5 Fun Facts with Blog Hoppin

Happy teacher week! I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' to share 5 fun facts about me. 

~ One ~

We eloped!

My hubs and I will be celebrating our 6th year wedding anniversary in December (time flies). We shocked pretty much everyone at the time by eloping in Coffs Harbour while on holiday with a couple of friends. It was a planned wedding, with our two friends in on the secret and it was just right for us.

~ Two ~

I love to travel

If you have stopped by before you probably already know this but I love to travel and explore new places. My last big trip was Scotland & Paris in 2013, we're planning another trip for next year. Fingers crossed. This is me in 2009 in Germany (the same year I traveled Europe, went to Japan, built a house, became engaged and got married. Yeah).

~ Three ~

I hate Ferreo Rochers

This came up at work today. I hate them. My class have just added this to the many reasons I am "weird" :)

~ Four ~

Art is my Zen Zone

Art galleries, drawing, strolling around and looking at street art are all in my "happy zone". One of the best parts of teaching in Australia (and sometimes one of the hardest) is that I teach my students all subjects so even though I'm not an art specialist I am are art teacher. I love getting to share with my kiddos what I love and hate and I am hopefully teaching them to judge, critique, enjoy and be opinionated about art.

My birthday trip this year was to see Blue Poles {Number 11} by Jackson Pollock at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA).

I always visit the Weeping Woman by Picasso when we are in Melbourne. Love! My class upon seeing pictures of her this year decided she was "weird" (it seems to be our word this year) and there were a lot of "what is that?!"'s exclaimed.

~ Five ~

Stationary Addiction

This is probably just a general teacher thing but my stationary habit is legendary and is kind of getting out of control. It's all useful, right?!

Thanks for stopping by,

Happiness in its many forms

We have so much to celebrate and be grateful for all the time but sometimes it's a little harder to find it, appreciate it, acknowledge it... 

Source

You know what I mean :) I think I may be becoming an expert at finding happiness in the sorrow, and vice versa.

Source and Link to free printable

This week I am grateful for:

1. Awesome anti-histamines. Allergy's suck.

2. My friend is having a baby after a struggle similar to ours. I am so, so happy for them. Our time will come, some day.

3. Our amazing 'circle'. You know if you're in it and we could not go on without you. Everything from the long, random phone calls, coffee dates, texts and funny postcards. And your amazing, uncanny abilities to know when we need you most. Love ya guts peeps.

4. Feeling healthy. I'm almost at the 2 month mark of going dairy, sugar and wheat free and am feeling a lot better for it after being sick for a while. Except for the random allergies now surfacing but hopefully that will get sorted.

5. My class kiddos. These guys are awesome, caring, {sometimes trying}, successful, self-motivated kidlets who are amazing people. So glad to have gotten to know them this year and be part of their learning journey.... and craziness. 

6. Winter walks.

7. Early morning body balance classes.

8. Netflix.

9. A hubs that cooks and cleans. Bless him.

10. Being here, being healthy, being together. That's enough.

What are you grateful for?

Currently 2015! And a bit of a review of 2014

Welcome to 2015!! As this is the first time I've managed to blog in over a month, I have a lot to catch up on and there's no better way to do that than with a little Currently and linking up with Farley.

Listening- My hubs always puts the radio on when he gets up, I love that man. It's all old school this morning- love some Queen.

Loving- It's summer here and it's been a fantastic break so far. We are in about week 2 of our 6 week break and it has been much needed. We have had a couple of day trips away. Follow me on Instagram to check them out + all my school stuff, I tend to Insta more than blog at the minute as it's quicker. I'm also too lazy to have two accounts, as with my blog it's a mix of everything.
After the holidays I will be moving from Prep to teach Grade 3/4. I am so, so excited. Really looking forward to {another} fresh start.

