Has it been that long?

Already it's the end of March. It's been a good month so far. At last the days are getting longer, and the daffs are out in force. It's the end of the second term this week and I'm still reeling in shock that we're so far through already. Last weekend I put my NQT folder together so pass this year and become FULLY qualified. Hurrah.
It's also been my birthday and it was a great time. Lots of cake and food! It's a bit weird to think that I'm now in my mid-20s but I have been told that it stays that way. Before long it'll be my 80th and I 'll still feel like a teenager! (in spirit if my body doesn't keep up!) There's been a lot of time spent with family which is good. I've come to realise that being around them is what makes me happy.
I've also taken up a new hobby: ceramic painting! It's true that I have only been once but I intend to go more. Hopefully one day I will have a whole array of hand-painted crockery that I can keep for a long while. Very addictive. I'll post a picture when I pick it up from the glazing place in Fleet (see photo for a rough location of the place!)
That's about all for this month. Looking back I am sure there's more or it's quite sad to think that about 30 days can be summed up in just a few paragraphs!

Cheddar Gorge

Yesterday we had a school trip to Cheddar Gorge. It was absolutely beautiful and the kids really enjoyed the experience. It’s the place where Cheddar cheese originated and in May they are going to start producing ‘cave-matured’ cheese, which is something they used to do in the 1940s but back then there were fewer ways to keep rodents and bats out of the cheese. They are going to use lasers to ensure the cheese is kept hygienic. The kids went wild and climbed all over the place.
It was a rather long day… we didn’t get home until 5.30pm and it was more than 2 hours each way. Harder than a regular day at work! Still, it made a nice change from being in the classroom.
The kids had a right laugh and they spent the most time in the gift shop buying horrendously tacky gifts using their parents’ hard-earned cash! The most popular thing was sweets and plastic skulls. Nice.

Middle of Feb already

So here is a photo (as requested) of Disneyland Paris. As you can see, it was not the best weather but it was a laugh. No other photos are really suitable as they have students etc. sadly but all I can say is don't believe the brochure!

It's been half term this week and there was a short visit to see lil sis in Cambridge which was fun. We went to a formal dinner and had to dress up and be served by lovely looking waiters and waitresses. We also saw some relatives etc. in nearby Newmarket. Already it's Friday and half way through February when it feels only a short time since Christmas.

Today I went to see the film Hot Fuzz. It sounds rather like the name for a porn film but it's not. It's a BRILLIANT comedy. This site has photos, synopsis and trailer. If you get the opportunity go and see it! It exceeded my expectations - it's not often that I laugh so loud in the cinema that everyone looks at me. This film has everything: guns, comedy (British humour), action. it's just hilarious. Anyway, enough babbling about this fantastic film.... until next time.

The wanderer has returned…

Disneyland Paris was a great trip although blimmin’ cold. I also gained a new nickname: McMullen! It’s become a favourite now amongst staff and students alike. Although the park is aimed at 3-9 year olds there were a few fast rides and we saw a great stunt show as well as the Lion King (3 times, one of which was in French!). Since returning school has been good – particularly with the addition of some snow yesterday! The whole country went mad with only 3 inches of snow – schools closed, roads were ice rinks and everyone was very put out when our school remained open!! Hopefully I’ve got enough stuff to scrapbook so that I can add a few pages to my collection.

Maybe things don’t change

Yesterday I went on a course about being a tutor and having students in your care etc. It was quite interesting but fast-paced which was tough going after a hard morning teaching! But the weird thing was that although we were all grown people being taught, there was still one person who kept talking the whole time the instructor was talking! It really annoyed me because we all knew, as teachers, how irritating it is when students talk over you. I just about managed to hold my tongue but it was a close thing. So after all that time, even though I was surrounded by adults, there were still childish people. Perhaps growing up so straight forward!

Other news... amazingly the lamp is still working. My spirits are (relatively) high. I LOVE this little piece of modern technology.

Woo hoo for the veggies!

My veg box arrived as promised on Wednesday and I've not been disappointed. We got loads! I've had to have major cook-off and have made: curried parsnip mash, a massive lasagne packed with veggies and a slow cooked beef casserole. Even better... there's loads still left! Not sure we'd cope with a box every week but it's nice for a change.

Other news.... yesterday was a bit of a family do and we went to a really nice pub/restaurant in Godalming, Surrey. It was funny because we spent lots of time with Matt and he only lives in the flat above ours! Still, it was a nice way to end the week.

Veg Box

After many months of um-ing and ah-ing we've done it! We've ordered our very own organic fruit and veg box which should be delivered on Wednesday!! It will hopefully really increase our intake of fruit and veg and cut down on our wasteful, extravagent trips to the supermarket. It should mean we can just buy milk and eggs every couple of weeks until we've eaten EVERYTHING out of the freezer.
They sell loads of other things. The best thing is that they distribute their stuff from local places so there are fewer carbon miles. We chose a medium box because that had loads of stuff grown in the UK and it's nice to think we're eating what's in season.
To add to our virtuous new pledge we've installed a giant compost bin in the back garden. Luckily the wall hides it quite well and it's quite exciting to think that we'll have made something so useful. Now it's just a case of eating our way to a healthy diet and a gorgeous garden.