However, there are the odd little touches that make me feel in the holiday spirit. For example, here are the lights on reception at the cottages. Christmas-y. Very. It's either a Christmas tree or a Christmas arrow.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
It's really odd being in a warm climate during a holiday which, for me, is synonymous with cold weather, dark afternoons and cozy interiors. It doesn't feel Christmas-y when it's really warm. The decorations look out of place, and the traditional food is cold plates, bbq and beers. It makes me feel a bit displaced.
However, there are the odd little touches that make me feel in the holiday spirit. For example, here are the lights on reception at the cottages. Christmas-y. Very. It's either a Christmas tree or a Christmas arrow.
However, there are the odd little touches that make me feel in the holiday spirit. For example, here are the lights on reception at the cottages. Christmas-y. Very. It's either a Christmas tree or a Christmas arrow.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Media Hype
The postal strike here in Australia is mostly media fear mongering. Don't worry, if I sent you a Christmas card... it will arrive in January! :)
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Xmas Post
Bah humbug, posties!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Speaking in a Spa Voice
Modulate your tone.
Find a tone that is not too low and not too high; somewhere between zen master and perky cheerleader.
Celebrate the world of pampering.
It's not about the treatment so much as it is about the "experience".
Practice the art of "gracious stalling".
Maintain a constant stream of helpful and purposeful chat whilst making a phone booking (especially when learning a new computer system!).
Check out the ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS company I am now working for! Endota Spa has two locations in Lorne. How lovely to work in the spa industry for a bit of a sea change!
Find a tone that is not too low and not too high; somewhere between zen master and perky cheerleader.
Celebrate the world of pampering.
It's not about the treatment so much as it is about the "experience".
Practice the art of "gracious stalling".
Maintain a constant stream of helpful and purposeful chat whilst making a phone booking (especially when learning a new computer system!).
Check out the ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS company I am now working for! Endota Spa has two locations in Lorne. How lovely to work in the spa industry for a bit of a sea change!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Breakfast Guest
I have now officially moved to Lorne for 3 months! There's no teaching work during summer holidays, so I may as well work somewhere beautiful!
I'm blessed to have a lovely new flatmate, Sarah, who is holding down the Northcote fort in the city this summer. I'll make sure to introduce you the next time we hang out. So far, since she moved in at the beginning of the month, we have only had enough time to have a couple cups of tea together!
This morning, I had company at breakfast at the picnic table outside at Waverley 13 (the same rickety beach shack I lived in last summer!).
This is Ken, the King Parrot.
I'm blessed to have a lovely new flatmate, Sarah, who is holding down the Northcote fort in the city this summer. I'll make sure to introduce you the next time we hang out. So far, since she moved in at the beginning of the month, we have only had enough time to have a couple cups of tea together!
This morning, I had company at breakfast at the picnic table outside at Waverley 13 (the same rickety beach shack I lived in last summer!).
This is Ken, the King Parrot.
Demon Weed
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Adults vs. Teenagers
That old chestnut!?
This spring, I've taught acting to a class of 10 adults: one 3 hour evening class, once a week for the last 10 weeks. It's been an interesting change from teaching teenagers.
The CONS of working with teenagers: their extreme emotional unpredictability; how easily distracted they are by each other; their nebulous sense of self.
The PROS of working with teenagers: their physical and creative energy, their potential for intense commitment and their infectious excitement.
The CONS of working with adults: they are highly conditioned to be socially appropriate; they are easily distracted by life/work concerns; they have a more fully formed sense of self.
The PROS of working with adults: their desire to learn and build skills; their well-developed lines of questioning; their more fully formed sense of self.
My most repeated comments in an adult class? "Be Brave." "Don't think!" "Listen to each other."
In a high school drama class? "Attention over here, please." "Go for it!" "Listen to each other."
Same same but different.
This spring, I've taught acting to a class of 10 adults: one 3 hour evening class, once a week for the last 10 weeks. It's been an interesting change from teaching teenagers.
The CONS of working with teenagers: their extreme emotional unpredictability; how easily distracted they are by each other; their nebulous sense of self.
The PROS of working with teenagers: their physical and creative energy, their potential for intense commitment and their infectious excitement.
The CONS of working with adults: they are highly conditioned to be socially appropriate; they are easily distracted by life/work concerns; they have a more fully formed sense of self.
The PROS of working with adults: their desire to learn and build skills; their well-developed lines of questioning; their more fully formed sense of self.
My most repeated comments in an adult class? "Be Brave." "Don't think!" "Listen to each other."
In a high school drama class? "Attention over here, please." "Go for it!" "Listen to each other."
Same same but different.
This is my class at Verve Studios. On Thursday night, they had an in-class showing of selected scenes from Neil Labute's play, Reasons to be Pretty. Family and friends attended. As you can see, they are basking in the after-glow of a successful presentation!
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