Turning Japanese

A quiet Christmas Day

2009-12-26T14:49:00.004+11:00

The day started in a Skype kind of way. An early morning call from Amy meant I was able to see each and every one of her presents. She sure put me in the Christmas mood. Funny kid! I also called my Godchildren and several Japanese friends. Have I told you before how much I love Skype?We are having our main, family celebration day on the 27th and so there were only five for lunch. We (Mum and Janet) still did something just a little bit special for our lunch. This year, Mum tried duck. It was delicious all covered in an apricot sauce. Paired with potatoes (my favourite way) and a yummy salad made by me. The duck was very difficult to carve though so I don't think we'll be having it again too soon. I am sure th recipe would work just as well with chicken or turkey!
And to finish, we had delicious trifle made by Janet. OMG, yum! I only had one serve with lunch but then one serve for afternoon tea and one serve after dinner. Three serves in all for my day (I'm feeling a bit like a blob!). Everyone else had three serves too!!!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Day too. No matter where you are or what you do! More from me after the madness that will be tomorrow!

xxx

Magic Medicine!

2009-12-11T20:39:00.004+11:00

I'd not long woken up from an afternoon nap today (trying to sleep off a whole day long headache) when Skype popped up! Pleasant surprise, Amy!

Notice how sweet and happy she looks. Notice how pathetic I look. She is so sweet. We chatted about grocery shopping and ice cream.
When the conversation turned to Suzie and I, Amy and I pulled faces at each other. Funny!!
Finally, Amy tried on her new Ink & Spindle prototype top. Here's a teeny sneak preview. It is very pretty. I want one in adult size!

I feel much better now. Thanks Amy!!!

Settling in

2009-12-11T19:45:00.000+11:00

Thank goodness reports are written.

Thank goodness the main move is over.

Now I just have to unpack properly and settle in. More photos to come. I think I love my new place. I am very happy.

I can't wait for school to be done. Taking wedding photos next weekend (help!). Friends from Japan are arriving for Christmas and New Years. Then lots of sewing and relaxing. I am so looking forward to January!

A little bit of upheaval

2009-11-13T15:07:00.003+11:00

Over the past 4ish months, my house has been sold from under me. Weird process. Not much fun at all. I rent where I am and have been there three years. Love my current place! I think I have been through 10 to 15 open houses. That means I have to tidy and minimise things every single week (or twice a week). Stress!!!

Anyway, the house finally sold! I had until the 14th of January to find a new place and move. About 10 days ago, I noticed the above place for lease IN MY STREET! Amazing. Things have moved so quickly that it has all become a bit of a blur. I went for the inspection, applied, was accepted and have paid bond and rent all in the last 6 days. Phew (draws breath)

The other crazy busy thing is that I move at the beginning of next month. In the time from now to then I have to complete reports for school, pack up, craft weekend and move. Ahhh (any volunteers for any of this?). The GREAT thing is that everything will be done by Christmas so I will be able to relax and enjoy my holidays. I have Japanese friends coming and they will get 100% of my attention.

Yesterday I also worked out that a new friend lives in my building. How good is that?

Life is good.

I feel good.

Internet shopping I just can't live without

2009-11-08T11:18:00.004+11:00

I thought I might create a short list of the places I most frequently find myself window shopping (is it still called window shopping if you are on your computer?). Now, when I say window shopping, I of course mean real shopping. I rarely just browse - dangerous... Enjoy.

My number one, most frequent purchases come from The Book Depository (oops got stuck browsing right now). This site is based in the UK and has limitless amounts of books for sale at amazing prices and get this... POSTAGE FREE!! I haven't discovered many titles that they don't stock. It is cheaper to shop for books here than go to the shops near me. The Aussie dollar really helps right now and lets face it, books cost a lot here!

Now people who know me, know my second obsession is with fabric. Hard to stop. Hard to say no. Here are four online fabric stores I visit. Firstly Kelani has a great range including designer collections. They always ship super fast so not much waiting on the mail. Also very quick on the delivery is Ballarat Patchwork. Easy to use website and great service. Until recently, I have also shopped at Tessuti. They sell what I consider 'special' fabrics. Special pieces. I'd still be shopping with them online except Melbourne is now lucky enough to house our very own store. Another local that I love is Ink and Spindle. Screen printed fabric to die for (or should that be dye for?). Wonderful stuff. No shopping online for me anymore as the studio is literally around the corner - we're neighbours.

Now, I know most people know about Etsy but I spoke to a friend recently who had never heard of this great online store. I do quite a bit of shopping here. Our dollar is better against the American dollar right now so it isn't bad value shopping here. You end up with the most beautiful, unique, hand made goods. I am always a happy shopper on Etsy. I get lots of Japanese fabric and goods and random other things.

Finally, my sister just convinced me to sign up with Oz Sale. It is a member sign up thing and if people sign up from your recommendation then you get $. I am not sure about that side of it but I will give it a go. If you want to check it out too or sign up, you can use my link. I've had a look and the sales look pretty good. Some great bargains. Does anyone else out there use this site? Let me know what you think...

Is my life interesting?

2009-11-06T21:25:00.005+11:00

I was telling a good friend how I feel a bit boring. Nothing to write about. I haven't blogged for ages.

She disagreed with me. She said I actually was interesting. I sat down and thought about what I have been up to... As you can see, I have been up to heaps. Maybe I am not boring - just lazy (or busy).

I am so happy that my sister, her husband and my beautiful niece have moved home from London.

The problem is that they have moved back to far away land. No matter which way I drive to get there, it takes around an hour! Luckily there are great people and cuddles at the end of the trip.

I thought I would share another little amusement of the trip. Makes me laugh every single time. I drive out via the Monash and near the end of my trip, just as I am getting really bored, I pass this exit ramp...

Can you read what it says? ERNST WANKE ROAD... Are you laughing too? I think it is so funny.

I have been busy.

2009-11-06T17:02:00.003+11:00

Or, my life in photos...I have been spending a fair few Saturday (and Sunday) mornings here.
My new favourite 'local'. It is gorgeous. Bit busy and a bit noisy but the food is amazing (coffee good too).
I took my first ever teeny bit of long service leave (can you believe it?). Leave on a Friday and Monday means a four day break.
Headed up to Sydney for the most beautiful weather.
The sun shone on all the land marks, making them sparkle.
Stayed in Manly.
Watched some surfing.
Wandered along the beautiful beaches. Costs nothing. So wonderfully relaxing and refreshing!
Lunch at Doyles for a very, very special person. Happy Birthday Mum. We love you!!
The whole family was there. It was a special time and I will remember it forever. I placed Eva's feet in the sand and she wriggled and wriggled. Loved it. It was her first time! Wonderful.
Back at school, we have been hatching eggs. These little beauties have been so much fun. Lots of chicken love going around.

Absent for a while...

2009-10-14T19:32:00.002+11:00

I have been occupied. Been on holidays. Been to Queensland. And she came home!!!! I am in love. All she does is smile and laugh. Gives good cuddles and snuggles. Plays with my hair. Stares into my eyes. I am so happy!

(Pretty great to have her Mum and Dad home too!)

Bubbles and Giggles

2009-09-09T21:03:00.003+10:00

I find that I am surrounded by great friends and people at the moment. Great colleagues. Great students (though they drive me crazy). Great family. And, of course, great friends. I am so LUCKY!

Tonight was catch-up night with old friends. Time to see the God-children. Always a good thing when kids come careening toward you yelling your name, jump into your arms and plant numerous kisses all over your face!!

