1. Tired but happy. It's a phrase I'll always remember from a Janet Frame novel and I use it frequently. We're tired but happy after our three days on class camp at the Outoor Pursuits centre at Lake Karapiro. The children learned heaps of new skills including kayaking, walking along high ropes, archery, raft building, orienteering and more that my brain has forgotten. A highlight for many was overcoming a fear regarding heights or water. We also saw the Evers-Swindell NZ rowing sisters who train at Lake Karapiro which was exciting. The weather was divine, the children were well behaved in the main and the experience was unforgettable.
2. Our Wednesday evening 5-a-side soccer team was without any substitute players this week due to class camp, school discos and other events, which made for a couple of tiring half hour games for those of us who were left to hold the fort. We lost one game, then won one. It will be good to have our full contingent back again next Wednesday.
3. I really enjoy Gok Wan from How to Look Good Naked. I'm going to try to take his advice about doing without wheat. It does cause me to get ghastly bloating and I've given it up before with much success. So I hope I can do it again. That's my challenge.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Class camp, clutter control, writing news
1. My children are both in the same class and they're on class camp together for three days this week, starting tomorrow. I'm spending one night and two days with them. Lots of opportunities to extend their outdoor risk taking skills which will be great. I hope we all get some sleep.
2. I'm trying to have a clutter free environment bit by bit. Today was the turn of the bathroom cabinet (a large pantry style affair), the top of my bedroom dressing table and my hair and jewellery bits and pieces area. I was pleased with what I'd achieved. It takes so long though. Grrr.
3. One of the books I've been writing will be published in July next year. Because of the long lead time for books, all the finishing touches are being done now. Today we were working on the back cover blurb. The other day I worked on the front cover. It's all very exciting. At some stage in the near future I'll see the manuscript in its almost completed form for last proofreading. I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product. It's taken such a long time from conception to publication but it's been worth it.
2. I'm trying to have a clutter free environment bit by bit. Today was the turn of the bathroom cabinet (a large pantry style affair), the top of my bedroom dressing table and my hair and jewellery bits and pieces area. I was pleased with what I'd achieved. It takes so long though. Grrr.
3. One of the books I've been writing will be published in July next year. Because of the long lead time for books, all the finishing touches are being done now. Today we were working on the back cover blurb. The other day I worked on the front cover. It's all very exciting. At some stage in the near future I'll see the manuscript in its almost completed form for last proofreading. I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished product. It's taken such a long time from conception to publication but it's been worth it.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Anniversary, sports day, sickness
1. Yesterday was our 12th wedding anniversary. We don't celebrate our anniversaries in the traditional sense, but I asked my husband whether he knew what the 12th anniversary stood for ie. paper, clay, rubber... He said "earmuffs". Fortunately, I found that particularly funny. Humour is one of his many wonderful qualities. I enjoy being married to someone who always has a quick comback line - even when it's at my expense! We had sushi for lunch. So maybe 12th anniversary is celebrated with rice...
2. We had the school athletics sports last week and the zone athletics sports is coming up on Friday. I always enjoy that day - as long as it's fine weather. Not sure of the forecast but I've actually given up on weather forecasters. They can't be trusted.
3. My daughter was home sick from school today. Sore throat, runny nose sort of thing. Not too bad but I'm hoping to give her a rest so she'll recover more quickly. Always tricky with kids to know the best way to react in that regard. I'm glad I kept her home though. She seems a lot better. I hope it lasts.
2. We had the school athletics sports last week and the zone athletics sports is coming up on Friday. I always enjoy that day - as long as it's fine weather. Not sure of the forecast but I've actually given up on weather forecasters. They can't be trusted.
3. My daughter was home sick from school today. Sore throat, runny nose sort of thing. Not too bad but I'm hoping to give her a rest so she'll recover more quickly. Always tricky with kids to know the best way to react in that regard. I'm glad I kept her home though. She seems a lot better. I hope it lasts.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Success, Writing, Photos
1. Long time no write in this blog. In case anyone happens to check, here's a brief update. Firstly, we're all excited here because we've just heard today that our son has passed the exam to get into the accelerate class at his new school next year. He's thrilled and so are we, for him. I hope our excitement is not misplaced. Time will tell.