Thinking- 2014 hasn't really been our year, I've been a total stress bucket and complete cow at times. We've had a lot going on personally and work has been really tough (new school, new co-workers, etc). It's been a struggle. 
I have the best support system out there. I am a very, very lucky girl. We honestly wouldn't be where we are this year without these great people in our life, I know if they could have they would have picked me up and carried me but they've stood silently by, ready to jump in as needed, as they (including my Hubs) know I'm an independent, stubborn pain in the butt. They've lifted me up, given me a reality check as needed, kicked my arse and are the best people I know. Thank you.

Wanting- Rest! Sleep! Holidays not to end :) Visit the beach, city, etc, etc. To exercise EVERY day. Basically to chill and enjoy life, which I've done a pretty solid job of the last 2 weeks, I'm planning to continue it. I've even gone two whole weeks without checking my work emails, it's a record.

Needing to do those odd jobs that have slipped over Christmas, like pay bills, doctor's appointments, etc. I'm hoping to not think about work for a bit. I vow I won't go in to do serious stuff (other than feed the fish) until the 19th of Jan.

2015 plans:
-Yes to being less of a stress bucket.
-Maybe to a big holiday as I have 10 weeks of long service leave sitting there but that will all depend. Would love to go to the US.
-I wish for our plans for our future to work out, as they truly didn't in 2014. There's a bigger plan out there for us, unfortunately we have to sit back a little now and let the universe do its thing.

Wishing you a fantastic, fun filled 2015!!

Currently August... How did that happen?

I cannot believe it is August already! Freaky, freaky. Linking up with Farley from Oh Boy 4th Grade to share the August love. Warning- we are in the grips of winter here so I'm hoping my cold body has not impacted too much on my sunny attitude!

Listening
It has been so cold here lately. Our poor heater needs a break! The sun is out today after a big frost and I plan to head outside soon & enjoy it.

Loving
I am finally starting to feel as if I am making some friends at my new job which is really, really nice. We had two days of PD this week and a couple of us went out for drinks afterwards last night, it was great. Moving schools has not been the easiest transition staff & routine wise, I'm really hoping this second half of the year can be better.
I think I say 'life' a lot in these posts for what I am loving but August is especially a hard month. It is a time that I especially remember one of my gorgeous students and her family. I miss her so much, especially this week as we approach the 3rd anniversary of her death. 
Things personally for us lately have been a bit tougher than normal too but I just need to keep putting it into the perspective of I am lucky to be alive, I am so, so lucky to have the beautiful friends and family that I do and life is so freaking precious that there is no point complaining about the small things. I am positive that there is better stuff around the corner, the universe has a plan for us but I'm getting a little impatient!

Thinking
I need sun! And sun with warmth. Bring on summer, or at least Spring. One month to go. At least it's not snowing here like it is in other parts of Victoria.

Wanting
The hubs & I are trying to plan a trip for our end of year holidays after Christmas. Fingers crossed something works out.

Needing
Journals are looming over my head this term & I keep forgetting about the sale so I need to get a moving.

First Day
Is it sad if I am counting down to December already? I love my kiddos, I don't want to let them go just yet but I am really looking forward to having a fresh start at the end of the year.

Looking forward to reading all of your summer currently's,

Throwback Thursday with The Teaching Tribune

Linking up with The Teaching Tribune tonight for a 'true' throwback Thursday.

Oh my goodness, looking through old photos tonight to find one of me from Prep was, as it will forever be known, as "the night of the  bad hair cut flashbacks". Pretty scary as tonight I had a fringe cut back in at the hairdressers for the first time in forever and now I am regretting it due to me looking like I am back in 1990.

And thanks to the hubs for the endless ribbing about my glasses, fringes and other bad hair cuts. I love you too :)

So without further ado....

Around about-Five year old me at the zoo!

I've always been one of those kids that loved little kids. I either wanted to a teacher or a journalist but by the time I started Year 12 I knew teaching was for me.

Monday Meet Me

Thank goodness for Linkys or I would forget to blog! I'm linking up with The Teaching Tribune for Monday Meet-up :)

It is a gorgeous sunny (but freezing) day today. If I stay inside & read Northern Hemisphere blogs I can almost kid myself that it is Summer here too :)

I teach.... because it's awesome. Each poppet that I have taught has taught me more about life than what I could ever show them and that makes me feel like an incredibly lucky person to have been a part of their world & their wisdom. 

