Might have to close this down

Getting concerned about the fact that this website can now be found rather easily in Google. I don't wish to compromise any of my colleagues or friends... I'm monitoring it...

My stat counter tells me who's been looking at the site and from where.... I know someone is accessing it through Google. I hope they're sensible....... I am sure they are.

christmas at no 14.

It was a rather busy festive season so many apologies to all those with whom I have been trying to visit over the festive period. We had the family Woodward staying with us for the duration which was nice. Family should always be around at Christmas.
Matt, Shell and I cooked up storm on Christmas day and with the addition of the outdoor furniture being hauled indoors we managed to have our meal at a table! lol. The menu included:
Homemade veggie roast
Gratin Potatoes with garlic and herb butter carrots and swede
Sprouts in orange and herb butter with roast chestnuts
A massive turkey (which of course I did not choose to partake in)
Roast Parsnips and Potatoes
and a massive Christmas pud (with cream). MMmmmm tasty.

The presents were very eventful. I got loads of DVDs, clothes, smellies and stuff but I also got given two tickets to see TAKE THAT!!!!!! WOOOO HOO (it made me cry- how sad am I! ) So i now get to fulfill a childhood dream and see them. (And for those who are wondering; I'm glad Robbie won't be there coz he's cocky and a druggie... lol) Matt doesn't want to come with me! I don't know why?

Matt has been having lots of fun with his Banjo. He's trying to learn to play it bluegrass style. As a result the whole house is tripping along to a hillbilly theme. (On Christmas day i even woke up laughing because even my dreams had the basic forward roll soundtrack.)

Matt has just pealed open Eva Longoria remarking that this might be "the only time I ever get to peel Eva Longoria open" (eugh) and hung her on the wall next to my head (I bought him a calendar)

Christmas can often be a rather strange time of year but I am very thankful for what I've got. Singing carols around the hospital with Ann and Jeremy reminded me of that on Christmas Eve.
Thank god I can now relax!;)

Christmas

Behold I Stand
When the night is deep
With the sense of Christmas
And expectancy hangs heavy
On every breath
Behold I stand at the door and knock
When the floor is knee deep
In discarded wrapping paper
And the new books are open at page one
And the new toys are already broken
Behold I stand at the door and knock
When the family is squashed
Elbow to elbow
Around the table
And the furious rush for food is over
And the only word that can describe the feeling
Is full
Behold I stand at the door and knock
And when Christmas is over
And the television is silent
For the first time in two days
And who sent which card to whom
Is forgotten until next year
Behold I stand at the door and knock
And when the nation has finished celebrating
Christmas without Christ
A birthday
Without a birth
The coming of Kingdom
Without a King
And when I am
Forgotten
Despised
Rejected
Crucified
Behold I stand.

card comments

Amy Mc Kinley Year 8:

"Best wishes and good luck in your new job. The gem in the necklace {a gift she gave with the card} is a crystal. If it catches the light you might see rainbows because you brought rainbows into my life."

Ryan Byrne 10SCL

"Thanks for 3 great years! You've helped me many times and I'm grateful. You're always friendly and very inspirational I'm glad to see you go on to better things but sad to see you leave. (we all are)"

Liam Year 7

"Rock on Miss Clarke!"

Maria Lavelle (fellow Year 10 tutor and creator of Barbie car)

"Congratulations, good luck and see you later! You can always dig a tunnel if you want to escape!"

Another door closes...

The final day at St Thomas Aquinas dawned on Wednesday 21st December. It was quite an eventful day (despite having followed the usual end-of-term routine.) This time however, it was both Ann and my self’s turn to be the teachers who gained the attention of the pupils in the hall. When I say pupils I mean all 1200 of them in a sports hall with 90 staff. Mr Foley, the man who has (in the past) been rather uncomplimentary announced to the whole bunch that Ann and I would not be returning in January and asked them to applaud. They did just that with whoops and cheers for an unusually long period of time. I think even he was surprised by the affection that the pupils were demonstrating. Perhaps this may have been the start of his understanding of what it is that he is going to miss out on?

After mass I had to say good bye to my wonderful form. Some teachers at Tommy's are under the impression that my form contains some pure bred nutters. I, however, no differently. I have taken as much time as I could getting to know each and every one of them as well as I could. To understand them and help them and show them affection. They mean a lot to me and I am very proud of each and every one of them (see photo on earlier post).

I wrote each one of them a personalized Christmas card with a message for the future contained within it. Only one pupil left it (JP). They are a very special bunch and I just hope that whoever has the privilege of looking after them in the future takes time to see how strong, emotional mature, independent, talented, unique and fabulous they are.