2. I continue to be kept very busy with several writing jobs. I have recently been working on the final editing process before one of my books for young teens goes to print. It's published in July next year. Very exciting. It's been a lot of very hard work and long hours but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. It's one in a very popular series and I hope it will be in libraries, schools and book shelves over a long period of time which is always good. Other writing projects are ongoing, as always.
3. This weekend I've been working on cover photos for the book I've mentioned above. It's in a series called My Story published by Scholastic. It's been fun but a challenge finding just the right "look" for the cover model. I'm feeling confident though and will be very happy when it's all in the hands of the printer.
2. I continue to be kept very busy with several writing jobs. I have recently been working on the final editing process before one of my books for young teens goes to print. It's published in July next year. Very exciting. It's been a lot of very hard work and long hours but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. It's one in a very popular series and I hope it will be in libraries, schools and book shelves over a long period of time which is always good. Other writing projects are ongoing, as always.
3. This weekend I've been working on cover photos for the book I've mentioned above. It's in a series called My Story published by Scholastic. It's been fun but a challenge finding just the right "look" for the cover model. I'm feeling confident though and will be very happy when it's all in the hands of the printer.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Writing opportunities, rugby, squash
1. I'm busy with lots of writing opportunities at the moment and scrabbling to find time to work on them. Another 12 hours in the day would be extremely well received. I am envying those people who get by on 4 hours sleep a night.
2. The Rugby World Cup has begun with a good win to Argentina. Our family is staying up late tonight to support our very own All Blacks against Italy. Go Dougie!
3. We have been at a squash tournament in a town about 45 minutes away today. We also went there last night. Our son had three games. He lost the first two and won the final game. It had its challenging moments from the point of view of anxious mother but I enjoyed it. Three tournaments to go...
2. The Rugby World Cup has begun with a good win to Argentina. Our family is staying up late tonight to support our very own All Blacks against Italy. Go Dougie!
3. We have been at a squash tournament in a town about 45 minutes away today. We also went there last night. Our son had three games. He lost the first two and won the final game. It had its challenging moments from the point of view of anxious mother but I enjoyed it. Three tournaments to go...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Lunar eclipse, teaching, amazing race
1. Tonight we have been observing a lunar eclipse. Interesting in its own way and won't be seen again for another 7 years I believe. Oh well.
2. I've just completed two busy teaching days working with a group of gifted young writers aged between 8 and 13 years. It was fun, challenging and inspiring. I'll repeat the process with a new group next week.
3. Our family really enjoys the Amazing Race on television. I felt sorry for some of the competitors on tonight's show as they had to deal with airline problems which were no fault of their own and set them back half a day. I'd still like to do the race myself one day though.
2. I've just completed two busy teaching days working with a group of gifted young writers aged between 8 and 13 years. It was fun, challenging and inspiring. I'll repeat the process with a new group next week.
3. Our family really enjoys the Amazing Race on television. I felt sorry for some of the competitors on tonight's show as they had to deal with airline problems which were no fault of their own and set them back half a day. I'd still like to do the race myself one day though.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Glasses, home sick, control
1. I now wear glasses for reading and computer work. I'm very happy with this turn of events as I've always rather secretly thought my face would suit glasses. The reaction from the family has been mixed, to put it politely. My husband laughed. My son looked dazed and my outspoken 9 year old daughter described them as "disgusting" or some similarly outlandish word. Friends who I showed the glasses off to described me as looking intelligent with them on. Mmmm. Not sure about the ramifications of that one. I took all this in my stride as I love them and that's that. No one else has to look at me while I'm reading or on the computer. And, obviously, my eyesight is much better with them than without them. That's a bonus.
