I returned to work this week after an eight week break, the longest personal break that I have ever had and also the most enriching one for me since the leave that I took to have my own children, which although yes, was very enriching; also proved to be quite overwhelming, exhausting and tiring. This leave however left me with none of those feelings, and I returned to work feeling fully reinvigorated and ready to take on the challenges once again.
What I was not expecting was to feel such a huge sense of overwhelm from the reception that I got when I did return to work, and not in a bad way. The exact opposite actually, for I was welcomed back with the most enormous and genuine hugs and smiles, and the kindest words of welcome and affirmation that I have ever experienced in my life. Many of the students rushed to hug me, many throwing their arms around me and telling me how much they had missed me, and this touched me so very deeply and moved me so much. I felt like I was coming home to my workplace, and gosh - how special is that? How many people can actually say that they felt welcomed back in such a genuine and loving way when they return to work after a lengthy period of long service leave? It was astonishing and remarkable and wonderful all at once.
And that was when I really became acutely aware that I am part of an inclusive and caring community within my workplace. That I have made connections with the people within my workplace that go beyond that of the everyday, humdrum, daily work-life grind; that I in fact have relationships with many, many people; probably more than I had even considered, and that my presence (or lack there of) had not only been noticed, but people were actually glad to see that I had returned. Incredible! And I tell you, it is unexpectedly delightful and deeply affecting to realise that you belong somewhere that you are employed to go to. This is a new experience for me, a really lovely one.
So, needless to say, the week went along splendidly, with many joys and reunions. Lots of catching up on things, lots of hearing all about the things that I have missed, but also lots of shared laughs and joys, that perhaps you can only really experience when you are in school setting and surrounded my hundreds of people everyday. With so many people around you daily, it is never hard to find a happy story, a funny experience or a genuine tale of interest to share that not only brightens your day, but gives you purpose and reason to be where you are and doing what you do.
The weekend was also lovely with time shared with friends and excellent company. I got to meditate with the delightful sangha group, catch up with Helen at White Night, visit the Book Swap with Seth and even indulge in a little cinema to pass the time. It couldn't have been a more perfect week for a first week back at work, but now I am already starting to miss my Freja baby like crazy again! Gotta squeeze some Bibi time in soon!
What I was not expecting was to feel such a huge sense of overwhelm from the reception that I got when I did return to work, and not in a bad way. The exact opposite actually, for I was welcomed back with the most enormous and genuine hugs and smiles, and the kindest words of welcome and affirmation that I have ever experienced in my life. Many of the students rushed to hug me, many throwing their arms around me and telling me how much they had missed me, and this touched me so very deeply and moved me so much. I felt like I was coming home to my workplace, and gosh - how special is that? How many people can actually say that they felt welcomed back in such a genuine and loving way when they return to work after a lengthy period of long service leave? It was astonishing and remarkable and wonderful all at once.
And that was when I really became acutely aware that I am part of an inclusive and caring community within my workplace. That I have made connections with the people within my workplace that go beyond that of the everyday, humdrum, daily work-life grind; that I in fact have relationships with many, many people; probably more than I had even considered, and that my presence (or lack there of) had not only been noticed, but people were actually glad to see that I had returned. Incredible! And I tell you, it is unexpectedly delightful and deeply affecting to realise that you belong somewhere that you are employed to go to. This is a new experience for me, a really lovely one.
So, needless to say, the week went along splendidly, with many joys and reunions. Lots of catching up on things, lots of hearing all about the things that I have missed, but also lots of shared laughs and joys, that perhaps you can only really experience when you are in school setting and surrounded my hundreds of people everyday. With so many people around you daily, it is never hard to find a happy story, a funny experience or a genuine tale of interest to share that not only brightens your day, but gives you purpose and reason to be where you are and doing what you do.
The weekend was also lovely with time shared with friends and excellent company. I got to meditate with the delightful sangha group, catch up with Helen at White Night, visit the Book Swap with Seth and even indulge in a little cinema to pass the time. It couldn't have been a more perfect week for a first week back at work, but now I am already starting to miss my Freja baby like crazy again! Gotta squeeze some Bibi time in soon!
FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA
Release Date: 2024
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 158 mins
The fifth instalment in the Mad Max franchise that is neither the best offering nor the worst. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga does however offer another post-apocalyptic adventure into the violent and ruthless wastelands of Australia. And although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Mad Max: Fury Road, I did think that it was another fun, high-speed action offering that is worthy of your time.
Lead by the Warlord Dementus, a biker horde stumble across a young girl named Furiosa whilst they are looting 'The Green Place' (one of the last remaining areas in the wastelands that is still abundant with water and agriculture). Eager to please their leader, the bikers steal Furiosa and take her to Dementus who claims her as his daughter; but only after he brutally murders her mother in front of her. As Furiosa grows, she establishes an esteemed foot-hold within the Citadel walls of Immortan Joe, vowing to one day return to The Green Place and strike revenge on Dementus.
You don't go and see a George Miller 'Mad Max' movie because you are looking for a sophisticated slice of civilised cinema, you go for the high octane, uber violent, gasoline guzzling, apocalyptic carry on; and on that front there is plenty to like about this film. One certainly cannot deny that Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth are brilliant as Furiosa and Dementus, carrying the story to much greater heights with their combined efforts.
So, if you are looking for a couple of hours of action that has tonnes of sand, loads of violence, some souped up rigs and a couple of unforgettably evil super villains, then you will love what Furiosa is delivering.
FINAL SAY: Where are you going, so full of hope? There is no hope!
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2024
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 158 mins
The fifth instalment in the Mad Max franchise that is neither the best offering nor the worst. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga does however offer another post-apocalyptic adventure into the violent and ruthless wastelands of Australia. And although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Mad Max: Fury Road, I did think that it was another fun, high-speed action offering that is worthy of your time.
Lead by the Warlord Dementus, a biker horde stumble across a young girl named Furiosa whilst they are looting 'The Green Place' (one of the last remaining areas in the wastelands that is still abundant with water and agriculture). Eager to please their leader, the bikers steal Furiosa and take her to Dementus who claims her as his daughter; but only after he brutally murders her mother in front of her. As Furiosa grows, she establishes an esteemed foot-hold within the Citadel walls of Immortan Joe, vowing to one day return to The Green Place and strike revenge on Dementus.
You don't go and see a George Miller 'Mad Max' movie because you are looking for a sophisticated slice of civilised cinema, you go for the high octane, uber violent, gasoline guzzling, apocalyptic carry on; and on that front there is plenty to like about this film. One certainly cannot deny that Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth are brilliant as Furiosa and Dementus, carrying the story to much greater heights with their combined efforts.
So, if you are looking for a couple of hours of action that has tonnes of sand, loads of violence, some souped up rigs and a couple of unforgettably evil super villains, then you will love what Furiosa is delivering.
FINAL SAY: Where are you going, so full of hope? There is no hope!
3 Chilli Peppers
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