Ode to Drummoyne September 1, 2011
Posted by Liz Mead in : Uncategorized , add a commentI”m sitting on an inflatable mattress in the middle of my empty unit, looking at the river outside and saying goodbye.
After 20 years in the one place it’s time to uproot.
It’s surprisingly easy to do I guess because I’ve been preparing for this moment for the last 6 years – ever since Bloke died.
What I’ve learnt about the moving process:
- Throw away as much as possible
- Don’t pack cutlery or crockery too early – otherwise you’ll be eating that eye fillet (grilled to perfection) off a breadboard
- Pack books (those you can’t bear to throw away) into book cartons – the removalists will love you for it
- Throw away more stuff
- Find a home for your plants (unless you’re moving to a new home immediately). This is of course if the plants can be moved. My Money Tree had grown to the size of a small child and couldn’t be lifted. It had to be surgically removed.
- Double the initial inventory of boxes – it’s surprising how much you own
- Leave a portable TV and supply of wine for the sleep overs between removal and tenancy
- Always have garbage bags (right to the end)
I will miss the view, the sounds, the light, the view, the feelings, the neighbours, the smells, frescoes, renovating, decorating phases - with apologies to French provincial, Moghul art and William Morris. I’ll miss the Saturday morning cleaning , the sunday paper boy whistle at 9.30, and sharing the space with those I love.
As soon as I walked into the space I knew it was mine – It has the spirit of my mother(s) in its bone. It has the heart of my husband in its walls. And has been a blissful chapter in my life.
Week 10 and11 in TESOL town July 16, 2010
Posted by Liz Mead in : TESOL, Uncategorized , add a commentCaptain’s Log: Scraping barnacles at the moment.. this old gal’s holding up but only just!
We’re all enjoying a blissful 2 weeks away from classes. However that still means assignments must be done. Sigh.
While we’re in safe harbour, I’ve decided to amp up the research on teaching opportunities overseas via the famous cafe of Dave’s and an agency in Canada my friend P has used successfully.
P came out of the past just like a balmy sea breeze. We taught together many years ago in PNG. I am so grateful he recognised me. God knows how!
P’s own TESOL travels have been rich and clearly rewarding if his Korean blog is anything to go by. He has encouraged me to think it is possible to do the same and is such a godsend to me at the moment as I navigate through the potentially treacherous shallows of job opportunities.
Had a second blast from the past via Facebook just this a.m. This is such a new phenomena for me to be uncovered by people who knew me and (thankfully) still recognise me.
D was a delight when we worked together in television many years ago. I’m not sure what her message will be, but I look forward to hearing her story. There is no such thing as an accidental meeting on this book of faces.
Well my hearties, let’s scrub the deck in bristol fashion with a heave ho and big hi to the future that awaits.