2. My son stayed home from school today. He had quite a bad cough although he got progressively better during the day so I'm sure he'll be back at school tomorrow. I think a day of rest probably helped a lot. Several other children in his class have had a virus which results in a persistent cough but I think his is on the mend, thankfully.
3. Usually, having a child home sick from school sets my schedule right off balance and I find it hard to cope. Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often as my children love school and are pretty well most of the time. Today, however, I found myself in control of the situation despite having a busy day planned. I was able to change some of my appointments very easily and my mum was happy to look after her grandson while I taught for a few hours in the morning. So, all in all, I felt very "together" about the whole thing which is happy-making.
2. My son stayed home from school today. He had quite a bad cough although he got progressively better during the day so I'm sure he'll be back at school tomorrow. I think a day of rest probably helped a lot. Several other children in his class have had a virus which results in a persistent cough but I think his is on the mend, thankfully.
3. Usually, having a child home sick from school sets my schedule right off balance and I find it hard to cope. Fortunately, it doesn't happen very often as my children love school and are pretty well most of the time. Today, however, I found myself in control of the situation despite having a busy day planned. I was able to change some of my appointments very easily and my mum was happy to look after her grandson while I taught for a few hours in the morning. So, all in all, I felt very "together" about the whole thing which is happy-making.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Angry and upset, eyes, another birthday
1. I cried today. It was in anger and upset at what I considered to be an exhorbitant parking charge. The sign clearly said I would be charged $7 as long as I arrived before 10am which I did. After spending just over three hours researching in the library, I went to leave the carpark - only to be told that the charge was, in fact, $13. Surely there was some mistake? But no, I hadn't noticed the bit they'd added to the sign on Tuesday which said the $7 fee only applied to early birds who left the building after 2pm. And you're not the only one who's been complaining about it, lady! That was obviously supposed to make me feel better. It didn't. I'm still fuming and they haven't heard the last of me. I can promise you that.
2. I also had an optometrist appointment today. Not good news. However, I rather fancy the idea of adding glasses to my visage. I'm suffering from age related eyesight deficiencies which, apparently, start affecting people from around 45 years of age. On top of that, I have astigmatism in both eyes. He did explain it. So, I'll be wearing glasses for reading and computer work from this time next week. My daughter is not happy about it but I think it's cool.
3. My husband celebrates his birthday tomorrow. Well, when I say "celebrates" I mean it in the broadest sense of the word. He would rather not celebrate. But we're going out for a family game of 10 pin bowling as a happy compromise. I don't expect to do well.
2. I also had an optometrist appointment today. Not good news. However, I rather fancy the idea of adding glasses to my visage. I'm suffering from age related eyesight deficiencies which, apparently, start affecting people from around 45 years of age. On top of that, I have astigmatism in both eyes. He did explain it. So, I'll be wearing glasses for reading and computer work from this time next week. My daughter is not happy about it but I think it's cool.
3. My husband celebrates his birthday tomorrow. Well, when I say "celebrates" I mean it in the broadest sense of the word. He would rather not celebrate. But we're going out for a family game of 10 pin bowling as a happy compromise. I don't expect to do well.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Birthday, surprise, food
1. Yes, it's my birthday. I'm 48 today. It's the first birthday when I've actually felt concerned about time marching on. I certainly don't feel 48. Well, not often anyway. More like 32. I'm having some deep, personal thoughts about aging but I'm not ready to share them.
2. I had a wonderful birthday surprise today when my friend from Auckland (two hours drive away) turned up on my door step. We spent two hours together over lunch with my mum in a wonderful cafe before she had to return to her family in Auckland. It was a wonderful memory. Thank you Lynley.
3. I've enjoyed plenty of wonderful birthday food today - and the best thing about it all was that I didn't have to cook it or clean up after myself. Yay! I think that's my favourite thing about birthdays.
2. I had a wonderful birthday surprise today when my friend from Auckland (two hours drive away) turned up on my door step. We spent two hours together over lunch with my mum in a wonderful cafe before she had to return to her family in Auckland. It was a wonderful memory. Thank you Lynley.
