the joy of sun

I woke up early on Saturday too nervous/excited to sleep in. Then after we had loaded the car we set off for Liverpool and As new chapter. The traffic was frustrating and we were pleased to have set off a bit earlier than felt necessary - we were still a little late but it didn't seem to matter. A's small new home had two of its residents there, they had moved in that day. They are second years and don't go to LIPA, both blonde, I casually wondered if the fourth house mate would also be blonde and the house would get a reputation for hair colour, although A has pink and brown in hers. We got the stuff in, I made myself a cup of tea and then we unpacked what we could, realizing what small things we didn't have. 

We then headed to the big Tesco and got her a few more bits and a starter shop. I think this bit felt the strangest, I was trying to think of what she would actually want and cook, and mindful of the lack of space in the kitchen. I still can't remember how I managed in my first year in a tiny room and one small cupboard for everything. I think I lived on toast and pasta. 

And then we dropped off the food and hugged her and said goodbye. We then headed to my cousin's flat which was a short drive away. Lucky us, he'd offered it as it was empty that evening. Then we walked to a wine bar, which we mistakenly thought did food. Had a drink because I was too embarrassed to leave straight away and then we wandered down the pretty street and ended up in an Indian restaurant and had a lovely curry. 

I woke up really early on the Sunday having dreamt mainly of university living and moving dreams and watched the sun rise as I did online puzzles and texted pals who had also just left their child at uni. 

BigA had left his jumper at As new house so we ended up picking her up from A's, one of her London friends who is at Liverpool uni and drove her back to hers to get said jumper and the pillowcases she doesn't need, hugged again and then left. 

We popped into M and Ds for the afternoon which not only broke up the driving for BigA but also provided us with much needed love, healthy and lovely food and distraction. 

My working week was good. I'd decided to try full teaching days but still being dropped off and picked up not doing longer than the teaching time, no clubs or after school meetings yet. My neck was sore at the end of the first day, possibly more fatigued by the extended car journeys at the weekend, but not too bad. 

Once home I lay down and got a voice note from A which then turned into her video calling, and BigA and I (I was beaming) listened to her jam-packed couple of days. She looked so happy and has been meeting lots of people and saying yes to lots of events and meetups. Seeing her look so comfortable and confident was such a tonic to my soul. Thank goodness for modern technology. I had a pager in my first year and an incoming only phone in the hallway shared by all 13 of us. 

I had my surgical review on Tuesday, so no school that day and a chance for a small lie in. Not much sleep but rest all the same. And how I've changed, I didn't rush back to work, but instead rested and then my pal came over and we had a bloody great afternoon and evening. I was very happy that it was Mr B who we saw and he explained why the surgery was a more difficult recovery compared to the brain ones. So even though the pain hasn't changed much this week I feel less worried about it and so I'm sure that will speed up my recovery. 

I couldn't quite believe when Thursday rolled round, my job really doesn't feel anywhere near as hard as it was last term. The lovely year 7s still keen and loving drama and although I have a few more challenging classes, I haven't had to learn quite so much, including names which really helps with behaviour management. I rested for a bit when I got home and then made dinner, while I listened to BigA on a call to A, they were talking through a finances spreadsheet he'd created for her. After we ate I attended an online Governors meeting. It was quite dull and I feel I am not being very useful at the moment. It is a well run school and so there isn't much to ask or say, and it's only 3 weeks in. Once I'm feeling a little fitter I'll arrange a visit. Odd to be a Governor who hasn't ever stepped foot in the building. 

My Friday was lovely, the sun was shining, load of washing on and then I did bits in the garden. Lots of little breaks but it is looking rather lovely and a fair amount of colour. And we had a very pleasant lunch in the garden too. We went out last night with a newish pal and a less new pal. 

Much fun was had. 

have a glorious week