Stoptober

I don’t smoke so the title is a bit misleading. I’ve had such a week, mostly with all things GDPR and HR whilst having to do all the other elements of my job and prepare for Governor meetings.

The reason for choosing the title is I’ve taken control of how I handle people, situations and how I feel about myself. I will stop being so hard on myself, stop striving to please everyone, stop taking on more and more.

Now that all seems negative: another thing I have to stop, so I’ll switch it round.

I will be kinder to myself, please myself more and be honest about what I can do and when I can do it, there is always tomorrow and only 24 hours in my day, the same as everyone else.

Time is precious and better served spent with those we love and care for.

Last weekend we went to see ‘a day in the death of joe egg’ a really poignant black comedy. Travelling there was a challenge as my lovely hubby hadn’t realised there was no district of circle line running!

Whilst in the theatre a notification popped up from my friend Debbie, in the same theatre seeing something else. An impromptu catch up arranged swiftly, which was great.

Sunday and a chance to chill, although I hinched for most of it! Georgina made a veggie curry which was superb. I do love her cooking on a Sunday and choosing dishes that Joe can share with us!

Monday and a beautiful start to the day.

The rest of the week was peppered with Rugby and a great win for Scotland against Russia, but a typhoon may knock them out rather than the Japan team 😞😞

As I alluded to earlier, the week has presented so many work challenges, some I have had to face head on, some prioritised to another day.

We had the year 7 welcome mass on Thursday evening and I found myself singing the chosen hymns with gusto. Not sure those near me were quite as enthralled with me, but it sparked a memory and a fond one at that!

And so it was Friday, a blur really, going from meeting to meeting, but it’s the freakin weekend and a day seeing dear friends in London beckons.

See you next week! 🤗

Three quarters of 2019

Such a busy week, starting with our niece’s baby shower. A good journey over after an early rugby match watched.

Viv did Victoria proud, a delightful afternoon tea with games, laughter and love. Hopefully we will know when, what etc and that all goes well

Sunday was catch up although very little was achieved. Monday and the return to work whilst listening the the Scotland rugby match: a must win.

The challenges of catching up at work with the internal audit definitely stretched me, but I also realised that I’m actually very good at my job and on occasion I forget this, so this buoyed me immensely.

A very large, beautiful bouquet from Kevin for our anniversary also did the trick!

Thursday was so busy and open evening at school. It always reminds me of the first time I walked through the door 21 years ago. Seems like yesterday.

Friday was INSET so I was able to catch up and I will do my best to keep up straight!

An early start to watch England play today then a train trip up to london to see ‘ a day in the death of joe egg’, a black comedy with a fantastic cast. Whilst there found out Debbie was at th same theatre watching the fisherman so we caught up over a coffee.

On the way home now with more to look forward to next week!

There’s no place like home…..

It seems longer than a week since my last post, probably because it was so eventful. There’s been a few tears, and laughter but so pleased to be home.

Last Saturday Nina and I enjoyed a massage, another day at the pool relaxing, enjoying the knee popping DJ ‘s tunes and just after the set finished we heard toe curling screams from the beach behind us. A distraught women in a bikini screaming as it appeared her husband had been drawn under in the water. We watched events unfold as he was pulled under, the waves increasingly torrid. People could see what appeared to be his lifeless body being moved towards a rocky outcrop, but he was pulled under again.

The services were called, and there were 3 boats with searchlights out that night, but to no avail.

This was a chilling reminder to Georgina and I on how fragile life is, and how things can change in an instant. We talked about how the loss would have a ripple effect on so many people not least his wife and family. We also wondered how she was faring. I felt very keenly being apart from my loved ones too, no contact since last Tuesday when I needed the reassurance that they were ok.

On the Sunday we were fairly somber reflecting on the events from last night. I visited the little onsite chapel and lit a candle and said a prayer.

The pool beckoned and whilst the thoughts lingered we continued to relax and enjoy our holiday.

Monday and an early start as we were to visit Spinalonga a leper colony until the late fifties, made famous by the Victoria Hislop book The Island.

