I wasn't always a teacher Part 1

I have been struggling lately with motivation, energy and time and therefore have let blogging slip a little.

I know it's not supposed to be an onerous occupation and ever since Lea introduced me to the possibilities of blogging I've been hooked. I really enjoy sharing my passions, experinces, joys, celebrations and sometimes traumas that hit us all. I have loved meeting all the wonderful people around the world, finding out about them and hearing theur stories. Recently I have been fortunate to gain a number of new readers who comment so positively and encouragingly to my thoughts and feelings. I have been lucky to have a few readers who have been following me since the very beginning.

With more followers comes more responsibility. As I'm not someone who likes to take and not back I have felt some frustration at not being able to do blogging justice. We all get busy but the blogging world only survives because we take the time to respond and show we care. I find it special to be involved in other people's lives. A heart-felt sorry to those followers who I haven't got to recently.

With that big build up I'm now going to revisit an old post to go alongside this apologetic post. It continues a theme I started 2 weeks ago on Getting To Know You.

I know several of my readers are or were teachers so this post might appeal to them. Let's face it we've all had school day experiences good and bad and this post helps explain why I'm a teacher and the significance teaching has in my life. Good often comes from bad and I believe my poor education makes me a better teacher. Here is my story!


Here is a photo of my official teacher registration presentation in Porirua while working at Waitangirua Intermediate.

Thankyou very much!

 

I wasn't always a teacher [Part 1]

How I became a teacher was more luck than good management. More details at a later date.

On leaving school I trained to be a Catholic Priest for 2 years in Christchurch. However at the tender age of 19 realised that there was so much I hadn't experienced of life and decided I needed to do some exploring. Without giving my life story I'd like to mention about my early work history and some light hearted moments.

Usual church group but not usual dress attire [that's me lying down]

Having left the Seminary I looked after delinquent boys under the guidance of a Brother who couldn't believe I could sleep so much. It was a rundown house we lived in and at night the mice came out to play. I remember my feelings of horror when the lounge would come alive with up to 15 mice. Frankly I was quite relieved after 6 months when the Brother suggested I look for other employment.

I stayed in Christchurch for the next 2 years working for Ballantynes Department Store [famous for their fire in the 1930's] in their office in Cashel St. It seems hard to believe that I worked in an area that recently was devastated by the disastrous eathquake of February 2011.

Now in my early 20's I thought I would go back to my home town of Dunedin. I moved in with mum and dad and was fortunate to get a job with Cadburys. I started out as a Storeman to my dad's disappointment. He felt 5 years of College was wasted doing labouring work. Some interesting characters! One I worked with took great pleasure daily winding me up with comments such as 'you're lucky you weren't born a dwarf' [reference to my small stature] and regularly referred to me as a Temporary New Zealander [due to my owning a motorbike]. After a year in the store I moved into the Cadbury Office to the delight of my dad. I delivered mail around the factory and was able to sample some of the wares as I proceeded on my rounds. In those days I was extremely popular with my running buddies who purchased chocolate bars at about 10 cents each.

In my mid 20's I knew there was a big world out there and pursued my dreams to travel America and Britain.

Due to the length of this blog and the reality that I had far too many exciting and interesting times on my 3 year O.E to include here I will sign off. I will reflect on some of the most memorable experiences in preparation for my next entry.

My Dad

As promised I am doing a post about my dad and why he is special to me. A small few of my readers will already know some of this information.

In April 2011 my family had got together to celebrate dad's 80th birthday. It was a special celebration made all the more memorable because only 2 years previously he'd had a life threatening heart problem and subsequent critical operation. It had been a long recuperation for him but he is now looking better than ever. Aware that time is precious triggered my decision to spend more time with my dad last Christmas.

My dad and I have had a special relationship since I was little that evolved around our Catholic faith and sporting interests.

I was brought up as a Catholic and religion played a big part in my early life leading up to my entering the Seminary to train as a Catholic Priest. My mum and dad were extremely proud of their oldest boy pursuing this calling. Sadly for them I only lasted 2 years and branched out into the big bad world.

When I was growing up my dad and I did a lot together in the sporting arena with competition fierce. We both have a highly competitive streak which occasionally could get a bit nasty. My fondest memories are having dad see me score a try in rugby when I was about 10. We also for many years played regular squash games with honours pretty even.

The sporting activity that I remember best are the early morning golf outings. Through my College years dad would get me up at 5:30 once or twice a week and we would go to Chisholm Park, our favourite golf course and play 9 holes. Sadly no matter how often I played my performance never improved and dad always had the edge.

On leaving school the activity that dad and I have enjoyed most together is going to the local pub, having a beer and shooting some pool.