I have.... the travelling bug & a gorgeous, handsome, understanding, patient & amazing husband who let's me take off for weeks at a time to travel around the world... Honey if you're reading this, hint, hint!
I'm making do at the minute by walking around town, squinting & pretending it's Paris. 

I watch... a LOT of TV either online or from dvd box sets. My favourite is Buffy but The Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars & HIMYM all get me through too. I own a lot more but I stopped listing them because I think I may have an addiction!

I listen...  to music everyday. I love that I drive to work now so that I can listen to my favourite radio station. Love the app for Triple j too. I'm addicted to this song by The Kooks at the minute. Catchy! & awesome.

I read... too much! Everyday, any spare chance I get. It drives the hubs insane but its a multi-tasking skill to read & eat, read & cook, read & "plan".

I do... need Art. It's probably a weird one but keeping surrounded by art keeps me sane when I'm stressed out. Another reason that I love Pinterest.
Wandering around the Art Gallery, any art gallery, for me is better than chocolate. But chocolate is pretty amazing too!

Five for Friday 30th May

We have had another super busy week! Linking up with Doodle Bugs to share the love.

This week we have explored Shape by making Shape Pizzas.

We planted some super cute succulents at home in boxes made from pallets. Lucky my hubby is handy.

We had the 2015 Information Session last night. I stayed at work until it started at 7.30pm to finally get some displays up & some laminating done.

I've been enjoying the last days of Autumn with some great morning walks around the lake.

We rocked assembly today! A performance of 'A sailor went to sea sea sea' with panache (and one poppet in hysterical tears). They were so cute!

Happy weekend,

A 5 for Friday Catch-Up

I haven't blogged in a while! Life has been great, hectic & stressful all at once. Here is a mixed-mash-up catch-up of the last two weeks:

This term we are learning all about transport & road safety under the Inquiry topic "What things move?"
We started out by brainstorming. They are pretty insightful kidlets, even the poppet who drew "dancing clouds" because they move :)

Highlight of last week {I had major flu brain, I've had 3 days off in the last 2 weeks which I rarely do}- Poppet M comes in from lunch carrying two large sacks. Me, "Honey, what are those?" Cue rest of the class laughing hysterically in background. M's reply, "My socks. My brother helped me fill them up with sand at lunch."
It's about at this time that I realise he is barefoot and one of my girl's were carrying his shoes. I failed in keeping a straight face!

Master M with his socks full of sand/sock bags

We spent a fantastic 3 days in Melbourne last weekend for my friend's wedding. It was just gorgeous!

Cool street art in Collingwood 

Fantastic venue- Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond.

 Wedding cuteness! The hubs & me.

Twilight in Port Melbourne

I also got a chance to get some nail art at i scream nails in Collingwood. If you're in Melbourne check them out! Or for nail inspiration follow them on instagram.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend! Love & jelly tots,

Sunshine Award

Oh my goodness it has been 3 weeks since I have written a post. How'd that happen?! Plus I started writing this post on Saturday & I am only finishing it now :( Bring on holidays, I say!

The lovely Lola from Preschool Wonders & Paula from Paula's Place have both nominated me for a Sunshine Blogger Award. This is a super sweet idea! 

The rules of the Sunshine Blogger Award are:

{1} Post 11 random facts about yourself.

{2}  Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.

{3} Nominate 11 bloggers you think bring sunshine to the world.

{4} Make up 11 questions for your nominations to answer.

As I am very slack and am also about to head out to a Prep Teddy Bear Mass tonight I will only answer Lola's questions as she nominated me first.

11 Random Facts

1. I painted my nails today while watching Thor, they are blue with sparkles.

2. I turned 29 two weeks ago & am already thinking that I am 30, less worry for next year :)

3. I love to collect vintage Pyrex dishes & tea towels.

4. I hate camping, my husband loves it.

5. I love teaching straight Prep {kinders}.

6. I have a Pinterest addiction.

7. I love boy bands because of all the dorky dance moves.

8. I love to travel and have been to Thailand, Japan, the UK, Irleand & a fair bit of Europe but am dying to go back.

9. I read for fun everyday.

10. I love to bake.

11. My perfect weekend would involve a beer with my hubby, listening to some live tunes, a wander around an art gallery & being able to walk along a beach.

