger, I used to think she was the most beautiful woman in the world; now that I'm older, I know that she is - inside and out... her smile could always light up a room.

Happy birthday to you, Mum. Thank you for everything you have done, do and will do. I love you and I pray the coming year brings you only happiness. I hope one day, I can do as much for my own children as you have done for us. xox me.

"I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine - she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." ~Terri Guillemets

Knitting Obsessed

2011-04-09T23:51:00.001+12:00

I think I'm obsessed. I pour over books with pretty patterns and pictures and dream of the non-nerdy things I can knit. I have now moved my obsession over to fabulous wools. There are so many pretty, vivid and bright colours and so much new wool that I've bought, I can't keep up with my planned projects!

My new, ridiculously pretty wool. I am very excited to knit with it. Not sure what I will make but it will be pretty and all mine!

The very cute vest I knit for Claire's baby. I did a few things in between starting and finishing this vest, but I'm seeing Claire tomorrow, so I figured I'd best get my act together and have it ready for her before the weather gets too cold. The pattern is available here.

Cute buttons!

My Love For Grammar Is NOT Misplaced!

2011-04-01T23:50:00.002+13:00

Today, we were all VERY tired in class after returning from our overnight trip yesterday. We were all a little bit fragile and titchy, but we made it through okay.

ED (one of my students) got a letter from a former classmate, AE, who went on to another school for her intermediate years. AE is a gifted student and an excellent writer with a great sense of humour and a flair for the dramatic. She has a fabulous way with words, and I wouldn't be surprised to see her name in print sometime in the future. So ED read the letter from AE out to the class. It was one of my happiest teaching moments when I heard:

I have two badges; one for ***** and one for chapel (did I use the semicolon correctly there, Tez?)

and

PS - I miss having a grammar loving teacher. Mrs D***** always writes things on the board and spells them wrong with incorrect grammar. It drives me insane!!

There is hope for grammar and punctuation yet! I can do it, one child at a time!

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What Happens When You Sit With 10 Year Old Boys For Dinner...

2011-03-31T21:30:00.000+13:00

The following is a transcript of an actual conversation that took place on Tuesday evening at dinner, while seated with my students.

JM: So, have you ever used a toilet that's just a hole in the ground?
Me: Yes, I didn't enjoy it.
JM: Yeah, when you use it all you hear is plop, plop, plop. It's funny.
Me: Ummm... is this what boys talk about at dinner?
ALL:YEP!
Me: Hmmm. It's worse when you get a mosquito bite when you're using it.
(hysterics ensue.)
JC: Don't you think we're being gross?
Me: Meh. Your grossness is not greater than my hunger right now.
JC: Huh?
Me: I'm hungry.
JC: Oooooh (general nodding all around.) Hey, Tez, I can't have any of J***'s birthday cake tonight. I gave it up for Lent.
Me: Well done! That's fine. You can have something else.
HM: What did you give up for Lent, Tez?
Me: Nothing. I'm not Christian... but I don't eat pork.
JC: Aw yeah, is that because you're a Mongolian?
Me: (trying to maintain composure, not choke, snort or laugh hysterically) I think you mean a Muslim, dear.
JC: Aw yeah, one of those. (nodding sagely)

My boys crack me up.

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Clickety-Clack Go My Knitting Needles

2011-03-27T21:40:00.000+13:00

I've decided I have knitting ADD. I don't know how I'll ever cope doing items larger than baby things because I can't even finish those without a break in between! The vest I'm making for Claire's bubs is just adorable, but I felt I needed a break and decided to work on my dear friend, Juliette's (slightly belated) birthday pressie. She's so sweet - she told me last week that she was excited to get something handknit from me, because it's been such a long time since she's received any handknit pressies.

I wanted to try something different, so I found this pattern for handwarmers and thought I'd give it a go. The weather is starting to get colder and I wasn't sure if I was ready to try knitting anything with fingers, so a pair of handwarmers it was. It was surprisingly easy and I enjoyed learning a couple of new techniques, which will be fairly useful in other patterns. I really like how the wool has made them the inverse of each other. I'll just pretend like I planned that.

I'm hedging my bets and hoping Juliette doesn't come online before I see her tomorrow!

I think I'm going to have to make a pair for myself, because I really enjoyed modeling these and they kept my hands cozy and warm!

Beat the Christmas Blues Swap - again, 'S' is busy rocking it!

2011-03-24T21:47:00.000+13:00

Yahoo! I got my package from my lovely swap partner over at ellecupcake! She sent me a bunch of super cute things which I adore. Thanks to Alyssa from just putting it out there for organising us, especially since our messages refused to go through to each other. :)

She sent me a whole bunch of really cute sticky tape - I'm very excited to use them when I do some catch ups on neglected snail mail!

Hi-larious! Aside from the fact that the bootylicious gum was made in Canada (I think bootylicious bubbles would have been a great opportunity for alliteration, by the way) - I love the subtitles on it: 'back dat flava up' and 'spankin' good flava.' HA! That made me belly laugh.

My awesome stash! I especially like the coffee cozy - It kept my hands from burning on my coffee this fine morning... and who doesn't love Fun Dip?


Pretty, pretty, pretty jewelery Danelle painted herself. I would have posted this sooner, but I had put the jewelery on as soon as I got it, so I had to remember to take them off and bring them down to take the photo!

More 'S' to be grateful for - fabulous swaps, swap partners & organisers!

Shoe Shopping High! 'S' ROCKS.

2011-03-24T21:00:00.000+13:00

It's no secret. I love shoes. I love shopping. The only thing I love more than both shoes and shopping, (family & friends not included of course) is a bargain. I get giddy when I get a good deal on things... giddy, giggly and I've been known to do a happy dance on occassion.

Today, I got to do the shoe shopping bargain dance! (Yes, upon realising the fabulous price, Phillipa and I actually did a little jig in The Warehouse.) Check out my sweet feet!

These would be my favourites.

Actually comfortable (for the 10 minutes I wore them.) A good, substantial triangular heel adds stability for my wobbly ankles. Love them.

Like slippers, only cuter!

Can go either way: a bit nana or super-cute. I'm going for super-cute.


They're pink and girly and pretty. Was there ever any doubt??

Do you want to know the very best part of this shopping trip?? That each pair of shoes was only <drum roll please...> $1.75. That's new heights of bargain fabulousness! I'm still giddy. That works out to only 87.5 cents a shoe!

This is definitely one for the Alphabet of Gratitude... 'S' is super, indeed.

Now, I have to go decide what to wear to work tomorrow so I can match my clothes to my new shoes.

Sweet Feet - more knitting

2011-03-19T10:52:00.001+13:00

Katy's feet are now warm and toasty, thanks to some string, sticks and my flying fingers!

Our friendly, cuddly pachyderm appears again! The link is here if you want to try it. It was very easy. The only bit I struggled with was the sewing up and just how the trunk goes. I sort of winged it and it was fine! :)

I'm A Crafty Minx!

2011-03-17T19:33:00.001+13:00

I'm resisting the urge to say "Top o'the mornin' to ya!" but let me tell you, it's a challenge right now. I like a bit of cheesiness. It makes me smile. I have love for St. Patrick's Day... It has been celebrated at Glendowie Primary for just over 10 some odd years. As Anne-Marie said today - it wasn't a celebration of just the Irish culture (in our school's case) but more the wealth of cultures, heritage and experiences we all bring with us.

Just before the end of the school day, our toes were set tapping to a fantastic and fun jig that sprung up out of nowhere... we were lining up to go to another classroom for a chat, and suddenly, two guys came around the corner playing the most rousing Irish Jig on a fiddle and a banjo! It was great (and somewhat random!) Such a fun way to end a school day. :) Feeling particularly thankful for that, as I may have felt a bit challenged by some goings on today.

Now, on to my crafty-minxiness. I'm trying very hard to remember to take photos of my letters and packages before I send them off, as well as my knitting projects before I give them away. The problem with both of them (as I have previously mentioned) is I get SO excited about them, I send them as soon as I can and don't remember to take a photo until it's too late.

But... I did remember to take a photo of the package I sent to my swap partner over at ellecupcake. We had a bit of difficulty in co-ordinating our packages to get to each other because the emails we were sending one another wouldn't get through. I was so happy to send her package off and I was thrilled she liked her bits and pieces. Of course, I forgot to take a photo of the contents... but I did take a picture of the box!

A little box filled with goodies! A post is planned over at ellecupcake later in the week to show off her pressies.

But that's not all! I've been ridiculously busy clittering, clattering and clicking my knitting needles together to make my magnificent knit creations! I spent aaaaaaages making (ridiculously adorable) vests for my friend's twin boys and forgot to take a photo of them. I'm working on another vest (but in different colours) for another baby boy, so there will be a photo soon!

I can't get this photo to rotate, so you'll have to turn your head sideways. I did this piece several months ago - it was the first thing I finished all on my own, with absolutely no help. I was so proud of it! I was going to keep it for myself "just in case" but when my dear friend told me she was expecting, I knew it had actually been made for her. My heart melted when I saw the photo of her darling girl in it and I was so pleased I sent it over to them.

This one was another gift for another wee girl. I really struggled with this one, but it turned out alright. Not as good as I hoped, but I think she liked it. I did think my racing stripes on the arms were super cute though. :)

Then I forgot to take photos of the many things I knit. But more recently...

