The Country Mouse Tales

Beautiful

2012-01-28T11:00:00.001Z

This is a quote I love, which fits so neatly with a lot of what I believe, so on this peaceful pink-skyed Saturday morning as I sip coffee and come to I thought I'd share it with you.

From: bethanywinters.com

Have a great weekend, all!

Five Minute Friday: Tender

2012-01-27T16:02:00.003Z

Five minutes to write. Just write. No (or maybe that should be less?) overthinking, just writing :)

Today's prompt....is tender.

GO.

Tender is the night, lying by your side,
Tender is the touch, of someone that you love too much...

Blur, Tender

Whenever I hear the word 'tender', those words pop into my head. It's about openness, vunerability, kindness, gentleness...so much of what love, and what friendship, is. It's putting yourself out there and trusting that when you jump, somebody's going to be there to catch you.

Life is full of tender moments, and moments where we are called to be tender, to be kind, to give of ourselves.

Whether it's a frightened child, a worried lover or an ill friend, some situations are tender and require that we come at them from a different, more gentle place.

Other times the situations themselves are so tender, so precious, so special...first 'I love yous', newborn fingers around your finger, watching a child you've helped to learn and grow soar, blinking back tears (or often in my case bawling my eyes out ;)) as two people you love start a new life together as man and wife, sunrises which stretch forever over the blue-grey sweep of the firth, 'kindred spirit' moments with friends, fond remembrances.

Thank heaven for tender and all it teaches us.

STOP.

Things I Like Thursday, January 26th

2012-01-26T09:43:00.002Z

With a linky below as ever, in case you feel like joining me in counting up the things that make it all better.

1. Matthew. As ever. :-)

2. Getting better at sleeping. Slowly but surely I'm moving my average up from 5.5 to 7 hours a night, and I feel so much better for it!

3. It's payday! Woo! We always get paid early before Christmas, so January always feels loooooong. Yay for pennies!

4. The fact that it's just over a fortnight till half term, and exactly a fortnight until the lovely Shona comes to visit.

5. The fact that the delicious Mme Muir (a.k.a. the artist formerly know as Mlle Wilson) is coming to stay at the weekend, and we're going to see the Strictly Come Dancing tour!

6. Balsam tissues. I have such a cold at the moment and soft tissues are helping a bunch!

7. Home based daydreams.

8. Lovely Henry is coming to London town and I'll be able to hear all his chat over a coffee.

9. Le Pain Quotidien's green tea. Mellow, refreshing, and oh-so-moreish....

10. Working my socks off and keeping on top of things.

If I were in charge...

2012-01-25T09:00:00.001Z

...things might be a little more chaotic, but undoubtedly more fun.

Play would become more important.

So would fresh air.

It'd be harder to be very rich...but harder to be very poor, too.

Everyone would be required to volunteer in some way - mentoring, helping practically, picking up an old lady's shopping.

We'd talk to our neighbours and build stronger communities.

There would be fewer TV channels, and more libraries.

We'd take more time to sleep and rest...and spend less time on facebook and reading celebrity magazines.

As well as dispensing medicine, we'd have places like pharmacies where you could pop in for a cuppa and some sound advice.

We'd send more letters. We'd compare ourselves to others a lot less. And shopping would change from national pasttime to something you do when you need or want stuff and you have money to spend - whether you find it fun or not is less important.

Just thinking out loud really...and realising that there's not much I can do in a 'bigger picture' way, but that I can, like Ghandhi said, try to "be the change you wish to see in the world."

So I'm going to try and work on the things I am in charge of.

Sleep more, gossip less (I've shrunk my gossip quota year on year on year, and this year I want it finally, totally gone. Understand that here I mean negative gossip, rather than anything of the "OMG, I love her dress / they are such a sweet couple / ooooh, have you heard the wonderful news? ilk. That stuff is golden). Work hard, and really try to enjoy all aspects of my job. I'm going to spend less time at home wasting time online...and when I do spend an evening lolloping the internet I'm actually going to enjoy it rather than feeling guilty! I'm going to read more and volunteer more and write more. Talk less and listen more. Shine and polish my little 'Claire bubble' as best I can so I become a person people smile when then think about. More smiling, less worrying.

Small changes together make big changes. At least, that's what I'm hoping!

Project Life Tuesday: Jan 9th-22nd

2012-01-24T08:00:00.001Z

So I'm sticking with Project Life, and am loving that it's reminding me to take photos! It's a really neat way to look back over the weeks and months. I'm linking up once again with the lovely Jessica's Project Life Tuesdays, as I hope to do every fortnight. Keeps me focused to catching up with the project every couple of weeks at least, and I love seeing how others are getting on. Enjoy!

January 9th: A skinny vanilla latte and the walk home. As we start to realise that we'll be leaving NW3 at some point over the next year (we hope!) for a home in East London, I'm taking the time to really enjoy and savour the little joys of NW3. Walking home from school is definitely one of them.

January 10th: My Christmas present from Matthew was this gorgeous planner from Erin Condren - personalised with badgers, of course! The front badger is for work (most serious) - the one on the back is frolicking and ready to play!

January 11th: finally made it to the pool. Hence the mad hair!

January 12th: a fun day! Work was busy (seriously, is it ever *not* busy?), then I popped into dance class before meeting Eileen for sushi - my first proper sushi, actually! Fear I may now be addicted...

(Friday) 13th January: Eek! A busy day at school, where amongst other things I taught the boys about friggatriskadekaphobia. Never let it be said we don't strive for a rounded education. Was shattered by the end of the day so I headed home and finished a book in a night. This book was terrifying!
14th January: Matthew and I headed up to Forres for the 30th birthday of my dear friend Erin, who was having a party with another girl from school. We spent most of the night (when not cutting a rug on the dancefloor to 90s cheese!) chatting with Sam and Julie in the naughty corner. Fun night!

15th January: Ah, the wait at Luton for your taxi. Matthew and I are now seasoned pros at this!

January 16th: After work Eileen and I headed to a book reading (with *quite* an interesting crowd...) to promote a new book called 'Tired of London, Tired of Life'. After that we headed to Trojka for soup, latkes and awesome pancakes.

January 17th: In 'Mystery Club' the boys and I made collages about words we wanted to focus on in 2012. Mine is 'reading' and this is the work in progress...

January 18th: One of my favourite things to do as a teacher is to call, write or email when a boy is doing really well. This was the perfect day to break out the 'A Note From Miss Thornley' postcards.

January 19th: One of my focuses for this half term with the boys is appreciating and celebrating differences. Skittles and blue cakes are but two of the props I used for this.

January 20th: Actually a pretty stressful day with a to-do list as long as my arm....but everything seems a lot simpler and happier when you're cuddling a cute bunny brought in for show and tell!

January 21st: Had lots of fun on my first DIAD (Done In A Day) with the Junior League, painting a hallway and some doors for the sweetest lady. No photo on the blog, but it was super fun. And later in the day Eileen and I went for cake and I had the best red velvet. Seriously, just typing the sentence is making me crave it!

January 22nd: On birthdays and suchlike, the boys often bring in cakes. One boy brought these darling personalised cakes in - could they be more precious? I saved mine till Sunday so Matthew and I could enjoy it with a cup of tea, and I may steal this idea for a future birthday of mine!

Oh, George

2012-01-23T10:00:00.001Z

Picture found here.

"Do you have a celebrity crush?" asked Ily.

Why yes, I commented. For me, it's all about Clooney...and what better way to kick of a week than with a picture of the man himself? Talented, intelligent, charming...lovely.* The red velvet cake of movie stars, if you will.

So, friends, who is your celebrity crush?

* in fact, he's almost as wonderful as Matthew. :)

Pinterest: Dream Home/38

2012-01-22T10:01:00.007Z

The 'Dream Home' and '38' boards on my Pinterest are potentially the busiest of all. The combination of insanely beautiful homes to drool over and actual practical tips I can, you know, use in my home is quite the heady mix! Here's a few faves...and by a few, I mean at least a dozen ;), or more:

From: makingitlovely.com

Love this cute and colourful kitchen layout. I've warned Matthew that if and when we buy a home there will be a lot of shelf-putting-up and furniture building in his future. :)

From: kellyskornerblog.com

Framing a chalkboard would never have occurred to me, but when I saw this on Kelly's blog it made perfect sense!

From: bhg.com

Scrabble pillows! #wantwantwant

From: etsy.com

Any cushion that Matthew gets very excited about *has* to be an entry on the 'to buy one day' list!

From: johnlewis.com

Love this clock!

From: apartmenttherapy.com

Such a clever project - I'd love to do this with a map of the world.

From: apartmenttherapy.com

Think I'm going to do this with a couple of our end tables.

From: flickr.com

I love rotary phones!

From: notonthehighstreet.com

Definitely need to get this for Matthew!

From: houzz.com

Drooling over this kitchen is a bit like drooling over an Aston Martin or George Clooney. Entirely rooted in fantasy, but delicious nonetheless!

From: wanelo.com

Love this build in - beautiful finish and great colours. What a fab spot to curl up and read in!

From: michaelanoelledesigns.blogs

I love our current bedroom colourscheme (blues/browns/creams) but this grey and white combo looks so fresh and inviting!

From: creativeorganizing.typepad.com

If and when Matthew and I feel brave enough to visit Ikea, we are so grabbing some square 'expedit' shelving to do something very like this!