A coach trip to Elounda, a boat out to the island with a great commentary really brought the book to life.

We embarked on the boat for the return trip, had lunch some free time then on to Aghios Nickolas.

Georgina and I opted for a walk round the lake, then had an iced coffee and something to eat before the coach back to the hotel.

I was so pleased when Georgina said she’d had a lovely day and it was good to get out and about, although once again we reflected on the randomness of someone losing their life.

Dinner that evening was Indian themed and we enjoyed the ambience of the hotel entertainment.

It was also the day we heard that Thomas Cook had gone into administration, but our TUI rep was blasé that we would be fine for getting home, and we checked the CAA website for flight details, so all seemed fine.

Tuesday and Wednesday were chilled days, very hot but we made the most of it.

Wednesday we weren’t due to fly till 10:15 do we enjoyed another pool day, had dinner and collected to transfer to the airport. All seemed fine!

We also had news from Kilimanjaro, Kevin had to come down after 3 days, Joe had oedema on the brain, and few more minutes if he hadn’t descended he would have died! Andrew though made it. This was gutting news, but I knew Kevin would rationalise it all and agree that the journey was the important thing. I was also so proud of them all to even attempt it.

Suffice to say all did not go as planned at the airport. We were on standby and had to be transferred to a nearby establishment – hotel.

The CAA staff had a difficult task and we were upset by TUI’s lack of assistance, guidance, support for us.

The highlight the following morning was ‘Rico’ the tabby kitten. Georgina wanted to adopt him but it was a no from me.

We had three calls: you’re flying to Geneva; no you’re not; you’re flying to Athens, then onto Heathrow – all in the space of 25 minutes.

It was a fraught time but after 30 hours and a wonderful service from Stuart Armstrong cars, we arrived home.

Straight to bed to sleep. Friday morning and I got up, collected some bits, did some washing then waited for the intrepid trekkers return.

A phone call from Kevin whereby he regaled me with the stories of his helicopter rescue due to ‘jelly legs’. Joseph’s close shave and they great time they all had bonding and sharing which must have been wonderful for them all. What a memory for them all! Just hope the Insurance covers the cost!

I returned to work in the afternoon and had a lovely evening out at a Turkish restaurant with the leadership team bolstered by are two fantastic new colleagues.

Home after 11:00 pm, shattered but pleased to be home and surrounded by family. I appreciate all I have and cherish every moment: good, bad and indifferent. Xxxxxx

💕💕💕💕💕💕

Mountains out of mole hills

What a week! Sunday saw us visit a new build property, just to gain a few ideas, but this has given me further cause to see this as a viable opportunity

Monday was one of two work days this week. I had been looking to go away, but couldn’t get myself together at all to get something sorted, but my wonderful husband and daughter did just that for me! Work was manic, trying to do all I could!

The boys prep for Kilimanjaro was all things last minute: snacks,jabs,packing and I dropped them off at Gatwick , with a few tears.

Basically no contact from them until next Thursday, with everything crossed for them for a successful ascent. What an awesome adventure for my husband and sons; what a memory for them to share. I’m so proud of them all!

So Georgina and I had a leisurely morning and it was back to Gatwick.

The flight was delayed for 2 hours and a late arrival in the dark to our hotel was delaying the delights of it.

Our first morning and we awoke to the upgraded sea view, after breakfast we found a spot by the pool and relaxed. Perfect!

Even put on a fireworks display in the evening for us!

Next morning another spot by the pool and fact finding re trips.

We opted for Spinalonga and a boat trip then enjoyed the rest of our day and evening. After dinner we were entertained by ‘me Julie’ and even took part in some Greek dancing-great fun, although I did manage to almost fall over!

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Unfortunately the boat trip has been cancelled due to bad weather; it will be very windy over the next couple of days. Luckily we have a spa treatment to look forward today and I have a new book to get stuck into, The Choice by Jakub Trpis.

