Day 151 of 365: I'm Not Ready for 5th Gear!

We had a late-night driving practice tonight since there was less traffic on the roads. It went well and I'm getting better at maneuvering traffic islands. At one point Matt pointed out to me, "hon, the car does have fifth gear, you know." My instant reply to this was, "well I'm not ready for fifth gear!" In my defense, my concentration was focused more on the unfamiliar roads and speed limit.

As much as I joke, a special mention to DH for his good deed today as well. We were leaving Lloyds at Merry Hill when we hear a thud behind us. At first it looked like a pram had tipped over because all we could see were wheels, but after a closer look, I saw gray curly hair belonging to an elderly woman. Her chair had fallen backward and she smacked her head off the floor pretty hard. Matt was behind her in seconds helping her back up and telling her not to panic. She assured him she was okay and thanked him for his help.

I think this world could use more people who don't give a second thought to helping someone else. I'm also glad my husband is one of those people.

Day 150 of 365: Locked Up, They Won't Let Me Out

First, I'd like to thank Akon for providing me with a title for my post.

I was assigned to Year 6 today and the pupils were much better behaved than I expected for the reputation older students typically have. There were some students acting sillier than they should have been, but nothing ultimately disruptive until the later afternoon as we were preparing to go home. One of the children decided it would be absolutely HILARIOUS to pull the fire alarm in the mobile unit where Year 6 is housed. Did the alarm go off in JUST the mobile unit? Oh noooooo. It went off in the ENTIRE SCHOOL! So, instead of students being allowed to go home with parents as usual at the end of the day, we had to line them up as we would during a fire drill. Needless to say, parents were not too pleased and neither were the other students who were being forced to stay for a head-count. Unfortunately, it took the little joker until we walked outside and they realized all eyes were on them to see the serious nature of the offense. When this revelation was made, the tears began to fall.

After this drama, I stayed behind with the other Year 6 teacher to get some much-needed marking done for Literacy, but sadly, 5:00 rolled around and they decided they would take the work home with them. I didn't have this option, so I had to leave a note for the classroom teacher to say how far I had gotten. When I proceeded to the gate to leave, I discovered it was locked. I returned to the main building only to find the blinds in the main office were closed, which meant the office staff had left as well. I was forced to go back to the mobile unit and get the other teacher to let me out with his key fob...10 minutes past when I had planned on leaving...and 70 minutes past the time Matt had arrived and been waiting in the car to take me home.

It was a bit of a long day, but the good news at the end of it all is that I have a full week's work from Monday sorted in Year 1 at a Catholic school in Erdington. I get to even take the train!

Day 149 of 365: Sign Me Up!

The life of a supply teacher can be inconsistent at times. This week has been very much just that -- no work, all . . . week . . . long . . . . . . NADA! Unfortunately, it's not the best timing for me to have extra time off after just completing a week off from half-term. Some might enjoy the extra bit, but for me, it means 'no work...no pay' and that is bad.

So I took matters into my own hands and signed up with a second supply teaching agency. At least this will double my chances of getting called out on a day because I will use it for when I don't get a call from the regular place. Plus, the new one may be able to find me work a bit closer to home (I hope).

With luck, between this second agency and the tutoring, we may be able to saving to get out of this flat.

Boo, economy!

Day 148 of 365: Ashes, Ashes...

Today is Ash Wednesday and I decided it was time for me to attend mass once again since I haven't been in months. Today was also weigh-in day at fat camp, so this photo was taken along my 3.5 mile walk past the fields near Ridgehill Cottage. I had a super close up of the bigger one in the background, but he ran off. I guess he's shy of American amateur-paparazzi. Or perhaps it's just the ones with 5.0 megapixel Kodaks squeeling "HORSIES!!!"

I had planned on a photo of the ashes on my forehead after mass, however, they didn't end up on my forehead. Father gave a caution for people to not stick out their tongues as they received their ashes and now I know why. In America, they make a cross with ashes on your forehead...here in England, they sprinkle ashes onto the crown of your bonce.

Great, and I JUST washed my hair.

Day 147 of 365: Cat Calling

He sits in the window and makes the funniest little meows to the birds outside in the tree. It's almost as if he thinks they can hear him.

Today was completely...meh. No call for work. No ventures outside. Just meh.

Day 146 of 365: All Smiles

Meg is smiling because she can finally bite evenly on both sides of her mouth without pain and chew food on the right side again (for the first time in 9 months) -- thanks to her new gold filling.

Matt is smiling because he will finally get a good night's sleep without a wailing wife in pain.

Day 145 of 365: Back to School

Today is the final day in the half-term break. Schools in the UK resume bright and early tomorrow. Although, I don't count it as another day of my holiday break even though I won't be in school myself. Tomorrow I get my crown fitted for my gimpy molar -- yay!

So, in celebration of my final day, I did many, many "Kriss Kross" puzzles. I realize I am weird for enjoying how the pen feels on the paper when I fill in the little boxes.

Don't judge me.

I do what I want.