Holiday

After my extended holiday, I have been madly trying to catch up on work.

Proofs for the Philip Allan Key Stage 3 English Teacher Resources for Year 9 arrived and have been read and amended. I didn't quite make the SCBWI anthology competition and I haven't done as much writing as I'd hoped to but I have been to the gym and I have relaxed so, all in all, I'd say I've had a good holiday.

I'm trying to tease out my last two days now.....

Memory Lane

I am writing this with a very slow internet connection... we're talking slower than a snail, so this will be short and sweet and I will definitely not be attempting to upload any pictures. It is 45 degrees centigrade in the shade out here in Kuwait where I have been taking a walk down memory lane, it being the place I grew up. Given that it's been some seventeen years since I was last here, things have changed just a little.

I've visited my brother and his family who now live here. My three nephews who are lovely in small doses have, after ten days, driven me on occasion round the metaphorical bend and solidified my beliefs regarding when and whether to have children?!!

Nevertheless, I've reminisced, I've read, I've swum and I've shopped. And I have the slightest tan and painted toe nails. All in all, I'd say it's been a wholly successful and relaxing holiday. Back to the UK later today, so it'll be back to normality tomorrow. And back to school next week. I cannot wait ;-)

A Poem

I wrote a poem today which I thought I'd post for your consumption, inspired by Jason Evans' poem on his blog.

It tasted crunchy at first
Like grit in my mouth
Then bitter and hard
Stinging my throat

Like crumbling rock
It caught
between
my teeth
And stuck.

It clung there
Lingering

Before a sweet
subtle
softness
Tingled on my tongue

Where it rests now waiting

Fitness Frenzy

I am still in Wales, although I am hoping to go abroad soon for a bit of a break which will be nice. I may even come back with a tan.

You'll be thrilled to hear that I went to the gym again yesterday even though I am 'sporting' a bit of a back injury- one I sustained when I played badminton.

I'm on a bit of a keep fit frenzy at the moment, in case you hadn't guessed and I'm hoping to sign up to a few different things when I'm back home. I'm looking forward to getting back some old fitness. Will let you know how I get on.

This of course means that I have had little time to write- excuses, excuses- but I have been reading a little. Hope all of you are enjoying the summer.

KS3 CHALLENGE ENGLISH

I discovered yesterday that my co-written texts for WH Smith are now on display and available in WH Smith shops, so if you are looking for some excellent texts for your no doubt bright kids so that they can practise and improve their English reading and writing skills beyond what they might do in a classroom then please do purchase a book. I took the liberty of snapping the books on display. Here are the Year 8 and Year 9 books!

On a high

I am feeling psyched and very very positive today. This is for several reasons but I shall just name a few here:

1- I went to the gym and am on an adrenaline high

2- I am honoured to have been given a thoughtful blogger award by Verilion

3- I spent an evening with my nieces and nephew earlier this week and had an entertaining and enjoyable conversation with my lovely niece Hannah, aged 4, who is just sweetness itself

4- I have been having fun on Facebook.... throwing food, biting and poking people