Every time I see Little Britain I will forever think of Sean, when I straighten my hair, Jake will spring to mind; when I see someone perform a dance routine, Eliza, When I hear the Artic Monkeys, Ryan will be reeling a long list of other bands "I've just got to listen to" in my memory. Each and everyone of them has left a lasting memory for me and has taught me much more than I have taught them.

Once they had left, the hugs were over and the Christmas tree had been demolished and packed away it was time to say goodbye to all of the staff that I have been working with. After opening my secret Santa at break time I was looking forward to opening my leaving pressies. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a ceramic flying pig, a fluffy pig with matching socks and a set of bags. I could then add the pink roses that I was presented with to the bouquet I already collected on Monday.

Once the formalities of the faculty were over and done with I had to face the whole staff again as we had our Christmas buffet (served by the SMT in silly hats). Ironically perhaps, this time there was a wealth of vegan food (they’d even got hold of hummus!) and the spread was, as usual, lovely. When it was time for the speeches I went with a focus that was positive and meant more to me than all the crap that I’ve had to deal with over the last 3 years and focused on the pupils. This went down well I think.

So now I’ve left and I haven’t really realized. I still refer to it as “my” school with “my” form and “my” classroom. The sad thing is that none of this is true any longer I’m just waiting to come to terms with that. I think I’ll wait until after Christmas. They do pay me until the 31^st after all.

Then the Year team had a go...

I think this fabulous pressie is all down to Maria Lavelle but I was surprised to discover that, when called to the office for urgent business this evening, I was presented with my very own...
The Shenley Court Barbie does of course drive a yellow Beetle (covered in flowers) and has (as it says on the box) 11 accessories at her disposal. Amongst these are: A gun, a knife, a scuba suit, some flippers, the SEN list (which just says "Everyone" in it), the Discipline policy (which says "Please make up as you go along") and a first aid book.


CRAZY but BRILLIANT!!

Wwwwaaay Haaaay for ebay! ;)

When I told Matt the first thing he said was "cool. Does it go fast?"(it's remote controlled) Unfortunately, there's no remote control with it so we'll never know. Anyone got a secret Barbie car remote?

First pressie..

My form went and bought flowers!! But not just any flowers... My favourite flowers.... then they laughed when I cried! ;p
They really do surprise you sometimes....

partner wanted

for the other sock...

Made me chuckle.


http://www.lonelysocks.co.uk/

10scl just after they stood on the lights' transformer...

and broke them! ;(

Now if you're a friend of mine then you'll have heard lots of little stories about each and everyone of this lot... maybe now you can guess who's who? That's if you're really bored... it could be interesting.

Daz, Rach et. al. have fun pointing and laughing!

Just got back from the Year 10 leavers do

Its 12:00am Wednesday night and I've got back from the curry house, copied the pictures off the camera and thought that I would add to my blog.

I just had a lovely evening out with the most fabulous bunch of people in the world; the year 10 tutor team. They really are lovely. Not a bad banana amongst the bunch. I will miss them all very much.

There'll be no more 'Pants Monday' or embarressing singing in mass with Maria
No more friendly competition between 10SCL and Charles' form 10CHI.
No more secret chats in 'the pod' with Elaine whilst we console each other.
No more meetings where everyone squirms as I demand that the rules of the unions are upheld. (well actually there is one last one this Friday! ;))

The Truth is out....

Reactions so far:
[Intake of breath from entire form with heads and necks all springing backwards at the same time in shock.]

"Come on miss it's not April the first for months yet"

"ARGHHH!" {hugging} "No!" {Hug} "oh another one! {Hug}

"Where are you going miss?"
"Shennly Court"
"oh my god! Why? You'll get bullied!"


8A1

"NO! That's it, we'll start a petition outside Mr Foley's office. No English until Miss Clarke is back"

"Oh right. OK Miss."

"Don't go miss"

Whilst leaving the room at the end of the lesson cleverest kid in my Year 8 Class:{audibly} "Well i know that we'll never have a teacher as good as Miss Clarke" {Lowering voice} "Just say the right thing and keep walking"

A plea!

Since 9am this morning (much to year 10s amusement) I've been trying desperatly to get hold of tickets to see TT. I haven't suceeded (I think this most unfair as I started the minute they went on sale!)

A plea to all those who are bored on a friday and have nothing better to do...

Call the NEC - I can't get through
Try the online boxoffice at the NEC - School network keeps timing out
Keep an eye out for more extra dates!!

HELP ME FULFILL A DREAM !!!!



lol

20 days to go

Only 20 more days until I leave this school and begin at another.... Arghh!

