As you know, I am in holiday mode! Not only does this include packing but all the body preparation that comes with it. Lately my nails have been very neglected. However yesterday they were treated to a nice manicure and just so my feet weren't left out they too had a pedicure. I went to my usual spa and have to say was treated as good as ever. I have a special varnish on them which is more gellike and should apparently last a few weeks. So far I have to say they look pretty fab and shiny. I have high hopes for this varnish- if like me your varnish chips off within a couple of days this may be the stuff for you.
As I mentioned earlier in the week I am looking for some fellow bloggers to keep 'If it's not ok...' ticking along while I am away. I have already had some offers which is great! Thank you!! I am still taking offers and if you aren't featured while I am away I willdefinitelybe sharing you on my blog in the upcoming future! I have some more ideas to spruce up my blog!
If you are interested email me and we can discuss topics.
Normally I am quite organised when packing to go away. I dread being told my luggage is over weight and needing to start taking things out my case in the middle of an airport!! Also, I used to take loads of clothes home which I just wouldn't have worn when away therefore wasting precious weight limit. I then devised my legendary 'clothing itineray'sheets. It's nothing new, in fact it's something which I'd read about afew times but had just never tried. So a couple of years back I gave it a go and took photos of all the outfits I could put together in my wardrobe and then downloaded photos onto my computer and began to match them to the days I would wear them.
Unfortunately that was the time my case was left in Washington DC on it's way to Vegas- that meant I missed my first day which threw everything off slightly.Crazyright? Anyway, I kept to most of it but swapped days around depending on how I felt. It was great, I didn't get to a point where I thought, "I don't have enough tops," or "I have nothing to go with this skirt." It's something which, if I have time, I like to do now before I go away. I travel next week and I am not going away with anyone I know which means I can't borrow anything which I may forget?!
Because of this I have began to sort out my itinerary now so that I have time to fill in any gaps. I've therefore started pulling one of my wardrobes apart with clothes.... it's a mess but at the end I will have a ocd super organised wardrobe for my long travel! Hopefully I can be creative enough to not have to wear the same outfit twice...
Do you have any rituals before holidays in relation to packing?
When does the past actually become the past and forgotten about completely?
I had a long long chat with Miss Faux Fur tonight and we discussed a lot of topics not least both our pasts. She's had a few run ins with hers lately and both times it's been positive and I can see it's made her happy. In my case it was that there is a potential for the past to catch up with me. This wouldn't be a bad thing as such but it's not something I ever thought I'd deal with again and in the event of this past just 'turning up' in the same place would be just the worst as I don't think in either case it would be comfortable. Talk about a shock value...we'd have one right there.
So our question was, do I pre-empt this one or do I just take a chance? By pre-empting it, it may be a bit stressful wondering of the consequence and whether my 'past' would think it's strange but chancing it could lead to awkwardness and down right shock for both parties (not fun).
Can I not just sit really still and close my eyes?
What to do, pre-empt the past or let the past catch up with me?
Now I've time off, I have been able to have a bit of a change about with my blog. I liked the old style but thought a change wouldn't go amiss!! I have managed (just) to create my own header- Thanks for your help Texa!!! Also if you look to the right you will see a new button for my blog! Classy right?
Quote of the Day Monday
Not only that, I have a brand new page. It's my 'Quote a Day Monday' page. Each Monday I am sharing a quote with all you lovely bloggers. On the actual page will be a back catalogue of quotes all together in one place to browse. Also, I would love it if you would like to email me with a quote you would like to post (with link to your own blog in the post too) with why it's special or why you like it.
Guest Bloggers
Finally, I will be going on an Eastern Escape Escapade around US and Canada next week for a couple of weeks and would love it if anyone fancied submitting a guest blog. I am pretty much open to any subject; likes, pet peeves, life, love etc etc. I will be scheduling some posts (and if possible some sneaky updates on my travels) and would be happy to schedule your posts with links to your own blog too. All you need to do is to email me with a blog post (inlcuding at least one image) and I will hopefully get it scheduled to go up while I'm away.