After dinner, the 5 of us ended up in the outdoor spa (big bath). That is a pretty tight fit. Three large adults and two kids! Lots of slippery skin and giggly kids. It was decided that there would be no in bed stories as it was getting late. Instead we told stories in the round. Each person took a turn to continue the story. Milla started. She's almost 6. The main characters were 'Rose-Red' and Rose-White' (sound familiar?). Anyway, here is what I remember...

Rose-Red (let's call her RR) and Rose-White (RW) were left at home one day when their Mum and Dad went out for dinner. RR was naughty, left the house and disappeared into the forest. A wolf followed her (still sound familiar?). The wolf jumped out and started kissing her. Meanwhile, back at the house, RW decided to go shopping. First she bought a pair of granny-undies and then she bought some red baby undies. She put the red undies on her ears. She went home. Suddenly, she only had two toes on each foot. The baby undies now fit on her feet so she put them on. She climbed up a tree and went to sleep like a bat, holding in with her four toes. RR was still lost in the forest. She was able to find her way home with her 7foot long, glowing eyelash and robot arms. She smashing into the backyard and knocked down the tree where RW was sleeping. RW fell out of the tree catching on to the eye-lash, saving her life! The mum and dad came home and they all lived happily ever after.

There was more. Much more detail. I was crying with laughter throughout most of it. Milla tied the whole story together. AJ added the baby red undies. Sean added ALL the crazy parts. It was so much fun!

Did you know that I love Japan?

2009-09-06T15:50:00.003+10:00

Of course you do! I really miss the craftiness of the place. The ease to pop to the shops and buy good quality fabric and notions at great prices. I have, however, noticed that since coming home, it is becoming easier and easier to buy these goods from the comfort of my own home here in Melbourne. They are much more expensive and you often have to take into account the postage but I love that I can get my hands on them!

My new best friend is thisandthatjapan over at Etsy. She even lives not far from where I lived in Japan. Her Etsy shop is full of goodies and I have to stop myself from shopping there more often. Here are my two favourites that arrived this week...

When a present just fits.

2009-09-06T11:38:00.005+10:00

"Perfect presents" or "Totally cool presents"I am not sure which title to go with. Anyway, Annie gave me just the most perfect gift as a thank you for making her cat cushion covers. I was so surprised and didn't expect anything.

I have seen Sukie products before and loved them but never purchased. Brunswick Bound sells some and apparently Belkie (Rathdown St) does too as that is where Annie went shopping.

Look what she bought me. Transfers or iron-ons. So totally cool. I want to place them everywhere. I want to buy t-shirts just for these. I love them. Look at how many cool designs there are to choose from. Much better than stickers!!

Today is auction day

2009-09-05T10:05:00.001+10:00

Be right back after it is all over...

Good news - I hope!

Completed project

2009-09-03T19:47:00.002+10:00

Finished these over the weekend. My lovely friend Annie asked me to make two cat cushions that don't look like cat cushions! She wanted something to blend in. Look nice. Be inconspicuous.

Both cushions are European Pillows. I made up the pattern. I had grand designs to do lots of piecing and patchwork but ended up going very simple. I like them. The back is just an overlap. I wasn't too sure it would work out. I thought it might gape a bit but they don't! The pillow ensures it stays in place.
Now we have to wait to take a photo of the cats curled up on them!

Mimi Kirchner is really amazing

2009-09-03T13:17:00.001+10:00

Local Field Trip

2009-09-02T18:25:00.006+10:00

We went on a fabulous excursion today. Free.

Playing in parks along the way.

Lunch at a great, big park.

We planned to walk from school to a local playground. Along the way, the kids had a kind of treasure hunt. The teachers had planned out a route and taken lots of photos before setting out with kids. The kids activity involved finding local landmarks, surveying local businesses and services and becoming aware of the features of our own community.

We stopped along the way for snacks, sketching and a play.

We ended up at a big park for lunch. Four different groups walked today, on four different routes. We ended up with about 95 kids at that park. It was so much fun. There were smiles and laughter all around. No-one got in trouble. I was proud to be out and about with those kids!

The walk back was slow. We were all so tired. It had been such a nice day. The last hour of the day, the kids had choices; silent reading, sleeping, lying down and resting. Some kids actually went to sleep. That is how comfortable we were! Here is the view from where I was laying. Great day!

4km - outward journey

1.7km - return journey

5.7km - total!

New month. New season. Feeling fine!

2009-09-01T17:08:00.005+10:00

Welcome spring. We're very ready for you!

I am trying very hard to focus on the positives right now (let's face it, lots of good stuff happening). School is a tricky place right now. People so sick right left and centre and those left behind manning the fort (get well soon loved ones!). Kids being rat-bags. Nearly the end of term so everyone (especially me) is tired (ほんと　に　つかれた！)

I stop and smile as often as possible. I smile at the kids who will come to give me a hug in front of the rest of the class. The naughty child in tears when he hurt himself and wanting nothing more than a snuggle. The little prep kids calling hello from far across the yard. The laughter at what ever story I may be reading. Beautiful manners (got to love the pleases and thank yous).

Have I already told you that I really adore my class? I am such a lucky teacher. Each and every student is unique, kind and thoughtful. It is a pleasure to spend such a large part of my day with them all (there are 49!).

A lot on my mind. A lot on the horizon.

2009-08-31T18:45:00.005+10:00

As I am headed into my fourth day without one of my team-teaching partners, I am feeling quite good and believe it or not, positive! (Get well quickly Lucy and Loretta!)

Go back about three weeks and I was feeling the most down, the most bottom that I have EVER felt. Hard to explain. Long, drawn out and boring. Let's just say that the doctor said I had a virus! It has taken a long time to climb back up to my usual glass half full self! I think I am finally here. I must be as I am even blogging!

I have so much and the distant and not too distant future. I thought I would try writing them down as dot points. Please bare with me...

This Saturday, the house I am living in is up for auction. I am hoping so hard that an investor buys it and wants me to stay on (this is the only thing worrying me right now)
School holidays begin in 3 weeks (YAY!). I am headed to visit a great friend in Noosa (DOUBLE YAY!)
Right at the same time as I head to Noosa, my oldest BFF is moving to Hong Kong. I am mostly excited by this. I am so excited for Jodi and her husband Wayne but also scared about how much I will miss them. They currently live .5km from me. Jodi and I went to high school together! Jodi will be commuting for about six months so I guess I will miss Wayne most initially (He really is like a big brother. I completely consider him family)! The positive is the chance to visit Hong Kong lots and lots!
At the very end of Noosa (the day before I head home), my sister, her husband and my precious little niece arrive back in Melbourne. This I am VERY excited about. I haven't met Eva yet. I can't wait!! Oh, the cuddles!
In October Mum turns 60 (shhhh, don't tell anyone). The whole family is headed up to Sydney for a long weekend. We will be staying in Manly and have booked Doyles for Mum's birthday lunch! WOW! I even plan on meeting a blogger friend.
Milla turns 6 in October and thank god those important people are not going anywhere. I need them!
Then at Christmas, my sweet Japanese friend Tomoko and her mum are travelling all this way to see ME! How lucky am I? They'll be here for around 10 days over new years.

After all that, I can breathe. I have probably forgotten something. More things will probably pop up. Here's to the adventures ahead...

KitKat critics

2009-07-19T13:54:00.004+10:00

I love the seasonal food available in Japan. The seasonal KitKats are perhaps the most fun! Each time I head over there, I hunt around for what is in store at that time of year. I collected quite a stash in January. It has taken me until now to photograph them and add them to my blog and flickr accounts.

I also took them to a friend's house last night so that her kids could be the critics!

They munched their way through the lot. Tasting a little of each. Here are their faves as I remember...

O (10 year old boy) - number one was Cookies Plus with Green Tea last

P (5 year old girl) - number one was Strawberry with Potato last

A friend is coming over from Japan at Christmas time. I guess I should ask her to start collecting new flavours for me now.