From: Uploaded by user

Dude. If I ever win the lottery...

From: thecsiproject.com

Love this idea! A double homework station. I would have gone nuts over this as a kid.

From: jen-simplyliving.blogspot.com

I have loads of these drawers for crafting, school stuff, etc. - isn't this a groovy way to update them and make them look cooler?

From: eighteen25.blogspot.com

What it's all about, ultimately!

So that's what I've been daydreaming about...you?

A good day

2012-01-21T22:05:00.004Z

Today has been a good day.

A day of helping and meeting new people.

Making plans and thinking ahead.

Subway sandwiches and red velvet cake.

Bouncing ideas around with a dear friend.

Playing on twitter and watching silly TV.

Introducing Eileen to the wonder that is 30 Rock...

...and joining Eileen in keeping a straight face when the boutique owner told us the dress in the window cost £10,000.

Ten. Thousand. Pounds.

And now it's a little after ten, and I'm snuggled up with a sleepytime tea and a magazine, tapping this in on my iPhone...because I resolved to blog 366 times this year and my computer has been off all evening.

Rock and roll?

Heavens, no.

Delicious?

Oh yes!

I hope you have all had (or indeed, are having) a similarly super Saturday, and that the rest of your weekend is lovely too.

Five Minute Friday: Vivid

2012-01-20T14:08:00.002Z

Linking up with the lovely Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday.

Five minutes just to write....and not worry too much about it!

Today's word....is vivid.

GO.

I've always had a vivid imagination. When I was little this vivid imagination often took me off on wild flights of fantasy, far, far away, off and out of the classroom window, lost in a mess of daydreams. This recollection always makes me smile whenever I have to remind one of my students not to drift off mid lesson. Dreamers unite.

Now, as I get older, I find that it's not just the daydreams which are vivid...they've been joined by vivid recollections - remembrances of people, places, things. A whiff of fragrance, a song, the way the sunset beams off the windows of the house opposite the synagogue on my way home....they can jump up on me and surprise me, like a frosty breeze on an otherwise mild day.

There are vivid moments in the present too - hands aloft as Dolly Parton returned for the encore in Glasgow I remember turning to Shona and just thinking...wow. This is real, colourful, juicy, exciting life. And it happens so often, moments of laughter, happiness, wonder, sadness, like flecks of light across the milder, matter beams of the everyday.

How delicious.

STOP

Things I Like Thursday

2012-01-19T14:18:00.004Z

1. Listening to classical music with my class. Spotify is an absolute godsend for this - so much great music a few clicks away!

2. Graze boxes arriving in my pigeonhole twice weekly with healthy/healthier snacks to chow down on - seeds and fruits and veggies, oh my!

3. Zumba - I went to my first class yesterday and it was deliciously bonkers! Any class where the guy signs off his emails as 'Patrick the dantertainer' was always going to be ripe for banter!

4. Using Pinterest to plan some new home decor. Ooooooh, shiny!

5. Visiting home and catching up with so many folk - it was delicious to touch base with so many fine folk!

6. Mini Cathedral City cheddar cheese portions. So silly, yet so satisfying!

7. Chatting about weddings with Eileen and Siobhán - their big days are bound to be splendid!

8. Learning to time my life a little better...slowly but surely....

9. My friends announcing some very happy news. Roll on July!

10. Feeling inspired....I adore the lovely Kelle Hampton and her fantastic blog 'Enjoying The Small Things'. She has such a unique and lovely way with words and pictures. She is also a super-mama to two precious little girls, the younger of whom, Nella, has Down's Syndrome. Nella turns two in a matter of days and Kelle is hoping to help the National Down's Syndrome Society to raise a whopping $200,000 to help celebrate. She made the adorable video below to raise awareness and spread the word. If you'd like to donate, please click here.

What's rocking your socks this week? If you'd like to link up below I'd love to read your lists!

Flying through...

2012-01-18T14:13:00.002Z

January is fairly whizzing past, no?

Life just seems to be a bit of a blur right now, with work and coffee and meetings and girldates and reports and plans and dancing and projects...

A nice blur.

But a blur nonetheless.

I'm trying to savour the rush, to enjoy the busyness, to make time for all the wonderful things I get to experience in my little Claire bubble. And I'm pleased to report that 90% of the time, the savouring is occurring in spades (the other 10% is spent napping or relaxing!).

It seems to be a busy time for so many folk - weddings and engagements and babies on the way and houses being bought...I'm really enjoying being caught up in the whirl and sharing these special seasons :).

And it's almost payday too! January always feels like a looooooong month finance wise!

Question of the day....what's your coffee drink of choice?

(can you tell I'm craving a hazelnut latte?)

Blast from the past

2012-01-17T09:00:00.001Z

On Saturday Matthew and I went up to Forres for a whirlwind visit. It was so nice to be 'home' for a wee bit and to catch up with so many folk! I love having a place as cool as Forres to call my hometown. We spent some fun time with friends and caught up with my parents too.

The big reason for heading up was the 30th birthday of my sweet friend Erin. She and I have been friends since we rocked the woodwind section in our school orchestra and have remained friends through a fair few seasons since then, so it was lovely to be able to head up and help her celebrate.

Her party was held in the Mosset, the dance hall (for want of a better description!) where we'd go dancing every Friday and Saturday night most weeks of fifth and sixth year. Even though it's been totally refurbished, to be back in that room was quite the blast from the past! Especially when you consider the soundtrack was very 90s heavy and there were more than a few familiar faces from high school there too!

Some photos from the party:

Julie, Sam and I.

Kitty and Erin, the birthday girls.

Mmmmm....shall we go to the Speedy Pepper on the way home?

Such a fun weekend...now back to the London whirl though. An awful lot going on here at the moment - details to follow in the coming weeks. Have a super Tuesday!

Just like it says....

2012-01-16T09:00:00.001Z

From shabbychicks.blogspot.com

Have a great day, all! What do you have planned for this week?

Britain

2012-01-15T09:00:00.003Z

Very cute pillow found here.

The older I get, the more I appreciate living in Britain and being British.

There may be bigger, bolder, newer, more exciting and exotic cultures, but I love the quiet reserve, millenia of history and dark sense of humour that permeates so much of life here.

Cups of tea, misty autumns, the Queen's Speech at Christmas (I don't even watch it any more, but am still glad it's there. Nostalgia? A comfort blanket? Who knows!).

I also love all the different cultures held within this little nation - how you can get on a train and after an hour be somewhere completely different. New sights, new accents, new vocabulary (this one I know only too well having studied in Aberdeen. Gis a bosie, anyone?).

I love how the weather is like a national bonding point. Recently we've all been bopping around revelling in the unexpected balmy spell...no doubt this will dissolve into stiocism when the much anticipated cold snap finally arrives!

It's an interesting time to be British, too. The London riots have faded in the collective memory a little but some of the messages they sent still resound. Not the one about stealing 20p basmati rice, mind. The Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee both loom large this year and the mood seems hopeful, optimistic (albeit in a dry and self-deprcating Brit way). The question of Scottish independence is once again at the top of the agenda and the economy is still faltering. Interesting is definitely the word.

Anyhoo, my top ten British things (off the top of my head!):
1. Unironically, the weather. I like our seasons!
2. Queueing. It's not fun, but we rock at it.
3. Joanna Lumley
4. British comedy.
5. Manners (slipping majorly in many areas, alas - hello, London! - but still a big part of the culture.
6. British puddings and sweet treats (apple crumble, Victoria sponge, sticky toffee pudding *and* scones with clotted cream?). Awesomeness.
7. Red buses. Ooh, and the Tube!
8. Doctor Who.
9. British music:, especially The Beatles, The Pet Shop Boys, Radiohead and the Stones.
10. Black cabs.

You?

Appreciation

2012-01-14T09:00:00.001Z

And so the month of January marches on.

And with it comes a sense of contentment, of calm, of getting back to it, of happiness. And with this has come a dawning realisation...I really was not right for the last two months of last year. And now I've hitting the ground running (or rather bimbling/jogging, I'm still me!) once more, a new appreciation for things is running through me.

At points in November everything felt a bit like hard work, and this month I just feel a lot more like me...happier, better rested, more on it. I guess being less worried, less stressed and letting go of a few things that had really been getting me down, plus taking care of myself (sleeping more, eating less, moving more) has really paid off so far, long may it continue!

So we're now a fortnight in...how's your 2012 going?

Pinterest: Classroom Funkiness!

2012-01-13T09:00:00.010Z

There is so much wonderfulness out there on Pinterest for teachers, homeschoolers and parents. I am forever picking up great ideas! I think over the summer I'm going to have a bif of a planathon and a classroom sort and work some of these things (and the many other things I've pinned!) into my own room and practice.

From weheartit.com

Stars in Jars! My boys would go absolutely nuts for this! We do a space topic and this could inspire some great instructional writing, and poetry too!

From blogs.scholastic.com

I am doing this with my Year 5 class tomorrow! We need to escape 'said', STAT.

From twothingsincommon.blogspot.com

Loads of great organisation tips on this blog, not least this gem - displays in ziploc bags. WHY HADN'T I THOUGHT OF THIS? Genius!

From fuzzimo.com

Oh helloes, printable Scrabble tiles! English + Maths + fun!

From fabulous-fourth.blogspot.com

Love this spin on having the children describe themselves. This is happening in our form, soon!

From teacherweb.com

One day my classroom will be this organised. I am going to keep at it!

