EARTH HOUR

Earth Hour - does it help? Is symbolism worthwhile? I believe symbolism is part of the human condition, and harnessing that to help raise awareness of our contribution to global warming has to be a good thing.

Like many people, I chose not to turn on the lights after the hour of candlelight. It just seemed too bright and garish after the peaceful dim, flickering light. Sipping a glass of red and chatting with no distractions was almost like a forgotten art.

However, I did nearly burn my fingers lighting candles, a tea light holder cracked and broke and I bumped my shins a few times, but I guess I can solve that by being better organised next year!

Wednesday Book Club

I'm really enjoying this book at the moment. It sat in my bookcase for nearly three years - why? I just didn't feel attracted to a story about a man who gets a hand transplant. I should have known better - I've loved John Irving's other books - The World According to Garp, The Cider House Rules, A Widow for One Year, The Hotel New Hampshire et al.

This book has made me laugh out loud, which I don't remember ever doing with a book except for "Garp". I'm pretty sure it will make me cry, too, as I did on the last page of "Widow for one Year"

"...destiny is not imaginable, except in dreams or to those in love...."

Being a tourist...

I have a good friend visiting for Easter from Perth, Western Australia, which is about as far as you can get from Sydney and still be in Australia. So yesterday we did the tourist things around the harbour - the Rocks Markets, the Opera House Forecourt, Botanical Gardens, lunch at Opera Brasserie; today we headed west to the Blue mountains. An autumnal feel was in the air, and the huge art deco hotel had a log fire blazing. Julie had to drag me away, I was settled in with glass of wine & Sunday papers after lunch. Her goal was the Three Sisters and Megalong Valley lookout, which was beautiful. Devonshire tea on the way home made for a practically perfect Easter road trip. (We even had hot-cross buns and Easter eggs for breakfast). My son in NYC is bemoaning his lack of Easter eggs, so we ate some just for him!

....kindly disregard that letter....

OK, I'll admit it - I had a really good time at Camp (Grenada) Berry. The camp staff do a wonderful job, the meals were yummy, weather beautiful, kids as good as could be expected, plenty of time for us teachers to sit in the sun and chat, PLUS I fulfilled a long time dream and went kayaking. Kayaking is so peaceful and relaxing, as well as being good exercise, I can't wait to do it again. Glad to be home, though, with four (yes, 4!) days break for Easter. That first latte was gooooooooood.

Happy Campers...

I'm off to (rehab) no, camp at 8am tomorrow.........two nights and three days of challenging activities, healthy food, NO wine, NO cappucino, all in the company of about 80 kids. On duty around the clock. Can't wait........what perks this teaching job has!

A first...

I can't believe it, I just attended my first ever Tupperware party. The scary thing is, it was not at all dissimilar to the picture here. (Google images tupperware selection is vast).

The twist ? It was organised by a young man from work and the guests included a couple of men sipping beers. I love it when I see gender lines blurring, especially regarding housework and childcare.

Oh, I bought some things - a fuschia pink water bottle for my daughter (with a sneaky screw in compartment to hide keys) and a lunchbox for me. (no need for wrap - just put the bread in the box). Awesome.

Ommmmmmmmmmmm

This is not my yoga class, but it looks just like it...I did a 75 minute class last night after a very hectic day. Stretching and inverting, a little chanting and meditation, and you come out as good as new. This ancient art sure helps with the busy, stress-filled life most of us lead these days. My son will call me a hippie, but I'm sure he feels the same after rugby training! To each his own..........

Slow down, you move too fast,

Got to make the moment last -

Sunday, wake up to my dogs barking, go to window to politely ask them to be quiet (!), give up on idea to sleep in, stagger downstairs for papers - and find that the universe has sent me a message....
no people to see, no promises to keep -

Feelin' groovy!

In the Pink

I'm in an uncharacteristic pink mood. What could it mean? Don't worry, it won't last.

Tempis Fugit

I can't believe I haven't had time to blog for nearly a whole week. The workload at school is weighing down on me like a big block of concrete. I guess that weekend full of community goodness gobbled up a lot of time. I finished up on Sunday after Clean Up Australia day slightly sore, very tired, but feeling a warm fuzzy glow. Or that could have been the pub lunch after..........