The wheels on the bus...

Go round and round.

The start on a new academic year has begun... For those of you that know me, each year I say this will be my last as a classroom teacher, but this year is different. I was lucky enough to see the children that would come to me. My head mistress also allowed for me to choose a classroom for these bubas and I have now made it my own. Creating a classroom that is bright and manifests excitement is a joy of mine and thus far I think I have been successful. A rainbow has puked in my class and there is multi colour everywhere. All I really hope is that the children will feel at home this year and that everyday they walk into Miss Winter's room wondering what new and exciting things they will learn. Now for the children - I have an amazing class of 7 beautiful bubas! I love all of them from Patrick's cheeky smile and Disney eyes to Kiara's loving hugs and toothless smiles. Everyday I look back at their faces and am reminded at how pure we all are.

My classroom is not yet complete but in keeping to my usual multi-coloured theme here is a sneak peak...the displays will of course grow throughout the year.

I have had a 2 week whirlwind of adventure but it's now time to 'Wake up and smell the routine'. For a moment then I thought I was part of a fairytale (In actual fact I watched Pretty Woman 3x and kept shouting at the screen 'That is me!'), but coming back to Cayman and starting the new academic year has grounded me. This is where I am. This is where I am meant to be. This is my routine.

But, looking out onto this everyday, I guess that's not everyone's routine ;) I am remind with each inhale of fresh sea breeze- I AM A VERY LUCKY GIRL!

My local beach - Not everyone's everyday!

Being back on island means that my sleep pattern has normalised and I am back to self practice. Despite the love of moving with my own breath, modifying when I need to and yes...skipping the odd asana when I feel like it, I do crave the love and support of a teacher. I come to realise that I need the watchful eye of a teacher to keep my practice focused and ensure that I exert self discipline. Anyone can set an alarm for 4:45am but to keep your focus and strength to 100% is not so easy. Surely this is what we expect from our kids don't we??? Note to self, be more patient with my bubas! Self discipline or not, I did just bind for the 1st time in Marichyasana D, unassisted that is!!!!(Right side only, but Ssssshhhh, the left side is coming ;) I was so pleased I let out a little 'YAY' and looked around to see if anyone was watching, of course they weren't. So with a smug proud smile spread from cheek to cheek I just turned my head counting my 5 breaths.  

Finally...With practice all is coming. Lets just hope I can still do it come Monday.

I started the week back meeting up with my fellow teachers with a 70s/80s themed evening. I myself DON'T do fancy dress and was not prepared to spend money on an outfit/costume I wouldn't wear again so I decided to go as a 70s boho hippie chic - AKA myself!

Davina, Susan, Me & Emma x

This weekend I met up the the hip Mr Rogers - another friend who sought me out through this blog. He is now on island and reminded me of the beauty of Cayman - 'you have some of the best diving in the world on your doorstep!' Thanks to him I went home and was motivated and finally finished my PADI e-learning. I admit I am still am none the wiser about eRDPML dive tables but that's what we have computers for, right? And I'll have a buddy diving with me - let's hope he's good at maths :) Now it's time to get the practical booked and explore what makes this island really magnificent.

Once again I am back to missing friends at home. That being said, I don't wish to be a complete Debbie Downer. Last week I was reminded by Facebook of a decision I had made exactly 1 year ago today...

"Embrace life. It is either pleasuring you, offering you opportunities, or teaching you precious lessons."

"Ain't it fun living in the real world."