I felt very clever, as I whipped these up last weekend at Phillipa's request for her friends down in Manawatu. It was the first knitting request I've had! I was quite chuffed.

This cutie I also whipped up in a weekend (but only stuffed it yesterday) to send off to Christchurch for the collection that's happening over at Kiwi At Heart for the children of Chch. I think he's gorgeous, as do my class! I think the kids are starting to realise how cool knitting really is.

This jumper took me ages. I'm technically not finished it because I haven't woven in all the ends - there are so many! I did this one with a baby boy in mind, but upon meeting him, I realised it wouldn't fit come winter time. So I'm hanging onto this one. It may go in my hope chest, because I don't know that I will do something with little stripes like this again. It was a bit of a mission with tangles... but so worth it. I think it's my favourite item I've ever knit!

There's still one more knitting photo to come, but it's a little gift for Katy. I'm giving it to her tomorrow, so stay tuned for photos. Here's to hoping I remember to snap a picture this time!

Strugging With "S"

2011-03-13T21:39:00.000+13:00

I usually wait for inspiration to strike me when I'm working on my Alphabet of Gratitude. I've had so many thoughts about the letter 'S' but none have them have formed into blog posts. Generally, I have an idea and I write. The ideas take shape in my mind and by the time I sit down at my computer, it unfurls. It pours through my fingers, clattering away on my keyboard, fast and furious. This time... nothing, nada, zilch, zero. Trust me, it's rare that I have nothing to say.

The thing is, I haven't stopped being grateful! It's just not flowing as it does, in my usual, verbose way. I think there's a lot swirling around in my head and I need to regain some balance and peace. It's when I'm the most relaxed and quiet in mind that the writing flows.

So here is a list, a simple, self-explanatory list of things that I'm grateful for that begin with 'S.'

Sisters-In-Law (I am very lucky to have awesome ones in Shazeen, Louisa, Jenna and Nashina. Lucky, lucky, lucky me!)


Shazeen's the lady with the tiara and Nashina is the lady in the black top... this is one of my favourite photos of all time, with some of my favourite people of all time!

Jenna, Myself and Louisa looking fabulous!

Silence (please refer to my post for 'Q')
Skype (I get to see my favourite people who are near in my heart but far in distance. Love it.)
Students (Mine are gorgeous. I love my class... seriously!)
Sleep-ins. (Delicious. No explanation required.)
Saturday!
Sunny Sunday Afternoons (especially when they're lazy ones!)

What 'S' are you grateful for?

Two Minutes' Silence

2011-03-01T22:15:00.000+13:00

Today has officially marked one week since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch. New Zealand stood still for two minutes today in remembrance of this tragic event. Everyone in here will know someone or is someone who has been affected by this earthquake. The nation's heart is crying for Christchurch and for those who have lost their lives and loved ones.

Amidst this sadness, there are acts of heroism, bravery and unconditional kindness and generosity. Armies of students, farmers, neighbours and people like that guy you who makes your latte in the morning are mucking in - they are turning up with shovels, food and whatever else is needed. People all over the country are opening their homes to Cantabrians who need a shelter, or simply, a place to go in order to get out for a while. In Wellington, the welfare centre for evacuees has had to start turning away offers of second-hand clothes, because they have been inundated with clothes. The generosity and kindness of spirit is overwhelming and beautiful. In Google, I typed in: "kindness Christchurch" and 843 000 results came up. While I didn't trawl through all the articles, you get the point...

People (for the most part) are good and have love in their hearts... no one can tell me otherwise.

There are a few ways you can help... The New Zealand Red Cross is accepting donations online. The Red Cross Australia, Ireland and UK are also all set up for donations for the earthquake.

If you're searching for a slightly different, there are a couple of options:

There are some very cute things for auction if you'd care to bid - alternatively, donate a bit of your crafty goodness to auction off for Christchurch.

If you feel the need to give some comfort to some of the poor children who are no doubt struggling with this, a little bit can go a long way... On the blog Kiwi At Heart, Leonie has organised Softies for Christchurch. A small something to bring a smile to a child's face.

I'm working on a knitted elephant to send. It's a small something, but hopefully one that will make a difference for a child.

Stay strong, Christchurch. Our thoughts are with you, not only in New Zealand, but around the world. x

Bragging

2011-03-01T19:51:00.000+13:00

I've always loved Phill's photos, but I sort of thought I was biased, since I'm madly in love with the guy. I've tried to encourage his love for photography and I'm looking forward to having a house so we can get a couple of his shots blown up for the walls. I tell him that he's good, but I think he believes I'm obliged to say that.

Recently he signed up on a photo blogging community and each day, posts a new photo he has taken. I tell you, my heart was going to explode with pride when I saw that one of his photos had 14 comments on it! I'm bragging about my talented husband and I'm so okay with that.

Phill's photos can be found here - take a peek if you get a chance!

This one is one of my favourites!

A Celebration of Life

2011-02-21T23:01:00.000+13:00

We returned from Nana's funeral yesterday, in New Plymouth. It was a brilliantly sunny day and was quite a pleasant drive. Phill even let me listen to my Glee soundtrack(s) for several consecutive hours. This also means that he (and Louisa) were forced to listen to me sing (sometimes at the top of my lungs) for several consecutive hours. Louisa went to sleep. Phill is a patient and and loving man.

The time we spent in New Plymouth was... good. Is it okay to say that? Things went as they do, and it was good to be there to provide support and love whenever and wherever it was needed. There was a lot of laughter over the days that we were there, and it was said more than once, the gathering was not only to mourn the passing of an amazing lady, but even more so to celebrate her life.

So I got to thinking about celebrating life... and I wanted to celebrate and share a tiny snippet of memories I have of some close family who have blessed me with their presence in my life.

I could fill pages with memories about Dad. I've already shared my favourite memories of fishing with him. He always did say no matter how old I got, and no matter where I lived, I'd always be his baby. We may have butted heads a bit, but I was such a daddy's girl.

Sitting in Wada Mummy and Papa's room (my maternal grandparents) and listening to Pops talk about how he fell in love with Wada Mummy the first time he saw her hanging out the washing. He still looked at her with so much love and adoration sixty years later, my heart choked. I promised myself at that point, I wouldn't settle for anything less than that. (Phill looks at me like that - I've sneaked a peek!)
Hundreds upon hundreds of memories with Wada Mummy. Mostly I loved laying on the sofa with my head in her lap, as she'd play with my hair and would tell me stories of her life. She was so unbelievably interesting, strong and inspiring.

The first time Nana Woller met me, she turned to Phill and said "You'd better hang on to this one, or you'll get a boot in the bum!" I knew there was a reason I liked her right away!
I quite liked that Phill's Grandad Couper always called me "Little Girl" even though I am now the oldest of all the Couper grandkids. It always made me smile.

My paternal Grandfather, Bapa, and I had a bit of a language barrier, but he loved an A & W commercial that used to come on the telly and he would giggle like a little girl! It was the most beautiful sound.

There are hundreds (no, thousands) more memories of many marvelous people that have been a part of my life, but these are just a small selection of the memories showing the laughter, love and gratitude my heart is full of.

What are some of your favourite memories with those who have passed through your life?

A list

2011-02-16T22:39:00.001+13:00

This afternoon, Phill's nana passed away. Nana Woller (Georgie) was a kind, loving, caring, funny, feisty, strong lady who bravely fought cancer for 5 years. She was everyone's nana and delighted in being called 'Nana G' by neighbourhood kids and adults alike. Nana Woller exuded a loving (tough-love, mind you) vibe and you couldn't help but to feel all sorts of warm fuzzies when you were around her (if you weren't on the receiving end of a sharp tongue! But if you were, you probably fully deserved it.)

Phillip would have deserved it.

Dad, Nana Woller and Grandad Couper are all very much loved and missed.

So in honour of Nana Woller, Dad and Grandad, I have compiled today's list of simple things to be grateful for:

Love
Family
Friends
Sunshine
A bright blue sky with fluffy white marshmallow clouds
Good health
Feeling safe enough to cry around your workmates and not being judged for it
People knowing when to leave you alone
People knowing when to give you a hug
Chocolate
A good up of tea
Laughing
Clean air
Memories of great times
Feijoa chutney
You

Rest well, Nana... you'll be in excellent company.
x

Gratitude overflows...

2011-02-15T23:08:00.001+13:00

I was driving home today and I was feeling blue. Tears stung at my eyes and while I blinked frantically, I hoped that I wouldn't drive myself off the road. In an effort to pep up a bit and take my mind off my sadness before I got home, I flicked the radio on. Ronan Keating was singing away on my radio, happily proclaiming "Don't fight it. Life is a roller coaster. Just gotta ride it." So that's what I'm doing. Holding on very tightly to this roller coaster as it's upping and downing and sometimes doing a loop-de-loop. I'd also like to point out, that I actually have been on the roller coaster below. I held on for dear life and screamed until my throat was hoarse... much like I'm doing now.

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So I decided I was in great need of reflection. A lot of this post has been rattling around in my mind since the fire at school, and the list of things to be grateful for has only grown longer in the past few weeks. It's time for a gratitude list. I like a good list.

Strangers have big, big hearts and can be so very generous. After the fire, Louisa's friend Kat, managed to get a heap of stuff for the school, as well as a very generous donation of various art supplies from Faber-Castell. It was a friend of a friend of a friend's who got it. They don't know me, nor do they know any of the teachers at our school. It was just pure generosity and goodwill towards others.