Cookie Plus.
Green Tea.
Strawberry (anyone got an actual translation?)
Candied Potato.
Yuzu (Japanese citrus)
Lucky Little - cherry blossom - sakura

Totty

2009-07-18T11:14:00.003+10:00

Totty is super cute. It is a simple story of turtles hatching and racing to the sea. Some repetitive text such as "dig, dig, dig" and "huff, puff, huff, puff" add to the simple story.

Totty is coming last to reach the sea but finds a shell to ride ahead of his brothers and sisters. He arrives first and waits for them before swimming off into the sunrise.

Today's book...

2009-07-06T21:26:00.004+10:00

I totally and utterly wasn't going to buy any books today. Today was all about the fabric. These holidays are all about the fabric. Anyway, I digress. You guessed it, I bought a book. For me and yes it is a kids book.

Have you heard about Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus? I don't have it but I know it is very popular. Today I bought another book by the same author. It is hilarious!

The little mole, Wilbur, is the only naked mole rat who wears clothes. He gets teased a lot. It is all about him feeling okay about being a bit different. About him being brave. Great lessons in this one as well as being totally sweet!

A book made for travelling

2009-05-01T11:48:00.003+10:00

I recently purchased this sweet little board book. Everyone knows the Hungry Caterpillar (don't they?). I knew that my sister had been gifted this book early in her pregnancy - no need for me to double up! I did however spot the 'buggy' or 'pram' version at a local store. Perfect. It is small and light weigh. It attaches to your pram or cot with a bright red, stretchy coil. Each page contains a bright picture of a particular food the caterpillar munches through coupled with a single word like 'apple'.

I try to buy simple board books for Eva. Simple stories, single words or even no words paired with beautiful, bright illustrations. I haven't saved this book for her return... This one flew over to London to begin its life in the right place, right on her buggy!

She arrived...

2009-05-01T11:35:00.002+10:00

Just a quick post to anyone who missed the news (I twittered, facebooked and SMSed it everywhere but forgot to blog)

Little EVA JEAN was born on the 11th of April. An Easter baby. The very best present that Easter Bunny could have delivered.

The family are doing well and Mum and Dad are over in London with them. I just have to wait a while to meet my niece in the flesh (have done so via skype so far).

And my heart grows...

Petr Horacek

2009-04-03T11:55:00.007+11:00

Author number one... Petr Horacek. I love this author/illustrator. It was the illustrations that caught my eye in the beginning. They are bright and wonderful. Open each book and it gets better and better... The stories are simple and easy to follow with repeating and directional text such as over, under and through.

Choo Choo was the first book that I bought. It just caught my eye. I had no idea who Petr Horacek was.
My god-daughter Milla and I chose this book during an outing to Borders. We both loved how the story followed the little mouse through the pages. It wasn't until I got home that I realised I now had two Petr Horacek books. It was from this moment on that I was on the hunt!

I moved over to the Book Depository to look for more of Petr's books. This online store is fabulous. Books are usually affordable and cheaper than Amazon as there is no postage.

I bought my three most recent Petr Horacek books...

Hello Little Bird... Sweet
What is Black and White. I love this one. The texts repeats between "A goose is white", "A crow is black". Each page is slightly shorter than the page before. As the pages turn, the left of the book has long black and white stripes. More and more appear until the final page which says... "A Zebra is black and white". The body of the zebra is made up of the page stripes. Lovely!!!
Beep Beep. This is my favourite book so far. The text uses words like over, around and through as the family travel in their car to Grandma's house. Super lovely!

My baby library...

2009-04-03T10:36:00.002+11:00

My sister and brother in-law are about to have their first child (not sure if it is a boy or girl - doesn't matter at all except for the shopping issue for me). It is an exciting time. Each time my phone rings or I get an SMS, my heart seems to skip a beat...

They live in London right now and are planning to return by Christmas. Postage is one expensive issue! Keeping all of this in mind, I am not planning on sending much over to them unless I think they will use it between now and then. I have been thinking hard about what kind of presents I should buy.

This is where the baby library comes in. Not a teeny tiny, small library but, a library for the baby! From the time my sister was about 8 weeks pregnant, I have been buying books a few times a month. I have been buying mostly board books but also several hardback picture story books. I have collected picture story books for as long as I can remember and it works like a kind of relaxation therapy for me. If I feel stressed or run down, I just head over to a favourite book shop and buy a book... Bliss!

I am planning to give these books to my sister when she gets back to Melbourne and presto... Instant library for the baby.

I am pretty fussy about the kind of board books I will buy. They have to be simple and effective. No long stories! Single words per page are okay but these books have to be beautiful or clever! My favourites have a short story and beautiful bring illustrations. I think I am going to share some of my purchases and review books here. Read if you share my love or read if you'd love an idea for a new book.

Anyway, thanks for dropping by...

Welcome to blog world...

2009-03-25T20:16:00.000+11:00

Visit this friend of mine. She's joined the blog world!

The love of crafting has always been there!

2009-03-23T18:33:00.019+11:00

I guess that in some ways I have always been a bit of a crafter. Though, I have always crafted in fits and starts. Crazily knitting beanies all of one summer for example. I remember being in the group to help the craftily challenged when in grade 6. Somehow I always manage to be 'too busy' to really sit down and really enjoy any particular craft.

Circa 2005 (whilst living in Japan) I found my lovely friend Sooz via Loobylu's blog. A whole world of crafting, the kind I love, opened up to me!

I have been to two crafter's weekends with this person, this person, this person and of course this person...

There had been lots of talk about the Stitches and Craft show coming up in Melbourne so I planned to go.

The night before I felt like a kid about to be let loose in a toyshop. The show totally didn't let me down. It was WONDERFUL! I loved it. I spent a little bit and wanted to spend so much more!!

Here is most of the fabric I bought... Already stitched up. I bought a green/orange pack from, Leni and Rose?

The boarder green was from Kelani.
Still have to do the quilting bit.
You can't see it in the photos, but the back in a blanket off cut from Pear Tree. Oh, Pear Tree how I love thee!
This lot is my favourite. Very precious. I am hoping to collect enough to make a quilt for my own bed. You can see a wonderful pack from Green Olive. The birds are you know who... yes Kristen Doran. Love her! And... Shannon, I'd like you to know I bought from you. I didn't just pickup and put back. I do wish I bought more though... I LOVE all of your wares!!!

In other news...
I won a blog giveaway. How lucky am I. These little felt bowls are much sort after and now I have one. Thanks to the lovely Jo over at Jelly Baby for making the bowl and hosting the giveaway.
And here it is in situ. Don't you just love it...

I feel the Earth move...

2009-03-18T16:38:00.003+11:00

... under my feet - again!

Did you feel that? Another tremor. What is happening in Melbourne? We aren't supposed to have Earthquakes here. I lived for two years in Japan and it was an expected occurrence but not here! That is two quakes in about two weeks. It is almost exciting...

P.S. I wasn't imagining it. See...

Melbourne's Age

Melbourne's Herald Sun

Suzie and me

2009-02-23T21:06:00.003+11:00

ellen and suzie
Originally uploaded by muppinstuff

Having fun on The Great Ocean Road! Photo taken by Sooz and posted by Janet.

A flash back to Kyoto

2009-02-22T13:45:00.006+11:00

I love furoshiki. I do seriously believe it is one of the best inventions/ideas to come from Japan.

Each visit, I buy a few more for my stash. I use them to carry objects, wrap things up and of course, as bags.

Before my most recent visit I found a shop called Kakefuda where they make and print their own furoshiki. They are stunning. Each one is very large and costs about 5000 yen... With the currnet exchange rate, that is about $90aud.