From etsy.com

Modge-podged pegs for display. So clever - an so easy to change out!

From letslassothemoon.com

This has some cute apps for wee folk. My boys would just want to play Angry Birds, haha!

From etsy.com

Cookie sheet...fabric....epic cute magnetic board!

From ebay.com

Love this bright poster with synonyms. We may make our own!

From mycasestudies.blogspot.com

Wine rack and cups. Too clever by half!

From cookingwiths.blogspot.com

This is what I have the boys think of when they contribute to our blog!

From google.com

I'm going to share this with Year 5 and then we can make our own grammar guide!

I love Pinterest - so many great ideas for teaching!

Things I Like Thursday

2012-01-12T09:00:00.003Z

With a widget at the bottom if you feel like counting blessings with me...I'd love to read what's making you smile!

1. The thought that this weekend we will fly up to Scotland and see my parents, as well as heading to the birthday party of the gorgeous Erin. It's being held at the pub/dancehall where we all started our nightlife careers and should be a hilarious night!

2. The oh-so-inviting scent of freshly laundered PJs.

3. Venti Americanos from Starbucks on the way to school.

4. Reading tucked up in bed on a cold and wet evening.

5. Walks on Primrose Hill and the Heath, clouds of dragons breath on each exhalation.

6. Scrimping and saving a little. Good for the soul, and keeps me busy.

7. The smell of Mexican chicken permeating through the house from the slow cooker.

8. Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes. I'm working on an adaptation for my Year 5 class and it's serving to remind me just how much I love Dahl's dark and sardonic humour!

9. Getting back to the gym and the pool. I feel like my body's waking up after hibernation!

10. Hot porridge on cold mornings.

Afresh

2012-01-11T09:00:00.003Z

Doesn't January feel good?

As much as I do love Christmas (you guys got that I love Christmas, right?), there's something nice about getting back to it. Add in the fact that I am feeling more energised and ooooh, about eleventy million times more like me and you have quite the recipe for deliciousness. And a good night's sleep, let me tell you (I am sleeping like a log at the moment!).

School is well and truly back into the swing of things and the boys have really hit the ground running - I am very proud of them and hope they sustain this! We are having a tonne of fun working, reading, playing and learning...and at Mystery Club today I even taught the boys how to play Penny Can!

Everything else is waking up too...Junior League is back on, the gym is calling my name (no matter how much I may try to avoid it) and the diary is filling up quite nicely with drinks and dinners and girldates. Stir in the new year's ambitions I have on the table and the mix is quite heady.

In a fabulous way.

How's your January going, lovelies? Good? Exciting? Unseasonably warm (for reals, London is tasty at the moment - 10 degrees in January?)?

Project Life Tuesday: Jan 1st-8th

2012-01-10T09:00:00.006Z

Linking up with the lovely Jessica for Project Life Tuesdays. Last year I only made it to mid-February, but I am hoping to learn from my mistakes and to improve on this in 2012! I'll be blogging my entries every fortnight as it seems more reasonable to give time to the project every other week what with all the other things going on!

This first bunch of shots are all instagram ones, but I promise to fish out my camera and get some better shots next time.

January 1st 2012!

Matthew and I started the New Year with champagne and cuddles at home in Chalk Farm.

Monday 2nd January

Was a day of organising and looking forward to the year ahead. One of my goals for the year is to read more...as my 'to read' pile shows, there's plenty to be getting on with!

Tuesday 3rd January

Another start-of-year-sorting day, thsi time getting ready for the return to school. With having been so rundown for the latter part of the autumn term, I was really ready to get back to it!

Wednesday 4th January

One of the advantages of getting back to early starts is definitely the beautiful sunrises we have at this time of year. Gorgeous skies.

Thursday 5th January

As this was my first day back teaching, not much time was afforded to be snapping, so instead I took this picture of the words we have on our dining table as I collapsed with a hardearned cup of decaf at the end of the day!

Friday 6th January

Time to take down Dave the tree. I tend to feel little melancholy taking down Christmas, but the week had been fun and I had a girldate with Eileen to look forward to, so I was fine!

Saturday 7th January

A busy day of house viewing and CT scans, but plenty of fun too. I got to spend oodles of time with the lovely Payal, and these posh pigeons fussing over ciabatta cracked me up :)

Sunday 8th January

A nice chilled day, including a lovely girldate with Siobhan where we caught up over lots of tea. This is the Masonic Temple, which is opposite our preferred spot (the Lowlander)

Note to self: next time, get pictures of people too!

Keep on keeping on....

2012-01-09T09:00:00.004Z

From shoandtellblog.com

I think I'm doing pretty good with both of the aims stated above...

After the muggy foggyheadedness of an ill November/early December and the twinkly loveliness of Christmas, January has felt rather like jumping into an icy pool.

Shocking, yet exhilarating.

I'm aiming for some pretty big changes this year and it's dawning on me more and more that I'm going to need to draw on some pretty major sources of motivation and inspiration to achieve all I want to.

In other words, I need to stay hungry. And stay foolish. ;)

Have an awesome week, lovelies!

Safe

2012-01-08T09:00:00.003Z

Safe can be a good place to be. To feel protected, loved, part of something. We strive to keep precious things safe. Indeed, one of the first things I tell each of my new tutees as they move up to Year 4 is that the first thing (and the most important thing, in my view) I am meant to do is to make sure they are safe and happy.

Safe is a good thing.

But safe is also a not so good thing. It's sticking to the status quo because your scared of what the other choices might lead to. It's not taking the chance, not putting yourself out there, not striving, not pushing. This sort of safe keeps you hidden, afraid, makes your life a little smaller and meaner.

This safe is less of a good thing.

Of course, sometimes it's useful....it keeps us out of harm, helps us to make the right choices...until you find you're always opting for the safe, the known, the easy.

This year I hope to have just as much of the first kind of safe. The safety of a loving family, good friends, a sweet man and a vocation I adore.

The other kind of safe I know I have to let go of. I need to change, to adapt, and to become a braver, bigger person.

Here's to the challenge.

Back to it...

2012-01-07T22:46:00.005Z

So here we are, the first Saturday evening of the new term.

And I am sat here soaking my feet and watching 'Saturday Night 80s Disco' on VH1. I really am one cool cat ;).

Actually, it's nice to have a break. The start of term is always a little frantic, and the social side is kicking off too as we return from the Christmas crazy, so believe me a veg session is pretty delicious.

It's nice to be back to school, and even nicer to be feeling energised and more like me. Little boys feed off the energy you project, I find, so when I was feeling ill and low and exhausted they became harder to teach (or maybe it just felt that way)...now I am feeling more on it their energy has picked up too! Huzzah!

The rest of this weekend has been lovely so far - yesterday evening after taking down the tree (bye, Dave! See you in November!) I headed round to the lovely Eileen's for dinner and a movie (Bad Teacher, which was OK...not great, but had a few chucklesome moments) and a good old catch-up. Girl has been busy.

This morning I got to hang out with Matthew and his dad, who came all the way down to London to see us. It was grand to catch up. Then Matthew and I grabbed lunch before he headed north to Manchester and I bimbled off to meet Payal. She and I had a fun and random afternoon and the rest of today since I got home at 7 has been hyper chilled. Fabulous.

Tomorrow promises swimming, aquafit, a movie with Siobhan, marking, reading, and a possible quest for bagels. Bring it on!

How is/was your weekend, lovelies?

Five Minute Friday: Roar

2012-01-06T09:55:00.002Z

Linking up with the lovely Lisa-Jo.

Five minutes. To write. Just write. Without over-thinking, editing, panicking. Words on a page. Truth, beauty, mess. The word this week....is ROAR.

Go.

When I think of a roar, I think of a lion.

A proper, shaggy-maned, majestic lion, like the MGM mascot, roaring with might to strike terror and awe into the hearts and minds of all who encounter it.

We can say that people roar too, I guess, with what they put out there, with how the world perceives them, with the energy they choose to share. I want to roar loud.

I want my roar to speak of the importance of caring, of wanting more, of openness and honesty and love. I want my roar to be harnessed to help the needy, the poor, the voiceless, the small. I want to use my talents and energy and intelligence to create a joyful noise, a roar of optimism and hope and wonder.

Even on the grey days, the money-won't-quite-stretch-days, the tired days, the trying days.

If I'm speaking at volume I want it to count. I'm just one person, but if we join our many little roars together, the noise would be deafening. Strength in numbers, majesty in the crowd.

Stop.

An aside: I love how these prompts often have me write things I didn't even know were in me!

Things I Like Thursday

2012-01-05T09:00:00.002Z

Avec linky, once more. I'd love if you'd join me in noticing the little things that make life sweeter :)

1. The beautiful potential of a new school term...I love fresh starts.

2. Long, deep sleeps in warm beds, cold rooms. I always get the best shut eye like this.

3. Watching my Cougar Town boxset while I do the ironing - that show is too funny!

*Pennycan!*

4. Catching up with people as they return to London and feeling life hit more of an even keel after the business of the holidays.

5. Getting excited about upcoming movies - I really want to see The Iron Lady, WarHorse, and The Muppets.

6. Sending out thank you cards - it always takes me a while, but it's a fun little January project to get them all organised.

7. Death Comes To Pemberley. I'm really enjoying this book - the mix of characters I know well with a murder mystery is really fun.