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Another post-fire instance of love in action... A former member of the Montessori Trust and a dear friend, told his customers in his shop of the fire at school. A lovely older lady, who was once a teacher, walked (that's sacrifice enough for me, thanks) to a bookstore and bought a heap of books for the library. Good books. Actally, lovely books! After she dropped them off to Jay at his shop, she went back to the bookstore and bought more, as she felt like she hadn't got enough. She said she couldn't bear to think of the children being disadvantaged and not having books in the library. What a beautiful soul.


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My co-workers (past and present) are also awesome. They way everyone came together, supported and helped each other was fabulous. I spent a full day helping another teacher put her classroom together the day before school started. I have been working with her for 7 1/2 years, and I never really got to know her. It was nice to get to know her better, and it felt good to give to help someone else. She was so appreciative and kind - it made my heart all full of joy.


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My. Class. Is. Awesome. I am so happy when I'm teaching. I have lovely children around me each day, and they make me smile. The Montessori Trust is wonderful, kind and supportive. They do so much, not only to support us as teachers, but to ensure that they are doing the best they can for all the children in the unit. They are beautiful people, with big hearts. I am grateful that I work so closely with them.

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I suppose it comes down to the simple fact that people are awesome, and life is indeed beautiful.

I'd love to hear any other stories of the generosity of strangers!

"Q" part two...

2011-02-14T19:25:00.001+13:00

I was informed last night, that my 'quiet' blog post irritated one of my few, faithful readers... I chuckled to myself, but was also quite flattered that my dear friend was so interested in my sage words of wisdom in regards to quiet.


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The thing is, I'm really struggling to put what I feel into words. I'm not sure why I'm finding it so hard going this time, because I know what I want to say, but I don't know how to say it. I suppose that's why I was so drawn to the above photo. It seems (most closely) to capture how I feel.

I find silence and a bit of quiet is a double edged sword. Sometimes, all I crave is a bit of peace and quiet - I'll sit with no noise and nothing to listen to but the wind/rain/cicadas and my thoughts. Often my thoughts roar around in my head, louder than anything else. Sometimes, this can go either way - I end up in tears, or I end up giggling to myself. I think both are healthy and necessary in their own way. I wouldn't trade my quiet times for anything in the world.

But my favourite thing about quiet is the ability to sit quietly when in the company of others. In social situations I often have to stop myself, in order to really shut up and observe. It's amazing how much you can learn just by being quiet. That being said, that's not even the specific context I'm referring to. What I love is that delicious, comfortable, safe silence when you're with someone who knows you and loves you. When there is no need to talk, and it's okay to be quiet - that's what I love most, because those times are with the ones I love most.

When do you cherish and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet?

Shhhhh... 'Q' is for Quiet.

2011-02-13T08:37:00.000+13:00


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Things What I Love... Websites Edition

2011-01-30T19:03:00.000+13:00

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There are so many posts buzzing around in my head and have been over the last few days - I have been having a bit of a blogging holiday. There will be a lot more writing coming up soon, I'm re-insipred and re-energized to write! To gently ease myself into it, I wanted to share some great websites I've stumbled upon and followed links to.

First, we have Vivian Maier - Her Discovered Work . I just saw this article on the news (literally minutes ago.) Basically, someone bought a box of undeveloped negatives from an auction house in Chicago and found (upon developing some of the extensive collection) that it contained some STUNNING photographs. I just looked through some of the website and fell in love with her images and her view of the world. Well worth a peek if you appreciate a good story and photo.

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Next, World Peace Kids is a fabulous blog, written by a 10 year old student and a few of his friends who attend a Montessori School in California. I love that these students are being proactive and taking action to improve the world they live in. Love, love, love.

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Finally, Baking for Hospice is a wonderful, fabulous, brilliant idea! Basically, volunteers bake for hospice patients, their families and staff. It usually happens once a month or so and there are a number of drop off points around the city. A hospice provides respite care and it is also to give their families a break from being primary care-givers for a little while. Baked goodies are always appreciated and can usually bring a smile to even the most dour of faces. You know I'm right. The first thing I want to do when I'm feeling a bit glum or want a bit of comfort is bake a little something to cheer myself up. It's a little bit of love, that's tasty too. I've volunteered and I'm eagerly waiting my first email to do my little part to help. I think I need an icing set in order to bake to my fullest potential. Just sayin'.

Searching for the Silver Lining.

2011-01-09T00:21:00.001+13:00

Yesterday, the unthinkable happened. Every time a school goes up in flames here, I think, "God... what if...?" and I generally couldn't bear to finish the thought. Yesterday, sadly, we were forced to stop wondering what if, and it moved to "What now?"

Our beautiful school is still beautiful... just... well... yeah.

So... the silver lining is there, and it's a substantial silver lining... there are things to be grateful for...

No one was hurt. A true blessing in a fire that big.
Our school community is phenomenal. Teachers, former teachers, students and families... everyone will come together and like some guy on the news said, we will end up stronger for it. I genuinely believe that.
It is still an excellent school. The quality of the teaching programmes and learning that will go on, starting next month has not changed, nor will it as a result of this.
The fire service was amazing. Utterly amazing. They contained the fire and stopped it from ravaging the whole school. I was lucky enough to bump into the New Zealand Fire Service guy, Steve Larkin (I'm not entirely sure that's his last name, but I'm close) when we were leaving the speedway tonight. I had to stop and thank him for all their hard work last night and the incredible job they did. He thanked me for speaking to him... it could have been because I was a bit teary eyed as I spoke to him, but he was a really nice man.
My friends and family are wonderful, lovely and supportive. Love, love, love. So blessed. x

It's happened and done now. There will still be tears. There is still anger, frustration, emptiness and a whole lot of sadness. But it is also time to rebuild and move forward.

Amazing Avocado!

2011-01-06T20:27:00.000+13:00

Phill's parents have a beautiful orchard upon which they grow avocados. None of the Coupers are really fussed on the fabulous fruit. This works out fairly well for me, since I love them... as does Mum!

Usually, when we leave the orchard after a visit, we (I) stop at the top of the driveway and fill up a plastic bag with avos that have fallen off the trees. These fruit go to waste, as they fall off the tree when they are ripe, so they won't last through packaging and shipping... so I don't feel bad taking the fruit. Again, this works out well for me! The thing is, my eyes are usually (much) bigger than my stomach. I get so excited that so many lovely avos are ready and waiting to be mine, that I take too many. I've started making and freezing large batches of guacamole, but I craved a little something sweet today... and voila - avocado whip!!

I found this fab little recipe online - I tried it and LOVE it! I made two ramekins full, and I've already eaten one. Is it horrible of me to hope that Mum doesn't want hers so I can have it? I may have to whip up another batch.

Avocado Whip

1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup milk **
1/4 white sugar*
1/2-1 tsp vanilla extract (to taste)

Cut avocado and pit avocado.

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blend up until smooth(ish).

Spoon into dishes.

Chill for at least 20 minutes (I put mine in the freezer).

Enjoy!

**I used light blue milk (which is a step down from homogenized/whole milk but not quite skim... maybe 1-2%? I think it would be fabulous with cream or whole milk. Then I'd definitely eat Mum's share!

*The sugar was a bit crunchy - next time, I may try it with caster sugar... but again, it didn't stop me from scarfing it down!

Looking Forward...

2010-12-31T21:32:00.000+13:00

"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship."
Louisa May Alcott

Every year is full of its own unique challenges and it seems that John Lennon was right, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans..." What's that they (the very wise 'they') say about the best laid plans... 2010 was full of plans for us. It was also full of unexpected (and some very unpleasant) surprises. It was hard, at times, to keep an attitude of gratitude. There were times where I did not feel particularly grateful at all. There was more than once instance upon which I yelled, screamed, cried and stomped my feet in anger, frustration and sadness.

But in each and every moment of sadness, frustration and anger, there was always the knowledge that I am soul happy. Every night, before I go to sleep, a smile still tickles my lips because through all that life stuff I am soul happy. I have been made stronger for it, and from each and every experience that tested and challenged me, I have learned and loved through it. I have been truly blessed with amazing relationships - friends, students/parents, co-workers, family and the most wonderful, beautiful and inspiring love with my husband. For every challenging moment in 2010 came with blessings and perfect moments too... there were hundreds of perfect moments this past year - too many to count. For that, I am so grateful. Yin and yang and all that.

Tonight is New Year's Eve. It's nearly 9:30 p.m. on the 31st of December and I am not out, partying it up or celebrating the end of another year, or the beginning of the next... I am home. With my feet up; listening to someone let off fireworks down the road, and two of my favourite people in the whole, wide world. My darling, beloved husband sits just over there, just an arm's reach away; my wonderful, strong and inspiring mum is upstairs sleeping off her jet lag. We are just simply being. I can honestly say, there's nowhere else I'd rather be at this very moment, and no-one else I'd rather be with.

In some ways, today is just another day... but every new day brings the promise of possibility, adventure, learning and life... I'm looking forward to the days of 2011.

Wishing you all the most wonderful days ahead. x

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Little Bites of Heaven

2010-12-29T11:22:00.002+13:00

It's been so long! (A month actually) since I wrote. There have been numerous blog posts floating around in my head, but life had got the better of me and "me" time (writing time) went straight to the bottom of the list. I've also had a bit of upheaval recently and working really, really hard to see positives in it all. Anyhow, I've found the positive and I'm back on track! Mum arrives in two days and I can't wait!!

