I am supposed to be planning for my imminent return for work. Clearly I am not doing that well, because I am blogging instead of lesson planning! So here's my list of avoiding work (of course, you could probably avoid practically anything if you tried).
1. Make you bed. I mean, really make your bed, tuck in the sheets, smooth out the bed spread, arrange the pillows, rearrange the pillows.
2. Do the washing... wash everything! Wash the sheets, towels, pillowcases, bathmat. Fold everything very very carefully and put it all away.
3. Rearrange your wardrobe and drawers... alternatively you could plan your outfit for the next five days.
4. Do the dishes, wipe down the bench, and reorganise the cushions on the couch.
5. Check that the bed spread is smooth and reorganise the pillows.
6. Check the emails.
7. Watch a couple of videos on youtube.
8. Power disk an extra long TV series on DVD, making sure to watch the special features, commentaries and different languages.
9. Reorganise the couch cushions again.
10. Check emails again and blog about how to avoid doing work.
11. Power disk another TV series.
12. Pull out all the work stuff that you should have finished and arrange the readings into folders.
13. Check all the pens on your desk and throw away the ones that don't really work.
14. Buy new pens because you don't have any left.
15. While you are buying pens, stock up on post-its, notebooks, folders, glue and every other stationery item available.
16. Check your emails.
17. Cover all the notebooks that you bought and label the pens and other stationery products. Make sure to change the tape in the label maker after every item so that they a colour coded.
18. Do the dishes.
19. Defragment your computer, dust the keyboard.
20. Arrange your pens, notebooks and folders in order of size before starting to work.
21. Realise that you have not yet had lunch and wonder into the kitchen to search for an old recipe book.
22. Go grocery shopping because there is "no food" in the house.
23. Have coffee at the local cafe because you are starving.
24. Come home to put the groceries away then clean out the pantry and refrigerator. Reorganise the condiments and baking staples.
25. Pull out the label maker and get labelling... otherwise the house mate won't be able to find her muffin mix.
26. Clean your glasses.
27. Vacuum.
28. Empty all the rubbish bins.
29. Check your emails.
30. Blog about how you never get anything done!
As you might have guessed, my room is exceptionally tidy, my couch cushions are perfect, my bed is made and my emails are up to date. ;)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Thinking Dash
I don't know how it came to mind, probably something random, but I got thinking about the dash today. In case you are not following, I am talking about the dash on your tombstone, the one between your date of birth and your date of death. Is that what you call it, date of death?
More to the point, I have been thinking about my dash. What will it represent to other people? What will my family see when they see my dash? What will my friends and colleagues see? What will the rest of the world see? I have recently been evaluating things in my life (this is what happens when one does not work for 6 months) and have made changes too. Most of these changes have been related to my attitude. It is very different to the one I had this time last year. I don't really mind what other people think any more. I am not worried quite so much about the impression I make. You may think I am contradicting myself. But I'm not. You see, my day to day stuff, like what I wear and eat and how I do my hair is not a big deal. My life choices are my own. However, I believe there are some things we do that have a huge impact on others. Those things are the ones that concern me. I want my impact to be positive.
That is all I have to say about that at the moment... but I'm very sure I will feel the need to say more at some point or other. Therefore you something to look forward to. Lucky You!!! :)
More to the point, I have been thinking about my dash. What will it represent to other people? What will my family see when they see my dash? What will my friends and colleagues see? What will the rest of the world see? I have recently been evaluating things in my life (this is what happens when one does not work for 6 months) and have made changes too. Most of these changes have been related to my attitude. It is very different to the one I had this time last year. I don't really mind what other people think any more. I am not worried quite so much about the impression I make. You may think I am contradicting myself. But I'm not. You see, my day to day stuff, like what I wear and eat and how I do my hair is not a big deal. My life choices are my own. However, I believe there are some things we do that have a huge impact on others. Those things are the ones that concern me. I want my impact to be positive.
That is all I have to say about that at the moment... but I'm very sure I will feel the need to say more at some point or other. Therefore you something to look forward to. Lucky You!!! :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
A Teacher's Dash
Most people have heard of the poem "The Dash." This one was written by the same author. This little series of poems has prompted quite a bit of thought on my part. Thoughts which I will share soon, but for now, enjoy! :)
A Teacher’s Dash
Copyright 2007 Linda Ellis
It’s been said the dash on a headstone
between the dates of birth and death
represents each step we'll take on earth
...and every single breath.
We know the date when we were born,
but the following date can’t be foreseen
and all the days that we will live
are in that little dash in between.
Though we all may strive to prosper
during our time here on earth,
it isn't the money in our bank account
that measures what our dash is worth.