It will be great to have a new challenge but I am going to miss the pupils here a great deal.
We've just put up our form chirstmas tree together and seleotaped the shinny lights to the whiteboard.

Xmas is coming, then New Year.. and what they don't know yet is that I won't be here to hail it in with them...

I got to be a princess!

I worked out recently that the only reason I loved singing was because I wanted to be a Disney princess.....

Thanks to Jeremy's 50th birthday I got to be one just for the night! Woo Hoo!
After scaring one of my year11s who caught me in Claire's accessories buying dress up jewelry. I got to flounce around in a yellow, lacey little number with a hooped skirt AND i got to wear a Tiara!!

I was surprised that there weren't a few more princesses in the mix. Surely it's every young girls dream to be a princess? lol

I had a great time, as did everybody. Rachel, Matt and I , high on Coke, were strutting our "funky" stuff on the dance floor for hours! Matt was nursing a hang over from the night before and so didn't drink too much in the way of beer.

Check out Flickr for the photos!

T T

Takethat

Let's make their new, top secret single, the christmas number 1!!

Yeah!! Then I can pretend to be 15 again (without the flicked hair)

Dreams...

I love to sing... Don't know why. Always have and I guess is always will. I used to be able to write stuff too. I guess we can all write stuff when we're teenagers trying to work out what the hell life's all about! Now I can only come up with crass and clichéd lyrics that are inspired by the last thing I listened to on the radio!

I sing along to backing tracks a lot. Sad really. I do it on the sly, sat at my computer having secretly subscribed to a karaoke website with thousands of tracks. LMAO
Maybe one day I'll be able to play the piano again. My speedy fingers are currently more adept to finding the keys on the computer keyboard than they are its musical counterpart. My tenacious desire to become a singer left me a long time ago. I just can't decide whether or not that's sad :(. It's been replaced by a desire to settle (maybe not even in the UK ), get married and have a couple of Woosels.

I realised today, after a conversation with span and about TT, that it's been over ten years since the days when it was acceptable for me to have Mr Owen adorning every corner of my homemade technology and graphics folder. Ten years ago I was where my current year 11's are now. Sat listening to their teacher (me!) telling them that they need to get their act together "YOU'RE ALL DOOMED" --> where'd did all that positive discipline I usually use go today? (SLEEP)

Its a little frightening really. LOL Mostly because 25 seemed a life time away back then. It's felt more like 10 minutes! I still clearly remember most of the last 10 years with fondness. I guess it's a good thing that I don't feel like I thought I would now I'm old. ;-) Go 25 was old when you were 15! As I tell my students when they ask how old I am "I'm 12!"

By the way -- I'm 16/17 here. This is as far back as digital photography went... 1996/7

Some strange friends....

October 31st 2005

The annual Halloween Party.

OH what a night! lol.

Pain au Chocolate! - Day Two!

We woke up at 9 am and were down in the reception for 10. Glenn is very particular about being on time... He likes to be organised.. that's why when I called his hotel room he hadn't even got out of bed yet. There was a very speedy response by the couple though, they were ready in 10 mins! We sat with the map and tried to decide where we would go today. We chose Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. We left the hotel to find breakfast. I was seriously looking forward to an authentic Parisian Pain au Chocolate (They're just not the same en Angleterre) so we went to a cafe called PAUL's and had the smallest coffee in the world and a beautiful Pain au Chocolate. Mmmmmmm Notre Dame Cathedral was literally around the corner from our hotel. It was beautiful. I lit a candle, said a prayer and then wandered around the massive place taking in all of the various monuments and statues. I have to admit that I didn't really like it in there that much. It had an enormous feeling of grandeur that I strongly believe has no place in a church,. Wouldn't it have been more Christian to give the money to the poor rather than have a huge statue of yourself made when you died? Oooh debate...

We then took a very long walk about Paris in search of the Louvre; Glenn and Matt navigating. It was a very long walk indeed! We did make the discovery of an entire shop dedicated to cows though!!! Very cool. Eventually we found the large glass pyramids of the louvre and joined the cue for a ticket. That place was huge!!!! I mean massive! There was a hall dedicated to every single thing ever made in the name of art and archaeology. I think it would take you years to see it all. We did look in the basement at the foundations of the original building. I found that quite interesting actually. We also saw some very famous pieces of art. Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa to name but two! The place was very crowded though and the movement of millions of people around you constantly is very tiring and uncomfortable.

It's a shame really as I like to be able to stop and look at things. The Louvre was far too busy for that and there was far too much to see to be able to enjoy it all like that. Matt did enjoy one statue in particular - A man who's bottom was being bitten by a lion.





