Today I've mostly bin...

[Bunnylump]

My daughter made us a really nice meal (saffron scented chicken pilaf followed by rhubarb crumble). She then went out, her parting shot being "and HE can do the washing up!" (meaning my son). That was his contribution to Father's day!!

I personally don't believe in it. I think it is a cynical attempt by the card companies to make money. But I must say I did appreciate the meal which I didn't have to make...

[giraffe]

Do you think your OH noticed?

He did when I said "Oh, is it father's day?" I must admit I'm a bit with bunnylump on the overcommercialisation of these things. He would have had a card at most if I'd noticed. Usually they have cards in the supermarket, but this year there is so much football stuff.

[LAT]

I'm with you on that too. There was no such thing as Father's day when I was little I'm sure.
At least nowadays I don't need to do anything. He received a card from the two of them "Happy Fathers Day from your little monsters"

And we went out today to Mottisfont Abbey to see the wonderful roses there in the walled garden and then went to a pub for lunch so I didn't have to cook either. (and nor did I pay )

[Laura]

We usually do homemade cards for mothers/fathers day. It avoids the ridiculous expense. We also usually have three-way email conversations, which go along the lines of "ok, who's getting the chocolates, who's getting the nuts, and who's getting the alcohol?" Then I buy them all, and my sisters pay me back, as they live much further away. Then I have to wrap them in three different sorts of wrapping paper, so that they look like they come from different people!

[eirian]

well, I think last year was the first one my dad got a card - and that was just an email pic of Thomas with 'Happy Father's Dad, Grandad' written on it... (he's got Giraffe/Bunny/LAT's attitude and I think would have been very rude had we ever thought of getting him one) Sigur's family however require the full deal, but I must admit, we did a homemade card from Thomas, although Sigur had to buy one. I remembered to buy one for Sigur from Thomas, which took a lot of doing, and he probably wouldn't have got it if I hadn't had to go get an anniversary card last week (remembering cards isn't a strong point in our family!)

[Bunnylump]

...interviewing. All day. In a hot room.

Still, the good news is that it's looking like we are taking a MAN on. And I think he'll do very well.

[LAT]

Glad to hear you're taking a man on. Will it be an even contest?

[Bunnylump]

No, he won't stand a chance, obviously!!

I just got back from keep fat and the instructor was in a bit of a mental mood. She had us doing John Travolta moves...and then PUNCHING. It was things like "jab for the jaw, jab for the stomach, ok, lower if you want to... " etc. Good way to release pent up aggression.

[LAT]

Did you have anyone in mind while you were planting those jabs?

[Laura]

The instructor, probably!

[Bunnylump]

Did you have anyone in mind while you were planting those jabs?

Well yes. But I don't suppose I should name names on a public forum. I might get the sack.

[LAT]

But I bet it made you feel good doing it!

[MBH]

I just got back from keep fat and the instructor was in a bit of a mental mood. She had us doing John Travolta moves...and then PUNCHING. It was things like "jab for the jaw, jab for the stomach, ok, lower if you want to... " etc. Good way to release pent up aggression.

LOL Have you ever been to a 'Combat Aerobics' class? Great fun... especially if you have inside knowledge and you can think to yourself "That's from Muay Thai... a bit of boxing... Oh - that's pure Capoeira"

I really MUST get back to some activity

[MBH]

Just got back from the Town Moor fairground. Is it really a year since I was taking photos of the Big Wheel to go on a puzzle magazine

[Bunnylump]

And a very good picture it was too!!

[Bunnylump]

...being placated.

I've been having a pretty horrid time at work in the past week or so, and had been seriously thinking of handing my notice in. But isn't life a funny thing? Just when you're really down in the doldrums, something nice comes along to cheer you up. I went and dealt with an emergency (like you do) for one of the senior leadership team. I didn't think any more about it until I found a letter in my pigeonhole (which he'd copied to my boss, her boss and the headteacher). In it he said how much he'd appreciated the fact I'd dropped everything to help out and really put myself out. He also said what a fantastic job I do.

Don't think I'll hand my notice in, not this week, anyway... (I am SUCH a soft touch, aren't I??)

Sorry if this sounds like I'm blowing my own trumpet, I don't mean to be showing off. I was just really pleased that someone had taken the time and the thought to do that. It made me realise just how far a little appreciation goes. So I promptly went off and sent a postcard home to a pupil who'd helped ME out during his lunch break. It'll be nice to spread some happiness.

[eirian]

yes, it's always nice to have something positive said about you like that, isn't it! And yes, you deserve it.

[giraffe]

Well done Bunnylump. It's nice to be appreciated isn't it.

[Bunnylump]

Well, I'll have to make the most of it, I expect!!

[MBH]

So I promptly went off and sent a postcard home to a pupil who'd helped ME out during his lunch break.

Now THAT'S a nice touch - I'm sure that meant just as much to him (and his parents)


Today I've had the day off work but been pulling together the stuff I think I need to try and get my 'web presence' back. Spending tomorrow in one of our libraries (as a member of the public) picking the brains of a lad who has a similar website to what I've been suggested to try.

These two days off are in preparation for working all next weekend at the Sunderland International Friendship Festival [what used to be the Kite Festival]. Without my assistant (retired) I need to be there for both days so I put in for a bit of time off midweek this week and next week to break the 12-day week up a bit

Then 3-weeks after that I've got another long weekend with the Air Show.

The fact is I LIKE the events - but they are long days when you need to get your bus in place well before it opens to the public.