But this post is not about my mum, or about being kicked out of our house, or packing... it's about Little Bites of Heaven. Since I read Megan's post about mini chocolate and caramel tarts "... or little bites of heaven" as she likes to call them, I have been obsessed. Poor Phillip has heard me nattering on since June about needing mini-muffin tins. No, no, no, regular muffin tins simply would not do. I need mini-muffin tins. I asked Louisa to borrow Mum's the next time she went down to Katikati (I cleared it with my mum-in-law, not to worry) but to no avail, she brought back the regular ones (she said she couldn't find the mini ones.) I harrumphed and carried on checking out mini-muffin tins when we were out shopping.

Then... Nana asked what we wanted for Christmas. We needed a roasting dish and as I stared off into space (as I tend to do) Phill reminded me about the mini-muffin tins. So, as I tend to do once a desire has been fulfilled, I promptly put it out of my mind. It's quite amazing really. Anyhow, on Christmas Day, there I was peering at the curiously wrapped packet with my name on it; I wondered idly what it was, but then got caught up in others opening their goodies. I peeled the paper back from my package, and there they were! My tins! (That's what's great about me - I can tell you the gift I really want, but then I forget that I told you I wanted it, so it's still a surprise for me.)

So very yummy!

So yesterday, I baked. I'm into the easy baking. These required a bit of work. But it was so worth it! If you have a bit of a sweet tooth and have the patience to bake, it's definitely worth a trip over to the Lovely Megan's blog to find the recipe (if you click on recipes in the tags, you'll find it there.) My chocolate seized up and just wouldn't melt. I suggest a double boiler (I used my metal bowl on top of a small saucepan - make sure the water doesn't boil and it's just simmering) instead of the microwave (which is what I had done in the first place to make it seize up) A dribble of vegetable oil did the trick and they hardened up just fine when I refrigerated them. Megan's recipe calls for dark chocolate - I used milk chocolate, as Phill doesn't like dark chocolate. I have a sneaking suspicion they'd be even better with dark chocolate, as the bitterness would balance out the sweetness of the caramel. (Of course, then there would be none left on the plate to take a photo of, since I already love them and I'm mad about dark chocolate.)


I suppose I have to mention that the plate was full yesterday... and Phill only had three... I'm just not sure WHERE the rest went!

Thank you, Megan for posting this delicious, divine and delectable recipe!!

The Concert Diaries - It's a Beautiful Day!

2010-11-28T18:48:00.001+13:00

A few months ago I heard U2's 360° tour was coming to Auckland; I knew I had to go. I'd seen them twice previously and thoroughly enjoyed them both times. In addition to the fact that I love their (older) stuff, they are amazing performers. Their shows never fail to entertain and it's always a good night out. I was also encouraged by the fact that tickets ranged from only $40 up to… well, a great deal more. I was lucky enough to score mid-range priced tickets and our seats were pretty great. I was also very excited to see Jay-Z… I was hoping that Beyonce would find it in her heart to join her darling husband on stage, but I suppose the poor woman needs time off too.

Kerry and I set off to the stadium, with our hopes high for an evening filled with entertainment and a whole lot of dancing. When we got there, we were greeted by the monolith of a stage in front of us. Unreal.

We settled into our seats and prepared ourselves for the next few hours; the wind was biting and whipped up and around our faces, causing eyes to water, noses to run and hair to dance wildly in the wind… but we were so ready.

And then… A clock appeared on the screens… and I could barely contain my excitement… 2 minutes to Jay-Z!

He was fantastic. From the moment he came on up until an hour later when he left the stage, I didn't stop bouncing in my seat (I was far too cold to stand at that point.) I always kind of liked Jay-Z, but WOW!! He was an amazing performer. I do tend to wonder why U2 select opening acts like Jay-Z and Kanye West (the last time they were here) but at that moment, I really didn't care. From the energetic, thrumming bass of Bounce to everyone's favourite (right now) Empire State of Mind (which was when I was really hoping Beyonce would come out and since Alicia Keys' part) – he was great. I wasn't so concerned that he didn't rock the 360° stage, because the view on the screen was just amazing. The sound actually surrounded you, since there were speakers pointing in North, East, South and West… I was enveloped in Jay-Z!

He had his moment of silence for the miners who perished in the Pike River mine, which was touching… but I was a bit put off when he started rattling off Tupac and Biggie for their passing (I was okay with Aaliyah, because hers was a plane crash… I didn't say I was logical.) The thought was there I guess… and I liked the following graphic on the screen.

Rose and Maxwell arrived halfway through Jay-Z's opening act, and Rose was our sensible saviour with her little bag o'treats!

Kerry's dad was also at the concert, but he wasn't with the plebs. He was in a box… this is the text he sent Kerry just after Jay-Z was done (I nearly died.)

Seriously??

And then… the wait was on for U2!

Seconds before they came on...

Walking on!

They walked on and the crowd went nuts! We were all on our feet and ready for it! Bono strutted and danced around the stage (and I giggled, because all I could think about was a leprechaun – this could be because we were talking about them in class earlier that day.) They started with The Return of the Stingray Guitar, but more notably launched right into It's a Beautiful Day and it was indeed. They played a number of old favourites, smattered with a selection of their new songs (you can view the setlist here.) We danced and jumped and sang at the top of our lungs. It was brilliant. I didn't love that I could feel the stand swaying with the force of thousands of people jumping, dancing and gyrating… but it was a small price to pay. There was the message of social conscience and we all dutifully held up our phones to make the Milky Way (which did look REALLY cool…) but when Bono did a tribute to the 29 miners who passed away, there was more than just a tear in my eye. All 29 names scrolled across the big screen and then they launched into their tribute songs – I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For and One Tree Hill (written for a former U2 roadie who was a NZ'er who passed away.)

One Tree Hill while koru patterns danced around them

It was an altogether fantastic show – we trundled home, warmed by the dancing and great music… sleepy, but well worth staying up late on a school night. It was so good I seriously considered going again the next night… but I know my limits.

Paying it forward

2010-11-10T22:08:00.000+13:00

This is the way to go for the letter "P" in my Alphabet of Gratitude.

Recently, I've had the chance to pay it forward for others here and there.

On the way home for long weekend, we stopped in Ngatea to get some petrol. While I was waiting to pay for my gas, ice cream and drink, a young girl was in fits because she had pumped $13 worth of petrol into her car and had apparently run out of money in her account. The tears were coming in floods. She scoured her car and came out with a grand total of $3. I stool there with my ice cream and drink that totalled nearly $10 extra dollars on top of my petrol and felt a pang. It reminded me of a predicament that I could envisage my youngest sister-in-law getting herself into. (Sorry Louisa!) I chewed on my lip, deep in thought. I paid for my ice cream, drink and gas and walked back to my car (where Phill was waiting.) I hadn't even got the whole sentence out... "You're going to think me a sucker..." and he said "How much do they need?" Apparently, he was about to walk in and hand them a $20 so we could be on our way! Regardless, he gave me a $10 note and I went in and gave it to the girls. It felt so good. They were astounded and so, so, so grateful. They ran out to the car to thank us. I was giddy with happiness for the remainder of the drive, simply for doing a kindness for a stranger... or it could have been the ice cream. Regardless, it felt awesome.

I'm a big believer in Karma. We didn't give the girls $10 in the hopes it would come back to us in some sort of fantastic cosmic gift, we did it because it was the right thing to do. Karma did poke its lovely head out this past weekend when we were also recipients of random kindness. On Saturday night, Phill, myself and his parents went to the Rugby League game. It took a while to get out and get the train back to the station. By the time we arrived, the last train to our home had left. We decided to board another train and to get off and walk for about half an hour to get home. Not a big deal... it was a nice night and we were in good company. As we strolled along the street, a kindly couple offered us a lift, so we could get our car and then come back and collect the others. So Phill's dad and I hopped in the car (because I'm not silly enough to go alone!!) and they dropped us across from our driveway. It was just... nice. I went back and got Phill and his mum. We ended up taking another person and dropping him to his house (he would have been walking for at LEAST 40 minutes had we not stopped!)

I'd like to hope that those people we did nice little things for will also pay it forward, simply (and selfishly) because it feels really good when you do. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to help others out and that I was also on the receiving end of a small, random act of kindness.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with paying it forward - either giving or receiving!

Finally… the letter “T” reveals itself

2010-10-31T12:00:00.001+13:00

I am well aware that I have been slack with my writing of late. It floats around in my mind, but the ideas are hazy and vague recently… in addition, I tend to take quite a long time to write each posting, so if things are at all busy, then I seem unable to start a post and not finish it (so I don't start it at all.)

On Friday, as I stood in the girls' toilet, peering into the cistern, trying to ascertain why the toilet wasn't working my next post formed in my mind. Fortunately, I had time to think it through as I was filling up the bucket in order to fill up the cistern. I looked over at the girls watching me, giggling because, well… I had to stand there peering at an unflushed toilet… and I heaved a sigh and started giggling too. I think my giggles bordered on hysteria. They just thought it was funny. Bless those kids.

picture source

I realised that I am not just a teacher. On most days, we wear many, many hats. Sometimes (like Friday) we are plumbers – that was not the first time I've had to fix a toilet during my work day, it won't be the last. Other days, we're handy men – building shelves, fixing bits & bobs and tightening nuts & bolts. Often we're interior designers, spending hours considering indoor/outdoor flow, placement of shelves, sofas, tables and chairs. Let's not even discuss the decoration (or lack of decoration) on each wall; that's a few days on its own. We are our own personal assistants and we also do it for up to 30 children at the same time. We are meant to know where those 30 children are meant to be at any given time between 8 and 3. Let me tell you, just because they're in the same class, it doesn't mean they're all meant to be in the same place at the same time. We are event planners – aside from planning each and every day, we know where to go on school trips to keep the children's learning fresh and exciting. Those are the easy jobs.