Questions from Lola

{1}What's your favorite subject/theme to teach?  Maths!

{2}If you could travel anywhere where would you go? Spain or New York, both are  still on my wish list.

{3}What's your favorite snack? Crackers & Beetroot dip.

{4}What do you like to do in your free time? Wander around art galleries or spend a weekend with my friend's in Melbourne, hanging out at a bar & listening to live music.

{5}What person has been most influential to you? Work wise, my DP from my first school. She is amazing and I was really fortunate to learn so much from her. Life wise, my Mum, she has not had the easiest life but she has been an awesome Mum.

{6}Where is your favorite vacation spot? In Australia, Lorne. The beach is amazing there, it's where my husband proposed and it's our favourite place to go for a weekend away. If overseas, Paris is pretty spectacular.

{7}How long have you been teaching and what grades/subjects have you taught? This is my 8th year as a teacher. I have taught grade 4 down to Prep {Kindergarten} which I teach now. I think eventually I will move back up, hope fully getting to teach grade 6.

{8}What is the most frustrating thing to you about teaching? The lack of appreciation or understanding sometimes of exactly what we do and how much we care about our kids.

{9}What's the most rewarding thing to you about teaching? Seeing my amazing poppets learn something new & develop into fantastic people.

{10} If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? Pay off our house, buy a house in Italy or France, buy my house and a house near the river and take 6 months off work to travel around the US and South America. 

{11}If you had unlimited time what would you do more of? Sleep, chill with the hubs & be more organised.

11 Bloggers Who Put Sunshine Into My World
I in no way expect these bloggers to fill out questions {and because otherwise this post will never get finished I'm not going to write any} but here are some great blogs to check out:

1. Love, Laughter & Learning in Prep
2. Teachable Moments
3. Paula's Place
4. Miss Gavin Learns
5. Art Projects for Kids
6. The Army Wife Teacher
7. Sticky Notes & Glitter
8. The Rolly Chair

And non-teacher blogs that make my heart sing 

9. Enjoying the Small Things 
10. 100 Layer Cake
11. House of Humble

Happy almost Friday :)

Currently March!

Oh, thank goodness March has rolled around! February did not finish on a good note & I am ready for March a.k.a. Birthday Month. Bring it on! Linking up with the gorgeous Farley for this month's currently.

Listening
Our fat kitty cat Axel wanting to get back inside the house, I should really get up & let him in!

Loving
It's officially Birthday Week! Yes, we celebrate for a whole week in our house. Yes, it's awesome. Yes, it's the best freakin' idea ever (mine). This is year 6 of Birthday week in the Perry household & mine started on Friday! My birthday is on the 7th & it's exactly what I needed this week. We started off on Friday by listening to the (delicious) Josh Pyke at the Zoo Twilights & a weekend enjoying Melbourne.


Thinking & Wanting
This week has just been one of those horrible ones that completely takes your breathe away. It gave me a good kick up the back side {again} in remembering to appreciate my incredible life because I am lucky enough to live it. 
The story isn't really one to share here at this time but I can say that it has been a huge shock for my ex-school community (where I taught up until the start of this year). The strength of the family involved is just incredible & incredibly unfair all at the same time. Deep breaths for the week ahead. 
Good thoughts & Prayers for strength and encouragement for this school community, teachers & families would be greatly appreciated.
On a good note- I have a incredible friend who rang me this week, who just knew I need the 2 hour and 13 minute chat about random things like what to do with a 25kg bag of carrots. I heart you big time Mr G!

Needing
I'm going to be out of my room a bit this week due to events mentioned above & a PD day so I need to plan a ton tonight so I can focus on the important people, happy memories & relationships this week.

And on that note, with my incredible knack of ending with the depressing, can you guess the question for my answer?

Love & jelly tots,