I have made an early New Years' Resolution.....but I wont be telling anyone the exact wording of it. It is more about me getting things happening.
Leaving that aside for the time being, I have been rather busy doing nothing these last few days. I think I am just getting the hang of doing not much, and I believe it suits me well.
To try and unwind I decided to do a jigsaw puzzle that I have had in the house for a few years. 500 pieces that I thought that it might just last me to the end of the year.
I started Monday and finished yesterday. It was a great picture of dolphins, fish and other sea critters swimming in a beautiful blue ocean with a vibrant yellow sky. The shape of the pieces was the tricky bit, but the fact that there was only one of each fish underwater made it easy.
Each evening I have made sure that I am out. Monday night I went to see 'Heartbreaker', a great film which I didn't register was going to be in French when I decided to go. It was a surprise when the movie started as a this gorgeous French language came out at me. 30 seconds later and I settled in for watching a very entertaining film with subtitles.
Last night I went out for great Malaysian dinner with a group of people that I don't really know and had a great time.
Tonight, jazz in the inner city.
Holidays are great!
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
things that amuse
I am at my desk in the office space in my home. I am cleaning the office space.........FINALLY, I got off the couch.
Actually I got off the couch yesterday. I went shopping and discovered a few things in the world that amused.
First (although it was the last thing I did on my shopping trip) I discovered a great new plant nursery. It is really, really cheap and to top things off - I got 4 free tomato plants for the the $50 that I spent. I gave two to my neighbours as they are lovely people and will be keeping an eye on my place when I do a little sight seeing around Victoria.
I wandered through a local shopping centre - a small one near me. Coming my way was a very, very scary man. Not due to anything but the choice of colour he wore.
Imagine a man that looks like this
walking towards you. (For those who are unaware - this Australia's own Angry Anderson).
Now imagine this man dressed in lurid lime-green and white shorty shorts AND a lurid lime-green singlet top.
Now, he starts to talk to another man who I can only assume is his father. The tone? A very aggressive Baltic language sound emanating from his lips. His father (I think.....) was looking rather taken aback with what was being said. The father was not dressed in lime green. He was in a pair of blue long shorts and a reddish collared shirt. Much more subdued.
Finally I went into a shop and as I was waiting to be served, a woman and her son provided some tension filled relief. The kid was an absolute brat. Everyone around were looking at the mother with pity. You could see the thought cross her mind that a small slap would be beneficial.......it might have been at the same time as everyone else thought it. But then we all thought about that book "The Slap" and didn't want our ordinary lives portrayed in another book with amazingly violent language and a story which really doesn't go anywhere.........
Actually I got off the couch yesterday. I went shopping and discovered a few things in the world that amused.
First (although it was the last thing I did on my shopping trip) I discovered a great new plant nursery. It is really, really cheap and to top things off - I got 4 free tomato plants for the the $50 that I spent. I gave two to my neighbours as they are lovely people and will be keeping an eye on my place when I do a little sight seeing around Victoria.
I wandered through a local shopping centre - a small one near me. Coming my way was a very, very scary man. Not due to anything but the choice of colour he wore.
Imagine a man that looks like this
walking towards you. (For those who are unaware - this Australia's own Angry Anderson). Now imagine this man dressed in lurid lime-green and white shorty shorts AND a lurid lime-green singlet top.
Now, he starts to talk to another man who I can only assume is his father. The tone? A very aggressive Baltic language sound emanating from his lips. His father (I think.....) was looking rather taken aback with what was being said. The father was not dressed in lime green. He was in a pair of blue long shorts and a reddish collared shirt. Much more subdued.
Finally I went into a shop and as I was waiting to be served, a woman and her son provided some tension filled relief. The kid was an absolute brat. Everyone around were looking at the mother with pity. You could see the thought cross her mind that a small slap would be beneficial.......it might have been at the same time as everyone else thought it. But then we all thought about that book "The Slap" and didn't want our ordinary lives portrayed in another book with amazingly violent language and a story which really doesn't go anywhere.........
Friday, April 24, 2009
one down, nine to go!
One week into term two and I feel as if I have been caught in an eddy.
I will try and give you a small break down of the week......
