O What A Beautiful Morning...!

This morning, my worst anxiety dream ever became a reality.

I rolled over thinking what a lovely bright day it was outside, thought I was awfully well rested for a Monday morning and then it dawned on me I wasn’t waking up to my alarm… and the rest, as they say, is history!

The correct time was 8.35am. I am supposed to be at work at the absolute latest by 8.30am when I am to open the door to my 29 little darlings and begin the day.

Oh, my goodness!...

That was all I could manage for about 2mins after jumping out of bed of course. I was going round in circles in my room, no knowing what to do – do I ring work, do I get dressed, do I… do I… do I…!

But wait! There’s more. I was supposed to be at the panel beaters at 7.30 that morning to get a courtesy car and drop mine off (another story – another day!). When I finally allowed myself to breathe, I grabbed the phone to ring in to work, get the DP to cover my class and let them know how long I would be (I live a good 20min drive from work!) and that’s where the story really begins.

The school secretary told me that the DP was unavailable as the Fire Alarm had just gone off and the whole school were out on the field while it was being checked out … Room 14 were not only currently without a teacher for the day, they were now going out to their first fire drill without their teacher who is supposed to have the roll and be counting heads. The message had to be taken out that I had slept in and would not be attending!!

But wait! There’s still more. As I leave my job at the end of the week, another teacher has been employed. The Principal had said he wasn’t sure if she would be in Monday or Tuesday (after all she had just moved up from Dunedin on the weekend) but – you guessed it! – she made it in bright and early this morning! Now I had 29 Year 7 students and one fresh, new teacher filled with enthusiasm and questions galore waiting on my presence… no pressure!!

By 9am a good handful of staff new that I had slept in and I managed to creep in around 9.30 (praise the Lord for no traffic on the roads and a courtesy car with a little bit of ‘pep’!!). Needless to say, I kept a bit of a low profile today…!


Well, I’m all for tasting a bit of my own medicine! I had just told one of my boys on Friday that it’s great to be able to laugh at ourselves (as he was doing after an embarrassing moment in front of the whole class) – a good thing to be able to do and encouraged him to make sure he never lost that attribute!

My perspective:

“What do we live for but to make sport for our neighbours and laugh at them in our turn!”

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

… I think I put on a pretty good show and laugh I shall… soon enough!

The Unsung Heroes

Wow! Talk about hit the ground running! I’ve only just managed to come up for air this weekend after 2 weeks of work. Typical! You forget how consuming teaching is until you start back.

My first morning was a shambles and would have been even worse if I didn’t have some experience to fall back on! It took me twice as long to get ready to leave the house as I had intended (no surprises there to most!... and yes I did need to allow time for the hair-dryer AND the straightners!) which made me late to school, late to the photocopying queue (one of the many hazards in teaching … leaves road-rage for dead!!) and the timetable for the day that was supposed to be on the whiteboard for my students was non-existent!!

My next hurdle was the nightmare of going first (thanks boss!!) to call names out in the hall in front of around 200 parents and their babes. To put this in perspective let me give you a few of the names I had to tackle – a mixture of first and last names. Put a few of them together and you’ll get the idea!

LEUII
PAOGOFIE
WOUD – looks easy but you’d be surprised what comes out under pressure!
FINAUGA
AKOSITA
ANEFUSI
MUFEED
WASEEM
CHIRAG
MAUSIA

Under pressure, they all sounded… interesting!

Next up, I forgot as well (just to add a little more pressure to my morning) that I had the babies of the school instead of the seniors and the room became a fishbowl with parents making sure their ‘Johnny’ had followed the teacher from the hall to the classroom ok (or hadn’t fallen over unable to get up due to the sheer size of their mini-house sized backpack!). Oh, let me add that they stayed for a ‘little while’ too. Plan B was hatched and came into action pretty quick. We started straight away with some ‘work’ and before you knew it, the last one had gone before the instructions had finished! Then I relaxed, regrouped, got them all back in front of me and started the day all over again with a nice chat!

