Sir Donald Bradman passed away on Sunday. Most of you will never have heard
of him. He was the best cricket player in the world. Without going too much into
his achievements, maybe this will put into perspective how talented he was. He
achieved a career average of 99.94 runs. (He needed only 4 runs in his last
ever innings to attain an average of 100 runs. He went out for a duck - 0 runs) The
closest any cricketer has gotten to this is India's Sachin Tendulker, who has an
average of 57 runs. (Or something like that...or is it Brian Lara...I am sure Neil said
Sachin...)

"The Don" was the ultimate sportsman. Not only did he excell in almost every
sport he tried, but he was also a gentleman on the field as well as off. He has
always been humble about his genius. (I can't call it talent) Although he spent the
last few years out of the public spotlight, he still made an effort to answer all "fan
mail" he received, spending four hours at a time just answering.

Donald Bradman played from 1928 to 1948. He was the hero of Australians
during the Depression. The ray of hope in one of the worst suffering countries, a
country struggling to establish it's own identity in the world. Seriously, I can't put
into words exactly what he was.

I never met him. Never saw him play, except in old grainy footage that never
seems quite real. I did not experience the impact of his success, nor the pride in
the victories his efforts bought, especially against the Poms. But I did know of
him. You can't grow up in Australia not knowing why the name "Don Bradman"
invokes such awe and respect. When we named our new sports houses at school
after Australian sports people, his was the first name we chose. Bradman house is
green, becasue he wore the baggy green cap with such pride.

You know, I am writing all this, feeling myself choke up, and yet I didn't even shed
a tear when I first heard. I can still remember walking in the staffroom on Monday
morning, and hearing one of the teachers say "did you hear that Bradman died?" I
guess I couldn't believe it. Until I went home from work, switched on the tv, just
in time to see tributes and all on the news. And then I bawled.

Really, it makes no difference to my life whether he is dead or alive. Like I said, I
have never met him or anything like that. But he was a living part of our history.
That's something that can't be replaced.

One day, I hope to sit down and read all that has been in the papers. there just
hasn't been the time yet to do it. I think it beats all the coverage of when Diana
died, and here there was no tragedy. Just a man of 92 years dying peacefully in
his sleep.

May he rest in peace.
posted by Sandra Wright on 10:10 PM | **+**

Tuesday, February 27, 2001

I do try and read all your blogs, but I am afraid I won't be able to comment on many. This makes me sad, as I know there are people who make a real effort to comment on people's blogs. I just don't have the time. Just know that I am reading what you are saying. I read the other blogs before I do my own. I actually started blogging as I thought it would be a fun way to write. Since I haven't written anything for months, I was hoping this would help me get back into writing. And if people find it interesting enough to read, even better. Please don't feel offended if I don't comment. It is not personal. It is the same reason why I don't read fan fic anymore. I have no time, or, I am just too tired. Thanks Deb for making me feel it is okay not to comment.

Have to go and take the fish out of the freezer to thaw for tomorrow night's dinner, as it is Ash Wednesday. Is it only Catholics who go without red meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? I remember as a child, when we couldn't eat any meat on Friday during Lent. Sometimes we had pasta with tomoato sauce, which I hated. Or with tuna sauce, which I LOATHE. And then sometimes, we would get fish and chips. The whole idea of going without meat on Friday was as a form of fasting!

I have to decide what I am going to give up for Lent. Again, do the Proddies do this or is it a Catholic thing? Hardest Lent I ever did was when I gave up MacDonalds a few years ago. Couldn't wait for Easter so I could gorge on a Big Mac. Of course, a year later I give it up for good, and to date, have been almost four and a half years Macca's free.

Well, going to search the freezer for that Trevally. In case I am not back, Happy Hump Day for tomorrow.

***********
Sir Donald Bradman, 27-8-1908 - 25-2-2001
RIP
************

posted by Sandra Wright on 7:56 PM | **+**

Wednesday, February 21, 2001

1. I have too many songs that remind me of high school. However, when I hit year 11 was when I totally rejected contemporary music, and went into my sixties groove. So I don't know if they count. Though my New Kids on the Block stage still has lingering memories. Take on Me by A-ha reminds me of when I started high school. It also coincides with when I discovered Trixie

2. We never have music on in the background. Probably the song that reminds me most of us is "Do it to me" by Lionel Ritchie. Neil is a big fan, and that was playing a lot when we first got together. As previously mentioned the whole Pet Sounds album reminds me of him. We had "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Savage Garden play for our wedding song, but that was my choice. He let me have that one!

