Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Crafty like a fox
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。
Friday, June 13, 2008
An SMS miracle and a scratchy 'bressle'
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!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A lucky, lucky teacher...
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?
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Unleash the kids on the world...
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!
Monday, May 26, 2008
My inspiration...
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.
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!
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...

Thursday, May 22, 2008
Brrrrr...
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!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I miss this space...
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...
Monday, March 24, 2008
ハッピ エエスタ
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!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Remember Pete, Anna?
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...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Easter Craziness!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007
Christmas Craziness

Read it... amazing, funny and quite sickly.
Thanks to Paul C for directing me to this wonderful bird!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
No Merry Christmas at the pub!
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!
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!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Hot and cold
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!
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!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friend Wheel (thanks to Facebook)
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.
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.

Thursday, October 18, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
School's out for summer...
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...
I'll keep you posted as to what I get up to in the lead up to Christmas...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Meanwhile, in Japan...

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.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Mac Meltdown

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!
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!

Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Look out Christchurch... here I come!

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......
Monday, September 03, 2007
Survivor - Fantastic
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!!!!!!!!!
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!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
To travel for work
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.
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.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Lovely Summer Green!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Woohoo, I'm back
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!
As it turns out, I can post from school. Am I excited? TOTALLY!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Two more sleeps
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.
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.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Catching up with old friends
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?
Remember 'LOCK UP' Del?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Don't panic... I am fine
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
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
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Here I come...
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.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007
A fantastic experience at school...try to follow
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Shashin Kurabu

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'
Monday, May 14, 2007
Bunny role play
Hee hee hahahaha.
Milla tucked successfully into Roger's bag - Roger is their pet rabbit!
Milla tucked successfully into Roger's bag - Roger is their pet rabbit!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Falls Creek, Wallace's Hut and The High Country
Mum and I planned it, yesterday we headed up into the Victorian High Country. All the way up to the Falls Creek area. I hadn't been that way for around 10 years. It is such a magical area.
The whole time we were up there I kept thinking of my friend Dave from Colorado. Dave (if you still read my blog), you would love hiking and exploring up here. You should come some day and walk the entire Alpine Walking Track.
n 2003, we experienced terrible bushfires as we did this year. In 2003, they were very bad through the Falls Creek area. The trees everywhere had been so badly burnt that they now look like skeletons. Some gum trees shoot new growth all the way up the burnt trunks, some shoot from the bottom and others only regrow from seed. Gum trees are fascinating in this way. Throughout this area, the trees were either the kind that shoots from seeds or the bottom. That meant that the old trunks were bare of all vegetation and bark. In the following photo you can see the trees to the right are merely skeletons. White and grey. In many places, it reminded me of thinning grey hair or even a graveyard. Morbidly amazing.
Looking North East from near Wallace's Hut. The view was amazing. The blue skies were amazing. How can you feel anything but joy at being in a place like this. I love getting right up in the high country.
Wallace's Hut is reportedly the oldest original Cattleman's Hut in the Victorian High Country. It was built around 1890. You are actually discouraged from staying here unless in extreme emergencies. The inside is very basic and pretty dirty. I'd hate to be caught out and have to sleep there anyway. Give me a tent and sleeping bag any day.
The whole time we were up there I kept thinking of my friend Dave from Colorado. Dave (if you still read my blog), you would love hiking and exploring up here. You should come some day and walk the entire Alpine Walking Track.
n 2003, we experienced terrible bushfires as we did this year. In 2003, they were very bad through the Falls Creek area. The trees everywhere had been so badly burnt that they now look like skeletons. Some gum trees shoot new growth all the way up the burnt trunks, some shoot from the bottom and others only regrow from seed. Gum trees are fascinating in this way. Throughout this area, the trees were either the kind that shoots from seeds or the bottom. That meant that the old trunks were bare of all vegetation and bark. In the following photo you can see the trees to the right are merely skeletons. White and grey. In many places, it reminded me of thinning grey hair or even a graveyard. Morbidly amazing.


In 2003, we had massive bushfires in the area. The hut was saved - just. I am not sure if you can make it out, but just behind the hut, the skeletons of trees were the trees that were decimated in those exact fires. This past summer, we had really bad fires again, their kind of missed this area - thankfully.
Cope Hut was built much more recently, around 1929. It isn't that old at all. You are allowed to stay here over night. Basic shelter but comfortable. You can actually fit 10 people in the bunks. It is pretty clean but dusty inside. No spiders or snakes... The fires missed Cope Hut and the trees directly around the area. It was nice to see the snow gums in their original glory. They are such warm, wonderful colours and great shapes.

Labels:
autumn,
cope hut,
falls creek,
High Country,
sunset,
wallace's hut
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter Everyone...
Happy Easter Sunday to everyone. I hope you had a lovely time with family, friends and loved ones.
We had a small family gathering, one amazing roast lunch and a lot of relaxing. Quite a nice Sunday. Thanks Mum, the pork was particularly delicious, as usual. The problem is that the pork is hard to stop eating.

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