8. Comfy jeans and teeshirts....now that we're back to school I'm going to miss them tonnes! as much as I like skirts, dresses and heels, comfortable jeans cannot be beat.

9. Honey. Roasted. Butternut. Squash. It's just so good. Matthew's away this weeked and I'm genuinely contemplating having just this for supper.

10. Donating a fair few bags of things to the charity shop after having a clearout. Less clutter for us, and the rosy glow of helping others too. Win-win!

Waking up

2012-01-04T09:00:00.008Z

"It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent - lose your invaluable curiousity and you let yourself die. It's as simple as that."

Tove Jansson, Fair Play

Somewhere inside of me, I feel as though I'm waking up. Some of the dark shadows that feel like they've been dogging my steps have stepped back and I feel like I'm looking at the world again from my actual point of view, not one blurred by tiredness or sadness or feeling blue. It's pretty groovy.

There seems to be more colour in the world, more laughter, more hope, more danger, more joy.

More more.

I am feeling inquisitive and busy and interested and brave.

I am feeling silly and bouncy and excited.

I am feeling challenged and heard.

I am feeling loved.

This is a good thing.

How are you feeling today, lovelies?

Pinterest: Clothing Loves

2012-01-03T09:00:00.001Z

As ever, Pinterest offers a tonne of clothing ideas! I'm saving up so when the first twenty pounds are gone I can hit the shops....

From jodienoted.blogspot.com

Loving the maths at work here...I am all for working texture and shinehs in subtly!

From fossil.co.uk

I love a good satchel. I am also very naughty when it comes to bags...they are so hard to resist!

From flickr.com

Buttons! This actually inspired me to hit up Paperchase to get some buttons to experiment with myself! Am determined to be more crafty this year :-).

From polyvore.com

Jade and grey? Genius.

From anthropologie.com

Love the detailing on these.

From sweet-southern-comfort.tumblr.com

I adore pearls!

From user

I think this is so clever! I'd love to have a grown up Disney princesses party!

I'm curious...who is your favourite Disney princess?

New Year's Ambitions

2012-01-02T09:00:00.005Z

Oh, my friends, it is so on! It has to be.

The ups and downs of last year left me with a resounding feeling of needing to change. To challenge myself. To up the ante. To get back to some other things.

So these are my new year's ambitions for 2012. There are twelve of them, or at least there were until I tacked on an extra two! I'll be linking back on the first of each month to let you know how I'm getting on. I've even made a start on a few of them.

1. Write a 10,000 word children's story. This is so a summer break project! So far: 0/10,000.

2. Write 200 letters/ cards / notes / postcards. So far: 0/200.

3. Swim twice a week (flexibility on this, yearly total counts). So far: 0/104.

4. Go for three months without buying anything from Starbucks (June, July and August). This should help with #10 and #13 too! So far: 0/92.

5. Write a blog post a day for the whole of 2012. 2/365.

6. Go for three months with no alcoholic beverages (January, March, and May). This should help with #10 and #13 too! So far: 0/93.

7. Complete all 52 weeks of a Project Life book and send it off to be published. So far: 0/52.

8. Give blood. So far: 0/1 (of course I can do more than once, but I want to do it at least once)

9. Read 52 books in the 52 weeks of 2012. So far: 0/52.

10. Become 'overweight' rather than 'obese'. I have totally made peace with the fact that I am never going to be skinny or svelte, but I have had enough of feeling like an utter hippo. According to the BMI charts, this means I have 66 pounds to lose. I'm aware that's a very lofty target for one year, but I'll be thrilled if I manage to conquer any major part of it!* So far: 0/66.

11. Volunteer for 3 hours per months (or equivalent of). So far: 0/36.

12. Walk 500 Miles.** So far: 0/500.

13. Have the equivalent of 2 months salary saved up for a rainy day. So far: 67%/100%

14. Go out and have fun, do things (parties, movies, gigs, theatre etc.) at least 4 times a month. So far: 0/48.

I have a copy of this here, on my study wall, in my diary and in my planner. Now is the time for action!

Do you have any New Year's resolutions, ambitions or goals?

* I've set up a separate blog (Country Mouse Gets Healthy), where I'll be sharing recipes, tips etc. as well as posting successes and failures on a regular basis! Feel free to head over there if that's your bag - I'll only post the headlines of any weight loss over here.

** Yep, there's a song in that!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:00:00.003Z

Sweet friends, the happiest of new years to you all. I hope 2012 brings you love and laughter and wonderfulness beyond your wildest imaginings!

2011: The Review

2011-12-31T09:00:00.001Z

This review is becoming something of a yearly tradition....you can find the reviews for 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 by clicking through! It's always nice to take stock at the end of a year and see what's happened over the last 12 months.

This year has been a funny one. While I continued more or less on my normal Claire even keel, and there have been some lovely moments (trips away to Edinburgh and Mogan and Amsterdam, lots of girldates, fun etc.), in all honesty I've often felt a little low, worn out, and sad. I now know that a lot of this was down to illness and migraines, but I hope in 2012 I can look after myself a little better and have a happier year. I am so grateful to be ending the year feeling stronger and happier and hope this positivity will spread out and permeate the whole of 2012. I want to get back to being that smiley girl in the 2010 post! So 2011 will have to be the real year...hopefully the review of 2012 will be fabulous! Lots to celebrate this year, but plenty to learn from and grow from too.

I also feel I should also say that as ever I am aware that I am a very lucky girl, and please believe me when I say I am so grateful for my life, my job, my health, my friends, my family, my boyfriend, my home....especially in such tumultuous times. It's just that this year has been an odd one and I don't feel like glossing over the fact that I've found it harder than usual. I hope this all makes sense and I don't come over like an ungracious wretch.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

I walked a marathon, and raised/helped to raise a lot of money for charities. Both of these were amazing positives in the year.

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Meh....I did okay with them, but next year I am going to kick my NYA's* butts!

*NYA = New years' ambitions. More on these very soon :)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yep. Woo, babies!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No, thank heavens.

5. What countries did you visit?

Scotland, Holland, and Spain (the Canary Islands).

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Better self-esteem, more confidence, and bags of my usual Thornley positivity and energy!

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Cannot recall a day that sticks out. There have been some lovely weddings and some great girldates though!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Probably completing the Moonwalk.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Hard to call.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Migraines, tummy bugs, chest infections, but nothing more serious, thank heavens. Still left me feeling a bit wrecked however, and I'm so grateful that I seem to have turned a corner in the last week and a bit!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Probably the book The Hunger Games. Such a brilliant read.

12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?

My lovely boys on our away days. They were so good!

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

My own, at times.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Rent! Ah, London.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Christmas, as ever!

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Either Gaga:

Or Glee!

Hip to the core, that's me.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: Happier or sadder? Thinner or fatter? Richer or poorer?

Still happy, but could be happier (but ready to work on this), exactly the same size (albeit having lost over a stone and put it back on), a little richer.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Exercising, reading, spending time with friends.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worrying being ill, watching bad TV.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Quietly at home with the lovely Matthew.

21. Did you meet/date anyone special in 2011?

Matthew and I celebrated 3 years together in September.

No 22 or 23...hmmm!

24. What was your favourite TV program?

Pan Am, How I Met Your Mother, Downton Abbey.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I don’t believe in hate.

26. What was the best book you read?

Both The Hunger Games and A Game of Thrones were delicious, and Learn Me Good and its sequel Learn Me Gooder made me laugh and laugh!

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I haven't listened to enough new music to call this one! Must fix this in 2012.

28. What did you want and get?

I'm a lucky girl. I have many things....

29. What did you want and not get?

...but there are a few things I'd like.

30. What was your favourite film of this year?

Bridesmaids was magnificent. I went to see it twice at the movies!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 31 and spent the day volunteering before heading home for fish and chips and falling into bed by ten. As I said, I've been pretty run down!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Feeling more like me, and less disconnected.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Is 'whatever' a concept? I've continued in my normal comfy and pretty clothing vibe - lots of M&S. Debenhams and Boden.

34. What kept you sane?

The people I love. And this blog, in all honesty (thank you as ever for reading, commenting etc.).

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

George Clooney, David Tennant, and Dave Grohl.

(no change again!)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

How on earth we fix things...

37. I have only just noticed that there is no 37....hmmmm....

38. Who was the best new person you met?

My lovely new class of badgers. They are awesomesauce!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Be brave.

Oh, and know that sometimes friends grow apart....but the keepers are worth the effort of keeping up with, no matter the distance or the changes in lifestyle! I really am so blessed to have my best girlies.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are
She said, 'cause He made you perfect, babe
So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far
Listen to me when I say

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way, born this way"

Gaga for the win.

A fishy tale....

2011-12-30T09:00:00.005Z

As one of his Christmas gifts I took Matthew to the Sealife Aquarium here in London. We had a good time spotting lots of different species and managed not to get too caught up in the post-Christmas crowds. It was pretty good fun, and it was cool to see so many beautiful creatures up close. I even managed to remember to take some pictures (are you proud? ;)).

These little guys would follow along the side of the glass (keeping well out of the way of the bigger fish!).

Turtles!

These rainforest fish were really big and sparkly.

This seahorse was beautiful, and unfurled himself so I could snap a picture of his pretty profile!

Shark!

The coral reef was so pretty, and the kids who were visiting at the same time as us all went wild. "Nemo! Nemo! NEMO!!!!!"