The nurse hat is quite a varied one – it can also be highly entertaining. On Friday, two of my colleagues gave the Year 6 students the "Healthy Body Talk." They got to discuss puberty with the children and what was going to happen to them. Some of the children looked pale and nauseous, some couldn't stop giggling. One boy's eyes were watering. Some of the boys came back from their talk and looked at me and their eyes got VERY wide and I could just imagine the different things going through their mind! Funny, funny, funny. Aside from the entertainment factor, we are a plaster (band-aid) dispenser and offering to cut off bleeding toes and fingers, we need to know how to deal with a host of health issues, from anaphylaxis to epilepsy – don't forget the illnesses you can't see, like Autism and Asperger's or ADHD. Those children need a different kind of nursing. Please, let's just skim over the children who feel ill and vomit or the playground mishaps where we need to know first aid to fashion a quick sling with the handy triangular bandage. Yuck.

The harder hats entail much, much more. We need to be psychologists. We need to understand the development of the child's mind and the motivations behind their own actions and their interactions with their peers. Not easy. The social worker hat is also a challenging one. We are intent on helping children maintain or build friendships or trying to give them the tools and skills to succeed socially now and in the future. It actually does break our hearts when children are picked on, bullied or just don't have friends. We wonder why, we question what we have done that hasn't helped the child, we wonder what we can do to
help them. These questions rattle around and around in our brain. Mostly it's "What can I do?" I find these hats the hardest because they go a lot deeper than the day-to-day issues. Parents also turn to us in desperation to help their child when things just are not improving. The only thing more heartbreaking than a child who is at his wits' end is a parent who sits in front of me, crying, because their child is unhappy. I often go home after those meetings and cry my eyes out.

Each and every teacher is some sort of expert in a field… there are writers, mathematicians, athletes, artists, musicians, computer geeks, and architects to name a few. Most of those skills are needed on a near daily basis. Thank goodness teachers are excellent collaborators and will often happily lend a hand to a colleague.

All of the above is in addition to keeping up to date with pedagogical research and information, professional development to make ourselves better and better and better teachers, and staying abreast of the uses of technology to improve the programme of teaching and learning. Don't forget, we actually need to teach at the same time. We need to know that these children know their multiplication tables and several different strategies to figure out their tables; that they know the parts of a narrative and can use their words effectively for impact and effect; that they can use the different reading comprehension strategies to understand what they are reading… it goes on and on and on and on… but that's the easy stuff.

Now, this is not a woe-is-me, my-life-is-so-difficult as a teacher. It is more than simply a job (to me.) I genuinely love what I do. The children make me crazy and irritate me sometimes, but that doesn't mean that I don't adore them… and get a whole lot of love, affection, respect and admiration back from those children. I feel the same thing for them – they are quite lovely and I am quite lucky. This post, about teaching is simply what our jobs entail. I know we get the long vacations, but don't be a hater. We deserve it… even if we some people don't think we do, tough. We've got 'em!

I remember my Grade 8 teacher helping my friends and I sort out a particularly nasty long-running conflict after school one day. As an adult, that issue with my peers was neither here nor there to me, just part of growing up, but at the time it consumed me – it was my life. Looking back, I can see how it affected my academic performance and attention in class. As a teacher I now know how difficult it was for him to have to deal with. I am forever grateful to him and how he handled it. In my teaching career, I've drawn on that experience more than once to help my girls sort out their issues. I've been lucky enough to have some amazing teachers in my time, all the way from kindy to my post-grad in Montessori. Those teachers wore each and every hat they could and they inspired me. I have worked with people over my past ten years of teaching who are also inspiring, energetic, and just amazing.

So… Happy World Teachers' Day to all the amazing, inspiring, wonderful, many hat wearing teachers I know and have known. Thank you for all that you do.

(Is it just me, or does anyone else find it funny that "World" Teachers' Day is celebrated on different days in various countries??)

Happy Birthday To Me! – Part Deux

2010-10-30T23:52:00.000+13:00

I was showered with love, showered with kisses, and showered with good wishes – now I'm happily swimming in a vast, wide, endless ocean of happiness and gratitude.

My birthday celebrations began during the long weekend, when we went to Katikati to celebrate my 30^th (again) and Louisa's 21^st. It's amazing how I seem to remain the same age, as everyone else carries on aging. It's an acquired skill. It was lovely to hang out with the whole family... Jenna and I went on a tour of Tauranga and The Mount, we ate, we laughed and we just relaxed. Phill's mum made both Louisa and I an awesome birthday cake each - she found the cutest decorations!

Mum picked shoes and butterflies for my decorations... PINK shoes!

Checking out the goods (my eyes actually ARE open, I'm just looking down.)

Then, during the week, Tuesday Phillipa and I shared one of the BEST pizzas I've ever had (her choice – so glad I went with it!) and we went to see Eat, Pray, Love. It wasn't an intellectual film, but there were some good lines, good messages and best of all a bit of romance. A lovely evening with a lovely friend. I also think it's high time I confess my girl-crush on Julia Roberts. I really do heart her!

This is my favourite scene, where Julia Roberts essentially says that she will not be obsessing over the size of her arse and embraces the muffin top and enjoys every last morsel of her pizza. I like to think I look that good when I'm stuffing my face (please do not shatter my illusion.)

On my actual birthday, I was spoiled with good wishes and hand-made birthday cards from the children in our class. I got some lovely bits and bobs from my girlfriends that I'm very much looking forward to using… a cute passport holder, gorgeous sticky notes, note pads, body stuff and so much more! So many goodies for me! I love that my girlfriends know me so well that they know what cuteness I adore. The spoiling continued, when at lunch the most beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived at work. Ché was most put out the flowers were not for her and refused to sign for them… I felt a bit bad about that, but not bad enough to offer her my flowers.

My. Husband. Rocks.

The birthday treats didn't stop there! Phill masterminded a lovely and romantic picnic dinner at the Waitakere Ranges Visitor Centre (I mentioned the park in the post here.) It was a bit of a long drive, but worth it for the view and fantastic company.

His long arms are perfect for these shots.

On Thursday, after my gruelling (birthday) workout with my trainer (who quite happily takes the abuse I liberally heap upon him) I popped in to pick up some things I had stored at an old friend's shop. We had a lovely little yarn and picked up where we left off several years ago. I was very proud of myself when I showed some modicum of self control and didn't accept the offer of an ice cream (it was very difficult) but I simply couldn't turn away the lovely flowers he gave me to say Happy Birthday as my adopted big brother.

Pretty!

And it continues still… On Friday, a bunch of work friends came down to The Attic in Mission Bay and we all sat, had a few drinks and simply enjoyed each other's company. The sun was shining; the week had ended; summer is on the way. Can't complain about any of that, eh?

You may remember this handsome young man from this post (you may not recognise him without his beloved blanket though!)

It was an awesome birthday week (and a bit) to celebrate another year of living, laughing, crying, loving, laughing, learning, and growing. I can't think of a better way to start the coming year. Wishing you all a year of love and light. x

Happy Birthday To Me! - Part I

2010-10-27T21:37:00.000+13:00

source

As I am not done celebrating my birthday, I shall not write about the fabulousness that was today until the celebrations are complete. I just wanted to share Phill Booth's wise words. (This guy is so good, it's scary.)

If today is your birthday
A life of perfection is most certainly a tall order and not very feasible when you consider how unpredictable things normally get on this fair planet. You will find, though, that this year brings long stretches approaching a state of utopia. Certain vital areas of your life will be noticeably better than what you're normally used to.

(Can't argue with that!)

I always check my horoscope on my birthday.... I'm not into astrology, nor does it guide the ebb and flow of my daily life, but out of curiosity...

My horoscope for today: (and in light of yesterday's post - uncannily accurate!)

October 27th, 2010

Scorpio- Wednesday, October 27, 2010

It's hard to shake off the memory of painful experience that caused a great deal of emotional grief. But if you don't find a way to control your thoughts on the matter, you won't be able to move on to the next new wonderful phase in your life which is eagerly awaiting your arrival. Mercury is providing the right conditions to get your thought stream back on a positive flow.

Uncanny, eh??

Another Letter to Dad

2010-10-26T22:56:00.001+13:00


Possibly the best picture ever. Dad feeding me birthday cake... I'm guessing 4th or 5th birthday, based on the fact that I know I have a school photo in that sweater.

Dear Dad,

Tomorrow's my first 'First' without you. Everyone at home's had their First… this is my first one. I feel a bit nauseous to tell the truth.

I had a lovely evening tonight while I was at the movies with Phillipa, but there was a scene, where a father had to say good bye to his son. While I am not your son, it seemed to kick me in the gut in just that way... Let's just say I sniffled more than once. That's when I remembered that tomorrow will be the first time ever, that I don't talk to you on my birthday. I don't like it. Not one bit. Some part of me will still be waiting for your phone call.