3. I've enjoyed plenty of wonderful birthday food today - and the best thing about it all was that I didn't have to cook it or clean up after myself. Yay! I think that's my favourite thing about birthdays.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Power cut, writing prompt, squash
1. I came home from a teaching job to a strange power cut thingy today. Let me explain. The fridge light was dim. The computer started to make the right noises but it wouldn't come on properly. And the microwave was haunted. I went to warm up my lunch, opened the microwave door to find the glass plate inside spinning mysteriously by itself. I closed the door. It stopped. I opened it to check and it started spinning again. Some of the lights in the house worked. Some didn't. The electric kettle turned on but would only warm water, not heat it to boiling point. My cordless phone explained mysteriously that it was "out of range". I phoned my husband on the cell phone. He wasn't particularly sympathetic, just told me to calm down and turn everything off at the wall in case of a "surge". So, sadly, the afternoon was free from vacuuming, exercise videos, computer work etc. The power went off fully for about two hours. I'm not sure why. But the strange state of "half power" was spooky indeed.
2. I use a writing prompt when I work with writers in schools which always works. It reminds them of a time when they were afraid and they write about their experience. I worked with a classroom of students aged about 10-13 years old today and a couple of the boys who "hate writing" actually enjoyed the experience. I was thrilled. So was their teacher.
3. I used to write a lot on this blog about my son's squash tournaments but haven't done so for a while. He's reached a bit of a plateau at J3 - sometimes winning, sometimes not, but just hovering at that level which is fine by me. It's teaching him lots about the game etc. Tonight we were at a tournament about 45 minutes drive from our house. It was very difficult to find the squash club in question - in part due to their signage which clearly pointed with an arrow in completely the opposite direction to where the club turned out to be. Then, once we actually found the building, there was another trick. The entrance to the squash club was through the toilets and not marked at all. Very odd indeed. My son lost his game. I was glad to be out of the place.
2. I use a writing prompt when I work with writers in schools which always works. It reminds them of a time when they were afraid and they write about their experience. I worked with a classroom of students aged about 10-13 years old today and a couple of the boys who "hate writing" actually enjoyed the experience. I was thrilled. So was their teacher.
3. I used to write a lot on this blog about my son's squash tournaments but haven't done so for a while. He's reached a bit of a plateau at J3 - sometimes winning, sometimes not, but just hovering at that level which is fine by me. It's teaching him lots about the game etc. Tonight we were at a tournament about 45 minutes drive from our house. It was very difficult to find the squash club in question - in part due to their signage which clearly pointed with an arrow in completely the opposite direction to where the club turned out to be. Then, once we actually found the building, there was another trick. The entrance to the squash club was through the toilets and not marked at all. Very odd indeed. My son lost his game. I was glad to be out of the place.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Too long, Portuguese, Erebus
1. I've been too long away from this, my other, blog. No real reason. But I'm back now. Life has continued. The cat's all better, thanks to a dental op under full anaesthetic and a large sum of hard earned cash. The children are well and, hopefully, asleep. My husband is wonderful. My friends are very kind. I'm busy with lots of writing workshops with kids and one of my closest friends - who normally lives in Belgium - is home for a visit. So, all's well.
2. My joke book is going to be translated into Portuguese. Strange, but true.
3. I'm working on a book for young teens about the Erebus disaster. Up to my neck in research.
2. My joke book is going to be translated into Portuguese. Strange, but true.
3. I'm working on a book for young teens about the Erebus disaster. Up to my neck in research.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Birthday, sick cat, family
1. Our son had his 11th birthday on the 07.07.07. It was quite a low key affair and one friend stayed for a sleepover. I enjoy birthdays but I'm always glad when they're over. I'm looking forward to having an 11 year old in the house.
2. Our 10 year old cat has been ill and needs a dental operation next week. Our son has grown up with the cat, Moose, and we had to make an urgent visit to the vet as part of the birthday celebrations. However, antibiotics and painkillers are doing a good job until the operation. I'm sure all will be well with old Moose.