MONDAY - new photocopier log in procedure which STUFFED everyone up! We have these whizzbang copiers which store a number of jobs in a row......but the new system has deleted that excellent aspect. Standing at the copier I swipe my card in and I work out the systemal procedure and the touch screen goes out of action when a colleague sends their work from their computer......another frustrating feature that I discovered was the fact that you can't multitask. You could log in, set and walk away. The machine would remember. Now you log in and if you happen to log out before your job is done then the job is deleted. Considering all of this I went to class slightly unprepared. Got it sorted eventually. Normal day of teaching. Went home so tired.........but I had a massage on the way home and collapsed into my bed - after dinner.
TUESDAY - General Assembly. Whole school. One hour. Not one of my most favourite things but there are always a few highlights amongst the presentations. Shortened lessons as a consequence. Crazy lady I work with in my department came in and set up her whirlwind. Amazing. Staff meeting after school where we were informed that due to the economic crises we have lots more kids trying to get into the school. Still thinking through that one - how big are these classes going to get? (most of my junior classes are on 27.....) Saw the osteopath and the back is so much better. Still tired.
WEDNESDAY - More shortened lessons (I should say that a normal lesson is 42 or so minutes. Shortened brings back to 37 or so.) Work my butt off to get through the work.....Year 12s not prepared for performances as requested at the end of last term. Got cross at them but I do understand their lack of focus. Those that did perform were great. Choir rehearsal at lunchtime where we learnt some of two new songs and worked a little on an older one. Parent-teacher interviews with Year 9 and 10s. I only teach one class at these levels. I had 8 booked in but ended up getting through twelve. That was fun.
THURSDAY - Late start....except I had organised for my theory students to come to an early class. They didn't I was there 2 hours early! (Swearing profusely!) Again short lessons. Mad catch up with colleagues for various things. Collected year 8 work and year 9 assignments. Taught Frogdancer's son after school. Came home and collapsed - I was in bed by 10!
FRIDAY - today. NORMAL length lessons but I couldn't cope! I had 5-7 minutes extra which I had to think about......Freaked out my year 12s by playing Shirley Bassey to them! I had Year 7's at the end of the day and they were CRAZY! At lunch I rehearsed with a kid from the school production. Can I tell you that the music in that is so hard! I decided to do my household shopping tonight after school. And now I am sitting on the couch listening to Smokey Robinson on the Elvis Costello show. Love it.
The weekend will be correcting, socialising and just kicking back.
Tomorrow is ANZAC day where we commemorate the sacrifices that our old soldiers (diggers) made, particularly the landing at Gallipoli during WWI. I had planned on going to the dawn service but the weather is not the best and it's cold at dawn, with my back still not 1o0% I have decided not to go.
I will try and give you a small break down of the week......
MONDAY - new photocopier log in procedure which STUFFED everyone up! We have these whizzbang copiers which store a number of jobs in a row......but the new system has deleted that excellent aspect. Standing at the copier I swipe my card in and I work out the systemal procedure and the touch screen goes out of action when a colleague sends their work from their computer......another frustrating feature that I discovered was the fact that you can't multitask. You could log in, set and walk away. The machine would remember. Now you log in and if you happen to log out before your job is done then the job is deleted. Considering all of this I went to class slightly unprepared. Got it sorted eventually. Normal day of teaching. Went home so tired.........but I had a massage on the way home and collapsed into my bed - after dinner.
TUESDAY - General Assembly. Whole school. One hour. Not one of my most favourite things but there are always a few highlights amongst the presentations. Shortened lessons as a consequence. Crazy lady I work with in my department came in and set up her whirlwind. Amazing. Staff meeting after school where we were informed that due to the economic crises we have lots more kids trying to get into the school. Still thinking through that one - how big are these classes going to get? (most of my junior classes are on 27.....) Saw the osteopath and the back is so much better. Still tired.
WEDNESDAY - More shortened lessons (I should say that a normal lesson is 42 or so minutes. Shortened brings back to 37 or so.) Work my butt off to get through the work.....Year 12s not prepared for performances as requested at the end of last term. Got cross at them but I do understand their lack of focus. Those that did perform were great. Choir rehearsal at lunchtime where we learnt some of two new songs and worked a little on an older one. Parent-teacher interviews with Year 9 and 10s. I only teach one class at these levels. I had 8 booked in but ended up getting through twelve. That was fun.