No rest for the wicked, so I must have been really bad in a previous life……

A week full of challenge and trying to view things differently: not always successfully. I have been so busy at work that I’ve taken less photos and believe it or not interacting less on social media.

Last Sunday was another declutter day, with trips to the local tip and a tidy of the garage.

A real sense of achievement for me, and Kevin sorted for the council to take away an old mattress and freezer #tidyhomegoals

The rest of the week has meant early mornings and late nights, difficult tasks to be completed and trying to eat more healthily.

Not always successfully but I won’t be deterred by this as it will be better for me to accept that it’s just a blip rather than a failure.

There has been list ticking in preparation for the boys trip to Kilimanjaro and by Tuesday the spare bedroom will be that once again and not like a North Face pop up store!

I read a blog last week by a peer and friend about how resilience is featured in a survey on School business managers/leaders as the 2nd attribute required, after financial acumen.

This highlights, IMO, that the role has changed in so many ways, but perhaps not the recognition. It is different for every establishment as are the people within it but it’s hard to have to keep bouncing back quickly only to be knocked down again, just as quickly☹️

Friends, family and colleagues are there for me, and there has been much laughter this week. The weather has been warming which we need to take advantage of as autumn descends with its hazes and mists, the shedding of leaves and colour changes, all part of the cycle so the trees can take stock, recharge and prepare for spring and new growth.

I watched a documentary ‘odd one out’ about a celebrity who was trolled and it provoked an emotional reaction and once again brings back those memories of seeking acceptance and not feeling good enough or worthy. I am 58, loved, employed and have so much to be thankful for, so I need to banish these thoughts, accept me for who I am and get on with living, loving my life. 💕

I ordered these melts and they smell so beautiful, especially bedtime baby bath, so evocative of those special times when the kiddiewinks were babies. Smell, taste, music and colours can lift my mood and these melts will certainly be fully used to that effect in the coming weeks. Perhaps I should use autumn to take stock, recharge and prepare myself for new growth too🤗😘

AY 2019/20

First week of the new academic year and it’s felt longer.

Perhaps having no real break means you don’t feel that you’ve got to get back in the swing?

Last weekend we made a start on decluttering the loft: not much progress made, but we at least have started!

I have painted the face on and tried my best this week, with some success, but still a way to go.

Today featured a walk, household chores, cooking for the week, and I didn’t stop until after 5pm, so really productive!

It must’ve been the vegan breakfast.

The house smells divine, fingers crossed it stays like this.

I hope to build on this positivity and the resulting energy boost.

Term 7 week 6 and 2/3 of 2019 done.

Well that’s it the summer break is over. I can’t write back to work on Monday as I’ve been in every week, not every day, but I have managed to reduce my to do list!

This past week I have enjoyed wonderful weather, with fantastic company and great sport and entertainment.

Last Saturday at Twickenham to watch Ireland v England was full of fun, although the tramp experience on the tube home will provide a lasting memory on Debbie and I!

Sunday began with a walk , the four of us, then brekkie in the garden.

There was the third ashes test to save, but after 3 quick wickets it was looking unlikely, and then there was Ben Stokes-phenomenal innings from him to win the game. I was getting ready to go out, but delayed drying my hair it was so 😬.

I’d booked to see a screening of Romeo and Juliet ( Baz Luhrmann ) as it was in a Chapel and soundtrack sung by a gospel choir.

Amazing, emotional and poignant for my friend Debbie. Kissing you by Des’ree, a favourite of her son Luke’s, as was the film which Debbie had never seen, was stunning to hear in the epic venue of the Union Chapel. Suffice to say we both had a very emotional reaction.

A tramp free journey home this time, which was good!

Monday and a drive to Surrey to visit Kevin’s cricket club. One circumnavigation of the pitch, a catch up with old players ( one of Kevin’s old PE teachers was there! ), great food as per, then the journey home. We bought some raffle tickets and I won a £50 voucher to spend at Ely’s, a Wimbledon department store, where Kevin’s Nan used to work!