I found a map to Kakefuda via their website. I also located them using Google maps (as seen above). I committed this map to memory. I guess I am pretty good at directions and I know Kyoto pretty well. Even so, I was very proud of myself when we arrived at the store with no problems. My Japanese friend Tomoko was so surprised (she knows the low level of my Japanese!)
Here is the bike that marks the shop. It is always parked out front. We chatted to the owner and I had to buy one (even though it was sooooo expensive!). No regrets. I am so proud that I found the store. I LOVE my furoshiki!

A special moment amongst so much sadness and loss

2009-02-12T20:00:00.002+11:00

As Victoria has burnt, so many tears have been shed. I am so lucky that friends and family are safe and well. I find myself watching the news, listening to the radio and reading the paper or internet to find out the latest news. It is like you have to know but don't want to know. You ask yourself if this is really happening!!! I gets tears over the happy stories and the sad (of course). The front of the paper is plastered each day with some smiling child who has lost parents or even their own lives.

I find that I am continually waiting for the wonderful stories amongst this mess. This one is amazing. A wild creature finding help from a human. You really should read this story and take a moment to watch the video stream. Makes me cry in the better way!

A personal wonderful moment comes all the way from Honduras. Many years ago we had an exchange student from Central America. She stayed a year and then went home... We basically lost touch for so many years. Mum and Dad got a call out of the blue the other morning from her. She was worried about us after seeing the fires plastered all over Honduran news! She now has our email addresses and I hope this means we'll keep in touch more. The family grows...

With the cool change, the fun outside begins again

2009-01-31T22:10:00.010+11:00

A game of hopscotch anyone? Not bad for a five year old about the start school!
Numbers backwards but give the girl a break as she was writing them upside down.
All ready to go...
Pause,
And return. It was so much fun Milla, wasn't it?

It is damn hot in Melbourne

2009-01-28T18:56:00.002+11:00

This is the 'ambient' temperature my car displayed after work today. That is 52 degrees Celsius not Fahrenheit. 52 degrees Celsius = 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit!

The reality is that it was about 43 degrees and will be for the rest of the week. Please help us!

Welcome to Flickr Annie

2009-01-05T13:15:00.004+11:00

I am happy to say that I finally convinced Annie to join Flickr. Her pictures are so good. Drop by and check them out and add her as a contact if you are a Flickr user too.

Not a great pic but I like the cut!

2008-12-29T19:03:00.003+11:00

We will see how it washes and wears... Give me a week to decide if I really like it!

Time for a haircut

2008-12-28T21:30:00.000+11:00

Photo tomorrow - if you're lucky!

Twas the night before Christmas...

2008-12-24T22:55:00.001+11:00

Where ever you are... I hope you have a wonderful Christmas amongst family or loved ones. Eat and be merry. I look forward to an exciting and eventful 2009 with a lot (or at least a little bit) more blogging.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Oh if I could quilt more...

2008-12-09T18:11:00.001+11:00

I would make this Christmas tree skirt. Isn't it great?

Made by the very clever Crazy Mom Quilts.

Wow... Finished.

2008-12-08T18:06:00.002+11:00

I had so much to do this weekend but I couldn't put Twilight down. I just wanted to know what was to happen next. Twilight is definitely an easy read. I know from seeing the previews that at least two things happen differently between the book and movie but I don't mind at this point. I can't wait to see it! It is released Thursday here... I will be lining up for my ticket Friday evening with or without company!

BTW... See Edward up there? Recognise him? Yup, that is Cedric Diggory from The Goblet of Fire! Looks a tad different doesn't he?

From Sooz to Meme

2008-11-28T21:08:00.002+11:00

From Suzy to Sooz to meme (get it?) -

Outside my window… it is pouring fresh rain and night.

I am thinking… About my January trip to Japan and visiting Takayama and Shirakawago with two metres of snow (anyone got some snow boots for me to borrow?)

I am thankful for… a weekend with Dad and NO reports to do or worry about for the time being.

From the kitchen… tonight was my version of Mum's spaghetti bolognaise. It was delicious (now Dad has three more meals to reheat)

I am wearing… The denim skirt I made all by myself from Soozs pattern (thanks Sooz), white top, necklace my sister gave me (she chooses the coolest necklaces!) and socks.

I am creating… A wider knowledge of photography thanks to a course at the CAE. I am learning a few little things I didn't already know.

I am going… to have lunch with Dad tomorrow at a local winery. I am excited about this one!

I am reading… Emily Rodda's The Wizard of Rondo. This is excellent and number two in a series. I think they are aimed at 9 to 13 year olds but I like them. Loose references to fairy tale characters throughout. Great adventure stories if you liked Deltora Quest.

I am hoping… Mum enjoys her Christmas tour that begins tomorrow in Vienna.

I am hearing… Heavy rain on Mum and Dad's flat, tin roof. One of my very favourite sounds. Makes me want to go to bed. I love it!

Around the house… Is the comfy feeling of HOME!

One of my favourite things… Is waking up and knowing I have slept like a log. Also, looking over and over again at the ultrasound of my new niece/nephew!

A few plans for the rest of the week… Tupperware Party (I know, I know), finishing off lots of projects at work and tidying in anticipation of the holidays (3 weeks to go)

Sometimes I want coffee so bad!

2008-11-24T15:51:00.001+11:00

Sometimes I want coffee so bad!
Originally uploaded by Really Turning Japanese

I really, really needed this when I was in Japan recently!

2008-11-21T20:20:00.001+11:00

Photos for sale

2008-11-20T14:18:00.002+11:00

3 little smiles

2008-11-19T16:07:00.002+11:00

Here a a few things that have made me smile in the last two days...

1. A prep child (5 years old) at school saying that when they are in grade two, they want to be in my grade and finishing by say that they love me. So sweet and genuine!

2. Buying petrol yesterday for 110.3 cents. That is quite huge here as petrol has reached about 170 cents per liter recently. 110.3 is positively cheap! My little obsession with checking the petrol price comes from my father. He always looks around for a deal (makes me think of the Annabelle Principal - do you know what I mean?)

3. The coolest thing that happened and made me laugh as well as smile; a wild wallaby visiting school. In the middle of our staff meeting last night, one of the staff members from Aftercare came running into the room to ask for help. They had shut all the kids safely in a room and there was a KANGAROO loose in the yard. Now this is weird as we are basically inner city Melbourne. The wildest of life we might see is a possum or a fox (and foxes are introduced). As it turned our, it was a large black wallaby. He was pretty spooked and eventually jumped our fence and headed for a VERY busy main road. He made it safely across and set up residence in a jungle-like front yard. The assistant principal from school, several staff members and some locals ensured that the wallaby stayed put until help arrived. Hilarious. Great interruption to our evening staff meeting.

Look at me, I have a WIP

2008-11-04T13:30:00.005+11:00

I bought three 'sweat rags' when I was in Tokyo with Del two years ago. I thought that I would cut them up and create something but hadn't until this weekend!

"Sweat rag," I hear you ask? The Japanese have all manner of cottons in varying sizes. They are used to keep the sun off, as a kind of handkerchief, folded around goods or even folded up to create a bag. I love them!

I decided to start and love the effect so far. I cut each piece up into various sized strips. These were randomly arranged and sewn together. I am not sure what I am making but it is for me! I guess it is a multi-purpose throw for my couch. I am not sure what to do next. Any hints? How should I quilt it?

So far, I have made up this design and followed no rules I know of. What do you think?

Some of the relatives

2008-10-23T16:27:00.004+11:00

Here's Grandpa (I think he should be called "Grey Grey" as he is so grey and it matches his name), Aunty Ellen (me) and the new Mum (Anna).

What do you REALLY need?