Guppies and their fry - Matthew used to keep guppies when he was wee so he knew all kinds of fascinating facts!

Rush hour, evidently!

Friendly lobster.

All in all, a fun afternoon out before Matthew headed back to work.

Question du jour: What is your favourite kind of fish or sea creature?

Things I Like Thursday

2011-12-29T09:00:00.001Z

As I enjoy doing this list so much each Thursday I have restarted the linky that goes with it (see below). I'd love to know what's making you smile each week!

1. Post Christmas determination.

2. Pondering my New Years' Ambitions.

3. Writing thank you notes for all the kindnesses extended to me during the season of birthday, end of term and Christmas.

4. Feeling so much better after a good long chat about my headaches (which it turns out are migraines!). Now I know what they are it will be so much easier to manage!

5. New term on the horizon....but not yet breaking down the door!

6. Yet more fabulous news on the grapevine. My friends sure like to keep fb and twitter busy! ;)

7. A day and evening of champagne, afternoon tea and chickflicks with the lovely Hannah today.

8. The Boden winter sale...and some birthday money from my parents to spend in it!

9. Planning fun with Eileen, Naomi, Shona....

10. The Downton Abbey Christmas special. Words fail me, so an emoticon will have to do: :D

Talents

2011-12-28T09:00:00.002Z

"What are you good at, Miss Thornley?"

Ah, the directness of the eight year old. All question, no fluff. I paused and looked at him quizically, and I saw him rethink the query and try it again, like a pilot trying a landing for a second time, all concentration and nerves.

"I mean, what are your talents? What do you do that you love to do and that you are good at? I know you like teaching and I like your lessons, but what else do you do?"

Clarity.

I don't often think about my talents, truth be told.

I spend a great deal of time thinking, worrying, obsessing over what I cannot do (run, sew a hem, wire a plug, are the tip of that particular iceberg, in case you're wondering!), but it's been a good long time since I sat down and focused on what it is I can do. After all, if someone as eternally cool as the divine Maya Angelou can say "I believe that every person is born with talent," it's surely a thing worth pondering. And in this season of contemplation, as the embers of the old year die out ready for the approach of the new, it seems the perfect thing to do.

So (teeny tiny drum roll, please), here are what I think are my talents.

I can make good cupcakes. Sugary and silly and ultimately very homemade looking, but yummy.

I can read stories well (this entry is 4T approved).

I can write interesting newsy letters and make decent care packages.

I can sing, not in a showstopping way, but in a 'hey, she can carry a tune' way.

I have an encyclopedic knowledge of cheesy pop and 1990s/2000s teen movies.

I think I'm a pretty good hostess, in a mumsy sort of way.

I can walk a long way.

I can keep secrets well.

I give good hugs.

I can forgive.

I can make children feel at ease, and I can teach them and listen to them and encourage them.

I can dance the 'Saturday Night' dance with real panache.

So, lovelies, what are your talents? I'd love to find out.

Pictures that make me smile...20

2011-12-27T09:53:00.000Z

Big Christmassy-New-Years hugs to you all!

Our Cosy Christmas

2011-12-26T09:00:00.007Z

Christmas here in the badger sett was very chilled.

Lots of fun, lots of food, lots of cuddles. Very little stress or dashing about. It was goooood.

I felt thoroughly spoiled and scored load sof lovely gifts - thank you to my lovely family, friends and badger for hooking me up so comprehensively! I tend to be more about the giving than the getting, but was still thrilled to scoop a lovely necklace, my favourite shower stuff, an awesome calendar, books and CDs and a 30 Rock box set. Nice!

Phone calls with family, Downton Abbey, and an amazing midday nap really rounded out the proceedings...

Some photos from our Christmas á deux:

This is the point where we actually went to bed last night...I actually lay awake until almost three! I still get very excited on Christmas Eve!

Early in the morning I dashed into the sitting room to see if Santa and the reindeer had enjoyed their treats. Yep! Who knew that reindeer enjoyed tomatoes?

Santa and friends had left some very exciting looking stockings!

The reason for the season. :-)

Dave the tree twinkled over proceedings.

So many presents! We are a very lucky pair.

Mmmmm, time for a festive cuppa!

Matthew's gift pile!

Best. Giftbag. Ever.

The table all set for breakfast. We ate soooo much yesterday!

Christmas dinner by candlelight. No, I didn't manage to finish it all. Yes, I blooming love sprouts.

A festive G&T!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and that your Boxing Day is full of fun!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:00:00.001Z

From our home to yours, warmest wishes for a day and season full of love, laughter, blessings and good things. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T14:43:00.003Z

It's Christmas Eve, my favourite day of the year. Dave the tree is all shiny and has lots of exciting packages beneath him. Stockings are hung on the side of the sofa with care....no chimney in our flat! Cupboards are full and we are ready for a fun, chilled Christmas day and post Christmas-day-season...

Wherever you are, I wish you the very happiest of Christmases, full of joy and fun and love. Looking forward to reading all about it on the other side.

To close, here are five snippets from our Christmas Eve playlist....enjoy!

Only at Christmas Time - Sufjan Stevens

Baby, It's Cold Outside - Brian Seltzer and Ann-Magret

'Zat You, Santa Claus - Louis Armstrong

Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

Mary's Boy Child - Harry Connick Jr.

Christmaserest

2011-12-23T11:00:00.000Z

The Pinterest addiction is strong in this one, no?

From jengrantmorris.blogspot.com

Such a clever idea....old Pringles packs for Christmas cookies. Pinterest people are SMART.

From nedesignbuild.com

A tomato cage festooned with lights. How pretty would this look outside a house?

From talkcraftytome.com

More handmade delights....Christmas 2012 may get a little crafty!

From scrapcationgetaway.blogspot.com

Grinch pills - HA!

From google.com

So cute!

From goodhousekeeping.com

I swear, I could have a board entitled '101 ways to use peppermint sweets/canes to decorate a holiday table'.

From myecochicwedding.com

See?

From infobarrel.com

If we had a big Christmas, I'd love to do a centrepiece like this :)

From a-personaltouch.blogspot.com

I may do these for my form next year.

From houzz.com

Jaw-droppingly pretty.

From natalieskillercuisine.com

Can you imagine the delicious crunchiness?

From camillaathome.blogspot.com

Love those stars.

Things I Like Thursday

2011-12-22T11:00:00.003Z

1. A change in priorities.

2. Getting started on back to school prep (a half hour here, a half hour there...).

3. Turkey and cranberry sauce sandwiches.

4. Last week's one good piece of news now unfolding into three wonderful pieces of news for three ladies I love very much...very different good things, but all very welcome too!

5. Long winter's naps.

6. Twinkling lights on the tree and candles burning low.

7. Time to plan and think and read.

8. Shopping for new school clothes.

9. Curling up on the sofa to watch the darts.

10. Long hot showers followed by cosy new pyjamas.

Quotes of the day

2011-12-21T16:00:00.002Z

The most wonderful time of the year...

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."

~Norman Vincent Peale

"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. "

~Charles Dickens

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Love came down at Christ
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and angels gave the sign.

~ Christina Rossetti

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly."

~Andy Rooney

Blogoversary :)

2011-12-20T21:45:00.004Z

Happy birthday, little blog! This time six years ago I wrote this:

Hi.

My name is Claire.

I am in my twenties and I live in the back of beyond, UK, teaching a bunch of adorable yet demanding seven year olds.

This is my latest blog...and the one I'm going to try and stick with.

This is where I'm going to rant, dream, ramble, discuss, recommend....

You get the picture? Welcome to the Country Mouse Tales.

Now, some things have changed since then....and some are pretty similar. I'm no longer in my twenties, having hit 31 a week or so ago. I no longer live in the back of beyond...in fact it's pretty much the opposite as I now reside in London! I still teach, but the seven-year-olds have been traded in for eight-to-ten-year-old boys (I'm not sure if that's an upgrade or madness!), and I am loving teaching, as ever. And this blog, far from being a new endeavour, is a lovely and vital part of my life.

This blog came before Matthew, London, Join Me, Junior League...and it remains a place I love to come to. I love the whole blog community and the inspiration and support (and wonderful friendships!) I have found through it. I love that the past six years of my life have been documented here, the ups, the downs, the new friendships, the olden and golden friendships, parties, fun, weddings, travel, joy, and falling in love with a man I adore. It's been a great six years, and I love that right here on this little blog I have a record of it all.

Thank you for reading, for the comments and the emails. It's been great....here's to the next six years!

Shoutout to Jenna, who first introduced me to this song!

(More) Christmassy Pinterest...

2011-12-19T11:14:00.005Z

Pinterest is such a hive of festive ideas!

From: s22.photobucket.com

I love our simple solo wreath, but if and when we have a house I'd love to do something like this!

From: craftster.org

Note to self: make this for Peter next year!

From: google.com

Love these - professional looking cupcakes are something I must learn to make in the new year!

From: marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com

Salt dough tags for gifts? Genius! This is so on for next year (this year it has been reds, golds, brown paper and ribbons).

From: amysfinerthings.com

Red Cinnamon Popcorn!

From: smashingmagazine.com

So cute! I love kittehs at Christmas.

From: thehappyhousewife.com

Another one for next year! I was saying to Matthew that I really want to pare down the spending on Christmas next year (as lovely as presents are, I think sometimes I splash out a bit too much and that money might be put to better use elsewhere)...some of these gifts are super cute and might just be perfect as little gifties next year. Plus some of them even I could make!