Tuesday to Friday found me at work mostly tidying up loose ends and prepping for start of the new AY. Our sixth form numbers this year look very encouraging; challenge now is to ensure we have sufficient facilities to meet their needs!

I have also had more emotional ups and downs, this month has not been the best, and they say from the mouths of babes, and that has definitely been the case.

New month tomorrow, and I intend to finish the last third of this year on a high ( at least higher than I am now) and finding my joie de vivre! I need to accept that only I can change how I react, how I deal with things, I can’t change others but I will find peace if I accept who I am, with all my foibles.

I have much to look forward to coming up so I’ll keep you posted. 💕💕💕

Term 7 week 5

I already posted this, but it has now disappeared.

I had an opportunity to go to Twickenham so tickets we’re duly purchased and delivered.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon with extended family on the 17th and a meal with great friends on the 18th.

Monday to Thursday saw work challenges, one treating the memorial benches for Tony Ward.

I spent time in the garden my safe haven.

Friday was a good day for a walk to pick up parcels, and sort out malaria tablet prescriptions for the intrepid walkers.

That done and a change for a lovely evening with a dear friend who enjoys and understands shoes, dresses and other excesses!

Term 7 week 4

A Level results this week, which were pleasing and great to share in the students’ successes, and also a week full of the emotional rollercoaster.

I’ve caught up with friends, family, visited Kew again, completed routine tasks, dealt with contractors, looked at LG staff to begin pay assimilation, cooked, cleaned and made cards in equal measure.

Appointments needed have been made and I’ve been given a good talking to today-a game changer.

I’ve made a list of the 10 (could easily have been more, especially if I had chosen my fabulous toe nails!) most important and positive things in my life that bring me great joy: I will refer to this often from here on in.

A selection of this week’s photos

And so to bed with a weekend full of lovely people and much to be happy about 💕💕💕

Term 7 Week 3

This has been one of the hardest weeks and has brought many insecurities and vulnerabilities to light.

Suffice to say my family have been supportive and encouraging.

The battle continues…but I’ve made a decision to seek professional help.

So just some photos from the week.

Term 7 Week 2

Another full week with jobs crossed of a list that keeps getting added to!

Last Saturday we visited Kevin’s Nan as she celebrated her 98th birthday. The youngest family member was there too, and good to catch up.

When we got home Georgina had cut back the ivy that has been covering the wall near her bedroom window. It must have been a bit precarious, but she was more worried about the bugs!

Sunday, as part of the training, we went for a walk. Kevin and Joe were wearing there day packs too.

Next up another trip to look at kitchens and then home.

Monday and work with cash flow reporting a priority. Next up month end closure and reporting, payroll checking, walking round the site, preparation for the upcoming audit visits, GDPR, a five year projection, including all staff salary calculations. Yesterday was a visit to the graphic designer reviewing website and charting our next steps. Exciting times!

Had a catch up with the wonderful Debbie and made plans for the upcoming months.

It’s been very busy but I did also manage to make my bed!

Can’t believe that’s a third of the break gone, with still so much to do. Check progress of the boiler and building projects. Prepare for the first two days back, start the work on the salary scale changes, and August payroll, as well as home and Mum duties!

Term 7 week 1

School broke up last Friday, a time of reflection, goodbyes and realising that another academic year has passed.

It’s been a very full year with many a tale to tell, but I will save those for another time 😉

These last few weeks have been so full and fraught too, so Term 7, the six week summer break will help recharge for another year.

Although I will work every week, may be not every day, this gives the opportunity to spend time on things I love and to catch up on jobs that I just can’t do working 10-13 hours a day in term time.

So in this first week, I’ve researched kitchens, assisted in Kilimanjaro essential purchasing, cooking, cleaning, painting, catching up with friends, and crossed 4 things off my work to do list ( it is very long).

The weather has been glorious, although too hot at night, and sun always makes things seem better.

Ruby has been allowed outside, and so far stays within our garden: chasing moths, bees and even a frog.

I’ve also had some time with Joseph and Georgina and sometimes your kids just amaze you with their thoughtfulness and their capacity for good! It’s difficult not to be proud of them all.

