Back Soon…

I probably won’t be blogging much over the next 9 days as I will be away from home. I will tell all about my adventure when I return. I’m excited and nervous, hoping I’ve packed properly and completed all the important chores. I know my home is in safe hands and most things can wait.

Can’t talk now…too busy…

Last Day at Work Tomorrow

My desk is clear and I have moved to my new office. I am excited about next year and the challenges and opportunities I will have in my new role at school as a Year Level Co-ordinator. I have felt very enthusiastic in my preparations. There are lots of changes and shifts at our school next year.

I have finished my mosaic table – really truly this time! I will put up a photo when I get back from my trip.

We have 3 campuses and there has been a lot of movement between them. People are leaving the school for a variety of reasons. It will be quite different next year due to all the movement.

Tomorrow will be filled mostly with celebrations. A breakfast with our campus, complete with Santa and Kris kindle/kringle (whatever!) will begin the day. Then our entire college will join for a mass and then a luncheon and the year will be completed.

I am looking forward to some time off. I need to sleep a bit more and get relaxed. I have an adventure planned and lots of little things around my home I would like to achieve.

This year has been huge. I am ready for a rest.

What Books Would I Buy for Teens this Christmas?

If I had to buy a teenager a book this Christmas, I would have to select one of the Girlosophy books by Anthea Paul. Give the gift of self-esteem. I would purchase J. C Burke’s ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’, any of James Moloney or Michael Gerard Bauers recent books such as ‘Don’t Call Me Ishmael’ or ‘Lost Property’ are great novels. Maureen McCarthy and Brigid Lowrys’ latest releases were also great this year.

I have reviewed briefly all the books I have mentioned above and if you click on the young adult reading tag, you can browse through to find something that might interest your loved one. If you have a specific child in mind, email me with some info about them and I might be able to suggest something more specific. I would need age, interests, reading habits to make a really good choice. I am heading off on an adventure Saturday so better be quick!

I usually buy my kids a book at Christmas. I have been doing it for so long, they would miss it if I didn’t. In fact I buy every kid I buy gifts for, books. One year I thought I’d do something different and get beach towels, I felt I was being a bit selfish, because I love books so much and actually enjoy selecting them for the kids. Several complained that they were relying on my present for their summer reading, so I went back to my original strategy.

A book often doesn’t seem much to a kid when they first open it. So don’t expect too much instant gratitude. It’s often weeks or months later that you get the phone call or email to say what a great present it was and how much they loved it. I’ve never had that kind of feedback with other toys.