3. Several family members visited for the birthday on Saturday and more are coming for an extended birthday celebration on Tuesday. It will be good to see everyone and catch up on jobs, homes, spouses etc. Families are fun!
2. Our 10 year old cat has been ill and needs a dental operation next week. Our son has grown up with the cat, Moose, and we had to make an urgent visit to the vet as part of the birthday celebrations. However, antibiotics and painkillers are doing a good job until the operation. I'm sure all will be well with old Moose.
3. Several family members visited for the birthday on Saturday and more are coming for an extended birthday celebration on Tuesday. It will be good to see everyone and catch up on jobs, homes, spouses etc. Families are fun!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Holiday, relatives, blogging
1. As some of you have been aware, I've been away from my normal work station since Tuesday. I took the children to Auckland and north of Auckland for a few days as part of the school holiday break. We're having a lovely time and it's been a welcome change of scenery. We're currently in a place north of Auckland which is particularly picturesque and has lots to recommend it - the Warkworth, Matakana area including Omaha Beach. The beach was deserted apart from our little group, a lone surfer and a woman running a shaggy Wheaten Terrier dog named Roxy. It's winter here, so no swimming for us. But the children enjoyed the huge expanse of sand, the interesting shells and the toe dipping in the brisk water. I love being near nature. It's rejuvenating.
2. The relatives we are staying with are relatives of my husband who, sadly, had to be at work this week so hasn't accompanied us. It's wonderful catching up on the lots of the family history and spending time with wonderful family members who we don't see for years on end. The latest addition is baby Rita who has just turned 6 months old. The children were enchanted by her and we had a lovely dinner with Rita's American mum who is, happily, a trained chef!
3. Blogging away from home has had its challenges so I thank everyone who also uses my wordimperfect blog for their patience while I've been away. I've managed to keep up the blog, which has been due to the generosity of the aforementioned relatives. I'm looking forward to my own office again though!
2. The relatives we are staying with are relatives of my husband who, sadly, had to be at work this week so hasn't accompanied us. It's wonderful catching up on the lots of the family history and spending time with wonderful family members who we don't see for years on end. The latest addition is baby Rita who has just turned 6 months old. The children were enchanted by her and we had a lovely dinner with Rita's American mum who is, happily, a trained chef!
3. Blogging away from home has had its challenges so I thank everyone who also uses my wordimperfect blog for their patience while I've been away. I've managed to keep up the blog, which has been due to the generosity of the aforementioned relatives. I'm looking forward to my own office again though!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Health, friends, revelations
1. I'm back! As well as being busy I've felt a bit under the weather in recent days with an intermittent tummy upset. However, I feel much better today which is wonderful. Just in time for the school holidays!
2. I had lunch with friends today and the chef was our very own local domestic goddess, Elizabeth. The meal was exquisite, the conversation hilarious, the company warm and the builders noisy. However, renovations or not, it was a memorable and well needed interruption from my self inflicted schedule. Aren't friends a wonderful gift!?
3. I had three revelations this morning. One, I am the servant I wish I had for myself. Of course, I've created this rod for my back and it's my job to wean my family away from my constant help and attention. The process has begun. Two, my children are growing up into wonderful, funny, happy, bright individuals and I really enjoy their company. I look forward to the teenage years! Three, my husband has a great job with wonderful future prospects. I have lots to be thankful for.
2. I had lunch with friends today and the chef was our very own local domestic goddess, Elizabeth. The meal was exquisite, the conversation hilarious, the company warm and the builders noisy. However, renovations or not, it was a memorable and well needed interruption from my self inflicted schedule. Aren't friends a wonderful gift!?
