So, I have neglected blogging lately and wish this wasn’t the case….. I’ll make it my goal to blog 1-2 times per week or more, hopefully. I used to do it everyday and then I was sick, started getting really busy with work, plus commuting and this got pushed aside.
Anyhow, things were a bit crazy this weekend because Dave’s sister broke her ankle in 2 places on Friday night. It was insane; there was no swelling, but after they did an X-ray 3 hours later, they discovered that she had a massive spiral fracture on her tibia and her growth plate on the front of her bone had completely chipped off. With that information, the Doctors decided that she should go to Whangerai to see a specialist and figure out if she needed to have surgery. So, Saturday morning, she took a 3 hour ambulance ride to Whangerai where they did an X-ray and decided they would do surgery to repair the massive spiral fracture on her tibia, and re-set her growth plate. Saturday, Dave and I jogged on the beach (which is a new thing and I’m very excited about doing it to help me get in shape), and then went to Hannah’s soccer team’s game to deliver their water bottles and some cut oranges. We stayed to watch the game and spent the rest of the day putzing around, playing music and making food. Sunday, Dave and I jogged on the beach in the morning, then made 50 liters of lager, I ripped out the tomatoes and planted a cold hardy variety, (its not even that cold here, just at night), then I started making food: guacamole and salsa to go with our Mexican dinner, tomato and orzo pasta for Dave and I to eat at our separate places on Monday/ Tuesday, washed heaps of lettuce, and got all that packed away.
Today was a good day at school. I only had 9 students for most of the day because some were off getting vaccinations and then 10 went on a field-trip to local streams to test their toxicity. Regardless of how cool that sounds, I was in a shitty mood that didn’t hit me until I reached the school. There was a position advertised for 2 -3 days per week release for the Principal and his 1st year teacher. (Explanation: Principal’s out here are frequently classroom teachers as well and are given 2 days out of the classroom to keep up with their Principal duties. Also, first-year-teachers/ beginning teachers are also given 1 day per week out of the classroom. These days are called release days). So, I had applied for this position and the applications closed on Friday. I found out Saturday that I did not get the position, which didn’t bother me at the time. However, when I was at school today and they conducted an interview for that position, I was a bit irritated. Later in the day, I was told that he still will probably need me, so I’m not too bummed about it. ☺
Also, after work, I found another serial number for Photoshop CS4 so I can continue editing and posting photos for Dave’s website www.benavidesguitars.com which was great. I then headed up to this lovely house on the hill, changed and headed down to the beach where I did my walking then jogging for 30+ minutes. I can run for 2 minutes, then walk for a few and continue on. Supposedly in 8 weeks, I will be able to run 30 minutes. I’ll be stoked when that happens. What really kicked my ass was walking back up the hill to the house, SHIT! I was winded, sweaty and red faced from climbing that grassy sand mountain for 10 minutes, not really from jogging. Either way, my legs are a hurtin something fierce right now which is good and it makes me feel guilt-free about this wine and pasta.
Tomorrow, I am hoping that we can read the Maori story/ myth of how this land was created and (based on the sweet ass children’s book I have, complete with illustrations), and the students can make their own artwork, which we can paint/ add color to somehow. It’s a really interesting story about how the Earth is the Mother and sky is Father, and once they have children their children start plotting on how to separate them. The only one who succeeds is Tane Mahuta, which is the God of the Trees. Look up Tane Mahuta on google, and you will see there is a Kauri tree that is 2000 years old and is massive. So, Tane Mahuta was the child who succeeded in separating his parents by slowly pushing them apart as he continued to grow. Strange and beautiful. I enjoy learning about Maori culture. Its built around nature and Maori’s are very appreciative and aware of the spirit within everything, hence whenever they take something from the Earth, be it cutting a tree or catching a fish, they say a short prayer thanking that being for its life and giving itself to them. I think it is beautiful.
Overall, things have been going quite well. I have had 4 days of work the last 3 weeks and after this week, school is on holiday for 2 weeks. I’m excited, and could really use the break. I have been a bit stressed cause the work I’ve had consistently in Hannah’s classroom is stopping. I was filling in for a woman who is pregnant, but has now passed her 1st trimester and won’t be sick anymore. Damn. Meg has said that she wants to cut back 2 days at Pawarenga, so hopefully I can get those 2 days per week and continue getting some other days at various schools. It hasn’t been a problem so far, and shouldn’t in the future but I’m a worrier.
Dave and I have been doing great; working well together at home, being creative, playing music, laughing and being fuckin silly. Its allgood. I think we’re both happy that I have this night down in Mitimiti though as we both have been craving some alone time, (I think); he’s been itching to record music and I could really use the time to catch up on writing and have some quiet time to myself. Its 8pm right now and I think I’m about to pass out. Guess that’s my agenda…. Read about the Maori Creation Story and get some zzzzzzzz’s. And since I killed the 2 mozzies that were in my room that is possible. G’nite.
Some artwork the kids were working on out here at Matihetihi School in Mitimiti.
The sun setting out of my bedroom window in Mitimiti