I managed to talk away a good portion of the block (again, I see shocked faces!) and (seeing as I missed getting to the photocopier before the bell!) managed to catch myself up in the break and carry on with a little more decorum. My catch phrase was still: “Now don’t rush!” (that’s teacher speak for: “don’t work so fast that I have to prepare more filler work to last the first week of school where you have no pens, no paper and all I can do is test and get to know you!” )

Heading into week three (a teacher can tell you the week of the term at the drop of a hat but never the date!), I’m now in full swing! My Pacific Island girls still have me just slightly confused – four have long hair, two have short hair and they sit together in pairs! Akosita prefers Sita and looks just like Vienna, Julia prefers Jul, Anefusi prefers Ane and Elizabeth and Christina still have me confused as they both have long hair, wear it differently every day and they sit together!

There are still those moments when you think there is no hope – the child that has a reading age of 8 at 11years of age, the child who can’t spell ‘forget’ in Form 1 (we got from the ‘f’ to the ‘o’ and then it was random letters of the alphabet…), the child that has yet to learn how to internalise his thoughts (!!!), the child who comes up after 10mins of work and pointing at the front of a booklet where it says ‘Name:___________ ‘ asks if they write their name on the line (oh my goodness – how did they survive Primary School!!), the child who pummels me every minute with a question and the child that can do no wrong (works like a Trojan completing everything first and to the best possible standard).

I never go through a day without laughing… whether it be from hearing someone else’s neatly side-stepped ‘faux pas’ or their discovery of yet another quirky child (teachers are a mean bunch!!) or a good old laugh at my own expense!

I never go through a day without learning something new… Finauga can throw a tennis ball at a target a mile off and hit it, PJ is like a walking dictionary, children hang off my every word with a trust that is unbelievable and I can build their self-esteem or cut to the quick – often faster than I tend to realise.

I never go through a day where I don’t feel the weight of my ‘job’ on my shoulders… shaping the minds of the future is no easy task!

For those who don’t know teachers, we are a rare breed! We’re the quirkiest of the lot! We often have a multitude of skills yet we cannot be all things to all people – despite the demands placed on us. We bounce off each other regularly, off-load most afternoons purely to remain sane, pull our hair out at social injustices at least once a week, share or ‘borrow’ (!!) ideas regularly all for the benefit of ‘our children’.

Unsung heroes? Not to some but I’ve seen my fair share and I know some are, especially where I work at the moment, purely because their day is never over, their work is never done and everything is always for their kids!


PS… the staffroom really is as scary as children think it is!

KJ

From Plebs to Celebs! - Parachute '05

Plebs to Celebs – Parachute ‘05

Wow! What a weekend. For those that are new to the ways of the South, Parachute is the biggest Christian music festival in the Southern Hemisphere. It was dusty, dirty, incredibly humid and so much fun all at the same time.

My job this year was quite different yet it was me to a ‘T’! Instead of having a band of my own to take care of as part of the hospitality crowd, I helped to organise bits and pieces for the liaisons – trouble shooting through itinerary clashes, finding those who were lost and ‘schmoozing’ (my word for the weekend!!) with the best of them!

A couple of years ago when I first got the job and ended up at the back of mainstage, I was so in awe I probably made a complete and utter fool of myself – tripping over TV celebrities and trying to spot who was who in the bigger bands… I have to laugh looking back!... if you don’t understand why, just imagine me lost for words (yes! – that happens!) and tripping over myself with nerves!!

At the end of the day though, I’ve discovered something I’m sure you all knew – these people are just people! Talented no doubt – but just people all the same. As exciting a ride as it has all been, it’s been eye-opening to take the glam away (not hard to do when everyone is ‘glistening’ from 9am-9pm!) and just enjoy the experience.

I have made such great friends and enjoyed so many different conversations with amazing people – I’m just so stoked God let me be in the right place at the right time a few years back.

I’ve laughed till I’ve cried this weekend which is the best fun of all! From Nicola’s ‘running man’ dance moves (a-wicka-wicka-wicka!) to Michelle (my boss to whom I am both in awe of and indebted to!) and our ‘hypoxic’ moments, from Portaloo ‘poos’ (nasty spillage that was!) to photos with Ali G look-alikes – it was all there! I can’t think back on the weekend without smiling.