You'll be in my thoughts tomorrow, Dad… I know you're always with me. Please don't worry about me too much, like I always tell you, I'm fine - promise. I have Phill and Mum, as well as Navaz & Shazeen. In addition, I've got some fantastic, loving, supportive people in my life. I'm truly blessed, Dad... so it's okay (and normal) for me to be a bit sad. I'm okay with it.

But I'll still be thinking of you and waiting for my call.

Love you & miss you,

me.

My KFC birthday feast. I think this was my 9th birthday... I got to pick dinner and have a friend over to join us.

Can't leave out my wonderful Mum & fantastic brother. Dad was behind the camera (of course.)

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times... 'F' reappears...

2010-10-21T22:57:00.028+13:00

Smiles of ladies on holidays, with over a week left to relax!

The best potatoes ever and some scrummy dinner & our desserts!

A couple of days later, I met The Girls (Ladies Who Lunch) at Prego for lunch (and because I was feeling poorly, I managed to thoroughly disorient myself and walk the wrong direction and couldn't find the restaurant. Imagine the number of Nerd Points I won when I turned back to find my way to the restaurant, only to realise that I was parked almost directly across the road. Yes, I am very clever.) We try to meet every holidays for a catch up over some tasty Italian fare. It has become somewhat of a tradition, and I look forward to seeing my fabulous girlfriends, as well as the scrummy lunch. We can't always all make it, but our friends who are unable to make it are always toasted and close to our hearts and thoughts.

That was all in the first week!

The second week started with a Chai & Chat event in JK that we organised to promote one of our events for Education Week. As I was still feeling poorly, I wasn't as enthusiastic as I wanted to be for the event. I was looking forward to it, but feeling like death put a bit of a damper on things. I was so pleasantly surprised! There weren't as many of us as we had hoped, but the few of us had such a great time playing games, eating Doritos and pizza. The best thing was, I got to know some members of the Auckland Jamat. Good times.

Miriam's birthday rolled around a couple of days later, so she graciously invited us over for lunch and to celebrate the birthdays of Alana, Bridie and of course, her own. We all brought a bit for lunch and we were once again blessed with a magnificent spread of food! I have to say (although I didn't have any) - she made a lovely bacon & egg pie that Phill got to enjoy. Yet another excellent afternoon spent with excellent company.

Phillipa, Alana, Sarah, Fiona, Rebecca, Miriam & The Beautiful Birthday Bag

Believe it or not, there's still more... On Saturday, Phill and I made our way to the supermarket. He (being the awesome guy that he is) thought that we could get a small stuffed turkey roast for Sunday dinner to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. Upon seeing that a small rolled turkey was $30, I shifted my attention to the whole turkeys in the compartment next door. I mistakenly assumed that they weren't that expensive. One thing led to another, phone calls were made to invite Rebecca, Louisa, her friend Kat and Vince over for dinner and it transpired that we had an $80 bird for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was a bit of a culinary adventure, and I shall spare you the details but I'll just say... the turkey was AWESOME. A great deal of thanks was given. I loved starting a new tradition with my family and injecting a bit of Canadiana in our lives!

A very big bird, meant to feed 12-13. There were 6 of us.

A large pile of turkey (there was more on the bird that we couldn't be bothered to get off) and an equally large pile of stuffing.

Because we had an abundance of turkey left over (surprise, surprise), I made Wayne a birthday pie since he arrived in Auckland on his birthday. It was my first attempt at a pie. I'll be honest (& humble)... it was really good!! It goes without saying that it was great to have Wayne here for a few days too.


No pie tastes better than a personalised birthday pie!

So much yummy goodness... and now, it is obvious why I've had to go back to the gym and have a personal trainer (who I have been cursing all week.) But it was worth every minute, every yummy mouthful and every single memory and laugh that went with each and every bite.

"O" at long last!

2010-10-10T16:50:00.000+13:00

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions for the letter "o." I thought long and hard about what I could craft using your imaginative and fun suggestions; I was particularly fond of Katie's boys' thoughts of ovals, octagons and otters.

But still, nothing sprang to mind... until I was laying on the sofa, in the depths of my cold, staring out the windows and it literally hit me - thankfully in the form of an early springtime ray of sunshine - the outdoors.

Aside from loving sunny spring days and hot days at the beach - complete with barbeques and picnics; I used to love the first gentle snowfall of the year, when the fat snowflakes would drift lazily to the ground.

I have been doubly blessed in that I've lived in two absolutely stunning countries. The geography and diverse beauty of Canada never fails to make my heart swell with national pride.

My first real memory of loving the outdoors is our family vacation to Western Canada. We started off in Calgary and drove (and drove and drove) to Vancouver. I realised that I really liked being outside when we went camping in B.C. My memory is generally a bit of a sieve, but I do remember the feeling of awe at the sight of the mountains next to the lake we were staying at.

Back in the day, I used to go camping with my friends from high school. We'd drive to Algonquin Park, paddle out to a little island on Crotch Lake (yes, it made me giggle then and it still makes me giggle now) and we'd camp there for a few days. Thankfully, these trips are a bit closer to my memory and I will never forget the sight of a moose standing in the shallows, protecting her calf, as we paddled quietly by. To this very day, I still think that very little can compare visually to rural Ontario in the autumn, when all the leaves are changing.

In my university days, every so often, I'd be seized by the need to get out of the city and be somewhere else. My escapes ranged from an autumn camping trip, where we were surrounded by a riot of colour, to the odd trip to Peggy's Cove to clamber over rocks and watch the waves crashing violently against them. Sadly, my photos are in Canada, so these are not my own, but the ones below beautifully capture the vibrant beauty of Nova Scotia.

source

Even as I entered the 'working world' my love for camping and the outdoors did not reduce. One of my most memorable birthday experiences was when I was spirited away by my nearest and dearest friends for a weekend in a cabin a couple of hours outside of Toronto.

I never thought I'd live anywhere as beautiful as Canada... until I came to New Zealand. From the beachy beauty of the Far North, to the bubbling goodness of Rotorua and all the way down to the stunning Southern Alps - New Zealand is also a country that is absolutely gorgeous. I've been lucky enough to have been to the top of the North Island down to almost the bottom of the South Island... and it was breath taking every step of the way.

Waitomo Caves - a trip with Phill in 2006

Hell's Gate - a visit to Rotorua with Sasha in April '04

Milford Sound during The Great South Island Adventure with LeeAnn - Jan '06

The Marlborough Sounds during The Great South Island Adventure with LeeAnn - Jan '06

Lake Tekapo during The Great South Island Adventure with LeeAnn - Jan '06

The more I think about it, the more I realise that I do have great appreciation for the outdoors (which is something that is a fairly universal feeling) but something else occurs to me - maybe my love for the outdoors is intertwined with my feelings for my friends and family. Each and every fantastic memory of being 'in the wild' is inexorably tied with happy memories of time spent with loved ones. How can I not be grateful for all the awesome experiences in the outdoors that I've been lucky enough to share with the people I love?

Fantastic Websites That I Never Knew Existed...

2010-09-27T19:54:00.000+13:00

My friends have some awesome blogs and websites, but I've been on the lookout for blogs I've never seen before... Here's my humble list so far - I hope you enjoy them!

I laughed so hard I snorted when I looked at Hyperbole and a Half. Funny, funny, funny. Definitely worth a look if you get a chance!
I read through some random entries on Written Inc. and felt a warm fuzzy glow as soon as I read Carmi's profile. He's also a Canadian, so he's got to be a bit of alright!
This one is a bit of fun to waste some time Sketch Swap ... I may or may not have spent the better part of an hour doodling away.

Sunday Evening (actually late night) Reflections

2010-09-26T23:15:00.000+13:00

Every week seems to be whizzing by at break neck speed - it seems as soon as I blink, another week has passed and it was just as busy as the last. My co-workers and I have spent so long looking forward to the fortnight of holidays, I do try to be mindful (since it was pointed out by another co-worker) that it seems we're wishing our lives away in pursuit of time off! Not quite the right way to live day by day.

I'm hoping to slow down and take some time over the next couple of weeks of holiday. The days are already filling up with all manners of lovely things, like hair appointments, lunches, dinners and events in jamat khane (my mosque) - happily busy, but I need to remember to find that balance... to get back to eating healthily, planning meals, resting and exercising.

source

Phill helped me regain my balance yesterday and we had a wonderful day lunching, brunching and dining all over the city - our scrumptious meals were punctuated by movies! Fun, happy, kid's movies - I think I've mentioned before that I love the escapism inherent in a good movie, and cartoons are no exception. We started off by going to see Despicable Me. Hilarious. Loved it... seemed Phill and I were the only ones laughing most of the time, but a great movie, nonetheless.

Then, as a surprise, Phill took me to the IMAX screening of Beauty and the Beast. I'm a sucker for a good love story and this movie certainly counts. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen it, I love it. Makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. What was even better, was that there was a gorgeous little girl who looked to be around 4 or 5 who rocked up with her parents in a Belle ballgown! If that wasn't cute enough, at the end of the movie when the happily ever after happens, she exclaimed "YAY!" and started clapping and giggling... I couldn't help but to smile; let's be honest - everyone is thinking "YAY!" at the end of the movie anyways. picture source

I also picked up that great book that I wrote about yesterday. I'm really trying to take some of it to heart and make some positive changes in my life. So grateful I found it, to help me on this journey!