3. A good mood song. Oooh, heaps of Aussie Indie songs here…Calypso by Spiderbait, Exerciser by Rhubarb, too mention a couple. Sixties…I feel fine by the Beatles. But the most powerful music for me is The Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker. That song is guaranteed to take me away.

4. Songs that make me cry…will have to get back on that one. I don't think so to be honest. Actually, no, I KNOW there is one, but can't think of what it is.

5.Well, I am over the embarrassment of my NKOTB stage, but actually, I don't think I am embarrassed any more. I spent a few years having to defend myself against people who thought it was wrong that I listened to 60's music in the 90's. I used to get teased and laughed at by a few others. It took me a good five years to find out that there was anything good about 90's music. Except INXS. Always loved them. I like so many types of music that embarrassment doesn't come into it any more!

I have to go and get ready for work. Have a great day everyone (or night by this stage). I will answer the questions on scents tonight. Addio!
posted by Sandra Wright on 5:49 AM | **+**

It is just after 6am here. Weather has been too damn hot, and once Neil puts the fan on in the bedroom, I can't sleep anymore.

I went swimming last night. Was very happy with my 30 laps (only a 25 metre pool though, and I used to do 50) Neil and I have decided we must lose weight. So lunch is now cracker biscuits, low fat cheese, tuna, fruit...I never eat fruit. I must have the worst diet in the developed world because I don't like fruit and vegetables. So I bought a rock melon, and will take half to school today for lunch.

posted by Sandra Wright on 5:27 AM | **+**

It is just after 6am here. Weather has been too damn hot, and once Neil puts the fan on in the bedroom, I can't sleep anymore.

I went swimming last night. Was very happy with my 30 laps (only a 25 metre pool though, and I used to do 50) Neil and I have decided we must lose weight. So lunch is now cracker biscuits, low fat cheese, tuna, fruit...I never eat fruit. I must have the worst diet in the developed worlkd becasue I don't like fruit and vegetables. So I bought a rock melon, and will take half to school today for lunch.

posted by Sandra Wright on 5:27 AM | **+**

Monday, February 19, 2001

Well, actually, I have nothing to say. So, I'll just say that I hope your start of the week has been as pleasant as mine has been...so far. Have a great day! :)
posted by Sandra Wright on 2:37 PM | **+**

Sunday, February 18, 2001

I actually stayed up late on Friday night and finished my work program for the week. On Friday night. That is usually a Sunday night task, or even later Sunday night the day before my principal wants to see it and I have a term's worth to do. (Bob, if you see this, I AM joking!) So I am ready for the week. Well, except for Religion. But that's easy. Chuck in a few Jesus storyies and a prayer session and it'll be fine!

Karen's comments on the whole Tom and Nicole saga had me laughing. I remember when the story broke. It made not only the front page of the newspaper, but pages 4, 5 and 7 as well. (I think there was some advertising on age 6!). And everyday since there has been something in the paper. But really, who gives a shit? I know they were a famous couple, and "public property", whatever that really means, but let them have some privacy. Sheesh!

Had a nice, boring Sunday today. Went to Mum's for lunch, did some shopping. Oh, this was not boring!!! In the car park, Neil, (my husband with the PERFECT driving record, or so he has me think) reversed too quickly and hit a thick yellow pole. Did he say a word? No. It was only his company car anyway. Had it been me, and I had even lightly touched the pole, YOU GUYS would have heard him yelling. Sigh again. But...(giggle)...I am NOT going to let him forget this. So what if I have had three accidents in six years of driving, all my fault? He is NOT perfect! And I LOVE IT!!!

Going to post this now before it disappears on me! In case I don't make it back, have a great week everyone.

posted by Sandra Wright on 11:06 PM | **+**

Saturday, February 17, 2001

I am totally obsessed by music. It is THE one thing I could NOT live without. Not including my husband. Only because I don't know whether I could fit him into this. I have lived without him, survived the hardest part of my life (to date) before knowing him. But the music was there. Music has been there in the best and worst times of my life. When things are great, it provides the background music to feelings and emotions you may never capture again, but can recall when you pop that tape into the car stereo. When things are bad, it is something you can totally immerse yourself into. Maybe as a temporary escape from what is happening in your life, or maybe to help you feel better about things. It is amazing what music can do.

I remember buying an old "Pet Sounds" tape during my first year of uni. I played it constantly. It now reminds me of probably one of the best times of my life, as not only did I make wonderful friends who I still call dear now, it was when I met Neil.