When we left the Louvre we were feeling very tired and our feet were aching. we decided that walking to the Eiffel tower was out of the question. It was then, whilst standing on a bridge over the river Sein that I spotted our new friend... the batobus! This great little vessel did regular trips up and down the river. There were eight different stops where you could get on and off and you could buy a 2 day pass. Batobus saved our tired little legs on the journey to the tower.

The Batobus allowed us to understand two things. Firstly, Paris can not be walked across in any short space of time (15 minutes indeed Mr Davies!) and secondly, there are a lot of beautiful architecture and exciting things to see.

We arrived at the towe to discover that the exciting things had massive cues, ended up in another cafe near by (resting our tired feet again) and then went back to the hotel. We decided to return the tower the next morning hoping that the cue might be shorter.

Dinner that evening was far more successful as we went to a vegetarian restaurant. There was nothing on the menu that contained meat (Glenn seemed a little disappointed about that) so no risk of being handed a plate containing a sacrificed pig. My wheat, rice, seaweed and vegetables was very tasty and the home made chocolate mouse was even better! The boys did end up going out for Gyros (something a little like a kebab) later on though to make up for the fact that they had eaten no meat.

After dinner we went to FU bar, a place Glenn had researched on the internet. We drank and we were merry, very merry. Once the alcohol limits were met we returned to the hotel for coffee, the men when on their meat mission and then we all retired to bed.

En vacance

A Paris!


Day One:

After the kaffufle of the lost house keys and the final check that passport and ticket are in the bag we head to the Span and then to the airport. Cheers to Kel for the lift.

The flight was good, although we had to sit on the wing (by the noisy engines). It was a little scary hearing the wheels fall and rise and the very loud whirring noise of the engine as it pushed us higher into the air (Just had to keep pushing out that image from LOST when the plane splits in half...) We arrived in Paris on time and, after discovering that Charles De Gualle Airport was the biggest place in the world and taking part in a 20 minute walk through the terminals, we navigated our way easily to the Metro. Span took the reigns on the first french purchase of the trip, replying "Si" when asked a question and then laughing at her self for having spoken Spanish by mistake (Too many holidays at the Villa me thinks) I can't talk though.. despite being the only one with an A level (albeit, a crap Alevel) in French I wimped out most of the time.

The Metro was deserted and we sat down in comfort the whole way. Instantly the architecture and colours of France signalled our arrival in a new environment as we reminded ourselves that the windows were not boarded up- They're shutters....

After sucessfully navigating the potentially frightening Metro we turned right out of the station at Luxembourg, it was only 10 minutes later that we realised that we should have walked Left! Oh well!

Eventually we found our hotel the Trianon Rive Gauche (that link actually has a picture of the very same yellow room we stayed in - minus the flowers) and settled ourselves in. It was a very traditional French place with some very interesting staff.... that'll come later.

Once we were settled we decided to go out for a meal. We hadn't a clue where we were going and by this point it was dark... So we found a restuarant called Le Depart (clue's in then name). As you all know I am a vegetarian... When we were asked "vous etes prêt ?" I pointed at the menu and said "ca c'est vegetarian?" To which I received a torrent of speedy French and the crossing out of several meals, including the one I'd asked about. Thinking that the nice man was now probably pointing at the only thing on the menu that was vegetarian I ordered what he choose for me. Matt has some snails and a steak.. He also ended up eating the PORK CHOP that the waiter served me whilst I chowed down on the mash potatoes. Hannah, Glenn and Matt thought that this was hilarious.. that was my first and only attempt at a full conversation in French. LMAO.

After the "meal" had ended we ended up in a bar in one of the side streets where the waiters were convinced that Matt was indeed John Kerry Jnr! (???) We drank Sangria (no wonder Span was confused) and Mexican beer until we noticed that it was very expensive and decided to move on! Span was twirled around in a Salsa dance on the streets of Paris by the same waiter, whilst trying to escape. She loved it really. We continued to wander aimlessly, trying to get our bearings in a strange land until we got really tired and went to bed.

Cat heaven?

Not enough mention has been made on here about my two furry little kitten friends...

They've had a new toy....
They're very excited by it and can often be found hanging off the back of it after attacking the dangly ball a little too much ;)


Stanley








Hendrix

The post I should have submitted but was too lazy

Today I feel like talking on here for the first time in ages. I have lots of news... Some of which I am unable to divulge for a few weeks.... Some of which I can share now.

I took these pictures a good few weeks ago... Weeks when it was still warm enough to stroll across the park without a jumper on in the morning.