2008-10-22T18:31:00.004+11:00

(Anna is the baby in this photo, soon to be new mum, and my mum is holding her, soon to be grandma)

Pitter patter. Do you hear the sound of little feet? In case you missed it, my sister is pregnant. Very exciting. Babe is due at the end of March and we're counting down.

We've recently shared several interesting conversations. The most recent was about what 'baby' items you realistically need as a new mum! She believes that the commercial world out there is out to convince you that you need every little item. We were talking about nappy bags. She thinks it is silly when the nappy bag is childlike or covered in some kiddy character. Who is the bag for? She is far more keen to use a large bag she already has or wait to see if and what she needs in a bag.

This leads me to ask you mums out there, what do you really need? What can't you live without? I am very interested to know and I'll pass the info on to Anna...

Want to see some recent photos of Japan?

2008-10-21T20:38:00.001+11:00

Comment and let me know!

Can someone explain this?

2008-10-21T20:34:00.002+11:00

TODAY	TOMORROW	THU	FRI	SAT	6-10 DAY
Mostly Cloudy	AM Clouds/PM Sun	Partly Cloudy	Showers	Cloudy	Extended Forecast
High: 15° Low: 11°	High: 17° Low: 8°	High: 22° Low: 8°	High: 21° Low: 11°	High: 26° Low: 11°	Extended Forecast

Look closely at Thursday... 22 is not bad for a spring day. Warmish, especially if the sun is shining. But, what is with the low of 8? That is cold, cold, cold for this time of year. Bring on the warm weather!

Insomnia?

2008-10-21T12:17:00.002+11:00

No... not that drastic, but...

What happens on those nights when you go to bed tired (after a late coffee and two champagnes) and you just can't fall asleep? I mean, you are seriously tired. You need the sleep. You've been unwell. YOU JUST CAN'T SLEEP! What happens? Time passes and you know that you must have been asleep but you still feel wide awake. You feel like you have been awake for hours. You wind yourself up more and more and suddenly, it is morning! You must have slept.

Wordl... mmm, could be fun but why is cocaine there?

2008-10-13T22:34:00.002+11:00

... and where is AJ?

My little friend (enemy) euproctis pseudoconspersa

2008-10-09T18:39:00.003+11:00

Once there was a little mouse...

2008-10-05T16:29:00.003+11:00

I wonder who he/she looks like?

I wonder what he/she will be like?

I can't wait to meet you... Until March!

(CONGRATULATIONS Anna and Tino - Love you both)

AJ has always had a thing for blue textas

2008-09-08T21:36:00.007+10:00

Here he is at age 2. This creative effort stretched past the canvas of his body and also covered the wall. Definitely took a few days to wash off! I love the wink in this photo.
Here is AJ at age 6 and a half (sound asleep). He and Milla were so hyped up tonight, for no apparent reason! They even surfed down their flight of stairs on an old bed mattress! I was sure the night was going to end in tears. I was quite surprised that both of them went to bed with no arguments. They usually spend at least half an hour to settle... Not tonight. They were quiet from the beginning - strange.

Their Dad, Sean, went up stairs to check on them at about 9. On his descent, he remarked, questioning if they had gone to bed with 'blue' faces? We grabbed the closest camera and headed upstairs! We were literally rolling around on the floor. We now understood why they were so quiet at bed time. I wonder what it will be like getting ready for school tomorrow?

Of course, Milla didn't miss out!

Is coffee really a drug

2008-09-06T20:22:00.002+10:00

I have just spent five days without my favourite drink... Almost killed me (slight exaggeration). I really do love the brown stuff. I am now trying to have less and really enjoy them.

One of my fixes for today was reading this article about mistaking coffee whitener for cocaine!! Made me laugh.

A fave over at Flickr

2008-09-02T20:11:00.001+10:00

Visit Ultraman Daddy... Japanese character. Awesome photos. I love it.

My famous Mum...

2008-09-02T19:36:00.002+10:00

'Big Dry' turns farms into deserts was featured today over at the BBC. Look for Mum, she's the one from Benalla. Here is the part specifically about her...

The BBC had been chasing Mum for a while as they were writing this article about the drought in Australia. They found her via Flickr (mum49). I was 'found' via Flickr a few years ago. What a wonderful place to showcase and share our photos.

Spring has sprung

2008-09-01T18:08:00.002+10:00

Or spring is in the air...

You really can feel it today (nice, as it is the 1st of September). There is that wonderful sunny feeling to the day. Yesterday was even almost warm (not today though). The days are also getting longer. Woohoo, roll on summer!

Also, 18 days until we set off for Japan.

Happy days!

On a lighter note...

2008-08-24T20:51:00.003+10:00

Why do I like CSI: Miami so much when David Caruso clearly can't act? You could replace him with a cardboard cutout and have the same effect.

What's Good For You

2008-08-24T18:36:00.001+10:00

Spring makeover special.

At what age do we suddenly feel 'grown-up'? I don't mean turning 18 and being able to drive/drink/vote or turning 21 when everyone celebrates your coming of age. When do we feel that kind of 'mum' age? I guess that is what I am getting at.

This feeling has overwhelmed me in the past couple of years. I am not saying that I feel 'old' but I do feel changed. Go back say 4 years and (in my mind) my students would look at me as the cool, young teacher. Now I feel like they look at me as the cool teacher who could be their mum (as I am the same age as many of their parents - or older!).

I am also the heaviest that I have ever been. Only a bit heavier (not much) but it makes heaps of difference. I am constantly thinking about what I am eating. Sometimes I make the conscious effort to reduce what I eat and sometimes I just have to have one more chocolate. I joined the gym and enjoy going. The problem with joining a gym is the guilt I feel when I don't visit. I so need to go more regularly.

So, lets get back to the title of this post... I am sitting here on a Sunday night and watching the new episodes of 'What's Good For You?'. It is a spring cleaning, make-over special. I am going to get back on track even if it kills me. For a start, I need to watch less TV. Here are my current goals. They are in no specific order and I am not planning to implement all of them at once. I just think these are a few things I should improve...

1. Drink less coffee WITHOUT sugar.

2. Visit the gym at least 3 times a week including at least one fitness class.

3. Walk to school (2.5km one-way) at least 3 times a week.

4. Reduce the amount of unhealthy snacking (it sugary snacks including chocolate and ice cream).

5. Eat more nuts as a snack.

6. Eat more fish (Why don't I? I love it!)

7. Drink more water.

8. Attend to personal grooming more often (ie waxing - ouch)

9. Eat more salads and fresh veggies.

10. Eat less pasta (not cut it out but reduce serving size)

Anyone else out there got any more hints or suggestions. Key weight loss ideas. Motivational statements... I think that is something I really need - MOTIVATION!

If I was a manga character...

2008-08-16T20:19:00.003+10:00

This is as close as I could get it...

This is how I'd like an avatar version of me to look like!

Where have I been?

2008-08-16T20:11:00.002+10:00

I have had a very busy Internet/computer related fortnight. I had to hand in my leased Mac, then wait patiently for my brand new leased Mac to arrive.

So here it is and I love it. I spent the first night reloading a whole lot of needed music, photos and files. It took hours. I 'played' at Del's house for hours too - on the Internet downloaded things like Skype.

I am also counting down the weeks until I head back to Japan (5 weeks and counting). I am organising the four of us. It is so exciting but also very stressful (Anna, you know what I am talking about). Lots of places to go, people to see and most importantly, FOOD TO EAT!

Amongst all this, I was introduced to Twitter and a few other new 'toys' on the net. I have been a busy girl! Blogging has suffered a little bit. I just wanted to let you know that I am still here. Still thinking about blogging...

