One of the teachers who posts on the TES staffroom site, who goes by the name of Stellycat, visited this website and wondered if s/he should write a Bridget Jones' Diary style guide to getting through teaching. It's a great idea, and I've been thinking how it could apply to the holidays too. To the non-teaching public, the holidays seem the cushiest part of being a teacher, and to be honest it is one of the best bits. But cushy? Not really. Let's see how Ms Jones, perhaps a relation to Bridget, has been getting on over Easter. A fantastic release from the stresses of the term? Not quite...
First day of the holidays. Date etched on brain since Christmas. Have been
trying to find (increasingly last minute) holidays to sun but nothing in school holidays
fits in price range. Resigned self to full stay-at-home pamper and relaxation session instead.
It's cheaper.
Saved money last night by not going out. Instead, had one glass of wine (v. good) and then fell asleep on settee. Woke up to TV blaring out a chat show, and staggered to bed. (Note to self: change pillowcase as covered in mascara.)
Now faced with mountain of washing and approx. one inch dust on every surface. It can wait. I'm on holiday.
Later. Looks like another night at home. Shaz and Maz off to Venice early tomorrow for short break. Taz and Baz have other plans. Caz is catching up with her boyf. Maybe I'll catch up with that open bottle of wine.
Need a lie down now. V. v. tired.
Have just emptied car boot. Can't decide what to mark first. Choices are: Year 10 coursework (need to concentrate), AS essays (ditto), Year 8 top set (they write too much), Year 9 bottom set (too much correcting to do). Maybe I'll do the housework first. A great aerobic exercise. Sitting marking makes arse spread and back ache.
Later Needed a siesta due to v. early waking up this morning,
followed by complete spring clean. See, it's just like
I'm on holiday after all - siesta! Not holiday weather though. And I did do the housework.
Maybe a cocktail will cheer me up.
Later Official report: daytime TV rubbish. New hairstyle: rubbish. Now all the kids will laugh when I go back to school. Have cancelled night out with Taz and Baz due to dire hair situation. Will give me time to sort out marking.
Later still Have now marked 5 books! Took 2 hours. Couldn't find red pen. Can't face any more now. Don't think the class understood the task. Still, 5 down, 26 to go (of Year 9). Feel v. efficient.
Later Year 9 books v. depressing. Have told self firmly that am on holiday, therefore should not be getting stressed and throwing books across room. Taken anger out with ironing board instead.
Not good Friday for me. Kept waking up from nightmares involving lost coursework.
Need new glasses (v. expensive). Must try to negotiate with dentists
for out-of-teaching-hours appointment for fillings. Have eaten Caz's Easter egg after energetic
yoga class (2670 cals - v. v. bad). Can't walk much as sprained ankle during same yoga class. Yoga is not a stress
relief for me! Caz is off to Lake District with boyf. for weekend. Refusing to mark books
today as it's an official holiday. Only 21 of Year 9's left to go! Not much on TV though.
Might just pop onto internet to see how remote teacher friends coping with all this free time.
Quite glad to be a singleton! How would I cope with kids of own to amuse? Ughh!
Resolution for tomorrow: finish Year 9 books, then start weekend of relaxation / pampering.
Right now a siesta sounds like a good idea...
added 14/4/04
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