I took to walking to work you see (Alas it's too dark in the morning now- I've been told by Span that I'm not allowed) Every morning I'd plug my i-pod into my ears and go for a half an hour walk to school. It was really nice and always got me really calm and ready for the school day. No matter what stresses had tried to get at me during the day, when I walked across these fields with the sun on my face, listening to music I love, it always made me feel 100 times better. It really helped me to deal with a lot of stuff! lol

I guess the decision I've made will mean that I won't be doing this walk any more. It won't get light in time. I'm sure it'll all be worth it in the end though.

Child completing his speech on well researched topic.

Topic: Animal Testing

Student in audience: What animal do you think will become extinct next then?
Student doing speech: erm (Screws up eyes in deep focus - he's the expert rember) Erm. Elephants?

Child with low self esteem?

When asked to write about who they admire:

"I admire my mom because she always looks after me and I want to look after animals"

??

The ultimate in Classroom disruption

Teachers!
Are you looking for a tool that will provide all of the classic disruptive behaviour from your pupils that you could ever desire? Do you need fast results? With a long lasting effect?
Tired of having your class settled for longer than the 20min starter activity?

Well your search has ended, Never again need you fear the quiet calm of a hard working set of students. The silence, concentration and learning that you have tolerated for so long can be obliterated in a matter of minutes.

"How much does this solution cost?" I hear you cry. The answer my friend” Is blowing in the wind" and straight through the classroom window....

The WASPMATIC2005!
Only available for the next few weeks.

"Amazing! The pupils were tumbling out of their seats in no time!"

"It flew in, buzzed around in confusion and left a massive wake of devastation. Chairs turned over, children cowering, screaming and yelling "its in your hair!" "


"It roused the biggest lunatics quickly and effectively. They were up in minutes swiping the air (and anyone who got in the way ) with any thing close; Pencil cases, planner, chairs they all proved to be very effective!"

If the chaos becomes tedious then simply usher the waspomatic2005 out of the window.

WARNING the waspomatic2005 has been known to cause the following side effects;
a very annoyed teaching assistant
A stung pupil or two
Mass hysteria which can only be solved by the involvement of the management team.
If these problems occur it is advisable to keep all windows and doors sealed shut until it's really really cold!

I'm quiet but I'm OK!

I'm suffering at the moment... Suffering from a cold (all say Ahhhhh). I am still fully functional (at work you cheeky people) thanks to "first response" or, as LOF likes to refer to it, my 'legal' sniffing drug. I am however feeling a little tired and I guess all my usually bouncy energy is being focused on keeping me awake!
This has led to people at work having accused me of being up to something because I was quiet! Lil Purn suggested that I was planing something (I don't know what... I hope it's fun) lol.
I'm currently sat on the sofa in the front room (computer's still downstairs attached to the tv) wrapped in my favourite duvet keeping warm and contemplating an early night. Zzzz I am not however, up to anything! lmao!
Goodness! I knew I was usually bubbly and perhaps bouncey ;) but I'm just tired people! lol

Announcement

It is actually posible to get a nice picture of Ant. You just have to keep trying for 11 years......
by the way girls, he's single.........

Ross gets married

The first one to get married out of the old school gang was Ross. He married the lovely Amanda on Saturday. I've added lots of pictures to my Flickr account (See that scrolling image thingy on the right!) if you'd like to see more pictures.

Ross looked happy and Amanda was wearing a very beautiful dress .

It was really lovely to catch up with Ross and Ferg, Especially on a lovely occasion like this. Like most women, I love weddings :) I also got to see Noj (who I haven't seen fro years) who looked a little shell shocked by my usual loud and chatty behaviour. I'm pretty sure he didn't want to kill me though lol.

Dunk and Noj did have a funny moment where one of the guests asked whether they were "together" lmao. But as I pointed out to them, at 16 and 19 perhaps they're not to familiar with the idea of a couple of male mates sharing a pint and catching up. Dunk looked mortified though so I am sure he'll appreciate me mentioning the entire incident on the World wide web!

Amanda didn't throw the bouquet which was disappointing ( I was hoping to catch it and then really freak Matt out ) but the chocolaty cakey things where particularly good... mmmm.

It was crazy to have part of the old school gang back together again after a very long time. My haven't we all grown up!

Psycho Babble.

Many realisations occur during the transition between adulthood and maturity. I am not naive enough to believe that this journey is over for me as there are numerous challenges and joys that I am yet to experience.

It is a strange feeling to find yourself able to make what may seem like 'wise' comments on life and how we see others. Amusingly my own search for inner calm and a normal state of self esteem often leads to the evaluation of my relationship with other people and other influences in my life,

Whilst watching Lost and considering the plight of Charlie in episode 15 (sorry if you're not there yet, I promise not to give too much away) I realised that we all have moments in our lives where key words and phrases stick into our mind. For Charlie the phrase "you'll never look after anyone" led to some drastic and perhaps ill-advised action in a mythical jungle.