From: blog.worldlabel.com

There are so many great printables out there!

From: make-it-do.com

Stove top pot pourri? How clever!

From: welcomesunshinehome.blogspot.com

I am so buying lanterns next summer for candles in the summer, ornaments come winter!

From: smallplacestyle.blogspot.com

Genius!

Things I Like Thursday

2011-12-15T18:11:00.002Z

1. My friends' schoolkids getting played out singing on national radio (available on iplayer here, from around the 2.05 mark). Love it (even if it does now make me a little homesick for snowy Moray!).

2. Wrapping Christmas gifts and sending Christmas cards.

3. Tea and crumpets in Harrods, replete with lots of chat with the lovely Alison.

4. Some lovely good news for a very special lady :).

5. A lazy, lazy first morning of the holidays!

6. Planning!

7. Finding a few little extra sillies for Matthew in the lead up to Christmas.

8. The fact that this time tomorrow I'll be on a train bound for Newcastle.

9. Planning drinks and nibbles for our Christmas party.

10. Mince pies on tap (prediction, this will lead to me 'liking' working out a lot next month, haha!).

Christmassy Pinterest

2011-12-15T06:00:00.001Z

As you may have gathered by now, I am a little bit obsessed with Pinterest. It has proven especially awesome when it comes to Christmas....

From: imperfecthomemaking.com

A fantastic list of what to do to prep for Christmas! If I hadn't been so wiped out and ill for such a wodge of time, I so would have rocked this. Maybe next year?

From: kimberleypetersen.com

An advent calendar full of activities! Super cute!

From: cutoutandkeep.com

These snowglobe cookies are almost too good to eat! I think Vixie would love them.

From: flickr.com

A yarn wreath. How funky!

From: notmartha.org

Mini gingerbread houses to nestle on the side of your mug :)

From: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com

After watching Elf with my badgers, I totally feel the need to include this in my Christmas decor!

From: afieldjournal.com

Made from cardboard boxes. Some people are so talented!

Hooray for Holidays!

2011-12-14T16:12:00.002Z

And with a whoosh and a whirl, the end of term is here.

Sat in my classroom, surrounded by the debris of learning a la little boys, reeling from the exertions of the last few weeks, it's hard to believe it's time to relax. In a really good way. I've plenty to do over the break (planning, resourcing, reading, catching up on the marking which inevitably slipped a little while I was ill), but it will be oh so luxurious not to have to be up with the lark, dressed up, and in work by 7.30.

Yes.

So I'll close for now, because I have a suitcase full of wine, books and cake to get home, and then I think the pub (or the couch!) may beckon....

Happy Holidays, all!

A Christmas Meme

2011-12-12T11:00:00.000Z

Thanks, Vixie, for the Christmassy inspiration!

1. Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?

Bwahahaha, like that's even a contest? Hot Chocolate, all the way. I love Starbucks Peppermint hot chocolate, and tend to make a lot of homemade hot chocolates to enjoy during wintry evenings. This year I have even got special mugs for this purpose (Santa shaped for me, a friendly snowman for Matthew).

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Santa loves to wrap. Both stocking presents and those under the tree.

3. Coloured lights on tree/house or white?

Coloured lights can be fun....but I'm a classic white lights kind of girl.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?

Nope. That's always felt like quite an awkward Christmas tradition to me, so I tend not to do it
in my own home.

5. When do you put your decorations up?

Usually November 25th...it was a little earlier this year because of our quick trip up to Scotland a few weeks back!

6. What is your favourite holiday dish?

A cold turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce sandwich. Delicious!

7. Favourite Holiday memory as a child?

The excited rush of whoever was up first waking the other two kids up and then tippytoeing into the front room to see what was in store. Oh, and wearing pyjamas for the whole day most years (I'd always get a new pair and would want to wear them straight away!).

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

That he's probably Finnish? I'm not sure, actually - probably a few years ago.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?

Nope.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

Dave the tree is decked white lights, tinsel, and dozens of ornaments picked up from our travels, received as gifts etc.. I love how so many things on our tree remind me of a particular person, place, or time.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?

I love it, mainly because we rarely see much of it here in London. It makes everything so quiet and still. I also love the smell of snow, when you know it is on its way!

12. Can you ice skate?
Nope. I can just about stand up on ice skates, but then...I'm out!

13. Do you remember your favourite gift?
It's hard to pin down just one. Probably the Raleigh Bluebird bike that my parents bought me one year. I had wanted it for sooooooo long!

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
What it marks - the gift of God's son. For us. It's just mind-blowing, and a gift I am truly thankful for, every day. I also love that it's a season of togetherness, love, peace and reflection. And candy.

15. What is your favourite Holiday Dessert?
Mince pies!

16. What is your favourite holiday tradition?
At home it was always Christmas morning with my siblings, creeping downstairs to open our stockings! Now it's the quiet cosiness of Christmas Eve with Matthew (candles, champagne and snuggles for the win!), and also to chance to give gifts and give back. Such a blessing!

17. What tops your tree?
A single gold star.

18. Which do you prefer - giving or receiving?
Giving, absolutely. I'm blessed to have friends and family who give me beautiful gifts for which I am so grateful (I get far too spoiled!), but so help me I love to buy, wrap, and give presents! I save all year to splash out.

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
Yum, but I like the look of them more than the taste!

20. Favourite Christmas show?
I love Christmas episodes of anything, pretty much. And the Strictly final is fast becoming a fixture in my Christmas build up, haha!

21. Saddest Christmas Song?
'Hard Candy Christmas' by Dolly Parton. So help me, when she gets wistful I become a puddle of sad.

22. What is your favourite Christmas song?
Three way tie: 'Christmas Wrapping' by The Waitresses, 'Fairytale of New York' by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl, and 'O Holy Night', ideally the Nat 'King' Cole version. Delish!

Right - I'm off to do some more elfing! Merry-nearly-Christmas, all!

P.A.R.T.Y.

2011-12-11T11:50:00.005Z

December so far has been a whirl.

A whirl of seeing friends, finishing up term (3 days to go!), being ill (boo! :(), volunteering and planning for fun times ahead. Being ill has really set me back on not just work, but also Christmas prep, so I see a lot of writing cards, wrapping gifts and checking things in the next fortnight.

My birthday was lowkey, but fun. As it was on a weekend barely anyone at school even acknowledged it (except a few of my boys and the lovely Margot - thank you for the gift, honey!), so I was able to slope off home at a decent hour on Friday. This was grand as I had a fair few things to get organised for our Junior League new members' project yesterday!

Our project was to arrange a party for the women and children of some shelters here in the city and it was soooooo much fun. We'd been working on the project for two months and it was great to see everything come together. The ladies of my new member class are so clever and inspiring and it was great to see all our hard work pay off!

The families arrived and then the mums could go downstairs, have a glass of bubbly and a manicure, read some magazines and chat. We also had a big spread of gifts which they could choose from to wrap up to give as gifts for their children at Christmas. My boys helped to collect most of these and were so great at choosing gifts and at wanting to help people less fortunate than themselves!

While the mummies chilled downstairs, upstairs the kids had a wild old time, decorating gingerbread houses, making bath salts for their mums, making Christmas cards and candy cane reindeer. It was awesome. One of the boys arrived and was like "Oh yeah! You can make stuff? I've never been to a party where you can make stuff!" Nice.

We also had tonnes of yummy eats and even had a visit from Santa. It was so nice to see the smiles on the faces of the mums and kids, and all in all it was a pretty groovy way to spend a birthday. Afterwards we cleared up, headed to the pub, and then I lolloped home. The party must have tired me out though....I was in bed by ten!*

Most. Rock-and-roll. Thirty-one-year-old. EVER.

And now it's Sunday, and I'm off for lunch with Vixie and Kaz to hear all their adventures, before Christmassy Puppini Sisters with Matthew, Adam, and Ems. Then a good winter's nap ahead of the last few days of term.

*in my defence, I'm still fighting a chest infection!

To celebrate my birthday...

2011-12-10T09:00:00.003Z

...I'm posting one of my favourite LOLcats ever. Makes me chuckle everytime.

I'm looking forward to a day of volunteering, a nice dinner tonight, and an epic lie-in tomorrow!

Happy weekend, all!

Cough. Splutter. Bleurgh.

2011-12-07T21:42:00.003Z

You guys.

I have not been a well badger recently. A cold became a cough became a chest infection, and then this weekend I managed to pick up some gastroenteritis too. It's been real, is the best I can say.

Matthew has been an utter gem, providing soup and cuddles and crackers and not shuddering when I have to run to the bathroom again / start a giant coughing fit / don't have the energy to walk across our fairly small flat. Thank you, badger!

The hardest thing has been three days off of school this week, in addition to two over the last fortnight. I don't usually take more than a day a term off... I guess the good thing (if there can be a good thing!) about the gastroenteritis is that it forced me to get home and stay home and rest. There was no way I was passing that on to my little guys! Monday was shocking - I went in for my 7.30 start and made it as far as my 8.50 class, where my body decided that my decaf coffee was far too much to deal with and I had to bolt out of Year 6 History. Sorry 6R - your presentations were grand but my tummy was not up to it.

