Holidays, friends, family, memories and Christmas looming

Yay! The one and only perk of the job for teachers has arrived - HOLIDAYS!  You can bag me for it all you like - and many do.  I love my work, but like everyone, I certainly look forward to some time at home with my family - it's one of the reasons I chose teaching.  I am a lucky lady at the moment - all my kids are home.  I love the fact that my lummoxes are growing into independent young men - but I do miss them when they are away from home.  They are eating me out of house and home, wrestling with each other and driving their father nuts - it's fabulous!
My dad showing a bit of attitude as a young man.  He's on my mind this time of year.
The last day of school for me this year and last year has also fallen on the anniversary of my father's death.  He passed away in 2014 after battling Lewy body dementia that robbed him of his independence and so much more.  I made the mad dash over to London with my sister Laura to support our younger sister Ellie and to be with Dad in his last moments, but haven't made time around the anniversary of his death over the last couple of years.  It is such a busy time of year and the last day of school is full of celebration and fun - all of which I love - so the memory of Dad's passing just tugs on my heart and pricks the corners of my eyes every now and then while I'm celebrating with my colleagues.  I love the hipster dad photo - my lovely bloke has printed this one for me to frame.  I need to find it a prominent spot.
Guard your phone carefully at the pub or you could find photos like this!
Back to the celebrating and reflecting on the year that has passed.  Our school has a fantastic celebration for our teachers on the last day.  We have loads of fun - we are a work hard, play hard sort of an organisation.  We have an awesome game of thieving Santa followed by a catered lunch.  Last year we finished on a Thursday and indulged in some outrageous karaoke action - sadly we couldn't convince the publican at The Vic to put karaoke on for us on a Friday - didn't stop us from singing, dancing and staying out til closing time!

So, end of the work year done and dusted gives me time to reflect on what has happened for me in 2016.  Probably my biggest news has been my election to the Cromwell Community Board and the shift to a more public life.  It is still very early days - but probably quite tumultuous days as our new board settles in and the issues that were campaigned on come to the fore.  We will find ways of working together toward the future for our town.  My biggest learning curve isn't about the 470+ page agendas or making sure I have done my homework.  My biggest learning curve is about managing the issues, not taking it personally and accepting that I am one voice in seven on our board.  It is important for me to connect with people from all walks of life and for me to be sure about where I stand on issues, knowing that I have done my homework and understand the implications of the decisions that are made by the board.  It is also really important that I understand that a decision going against my personal thinking isn't ever a full stop - it has to be an opportunity to look at an issue from a different point of view and to find a way forward that will provide a positive outcome for our community.  I am looking forward to the new year, the next meeting and getting some momentum going.
Volunteer work force who were part of the crew that built the Cromwell Memorial Hall
So, the beginning of the holidays might have started with a hang over (I'm sure I'm not alone in that), but the first few days have provided some relaxation and some preparation toward Christmas.
Chrissy deco fruit bowl

Enormous Christmas tree as usual - looks like it's on a lean but is well tied to the wall - no earthquake risk
Craig and Jack went on the annual Christmas tree hunt and came back with a beauty - our little bit toward tackling the wilding pines problem.  We also managed some gardening, beer and platters on our lovely sheltered patio and a trip to the market over the weekend.

Perfect summer fare - smoked salmon, crostini, pate, olives and cheese - yum!
This week, so far has been spent on Christmas baking - kids are very happy.  Click the links if you would like to try the recipe.
Chocolate vanilla spiral cookies

Ginger stars

Christmas rocky road
Have a very merry Christmas!

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