This now brings me back to the present. My dad now lives at the Little Sisters of the Poor as he is well looked after there. He runs the poor sisters ragged sometimes and he is the life and soul of the Home. Although he has become a little more frail he is as sharp as a tack when he gets on the pool table. Even now when we play I know I have to be on my best form to take him down. As dad and I often say May the Best Man Win and if he doesn't I'm sure he will come up with a hard luck story or equally good excuse.

Is your dad still alive? Do you have special memories? What special activities did you or do you do still with your dad?

Families

I'm sure most of you would agree that our families are really important to us!

I grew up with 4 brothers and sisters and keep regular contact although we are spread out. Getting all together on special occasions is really precious especially as the years go by. Having had what might be called a tumultuous start to life has created a strong bond between us. Dad had been our rock and will get some extra plugs in this and future posts!

Here is a picture taken on one of those rare occasions when we all managed to assemble at the one place, including my sister, Margaret in Australia. It was taken New Year's Eve at my brother, Vincent's place in Nelson which I posted on recently.

From Left-Dad, Bernard, Catherine, Margaret, Vincent and myself

 ]

With my sisters Margaret and Catherine

Dad's 70th
In April twelve years ago our family were preparing to congregate from around New Zealand and Australia and descend upon Dunedin! We were coming together to celebrate dad's 70th! The night before I left Wellington to fly down my next door neighbour asked if I had written a song for my dad for the occasion. I replied that I hadn't but since time was of the essence, promptly sat down and worked on it.
After about 30 minutes of reflecting and writing my poetic thoughts about what dad meant to me and the family, I excitedly approached the piano. After about another 30 minutes I had a tune and played it through a number of times. Feeling rather pleased with myself I rested easy in preparation for the trip hoping I had something special to present to dad!

On arriving in Dunedin and meeting up with my brothers and sisters I was delighted with their enthusiasm for my song. We practised it for several days and on the Saturday night at the conclusion of the celebrations, we all sang it for him as a special birthday surprise. It was quite an emotional performance that we proudly honoured him with. 

 
Click below to listen to my song dedicated to my dad called Loving Heart! Some of you have heard it before.

Lord of the Rings

With no functioning camera at the moment I dug up 2 posts I did on my other blog. As many of my current readers have only recently become followers I thought I should show some wonderful Kiwiana. Here is a revised look back at those posts.


Two summer holidays ago I had the good fortune of touring Hobbiton, the starting point to the Fellowship of the Ring.

I myself, I have to admit, am not the biggest Lord of the Rings fan but our children have seen the movie numerous times. Kate has tried to educate me in the intricacies of the plot. We were all blown away by the splendid and magical setting.

Our guide was amazing! He was knowledgeable and extremely funny. He told us some incredible stories of how fanatical some tourists who come to Hobbiton are.

One man had bought an $800 Hobbiton gold ring and chartered a plane over Mt Doom and threw in the ring to destroy it as was talked about in the movie.

Another couple of tourists had learnt elvish and one of the couple would interpret what the guide said and translate it in to elvish for his friend.

There were many stories and wonderful information we were told about the owners of the property, upkeep of the grounds, filming details and the significance of parts of the set. A must visit for any Lord of the Rings fans.

 

This post brings back fond memories. Must take Lea, Bianca and Caitlyn for a look. Like me I'm sure they will find it an incredible experience.

Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? I wasn't but I will now watch the movie with a lot more interest!

Liebster Award

Thank you to Marleen Swart from Live Life with Us who awarded me with a Liebster Award.  I really enjoy Marleen's blog as she is such an inspiration with her fitness and healthy living.  She has come a very long way and has made incredible progress - an inspiration to many!

Here is how it works:

The rules:

1. Thank the person who awarded you the award and link back to their blog.
2. Post 11 facts about yourself, answer the 11 questions you were asked and create 11 questions for your nominees.
3. Nominate 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen.
4. Display the Liebster Award logo
5. No tag backs

11 Facts about me:

1. My favourite TV show from when I was a kid was 'All in the family' - I'm so excited it is coming to Sky in the next month!
2. I am a fitness fanatic.  Here is a little video clip to share with you - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJyerlMQQng
3. I enjoy travel and have been fortunate to visit most of Europe and have a special attachment to London where I worked for 2 and a half years and made some good friends.
4. Spent a year in America where I found the people extremely friendly.  They wanted me to keep talking because of my accent.
5. My favourite car is a Jaguar XJS.  I owned one when I was younger, but sadly had to sell it.
6. I love chocolate (more than I should...) and found it difficult to control my obsession when working for Cadburys.  My friends affectionately named me the Moro Man as I got special deals for them... by the box-full.
7. I am extremely shy amongst strangers, but put me in a room with people I know well, I can talk up a storm! :-)
8. I never say uhm or ah when I have a conversation.
9. I can't stand it when people lick their finger before passing a page / document to me.
10. I prefer the company of a few close friends.
11. I struggle to sleep a whole night through and often seem to wake up around 3am with my mind working overtime.  I've tried various remedies but yet to find one that consistently works.