THURSDAY - Late start....except I had organised for my theory students to come to an early class. They didn't I was there 2 hours early! (Swearing profusely!) Again short lessons. Mad catch up with colleagues for various things. Collected year 8 work and year 9 assignments. Taught Frogdancer's son after school. Came home and collapsed - I was in bed by 10!
FRIDAY - today. NORMAL length lessons but I couldn't cope! I had 5-7 minutes extra which I had to think about......Freaked out my year 12s by playing Shirley Bassey to them! I had Year 7's at the end of the day and they were CRAZY! At lunch I rehearsed with a kid from the school production. Can I tell you that the music in that is so hard! I decided to do my household shopping tonight after school. And now I am sitting on the couch listening to Smokey Robinson on the Elvis Costello show. Love it.
The weekend will be correcting, socialising and just kicking back.
Tomorrow is ANZAC day where we commemorate the sacrifices that our old soldiers (diggers) made, particularly the landing at Gallipoli during WWI. I had planned on going to the dawn service but the weather is not the best and it's cold at dawn, with my back still not 1o0% I have decided not to go.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
house hunting
It's interesting house shopping.
You read the ad, which you know is full of very flowery language and decide on properties to view according to a set list of criteria.
Walking into the house you are greeted by an amazingly cheerful agent who takes your details. Here I have encountered the first play. I won't give my mobile number as I am not yet ready to purchase - I am gauging the market. When you offer your email address two reactions are offered. "Excellent/No problem" - in which case you realise they understand your position about purchasing (or that's me just reading what I want to read).
The other is much more aggressive and makes me wary of the company...."Why can't you give me a number?" "I won't be able to contact you easily" (my point exactly). "It's not really convenient for us." (again this is in my favor)
I haven't even looked in the house yet and I am feeling harassed. I like my policy of not giving my mobile until the point that I am ready to really purchase. I won't be changing it. I don't have a message service because you pay for someone to leave a message and then pay to retrieve it. It it is that important they'll call me back. Add into this the fact that I don't take my phone into the classroom - you see my point.
Once I am in the house I look around, up, down, under. Doing all the good things that I should. I have learnt to listen to a few conversations people have as they wander. "Cupboards are small" - type conversations point out to me that I already can see these things. Today I learnt to look for bubbles in the eaves and ceiling line. A building man was telling his client that that was a sign of serious damage. Water sitting in the roof......Glad I listened.
I have started getting good at looking at the pictures of the places before I get there and picking up what type of lens the photographer has used. This makes it easier to see that the place is small when it looks HUGE in the pictures. I am still amazed at the difference of perspective though.
Then there is the issue of renovations. What some people consider to be good taste really is extraordinary. My favourite today was the HOT HOT pink feature wall in the bedroom. It was not a very large room and the wall almost burnt the retinas. I also love the inappropriate coloured floating floor. Dark, dark brown that looks so obviously fake it is not funny.....sounds crap too when you walk on it. Sound is an important element for me as a purchaser.
The asking price is fascinating. Some I have nodded - after I have left the building and I am safely in my car. Others I have almost laughed outright at the thought of it. At one place a couple started asking the agent the asking price - he gave them the printed version and they both asked "Why?" His answer was to do with land value. Hey! These are units I am looking at......What land?
Moral of the story, so far. Keeping looking. Don't purchase yet! Listen to all conversations that take place in the residence on show. Offer very little of yourself to the agent. They are sneaky buggers and could use your information for evil.
Any suggestions from out there?
You read the ad, which you know is full of very flowery language and decide on properties to view according to a set list of criteria.
Walking into the house you are greeted by an amazingly cheerful agent who takes your details. Here I have encountered the first play. I won't give my mobile number as I am not yet ready to purchase - I am gauging the market. When you offer your email address two reactions are offered. "Excellent/No problem" - in which case you realise they understand your position about purchasing (or that's me just reading what I want to read).
The other is much more aggressive and makes me wary of the company...."Why can't you give me a number?" "I won't be able to contact you easily" (my point exactly). "It's not really convenient for us." (again this is in my favor)
I haven't even looked in the house yet and I am feeling harassed. I like my policy of not giving my mobile until the point that I am ready to really purchase. I won't be changing it. I don't have a message service because you pay for someone to leave a message and then pay to retrieve it. It it is that important they'll call me back. Add into this the fact that I don't take my phone into the classroom - you see my point.