When I was 17, and well into my sixties obsession, I used to tape a weekly one hour series on the history of the Rolling Stones. I remember the day after my father died, sitting in my bedroom still taping the damn series, pausing when radio commercials came on, sitting in silence when Brian Jones (my idol) would speak. My friend and cousin who were with me must have thought I was unfeeling and cold hearted. But for the months that followed, those tapes I made, and Kinks tape I bought one day when I wagged school, helped me through the pain and loss. It was something for me to hold on to.

Maybe I am weird, over obsessed, I don't know. But if I couldn't listen to music, something inside me would die. Let's hope it never gets to that. Is there anyone else out there this hopeless? Anyone else who knows how a single piece of music can take you away to another place where nothing matters except the music?

Shit. I don't get on-line for five days, and when I do, I ramble about music.

I sometimes wonder if starting the blog was such a great idea. I didn't expect to spend so little time on-line. Oh well, you just have to take it as it comes. I do read everyone's blogs, but I never have anything interesting to say about them. Not that they aren't interesting. They are, I LOVE reading them. But I am always scared that what I say when I comment will either be the wrong thing, will offend, will have been said before, or will just sound plain boring. I am trying to work through that.
posted by Sandra Wright on 11:22 PM | **+**

Can't believe how many goes it took me to get my last blog up. And now how long has it been?

I am so glad the week is over. I have been asleep by 10.30 three nights this week. Thursday my cousin came over with her boyfriend for dinner which was fun, but didn't get to beddy byes til 11.30. Shit I feel old. Since when is 11.30 too late?

Start of the year is always exhausting. I have to keep this "happy voice" on ALL DAY (or at least til the bubs go home) But I have never been this tired. It must be all the planning. I have never planned like this before. My team, Linda and Nancy, are wonderful. I love working with them, and I know what I am doing. At last. Which doesn't say much about the last two years. But I won't go there.

I had my first guitar lesson last Monday. I have been trying to teach myself for two years, but at the same time I got the guitar, I discovered this little sight about a book series I used to read years ago...needless to say I didn't get past learning four strings and five chords! I am going back to the music school where I first learnt to play the organ 16 years ago. And they are still using those same songs for the first lesson I remember the guitar students using…Tom Dooley and Little Red Wagon. Sad. Very sad.

The teacher is pretty cool, but I forgot his name. We are learning "country style" to begin with "pick, strum; pick, strum." I have about six songs to practice, because I missed out on the first lesson last week. But I managed to keep up with the rest of the class. That C chord is going to kill me. If the tingly fingertips don't bug me to death first!

Well, going to post this before it disappears. But I am in a real reflective stage, so I hope to write more!

posted by Sandra Wright on 10:55 PM | **+**

Monday, February 12, 2001

First full week of school is over. It was fun, despite the hot (and I do mean HOT) weather. Thank God for air-conditioned classrooms. I am now getting to know my students well, which begins the best part of teaching. Already I am starting to love these kids, even Jake, who drives me up the wall sometimes with his behaviour.

I think I owe some definitions here…I am never sure what terms are Australian and which are universal.
Please, don't be afraid to send me a "please explain"!

Slap Face: A rash that makes ones cheeks very, very, red and flushed, like they have been slapped, and slapped hard. It spreads to the arms and legs. It is highly contagious, and once children have it, they must stay home for about three days. Unfortunately, it's like chicken pox, once you show the symptoms you are no longer contagious. But you may have infected every one else. I don't know what else goes with slap face that make it so bad, but my friend Jenny was forced to take three weeks off because she was pregnant and one of her kids had slap face.

Clag: A brand of thick, gluggy paste, used by junior schoolers. The bane of my life, especially when it goes bad.

I had a wonderful birthday on Wednesday. Neil took me out to dinner, which was really nice. I had morning tea from the staff with another girl whose birthday was last Sunday. And, one of the mums brought me in a present too! Nicole had told me on Wednesday that it was her Zia's (Aunt's) birthday and they were going over to dinner that night. I told her that it was mine too, and isn't that special? Kids love it when you can relate something personal of yours to their life. And I like sharing with them. The next day, when her mum comes to pick her up, she brings a gift bag with chocolates and some aromatherapy stuff. This was so unexpected, and so thoughtful! I like to think of it as a positive sign for a great year to come! And thanks for your wishes too! : )

Shana: Good luck with Olga! I really admire what you're doing. I can't get off my arse to do anything about the kilos I have put on, I so admire people who do!