Contact me: takeallchances (at) gmail (dot) com
So, a lot of information there for you all. I hope I still have your attention? Yes? Woo!!! Hopefully I will have some quotes and blog posts in my inbox soon from you fabulous readers!
Today I headed into school, even though I'm off, to sort my classroom out. It's so nice to be heading into the next year group as I'm finding myself a bit bored in Y3 after 2 years but the downside is the classroom switch. I have had to sort all my things out to move and it's amazing how much crap useful stuff I have acquired in my 4 years of teaching so far. Not only that, I had to have a big move around in the classroom I'm going into - and find more tables for my big class!! Luckily I managed to rope my Dad into helping me move tables and stuff around and I now have my class how I want it to be come September (until I get bored and change it around again). All there is left to do is make it look all pretty with all my backing boards and displays which I will do nearer September.
Today I was inspired by my perfect weekend. I spent the weekend away with Miss Twin, Miss GG and Miss Mam-to-be. We haven't all spent time away like that for a long, long time and it made us all realise that we need to do it more often regardless of locations. We talked, laughed, shared and basically just reverted back to being the best friends we were when we we're younger. One of my favourite moments was baby kicking for me when myself and Miss Mam-to-be were having a well overdue catch up. It was as if Baby was saying, "Everything is ok Missy....you're doing fine." Both me and Miss Mam-to-be were touched by the moment.
People change and adapt depending on circumstances and life events but friendships stay the same regardless of the people in them. This quote is a one which I shared with Miss Faux Fur not too long ago but really applies itself to any good friendship. I was unable to find the author but I think it's something we can all say about our best firends who love us unconditionally.
Today was the last day of the academic year for me. This means that I have six weeks off to recover and have fun before going back to having no life! It was a lovely day and I got to say goodbye to my students but lucky for me it wasn't too hard as I have been moved up to the next year with them all. I feel extremely lucky as it's very rare to move up with the same class. Also, the kids I'm working with are great so I know next year is gonna be a good one.
Since I have time off now I can get back to blogging a bit more and have somewhat of an adventure in August :-) The fun times start at 4.45am tomorrow (yes- that early on my first day off) when I meet up with Miss Twin and Miss GG and we head away for the weekend to visit our friend who is due her first baby come October!!! It's an early start but it's sure worth it!
No more late nights working..
My bounty from the kids... enough chocolate and wine for the summer mixed in with jewellery, notebooks (a lovely one I've already picked out as my new Blog Book, mugs and bath/body sets. I feel very lucky!
Last week we sent out school reports for all kids. I know to receive they don't look a lot but it took me ages to finish them all. I spend so long on the general comments which I feel is the most important part as it gives you a good idea of the attitude and the motivation of the child. Today, a parent emailed my head teacher to give her reply to the report. I have to say, I was genuinely touched by the response and it's little things like this which I love as teaching can be such a thankless job at times. I just wanted to share what brightened up my day!
I am such a fan of quotes and lyrics and thought a great idea would be to share one quote a week with you all. It just so happens that I've chosen that day to be a Monday! It's not going to be a specific theme, just whatever I fancy that day. It may be a song I'm obsessed with or something which someone in my day to day life says, but each one will hopefully make you smile or think or feel a bit better if you're not having the best of days.
Today's quote comes from one of my favourite people, Audrey Hepburn:
The background to this quote is actually an enlarged part of the 'wish wall' I spent time looking at in New York. Each year, people pin their 'wishes' to the board and on New Years eve, all the wishes are released. Some of these wishes were quite heartbreaking and some were simply to visit New York again. No wish was better or sillier, it was simply a wall of hope which in itself was a sight to see.
Yesterday was Sports Day and I survived. All my organisation was fine, parents and children were happy and my head teacher was pleased too. Was it worth the whole stress? I'm not too sure but I'm relieved it all went well and is now over for another year!!
Any normal person would have crashed out last night but not me, I had tickets to see Bright Eyes. I have blogged of my love for this band and musician Conor Oberst and this is another. So therefore if you want to navigate away from my page... now's your chance....still here? Great!!
