Avatar

Saw the ads on TV and decided I wasn't in a hurry to see it.  It looked a little environmental soppy and political for my liking.

But then I did see it.  In 3D.

Man.  Do you remember going to see Star Wars in 1977?  Do you remember how you were wowed by the effects?  How did they get stars to twinkle like that?  How did that huge Star Destroyer seem to hover over our heads in the theatre?

Well go see Avatar.  Sure it has that environmental soppy political theme to it but thirty years on and finally we have a whole new cinema experience.  The 3D? Just go see it for yourself.

It barely needed a plot. And I'm not your Transformers/Terminator/Special effects blockbuster kind of chick.

'twas the night before Christmas ...

The wreath is on the door.

The tree is dressed and ready.

Carrots and sugar have been put out for the Reindeer.

And the ham is being glazed as I type.

It must be almost Christmas!

A very merry Christmas to you, and yours. And a safe, happy and prosperous New Year to you all.

Love M xxxooo

Breathe out ...

A couple of weeks ago I took a huge breath in and prepared for the manic last weeks of school. One child finished school on Wednesday and one finishes next Wednesday but given that the last three days of school consist of packing up books, holding a 'talent day' and going to the park I consider it to be more akin to babysitting than school.

This last week has been particularly manic with performance reviews due at the office, speech night for the youngest, concert band performing at the local carols evening, presentation assembly for the eldest and then her clarinet exam today.

On Wednesday night my 9yo was given the above award at his speech night. Its held in a local church with a long aisle and plenty of room for all parents. PL had to walk the length of the aisle to receive this well deserved award.

Blossom was inducted as a school prefect for 2010 at her presentation day yesterday. We learnt that the school will increase to 750 students next year. When Blossom started in 2004 the school had 500 students.

Blossom (R) and Mozzie looking over the examiner's remarks after their 3rd grade clarinet exams at The Con today. They were both thrilled to get a B+.

It has been a long week and I look forward to a sleep-in tomorrow...

Hands up who wants to move Christmas?

• Gifts for teachers - check
  
• Christmas pudding made - check
  
• Interstate Christmas Gifts posted - check (mostly)
  

Just over a week ago I had a mild panic about Christmas.  Who in their right mind thought it was a good idea to have Christmas AND the end of the school year so close together?  Really, couldn't we maybe move Christmas to late February then we could have the whole summer to plan.

And of course some daft-minded companies schedule their annual performance reviews for right now.  

But anyway I think I'm mostly under control.  

Except for Christmas Cards.

Every year I send out Christmas cards by the 1st December or thereabouts.  I wonder what will happen if I don't send any this year?  Do you ever wonder how many of the cards you get are simply 'reply' cards.  Perhaps I'll see who sends first... a little childish but it'll be our little secret.

But you know I won't be able to help myself.

It's like New Year's Eve.  I said I wasn't going to host a New Year's Eve party this year.  But, you know, I actually like having a NYE party - so I've sent out invitations.

The 9yo finishes school tomorrow and he told us tonight that he will be getting a certificate.  I'm not sure whether that means he gets a certificate at Speech Night or at their final assembly. And we have no idea what the certificate is for.  Either way we are extremely proud of him because it's his first year at a new school where he had to learn a whole new routine and make new friends.  It's been a great move for him.

Our 11yo, Blossom, has her presentation assembly on Friday.  She has been announced as a Prefect/Leader for Year 6 next year (I'm not sure what to call it, the school are using the terms interchangeably).  The School and Vice Captains will be announced out of the prefect group at the Assembly.

Just to ensure that we are not bored this week Blossom's school band is playing the carols for the local carols service on Thursday night and she has her 3rd grade clarinet exam on Saturday.

Like I said earlier - school end or Christmas has got to be moved.  I vote Christmas because I'm quite fond of the summer holidays.