As life is learning experience perhaps it is important to recognise that there are voices in our head. No people! Not whispering present tense voices but the voices from the memory banks of childhood and our early adult experiences, which influence our actions and behaviours many years later. I wonder how many of use even realise which events it has been that has created and shaped us into who we are and perhaps who we'll become.

Many phrases used to spend time rolling around in my head. Most of them are gone now; even the ones I couldn't hear consciously. However, I can clearly remember my mum being rather unsympathetic to my tears when I had fallen out with my friends. (I guess that she would be unable to recall this event as to her, it would seem insignificant.) She said the following words that proved later to become immortal and forever embedded into my psyche.

"Well you are a bit bossy Selena".

I am sure that there are certain folks who will currently be laughing (LOM) and perhaps even agreeing with my mother of almost 8 years ago. The thing that is least funny about this is that this one comment has formed the basis of a major insecurity that I have held for years.

I am a very caring person and I'm allowed to say that. (There is absolutely nothing wrong with positively affirming a good self-esteem. ) I am allowed to say that because every day I know that I make a difference to hundreds of people. My job makes sure of that and my relationships with my friends confirm it.

Sometimes my care for others develops into a sense of enthusiasm for their comfort and well being that is rather intense! But all of this intensity and the focusing of my energy usually yield results that are desirable for the party's concerned.

It is strange that this voice is still echoing my head, It was there when JFO had that little 'chat' with me in his office. It's there every time LOM makes a joke about me trying to control. It's there when I feel that twinge of insecurity which tells me not to call and back off. It's all very strange.

Hopefully, no one will get hurt ( poor ol' Charlie)

I do know that once you let that little memory leave usually the funny, negative feelings leave with it. I've learned to do that a lot over the last few years. Confidence can help to achieve an awful lot. I stop saying, "I'm crazy" as an excuse for my behaviour, I've stopped not accepting compliments (although it took me nearly 6 months to learn to say thank you without feeling like a fraud) and I've learnt to stop saying "I can't... " This has even, contrary to the belief of an anonymous commenter, helped me to learn to spell much better than I used to.

What's your soundtrack like?

I was listening to Radio One yesterday (during a cleaning frenzy) and was enjoying some music that I hadn't heard for years. One by one each song reminded me of a time in my life or a person... Here are some of the songs in the soundtrack of my life....

Year 8 at school. The annual Eisteddfod. --> Sweat (a la la la la long) - Inner Circle
I can vividly remember our form sorting out a little sketch on the beach for this one. We won! We even covered James ? in black face paint and made him an afro from wool ( not very politically correct!)

The garage musicians - Together for Ever - Rick Astley
Just another Manic Monday - The Bangles

Oh those were the day eh Span... If you ask maybe one day we'll record the moves... and bust a grove... ready... 1,2,3...

This makes me think of John, Crig, Kel, Aimme, Span and I when we were too young and innocent to understand that the lyrics to some of the song we were 'performing' we RUDE!

Year 9, Matt Dyer, the undertakers' Son - Firestarter - The Prodigy

The start of my High School years, Mixing with the wrong types! lol

Deano and the Redditch fair - Saturday Night - Wigfield

I can even tell you that this came out in September... because that's when the fair was. My mate Deanno and I were on the Orbiter ( a ride still in operation even now -- worrying) . I still try and keep in contact with Deano who is now a talented musician.

Eddy, Rushy and M --> Gangstas' Paradise - Coolio

My holiday romance (from a cruise no less!) a six foot rugby player who used to send me love letters from Rochdale which outlined the grusome things he had done to people to cause pain on the Rugby pitch (he even included clip art!) I think that was supposed to impress me lol. A very sweet boy who turned into a lovely man... I haven't spoken to him for years but I hope he and 'Rushy' are very happy where ever they are up north.

One Step Beyond - A spaceman came travelling - Chris de Burgh
Careless Whisper - George Micheal

Even now these songs send Deano and me into fits of giggles, These were the only two songs, our band One step beyond could play. Thanks to Steph for the harmonies and Alex Woods for the drums lol.

The Webheath Gang Version 2 - Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
What i though was my first 'love'; Mr Kimberly. This song always takes me back to the nights when I was much younger where we wandered around the streets of Webheath in a gang (Chris - from the black country, Dave, Span, John, Crig, that bloy with the blonde hair who we were very mean to -sorry love- ) Hey Span do you remember when we sat on the corner of the road and pulled the petals off some roses. ( he loves me, he loves me not) The next day day your mum told you how the lady who ownd the garden was mortified as her proze winning roses had been ruined by vandals. We never did own up did we !

