A week of new beginnings

I started my drawing class on Monday night and discovered this is a serious class. None of this do what you like, but a structured learning experience. I was the one and only new raw beginner so I had special tasks to accomplish before the teacher will let me do the regular class work.  It was a bit scary because they have all been there for at least a term and also exciting because their work is evidence she is a great teacher.  By the rapture of the students they have been very pleased to have her back as a stand in for the other teacher who was to take the class. I drew a passable hand and a terrible drawing of Nick from my memory as my class tasks.
I had orientation for my unit on Wednesday and got to see where I will be teaching.  The location of the campus is right in the middle of the city in the edgy, interesting Flinders Lane precinct

  There are numerous quirky shops and arcades, coffee places and generally a great atmosphere. The classrooms are all computer rooms so everyone will be facing the wall unless I get people to turn their chairs around. This is not my ideal teaching room because I like lots of interaction with the students. I will need to be creative.. Otherwise it is a 'hot desk' office. This means no dedicated computer or personal space. I will be like a turtle with my home on my back.  At least now I have no more excuses and I will be able to buckle down and focus on the task of lecturing.

I still managed to get to Pilates and feel that it is doing me a power of good. If only I could fit in yoga as well somewhere I would have a whole body program.
We finally had the hot weather and I had wet evidence of the leak. Immediate response from the building manager and the lady above discovered an even worse leak and then it was diagnosed as originating between  floors so it is in the builder's hands. I am prepared for a long wait for repair.  In the meantime a bucket catches the run off! 

 Dripping on the insulation.

Thursday I had my second watercolour class and felt quite surprised at how timid I was. I have been quite gung-ho up to date but again a more structured class induced a hesitancy I hadn't experienced for a long time. It is good for teachers to be reminded of how it feels to be out of your comfort zone as a learner I think.  I actually got stuck into some degree work afterwards and felt more comfortable and enthusiastic than I have for sometime.
Not for too long as the Friday afternoon movie group assembled to see Billy Connelly in 'What we did on our holiday'.  It was so funny and sad too. A thoroughly good entertaining movie. Next I was off to Supergraph at the Exhibition buildings. This is a event  for emerging young graphic artists to show there wears which is run by Mikala Tai. She is the daughter of my long time friend Janine and like a sister to the boys. She is an amazing young woman, with fabulous entrepreneurial ability, excellent people skills and just delightful. Her Supergraph has made the international scene with an invitation from London and NewYork to showcase the best at their similar shows. These young people today are so inspiring. Their ideas have no borders. Below left is the drawing Olympics.

 The crowd at Supergraph face-o-mat 

Saturday I indulged with reading my book Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I am loving it and of course it is much better than the movie with Reece Witherspoon. She writes so well and I feel a connection with her as a long distance walker myself. My walks were not such wildernesses but still long distances. It makes me long for the wide open spaces and the simplicity of that life. We or I lead an overstimulated life I think and I wonder if the Protestant work ethic plus hyper civilisation is not a sort of addiction? The old adage that the devil finds work for idle hands or some such saying underlies our compulsion to be busy busy all the time.  It really takes some getting used to not working and not feeling selfish or lazy because you aren't . I can sense a change in my mental framework because I am back to doing some teaching again. I certainly don't want to get sucked into the politics, just teach is my intention. That I can stick to.
Sunday morning I took a swim in the pool downstairs which was such a nice change for my body and yet I kept swimming too fast so I got puffed. I really need to practice the slow and steady pace I began before Christmas so it is more meditative.
Tara has finally returned to set up their flat and her mum Anthea came across too.  I invited them to dinner. I managed a second Jamie Olover menu from his book and executed it well. I am enjoying doing different recipes and it is fun working through the book.
This week I felt that I was developing a rhythm to my week that was satisfying, and while busy,  it wasn't stressful and I had time on my own as well as company. It felt balanced. Can I maintain this ?