One of the hardest things I've ever done..

Goal 9: Find a band to play trumpet in

Over the past couple of weeks, goal 9 has attracted mixed feelings.

Since 1994, trumpet has been a very large part of my life.  Originally a "last option" option (my arms weren't long enough for trombone, arms too short for flute, hands not big enough for clarinet/saxophone, no space for percussion), my Amati trumpet and I became good friends.  Not only has trumpet provided me with a way to expand my lungs and prevent asthma from taking control of my life as it did from a young age, but also opened up a new world of friends, music and experiences.

My Amati.  Tough, reliable, mellow sounding and will always be a fond part of the musical instrument collection.  As I improved, the Kings came along.  Firstly, a King 600 student model.  Beautiful and crisp sound, fanfare abilities beyond belief.  I loved it. 

The King 600.

Come a few years later, my ambitions to become a jazz legend were once again aided by King trumpets and their silver flair model.

The King Silver Flair - upturned bell once created by accident but now manufactured to enhance sound and emulate the man below...

Dizzy Gillespie - jazz legend (and not bad looking!)

Trumpets and I toured various states, played countless Bands Festivals, woke up many a person with a spirited Reveille, played "The Last Post" at assemblies and blasted rehearsals from the back of the room just because as a trumpet player you can do that.  It's the trumpeter's ego and I love it.

University saw a decrease in playing as did starting work but there is still a strong love for a simple instrumet.  Three valves mean you don't rely on octave keys or tricks to get range - you work for it.  Many a blood nose on a hot summer rehearsal can prove that!

Since 1994, there has been a man who has been there to encourage, guide, push and support my love of playing and music in general.  Afterschool rehearsals in my lounge room as we duetted to various music stylings.  The early days of hand written ditties before I progressed to real music.  Playing so all the neighbours could hear in Mount Waverley and later Wantirna.  Learning new techniques to play screech trumpet much to the annoyance of anyone in the house at the time.  Learning the tricks of the trade (like if you put 1 part milk to 2 parts water through your trumpet, you build up the vertigrease meaning a more mellow sound or how Mr Sheen is better than any valve oil on the market).  Breaking down complex pieces or parts to ensure even the trickiest parts fell into place.  Painting his old trumpet blue because blue trumpets are just so much cooler.

Unfortunately, Eric passed away on the 17th August.  Now I am very fortunate in the sense I have not lost friends or siblings, but the loss of a mentor is one that is hard to describe.  For a man that passed on so much of his love of music to me, there was only one small token of my appreciation I could give so there was no hesitation that his send off would include a musical tribute.

Choosing a piece was hard.  Initially thinking of the classic jazz items, it was settled a sombre flugel (a larger-piped trumpet with a haunting sound) piece from the film "Brassed Off" (one of Eric's all time favourite pieces and films) would be the perfect tribute.  "Adagio" (an Italian tempo marking meaning restful or at ease) from Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" talks of missing home and missing what's there and that couldn't be more apt.

It was with that, I tackled one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.  While not the perfect performance, I hope it was enough to show him that after all these years, I have listened to every instruction...

- Soft, flat tongue to reduce sharpness of sound

- Timing isn't everything.  Do what feels right

- Slow, deep, controlled breath (at the right gap of course)

- Play loud.  Make mistakes louder.

- ALWAYS clear your spit valve before a solo

- Enjoy music - that's what it is about

Goal 9 will have a little bit of sadness attached to it now.  I hope to play in a band but finding the right one will now be more difficult without his expert opinion.  Nevertheless, the motivation to play will return and I look forward to the day that occurs.

With that, enjoy the Adagio from the film, "Brassed Off"

Far reaching goals...

Found this art installation in my travels through cyberspace.  Thought it appropriate to consider given it is a year driven by goals.  Check out this and other art pieces at http://candychang.com/

According to the artist Candy Chang, "It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget what really matters to you. With help from friends and neighbors, I turned the side of an abandoned house in my neighborhood into a giant chalkboard to invite people to share what is important to them. Before I Die transforms a neglected space into a constructive one where we can learn the hopes and aspirations of the people around us."