So home, then doctors, then 48 hours of not being able to eat or drink anything bar water, and then by this time last night I was feeling a little better. And now I've been clear of the gastro for 24 hours so I can go in tomorrow (the chest infection still lingers, but is more manageable, I hope). But it's going to be hard - I usually go at things full pelt and there's a tonne of work to get done and caught up on. I must remember to give myself a break from time to time!

Thank you to all of you who've texted, facebooked and helped out.

Right, a cup of tea and Cougar Town beckon: my next post will be much more Christmassy, promise!

Time to sit in front of the Christmas tree....

2011-12-06T13:00:00.001Z

....with a glass of mulled wine.

Well, after school and JLL, at least!

Pictures that make me smile...19

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000Z

With one of my favourite ladies (TAFKA Mlle Wilson).

In one of my favourite cities (Paris).

Outside one of my favourite buildings (Sacre Couer).

Love.

Learn it. Live it. Love it.

2011-12-02T11:00:00.002Z

via: pinterest

Today I intend to take this advice to heart. :-)

Disco nap before a party, anyone?

Things I Like Thursday: December 1st

2011-12-01T10:11:00.002Z

1. It's December, people. DECEMBER! Totally and utterly the best month ever.

2. My new Santa Claus mug.

3. The movie Elf. I'm sharing it with my class and they are so into it!

4. The pre-Christmas catch up sessions.

5. Finally, I can listen to Christmas music and no-one thinks I'm nuts.

6. Marks & Spencer's chocolate biscuits. Oh dear badger they are awesome.

7. Hopefully starting to glimpse the tail end of this coldy-headachey thing. I have felt most un-Claire like. Hopefully though the wheeziness and barking cough and constant headache will go soon...I want to be back on full power, please!

8. This time in two weeks....I'll be on holiday!

9. Peppermint hot chocolate!

10. 24 sleeps :)

Pictures that make me smile...18

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000Z

On holiday in Madrid with Hannah.

Love that city!

Hello Monday {link up}

2011-11-28T13:20:00.001Z

Linking up with the lovely Lisa.

Hello ill, and chesty cough (I think I'm operating at about 65% capacity. Fail).

Hello classroom ready for a Christmas makeover.

Hello party season.

Hello Christmas movies.

Hello busy, busy, busy...

Hello packages from Boden, Amazon, Lakeland...

Hello new stuffed hedgehog toys (we just can't resist woodland creatures!).

Hello peeking at the credit card statement between your fingers (hurrah for the Christmas account!).

Hello Christmas card writing.

Hello cold weather and dark skies.

Hello, soup and hot chocolate.

Hello magnetised sofa (seriously, I am finding it impossible to resist).

Hello week.

30 Days of thankfulness: Junior League

2011-11-28T09:00:00.000Z

I am so glad to have found the Junior League, and am so excited to be involved with it. I love being part of a sisterhood of women and am loving the feeling of being able to help people right here in my city. I am excited for our new members' project and for committees to start in the new year!

To learn more about this cool group of lovelies, do please check out the JLL website. :-)

Five Minute Friday (on a Sunday): Grateful

2011-11-26T20:19:00.003Z

Linking up with the lovely Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday (albeit two days late ;)). This week's prompt? Grateful.

Grateful.

I'm a blessed girl.

I have so much to be grateful for.

So much more than I could convey in a mere five minutes (but I'm going to try!).

For me, I'd rather pour you a glass of wine, or talk your ear off, or show you my many little lists of little happies, blessings, and joys. Instead, I'll aim for five minutes...

I'm grateful for misty mornings, sweet coffee, silly texts.

Books that drag me in, and evenings spent curled up under a throw.

A job I love, and friends I adore.

Scottish mountains under a plane and safe landings on whistlestop trips.

Friendly cats and old friends.

The best badger in the world.

Challenges and unexpected letters.

Old trees and new books.

The smell of start of school, all sharpened pencils and freshly hoovered carpets.

The warm glow of a job well done.

Being able to help, to guide, to serve.

I'm grateful for prayer.

For Skype.

For Pride & Prejudice.

For MC Hammer.

For the future and the joy ahead and the past and the lessons it has taught me.

For the present, in all its glorious whirl.

For 'Strictly Come Dancing' and girldates.

For time to think and rest and connect.

And for a million other things, I am grateful.

Take me home :)

2011-11-25T22:10:00.002Z

This song is making me smile as I throw things together for a jaunt home to Forres. sure, we're flying easyjet rather than roaming country roads, but this song always reminds me of my mummy! Hurrah for visits.

A suitably superb seasonal Saturday supper

2011-11-24T11:59:00.007Z

I adore my monthly girldates with Miss Ems. Wine, Italian food, scandalous chat....it's always a highlight in the diary. We've been saying for ages that we should do a double date and have a supper with our other halves in attendance too. And this past weekend, we actually managed to do so! Emily and Adam made a delicious feast (I am looking forward to returning the favour, but totally in awe of their mad hosting skillz!). Here are some instagram pics I took of the occasion (both Emily and I are a leetle addicted to that app!).

Ems instagramming her pudding.

Best cottage pie EVER.

Sloe gin.

Homemade.

Delicious.

*happy sigh*

Trifle Wally Ladd - gorgeous!

Adam grinning at Em's instagramarama.

How cute is this placeholder?

Swizzle sticks for the coffee. Adorbs.

This super cute glassware has totally inspired me to hit the shops for wine glasses later. 'Tis the season!

Beautiful wine bottle.

Thank you for a wonderful evening, lovelies.

30 Days of thankfulness: Things I like Thursday

2011-11-24T09:00:00.003Z

1. The fact that I get to see 3/4s of my family on Saturday!*

2. Watching silly videos with my class during wet breaks.

3. Pan Am. It's like a frothy soapy younger cousin to Mad Men. Love it.

4. Planning holidays and breaks away.

5. The thought of Thanksgiving supper tomorrow (a day late due to scheduling). Bring on the marshmallow sweet potato!**

6. Being a bit of a Christmas Elf!

7. Breaking out the winter coat.

8. Peppermint (or Baileys) infused hot chocolate. Yum!

9. December being so close I can nearly touch it.

10. This mac and cheese recipe! I can cut it down and make just enough for a Claire!

*we'll miss you, Sian-shine! Skype soon?

** Happy Thanksgiving to all you lovely US folks!

30 Days of thankfulness: Books

2011-11-23T11:00:00.001Z

Oh my, how I love to read.

A couple of hours, a comfy chair and a good book a very very happy Claire make. I'm so grateful to have a hobby that is so satisfying!

30 Days of thankfulness: Job

2011-11-22T09:00:00.001Z

I am so so blessed to have a job like mine. Yes, it can be frustrating, challenging, and very hard work, but in this day and age it's a privilege to have a job, and an absolute blessing to have a job you really love.

And love it I do.

The noise, the excitement, the incessant questions, the laughter, the in-jokes. The pre-Christmas burst, the silly songs we sing, shaking hands at the end of the day. The 'lightbulb' moments when children grasp something truly and properly, and you know they've cracked it. Sharing a story or a skill or a moment. Taking the time to listen. Modelling behaviour, giving praise. Going the extra mile.

I'm so glad I found my calling, and I hope that even when I've been doing this for a dozen years or more I'll still be enjoying it. As much as parts of it can drive me batty (the never ending marking - it's the Forth Rail Bridge of tasks, the early starts, the eternal having to request that boys slow down in the corridor / watch their presentation / don't talk with their mouth full / tuck their shirts in), that's less than 5% of the whole. And the whole is pretty awesome.

PS If you'd like to check in on my badgers, our class blog is here.

Life Is Wonderful

2011-11-21T23:30:00.002Z

This song has been stuck in my head today.

And do you know what?

Life is wonderful.

Sure, there are petty frustrations, tiring days, late nights, early mornings, people who let you down, folk who don't like you.

But on d'autre part there's friendship and love and fun and butternut squash rissotto and cuddles and dreams and babies and hope and stars in a velvety minute sky and praline mochas.

Wonderful.

Sweet dreams, you love folk.

30 Days of thankfulness: Matthew's family

2011-11-21T22:00:00.001Z

In this area of my life, I am doubly blessed.

Not only do I get a lovely boyfriend, I also get to spend time with his adorable family. Matthew's parents are great and I really look up to them. We always look forward to visiting them and spending time together and are getting better and better at putting these meetings into the diary!

Matthew's brother Nick is a sweetie too, and I adore his sister-in-law, the beautiful Elly. Their super fun wedding is definitely one of my highlights of 2011.

Add in the crazy cats Penn and Indy, and you have a truly wonderful bunch of folk. I'm so excited to go visit next month (and to give out lots of pressies!).

30 Days of thankfulness: Blogging

2011-11-20T23:00:00.001Z

I am so grateful to be able to blog here, and can hardly believe I've been doing so for almost 6 years! I also love blogging what my class is doing and sharing our experiences and learning. I've made some great friends through blogging, and it is also a great, free way of working things out (some might call it therapy!). I love my little corner of the blogosphere and the people I have met through it. Huzzah!

30 Days of thankfulness: Sleep

2011-11-19T11:00:00.001Z

Image via artflakes.

Please don't think I'm being facetious when I say I am truly, madly, utterly grateful for sleep.

Especially at this point in the year, where my entire body seems to want to give up, give in, and hibernate!

I know so many people who don't get enough sleep, due to insomnia, babies, work....I count myself very very blessed to be able to enjoy my 40 winks so much!

