Friday, 9 May 2014

Friday

I have always liked Fridays. As a child I used to enjoy walking back from school thinking of all the things we could do over the weekend and as I grew up I realised that adults often shared my love of Fridays. I guess this is because for many it is the end of the working week and so many families and friends arrange get-together s over the weekend. Whatever you have planned this weekend I hope you have a good time.
Ollie is looking forward to extra walkies so lets hope the rain stays away!

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Cake Friday and Pizza Tuesday!

I love the fact that we have little rituals in life- things we look forward to.
At school every Friday the staff get together and share tea and cake. The Head or Deputy makes everyone else their drinks which I think is a nice touch.
Once a month Utility Warehouse Discount Club treats active Distributors to Pizza, dough balls and a drink at Pizza Express- again a lovely touch.
It is so nice to sit with a group of friendly like-minded people and eat pizza or cake and talk over recent experiences and events.
I consider myself very lucky to work at the school and have my businesses.


Wednesday, 7 May 2014

water

It is amazing how easy it is to take water for granted. People at work today were discussing how they don't like to drink water unless it is added to squash. This morning I went into the bathroom, turned on the tap and nothing came out!
My first though was Oh No, where is the leak, is water going to come cascading from the room any second but then I considered the cause was probably a burst pipe further down the road. (This has happened before a few years ago.) Luckily there was water in the dogs bowl but none in the kettle for a cup of tea so I had to go to work drink-less.
I brought a couple of bottles home from school today ( in plastic bottles borrowed from the art room) just in case but I am happy to say that by the time I got home from work everything has been fixed and I have lovely water available in the taps whenever I need it!

Monday, 5 May 2014

What lovely weather

It was beautiful this weekend. As I walked Ollie there were more people out and about than usual enjoying the sun. It was good to see the neighbours planning a trip to the Fair. I managed to mow my lawn as the grass was dry. Ollie had such a lovely time running about through the long grass in the park. England is beautiful this time of year!

tidying up

I have been putting it off but it had to be done. I have started operation Tidy Up The House and Garden.
I have drawers filled with memories, bits of paper, paintings, cards, you name it....meanwhile the garden has been recreating 'The day of the Triffids' with strange creeping plants that have taken over!!!

Well I had to get on with it so I started with strimming the grass ( think of hacking down a Rain Forest to get some idea of the scale of the operation) After that I pulled up some monster weeds and pruned the roses. (Ouch!....vicious thorns) After that and feeling pretty knackered, I turned my attention to the house- starting with my bedroom.
I have an 'important drawer' which is really a box. I shove everything I think I ought to keep in there. It was overflowing! (One piece of paper at a time I thought and eventually I have conquered 'the important drawer!' ( Shall I let you into a little secret?....It turns out 90% of the stuff in there wasn't very important at all so I threw it away!)
Then it was a case of a general sort out and I can declare my bedroom habitable again.
( I treated myself to a packet of French Fries to celebrate and soon I will take Ollie for a walk.  He tried to be helpful, he really did- shredding anything he could get his paws on.)
Anyway I am feeling pretty pleased with my efforts. I sorted out the lounge and downstairs in general on Saturday and boot-faired what I didn't need on Sunday.
I have still got a lot to do ( the shed, the other bedrooms etc etc) but I needed to start somewhere and start I definitely have.
I have a plan you see.
You may think I am mad but I have decided to sell most of my worldly goods and live in a caravan.
It is something I have always wanted to do once the kids flew the nest and now I have made my mind up- the time is right.
I can carry on with my businesses and teaching free from the commitment of running a house that I no longer need.
I am really excited to be making this step. I will let you know how it goes!


Friday, 2 May 2014

reflecting

About a year ago I took a risk and decided to walk away from my job and start my own businesses. They day I made that decision marked the start of an exciting journey.
There have been highs, lows, twists and turns along the way but I can honestly say that I don't regret any of it.
My life feels exciting now and most of all it feels as if I am shaping the life I choose rather than taking what lands in front of me.
I also
consider myself very lucky to be working at the school. The children are rewarding and the staff very supportive and friendly. My businesses have provided me with challenges, learning curves and the opportunity to develop personally.
I feel as if I have learnt more in one year than I have in a long time.
here's to the next part of the story.....

Thursday, 1 May 2014

lovely food

I have just got back from Cafe Maresque in Canterbury. I had a sweet potato gratin and it was delicious. It was really good to catch up with my friends!