New School

 I'll start with the happy news - as you know I went for the interview on Wednesday, and got offered the job there and then. It's 4 days a week and I get to teach A-level again which is something I always miss when I move to a school that doesn't offer it. I hadn't realized just how close the school is, such an easy commute in the car, annoyingly harder and longer by public transport but . Nice atmosphere as I came in. Then all the connections began to be revealed - Turns out I used to be the Headteacher's sons drama teacher when I taught at Southgate and after a bit we realised that was in fact his Had of Year too. So the reason I recognized him when I checked out the school website wasn't to do with some leadership conference, as I assumed but because he was in quite a bit for meetings with me because his son was quite naughty and he freely admitted that. Certainly helped I'm sure - he knows I can handle naughty students! Then the woman who the cover is for is a teacher I mentored, when we saw each other it was so lovely, big cuddles and catch up. The Assistant Head who interviewed me is best friends with a teacher I used to work with as well and who I know and respect. So essentially I felt like it was more of a nostalgic trip.  The day was a bit all over the place because the class I was supposed to teach (yr 7) and had prepared a lesson for was in a work shop and they suggested I teach that lesson to yr 9. I suggested that the lesson wouldn't be suitable and asked what they are learning now - "Stanislavski and subtext"  so I said I'd do a lesson on that - they gave me a short script and I made the lesson up on the spot. I think they were rather impressed by that too. I really enjoyed the class too, just the right mix of talent and cheeky, they call female staff mame, and at first I thought it was a comment on my age. The room they had booked for the interview was in use so we had to move again, but I got the impression from hoe embarrassed they were at all this that it isn't usually like that. And so from April 22nd I'll be back to being a drama teacher and only 4 days a week. It feels like the right move for right now, and no one really seemed to care that I'm stepping into proper teaching again rather than leadership. In fact I think they might be thrilled to have someone covering who isn't a complete prat. 

So back to last weekend - Sharon and I went for a walk to the beach and enjoyed the fact that we couldn't see anything due to thick fog. The air was fresh and filled our lungs with goodness, before we set off to have a meal with mum and her friend June. I wasn't intending to have a drink but clearly no self control and so a bottle was ordered and I had far too much over the rest of the day. It was lovely to be home. My sister and K came over and we had an all too short catch up. The visits always feel too short but I know I've done more of them if late than the Malawi years so I am happy with that.

I had a fitful nights sleep, worrying about the issues facing our world it's a hard balance to want to know what's going on, feel informed and aware and the desire to ignore it all. The next morning brought sun and after a good lie in we wandered up the Gorleston high Street, showing Sharon what used to be there, so much has shut or changed and then we had brunch before home to head back to London. A very easy drive with very little traffic. Home to A and her news then I cooked a very basic meal for the whole family. 

The sun continued to shine on Monday and I did a really big clean, loads of washing to be hung in the sun and a clear out in BigA's shed/office. Very satisfying. Did interview prep and enjoyed my stay at home mum vibe. Pancake day was lovely, I'd initially done a batch of batter for 12 pancakes but as I was wandering back from Turnpike Lane I polled my family and we agreed we would need double that.  They were right. That afternoon I set about getting savoury and sweet fillings ready and then tasked BigA with cooking the pancakes. Delicious. We had an online parents evening and both girls are on track. They had Wednesday and Thursday off again due to the strikes. We made the most of the sun and took them for lunch on Thursday. After my interview I went to see my pal Gina, who I worked with at Southgate, she does 4 days a week and says she'll never go back to 5. Debbie said the same. 

The piano was collected this week, revealing an unsightly wall with peeling paint and bits of plaster falling off. possibly a little damp.  We are keen to do the kitchen one day, knock the space through but not likely any time soon, or ever. Instead BigA set about sorting the flooring, which having lived with an unsightly gap since 2011 he fixed and then decided to take the whole lot of laminate up. Happily he didn't but he has been spending time researching various types of underfloor heating. So far I'm nodding along. We've ordered some seating for that room, one of the joys of my leave has been sitting in the corner with any winter sun making itself known while I sip tea and do a few puzzles on my phone. And the cats like to join me so a sofa will aid that for the warmer days of spring and beyond. The security of knowing I have a paycheck for the next year is so good - over summer too. phew. And who knows what opportunities will arise. I feel so much more myself and can see a real end in sight to this unpleasant phase. As dad always said - everything passes the good and the bad. 

I went out last night with Southgate pals, not far from where my new school will be. Always fun and good to see them. And because I didn't drink I am feeling just fine this morning.