Year 11 - Lewis et al at the end of what was there year 13... --> Layla - Eric Clapton

The beginning of a very transition period on my life. These people were very important to me for years and I often wondered what became of them. I've heard that Lewis is now happily married which is wonderful news; of Jon, Chris, Neil and Cullum.... I know not a lot. I hope they're all happy and safe.

First Year of Uni. Anything from Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morrisette

Possibly one of the most turbulent times of my life but also one of the most valuable. I learnt a lot about myself that year and this album helped me lose a lot of anger. Lock the door and start wailing along girls....

The start of the rest of my life - Beautiful - Matt Woodward.
After a silly conversation where I told him I'd need to go now because It always took hours for me to make my self look beautiful (He of course complimented me and told me I was always beautiful and , at the time, I was unable to accept the compliment.) Matt wrote me this song. We were just friend back then mind you, but it stirred something in me that has never gone away.

Displaying my wares

I am just 1 1/2 hours away from returning to school to open the doors of my classroom to prospective parents. I have spent today tyding and sproosing my room in order for it to reach the dizzy standards required.

I've just checked Span's blog, read it and commented on it. I sense that she may be a little fed up... more from the comment she wrote back then from her blog. I hope I haven't shoved a rather smelly, been in my hot boots all day foot into my mouth. lol

It's funny how, seomtimes, the people you spend the most time with in the world can also be the people that you bceome most sensitive about. Sometimes you can have known someone for such a long time that you begin to see yourself in them. Sometimes its a yourself that you left behind, sometimes its a yourself you wish you could be.

Friendship is certainly a wonderful and ever changing thing; purely in a good sense mind you.

To cheer Span up I dedicate these shoes to her...

and direct her to here

encouraging young minds

Today I was single handedly responsible for flooding blogspot with 30 odd book journals which are to be written by students in my Year 8 class. Sorry about that! lol

Some of the names they have chosen to use have amused me. "Spozitos Doritos" is one of my personal favs. lol

Some have already put one entry up. Brilliant. I just hope this gets them reading lol

Free as a bird

There are those who have been concerned about me this week. Beautiful people who have asked me am I ok? How's school going? Do you want me to break anyone's legs.(lol)
They need not worry

I have sailed through this week. It has felt so very strange... I've enjoyed every moment and every class as run smoothly, beautifully and has been really enjoyable. The communal areas that I share with other staff have not seemed threatening in any way and I've even managed to be relaxed around those I used to get really angry about.

I let go of all that crap. I really did. It's amazing what a difference it has made to me. I can now hold my head up high. I know that I'm doing a good job and I am certain that those around me will notice that too if I continue to be a calm and centred as I am at the moment.

My classroom is tidy! (Shocking) my lessons are written in my planner and my relationships with everyone has returned to where it should be. Excellent.

Please do not worry. It's all fine.
:)

Did I say I'd missed them?

10SCL
1:45 pm
N21 (My classroom for those who didn't know)
Mayhem

"Stand in silence."
Class: (murmer)

"The golden rule is do as teacher asks first time without question.. I have asked repeatedly for you to be quiet!" (raising voice slowly)

Class: Silence

1... 2.... 3.... 4.... 5...


"I will not start until there is absoloute silence" Moves class into seating plan.
Class sit down start talking
(B is giggling, D + J are discussing the gory details of J's broken arm (it's pinned together!), K starts chatting)
"right stand up!"
Class: (loud choral moan of objection)
"I do not recall asking anyone to sit down nor did I ask you to speak. Silence."
(eventually)
"This is what I want you to do every morning. Stand where you are, as you are now no not like that K.- who is practically lying on her desk- that's better. No talking until you are invited to discuss something with me.

and so on...

"K remove that braclet"
"NO! When will I get it back? At half term?"
"Christmas actually"
"No! That's unfair it's the first day.."
"...and I've asked 4 times for you to remove it"
"you said..."
"are you refusing to do what teacher asks you to do first time without question? I think you're questioning me. Infact your being rather rude,"
"I don't mean to be rude but yeah but right but it's unfair I was going home! It's the first day"
"Kiera give me the braclet"
"NO! (mumours)

What fun!

3 detentions on the first day lmao.

Statistics, policies and development plans

That's all I've heard about today. I was also told by three people that I was a stapler thief ( a clear lie) lol The things that people start rows about!

The day begun with a spring in my step. I actually woke up, excited to go to work, at 6:30am. I got up dressed and showered and walked to work! It was actually surprisingly rather nice to stroll in listening to my music. I may even do it again tomorrow. I don't, however, think that once it's raining and the leaves are falling off the trees I'll still be quite so enthusiastic about walking ;) .

