A week of firsts....

Sarah Vaughn sings a song that has the words "what a difference a day makes - twenty four little hours...." and I couldn't agree more. This past week is only a tiny space of time in a life full of many years.... and yet there was room for firsts.....

1) Taupiri Maunga
To celebrate Matariki a group of my colleagues, students, Kuia and Kaumatua climbed Taupiri maunga (mountain)at 5.30am, led by Kingi Tuheitia. At the top, we shared karakia (prayers), waiata (songs) and whakapapa (geneology) of Taupiri and Pirongia, the surrounding area and the beautiful Waikato awa (river). We listened to stories about the tupuna (ancestry) of the Tainui tribe and Kingitanga. It was the first time I had been there and the view was spectacular. The wairua (spirit) was peaceful and it was beautiful.

2) Thames Graduation
Where I work, the phrase second chance learners is used to describe our students. Its description tries to encapsulate the failure of the education system in our student's lives and how coming to Te Wananga o Aotearoa bridges that gap and more, by providing a holistic and healing way of learning. This is never more evident than at a graduation ceremony. There are people there that cross the stage for the first time in generations to complete a certificate and gain a tohu (award).

3) Swimmer's Ear
I learnt to swim as a child. Although not as good as my younger sister and brother - it was still something that I did better than anything on land ;-) After 20 years, I have returned to the pool to try and shed some of these well loved kilos I carry ;-) After my first session back, and for the first time in my WHOLE LIFE - I get a blocked ear.. I shrug it off. Then the week later, the same thing happens and it takes four days to come right, then the next it takes six days to unblock. I then decide - enough is enough and I get some earplugs. I put those in - and after that session I have had a blocked ear every since. I go to the pharmacist/chemist and explain my symptoms and he tells me I have "swimmer's ear" and gives me some drops which are called Swimmer's Ears. First time ever!

4) Writing Retreat
I am blessed enough to be invited (well I invited myself) to a writing retreat at the Waikato Tainui Research and Development College, Hopuhopu through work. If you get time, google it and see what a wonderful legacy has been started in this place.... It is the first time I have been here and it is a fantastic facility. Each person has their own room with a desk and a bed and NO tv - that's how serious the people were about the impetus of this facility to enhance one's learning in pursuit of excellence. I'm loving it. I just need to get a Phd proposal out of the next two days ;-) after writing my blog ;-)

5) To be served
My new Personal Assistant started work for me this week. Before leaving work one night, she comes in and asks if its okay if she moved my office around and I say "that's fine". My office and especially my desk looked like a bomb has gone off and I was too overwhelmed with everything to do something about it and as a colleague said after seeing my car - it truly was a reflection of my mind............Anyway, when I get back to my office the next afternoon after a day in meetings - my office has not only been re-arranged, but every little knick-knack (and you have to know I have many ;-)) is back up on the walls, on shelves. My desk is tidied. My filing is ordered. The flow of work is clear. And everything is right with the world. I don't know if this is going to continue. I'm too scared to get used to how this feels - but for the first time I feel like someone really wants to serve me - and I will never ever forget her - EVER! Thank you Arozxox

Look out for the firsts - they may never be repeated but will definitely not be forgotten....

Yours in friendship,

Mxo