Crafty like a fox

2008-07-22T09:38:00.013+10:00

Hmmm, how to start? I guess I need to begin when I was in Japan. I hadn't been blogging long and I was always on the hunt for good blogs to read. Almost any topic was great just to get a fix of English. I stumbled across Loobylu's blog and fell in love with blogs to do with families, art and craftiness. From Loobylu, I found my way to Soozs blog. Here was this talented woman who had just arrived home to Melbourne from Thailand. She was a natural 'crafty'. I could see that she was able to turn her hand at anything and follow (or purposely change) any pattern put in front of her. I saw that she had created a 'softie' that was a character from Japan. I immediately commented and our communication/friendship began there. Sooz was the first (and only) person that I have done a 'swap' with.In 2007, I was finally able to meet Sooz. She organised a meet up in Melbourne

and about 10 women turned up. We had fun chatting face to face about blogs and 'real' life! Sooz also organises 'craft' weekends away for these women to relax, socialise, learn a new skill or just finish off their projects. I have been keen to attend one of these weekends for a while.

This past weekend, I finally joined in on a 'craft' weekend. We headed down to Bendigo for the wool show.

Wow! What a show. I didn't buy anything but fell in love with the alpaca.

Crazy, funny looking animals! I took lots of photos and headed into town for lunch.

The rest of the time involved talking and eating. What a great opportunity to make new friends. I sometimes think that I am a tad anti-social. It takes a bit to get me to mingle (I force myself as I think it is healthy). I left the weekend with a new passion and desire to learn more about felting (wet and dry) and crochet (which I am going to have to persist with).

Thanks to Sooz and all the girls for making the weekend what it was. It may have been the 6th craft weekend but it will always be in my memory as my first. I hope to join in for a future weekend.

どもありがとうございました。

An SMS miracle and a scratchy 'bressle'

2008-06-13T12:14:00.004+10:00

Little things amuse me.

How lovely that I couldn't fall asleep last night as a result of the excitement of SMS. SMS doesn't seem like a big deal. Everyone uses it (I send about 1000 a month). I even keep in touch with my sister in London and friends in Thailand. Instant chat is great; I like the instant connection with friends. I lived in Japan for two years with the frustration of their different mobile phone system. Within Japan, their system works extremely well with users being able to email each other. This email travels from phone to phone or to internet email. Great, I hear you thinking... It was great but there was no SMS to easily and quickly contact the rest of the world.

I out for dinner with my friend Shino last night. I was delighted to hear that she keeps in touch with one of her friends back home via SMS. Docomo (one provider within Japan) has made their phone service global. It turns out that I can SMS friends that are with Docomo and my message arrives as an email... They send an email back and it arrives to me as an SMS. I really feel reconnected. It could be dangerous though... I expect my bill to rise!

Now, I can hear you asking what a 'bessle' is... Where to start? One of my students came to me today and seemed a little distressed. He has some trouble pronouncing words. He blurted out, "Excuse me Ellen, something is scratching my bessle." He pointed to and wriggled uncomfortably around his left nipple. We lifted his t-shirt to see what the matter was. The emblem on the t-shirt was rough on the inside and rested exactly, uncomfortably against his nipple. I realised that he had combined breast and nipple and come up with bressle. I laughed and laughed (after he left to change tops). Sweet!

A lucky, lucky teacher...

2008-06-12T10:54:00.002+10:00

I often sit back and reflect about how lucky I am. Each year I think that I have a great bunch of students and I get anxious toward the end of the year when everything is going to change... Well this year is particularly good. I teach in a room of 45 kids and each and every one of them is unique and interesting. They really are a kind and responsive bunch. They laugh and make me laugh. They look after and support each other (and me). They just give and give. How lucky can a teacher be? What will I do at the end of the year?

I love this crazy hair family

2008-06-07T23:09:00.002+10:00

crazy hair family
Originally uploaded by superRelish

All ready for a dress up day at circus!!!!

Check out more here!

Welcome to J and C

2008-05-30T12:22:00.005+10:00

Add M to the list

2008-05-29T15:33:00.003+10:00

Here's another one...

Unleash the kids on the world...

2008-05-28T15:24:00.003+10:00

Well, we've started. I have a small group of students trialling blogging as an alternative to their regular digital portfolios. The kids currently use PowerPoint to showcase their years work. This small group are going to use blogger as a means to reflect on work, ask questions, survey people and of course, showcase their own work. I hope you will drop by and leave them a comment now and then. You can find a link to their blogs over to the right... warning - they really have just started and are still setting them up!

On my list so far are

and T

My inspiration...

2008-05-26T13:01:00.003+10:00

I use technologies naturally and seamlessly within my day to day life. I love Flickr, my iPod, blogging (though that seems less and less), iTunes, my mobile phone, Skype, Google Earth and Facebook. The list could go on and on and on. I get very frustrated at the hurdles I need to jump over to implement it within my classroom. This is blocked and that is blocked. Something is recommended on a Monday and blocked by Wednesday. Ahhhhhh! I have been blogging since early 2004 and just now, the education dept seems keen to take it on. Social networking is big in the real world but blocked at school... By the time they catch on to that, it'll be a thing of the past too. I don't want to seem like I'm just giving up. I believe you need to be wary and careful with security on the net when dealing with kids but I also believe that is about educating them and their families. Education into safe practice. I also feel it is up to parents and teachers to monitor younger students and their use of the net, even when they are just playing 'games'. I don't think the answer is a blanket ban on a site that may (through a million steps) lead to adult content.

I went to an innovations conference recently. We presented so missed all of the workshops. That didn't matter though as we were lucky enough to listen to the keynote speakers. I was very excited by the prospect of listening to the following teacher...

His name is Andrew Douch. Andrew works at a high school in Shepparton and uses all kinds of technologies to enhance his biology classroom. He teaches years 11 and 12 (16-18 year olds) and believes that we have to take advantage of the technologies most of them own such as mobile phones and MP3 players. He creates and broadcasts a popular biology podcast available to anyone through iTunes. Through this resource, anyone in the world can become his student. Andrew also uses Facebook, Skype and MSN to connect with his students. He is available 24 hours a day. This may sound daunting to some but to me it is just exciting. The students understand he has a private life and only contact him when needed. He marks his MSN as away if he is busy but students know that if it indicates available, they are free to chat! I am planning to try some of his ideas within my own classroom so stay posted... Thanks especially to Andrew!

Brrrrr...

2008-05-22T11:00:00.002+10:00

With nine days to go until winter officially starts, I am officially cold. I know other places on this glorious planet reach much, MUCH colder temperatures than us, but it is getting near to what we consider cold.

There was a frost on my car this morning as I left for work. The car ambient temperature placed outside at 5 degrees celsius. COLD!

The thing that we are lucky about is the high for day. The mornings start very fresh (cold in my opinion) but the mid day high reaches around 18 degrees. LOVELY!

Perfect weather for sleeping in a warm, cosy bed and getting out and about on days when you don't have to work!

I miss this space...

2008-05-21T13:39:00.002+10:00

It is funny how something can consume you for so long and practically take over your life and the next minute lay forgotten. I used to blog all the time. These days there are various reasons that blogging seems to have stopped. I am so busy with school, Facebook (though I don't use that that much) and of course Flickr. I also believe that the audience isn't out there as much as it was. I don't mean the world wide audience of strangers but more the friend type of audience. Who actually reads blogs these days? Who leaves comments? Should I continue?

I wonder what you think...

Anyway, I am going to try to get back on the horse and update this space far more often. Please drop by from time to time. I love catching up with you here...

ハッピ　エエスタ

2008-03-24T12:09:00.003+11:00

I don't know how to spell Happy Easter in katakana but that's not the point. I just discovered (thanks Angie) that I can turn japanese on and off on my Mac. Cool huh? Let me show you what I can do...