Deb: So glad Katie can tie her shoelaces! Really! Shoelaces are one of the banes of a prep teachers life! (Along with clag, of course!) The point raised about having a kid smarter than the rest of the class made me think as well, but from the other side. How do you extend the child so they are not bored, without pushing them too far and having them do the next year's work and THEN they're bored? I will comment more on this another time, but look forward to reading other people's comments/thoughts.

Chris: hope you're all better! I know what you mean about long long skirts.

DQ: The 'f' word. Lots to think about here. To me, the word fat almost has a sense of cruelty about it. Not because of what it means, but because how it is used. When I used to be, I called myself fat all the time. No problem there. But if someone referred to me as 'fat', I would probably have first burst into tears (I am a major sook) and secondly punched their lights out. Well, I would have wanted to, but would never have the guts to do it. !0 dogtag descriptions…will think about that one.

Cathy: I know you don't want people asking how you are, (so I won't) but I am thinking of you…and the red-haired fire man!

I am now going to post this before it goes bodgy on me. You wouldn't know, but this is the third day I have tried to write this! I started Friday night, continued yesterday morning, and now it is Sunday. I have not had much luck - net wise!

Will practise getting those links working! And will comment more as well.
posted by Sandra Wright on 7:27 PM | **+**

Sunday, February 11, 2001

Tried blogging last night but it mucked up on me…grrr. (And then yesterday morning!!!) Third time lucky…

First full week of school is over. It was fun, despite the hot (and I do mean HOT) weather. Thank God for air-conditioned classrooms. I am now getting to know my students well, which begins the best part of teaching. Already I am starting to love these kids, even Jake, who drives me up the wall sometimes with his behaviour.

I think I owe some definitions here…I am never sure what terms are Australian and which are universal.
Please, don't be afraid to send me a "please explain"!

Slap Face: A rash that makes ones cheeks very, very, red and flushed, like they have been slapped, and slapped hard. It spreads to the arms and legs. It is highly contagious, and once children have it, they must stay home for about three days. Unfortunately, it's like chicken pox, once you show the symptoms you are no longer contagious. But you may have infected every one else. I don't know what else goes with slap face that make it so bad, but my friend Jenny was forced to take three weeks off because she was pregnant and one of her kids had slap face.

Clag: A brand of thick, gluggy paste, used by junior schoolers. The bane of my life, especially when it goes bad.

I had a wonderful birthday on Wednesday. Neil took me out to dinner, which was really nice. I had morning tea from the staff with another girl whose birthday was last Sunday. And, one of the mums brought me in a present too! Nicole had told me on Wednesday that it was her Zia's (Aunt's) birthday and they were going over to dinner that night. I told her that it was mine too, and isn't that special? Kids love it when you can relate something personal of yours to their life. And I like sharing with them. The next day, when her mum comes to pick her up, she brings a gift bag with chocolates and some aromatherapy stuff. This was so unexpected, and so thoughtful! I like to think of it as a positive sign for a great year to come! And thanks for your wishes too! : )

Shana: Good luck with Olga! I really admire what you're doing. I can't get off my arse to do anything about the kilos I have put on, I so admire people who do!

Deb: So glad Katie can tie her shoelaces! Really! Shoelaces are one of the banes of a prep teachers life! (Along with clag, of course!) The point raised about having a kid smarter than the rest of the class made me think as well, but from the other side. How do you extend the child so they are not bored, without pushing them too far and having them do the next year's work and THEN they're bored? I will comment more on this another time, but look forward to reading other people's comments/thoughts.

Chris: hope you're all better! I know what you mean about long long skirts.

DQ: The 'f' word. Lots to think about here. To me, the word fat almost has a sense of cruelty about it. Not because of what it means, but because how it is used. When I used to be, I called myself fat all the time. No problem there. But if someone referred to me as 'fat', I would probably have first burst into tears (I am a major sook) and secondly punched their lights out. Well, I would have wanted to, but would never have the guts to do it. !0 dogtag descriptions…will think about that one.

Cathy: I know you don't want people asking how you are, (so I won't) but I am thinking of you…and the red-haired fire man!

I am now going to post this before it goes bodgy on me. You wouldn't know, but this is the third day I have tried to write this! I started Friday night, continued yesterday morning, and now it is Sunday. I have not had much luck - net wise!

Will practise getting those links working! And will comment more as well.

posted by Sandra Wright on 8:15 AM | **+**

Tuesday, February 06, 2001

And how's this for dumb, I forget to pack my bra in my swimming bag, so when I go to the toilets to change, I have to put my t-shirt over my still wet body. (Why is it that you never seem to dry properly after you've been swimming, but have no problem after a shower?) Not a pleasant thought anyway with d-cup boobs. THEN, to top it off, I see this man staring at me. Great, I think, he has noticed my lack of bra...turns out he the dad of one of my new Preps, Ashton. And there she is, waving shyly to me. Just what you need to see when you're hanging free. So I went over to say hello, keeping my arms folded under my boobs. Sigh. Hope I don't hear about this tomorrrow.