We all have them, a band or singer who no matter how often we listen to we can never get enough. Bright Eyes is mine. If I'm uncertain what to listen to, Bright Eyes goes on. I feel down...Bright Eyes goes on. I feel optmistic...Bright Eyes go on... I'm sure you get the picture!!
Well, the band stopped making music a few years back and the main component (Conor Oberst) went solo and then into a couple other bands ('Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band' and 'Monsters of Folk') which I liked and saw live but just didn't click the same way. Then earlier this year, Bright Eyes reformed and relesased 'The People's Key'. It is a great album, not on par with 'I'm Wide Awake...' but still outstanding.
About a month ago, I purchased tickets to see them where I live which is the first time they have played here. I was like a kid in a sweet shop last night on my way to see them. I have never been more excited to see a band!!! Guess what?? They didn't disappoint. I was the annoying person who states 'This song is the best,' before EVERY song. The set list was a perfect mix of old and new. Conor's stage persona was enchanting and entertaining. He was clearly enjoying the show. His songwriting makes you contemplate, question and reflect lots of things.
I wont lie, I also shed a little tear for one of my favourite songs, 'First Day of my Life'. The cd version is great but Conor singing it live was something special:
Apologies for the quality, my phone is a bit crappy from a distance.
Here is the whole song:
If you haven't came across the greatness of Bright Eyes, here are some songs for you:
This has been such a long week for me. As it is nearing end of term I have lots of things to sort to get the class ready to move up to the next year. This in itself is not too difficult to sort, however, when you are the Sports Co-ordinator (which I am) you have another major stress. This stress is known as: Sports Day.
This is the one day a year where we have the whole school out taking part in sports activities and parents are invited to see. I decided that I wanted to organise a more competitive day this year as last year the co-ordinator had a kind if Olympic type day which was extremely busy. Therefore I have gone for the whole competition edge with the children competing in team games and independent events. Although this sounds easy to organise, when you factor in it is to include near 400 children then things get complicated. Organisation, resources, teams, planning and staffing is all down to me. The stress hit me on Monday when (paired with class reports) I was given the go ahead to start organising after waiting for quite some time. Wednesday I was told to give a staff meeting, that afternoon to all the rest of the staff about sports day. I spent all morning working on that instead of preparing for the following week. After this the week just went downhill. My stress levels went higher and by last night I was exhausted. It hit Thursday evening and I just didn't know how I was going to be able to make it through Friday.
I worked till late then was up 6.30am Friday morning to finish reports (yes, I have 28 reports to do too) and just pushed myself. I got to the end of the day and was so relieved. It has been a long time since I have felt so physically drained but I am proud that I managed to get through it and thankful for friends at school who picked me and helped me to keep going. It's times like this that you realise who your friends are. Even if things are made hard fo you or people expect you to not get things right, it's your friends who keep you working.
As you all know from previous posts I have always been a fan of wrestling. I don't watch it often now due to time but if I'm having a lazy Saturday morning or not slept in till late I will watch some Raw or Smackdown. Now, I am known as being a rather girly girl and high maintenance regarding certain things. However, I have the side which loves a bit of boyish banter and fun. I attribute this to having brothers growing up. It was always rough and tumble. My nickname was 'Bash'...I think that says it all really!
Miss Faux Fur is also a bit of a wrestling fan- can you see another reason why we're friends now? So before my birthday she forwarded me an email about a wrestling event in the city where we live. This was a Lucha Libre festival. A good blogging friend of mine, El Grande, has made me a lot more aware of Lucha Libre wrestling so this event seemed even more appropriate to attend!
Now I hope I don't get any of this wrong El Grande... Lucha Libre is spanish for 'free wrestling' and this type of wrestling is characterised by the use of masks, good and bad identities as well as high flying moves. It is gaining popularity in lots of countries but generally became popular in Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries. If you watch wrestling I am sure you have came across the Luchadores Rey Mysterio and the newer (to the WWE anyway) Sin Cara.
