Coopra Blog

How Bored am I tonight

Yep I'm so bored I thought I'd write an entry on my blog, and see if anyone comments. Let's face it my output has been a little lacking. No excuses, no explanation. Just a random posting before Christmas to keep you all guessing.

Today was our staff meal. Nice food, with exceptionally nice people who make my life a better place (even if one of them does have a ginger tinge).

That's it!

It's done...

...well almost, apart from the door to the pantry, spot touching up of paintwork that's been knocked and putting everything back! The New cooker is fab and everything! I've spent the day at home today as Bethan wasn't well and John had to go to work, my turn to stay and look after the little one. She's a good patient and has spent most of the day dozing on the sofa, allowing me to do a bit of clearing up. the hall and understairs cupboard, and I've just started on the boxes in the computer room. Upstairs next!

Seasons of the Heart

It's a year today that I was flying back from Hong Kong after my China Trip. It seems a long time ago.

I had the day off today because the electricians were here. I spent the morning ferrying back and forth from the tip, and recycling plant getting rid of packaging from the garage. trying to get straight. And, as the car stereo isn't working, I had lots of time to reflect.

I was thinking how different this month has been to April last year. Last year I spent April giving out to the kids in Hengyang. This year I was very much focused on me and my family. It's not a bad thing you understand. There are times when we can focus outward and time when we focus inward. And I have changed so much since my China trip. I'm much more confident that I was. Anyone who knew me pre-97 and my horrendous first year teaching will know how much I lost my confidence. I find it hard to remember some things which happened around that time in my life. But, I had got very cocky as I'd gone through Uni. so, I'm a more careful, inward looking person that I was then. Although we have spent the last month spending loads of money on our house. My new job has meant that I still get to serve the kids in China. It's just sat a desk in Morpeth.

It seems to me that regret and wishful thinking can lead us to forget the good things we've got, to miss the enjoyment of the moment, and to waste the precious time we have. Claire and I decided last year that we'd get back to the way we were pre-kids, in that if an opportunity arose we'd go for it. china was one such time. Other things have been smaller but enjoyable all the same (Seeing Ben folds, I've got a ticket to see a test match, a awful lot more laying in bed). It's the old Carpe deum thing. So seize the moment and keep an eye on the seasons. If it's time to chill then chill. If it's time to do something - do it with style.

At Last.

After Months of waiting, classroom observations and interviews I finally found out today where my Job will be after reorganisation. I'm one of the lucky ones, I got the job I wanted. it's been a weird day, clock watching all afternoon, just waiting for 3.30pm when we were allowed to collect the envelopes which told our fate. It's been good to know that many of my colleagues got their first choices. however, for some it's been less fortunate as they find themselves with no job to go to or somewhere they don't really want to be.

At the end of this accademic year we'll begin to be separated, which for a staff as close as ours is sad. I'm really goning to miss working with many people, the staffroom banter and friendship that i've come to know and love over the last six years.

However, for the moment it's a bit of an anticlimax. The next term will carry on as normal and we'll resume day to day life. I can't quite describe the feeling, but it's definately odd!

Blank Canvas

What A Mess.

Well, it's been a week or so since John & I began clearing the kitchen. cupboards are empty, the ones along the top have been ripped out, we are living out of boxes. It's come to the point where this weekend will see the lower cupboards being thrown out, No hob and the scrappy horrid wallpaper removed from the walls and celing. we could find ourselves in the position of having no washing machine; effective method of cooking; no sink or suitable work space. We may be calling on friends over the next couple of weeks as we seek to be fed and wear clean clothes.

Why is it...

... the parents of the children you really need to speak to on parents evenings, don't make appointments? and the parents of the ones who have no major problems do?

A week in review.

Just a quick blast through the last few days. hectic, but enjoyable and very tiring.

Tuesday: - long bus ride to London with 40 Kids; tea at the rainforest Cafe and theatre visit to the lion King.

Wednesday: - Tour of London sights; trip on the london eye (very clear day so great views); Thames boat cruise and packed lunch; tea the the over priced and less than average "La Laconda" (avoid at all costs) and finally the Sound of Music. which, although it had a cast of understudies was fantastic.

Thursday:- more sight seeing; the Natural History Museum; lunch sitting in Hyde Park and then annother very long journey back to Cramlington.

Friday: - am a moderators meeting at Hepscott park; teaching in the afternoon; taking the boys swimming; tea and... REST!

Hope you had a good one. Maybe i'll get round to catching up with folks this week.

C

Here goes...

Well; after months of preparation and countless observations; tomorrow is Interview Day. I kind of expected my interviews to be on separate days, but no. Tomorrow I have three, yes THREE interviews. Liz will know exactly how I'm feeling. However, unlike Liz it will be nearly a month until I find my fate.

I'm trusting that God knows what is best and that he'll provide the best outcome. But i'm still not looking forward to tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

The Wonderous Sock Cactus of Love

Since me and Claire were students we've always made each other something for Valo's day. This year I made this beautiful cactus, made from socks. People have been quite rude about my cactus, but I don't care.

Claire in turn made me a lovely heart made out of willow and Papier-mache.