Well - I've just had my first 4 day week teaching and loved it!

I also received my first teaching evaluation and did really well. I received such a positive report - I was totally big headed and over the moon. Mind you, I came straight back down to earth when I heard - 'Mrs.C, can you explain....'

I've had to create my own lesson plans, resources and so on - and then teach it to a class. The class I'm in has 46+ students and the teachers are amazing...they joined classes together and team teach. Great experiences...

With all the bad publicity that you see in the media - I'm left wondering how many people actually know and understand a teacher role. I thought I was pretty well informed with what goes on - man was I mistaken! I knew nothing even close to what goes on.

Its only been since I've started this that I have an understanding of it all. So many people bitch and complain yet know nothing about what they do, what they go through or the rules and regulations they fall under. I'd like to see some of these people take a class for a month - a week even and then ask them what they think and feel about the job and role.

Anyways, I've taught a few lessons now and they have all gone pretty much to plan - I had to change a few things half way through and to suit the class but I managed to improvise and get through it. I've even managed a behaviour management plan that has proven pretty successful...thank god for that!!

I have been so close to quitting uni this year - I'd had enough of pretending that I was coping, I'd had enough of the stress and workload that is expected. I'd had enough of the people that are there, well some of 'em anyway, I'd just had enough and wanted a break. I'm so glad that I decided to hang in there.

What I'm doing at the moment - that has reminded me why I'm putting up with all the crap. I got in front of that class and felt so much at home. I felt that I had found my place, where I was and meant to be. So - it has given me that oomph I've desperately been needing all year - it's given me that little bit of energy to complete uni.

So - that’s me so far...I'm getting there and what would life be like if there were not hurdles and brick walls to bump into - hmmm, a sight lot bloody easier! LOL

Take care, be safe and look on the positive side of life - God knows there are enough negative things in life, we don't have to keep adding to it do we......

~*~....Taylor Mali on what teachers make....~*~

I’m all for recycling but there are just some things that should NOT be recycled....EVER!

There is an email going around about this - I don't trust email alerts so I looked into it...and yeah, it is true.

There are reports of used condoms are  being recycled into hair bands. The bands originate from China have been found in markets and beauty salons.

Just think about it...

We put these things in our children's hair, they/we hold them, they even end up in mouths......can you imagine what possible germs are being spread....

Its wrong, its illegal and its outrageous!!

Below are images of the hair bands and the deconstruction of one showing the condom....

The hair bands

The deconstruction of hair bands....

You can read the actual report here

Well - I've put up the latest pics of Brodie (Grandson #3) and my daughters visit to Adelaide...but I thought I'd also share my  other suprise visitor....

The other day I was out the front of my Mum's house (its down the road from me) and I looked up the road to see a duck with a line of ducklings....very cute!!

The next day Mother duck and children came to visit me. They made themselves at home out the front of my house and then settled down out the back of my house. This really isn't something we see 'round here...

I know there are a few people that will shrug their shoulders and go 'so what' - but considering I have lived in this street as a teenager and then as an adult I have never seen ducks come into my street/suburb like this. Not without there being a lake or something next to me anyway....which there isn't...

Anyways, I made the ducks a little duck pond so they could have a swim and they have visited me every day since. They spend the morning and late afternoon with me and then leave when it starts getting on in the day. I've been having a ball with 'em.

They were pretty desperate for water when they got to me and I've had to scare the local cats away, something Mum Duck seems to be pretty grateful of as she has now let me feed her and briefly pat her....but when it comes to the babies...well, that's another story. She has chased me down my back yard a few times 'cause I've gotten a little too close to them.

Which is ok - but the babies seem to like me and want to get close....Mum doesn't seem to care too much who goes to who...she just chases me!!

Anyways, here are a few pics. There are 11 ducklings in total...

Here they are visiting me for the first time....Man, I really need to weed don't I!!

Settled down out the back of my house

Going for a swim - I just made a little area so they could get wet and have a swim....

I've been spending some time with my daughter and new grandson, Brodie....I know I'm bias, but what a sweetie!! He's such a happy baby....

Although it has just flown by - I've enjoyed spending time with Kat and I am beaming with pride. I am so proud of the woman she has become and the mother she is....mind you, I'm also a little on the down side - they go back home to Canberra tonight :(

Anyways, here are some pics. I'll be taking some more today at lunch - so I'll be getting some of Brodie and I - and may just share them here...:)

Hope you're all well - take care!

Brodie 5 months old

(Take note of the blanket Brodie is laying on - it is one that Kat made in highschool. She also made a pillow to match. It felt so good to be able to give it to her - now she can use it for her own children)

Kat, Brodie and Grant

I'm going to miss them when they go back - man, I really hate living so far away....*sniff*