What would I write on the boards?  I thought I would see what others have put first...

I was surprised to see some of my answers feature - even some of this year's goals!

What would you write?

p.s. I want one of these walls in my house.

Domo Arigato, Mr Teppanyaki Chef!

Another month flies by and it seems that not much progress has occurred.  However, upon reflection of the month that was July, it is not hard to see why.  The dreaded week 10 of term 2 (a term filled with exams, reports, camps etc.) led to an exhausted group of teachers.  This equalled not much action in the first few days of holidays then before you know it, it's off to Bali.  An amazing week filled with lots of laughs, relaxing by the pool, brushing up on my Bahasa Indonesia skills again and some incredible food as always!

Bali - the recharge we all needed.

Back in Australia, the last few days of holidays flew by (including a fabulous night at Jeannie's where "drunk and slightly inappropriate Santa" made a reappearance - it's been too long since I donned the suit!) and before you know it, it's back to the daily grind that is teaching for an exhausting first week dealing with endless issues as a PTL, getting your classes back on track etc.

Christmas in July off to a great start with an amazing soup course and some mulled wine!

A. Wickerson and I with our Christmas cracker prizes.

 Drunk and slightly inappropriate Santa in full swing with S. Porrino.

 Even more drunk and even more inappropriate elf S. Haughey tries to get a better present... ;)

 C. Hutton playing with the presents from Santa!

Post-dinner Christmas frivolities = JENGA!!!  A worried A. Wickerson plots her next move...

Jenga professional (and eventual winner) S. Porrino doesn't even break a sweat.

I'm tired just thinking about it!

As if that wasn't enough, the first three days of week 2 saw myself and 6 other teachers boarding a bus and heading off to Kinglake.  Sounds beautiful right?  Think again when you add in this crew...

That's right - that's what nearly 100 year 9 kids looks like!!!

However, the camp was AMAZING (with much of the credit going to C. Hutton and S. Haughey for their exemplary planning skills) and the kids were fantastic.  However, camps are draining as any teacher know and so the remainder of the week dragged on like our feet up and down the stairs of C Block at good old CHS.

WHAT?!?!  It's the last Friday of the month...  You know what that means... DINNER CLUB!

It was with some tired reservation that S. Haughey and I loaded ourselves into the silver Mazda hatch and ventured to Yokohama Teppanyaki in Glen Waverley.  I had my reservations given my lack of seafood consumption but decided to give it a go in the spirit of dinner club.

With 15 people gracing Yokohama's presence (including new recruits K. Wilson and L. Adams), any tiredness soon went out the door quicker than a person with a seafood allergy!

With the courses ordered and the participants hungry, it was time to sample the delicacies of Japan all starting with a Sapporo beer and some sake from Hiroshima - both spectacular (especially when drunk together!).

Soon enough, the first courses arrived... firstly the vegetarian dishes.  It was enough tofu to feed a small army and looked/smelled delicious.  Obviously the vego V. Dennis didn't mind it either!

Teppanyaki menu option #5 - a vegetarian's delight!

The courses soon came hard and fast with the following items being sampled by various dinner clubbers all with two big thumbs up from the group: sashimi, sushi, scallops, prawns, fried chicken, miso soup, fried rice, egg and dessert of green tea/vanilla ice cream.

A great night was had by all and the chef's constant joking (mainly about Leyton and Tim's sexuality or Shelley's attempts at speaking Japanese) as well as some impromptu magic tricks only enhanced the lively mood that is teppanyaki.  This was further brought out with the best part of the night - the food games.  Talk about working for your dinner!  Many action shots taken as the egg flew and the rice bowls soared...