Once I am in the house I look around, up, down, under. Doing all the good things that I should. I have learnt to listen to a few conversations people have as they wander. "Cupboards are small" - type conversations point out to me that I already can see these things. Today I learnt to look for bubbles in the eaves and ceiling line. A building man was telling his client that that was a sign of serious damage. Water sitting in the roof......Glad I listened.
I have started getting good at looking at the pictures of the places before I get there and picking up what type of lens the photographer has used. This makes it easier to see that the place is small when it looks HUGE in the pictures. I am still amazed at the difference of perspective though.
Then there is the issue of renovations. What some people consider to be good taste really is extraordinary. My favourite today was the HOT HOT pink feature wall in the bedroom. It was not a very large room and the wall almost burnt the retinas. I also love the inappropriate coloured floating floor. Dark, dark brown that looks so obviously fake it is not funny.....sounds crap too when you walk on it. Sound is an important element for me as a purchaser.
The asking price is fascinating. Some I have nodded - after I have left the building and I am safely in my car. Others I have almost laughed outright at the thought of it. At one place a couple started asking the agent the asking price - he gave them the printed version and they both asked "Why?" His answer was to do with land value. Hey! These are units I am looking at......What land?
Moral of the story, so far. Keeping looking. Don't purchase yet! Listen to all conversations that take place in the residence on show. Offer very little of yourself to the agent. They are sneaky buggers and could use your information for evil.
Any suggestions from out there?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
busy week
So the last few days have been interesting.
Something that has been brewing came to a head - and I am much relieved that it is 'sorted'. Can almost deal with it.
Work has been hectic. I have a student teacher at the moment. She is very good and I feel terrible that I have not blogged about her. The first one in ages that has done the right thing and I haven't given her any space. She finishes pretty much at the end of next week. We have been asked to have another one in the school but I don't want another teacher yet. I have to use this time now to get to know my kidlets.
After going out with Frogdancer two weeks ago, I have been quite quiet on the weekends. Been out most other nights of the week though. Tired as a result of being out so often......must be getting old.
Been off to the gym at least once a week. Need to boost this to two times BUT I am quite stoked at the once a week commitment.
Had contact with someone I went to Primary school with. Been interesting emailing someone that I haven't spoken to in 25+ years. So much has happened and where do you start. Been fun.
I reopened my face book account. I had deactivated it due to the fact that I didn't like the regulations they had. When I reactivated it they had got rid of the changes. Quite pleased with that really. Main reason was to keep up with a traveling family member.
Off to look at property today. Also going to clean my place and do the grocery. Kids performing this afternoon down the road from here so off to see them strut their stuff. Brunch tomorrow so weekend filling quickly........
Something that has been brewing came to a head - and I am much relieved that it is 'sorted'. Can almost deal with it.
Work has been hectic. I have a student teacher at the moment. She is very good and I feel terrible that I have not blogged about her. The first one in ages that has done the right thing and I haven't given her any space. She finishes pretty much at the end of next week. We have been asked to have another one in the school but I don't want another teacher yet. I have to use this time now to get to know my kidlets.
After going out with Frogdancer two weeks ago, I have been quite quiet on the weekends. Been out most other nights of the week though. Tired as a result of being out so often......must be getting old.
Been off to the gym at least once a week. Need to boost this to two times BUT I am quite stoked at the once a week commitment.
Had contact with someone I went to Primary school with. Been interesting emailing someone that I haven't spoken to in 25+ years. So much has happened and where do you start. Been fun.
I reopened my face book account. I had deactivated it due to the fact that I didn't like the regulations they had. When I reactivated it they had got rid of the changes. Quite pleased with that really. Main reason was to keep up with a traveling family member.
Off to look at property today. Also going to clean my place and do the grocery. Kids performing this afternoon down the road from here so off to see them strut their stuff. Brunch tomorrow so weekend filling quickly........
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
first day of nothing much
Yoga last night was fantastic. It was just what I needed. We choose virtue cards at the beginning of the session that we are going to focus on for the night. My card last night that I happened to get was 'uncomplicated'. It's exactly what I'm striving for.
It is really weird finishing work ahead of others. When I went into work yesterday I felt really stressed. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I couldn't get my reports to print out anywhere and I was on a schedule - I had a singing lesson at 1. But I realised that I need this time out.
This morning I went for a walk along the beach. As I walked from my house to my friends house I realised how quiet it is at the moment. There is very little movement of people - especially kids. It is a very different sensation.
