Yellowtrampoline

Yep, that’s right, despite almost constant neglect and attack by terrestrial molluscs, my pot of kenyan beans is actually bearing fruit!  Although 2 plants seem to have given up under the pest onslaught, there are lots of flowers on the other 3 plants, and one even has little beans on it!  They’re perfect little minatures at about an inch long, and adorable, if a vegetable can be so.  I’m so proud!  They should be on my plate by next week, just in time for me to leave…  At least I can take the pot with me.

I am well.

The Pembrokeshire interview went well, not well enough to secure me a job, but well enough for the head of centre to recommend me for three other positions as a Trainee Field Tutor. I originally interviewed as an Education Assistant, so it was kind of a step up. So I went for an interview in Amersham, Buckinghamshire on Monday. It’s a lovely tiny little place, ponds, woods, huge substation which crackles constantly, a small dog named Daisy. It went really well, even the presentation on “An out of class activity I have led, including critical curriculum links.” I did it on the engineering challenges I told you all about so long ago. (See Eeeek and Followup if you missed it.)

And I got a phonecall today and I got the job! I start in late August and I was so excited that after school I went out and bought three new books to celebrate, and had some Shloer in the park with Steve. Hooray for me.

Thank you for your time, does anyone have any questions?

So. I’ve had a really weird day. I want to dedicate this post, but it seems too crass. I got to work early, and had a really good day. Then I went into town, bought food, yummy shower things and the like, then walked home full of the joys of Spring (literally). Really really happy. Elated, joyous, indescribably happy. Came home, made my tea (pasta with chargrilled aubergine pesto, bacon and spinach, I highly recommend it) and had a glass of wine with Sandy.

Then called Mum and Dad back cos I’d missed a call from them and they said Grandad passed away last night. It wasn’t unexpected in the least, he’s 91 and has been in hospital for weeks and then the lovely, brilliant, beautiful Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice from last week, with a tumour on his windpipe. I knew it was coming, but it still feels odd. Unreal.

Then I checked my emails and I have a job interview in Pembrokeshire, which is great news. But a mixed day, to say the least. How do I feel? I’m not sure. I’m ok, but I don’t feel like I’ve made contact with reality for a while.

Sidney George James Etherington, God bless, I love you. Always.

Why do people give each other flowers?  To celebrate various important occasions, they’re killing living creatures?  Why restrict it to plants?  “Sweetheart, let’s make up.  Have this deceased squirrel.”

Apparently from The Washington Post.  Hehehehehe

Yes!  Yes, it did!  The number 17 served me well.  We had a lovely meal followed by a lesson in roulette by the manager, then we were let loose on the real tables.  I put in a tenner and got out forty pounds, so didn’t do so bad!  It bought a cd and a birthday present for my god-daughter on saturday.  (She’s nine.  Nine!)  Others did do better, it must be said.  Philippa did best, putting in 20 and getting out 94!  Whoo!  A fun night had by all.

Anyway, I said there was exciting news.  I’m moving!  From, well, now, I suppose - I do have the keys - I will be lodging with a lovely lady called Sandy in Camberley, along with her younger daughter (19), another lodger, 3 cats and a golden retriever called Bailey.  It looks like it’s gonna be fun, I’m looking forward to it.  It’s a lot closer to the school, especially as I’ve been commuting from Mum and Dad’s since February half term.  Things just got a bit too much living with Steve.  Change of address cards/emails will be sent out as appropriate/on request.  If you haven’t got one by May, ask me!

Hmmm, the blogger’s block. Things are a bit better, and improving. I’ll update more soon! (more promises…) So yes, things are alright. Exciting things are in the offing, and I’m going to a casino on Friday. With school, believe it or not. No, not the children, just the staff!

I like this theme, I think I’ll keep it for a while.  Don’t you just love new crayons?  I do.  So pointy and perfect and unsullied.  It makes me feel all happy inside.  Mmmmmm.

I would have posted, but I can’t seem to make my brain work properly.  I think I might have lost a bit.  Um.  Yeah.  I’ll be ok, I think.  I’ll tell you when I’m older.

It is half term!  Nine blissful days of non-work, copious sleep and food and free time in daylight hours!  Not that I really know what I’m going to do with it…

Not a lot else to say, really, the past couple of weeks have been fairly uneventful.  I just wanted to update, keep the ball rolling, that kind of thing.  Have a good weekend! 

*dances off*

I got plasticine, bamboo skewers, cheap ice cube trays, drinking straws and lots of small rolls of sellotape.  What do you think we made with all that?  Answers to the usual address. 

They all did really well and I was so proud of them all, especially after the dramas of last week.  Don’t ask.  Children were removed and incident forms were written.  But enough of that, this week was much better!  Indeed it was the highlight of my day.  Not that that was hard, mind.  After having a ball thrown repeatedly at my head at about 12.10 this afternoon you’d think it could only get better, eh?  Someone (or in this case, several someones) usually manages to restore my faith in humanity when I’m having a bad day, and today was no exception.  *beam*

In other news, I’ll be at home this weekend, and will possibly celebrate Shrove Tuesday early with Mum and Dad.  Enjoy your weekend!

Forgot I was going to post and now I only have 2 minutes.

Does anyone have any ideas for what I can do with 9 9-11 yr old boys for an hour on Friday?  We’re doing “Engineering Challenges” and so far they’ve done towers from straws and bridges from newspaper.  I need one more session!  Please comment with (sensible) ideas!