 J. Coleman enjoying the first course of his #4 mega banquet - sushi and sashimi.  Yum?

S. Peaple going for the teppanyaki interception.  With a mouth like that, we could have very well ALL gone hungry that night! 

The RSC crew watching the amazing skills of the teppanyaki chefs as they chop up whole prawns in three fell swoops. 

Our chef about to serve up the first course of a great night out. 

Prawn legs - a new experience for S. Peaple and myself that night.  Peeps makes it look sexy.  I looked like I was going to vomit... 

Things heating up on the teppanyaki grill! 

Catching egg is no easy feat.  Seat number 4 aka S. Haughey makes the crowd wait with baited breath! 

Celebrations as we discover a Pom that can actually catch!  Hooray! 

Shelley offering to sanitise Vanessa's hands after a big meal of teppanyaki... She's impressed. 

The crew digging in! 

Mayoral duties required at this point.  People still in the running for the 100% attendance prize as it currently stands:

1. K. Williams
2. L. Read (much to his delight and the disgust of M. Read)
3. J. Coleman
4. S. Haughey (haha, 4th)
5. V. Dennis (given special consideration for Soda Rock)

Notably, M. Read is now OUT OF THE RUNNING!  However, there is potential to still win a prize with the following prizes being added:

- Wooden spoon - lowest percentage attendance (in honour of my performance at B. Goodall's tent party)

- Firecracker award - to the dinner clubber who "brings the most to the table"

Once again, a massive thank to all involved - it has certainly been something that no matter how tired or grumpy I am, it can fix almost anything!!!  Getting to spend time with all my mates, catch up and most of all enjoy some great food is something I look forward to.  Plus it is the one goal that is progressing steadily!!!

 

The dinner club crew for July - thanks again everyone.

Next month sees us journey further west into the continent as we experience Nepalese food and hospitality.  Let's see if it can top Japan's efforts.

Until next time

xox

Moi et mes amis - grammatically incorrect but lyrically beautiful

June - a notorious month for teachers all around the world as not even the thought of attaching ourselves to a caffeine IV could sustain us.  Yep, we are still in report time.  Time that with a couple weeks of pre-camp stress, a stress-filled camp (not a story for the blog let me assure you!) and a night out at the football the night before and it was a drained E. Haynes that almost couldn't bear the thought of going out Saturday night.  But with one fell swoop, it dawned on me.  THIS IS THE FUN PART!!!  YEAH!!! DINNER CLUB!!!

Ten mesdames et messieurs (down from 12 due to diary error from fellow teacher T. Williamson and husband D. Williamson) met on a mild June night at Breizoz, the creperie on Gertrude Street for what was to be one of the most highly recommended dinner clubs yet!  In a place that is in the words of the French "tres chic" with its homely cupboards of decorations, fireplace and wall art featuring the sterotypical Frenchman in a beret casually hanging off the Eiffel Tower...

Breizoz - A piece of Brittany in Fitzroy.

Breizoz's specials board - stereotype central!

With over 40 crepes and galettes (savoury crepes) on the menu, choices were difficult.  Options that were sampled that night included caramelised onion, goat cheese and ham, ham, cheese and egg and the infamous "boudin" or suspiciously shaped sausage galettes!!!  Wash this all down with some traditional apple cider served in the ever-so-fancy champagne bottles (unfiltered and smokey, not to everyone's tastes but delicious with crepes) and you have a stellar meal. 

Traditional French cider - mmmm.... 

The chef and her crepe-tastic creations!

Brenno enjoying a boudin crepe a little too much... Don't forget to cup the balls...

Boudin = happy Steph, disgusted Vanessa.

Suspiciously good cider - not to all tastes but drinking it from a tea cup makes it far fancier!

Then comes dessert.  Oh God, what to choose.  Unfortunately, all on the menu looked delicious but highlights included the simple "beurre et sucre" (butter and sugar) served with a large dollop of date ice cream as I had.  Then again, the chantilly cream crepe looked and tasted amazing as did crepe flambee as sampled by J. Coleman and S. Porrino (much to the delight of all the pyromaniacs at the table!)