Isn't it funny how you can get paranoid and worried about the smallest thing, when in reality, no one really notices anyway?

Am trying to catch up and read everyone's blogs. I will start commenting on them too, please don't think I am rude. Just still geting the hang of things!

One of my kids will be missing a few days with "Slap Face". Do you get that in the US? I just LOVE these highly contagious things that keeps kids out of school for days. The ones that you only find out that kids have them AFTER they have spread the germs to the others! And especially when, like in James' case, they aren't that happy at school (I saw his first tears this morning). Just as I try and settle him in, he he will miss a few days and...sigh.

But on the bright side.. 23 kids know how to write their names! Keanu and D'Arcy still tend to write them back to front. And Troy becomes Tory. Jake runs out of room on the paper and writes the E before the J... Ryan knows the letters in his name, and can recognise it, but won't try and write it. They'll get there! : )

Oh well, I am now going to put drops in my eyes. Stupidly, I swim 22 laps in half an hour and don't put goggles on. I have three pairs!!! When will I learn?

Buona notte.

posted by Sandra Wright on 9:38 PM | **+**

Monday, February 05, 2001

Thanks for all your welcomes guys! I must learn how you do that keyword link thing. One day.

I just got back from the Hollies concert, and all I can say is "Wow!" These guys are in their fifties, and they were absolutely flawless! Even without the original lead singer Allan Clarke, they were still marvellous. My cousin and I were among the youngest there, but I am proud to say there were only three songs I didn't know the words to. I sang to all the rest! Especial favourites were "Carrie Anne" and "Look Through any Wndow". Tony Hicks, who was one of only two original members, and my fave, was on the satge near us. he was so cute! (In a teddy bear kind of way!) Man what a talented and under rated guitarist. I hope to play like him some day. (Yeah, right!) Anyway, just had to share this.

No word about the purple nail polish, yet!

Have a great one.

posted by Sandra Wright on 9:55 PM | **+**

Sunday, February 04, 2001

I put purple nail polish on this afternoon, something I haven't done for a couple of years. Not the bright "wierd" colours. I hope I don't scare the kids away! I wonder if my principal will think it fits in with our "professional dress" code. I used to get away with it a couple of years ago...no, make that three years ago. Shit, I have been there a long time! I guess I can only try. We got told last year that jeans were no longer appropriate, no matter how nice or neat they looked. I can see his point, but it is hard to crawl around on the floor with kids sometimes with nice skirt or pants on. And let's not mention the clag.

Sigh. The things you have to put up with. Thank God the kids make it worth while.

Another week starts tomorrow. I don't think I can get used to working again after five weeks off. At least the kids are only in 'til 1.15.

Anyone remember The Hollies? Sixities band with songs like "Carrie Anne" and "Bus Stop". I am going to see them tomorrow night. No net for me, but it will be worth it.

Signing off now, going to read latest instaalment of Harry Potter fan fic "Hermione's Fourth Year".

Have a great week!
posted by Sandra Wright on 8:57 PM | **+**

Before I start this post, I need to say a big THANK YOU to Deb, who helped me get this set up. Actually, she pretty well did almost everything! Love you Deb!

It is Sunday morning, I am sitting here in a bathrobe with a towel around my head. I should be getting myself ready for my nephew's Baptism, and for the people who will be coming around afterwards en route to our late lunch celebration. The lure of the blog is too much though.

We had another 35+ degree day yesterday, which means hot, almost sleepless nights. At least it is relatively cool today. And little Nathan won't be hot and grizzly in his white gown.

posted by Sandra Wright on 9:14 AM | **+**

Friday, February 02, 2001

We started back at work this week after our Summer holidays. I wish the weather would take a break...I got sunburnt from 25 minutes of yard duty! Ouch. But no whingeing! (YET!) I am in my third year of teaching Prep. The preps are first years, four and five year old children who, miraculously, did not cry as they said good-bye to Mummy, Daddy, Nanna and Pa and the rest of the family who came to drop them off to school on Wednesday. The children are lovely, so far. They are quite receptive and responsive. And damn cute too!

Well, going to go and put some lotion on my shoulders. Addio!
posted by Sandra Wright on 6:28 PM | **+**