Day 126 - How To Survive My First Year in Teaching

Thursday August 20th

Finally, a day to myself. I used to enjoy the 1 or 2 weeks I had on my own in Hastings during the summer while the family were in the UK so it's nice to get the odd day on my own in the new house.

Dismal run this morning where I started to do a mile at pace and then wimped out after 200 yards. Heart and legs weren't in it.

Spent all day working, mostly reading a book about surviving my first year in teaching. Some very good tips on classroom management which is the thing that worries me the most. I have this irrational fear that I will show fear and then be ripped to shreds by a pack of wild children. However, I will perfect my withering stare and arm crossing and see where it gets me. I confess that I had the test match on the whole time (radio) and really enjoyed the relaxed and clever conversation in the background. Better than watching it on Sky.

The Fearns arrived to stay the night and we got through a couple of bottles of wine which I paid for the next morning. We got on to the subject of Ellen and just talking about it helped. It is clear that we think about it alot right now and as with everything, getting it out reduces the anxiety and shares the burden.

Day 115 - Beer Can Chicken

Sunday August 9th

Went out for an early run this morning and found a glorious circuit that took me up and along a ridge to the south of the City. I had a great view of Winchester and a nice downhill run through Compton. Got quite a pace up as well.

The Fearns came to visit

for lunch which was great Luke is my Godson and Benj is Alice's Godfather. We supped rose in the garden and had two beer can chickens on the grill followed by a stroll along the Water Meadows. Ted was brilliant with the Ollie and Luke. Ellen was noticeable by her absence. Curious as there were small children in the house