Some deem themselves “successful”
if they can spend in large amounts,
but how you spend your only dash
is all that really counts.
When young minds want to understand
what is just beyond their reach,
a special soul is called upon
to enlighten...and to teach.
A teacher chooses their career
not for prestige, wealth or cash,
but because their heart is telling them
this is how to live their dash.
For they receive true satisfaction
from guiding and from giving;
fulfillment found in making a life…
and not just making a living.
A good teacher has a tendency
to do more than what’s required
to prepare and send into this world
every "dash" that they've inspired.
Teachers make a difference
in each young mind they embrace;
they mold our future in their classrooms
and make the world a better place.
A Teacher’s Dash
Copyright 2007 Linda Ellis
It’s been said the dash on a headstone
between the dates of birth and death
represents each step we'll take on earth
...and every single breath.
We know the date when we were born,
but the following date can’t be foreseen
and all the days that we will live
are in that little dash in between.
Though we all may strive to prosper
during our time here on earth,
it isn't the money in our bank account
that measures what our dash is worth.
Some deem themselves “successful”
if they can spend in large amounts,
but how you spend your only dash
is all that really counts.
When young minds want to understand
what is just beyond their reach,
a special soul is called upon
to enlighten...and to teach.
A teacher chooses their career
not for prestige, wealth or cash,
but because their heart is telling them
this is how to live their dash.
For they receive true satisfaction
from guiding and from giving;
fulfillment found in making a life…
and not just making a living.
A good teacher has a tendency
to do more than what’s required
to prepare and send into this world
every "dash" that they've inspired.
Teachers make a difference
in each young mind they embrace;
they mold our future in their classrooms
and make the world a better place.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
An attempt to explain the unsolved mystery of the disappearing pens!!!
APRIL 19 | 1357 up, 583 down |
The unconscious theft of Pens. Also known as Cleptopenamania.
The person who steals pens from the grocery store, bank, or post office must have cleptopenia (Klep-toe-pen-ee-uh)
You gotta love urban dictionary! http://www.urbandictionary.com/
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Apparently
Some people are quite restless as a result of a previous post of mine: "Do you remember when...?" Yes, my dear readers are just bursting to find out what it was that was causing such overwhelming excitement that I didn't know how to get it out.
So, I suppose it is time I tell you my wonderful overwhelming never ending list of news. I would love to tell you what was so exciting. I would happily share the list of events that caused an explosion for the BFF to clean up. Unfortunately..... I can't remember them!
Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday :)
So, I suppose it is time I tell you my wonderful overwhelming never ending list of news. I would love to tell you what was so exciting. I would happily share the list of events that caused an explosion for the BFF to clean up. Unfortunately..... I can't remember them!
Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday :)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Do you remember when...?
Do you remember when you were a kid and you had a bunch of cool stuff happen all at once. You were so excited that you couldn't wait to tell anyone who would listen and you felt as though you were going to burst. Everything made you happy and you were so overwhelmed with the excitement of the day that you were got confused when you tried to tell someone. That's how I feel today!
So much has happened in the last few days that I think I might just burst if I don't tell someone. Of course, if I started it would all start pouring out in this torrent of words and you wouldn't be able to make heads or tails of it. I wouldn't know where to start or how to stop. It is a very odd feeling to have as an adult, this bursting feeling that you know won't go away as easily as telling someone your story. I seem to be having this feeling a lot lately. I wonder why that is?
If you think you are worried about what you might find when you arrive home from work tonight... spare a thought for the BFF, she is going to find me! Now that she has read this blog, she will be worried about whether or not she will find me in one piece or if she will find lots of little bits of me after my excitement shatters and explodes all over the place. What a mess that will make!!!
So much has happened in the last few days that I think I might just burst if I don't tell someone. Of course, if I started it would all start pouring out in this torrent of words and you wouldn't be able to make heads or tails of it. I wouldn't know where to start or how to stop. It is a very odd feeling to have as an adult, this bursting feeling that you know won't go away as easily as telling someone your story. I seem to be having this feeling a lot lately. I wonder why that is?
If you think you are worried about what you might find when you arrive home from work tonight... spare a thought for the BFF, she is going to find me! Now that she has read this blog, she will be worried about whether or not she will find me in one piece or if she will find lots of little bits of me after my excitement shatters and explodes all over the place. What a mess that will make!!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Shopping!!!
