From Heat Wave to Humidity

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I spent my last day in Perth on Rottnest with my wonderful sister and all the things I love best in the world. I swam and drank and laughed and was completely and utterly happy. It was a glorious day and the perfect way to finish up my summer. Australia day night was spent in our neighbour’s garage at the annual street party. The rain, thunder and lightning kept us all entertained and there was so much amazing food I wished I could have packed a lunchbox for the plane.

I snuck inside to finish packing up my mountain of stuff. All I can say is thank god ill be back in march I had to leave so much stuff behind. I crawled into bed and was asleep before dad even had a chance to say goodbye. The alarm went off at 3am and by some miracle the wonderful people at Air Australia decided not to charge me for excess luggage ;)

The ride back to Derby was fine, apart from when the captain came on over the loud speaker and told us that due to bad weather (cyclone Iggy) we might not successfully land the first time around. If this was to happen they would try a second time and if that failed we would fly back to Port Headland until the weather cleared. I prayed that we would land ok all the way down. Luckily, we were back on the pindan before 9am. The lovely Katie picked MJ and I up and I was even more happy to find that my car started up the first try.

It was actually a nice feeling to walk into my little house. Everything was exactly how I left it. Including the TV still on, with the DVD logo moving around the screen. Yep, big oops. Left on for a full 8 weeks. Can’t wait to see my power bill!!!

The bad weather meant that it was good to be inside and after unpacking, shopping and organising my social life I pulled myself into gear and set up my classroom.

It took a few days but the classroom came together well. The term has started off beautifully. Of course I don’t want to jinx it but my class are wonderful and in comparison to last year’s chaos I just felt super relaxed.

So, it’s already the end of week 1. We celebrated with a BIG night out at the newly refurbished Spinifex Hotel (looks a lot like a suburban Perth pub). It was awesome to be back with the Derby crew. Saturday night Sam and Laurie had a pot luck dinner at their place. Everyone excelled and brought brilliant food. In a minute, I’ll be off to enjoy some sunset drinks on the jetty with some old, some new Derby peeps. On the other hand there is something like 3.5 weeks until I turn into a pumpkin (the dreaded dirty thirty) so I’m planning to make the most what’s left of my youth!!!

Here’s my ‘Back to Derby’ top five:

1. My awesome class!!!

2. Walking home from almost anywhere in town and it taking less than 5 minutes

3. Feeling the love from all the Derby crew

4. Friday night antics

5. Fresh seafood (Thanks for the oysters Sam and Laurie)

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