So the run down (for all those who want to know the trivia) from what I observed over the weekend:
Ben Lummis is super nice backstage and easy to look after.
Brooke Fraser is exactly what you see out on stage – a great example.
Audio Adrenaline had a great stage show…
Grits were AMAZING! Those boys can shake a booty with the best of them! Split rhythms, well timed show moves and enough hype to get even the smallest of crowds jumping.
Third Day were great – friendly, enjoyed chatting with anyone and that voice of Mac’s – I swear you would hear it 3 conversations away and do a double take thinking that he was right next to you!
Princess Zulu lives with HIV and has an amazing story to tell – you can’t help but be impacted by her.
Shawn McDonald is actually an amazing photographer who goes around with his camera pack on his back like a snail! He is what I heard described as a ‘brave performer’ – all alone on mainstage with his acoustic guitar – yet he captures crowds just like the big bands do.
Day of Fire would have to be the best of the best. Although not my pick of music they are the epitomy of what a good Christian band should be. They are bubbly, friendly, introduce themselves wherever they go, sign till the fans are gone, say ‘How are you?’ and mean it and would pray with anyone (ask Earl & Celia their liaisons who called it quits at 2.30am 2 and a half hours after the end of their signing schedule!!) They just oozed God and we ALL noticed it.

To see so many Christians come together, to see so many dedicate and rededicate their lives to Christ is awesome. Thank you Mark for an awesome opportunity for Christians around the world to come together and work, play, sing, laugh and most importantly spend time drawing closer to God and seeking His will for our lives – even those that were working from dawn till dusk!

To the liaison extraordinaires – you are the unsung heroes of the world of ‘make-it-happen!!’ and you did just that all the while with such grace and style. I enjoyed your company and so look forward to next year with you. To Michelle – all I can say is… love your work!

If you missed the weekend, book it in for next year. Whether you slum it or skip off site, whether you shower or stink (!!), whether you prefer rock or rave, from plebs to celebs, they’re all at Parachute and, as cliché as it sounds, there really is something for everyone! And if you do make it next year, give me a call and come visit the pridelands of the ‘make-it-happen’s!

CDYth

Privileged

You'll be pleased to know that not one more box has been taped shut but they have been moved around slightly... even if it was only to move the chairs underneath them! Can't you just hear your mother or father in the background about now: "...they won't pack themselves you know!"

I'm hip deep in uniform measurements, finding shoes, printing t-shirts, redesigning calendars and catching up with people before February 24 rolls around. The uniform requirements are slowing coming together, the t-shirts and calendars are for my little 'business venture' (more on that score later!), and friends are coming out of the woodwork for good, long catch-ups - it's great!

I work best when there's lots to be done and am enjoying each day as it comes.

Today I caught up with a friend who lost 2 children last year. Her twins, Billy and Holly, were born prematurely - little Holly lived only a few hours and Billy just 10 days. I sat there this afternoon looking at photos - afraid of my tears strangely enough - as Rhondda talked. I can't even fathom how she has lived through the grief except to say that without God, the saying 'Dying of a broken heart' could have rung true. To have watched the healing process from a distance was hard - what do you say? what don't you say? - but to have lived through it? Unimaginable. Rhondda's hard work in putting together an album of her son and daughter was awesome.

Today I felt privileged.
Privileged to sit and hear the testimony of a mother who has lost 2 children and yet still puts her trust firmly in God.
Privileged that my God is the sustainer through all things.
Privileged that although we may never understand some of His plans, He will never leave us.

Matthew 28:20 "... And lo, I am with you always, to the very end of the age."


Thank you Rhondda, for sharing with me. I was blessed beyond words to hear you talk of Billy & Holly and to hear of your faith through it all. Today truly was a day of privilege...

The Secret of the West

Down Scenic Drive for several miles.
A right turn onto a road that is unknown to most.
Travel 10km on dirt and gravel - No tourist could find it alone.
It truly is the secret of the west .... Anawhata Beach!

