Um...

It's been a long time. Not sure why I stopped. Pressure of work possibly. Feeling voiceless for a while. I think my brain ceased to work on a creative level. But it's possible that I'm back now. Possibly.

N

My daughter has changed. She is a teenager now and with that have come some dramatic changes. She is taller than me now. We are the same shoe size. She is developing 'attitude'. She is the sweetest, most generous, selfish, moody girl I know. She now spells her name Jenn. One more N and a whole lot of changes. Still lovely though.

The wanderer returns

Four loads of washing, trainers binned, long soaks in the bath. Yes, my lovely Jen has returned from an eventful week away. She will never be able to say she enjoyed herself, but she is, nevertheless, very proud of her achievements and willing to say that she got a lot out of the experience. I am particularly proud that she feels she has learned a lot about herself and her ability to push herself. Can't ask for more than that!

We had a lovely weekend (her father suddenly couldn't have her). She looked set to sleep all day Saturday, but surfaced at lunchtime. Throughout the weekend she talked about the different activities she'd done. There was almost a hint of enthusiasm. Almost. I don't think she'll be doing it again!

A week off?

My daughter is going away for a week. She's going, with all of Year 8, to the Outward Bound Centre in Abedovey in Wales. She'll be doing various activities - all of which I did as a young person (and loved) but none of which she enjoys. She's a real towny - hates the sea, hates the countryside - so this will be a real test for her.













However, this will be a week off for me. No more morning battles as I have to drag her out of bed for school. No more angst over homework. No having to leave school with piles of marking so that I can get her home at a decent time. No meat (she's a real carnivore and I still hanker after my vegetarian days). No cooking, if I don't feel like it. No more Disney channel...

Instead, I can stay in bed for an extra 30 minutes every morning. I can stay at school until I've finished my work. I can go out mid-week (not that I'l have the energy). And, as she's going to her Dad's for the weekend after her trip, I'll also get a lie in at the weekend.

Should I feel guilty about this? I will miss her and I will worry (a little) that she's not having a good time. However, I think this will be a fantastic opportunity for her. And an even better opportunity for me to have a break.

Unfortunately, this is the forecast for the week in Aberdovey:



Hmmm... just a little guilty.

Happpy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2012. 2011 is best forgotten. Here's to a brighter 2012. For everyone.

End of term bugs

Why, just as I am about to take 40 children to France for a week, have I developed the chest infection from hell?

Actually, the clue was in the phone conversation I had with my doctor today.

Doctor: Is it your chest again?

MC: Cough, yes, cough.

Doctor: Pick up your prescription at the desk on your way home from school.

MC: Thank you.

Doctor: So you are at school?

MC: Cough...

Doctor: I expect I'll see you in two weeks for more antibiotics then.

She knows me so well.

Just back from the first night of the school production. Lots of hairspray and costume changes (and safety pins for emergency repairs). Pupils were amazing. One of our best productions.
Exhausted now. Just finished second glass of wine...