日本 Japan

オストラリア Australia

エレん Ellen

桜 Cherry Blossom

食べ物 Food

Anyway, I think it is cool.

Just a quick post to wish everyone a big Happy Easter. I hope you have a nice time with friends or family. Did Easter Bunny find you? He left way too much chocolate here. Love it but the waist doesn't!

Remember Pete, Anna?

2008-02-16T22:12:00.002+11:00

Our conversation turned to a favourite childhood movie. Have you heard of Pete's Dragon? It is such a great, feel good, funny movie! Here is a small clip to amuse you. Enjoy...

Easter Craziness!

2008-01-14T12:37:00.000+11:00

This photo was taken in my local supermarket on about the 2nd of January. Each year they put out Christmas decorations and Easter eggs a little bit earlier. I feel like this year was particularly early. What do you think? Crazy!

Sleeping Art!

2008-01-03T17:52:00.000+11:00

Christmas Craziness

2007-12-31T10:12:00.000+11:00

Farm creates £665 multibird roast.

Read it... amazing, funny and quite sickly.
Thanks to Paul C for directing me to this wonderful bird!

Elf family

2007-12-25T19:25:00.001+11:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1780028443

No Merry Christmas at the pub!

2007-12-25T19:03:00.000+11:00

Years ago, it was tradition to meet at the pub on Christmas eve. Everyone went. Christmas was the time of year when everyone came home and you'd meet heaps of old school friends.
For one reason or another, I haven't been for about 5 years. Couldn't be bothered last year and the two years previous to that, I was in Japan and Thailand. I regretted missing last year as quite a few school mates made it out.
We endeavoured to go this year... We were all partially excited and left home with full bellies at around 10pm... The first pub was empty so we kept walking. We arrived at the 'Commercial' to be greeted by the door bouncer. He quickly told us that the pub was in 'lock down' No-one was allowed in. He said that it was too busy (from where we were, the place was empty). After a while he said that he was going to look the other way and if we were quick, we could go in. In we went. There was NO-ONE there of my era. We finally found a couple of friends that were three years behind me at school. We chatted for a while and went home.
Curiosity satisfied and I don't feel the need to ever go there again!

Hot and cold

2007-11-23T11:04:00.000+11:00

It was about 35 on Monday, 37 on Tuesday, raining all day Wednesday, 18 yesterday and the same today.
I am not enjoying this weather.
Monday night I didn't sleep. Tuesday night I slept with no coverings, little clothing and a fan directly on me... Last night I had long sleep ware and all my bed coverings...

Now I have a little cold!

Friend Wheel (thanks to Facebook)

2007-11-19T10:20:00.000+11:00

So, I am still here. It is strange how I used to be disappointed that people stopped blogging once they left Japan or they joined Facebook... now I am one of those people. I am still here though. Del and I were talking just yesterday about how much we miss blogging. We really enjoy it. I just never seem to get the time. Facebook isn't even my excuse as I don't get onto that too often (can't use it at school and have no net at home)... I will try to be better... Stay posted.

Now, onto Facebook. When I do get on, it is lots of fun. Funny to catchup with long lost school friends. I also invited the other 'Ellen Waters' to be my friend. I think I have 5 as my friends now - weird! I saw an application on Anna's page so I thought I'd try it. It is a friend wheel. It takes all the people that are your friends and shows how they are connected to each other. Cool, huh? Anna is stoked that she is such a hub for my wheel (I'd hope so as she is my sister). She is the hub to the Marinelli's and her AFS friends. The most obvious hub on my wheel is however, Japan... Look at that green section. It is a mass of lines. If you can't see it properly, click on it to see in larger.

Lunch at 'The Shed'

2007-10-18T16:00:00.000+10:00

Too hard to choose. I went for the ling - yum.

Amazing dessert!

The family pet!

School's out for summer...

2007-10-08T10:29:00.000+10:00

No wait! Hang on, that's not right. We're not quite there yet but today is the first day of the final term of school for 2007. Where did this year go? I know that every year seems to fly but seriously, this year has to be one of the fastest on record!

I'll keep you posted as to what I get up to in the lead up to Christmas...

Meanwhile, in Japan...

2007-09-20T10:53:00.001+10:00

Japan's Yokozuna (or top sumo) Asashoryu isn't behaving. He is out of the game right now and might not come back. I feel lucky that I was able to see him in Osaka. The paper says that one of the behaviours he has (or hasn't) been displaying that has caused upset is as follows...

Most seriously, he has been accused of failing to adopt the humble and dignified attitude expected of a yokozuna, and to act as a good role model for the sport.

Mac Meltdown

2007-09-19T13:56:00.000+10:00

As Del would say... B*&%$# computers!!!

Last night my apple died. It just won't turn back on. It tries but dies. I installed iLife 8 yesterday. Maybe that was the problem. Anyone got any ideas? I need help. My two laptops are like my left and right arms. Equally important to me.

Pleeeeeaaaaase help!

New Zealand Research

2007-09-17T11:02:00.000+10:00

Christchurch City Square and Chalice

2007-09-14T10:31:00.000+10:00

Look out Christchurch... here I come!

2007-09-07T08:52:00.000+10:00

Sunday evening we fly out. We are only staying in NZ for three nights and the time is going to be action-packed with visits to quite a few schools. Needless to say, I am very excited to visit Christchurch. I have never been to NZ and I am glad to be getting a taste for the land of Footrot Flats by visiting the South Island. No doubt I will head back there at some point to take my time looking around. I will be back Wednesday evening and I'll post a few of my own photos.

Up in the air I fly......

Survivor - Fantastic

2007-09-03T15:49:00.000+10:00

As sent to me by Carley...

Have you heard about the next planned "Survivor" Show?

Three businessmen and three businesswomen will be dropped in a primary school classroom for 1 school year. Each businessperson will be provided with a copy of his/her school's curriculum and a class of 28 students.

Each class will have a minimum of five learning-disabled children, three with A.D.D., one gifted child, two who speak limited English. Three students will be labelled with severe behaviour problems.

Each business person must complete lesson plans at least 3 days in advance, with annotations for curriculum objectives and modify, organise or create their materials accordingly. They will be required to teach students, handle misconduct, implement technology, document attendance, write referrals, correct homework, compute grades, complete report cards, document benchmarks, communicate with parents, arrange parent/teacher interviews. They must also stand in their doorway between class changes to monitor students.

In addition, they will complete fire drills, attend swimming carnivals, sport carnivals and be available to participate in after school activities. They must attend workshops, staff meetings and attend curriculum development meetings. They must also tutor students who are behind and strive to get their 2 non-English speakling children proficient enough to pass a basic literacy test. If they are sick or having a bad day they must not let it show.

Each day they must incorporate reading, writing, maths, science and social studies into the program. They must maintain discipline and provide an educationally stimulating environment to motivate students at all times. If all students do not wish to co-operate, work or learn, the teacher will be held responsible.

The business people will only have access to the public golf course on the weekends, but with their new salary, they may not be able to afford it. There will be no access to customers who want to take them out to lunch, and lunch will be limited to thirty minutes, which is not counted as part of their work day. The business people will be permitted to use the toilet as long as another survival candidate can supervise their class.

If the copier is operable, they may make copies of necessary materials before, or after school. However, they cannot surpass their monthly limit of copies. The business people must continually advance their education, at their expense, and on their own time.

The winner of this Season of Survivor will be allowed to return to their job!!!!!!!!!

Some results of photography club

2007-08-22T13:59:00.001+10:00

By Kristian, aged 9

To travel for work

2007-08-13T10:49:00.000+10:00

Lets face it, how often do teachers actually get to travel 'for' work? Not very often. A select few manage teacher exchanges or some time consulting OS. I organised myself in regard to Japan. I was lucky to be given 2 years leave from my job. Apart from that, I was solo...