Yesterday (actually this week), I have had the opportunity to participate in a spot of retail therapy! All of my shopping has been under the guise of preparation for my return to work. You see, I need new posters for my classroom. Books will need to be covered. I need new notebooks nd I have lost most of my pens and folders and I will definitely need more tape for my label makers. Of course, when I found a book pack containing not 2, not 4, but EIGHT Mem Fox titles for a reasonable price of about $30 it would have been ludicrous to walk by. Imagine my delight when I realised that I didn't have those titles already!!! When I saw that a text book (work related) that I have been coveting was on special yesterday... half price.... I had to buy it. I then found a Jeannie Baker picture book and it was on special too!!! Oh the joy!!!
The ice cream sundae of my day was topped off by quite the magical cherry... SHOES!!! I have very particular taste in shoes you see. I have to buy a specific brand, and every pair of shoes needs to get a tick in all the boxes. Each pair must be supportive, comfortable and at least a little bit trendy, while maintaining the versatility of a classic shoe. It is also imperative that my orthotics fit inside. So, when I discovered that a very rare Ziera (once known as Kumfs) shoe shop had opened in my local area (I used to travel an hour to get to my old shoe shop) I was absolutely delighted!!!!! When I tried on a new pair of shoes, every box was ticked, and my feet were in heaven. There is nothing better than a comfortable shoe!!! So of course, I had to buy a pair, and resist the urge to buy an extra one for storage in the back of the closet.
So my day was complete, new school supplies, new shoes and lunch with Mum. Next week I will tackle the stationery store; my credit card is going to be very tired!
The ice cream sundae of my day was topped off by quite the magical cherry... SHOES!!! I have very particular taste in shoes you see. I have to buy a specific brand, and every pair of shoes needs to get a tick in all the boxes. Each pair must be supportive, comfortable and at least a little bit trendy, while maintaining the versatility of a classic shoe. It is also imperative that my orthotics fit inside. So, when I discovered that a very rare Ziera (once known as Kumfs) shoe shop had opened in my local area (I used to travel an hour to get to my old shoe shop) I was absolutely delighted!!!!! When I tried on a new pair of shoes, every box was ticked, and my feet were in heaven. There is nothing better than a comfortable shoe!!! So of course, I had to buy a pair, and resist the urge to buy an extra one for storage in the back of the closet.
So my day was complete, new school supplies, new shoes and lunch with Mum. Next week I will tackle the stationery store; my credit card is going to be very tired!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
People!
I am not really a "people person." I am very shy. I am uncomfortable in new situations and when I have to work with people I don't know. It takes me a long time to pick up on the rhythms of other people, their joking tone, their serious tone. People just down right scare me. It is even worse when I have to talk to them, I usually end up saying something the wrong way round. Sometimes a comment makes sense in my mind but when I say it out loud other people just look at me like I am a freak. For a long time, I avoided people in general, I stuck to a select group of friends and when thrown into new situations I would withdraw. Above all, I detested help. I hated relying on other people. I hated asking for help.
Unfortunately, I discovered how lonely it can be when you live inside the walls of your mind. When you try to do everything on your own, you usually fail. When you don't ask questions, you never learn, you don't find out why things happen or how things work.
Today is Thursday, which means... saying thank you!
In the last two years, I have learned how important it is to have other people around you. I have family, friends, colleagues and students. I have church leaders and mentors and confidantes. I am truly thankful for the "people" in my life. I still get nervous in new situations and around new people, but I don't withdraw like I used to. People are not all that scary after all. Most people have questions of their own, they are polite and don't really have any malice towards other people (especially complete strangers). Most people are willing to help out, to lend an ear, to have a laugh, to share a story. Most people like to tell you what they know.
I am thankful for the "people" in my life. I am thankful that in this big old bad world, I am not alone. Maybe there are a very small number of people who think the way I do, or at least understand how I think. There are very, very few people who accept that I think differently. I have to translate my thoughts into something that doesn't sound like jibberish! But they understand if I can't.
I am no longer an island! I am not deserted, isolated or solitary. I have people who love me! I have people who tolerate me! I have people who care for me! I have people who work with me! Life isn't perfect, but it is better because I have friends!
Unfortunately, I discovered how lonely it can be when you live inside the walls of your mind. When you try to do everything on your own, you usually fail. When you don't ask questions, you never learn, you don't find out why things happen or how things work.
Today is Thursday, which means... saying thank you!
In the last two years, I have learned how important it is to have other people around you. I have family, friends, colleagues and students. I have church leaders and mentors and confidantes. I am truly thankful for the "people" in my life. I still get nervous in new situations and around new people, but I don't withdraw like I used to. People are not all that scary after all. Most people have questions of their own, they are polite and don't really have any malice towards other people (especially complete strangers). Most people are willing to help out, to lend an ear, to have a laugh, to share a story. Most people like to tell you what they know.
