26.10.13

Wow, I knew it had been awhile since my last post, but it has been over two months! Sorry about the long pause - I've been incredibly busy over the past few months. I suppose this blog is a bit of an indicator as to how much free time I have, and as you can see, I haven't had much of it lately!

I can't believe this year is so quickly coming to an end. So much has happened this year, and much of it has happened it the last several months. Let's see..... I've turned 30 years old, I've gotten engaged to my soul mate and love of my life, I'm about to start the final six units of my course, and I broke my first bone (just a silly middle toe, but it hurt like hell!). Oh, and to add to all of that, I have become an Australian citizen...... well, I suppose not quite for that last one. I've passed my citizenship test and my application has been accepted by the immigration department - now I am just waiting to attend a citizenship ceremony and take my pledge. But, until I do that, I am not "officially" a citizen. Just waiting to receive the letter to inform me of the ceremony date!

So, lots of milestones this year! In the more day to day things, life is pretty normal. I've been super busy with my studies and work, and trying to fit in some social activities whenever I can. We recently went to the coast with some mates over a long weekend, which was very nice. And summer is now quickly approaching, so Shaun and I look forward to lots of beach camping!

It's been awhile since I have spoken with some of you, so let me know when we can Skype! In the meantime, check out some photos over the last few months.....

xHB

21.08.13

Wow - I am so incredibly pleased right now! I just got my marks back from my Performing Arts unit and my Science and Environment unit - high distinctions for both!! And my final PA assignment came back with a smashing 90% and fantastic comments from my tutor. Seriously.... check this out....

"Reading your work made me want to be five years old again and in your class. I love your original and creative ideas and would employ you on the strength of this work.
You made good choices about what to present and your work is of a very high professional standard. Right from the start I felt confident that you have selected a specific age group, the theory supported your overview and introduction and the theme and experiences were developmentally appropriate. I congratulate you on your research and developing a good understanding of the theory before designing these experiences because this paid off with the integrated and playful nature of the experiences. It was very evident that you have a good understanding of how the Performing Arts in Early Childhood can create a learning context in which children can build new skills, understandings and knowledge.
The learning experiences indicate you will incorporate opportunities for children to generate, realise and respond within each area and will sustain and generate interest. This is a very competent assignment and I am confident that as an Early Childhood Educator, you will be able to engage the students in worthwhile learning and communicate this valuable information and knowledge to others."

Sorry, I know this seems like I am incredibly full of myself, but that's not how I intended. However, I am really proud that my hard work has paid off.... feeling so chuffed right now. Beer please!

xx

11.08.13

Just got back from a lovely stroll with Shaun - you can check out the pictures I took on my Flickr account. It was a lovely winter's day here in the nation's capital, so we made sure to get out of the house and enjoy it for a bit. Plus, we both needed a break from studies. Not much new to report on my end..... I do have a meeting with the person who will be my mentor teacher on my next prac - I will be teaching a Year 2 class. I'm already nervous, as the highest level I have worked with so far is kindy! Oh, and next week, I will be applying for my citizenship - I didn't think I would be very excited about, but I actually am! Tonight is fancy dinner night, and Shaun has decided to take over. He is making home-made pumpkin and pine nut ravioli with a sage butter sauce - can't wait to eat it!!! Hope you are all having lovely weekends, wherever you are in the world!

Much love, HB xx

4.08.13 - v.2

I finished the assignment! Feels so good to click the submit button - especially since the paper was nearly 7,000 words! Celebrating with a Coopers Sparkling..... and yes, those are delicious peanut butter cookies baking away in the background.

Coopers Sparkling.... or as Nit Nit once said, "A Boopers"!!

04.08.13

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts lately - I've been flat out with uni and work. So this will be a short one, as I have a massive project due later today and need to put the finishing touches on it before submitting. It's worth 60% of my final marks, so it has got to be good! Here is a picture from Friday night, featuring my lovely friend Kath. She works for the ANU and was putting on an event honouring Fred Ward, a brilliant Australian designer who created many beautiful pieces of furniture at the university. His style is minimalistic and absolutely gorgeous - Dad, I reckon you would really like some of his pieces. Kath helped put on a fantastic event, and there was free bubbly!

Happy friends on a Friday evening

13.07.13

Hey everyone! It certainly has been awhile since my last post, so I will try my best to fill you in on what's been going on over the past several weeks. Let's see, several weeks ago, I got very ill and was sick for about a week...... so that pretty much sums up 5-6 days of the past month! I had a really terrible flu bug and it was so awful. Feeling all good now, and hope that is my only sickness this winter! That week really put me behind with uni and work, so the next week or so was crazy busy, as I had two massive projects due for my course. But, I got everything done and submitted on time, and already found out I got an HD on one of the projects! Shaun's sister, Carolyn, came to visit after that and stayed for a week or so. We spent about 5 days in Sydney, and it was so much fun. It was really lovely to have her for a visit. And that pretty much brings us up to date..... nothing too exciting to report, as you can see. It's the weekend, and this Saturday has been pretty much a waste - Shaun and I had a few after work drinks last night, and then went to check out this Malay restaurant in the city that we had never been to. BIG MISTAKE!!! The food was not that great and we were both sick all last night - we both had really terrible stomach cramps and only slept for about 4 hours. Needless to say, we have felt like rubbish today and have not been very productive. I got a bit of cleaning and washing done, and we started on our taxes, but other than that, we've been pretty useless.

Oh, I am going to start using my Flickr account again, so if you want to see some snaps from the past few weeks, have a look here.

Hope you all are doing well, and would love to set up Skype dates soon!

xxHB

23.06.13

It's 8.43am on Sunday morning here, and I have already been awake for three hours! Couldn't sleep, so I've been up studying. Nothing like waking up when the moon is still full and bright in the sky! Oh well – at least I've been productive...... although I foresee an afternoon nap in my future!