Junk Modelling

Yesterday we had fun at school making 'junk' models, from recycled boxes, cartons, containers, lids, yogurt pots etc.

The topic was buildings/London buildings, and the kids had a great time.

Today we carried them out to the field and I sprayed them all, while the kids stood well back and watched with awe as they changed before their very eyes.

The London 'Eye' was voted the best one.....

or is it Wembley Stadium?

'Just passing through'

After (another) stressful week at work, I was on my knees by Friday.

Exhausted, sapped of energy and wondering why the hell I am still working so hard at sixty, I had a chat with Steve who is my counsellor (and I am his).

After quite a while spent discussing the exact problems, he said to me:
"Ma, why are you letting it all get you down? You are just passing through at school, you cannot change the system or the people, you cannot do more than you are physically able to, try to relax and don't take it all to heart so much!"

Suddenly, the constricting band across my chest lifted, and I could breathe again. The magic words were 'you are just passing through'.
Of course I am, aren't we all? Through work, parenthood,adulthood, life ....and, after all, none of this will matter in 100 years!!!

So, I 'picked myself up, dusted myself off', and am ready to start a new week with this mantra running through my head....

you are just passing through
you are just passing through
you are just passing through......

Thanks Steve, for listening....you are very special.

Reality hit me today!

I was working in the Nursery class today, when suddenly a child sneezed, a HUGE sneeze, and suddenly there was snot everywhere, on her upper lip, all over her face, chin, fingers and even the front of her sweater.
'Yuk', I thought and hastened to fetch a tissue (three actually) to wipe up the mess, then washed my hands thoroughly.
It wasn't two minutes later that another HUGE sneeze erupted and once again the (same) child was bedecked in snot, also on her sweater sleeve as she tried to wipe it all away!
'Double YUK', I thought and hurried once again to get a handful of tissues to scrub her clean, as she looked up at me with pleading eyes as if to say, 'Why me?'
Yes, you are right, all good things come in threes, and just as we had all settled down to make circles and squares out of the bright blue playdough, another HUGE sneeze erupted from that side of the large room.
'Oh nooooo,' I thought, 'Double, treble YUK' and with slow heavy footsteps slumped off to get the whole damned box of tissues to clean her up once more.

Reality finally hit me. I had agreed (when asked by my Head teacher about 5 months ago) to take over this class from the beginning of May when the teacher goes on her maternity leave. What had I done? Fifty-two kids (26 am and 26 pm) all 3-4 years old, with a scant 45 minutes for lunch in between.

All I can say is thank heavens for the marvellous Nursery Nurse, who has been working in this same class for the past 20 plus years....Hi Hills.

This is certain to be a big challenge for me but I should get quite a few good 'giggles' out of this in the next year! So watch this space!

Giggles #37

Jangled

How can it be possible?

How can it be true?

After just four days back at work

My nerves are jangled anew!

Giggles #11

"Jake, don't ever fergit, this getting old ain't fer sissies!"

Woke up this morning with lotsa aches and pains, specially my lower back (which often gives me hell since my back operation 5 years ago). I will go off for a nice long walk, striding forth listening to my latest audio book on my pink ipod ('Bel Canto' by Ann Pratchett) with the lukewarm London sunshine in my eyes and the ache easing as I walk (it's the best thing for these aches and pains.)

Maybe it's the thought of being back at school tomorrow after a lovely half term week off that makes me ache !

Hope you all have a happy Sunday!

Declutter/deshmutter!

Came downstairs this morning, and although we had changed the whole sitting room round, decluttered and sorted the junk on the table (both being teachers, we always seem to need table space to use ad hoc), there before my eyes, was more clutter.


(another one of my abo art drawings I did while in Oz in december)

So today I say 'declutter/deshmutter' -I have more important things to do than tidying up!

Like:

1.)Go for a long walk before the rain comes back. We've had a balmy week here in London, not balmy warm, but balmy sunny. Also, I twisted my left ankle 2 weeks ago, and it still gives me twinges when coming down the stairs, and my left knee where I pulled the cartilage last year is playing up again, so need to walkmuch more and do some stretches.

2.) Fetch the dry cleaning, post some letters, walk the dog , go to the library, all can be done while I'm out.

3.) Paint some more 'giggles' pics.

4.) Start my new book, 'Ma, he sold me for a few cigarettes'. (a heart-rending memoir that will both horrify and inspire)

5.) Make some macaroni cheese for Neil for lunch as he's gone diving (it's our half term week, so we're off school till Monday).

Declutter/deshmutter is all I say!!!