Once I arrived, I tried to spread my enthusiasm around the department. I'm not sure it worked. I actually think that they thought that the happy, bouncing girl in the corridor was a little bit over whelming! lol. NEver?

I was then made to sit in silence for hours ( a very bad plan when you have as much energy as I did this morning). I learnt that the SAT results were 86%. I was wondering how many of the nutters in my group would even come close to a level 5. I was shocked to discover that the class had managed to get 2 Level 6s. 24 Level 5s and 2 level 4s! That's not right surely. lol. Oh well it's all good. When they start putting the pressure on the teachers for the value added in their GCSEs I won't be there to worry about it anyway lol.

The boss was also disappointed that the GCSE results were lower than expected. Erm.. could this be because you pushed them so far with academies and the like that it all went wrong?? I could have told you that a year ago... Oh I think I did lol. Ah well, as we know, my beauties did very well for themselves so, as the Aussies would say, BONZA.

Tomorrow I get to the see the kids for the first time in 6 weeks and I can't wait. I've missed the little blighters.

Gardening shows

I also went to the gardening show this weekend and purchaed a lot of really big plants that involved daisies!!! Yeah.

I always love going to the Kings Heath Gardeners' weekend. It's good fun. It was really hot today though which made it harder to stand around and read the labels on plants. (Much to Matt's relief) Tina and Matt accompanied us which was nice and seems to be becoming a little tradition.
To cap it all off Matt (next store) turned on his bar B Q! Wicked! I've escaped cooking all weekend. I like it A Lot! ;)

Some pretty flowers.... (these are pictures I took at the show)




Who knew that there was such a pretty place to go just around the corner?

A Dream Interpretation for span...

This weekend has been much more eventful than I thought it would be.
Span had guests up for the weekend which meant that we went to town to watch the football and then had a bar b que at her house. Tasty good.

Apparently she had a dream the other day which involved Mr Bogus and his handmade jewellery box and me having to tell Hannah that Matt didn't like her! (i'm sure she'll elaborate! ;) Silly girl. I think that she worries that she's spending too much time with us. She needn't at all. We enjoy her company and she is more than welcome around at our house at any time. I am a little worried that her subconscience thinks that Ant can make a pretty Jewelry box and sell little trinkets? I wonder what that means?? lol


To dream of giving jewellery away, warns you that some vital estate is threatening you. For a young woman to dream that she receives jewellery, indicates much pleasure and a desirable marriage. To buy them, proves that you will be very successful in momentous affairs, especially those pertaining to the heart.

OOOHhhh... Did you buy any jewellry from Ant Span? If so, it's looking good!

Jewellery Box
To see a jewellery box in your dream, represents your own sense of self-worth, self-value, and potential. You need to unleash your stored potential and quit keeping them hidden.


Repeat after me Span:
I am a beautiful person. I am a good person. I am a STAR! ONly then will the dreams of the jewellry box leave your subconscious. lol.

What an interesting dream.....

Two days to go....

My god... Six weeks ago I said the same thing about the end of term. Hasn't time flown?

I've been to work for the last two days getting my classroom prepared for the new year. Sad aren't I? Lol. I'm supposed to be on holiday and I choose to spend my time at work! Oh well I guess that's enthusiasm and dedication for you.

They've painted my classroom you see and so I had to make all my displays look good to match the newly painted walls. I now have pink and yellow notice boards! Yeah! lol. I'm not sure my year 10 form will appreciate that somehow. ;)

I'm sat listening to the soundtrack of "The forty Year Old Virgin" at the moment. That was a very funny film and I just had to own their rendition of Aquarius. It was hilarious. LOF kept singing it at me so I had to do something.

I haven't blogged anything on here for a while so I thought I'd update it a little. Span has guests this weekend so she seems to have been inventing ways to avoid using her new kitchen lol. She's having a bar b que tonight so I'll try and get some piccies. Alas LOM can not be called Lord of the Flame 2 as he has gone out and become posh (He bought a gas bar b q.) no flames and smoke for him!

Do you ever wonder why your pc suddenly stops working properly?

I've got the answer.

This is what happens to windows when you leave your computer on over night...

This must be why we're always fixing people's machines!

Nothing on TV

I've just sat through something about two crazed dogs who like sex and weeing too much. They were tamed by a stern looking woman. Now it's time for Super Nanny, who will endeavour to do the exact same thing; this time with children.

What are the bbc trying to say? mmmmm?

GO KARTING!

So we went Go karting.
Check out the information here
Look at the pictures here!