Praline and cointreau crepe flambee - dangerously hot and dangerously alcoholic!

Suprise - more crepe flambee!

After finishing our dessert (limited to one each unfortunately, those crepes are deceptive in their ability to fill a hungry stomach!), the effects of the cider and Cointreau crepe (boy were they strong!) seemed to take effect as the conversation flowed as smoothly as the Seine.

As I always say, a massive thank you to those that joined and those who continue to support dinner club with their attendance at any event  The general consensus was that all would be going back for another sampling of French cuisine soon!

Dinner club #6 attendees - a fine looking bunch really.

Now for my mayoral duties...

Still in the running for dinner club 100% attendance includes:

1. J. Coleman
2. K. Williams
3. M. Read
4. L. Read
5. S. Haughey
6. V. Dennis (special consideration for Soda Rock has officially been approved and special mention of attendance even though and I quote, "I hate crepes and pancakes.")

Though no new members were inducted this month, special mentions to S. Peaple for her 2nd appearance in 2 months all the while looking HOT with the new hairstyle and B. Goodall for his 2nd appearance to dinner club before jetting off to the US of A soon.  Great company and great additions (even if the conversation definitely became more low brow due to discussions of one dinner clubber's love of a certain piece of anatomy and small change...).

Miss P looking hot to trot with the new hairstyle!

Next month sees us travel to the adjoining continent of Asia to the beautifully mysterious island of Japan - land of Teppanyaki.  Hopefully it will cater for a non-seafood eater as much as I hope it will but I'm sure a fine night will be on the cards!!!

In the words of Julia Childs and every French man, woman and child after visiting Breizoz, "Bon Appetit!"

Working Smarter...Not Harder

After an all in all CRAP week (don't worry, we all have them around this time of year as teachers I think - J. Rankine experienced this earlier in the week, S. Haughey the week before, A. Wickerson the week before that), I was craving the weekend.

With a well-needed 'wine time' and 'Fish n' Chip Friday' being combined last night followed by a sleep that hasn't been seen by this poor body of mine in a good week/two weeks, I was motivated to begin a process dreaded by teachers all around the world.

As any teacher's Facebook page will tell you at the moment, we are not alone.  Countless status updates using the key phrases 'procrastination', 'avoiding' as well as general overuse of the phrases 'FML' or 'ughhh' tell you two things are approaching....

1) Exams
2) Reports

Whilst many of us would love to be curling up under our blankets with a good book or enjoying the crisp but clear winter's days of Melbourne before it all turns to shit, most teachers currently look like this (add in a Department of Education provided laptop for full effect)...

Slumped over a laptop until your back hurts and eyes can't focus?  Don't worry, you're just a teacher at report time.

HOWEVER, with a goal to 'work smarter, not harder', I decided to not do what many do and leave it to the last minute.  Instead, I have a mini goal - GET THESE FUCKING REPORTS FINISHED BY FRIDAY!!!  Yes ladies and gentlemen, we are currently on track for 2, count them, 2 long weekends thanks to the Queen's Birthday and Correction Day.

How have I done it you ask???

One of these bad boys...

A comment database - standardising Eloise Haynes' reports since 2008.

So with comments such as "'Little Johnny' (name suppressed for obvious legal reasons) could improve with more focus on tasks during class time.", there you have it!  For those teacher's currently not using a database, get on it.  Yes, it does make them a little less personal.  However, with a little tweaking you can personalise as much as is needed. 

Plus, at the end of the day, we often write the same report 3 or 4 times in each class anyway when you look back.  I am simply following the Accounting principle of consistency...

There you have it.  With an hour spent setting up the database, what was once a half day activity to write a class of comments is now an exercise that takes an hour or less.  Thank you Accelerus.

Now if only I could find a way to mark 50 History essays that efficiently...

xox