While I'm really looking forward to these next two weeks' holiday, I'm also super excited for Term 4. Aside from the weather starting to fine up, sniffles starting to reduce and the long holidays looming, I'm excited to hang out with my class. I have to admit, over the past term, my students have been working incredibly hard and really starting to take ownership of their learning. It seems as though that mid-year switch has flipped, the light's gone on and they're now more mature, independent and motivated. They've always been a great bunch of students, but a corner has been turned and it's just awesome. So lucky to have such lovelies!

Hopefully I'll find that balance over the next little while... is there anything you're looking for or forward to for the next fortnight or two?

Things What I Love...

2010-09-25T22:38:00.000+12:00

Phill and I had the most wonderful day today, filled with just being and wandering and general awesomeness. ( "O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”)* It was made even better when I found the book... The Alphabet of the Human Heart, written by Matthew Johnstone and James Kerr.

On the left is the cover for "The Upside" and on the right is the cover for "The Downside." source

These men obviously caught wind of my Alphabet of Gratitude and thought it was SO brilliant they came up with this wonderful little book (I must admit, I think this book is better than my attempt!) Each letter is designated a word (and I am happy to report that some of my alphabet has the same content as theirs... so I must be on the right track) and has a gorgeous illustration and wise words. Flip the book and you get the very same English alphabet but... well... the flip side! There are many books, articles, blogs (including mine), magazines, you name its dedicated to delivering warm fuzzies - you know, the feel good wise words and parables - but what I love about this is actually what they called The Downside. Unfortunately, there is a downside to the human heart and human experience, but the stunning thing about this book is that they acknowledge these things and then offer warm words, advice and the same kind of loving words that the very best of your friends would offer.

Some of my favourites are:

G is for gratitude "gratitude is saying thank you to life..." / G is for greed "Ask yourself, how much is enough, and how much is too much?" **
R is for reconciliation "To reconnect with someone, first forgive yourself. you're human, you mess up... If you do mess up, 'fess up and apologise." / R is for regret "Stuff happens. But it doesn't need to keep happening... To get over it, get into the moment. Empty your mind, let go of your thoughts, just be." (I'm working on that one!) **

But my absolute favourite is...

Y is for You (for both the up and the down sides...) "Be happy. Be honest. Be hopeful. Be all you can be. Be yourself. Be you." / "We all have our downside, our shadow side, our inner problem-child. Embrace it. Admitting our weakness is the first step in regaining our strength..." **

I love this book. I love that this book is a product of the connection between friends. The authors, Matthew and James have been friends for 30 years.

"Between them, they’ve had more than their fair share of ups and downs, and they’ve turned their experience of life – and of friendship – into a book that combines words and pictures to tell a bigger story." source

Judging by the product of their collaboration, these men have a beautiful and inspiring friendship.

Ideally, I could afford to purchase a copy of it to send to every one of my loved ones. In the meantime, I highly recommend checking out the website. If you're feeling a bit like you're lost in the wilderness, or even if you're just in a little spot of a blue funk, this is definitely a book worth picking up.

I think my copy of this book will be very well loved.

The only thing is... I feel like after reading this lovely little book, I can't use some of the things I had planned for the remainder of my Alphabet because they're in here!

* Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There. 1872

** Johnstone, Matthew and James Kerr. The Alphabet of the Human Heart. The A to Zen of Life.Sydney: Pan Macmillan Australia, 2009.

Playlist

2010-09-18T15:50:00.002+12:00

Another new feature that I've been dreaming up for a while has finally taken shape in my mind. Music is, and always has been an important feature in my life. I've gone from being a performer in some way, shape or form, to simply an appreciator... while I miss performing, I hope I never lose my appreciation for music. One of the things I love most is getting to know new artists and their work. Somewhere in passing, I heard that when you hear a song you like on the radio, a wave of feel-good endorphins are released and it provides something akin to a high. That's why when you're driving along, full of ennui, your spirits can be instantly lifted by unexpectedly hearing a song you love on the radio.

A lovely friend at work (Catherine) suggested (while handing me the CD) that I give a listen to Florence and the Machine. I loved it!! After listening poor Florence to death, I asked Catherine for some suggestions so I could compile a new playlist. Kindly Catherine made me a mix CD! Check it out below... I couldn't find one song she put on my CD (Cruel by Dane Rumble) and the version of Poi E that's on here is not nearly as awesome as the one by Patea Maori Club. I already knew she was fantastic, but she absolutely won my heart when I saw she had put The Cure on my mix.

So for my first Playlist, I'm featuring the mix Catherine made pour moi.

What would you put on a Playlist for someone you work with?

Tracks for Tez

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Uh-'O'

2010-09-15T21:36:00.000+12:00

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I have a slight block dear readers few,
So for inspiration, I'm turning to you.

In my Gratitude Alphabet, I'm stuck on "O"
What to do, I just do not know.

So what would you do?
I'd appreciate one suggestion or two!

Things What I Love...

2010-09-12T21:53:00.001+12:00

Another new feature! This one consists of... Things What I Love (to borrow a phrase from my lovely friend, Rebecca.)

The first one is brought to you courtesy of Phill. He showed this to me last week and I thought it was fantastic - imagine wandering along in a market on a seemingly normal Saturday morning and having this happen! I don't think Phill loved it when I pretended that I was an opera singer and "sang" along (I use the word "sang" very loosely.) I especially love the man who sings with his arms folded the entire time. I can't help but to smile every time I watch this. Andiamo!

Sunday Evening Reflections... At Long Last!

2010-09-12T20:41:00.001+12:00

Things have been so happily frenetic the last few weeks, I haven't had peaceful Sunday evening to write in a while. I loved every minute of it, but I didn't realise how it had all caught up with me until last week when my eyes did some crazy swollen thing! A big lie-in yesterday solved the problem quick smart and I'm back to my sparkly self.

Highlights of the last few weeks include lots of mail (which of course I tore open in my great anticipation.) I was feeling a bit blue today, and got the most lovely letter from one of my pen pals in Aussie and reading what she had to say brought so much lightness to my heart. So thankful I started writing letters! I also got an awesome card from Ang - another friendship I'm happy to have rekindled through the magic of the Internet.

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Shayda bai (Mum's sister) was here from Sydney for meetings a couple of weeks ago. We had a lovely dinner out together on our last night here and I took her to the top of One Tree Hill and for a drive around the neighbourhood. I've said it before and I'll say it again - family time is so good for the soul.

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Also along the lines of good for the soul - had an awesome time at Phillipa & Truman's last week. We went over for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We were spoiled with great food and stimulating conversation. It goes without saying that I enjoy any time I spend with Phillipa, but it was really great to get to talk to Truman and get to know the man that my wonderful friend is going to marry in April!

On a more serious note, I've been sending lots of love and prayers for strength to everyone in Christchurch and to those with friends and family there after the massive earthquake that rocked them last week. I'm also very thankful that no one died in the quake (although, sadly there has been one quake related death since then.)

I'm sure there's so much more over the past couple of weeks that I'm missing, but I must get to the fabulousness that was this weekend...

First of all, I have to say (yet again), I've got some awesome friends. I'm very lucky. I probably don't tell them as often as I should, but I count my blessings every day that I am so fortunate.

This afternoon, I had a great Skype chat with Megan today (after a very lengthy Facebook chat). It was so fantastic, leaping into the 21st century! Phill installed Skype on his laptop a good 8 months ago, and I admit it, I was resistant. While chit chatting with Megan, I downloaded and installed it and we were off to the races! It was wonderful to see her beautiful, smiling face and to hear her infectious laugh. Megan. Rocks.

As I mentioned in Friday's post, it was Eid. Phill was out that night, but we spent the rest of the weekend celebrating. On Saturday he made me a very special dinner and we had fancy ice cream for dessert. You can't go wrong with white chocolate raspberry ice cream!

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Today, Phill and I had the most wonderful day wandering around West Auckland. We went to the Waitakere Ranges Park and it was absolutely idyllic. We then had lunch at a cozy restaurant in Titirangi overlooking the bush. All through the day, the lyrics from Lou Reed's song, Perfect Day ran through my mind (even when I was having a meltdown with changing gears on hilly, windy roads.)

Oh, it's such a perfect day
I'm glad I spend it with you
Oh, such a perfect day
You just keep me hanging on
You just keep me hanging on

Just a perfect day
problems all left alone
Weekenders on our own
it's such fun

Just a perfect day
you made me forget myself
I thought I was
someone else, someone good

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Thank you for another perfect day, my love.

I can't wait for this week!

Eid Mumbarak!

2010-09-10T23:51:00.001+12:00

It's been ages since I've had a chance to sit down and write properly. It's not that I haven't had opportunities to be grateful, but I've been so (happily) busy, that I find that in my few moments of spare time, I haven't got the energy to fire up my creative juices. This results in me sitting brain dead in front of the T.V. Please don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no problems with that!

But today is such a happy day of celebration, I felt I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging, and showing my appreciation for it! Today is Eid-ul-Fitr - you can find a brief explanation of Eid here. It's a day to reflect, celebrate, appreciate, forgive, and share.

It was more bittersweet today than it usually is. I generally find it a bit difficult being away from my family at this time of the year... I must say though, Phill's awesome and we always celebrate Eid together in some special way. It was always Dad's favourite day of the year. There was nothing that could compare to Eid for Dad... he wasn't the most dedicated of khane-goers, but there was no stopping him on this day. I have many happy memories of days with Mum, Dad and Navaz celebrating Eid. I didn't realise when I was a child, how special it really, truly is.

