that Saturday

It has finally arrived... and in some ways it is always too soon. I speak of the last Saturday of the holidays.
It is a bitter-sweet day. I know I have to get into the usual weekend mode preparing home for school in a practical sense- ensuring washing and housework are up to date, but not least turning my body clock around from the casual 'take my time 'atitude in the mornings to 'wow! it's 6am, got to get up and I'm not even too tired' mode! This is no mean feat for a night owl, but I've enjoyed my 2 weeks break from it so I can't complain.
I spent 3 days in Adelaide with my 4 kids and my parents. It's great that I can stay a bit longer than one night at a time now. I've organised things here so that works and can take my companion with me. No, it's not a man... pity... but he is still good company. I speak of my Border Collie/Kelpie dog Muttley! He also comes to school with me often and is a great companion for kids (and staff) who are struggling a bit. Nothing like tha unconditional love of an animal to drive those blues away!
My daughter, Mel (short for Melanie) and I made gingerbread. It is popular fare in my family and we had a blast! Of course we also went shopping, spending time at Ikea and Big W.
Eating out at cafes is also a must so we all spent time doing that.
My parents, Muttley and I walked along the beach. It was very pleaseant despite the winter cold. There wasn't much beach actually... full moon and rough weather... but it was still great. We had coffee and snacks at a cafe by the sea. We were in an area protected from the elements by clear blinds. Even so the froth from my cuppaccino blew off the spoon on one occasion as I tried to lift it to my mouth! It was a bit 'brisk'!
The last 2 weeks have involved catching up with school paper work and preparation. It's been great to have that time.
I also caught up with myself a bit more, if that makes any sense. I've read articles about Aboriginal education and how one school addresses this in an 'outside the square' way... right up my alley. I will apply to teach there next year because, although the school I'm at will probably have another year's work there for me, it is not guaranteed and I feel the need to set things in place. I love where I'm teaching now. I get to do all kinds of programs, and I know that I can apply my complete tendancy to 'think outside the square' in a supportive environment.
Of course, should I win a position there I will have to relocate to Adelaide and I'm really in two minds about that. There are pros and cons for either outcome. If my application is not successful I'll be happy enough to let things ride into 2009 unless anything else more interesting surfaces.
Anyway... I'd better get myself going with this Saturday.
Catch you all again soon.