3. I had three revelations this morning. One, I am the servant I wish I had for myself. Of course, I've created this rod for my back and it's my job to wean my family away from my constant help and attention. The process has begun. Two, my children are growing up into wonderful, funny, happy, bright individuals and I really enjoy their company. I look forward to the teenage years! Three, my husband has a great job with wonderful future prospects. I have lots to be thankful for.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Still busy, weather, emotions
1. I've just realised how long it's been since I added something new to this blog! Too long. Sorry about that. Still busy with heaps of writing and research for writing as well as being a mother, friend, wife etc.
2. Our weather has been very stormy for the last three days or so. Very cold in the with lots of snow and things being cancelled. Up here in the north it's just been windy, stormy and wet but not too cold at the moment which is a bonus. I'm travelling to Auckland tomorrow with the children to see the stage show of High School Musical with thousands so I hope the weather takes a settled turn, at least for the drive there and back.
3. Things have been tough emotionally in our circle of friends recently. One of our number has had some bad health news which has left us all in a dazed state as we come to terms with it. Positive vibes are called for in huge doses.
2. Our weather has been very stormy for the last three days or so. Very cold in the with lots of snow and things being cancelled. Up here in the north it's just been windy, stormy and wet but not too cold at the moment which is a bonus. I'm travelling to Auckland tomorrow with the children to see the stage show of High School Musical with thousands so I hope the weather takes a settled turn, at least for the drive there and back.
3. Things have been tough emotionally in our circle of friends recently. One of our number has had some bad health news which has left us all in a dazed state as we come to terms with it. Positive vibes are called for in huge doses.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Busy, writing, speech finals
1. I've had a very busy week which has been made busier by needing to spend a lot more time reading through the invented meanings on my blog! The numbers are still high a week after gaining Blog of Note status and I feel very honoured. I must say a big thanks to all the very loyal word imps who have been with the game since its early beginnings late last year. I kept going through thick and thin because of all your encouragement and this week has certainly made it all worthwhile. Long may it last.
2. I am working on at least three writing deadlines this week. It's not easy because I have also had several workshops to run with gifted young writers - not to mention the daily motherly tasks I am supposed to be performing... I have been so busy that I have been forced to take the advice of my good friend Rhonda who advised that, when all else fails, live in a state of denial. No, the house doesn't look that bad. No, it's not impossible to finish that book by the end of the month. Of course you can be in three places at once on Friday afternoon!
3. I am a very proud mum tonight. We have just arrived home from the speech finals which our son was part of. His speech was about "annoying flies" and he won the trophy! He was in the eastern zone junior speech competition which consisted of about 7 or 8 other local schools who each sent one or two of their best speechmakers. The two speakers from our little country school did very well indeed. Well done to Abby who was a clear second. Our daughter didn't speak tonight, but she was in the top six at school with a very funny speech about her career options. Next year will be her big chance, with her brother gone to intermediate! So, I'm smiling.
2. I am working on at least three writing deadlines this week. It's not easy because I have also had several workshops to run with gifted young writers - not to mention the daily motherly tasks I am supposed to be performing... I have been so busy that I have been forced to take the advice of my good friend Rhonda who advised that, when all else fails, live in a state of denial. No, the house doesn't look that bad. No, it's not impossible to finish that book by the end of the month. Of course you can be in three places at once on Friday afternoon!
3. I am a very proud mum tonight. We have just arrived home from the speech finals which our son was part of. His speech was about "annoying flies" and he won the trophy! He was in the eastern zone junior speech competition which consisted of about 7 or 8 other local schools who each sent one or two of their best speechmakers. The two speakers from our little country school did very well indeed. Well done to Abby who was a clear second. Our daughter didn't speak tonight, but she was in the top six at school with a very funny speech about her career options. Next year will be her big chance, with her brother gone to intermediate! So, I'm smiling.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Blog of Note, yachting, squash
1. Today's big achievement has been to have my word imperfect blog chosen as a Blog of Note. It's been a long held dream of mine, since I started that blog in October last year. I am absolutely thrilled and humbled by the wonderful response. And so glad to bring the happiness of this enjoyable word game to even more bloggers than before. I'm not sure who to thank for becoming a Blog of Note but, whoever you are, many many thanks. I appreciate it very much.