As I sat there this morning, I got very teary, but I loved every second of being in khane and listening and participating in a beautiful namaz (prayer). It felt right to be with the wonderful members of Auckland Jamat... and I knew that Dad was there with me today.

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Happy Eid to you and your families! May all your good wishes come true this year.

A weighty issue.

2010-08-24T20:56:00.000+12:00

Like many other women (and men) I struggle with my weight. It has been a constant issue in my life. My weight has gone up and down and back up again. Over the years, I have adapted a more healthy mindset towards my weight - I'm at a point where I still want to shed some pounds, but it is to improve my overall health, rather than it being the solution to all my problems. The point remains that I can't really remember a time in my life when it wasn't something dark and menacing looming on my life-horizon. I know I am not alone in this.

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Megan has written articulately and succinctly about this very issue. I encourage anyone who has ever had weight or self-image issues to read her article here. Thank you Megan, for your honesty and how well you summed it all up.

A fortnight's worth of Sunday Evening Reflections

2010-08-22T21:14:00.000+12:00

I was busy having an awesome and relaxing time with LeeAnn in Wellie last Sunday, so I happily neglected my writing last weekend. In spite of an achy back and a bit of a nasty sniffle, it's been a really lovely fortnight. Things that I loved over the past two weeks...

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1. Getting to blob out (or lie on the floor so my back didn't ache) during a sick day last Monday and watching one of my favourite movies - Monsoon Wedding. I've also just read that it is being adapted into a Broadway musical, which they started casting in June. I'm curious to see how one of my favourite films translates onto Broadway. The movie is a riot of colour and festivities, fraught with familial drama - I hope the stage production is as spectacular as the movie! I always get a bit nostalgic for my family when I watch it, but it never fails to make me ridiculously happy.

2. Being back in class the day after. It was actually really lovely and the children were so very sweet, knowing that my back was achy and Katy was still sick. Such a great group of children.

3. I did a Parent Information Evening (about Montessori Math and Storytelling) on the Wednesday night of that week, and even though only ten people came, it went really well. I think it's one of the best ones I've ever done actually! It's a shame more parents weren't able to make it... but I left there feeling pretty fantastic and I got some really positive feedback about it.

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4. Hanging out in the Air NZ lounge, and being able to take my friends in on the way to Wellington and back. It was just so very decadent and such a pleasant way to wait for our flights! It made the delay on the way down much more palatable. I'd love to take Phill somewhere soon just so we can go hang out in the lounge for a bit!

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5. A fabulous weekend in Wellington, spending quality time with LeeAnn. Girlfriend time is so good for the soul! The purpose of the trip was actually work related. The first reason was to attend a day's workshop at a school only a few minutes away from LeeAnn and Warwick's (gorgeous) house. The workshop was fantastic to reignite and re inspire me, but most of all, it was a great chance to catch up with other Montessori professionals in New Zealand and to touch base with some fantastic folks that I haven't seen in ages. Katy and I stayed on and spent Monday morning observing another 9-12 class. We came away with some great ideas and feeling really excited about implementing some changes to make our awesome class even better.

(That was mostly just the first week, except for the Monday observation!)

6. I got my pretty new knitting needles in the post (which I battled for on trademe - I curse trademe lurkers!) They're beautiful and I'm looking forward to doing some knitting with them!

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7. A Friday night, all snuggled up on the sofa, nursing my cold, feeling sorry for myself and watching Iron Chef... I'm convinced that's why I feel better today!

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8. A super Saturday spent pampering myself. I had my hair done first thing in the morning and then had a fun evening out with Rebecca, starting with a yummy dinner at Wagamama followed by watching the movie, Salt. (I thought it was entertaining - not fabulous, but a good, fun movie to watch on a Saturday evening with a good friend.) Again, girl time is so very good for the soul - and I always have such great time with Rebecca (which I think I've mentioned before!)

Before.

9. I just made some tasty (Weight Watchers) self-saucing puddings. What a lovely way to end a Sunday evening.

After.

Whew. It's been a fantastic fortnight - bring on another week!

Gratitude overflows with "L."

2010-08-21T23:06:00.000+12:00

At the risk of being predictable and trite, I'm going to do it... my deepest gratitude belongs to the letter "l" for love.

It is one of the most fundamental human needs and something that is felt universally across cultures and without bounds. There's a reason that scores of poems, songs, books, movies, paintings and all other manner of artistic (and not-so-artistic endeavours) are all devoted to this very subject. A quick Google search has yielded "About 8,300,000,000 results."

I won't pretend to be able to be eloquent and describe all the various forms of love that exist in the universe, nor those which are in my life. It is simply there, manifest in my daily life in innumerable ways. It’s there in so many ways, that sometimes I don't even see or realise it is there.

I have been incredibly fortunate, in my short thirty-some-odd journeys around the sun to have been loved and have had the opportunity to give love to some amazing, wonderful, incredible people.

I wish I could say that in the pursuit of love and being loved, I have been entirely faultless, but that would be a complete and utter lie – I’m truly beyond sorry if you have ever been on the receiving end of one of my poorly judged or misguided attempts…

I have always loved deeply, passionately and without reservation. This has gone a bit wrong on me by times and I’ve stumbled here and there, sometimes I’ve even fallen flat on my backside… but who hasn’t been there? I will continue to love like crazy – even if it’s not always reciprocated – I will continue to love living; love my beautiful family; love my amazing friends; love nature; love making mistakes; love learning; love laughing and love loving.

Love and light to you and yours. x

Time for a yarn...

2010-08-18T21:58:00.000+12:00

In a never ending quest to stop myself from eating while blobbing out in front of the television, I have taken up knitting over the last year... I have friends that make fun of me (in a good natured kind of way) and refer to me as Nana (which I am okay with.)

Not only does it keep my hands nice and busy while I'm staring blankly at the television, but I've really enjoyed the challenge of learning something new and the feeling of satisfaction when I finish a project is unlike any other (maybe because I often did not finish craft projects I started.) I don't have the patience to do anything adult-sized yet - I've only done baby clothes/items.

I've given a few things as gifts, but I keep forgetting to take photos. A couple of my friends kindly took photos of their gorgeous boys and my knitted creations for me to post on my blog. (Thanks guys!)

Taraz, sporting the second hat I knit. This was the first thing I tried to do in stripes, and on four needles. Quite the challenge, but it turned out really well!

My favourite thing though, has been when I present my finished projects to the intended recipients (or their parents, as the case may be.) They genuinely appreciate the time, effort, care and consideration that has gone into each and every individual stitch; if they only knew how much swearing went into each piece!!

The one and only blanket I've ever finished on my own. I felt very clever knitting in the basket weave pattern for Marcus' blanket. His dad, Allan, assures me that Marcus enjoys playing with his blanket and pulling it over his head. So cute! It took ages, and I swore I'd never do another blanket, but I've already started another one.

I think this may actually be a crafting hobby I stick with - not only for the relaxation and satisfaction, but I love making things and sharing a bit of old school home knitting with my friends.

Sunday Evening Reflections

2010-08-08T20:15:00.000+12:00

I've been pulling myself out of this blue funk, and I have to say, I'm quite pleased about that. It's utterly exhausting being down about things that can't be changed, so I've accepted things the way they are and I feel... lighter. It's nice.

I have to start thinking about this more throughout the week - I often find that I end up writing about things that are predominantly weekend related. I've been slack at recognising it this week... but here goes!

1. We just had the YUMMIEST roast lamb for dinner tonight. I managed to put my back out first thing Saturday morning, so I've been a bit foul all weekend. To inject a bit of pep, Phill made the most delicious roast and to top it off, he's bought ice cream and mint chocolate ice cream sauce that will harden into a shell. I am truly the luckiest girl, ever. To further extend this food fabulousness - I get to take the left overs for lunch tomorrow! No looking longingly at my coworkers' tasty looking treats at mid-day - tomorrow, it's mine that is the luscious lunch!

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2. A great movie date with Rebecca last night to see Knight and Day. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, but a bit of good, giggly fun. Tom Cruise plays (plays??) crazy so well... and he did look good. I also drove the cute red car on the highway there and back and did okay! Rebecca was lovely and supportive (as she always is!) I enjoy my time hanging out with Bexki - whether we're exercising (which admittedly, I've not been so good with) or shopping (she is an excellent shopping partner) or just being. She's always got a sympathetic ear, but also offers wise words and some sensible perspective. I am so thankful that I've gotten to know her better over the past couple of years.

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3. We went to some open homes on Saturday. None of them were THE HOUSE but it was great to get out and see what was available and to get an idea of what I want in a home. So exciting!!

4. We started last week with an hour and a half session in the art room. The kids were lovely and completely engaged the entire time. It was such a beautiful, peaceful way to start the week.

But my favourite moment of the week...

5. While giving a lesson on integers on Friday, one of my girls (who lost her father when she was just turning six) stated (in a very blase manner and seemingly out of left field) "You know, when a life has sorrow in it, it makes you appreciate the good things that much more. Some people don't realise how good they have it. I appreciate what I have." (As she drew her number line from -10 to +10.) I had to turn away so she didn't see the tears in my eyes. If it wasn't inappropriate, I would have gathered her up and hugged her to bits. Thank you, KW (I don't like using my students' names on here, but Katy will know who I'm talking about), for reminding me how good I really have it.

I'm really looking forward to this week - hope you have a great one too!