B's Birthday

So the big fella had another birthday this week and so we rented out a little home theatre that a man here runs as a charitable facility, and invited some friends to come and enjoy Bryce's love of The Italian Job movie (the old version, of course). Everybody received goody bags and a little car to use and make noises with during the car scenes. Great fun!!
Also, I have finished marking! I am thrilled! It was pretty full-on for the last few days, even doing 180 papers on Wednesday night just to keep up with quota. Yikes. I am happy not to be reading any more about genetics and microorganisms!!
Bryce and I are going away for Christmas to the farm (his cousins) to help shear sheep, race down a river on rafts and experience another NZ Christmas. After that, we are heading up to Rotorua for 4 days to play in the MTB park. We go to Rotovegas occasionally but it is never to just ride, always for some other reason and we try to fit a ride in. Well, not this time. We are going to explore the park and enjoy it! Then my cousin Jen arrives, we head across to Kapiti Island bird sanctuary on the 4th, my birthday on the 5th and then I leave for Japan on the 7th. I am going to try to and write a bit more on here during my trip. I am sure I will have some stories. I heard Japan is a BIT different to Canada and New Zealand; Yeah, right.

The estate

Most recent pic of the house. Our neighbours have chopped down these beautifully old trees to give their house some more light (to be fair, they really had a very dark backyard) but it has exposed some of our private little homestead. So we took some pics before the chop occurred. You couldn't tell from this pic though.

Rod and Sonia's wedding

We went to Rod and Sonia's wedding a few weeks ago and it was great fun. They got married in a little church out in the country and then the reception was in a marquee in their backyard, which is also out on a bit of land. Great day, pretty good weather (considering what we have been having lately), great dancing and good friends. Fun was had by all, including the dog Tui, who was the ring bearer!
Congratulations guys!

too long

been too long since I've posted anything. Been super busy, as it always is at the end of the school year. At least the weather is beginning to look like summer. I had my last night off last night until Christmas (because I start marking today) and so Bryce and I had a couple of Coronas out on the back deck, with sunset, and a BBQ, and some Toffee Pops to finish it off. Lovely night!

So we have just over one week of school left, and the kids are getting prety hairy already. It'll be good to see this year finish as being a Dean has been a rewarding but very difficult year as well. I have accepted the job again for next year, and get to continue working alongside my partner Fiona who is a fantastic worker, so I'm thrilled.

I am heavily reading at night my Lonely PLanet book about Japan, trying to get prepared for the trip in January. Bit nervous as it turns out I will have a bit of free time most days and nights when the students are with their homestays. I have learned Watashi wai Candace des (which I think means my name is Candace). Who knows? I think I will just find some women in the park and learn how to play mah-jong.

Off to the first of several meetings today (one even goes from 1:30 -9:30)!