I am thankful for the "people" in my life. I am thankful that in this big old bad world, I am not alone. Maybe there are a very small number of people who think the way I do, or at least understand how I think. There are very, very few people who accept that I think differently. I have to translate my thoughts into something that doesn't sound like jibberish! But they understand if I can't.
I am no longer an island! I am not deserted, isolated or solitary. I have people who love me! I have people who tolerate me! I have people who care for me! I have people who work with me! Life isn't perfect, but it is better because I have friends!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Douglas Adams
The Author of The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy, Douglas Adams, was once asked the following Question..
His response...
What made you write a trilogy in four (later 5) parts?
His response...
A poor grasp of arithmetic.
Books
I think you can learn a lot about a person by what they read. Forrest Gump says you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, the same goes for books! You can see if that person loves to read, if they only do it when they have to (for work for example), if they study, if they are focussed, what they like and dislike. If you have a strong knowledge of the books they are reading you can also get a feel for their view of the world, their opinions, ideas and vocabulary. All this just from reading a book list. So here is mine.
Books I am reading:
(I have started and am on the way to finishing)
Books I am reading:
(I have started and am on the way to finishing)
- Daily Steps for God Chicks, by Holly Wagner (devotional book to guide my Bible reading)
- The Bible (when I finish I will start again)
- Pygmalion, by George Bernard Shaw
- The King's Speech, by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi
- Writing Strategies and Ideas for Literacy Block Activities, (this one is for work)
Of course I am always browsing. I also whip through the occasional children's picture book for something fun.
Books I have recently finished:
- Reading Magic, by Mem Fox (I would love to have a meal with this woman and bombard her with questions!)
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Series), by Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wombat, by Jackie French
- Baby Wombat's Week, by Jackie French
- The Sign of the Seahorse, by Graeme Base
- The Legend of the Golden Snail, by Graeme Base
- Window, by Jeannie Baker
Wish List... What's Next?!
- Private Atmosphere, by Margaret Martin (my next devotional book)
- 100 Cupboards, by ND Wilson (I swear I'm going to finish it!)
- Great American Mousical by Julie Andrews
- Everything Mem Fox has ever written!
- Everything Jackie French has ever written!
- Everything Graeme Base has ever written/ illustrated!
- Everything Jeanie Baker has ever written/ illustrated!
- The remaining works of Norah Ephron (I already have a few of her books)
- Anything Jane Austen has written that I haven't read yet!
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy (all five books), by Douglas Adams
There you go Mum, if you can't find me a Birthday and Christmas present out of that lot, I don't think I can help you.
Enjoy your Monday People! :)
Friday, April 1, 2011
100
Dear Readers,
Today marks a very special occasion! This is my 100th post. I didn't plan on doing anything special, perhaps I wouldn't have even noticed, accept that I was reviewing my blog dashboard and noticed that yesterday was post 99.
Forgive me if you were expecting something more exciting for my 100th post, but as far as I am concerned this is enough excitement for one day! I never thought this blog would become such an integral part of my life. I never thought that I would spend so much time in front of my computer. I never suspected that my silly jokes and closet writing would find its way out into the world. I never knew that I liked taking silly photos and writing about them. I never knew this blog lark would or even could be so much fun.
The last 100 posts have been varied and I am still finding my way. I would also like to add, that while some of you might think that you have stepped inside my mind and discovered more than you would like... hang on tight! This ride is not over! We have barely scratched the surface. You haven't meet even half of my little friends that live in this magical world of mine. You can not possibly understand the giant jigsaw puzzle that this blog will eventually complete.
Don't be discouraged friend, we will complete the puzzle together... one piece (or post) at a time.
Yours Sincerely the Creative Genius Herself
M :)
Today marks a very special occasion! This is my 100th post. I didn't plan on doing anything special, perhaps I wouldn't have even noticed, accept that I was reviewing my blog dashboard and noticed that yesterday was post 99.
Forgive me if you were expecting something more exciting for my 100th post, but as far as I am concerned this is enough excitement for one day! I never thought this blog would become such an integral part of my life. I never thought that I would spend so much time in front of my computer. I never suspected that my silly jokes and closet writing would find its way out into the world. I never knew that I liked taking silly photos and writing about them. I never knew this blog lark would or even could be so much fun.
The last 100 posts have been varied and I am still finding my way. I would also like to add, that while some of you might think that you have stepped inside my mind and discovered more than you would like... hang on tight! This ride is not over! We have barely scratched the surface. You haven't meet even half of my little friends that live in this magical world of mine. You can not possibly understand the giant jigsaw puzzle that this blog will eventually complete.
Don't be discouraged friend, we will complete the puzzle together... one piece (or post) at a time.
Yours Sincerely the Creative Genius Herself
M :)
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