2. Today was also a great day for us all here in New Zealand. Our Team NZ yacht won the fifth race in a row and took out the Louis Vuitton Cup which means we can now challenge for the Americas Cup. Well done to you, Dean Barker!
3. My son Gregory had a wonderful win at squash this evening. He played an older boy and won. He plays twice more over the next two days and hopes to repeat his performance. It's very exciting to watch a sporting son play a game like squash - especially when you're a mum like me who didn't get picked for any teams at school!
2. Today was also a great day for us all here in New Zealand. Our Team NZ yacht won the fifth race in a row and took out the Louis Vuitton Cup which means we can now challenge for the Americas Cup. Well done to you, Dean Barker!
3. My son Gregory had a wonderful win at squash this evening. He played an older boy and won. He plays twice more over the next two days and hopes to repeat his performance. It's very exciting to watch a sporting son play a game like squash - especially when you're a mum like me who didn't get picked for any teams at school!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Reunion, family, friends
1. I enjoyed my high school reunion immensely but was disappointed about the number of people who stayed away. It was great to see some of my favourite teachers again and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing a speech made by our former principal. Lots of great memories came flooding back. It was also fun spending time with my sisters.
2. My family coped extremely well while I was away in Auckland. Well done to them!
3. I used my time in Auckland to spend time with some special friends and that was definitely a big highlight of the weekend for me. I'm so fortunate to have wonderful friends who know me well. I enjoy the way different friends relate with me in different ways. It feeds my soul.
2. My family coped extremely well while I was away in Auckland. Well done to them!
3. I used my time in Auckland to spend time with some special friends and that was definitely a big highlight of the weekend for me. I'm so fortunate to have wonderful friends who know me well. I enjoy the way different friends relate with me in different ways. It feeds my soul.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Busy, exercises, reunion
1. I haven't used this blog for a few days - mainly because I'm quite behind in my "to do" list. I think it's because I've been out and about a lot lately with school visits. I enjoy them but I'm finding it makes me feel more disorganised at home. I'm hoping for a turnaround in that soon.
2. I have still been getting up on these cold mornings to do my turbo jam exercises which I'm quite proud of.
3. I'm really looking forward to going to Auckland tomorrow for my high school reunion. I'm going with my three sisters.
2. I have still been getting up on these cold mornings to do my turbo jam exercises which I'm quite proud of.
3. I'm really looking forward to going to Auckland tomorrow for my high school reunion. I'm going with my three sisters.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
High school musical, Skipper, school visit
1. We went to our local high school musical tonight at the insistence of our children who went to a special viewing for local schools yesterday. It was "Back to the 80s and was great fun. It took me back to the days of my own high school musicals. I would have liked to have been one of the chosen few on stage but, in those years, I was less forthright. Instead, I was usually found in the orchestra pit on the end of a clarinet or saxophone - neither of which I could play today. It was good to see our local teens in a happier light than they sometimes portray themselves.
2. One of my book characters turned 5 today. It's exactly 5 years since the first Skipper readers turned up in my letterbox - my version of an anniversary. Happy Birthday, Skipper. He's a mischievous fun-loving border collie dog who helps lots of 5 and 6 year olds in New Zealand learn to read.
3. I visited a nearby school today to talk to the children about my books and writing. They were a bunch of exuberant 6 year olds and we all had a great time together. I love school visits! We worked on a new Skipper story together and I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out in the end.
2. One of my book characters turned 5 today. It's exactly 5 years since the first Skipper readers turned up in my letterbox - my version of an anniversary. Happy Birthday, Skipper. He's a mischievous fun-loving border collie dog who helps lots of 5 and 6 year olds in New Zealand learn to read.
3. I visited a nearby school today to talk to the children about my books and writing. They were a bunch of exuberant 6 year olds and we all had a great time together. I love school visits! We worked on a new Skipper story together and I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out in the end.
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