Short weeks

This week I oversaw the exam for my unit and then was determined to mark all the papers before heading off to Queensland on Wednesday. Going to Box Hill was not so bad this time and I went to lunch with Jan and Andrew like old times. Jan was heading off to China the next day to meet up with his wife who has been visiting her parents. I departed in time for Pilates. No staying  late any more! Next day after watercolour class and a massage I went to a meeting  with the library team. Twice in one week is a challenge. 

The accreditation work is slipping behind but I am determined to complete it before I got to visit Mum. This week has a lot of social catch ups which is so delightful and makes me work more efficiently. I had planned a dinner party weeks ago with Angie and Tim and then I decided to add Irene and Bill.  Bumping into my neighbour at Friday drinks downstairs, I decided to extend a long overdue invite to them too and also to Lee Lin who is now coming to Pilates with me. It was now a dinner for 8. I have let the housework slide over the last few weeks with all the work,  so Saturday was a whirlwind  of cleaning and cooking. I always feel so satisfied when the place looks neat and clean but I just find  it tedious to do it every week. 

I cooked a Spanish meal of Prawns with romesco sauce  as starters, Chicken with beans in tomatoe sauce and baked potatoes in stock. I also served Torta de Santiago with oranges in syrup for dessert. I even got Spanish sherry to start the night. We had a good time with lots of talk and laughing.  I really love cooking for people and seeing them enjoy the food and company. I feel complete.

Sunday I really focused on the accreditation work and knocked off two more. I was exhausted! I am not used to pushing myself so hard anymore. 

I took the pressure off by going to Mark Davis's play 'All for love' at a little studio theatre Q44 in Swan st Richmond. What a revelation. It is above a furniture showroom and includes an art gallery as well. Looked very New York Soho. Mark works at my gym when he isn't acting. The play was by Sam Shepard and written in 1983 but dealt with domestic violence and twisted relationships. Mark was fabulous and conveyed the menacing personality so well. I was quite frightened. Janine came too and we really felt rewarded for supporting this independent production. 

I decided to change my hairstyle and that meant cutting it all off aka Judy Dench. I have had a lot of shocked responses but also compliments. I found it pretty odd at first but it is fantastic to wash and no brushing! I really like it.