Today I went shopping with my mother and we just had a quiet time getting a few things for her. Actually I showed her an in-chair massager with heat. She looked at it then asked what the price was. I found out and she said "Sold!" It was bizarre. When I left her to go to my singing lesson - rescheduled from yesterday - she was sitting in her chair "loving" the good vibrations into her lower back. I was quite amused.
Now I am sitting and pondering my navel. I've had a busy morning. Walk, put a 'hold' application on my mail, shopping with mum, singing. Its all been quite jolly but now I need to stop.
I realised as I drove home that I only really miss the last week of the school year with my trip but I think taking the last 3 weeks is a lovely thing to have done for myself.
I think of my colleagues at work there until the 19th and I snigger. It's downright rude but I love it!
It is really weird finishing work ahead of others. When I went into work yesterday I felt really stressed. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I couldn't get my reports to print out anywhere and I was on a schedule - I had a singing lesson at 1. But I realised that I need this time out.
This morning I went for a walk along the beach. As I walked from my house to my friends house I realised how quiet it is at the moment. There is very little movement of people - especially kids. It is a very different sensation.
Today I went shopping with my mother and we just had a quiet time getting a few things for her. Actually I showed her an in-chair massager with heat. She looked at it then asked what the price was. I found out and she said "Sold!" It was bizarre. When I left her to go to my singing lesson - rescheduled from yesterday - she was sitting in her chair "loving" the good vibrations into her lower back. I was quite amused.
Now I am sitting and pondering my navel. I've had a busy morning. Walk, put a 'hold' application on my mail, shopping with mum, singing. Its all been quite jolly but now I need to stop.
I realised as I drove home that I only really miss the last week of the school year with my trip but I think taking the last 3 weeks is a lovely thing to have done for myself.
I think of my colleagues at work there until the 19th and I snigger. It's downright rude but I love it!
Monday, November 10, 2008
all ironed out
Crochet......I have joined 40 squares. 20 to go. Then edging. It looks good. there will be no photos. I don't have camera. Will be done tonight as it is getting hot in the next few days and I want the blanket out of the way.
I didn't finish last night as I was ironing.
I got a new iron.
(just noticed that this blog is becoming riveting!)
The last iron didn't survive the nose dive it took two weeks ago. I thought it had survived. I turned it on a few days ago to iron a shirt or two but it never got warm. I own a lot of cotton and linen summer wear so I need to have an iron.
One of the stores that I go to had a 20%off sale. I know this sounds great but the price scanned in wrong to begin with. It was marked at $130. (20% 0ff = $104.) It scanned in at $100. I only paid (well I went halves as a present) $80. I saved $50!
At some stage I will write an exciting post.....but not today.
I didn't finish last night as I was ironing.
I got a new iron.
(just noticed that this blog is becoming riveting!)
The last iron didn't survive the nose dive it took two weeks ago. I thought it had survived. I turned it on a few days ago to iron a shirt or two but it never got warm. I own a lot of cotton and linen summer wear so I need to have an iron.
One of the stores that I go to had a 20%off sale. I know this sounds great but the price scanned in wrong to begin with. It was marked at $130. (20% 0ff = $104.) It scanned in at $100. I only paid (well I went halves as a present) $80. I saved $50!
At some stage I will write an exciting post.....but not today.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
a new craft shop
I love a good craft shop. I especially love it when I find that they are having a sale.
One craft shop has opened just near my singing teachers house. This is dangerous.....
I spent 25 minutes in the shop in the opening sale....feathers, glitter, paper, crochet hook, glue....there was so much more I could play with but I restrained.
While wandering around I noticed so many people who had never been in a craft shop. Open mouths, eyes moving from one shelf to another and they were touching everything......It was funny. One man was with his girlfriend. Every time she picked up something she would say this is great, he would ask her why they would want it! She had no answers.
One craft shop has opened just near my singing teachers house. This is dangerous.....
I spent 25 minutes in the shop in the opening sale....feathers, glitter, paper, crochet hook, glue....there was so much more I could play with but I restrained.
While wandering around I noticed so many people who had never been in a craft shop. Open mouths, eyes moving from one shelf to another and they were touching everything......It was funny. One man was with his girlfriend. Every time she picked up something she would say this is great, he would ask her why they would want it! She had no answers.
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