11 Questions asked:

1. If things had gone differently, where would you be?  Stuck in a rut with no future.
2. Do you recall one defining moment in your childhood and what was it? Finishing 9th in the school cross country at the age of 10 and not being satisfied.
3. What did you want to be when you grew up and what are you now? I wanted to be a Catholic Priest and ended up a teacher.
4. What was the one promise you made to yourself that you still strive to achieve? To be happy and live for the moment.
5. Are you happy? Working on it and getting there.
6. Whats on top of your bucket list this year? Gettg a medal at the road relays later in the year and finally competing in the Taupo Cycle Challenge.
7. Who is your bestest family member? My brother Vincent.
8. What sport are you into? Running and cycling. 
9. What time do you go to bed?  Usually aim for 10pm, but often much later than that.
10. What is the last thing you do before going to bed? Switch the lights off and lock the door.
11. When last did you take a leap of faith in something or someone?  A few days ago at the auction for our new house.

Here are my questions to the people I will be tagging:

1. What is the last dream you remember?
2. What is your favourite relaxation activity?
3. What style of music do you prefer?
4. If you and I spent the day together what would we be doing?
5. Do you prefer hot or cold drinks?
6. What is your favourite indulgence?
7. If you could achieve one thing this year, what would it be?
8. Are you patient or impatient?
9. If you could spend 24 hours with someone famous who would it be and why?
10. When are you at your happiest?
11. Lastly, looking at yourself in the mirror which part of you are you most proud of and why?

I now tag:

Mrs Micawber (http://mrsmicawber.blogspot.co.nz/)
Fundy Blue (http://selkiegrey4.blogspot.co.nz/)
Librarian {http://librarianwithsecrets.blogspot.co.nz/}
Valerie [http://allsortsforallsorts.blogspot.co.nz/]
Jane and Chris (http://swiftsuresongbird.blogspot.co.nz/)
Maria (http://thenextstage-maria.blogspot.co.nz/)
Flowerlady Lorraine (http://thecontinuingjourney.blogspot.co.nz/)
A Normandy Kitchen (http://www.anormandykitchen.com/)
Kay G (http://georgiagirlwithanenglishheart.blogspot.co.nz/)
Ellie (http://elliesplaceintheworld.blogspot.co.nz/)
Kay http://travelerswife.blogspot.co.nz/

There are so many good blogs I follow and it was hard choosing just 11. Please excuse the messed up font - Blogger is acting up a bit tonight!

Highest Bidder

That's us! We're now proud owners of a 4 bedroom brick house 2005 model! Well that is not entirely true! The bank also has a large share in the property but in 15 - 20 years it will be all ours!

Lea, Bianca, Caitlyn, Kate, Alice and myself are very happy owners as of now with a move in date of July 22.

I'll give you a quick run-down of proceedings.

Last Sunday on a wet miserable day we drove the streets looking for a house after some internet investigations. We had looked at quite a few houses over the previous 2 weekends but had not found anything that ticked all the boxes. I had ignored any properties on Auction as I was unfamiliar with the process and did not like the uncertainty of not knowing the value of the property. Well we passed a house I had looked up that was on auction and thought it was worth a look based on the photos that were used in the agent's promotion. It was love at first sight!

After a careful deliberated tour we quizzed the agent who said the vendor wanted between 480,000 and 530,000 and the auction was on Wednesday. I quickly got a builder's inspection that gave the house a clean bill of health and I impatiently waited for Wednesday to arrive.

Knowing that the owner was in need of the sale and the agent's confidence that there was no-one else she knew who could put in an unconditional offer I hopefully approached the auction room.

After a brief chat with the auctioneer on etiquette prior to the auction I put in a bold but cheeky bid at 450,000. This was never going to win it as the house was valued at 530,000. The Auctioneer and I bid in lots of 10,000 to get a bit closer to the vendor's reserve. After the Auctioneer bid for the vendor at 500,000 I upped him 1,000. Time for negotiation!

Quite quickly the Auctioneer said ''For 530,000 the house is yours!'' I was taken by surprise, took a deep breath and thankfully had the composure to stick to my guns and didn't make the jump from 501,000.

To cut to the chase over the next 2 days after a lot of to and fro-ing we came to an agreement with a figure of 519,000.

According to the agent we got a really good deal on the property and we can't wait until moving day.

Would like to share some photos with you now of our new home!

Back view from the kitchen

Plenty of playing area for kids of all ages

Bathroom with spa bath

Looking out front door

Master Bedroom

Rural view from Master Bedroom

En-suite Bathroom

Bianca's Bedroom as her favourite colour is blue

Caitlyn's Bedroom...room to spread out

Unfortunately no photo of Kate and Alice's room!

Apologies to my loyal followers who have been starved of comments from me. I plan to rectify the situation tomorrow.

Off to bed now for me! This house buying is exhausting!