On a busy day, you might share this secluded secret with 10 or 12 others. Generally, you can almost have it to yourself. At the end of the dirt road, after a 2 minute walk to the track and a 10 minute descent down the steep hill, this wild, ironsand beach is for the taking.

Steph (a work colleague and great friend) and I headed out on Friday and oh, what a day! The sun was so hot there just wasn't any escape except for a quick dip in the wild surf only to dry out but a few minutes later. We took lunch, books, drink and towels and set ourselves up for a good 3 hours! - not a bad effort for the hottest part of the day I might add!

Crunching on crackers with half melted camembert cheese, scoffing my Moro bar before it became inedible (heaven forbid!!), eating warm, salty (and slightly soggy!) ham on bread and listening to the radio attached to a very cool chiller bag (pardon the White-ism!).

Photo opportunities were a plenty - I wish you were all there with me as I'm building a great supply of photos but none of faces!! - the water was warm-ish (!!) and the walk back up the hill blew out the cobwebs (with a cough and a wheeze) and was great exercise for the soul (i.e. included regular stops... to take in the view of course... and took much longer than the 10 minute downhill!)

And to all who choose to seek, you will certainly find a very well kept secret handed down from Westie to Westie - and even the ocassional would-be Westie who tramples the tie-dyed, mullet wielding, Holden driving wilderness of Waitakere!

But, as beautiful as you are, Anawhata, I must revert to what a very wise (and full blooded Southie) friend once told me:
You can take the girl out of South Auckland but you can't take South Auckland out of the girl!!
... however tempting a mullet might just be!


White-ism - a quick-whitted, well-timed yet somewhat cheesy play on words suited specifically to the conversation of the moment.

David White (aka Whitey) is notorious among teaching circles for very bad yet surprisingly well-timed... jokes - for want of a better word! His legacy lives on in many, despite our efforts to desist!

Procrastination

The Goal: pack boxes by Friday

The attempts went something like this:

Get out of bed (eventually ... still on holiday). Transfer books from bookshelf to spare room for packing, put clutter from floor onto bookshelf... things moving too fast. Pause. Lay down exercise mat and do Pilates!! Enough 'packing' for one day.

Get out of bed (slightly earlier than the day before). Pick up boxes, pack 3 and a half. Repack one - too heavy, repack another - books stacked the wrong way, repack the third - not packed properly and side collapses! More than enough for one day.

Get out of bed in time for lunch with a friend. Shop. Too much to do today to pack boxes! Must do more Pilates...!


Pathetic aren't I?! I am procrastination with a capital 'P'!! ... Perhaps I should just stop planning as when there's actually a goal, cleaning the windows appeals more! You'll be pleased to know tomorrows goal is to hit the beach - camera in hand, and my boxes?... they remain ready (I forgot to add I did tape all the bases together ready for packing!! Truly!!) yet surprisingly, EMPTY!

Fish'n'Chips

Tonight was great! Andi (a long time chick friend) and I went for a drive to the beach, took a bottle of sparkling grapejuice left over from my sister's wedding on Saturday, our beach rugs and ate fish'n'chips! How summery is that?! The epitomy of a kiwi dinner! Then (after eating just one last chip too many... not to mention the ice-cream!!), we drove around the coast chasing the sunset - an interesting feat considering we were out east. After having a bit of a winge about the deep, low-lying clouds covering the brilliant light we decided to drive on home. And then, right on cue of course, God parted the clouds and we got the most amazing views from the hilltops all the way back home ... and he did it just like, "Puh" - that! Never underestimate Him!

Our Summer has arrived - a little later than usual this year but my friends and I are determined to make the most of it. Next time, we need to remember the camera!! Anawhata - here we come!

Lorinda's Wedding

Wow! Hard to believe really but on Saturday 15th January, my big sister got married to Wes. It all seems a bit surreal - I have a brother-in-law, my sister has done the whole 'cleave and leave' thing and we've gained a whole new family in the process. It was an amazing day, with vows that made everyone smile over the fact that they will love each other's bodies as they 'change as they age'!! I was so proud of my sister and her choice of husband. Lorinda, the day was fabulous and there should be some great photos to show for it - you made for one incredibly beautiful bride sis!