mmmmm chocolate

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Yay Me!


Just a little self applause......... clap clap clapI got the Assistant Head of Department of Science today! Very excited. Also found out that my friends Andy (Andrea) and Mike are expecting a baby....a day for good news. Also 2 weeks 3 days to go!!!!

Another note - another Christmas Santa hanging from a parachute in the garden....more photos to come!

Monday, November 27, 2006

Observations of the Hutt thus far

Its been just over a week since I officially moved to the Hutt. I would like to record some observations thus far....these are not meant to be insults or compliments, just merely observations.

1. I seem to be surrounded by more smokers than non-smokers now. This I don't like, in fact I have banned smoking in my car. While some people may take the if you can't beat them, join them....I have taken the opposite route and will probably never smoke again. There is also no such thing as a considerate smoker.

2. The Wainui dairy rocks, along with Bakers delight....excellent baked goods.

3. Living across the road from a 24 hour BP (with Wild Bean) has its perks. After a drunken night either in or out...the pie and chocolate milk, along with the powerade is just waiting for you :)

4. It now only takes me 15-20 minutes to get to work - good petrol savings. Most times (except busy times) it only takes 20 mins to get to Welly.

5. My favourite cafes are still in Welly. Havent found any really good ones in the Hutt (although Galleria is pretty good, but no Maranui)

6. Most shopping I need is in the Hutt - the Mall is all of 5 minutes away.

7. The weather is always different to Welly and Upper Hutt.

8. Things are more casual. There have been a few times I've felt way too dressed up and I thought I was a casual person.

9. Its nice to live in a house again, although can't wait till I have my own things around me again. Many times I feel like a guest.

10. I have discovered the Petone Workingmans Club.

11. The traffic is sooooo much better in the Hutt. This is one thing I dont miss!

12. There are more hard out Christmas people in the Hutt ;)

I'm sure I had more to write about, but no sleep makes me forget things...I understand completely what you go through Ange!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Owning a flax bag means I'm part Maori???

An interesting week, and the countdown has begun to the school holidays. 3 weeks or there abouts, and it can not come quick enough. My two classes are loosely what I can crazy, although my year 10's are loveable rogues. Except for Miss Blondie who called me "F...k'n gay" because I confiscated her note that she passed around in class. At my old school that would have been an automatic stand down, but all she got was a detention and gave a half assed apology. I guess different communities, different rules. The years 9's are what I imagine a mental hospital to be in the activity lounge. There are so many different personalities in that class that Im not surprised they dont function well as a group.

Anyway moving on....I refereed volleyball on Friday and didn't make too many mistakes. Woo hoo. It was actually quite enjoyable controlling the game and girls watching and waiting for the whistle. Played Chilton and HVHS both fun teams, and made it easy to ref, lots of fun chants from HVHS and even when I made a mistake, they gave me a positive "its ok ref" chant.

Saturday involved a trip to Foxton to visit Ant's grandmother. I had never met her before so was interesting. To be honest Im not particularly good with old people and do lack patients at times. Seem pleasant enough and could see where many of the family traits came from. Went out for lunch, and was informed my name was linked to the Prophetess of Doom (just lovely) and later found out she asked Ant if I was part Maori because I carried around a kete (flax bag).....ummm ok....I could see how she could have thought that (what the hell???) After dropping the ol' duck off we made our way home making a few purchases on the way.

Saturday night was Judge's birthday dinner at Hede, a girly night with lots of gossip. Judge was a little on the quiet side, however Ange provided entertainment with her serviette searching skills, her long thoughtful moments, her ability to cover the table with her wine and her story of her latest crush.....good to see you happier though Ange :) Later on, went on to the old Crazy Lounge which is now an off shoot of Fidels. All good :)

Today was meant to go to a kids Christmas party but ended up going to the Kirks Christmas shop...I was in my element. So pretty! All colour coordinated and themed. Fantastic!!!! Bring on Christmas!! I personally think the build up is more exciting.

A few more lights put up in the yard...very cool, cant lose track of where I live now. Found some mini glass angels today to put in the window, very cute.

Deck the halls!!!!

Friday, November 17, 2006

Raindrops keep falling on my head...

Once again its raining...actually pouring. I want Sun...it is November after all....is that too much to ask??

Its that time of year at school. The seniors have gone on exam leave for the year....wooo hooo! One suddenly has a lot more time to do all the stuff that needs to be done in order to make our lives run smoothly. Over the past few days I've helped with schemes, assessments, tidied one of my desks (I now know my desk is blue). I find Im over planning for my one or two classes I have a day, or at times not giving a toss and going in and winging it.

I did have the joy at prizegiving of having a number of students I teach getting places for subjects. One even got runner up to dux. But I managed to get 1st and 2= in Year 13 biology and 1,2 and 3 in Year 12 biology. While they probably could have got this on their own...I am proud of them :) My Year 11's while lovely and enthusiastic were not the smartest cookies, but some got house leader positions.
My house lost the cup to Blake (red) house this year. However the trophy was kidnapped for 3 days popping up in the most interesting of places.

Moving day is tomorrow, Im so over it. Still more to pack and dismantle but good to see the end is nigh. Hope the weather is better tomorrow.

NCEA marking also starting. First meeting tomorrow morning for administration. An hour driving to P'ram, two hours in a meeting, and then an hour drive home. Do you see the logic, as I certainly do not! It also involves going back to my old school, first time (apart from a volleyball game) that I have been back since last year.

Good news Ive had in the last couple of weeks.....Ant's best friend is now a proud Dad to a second daughter, Ange found and hopefully moved by now into a new flat, my flat found a new flatmate, Im moving officially (long time coming), seniors have left, a friend of mine is pregnant, another friend got a promotion to HOD, another got engaged, and my cousin is getting married tomorrow! Plus Christmas is still coming, and the backyard looks awesome! Full of lights of all different colours, a santa with a parachute, and candy canes. Can't wait till the first for the opening the advent calendar!

Have you started your Christmas shopping???