Myself and Miss Faux Fur were a bit apprehensive as it wasn't under a wrestling name as such, but part of ¡VAMOS! , a Latin festival in the area which I live. I had been assured however that the luchadores who were to attend were good. We both thought it would be really fun and also, a bit of a different birthday celebration. What can I say about it? iT surpassed fun and was AWESOME!!
We had such a fun night and after both being incredibly stressed with work etc lately it was a great way to just have a good time. The wrestlers were pretty spectacular and the show itself was fab!
We weren't allowed to take pictures but of course I had to do it for my blog land friends to share and also to remember such a good night (plus after quite a few sneaky shots, lots just openly stood to take photos in the final 3v3 match)!! So here are a selection of snaps:
Is that Sir Reginald on Blue Demon Jr's head?!
As you can see the masks and costumes are a huge part of this sport. The whole sport has such a great art feel to it to. There are Technicos (good guys) and Rudos (bad guys) which gets the crowd going and sets up a great atmosphere. Personally I was more of a fan of the rudos however the Technicos did some pretty spectacular moves!!!
Some fantastic wrestlers and photo fun after the show!
I did purchase a mask. I had too, I wanted something to remind me of the show and thought what better than a mask? Myself and Miss Faux Fur had great fun with it... I even managed to get some random fellow masked visitors to pose for pictures after the event. Would you believe one was actually Mexican and had came over for the event and to visit friends. The whole night was a success and would definitely be something that we'd go to again!
Myself and Miss Faux Fur just HAD to have some fun with the mask...
*Just to note- I did not drive with that mask on, we just thought it would look funny!!
Take a look at some of these masks and costumes!!
Have you been to something which was even more fun than you thought it would be?
Now we're in July, it's half way through the year. Can you believe we're here already?I've been blogging since January and truth be told I didn't think I would still be blogging now. But things are a changing I guess. It probably comes as no surprise to those who have been reading my blog for a while that things last year weren't the best. However, this year I feel like I'm starting to get back into the groove if my life. Strangely this is different to how I was. As happy as I am right now, I have never felt more torn and unsettled. This is not in anyway because I am unhappy, it's more so in a way that I feel like I need to get a change of scenery.
Normally during the summer I head off to some place cool with Miss GG but unfortunately her holidays have been changed and it doesn't look like we'd get to do much. Then I thought about doing a tour. I pondered this thought during the week and went to price up deals. I was very specific over what I wanted (as you can imagine) and was adamant that I would NOT camp anywhere- even though the travel agent said they are always nice. Whatever...I don't want to hear it. This was the one which I had looked at online and wanted to price up, my very own Eastern Escape Escapade...
This would be a tour led group and I would just turn up pretty much.It just looks amazing...I'm just having mini freaks out occasionally thinking how scary this is to do alone. I know I will not be alone per say as I have a whole group around me but this is the first time I've really done exactly what I've wanted. Previous years to the states and other summer holidays have been great but also needed compromise which is good because when you go away with others you need to do what everyone wants. However, this is all me. It ticks off a few places which I have always wanted to visit in this area.
I have been working the past couple of weeks on a class production about our topic of rainforests. I have decided to share some of our outfits for the play which I created!!! I had very little materials left as it's near enough the end of term so had to try grab some myself. They're not exactly perfect or anything exciting but the kids look fab!!
They all have clothing to match their animals too. However one choose to match a grey dressing gown to his bear outfit for the Bare Necessities song. He was too happy and excited for me to say no to it haha!! He definitely looks like a bear who rests at ease! The butterfly wings actually had me sewing using a needle and thread to make them. I carried out what I thought was a 'running stich' but it turned out it wasn't one of those and was just a 'Missy stitch'. Not my strong point (as you can tell) but it needed to be done and actually worked very well! They have little elastic wrist bands too to make sure they flutter like real wings.
My favourites have to be the butterfly masks! How pretty please? The girls all made sure they were symmetrical, aren't they clever?
