Achievement unlocked: submitting an assignment done in pairs more than 3 days early. Done properly collaboratively throughout.
Being a mature age student means getting shit done, but having no capacity for actual leisure.

I want to immerse in small joys.
And the best right now is the black fuzzball snoozing against my leg. He misses the kids when they're not here, especially on my work days.

Uni starts up again next week. I'm halfway through uni level stats on Kahn Academy (prep for semester 2, so no real rush). I have readings and recorded lectures to get through. I expect to have limited capacity for socialising for the next 3 months.

A black cat curled in a circle, tail tucked under his head and all limbs curled in, and he looks like he's smiling as he snoozes.

Spookums is happy.

I didn't expect to be rained on sitting at my desk at work. The ceiling flooded. Less than a minute after I got up to get help and move stuff out of the splash zone a ceiling panel fell on my chair (not on me). A dramatic end to my first week back at work for the year.

The lemon tree has a couple of small lemons on it too

A square, white card with embossed vinework. There is a circular hole in the middle with a vibrant watercolour painting of a sun-shiny yellow-orange rose within it.

I made a pretty today. Watercolours painted from a rose in my garden.

well fuck. And yes, it is white utes. Hope you're ok.

I adore this book so hard. And it re-reads ridiculously well too. Definitely one of my favourites.

I value my kids online connections. They're a lot more isolated and vulnerable at school, having friends online makes them a little bit safer emotionally.

I like leaders who show enthusiasm for what I've been doing, who encourage me to keep growing. Workplaces with fake play 'team building' type activities make me want to opt out. I don't go to work for that. Worse than that they feel like being paid in pizza. It's inauthentic.
Kindness matters.

This one will always be a favourite for me. It's one of the first I recommend.

A very relaxed black cat snoozing on beige carpet with household clutter in the background. His head is resting on his paws, his eyes are closed, and his tail is stretched out and flopped behind him.

Today is Spooki's 4th birthday. He is very very happy with the offerings of roast chicken and would rather like some more thanks.

Monk and Robot are very much a comfort read for me, though I ache with wanting to live in a world like that.