I have just started working with a small group of teachers at school. We are part of a larger picture. Around 10 groups are involved. We are researching pedagogy and space in schools. Specifically, we will be looking at how we teach and how classrooms (spaces) effect how we learn. It is actually really intresting. I am excited to be involved.

The REALLY exciting news is that some of us are headed to Christchurch to look at some innovative schools there. I travel over in the beginning of September. I really can't wait. My friend Rachael went to see some of these schools several years ago and I have been hoping that I might get the opportunity to do the same at some point. I will keep you posted and take lots of photos - of course.

Lovely Summer Green!

2007-08-09T13:45:00.000+10:00

No sakura (cherry blossom) or momiji (autumn maple leaves) in sight but summer brings an amazing green to Japan. Seriously stunning!

A sneak peek of Japan 2007

2007-08-07T14:12:00.000+10:00

Woohoo, I'm back

2007-08-02T15:03:00.000+10:00

Who knows if anyone even still reads. Who really pops by? So many blogging friends have stopped blogging. Is it really a thing of the past? I am sad if it is. I have embraced some of the newer trends but I don't want to let go of this part of my Internet life!

As it turns out, I can post from school. Am I excited? TOTALLY!

Two more sleeps

2007-07-12T22:25:00.000+10:00

Oh my gosh - time flies. At the beginning of any holiday, it feels as though you have all the time in the world but pretty quickly the end draws near.

I have had my fill of rain (though I am here in the rainy season)... I have still managed to take plenty of photos. Anyone who wants to be bored (but pretend to be interested) can take a look at them anytime.

I arrived into Kyoto and booked into my fave little hostel budget inn. I was sitting in my room watching two girls play cards. They seemed to be speaking bad/simple Japanese. Eventually we spoke to each other. Turns out one of them was Japanese and the other was Taiwanese. We spoke a bit more and the Japanese girl was from Yamaguchi - my area of nipon! Such a small world.

Yesterday was 'see new things' day. I headed off to Sanjusangendo to see the million buddha statues (there are actually 1001). It was raining heavily. After that, I took a train to Byodo-in. It was beautiful. It was only drizzling by this time. The building is lovely. Large and wooden over a small pond.

On a whim, I stopped on the way back to Kyoto to see the Fushimi-inari shrine. I had been there before and was mildly impressed. I thought I would give it another go. It was so pretty in the rain. Very atmospheric.

So tomorrow is last minute viewing. A walk in the morning, prehaps and then rest. Packing and then a city walk in the evening.

See you sometime next week from Aus. Heaps of photos to come. Watch here and especially over at flickr.

Catching up with old friends

2007-07-09T20:32:00.001+10:00

Me and Lee
Originally uploaded by Really Turning Japanese

An evening in at Gotcha and a few of the old gang came out to play. I was so lucky that Lee was in town as he now lives near Tokyo.

Remember 'LOCK UP' Del?

Don't panic... I am fine

2007-07-01T23:54:00.000+10:00

The holiday was off to a rocky start (almost as bad as my Bangkok experience)! I booked on the net with Jetstar, Melbourne to Sydney and then international to Osaka. I arrived at the airport super early thanks to Jodi, booked in and waited for my flight. I waited and waited. There was no plane. I was wondering if I would make my connection in Sydney considering I had to book in there and pass through customs! I was assured that I should be fine. Eventually, we arrived into Sydney at 11.05 and I was due to fly out at 11.30. I had to catch the bus transfer to the international terminal, check-in and get through customs. Lets just say I ran faster than I have ever! Thank God my main case was checked right through. I have never been through customs faster. The plane was still there and I wasn't quite the last to board. Talk about stress!

Day 2 - Osaka to Mojiko. Due to rain today. I took 6 trains to get to Mojiko. It started to pour half way through the trip. OMG. If only we could have a bit of that rain over the cathments in Victoria. I got to my hotel at the other end of the day and checked in. I headed out again in the rain to shop. The rain stopped and I wa able to sight see a bit!

Day 3 - Wedding... I woke today to no rain (lucky). I headed across the bay and back to Yamaguchi (my home prefecture). My aim of the day - SALMON CHEESE SUSHI... I wandered and snapped until the sushi restaurant opened. Ate salmon cheese sushi (the cheese is grilled and it all melts in your mouth) and blow fish - yum. Headed back across the bay for the wedding. There was the ceremony, reception, after party and the after, after party. All involved eating (apart from the ceremony). I fell into bed at 12.30

Day 4 - Today. Headed to Yamaguchi city and had lunch at Alex's favouite cafe. It was still great. Finally arrived at Kazumi and Andrew's place and ate San Zoku for dinner. i am now ready to fall into bed.

OYASUMINASAI

Here I come...

2007-06-24T21:23:00.000+10:00

The time has come. I fly out Thursday morning. I hope I get the chance to blog whilst I am away. Stay posted to see. Should be interesting. I have a wedding, Kyoto and about a million people to catch up with.

A fantastic experience at school...try to follow

2007-06-05T21:47:00.000+10:00

The following conversation that occurred between myself and about 5 seven to ten year olds in my class. It went back and forth for about 20 minutes as we finished off some laminating. I will try my best to distil the conversation into one you can follow. I was literally crying with laughter through most of it. I love them. So cute and funny. Here you go, I'll try to make is easy for you...

JACOB (seven) - "Ellen, do you have a husband?"

ME - "No, do you know any good ones that are available?"

JACOB - laughs and says no

MATT (eight) pipes up - "No, she needs a boyfriend first. Ellen, do you have a boyfriend?"

ME - "No, do you know any good ones that are available?"

DAROOD (eight) pipes up - "Yeah, you get a boyfriend for two months and then you get married."

JACOB - "Yeah, you get married and the 42 or 40 weeks later you have a baby"

(At this point I am rolling around on the floor and wondering how a seven year old knows the gestation period for babies. We kept talking and I asked them what would happen at my wedding. I asked Jacob about what he would say if he was the priest...)

JACOB - "Now you kiss... No wait. First I would say, Do you accept? You can say yes or no. Then you ask the little boy for the ring. He give it to you and you get married. You kiss and then 40 weeks later, you have a baby" (he kept arriving back at the baby issue)

GEORGIA (nine) - "You need a wedding dress. A white one. And a thing to go over your head with a TIANA."

(Again, I was rolling around on the floor. Finally on the wedding day topic...)

GEORGIA - "And you need someone to carry you at the wedding. It has to be someone older than you. Your Grandfather."

ME - "My Grandfather is dead"

GEORGIA - "Your mother"

ME - "She's overseas"

GEORGIA - "Your dad"

ME - "He's overseas with my mum."

GEORGIA - "I know... Annie!"

(So there you go. Annie will be carrying me to my wedding - thanks Annie.)

Finally our conversation ends as follows with Jacob's words of wisdom.

JACOB - "You don't need to have a wedding. You can just go to a restaurant. You give the ring to the man. He puts it in a glass. You drink and find it. There is music. You kiss and 40 weeks later, you have a baby!"

I really was crying. Great conversation. Great kids. Great fun!

Shashin Kurabu

2007-05-16T19:31:00.001+10:00

I have just started Photography Club in my class at school. It is a lunchtime club and I asked for volunteers to join. I had so many interested kids that I run it Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes. We are having a ball. Keep your eyes over at Flickr... Our Flickr page is called 'Unit 3 Photographers'

Bunny role play

2007-05-14T11:45:00.001+10:00

In the bag
Originally uploaded by Really Turning Japanese.

Hee hee hahahaha.
Milla tucked successfully into Roger's bag - Roger is their pet rabbit!