kidney week

 Yesterday was a big day and you will know why. A day I was quietly dreading. The week was generally intense as A had a doctors appointment on Thursday and I've been writing the NPQH assessment piece for cycle 3. It feels harder when it is now more theory because I'm not in charge of anyone anymore. I managed to do more in the garden, scuppered a bit by the concrete barrier at the side of the garden being much bigger and deeper than I had anticipated. The garden looks a complete mess but it is a phased project. 

On Saturday I set off on the extremely short walk to a health center to get my COVID booster. (Got the flu jab at the same time which was good) And was very happy to fall into the vulnerable category - especially as if I have any time off I don't get paid. The queue was very long and it looked like they had booked at least 50 people per slot. I happily listened to a podcast, smiled at the other queuers and played a little silent game of 'guest the vulnerability. ' Old, high blood pressure, high BMI, pregnant, genetic disorder. I medically fall into one of those! We really are a patient lot, us humans. I got home just under 2 hours later. They were as efficient as they could be given that someone somewhere had clearly messed up on the numbers. My plans then to do the garden were a bit scuppered because my arm hurt and I needed a big nap. Oh and my blood test (the one that gave me a huge bruise in August) was normal. It was nice to find out what it was actually for as I wasn't sure! 

BigA has been busy making what once was our dining room into an office come workshop. The girls have a desk and chairs to work at - making sure they don't get stuck in their rooms. Both are working well, taking their courses very seriously. They are still finding London life a lovely one, although the less fun experiences of traffic, rowdy men, and the colder weather, slightly less so. During our evening meals we give details of our days and they are happy with their teachers and the courses they have chosen, but they are certainly not used to the lack of excellent behaviour and less than focused attitude of some of their fellow scholars. 

Despite the reason, I like a four day week. Perhaps working part time next term is worth considering. And now that the appointment is out of the way I can begin to have some proper thinking about what the rest of my year should be. One thing I'm sure about is that I want to be a good mum and I want to spend time with my family. The more I think that, the more I think perhaps the best thing is to pause on the senior leader journey. I know I can do it. And I'll be a better head teacher for having been a middle leader again and having a necessary reminder of the experience of the teachers who work so bloody hard, every day. I also know that if I get offered some amazing Deputy job in a great location and with a Head who inspires me, I probably won't be able to resist! I applied for a Head of Performing Arts job this week as the deadline was yesterday. Who knows if that is what my next step will be. This week I have been craving some certainly and perhaps a job I feel comfortable in will do the trick. It would mean a tube commute, something I haven't had to do since I trained to teach. 

I really like my department - which consist of the music teacher and dance teacher and me (I'm not counting the bit of drama the deputy does)... I explained why I was taking the day off and they got me a card and chocolates and made it clear I could be in what ever mood I needed to be. So lovely to feel so accepted. They are great just anyway!

Yesterday the school interviewed for the post I currently have. I'm told the candidate was not very impressive and I don't think they are offering them the job. I'll wait and see if the Head arranges to talk to me. I might be able to discuss what it would take for me to stay there this year. I am tempted to say - sick pay please. And can you give someone else my split English classes. I'll do some other stuff - like coaching helping w teachers maybe. We'll see. 

I have felt so tired this week, I'm sure that's due to stress. I didn't make it out for any of the social things I'd planned. Well that was until yesterday. We went for a meal with Margaret and Dick, Debbie and Dan. It was lovely to all be together and have a vegetarian only Indian. Although I must say I prefer the 2 places in Blantyre for curry. 

The clinic was good on lots of levels. Prof Drake was so clear and we talked through various things. I enjoyed looking at my scans as he explained what was going on. He is very happy that nothing else is an issue. I think he wants me to get my cortisone levels checked but just got routine. So now to wait for the appointment for kidney surgery with a Dr and a robot. It will be at Guys. 

After the first appointment BigA and I went and got food. I called my mum and sister and ate a lovely bacon roll. Then we did a bit of shopping before I went back to get my eyes tested. So much more efficient that way. It was a lovely day but the bright sun was a bit painful sorry I'd had my pupils dilated. The Dr was very serious when he told me to make sure I looked after my guys eye. Telling me men tend to be very stupid about that sort of thing. I think he was essentially banning me from playing squash and oddly javelin. I am not a naturally gifted sports person but I'm not sure how bad I'd have to be to damage my eye throwing one.