After a trip to the dentist yesterday to find out I have a shallow lower jaw, experiencing more difficulty with my cataract, it was most pleasing to be told my feet are in good condition: so dress will be from neck to ankles from now on…..

I made risotto tonight with some ingredients brought back from Borgotaro: porcini, porcini cube, and Parmesan. Delicious and a great reminder of our time there.

Wimbledon 2019

So lucky to be successful in the Wimbledon ballot again-this year Gentleman’s quarter finals on centre court.

A good journey and easy parking made for a great start.

Once safely inside we made our way to The Wingfield where I’d booked lunch-a cheeky treat!

And so after a quick photo opp we made our way to centre court where we were to see Novak Djokovic versus David Goffin.

Great seats five rows from the front. The raw power and expertise to hit the ball time after time still amazes me. Djokovic was supreme.

Next up Roger Federer against Kei Nishkori – an exciting prospect.

At 37 Roger Federer is amazing his deftness of hand, his athleticism is great to watch. Such an elegant player. He lost the first set, but warmed up to pull out every stop, you could see the younger Kei had no answer.

Next up we were treated to Ladies Doubles with a certain Martina Navratilova-a treat it certainly was. At 62 whilst not as springlike as in her prime Martina still has her skill and timing to play great shots, although Cara Black, her partner, was certainly no slouch either.

Camaraderie at the end asking the umpire to take a photo of the four was great to see.

Next the journey home-through London. I love driving through our capital city and I really must sort out a weekend in London and be a ‘tourist’ soon!

Next year the ballot is online for the first time as opposed to a sae for a form. Fingers crossed I still can get tickets, as I love my sojourn to Wimbledon with all the treats that it bestows!

2019 part 1

Six months in to 2019 and it’s been full of ups, downs, sadness and joy, with memories made.

It didn’t get off to the best start, but with some fortuitous twists we were able to join up with Andrew and Lis in Italy.

Totally unexpected and all the sweeter for it!

We met up in Ferrara a medieval town near Bologna and we walked, and walked and did a fair amount of drinking!

It was so hot, up to 40+ degrees!

We even found ( er a 40 minute walk away) a swimming pool and that provided a welcome relief, even though hats had to be worn, hence I didn’t go in!

Our last full day was spent walking around the castle Estense, more drinking and meeting up for dinner!

Sunday morning and Andrew’s birthday: the first one in 9 years we were together and we travelled via taxi, train and feet to Borgo Val Di Taro, the town near to where my maternal grandparents came from, Rovinaglia. I had been before in 2008 but time had played tricks on how it looked.

We unpacked, and changed for a celebratory dinner.

Andrew and Lis were off the next day to the Cinqueterra whilst we would remain for another night.

We had a stroll, did some shopping and a gelato before the dreaded goodbyes. Whilst I was upset, it wasn’t as overwhelming as it had been in the past, whether because this was a bonus I don’t know, and yes I did cry!

We made our way to the black jack pool and spent an enjoyable afternoon, watching the waterside and diving shenanigans!

Dinner was quieter but conversation flowed as we were about to end our trip.

After breakfast Kevin, Georgina and I tried to walk to Rovinaglia ( 7 km and in searing heat).

We made it probably halfway, we enjoyed stunning views and wobbly legs!

I reflected on the walk down about family both present and past. I felt a connection with Italy and also had the realisation that on 22nd June, when I made my first Holy Communion, in 1969, that I had lived in England for 50 years! And what a half century it has been, and here I was in the town that my grandparents had left almost 100 years earlier.

All too soon we had to travel back to Bologna and yes delights of Ryanair – they disappointed massively and a delay meant we arrived home at 3:00am this morning. I won’t dwell on that as we had such a wonderful time, and look forward to when we will get together again.

Life is what you make it: good, bad and indifferent but spending time with loved ones and taking opportunities as they present themselves is the best!

I am grateful to my family for spending their time with us, for making it all the sweeter too. Xxxx💕💕💕