30 Days of thankfulness: Matthew

2011-11-18T02:00:00.003Z

I am so so lucky to have a boy who understands me, and who appreciates my 'uniqueness' (ha!). He always makes me smile and is responsible for so many wonderful moments in my little life. Thank you, honey!

30 Days of thankfulness: Things I like Thursday

2011-11-17T04:00:00.004Z

1. Frosty mornings where you can see your breath come out in clouds.

2. Christmas stamps!

3. The warm fuzzy feeling of helping people.

4. Curling up on the couch under a zebra print throw.

5. Catching up with good friends, in person or on Skype or by phone!

6. Planning treats for my lovely boy.

7. Closure.

8. Trying new recipes - last week, banana bread, this week, beef and ale stew!

9. The thought of a nice, chilled weekend!

10. Swimming laps, smooth and steady and calm. Aquabadger, sploosh!

30 Days of thankfulness: Opportunities

2011-11-16T15:00:00.005Z

Graduating in Aberdeen.

Watching the Foo Fighters at Wembley.

Getting soaked at Niagara Falls!

The joys of Edinburgh!

Beautiful Madrid.

I am so thankful for the chances I've been given.

I've met some fascinating people, been to some marvellous places, had some wonderful experiences...

...had you told that little girl in Forres all she'd get up to, I don't think she would have believed you!

The November greys

2011-11-15T13:47:00.003Z

Recently, I had a *major* attack of the November greys.

As in properly walking home from work with tears in the eyes.

They always hit around this time of year.

The hours at school are as punishing as ever, and general busyness often leaves me sad and tired and a little fed up.

Which I know is silly, and entirely ridiculous given how blessed I am, and please don't think I'm not grateful, but it happens.

Stir in feeling poorly and it's quite the toxic mix.

So frustrations seem harder to bear, a cutting remark from a friend stings a little more, I feel overstretched and unloved and I generally feel a bit horrid. All those years of being the new girl mean the brave face is polished and ready to go, but it still feels rough.

Luckily, I have some wonderful friends (Nai and Eileen especially, thanks for this weekend - your chats really helped to buoy me back up!) and a stellar boyfriend (ankoos badger :-)) and now, despite the sniffles and sleepiness, I'm hoping that the greys have passed, and now I can focus on the serious stuff.

Less than six weeks until Christmas!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Friends (London)

2011-11-12T09:00:00.004Z

I am so lucky to have a bevvy of wonderful friends here in London, and I am so thankful for all of them. We may not see enough of each other (*shakey fist at London*) but I'm so glad for the times and adventures we've shared.

Guiseppes with Ems, girldates with Eileen, meals with Payal, wine with Rich, brunch with Vixie and Kaz....these things keep me going and stop this country mouse from becoming far too lonely in the big old city.

I'm glad we make time for each other.
Love you guys.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Siblings

2011-11-11T09:00:00.001Z

I have two super cool siblings.

Funny, intelligent, inspiring, and deeply, deeply silly.

The three of us couldn't be more different....

...and yet we're very, very similar.

And now, with relationships, the Sian-Claire-Peter dynamic has become Claire-Sian-Peter-Chris-Matthew, and then there are brothers and sisters in law too....

...fun times.

But these two, who I remember 'teaching' when they could barely talk and I could barely spell.

Who know the ground I've walked.

They are so, so precious.

Love you Sian-shine. Love you Peter-pops.

Always.

30 Days of thankfulness: Things I like Thursday

2011-11-10T09:46:00.002Z

1. Discovering new skills. Turns out I'm not terrible at bartending!

2. Visits to/from family. Matthew's parents' were in town last weekend and we head up to see my folks before the month is through.

3. Planning new lessons and really feeling that my boys are enjoying them.

4. Having a Starbucks on my route to work.

5. Countdown to the Christmas tree - I can't wait to put Dave the tree back up!

6. Thanksgiving dinner approacheth too....bring on the sweet potato with marshmallows.

7. Lovely supportive friends who are always ready to back my latest madcap scheme!

8. Upcoming girldates!

9. A kind boyfriend who has pizza waiting for you after a long and tiring day!

10. Sleepy cuddles.

What do you like, lovelies?

30 Days of Thankfulness: Join Me

2011-11-09T09:00:00.001Z

I've been a joinee for almost five years. Five years of fun, laughter, good times, and hundreds of RAoKs (random acts of kindness).

I've met some wonderful people. Some inspiring people. Some people who have helped me to grow up....and others who make me sillier than I should be.

This group has brought me friends, inspiration, and even the man I love (Lou, a joinee, pictured above, first introduced Matthew and I. We first got together at my friend Siobhan's party. and first kissed in the flat of joinees Kate and Jason. See what I mean?).

I love these people. I'm so lucky to have found them!

(hee, wine!)

30 Days of Thankfulness: Faith

2011-11-08T09:00:00.001Z

Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.

- Voltaire

I am so thankful for my faith.

It's not to say I never struggle with it, never question....but I'm so glad it's there.

That solid feeling that when I pray, someone is listening. That someone believes in me. That I'm here for a purpose. That I am part of something bigger, more beautiful, eternal. I love that. I need that. I want that.

One hymn that always resonates with me is 'O Lord And Father Of Mankind'. Why? It's the verse that sings of the 'still small voice of calm'. In my own personal faith, that still small voice brings so much. I am infinitely blessed to be a child of God.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Parents

2011-11-07T11:00:00.003Z

I am so so grateful and thankful for my parents.

Loving, funny, silly and oh so very human, they are two people I look up to and am blessed to have in my life.

I am so proud of all they have achieved and how neither one of them ever let their past and their childhood define them.

They are accepting, calm and very very sweet, and I am all too aware that all I have and will ever achieve is intrinsically linked to they way they brought me up and the values they taught me (be nice to people, work hard, education is everything, be you....).

Love you guys bunches (can't wait to see you later this month!).

30 Days of Thankfulness: Friends (overseas)

2011-11-06T21:08:00.002Z

One major area of thankfulness in my life has to be how thankful I feel for my wonderful friends. Through every twist and turn of my life I have been lucky enough to have girls and boys beside me to guide and inspire me, and to make me laugh at myself when I've messed up royally!

Whether they are friends from the uni years, friends I've made through blogging, forums or work, or friends I've seen fly off to other climes, I am SO grateful to have them all in my life and all too aware how much they add to it. Thank you, lovelies!

30 Days of Thankfulness: Country

2011-11-05T10:55:00.004Z

We 21st century Brits aren't always the best at patriotism, but I definitely have to put my country as one of my things I'm thankful for. Yes, we've made huge, terrible mistakes in the past, at the present time, and no doubt in the future, but there is so much I love about my country.

The poems of Wordsworth, Pancake day, sticky toffee pudding, Christmas stamps, Strictly Come Dancing, sunny days in Regents' Park, Harry Potter, Wimbledon, Emma Bridgewater, the Oxford Street Christmas lights, the passion of the four nations for their football teams, manners, Stephen Fry, the Edinburgh Fringe, amazing chocolate, the weight of £1 coins in your purse, great whiskey, the amazing range of accents, ceilidhs, the wealth of comedy, Oscar Wilde's witticisms, the obsession with the weather, red buses, history around every corner, the untamed wonder of the Highlands, fish and chips, yorkshire puddings, haggis, mince pies, The Vicar of Dibley, Guy Fawkes night, the great British pub.

Not bad.

Oh, and Hugh Grant has something to say, too.

What do you love about your nation?

30 Days of thankfulness: Education

2011-11-04T10:28:00.002Z

(NB: I wrote all the things I am really truly thankful for on slips of paper and am drawing them out of the jar in a totally random order!)

I am so, so grateful that I was given the chance of an education.

So many people don't get the chance, and that makes me sad. Some people don't take the chance, and that makes me sad/mad/mystified!

When I look back on all the years I spent in education, in this learning game, I am always amazed by how, despite the tough times, the essays, the exams, the many not-so-nice teachers I happened to have, overwhelmingly, I have retained such a great warm fuzzy feeling about education as a whole. I've learned with some great people, read some amazing books, and expanded my little worldview with debate, discussion and research.

I love to learn and explore, and I'm lucky enough to have been able to do so to postgrad level (and hope to do so beyond, one day). How fortunate am I?

And now for my job I get to share that love of learning, and impress upon my boys how privileged they are to receive a good, rounded education (but more on that in another post).

Thankful.

Show Us Your Life: Non- Mom Bloggers

2011-11-04T10:17:00.003Z

This week, Kelly is doing a blog hop for those of her readers who are not moms, but who still thoroughly enjoy reading all about the adventures of Kelly, Scott, Harper and Hollis (and Dawson), so we can make some connections.

So here's my potted intro:

"Hello! My name is Claire, I'm thirty and I live in London, England. I have a wonderful boyfriend (Matthew) and lots of friends who make me smile on a daily basis. I am a teacher at a boys' school, so know way to much about a random array of little boy topics! I am originally from Scotland, but have lived all over the UK as well as in Germany (my father was in the forces). In my spare time I love to cook, read, blog, write letters, spend time with friends, swim and volunteer. Oh, and I love badgers (long story)."

PS 30 days of thankfulness post to come!

Things I Like Thursday

2011-11-03T09:00:00.004Z

1. Half-term break. Even though it now feels like a distant memory. it was so good to chill and relax. When does Christmas break start? ;)

2. Planning for the Christmas season. Always fun.

3. Mince pies. Guilty pleasure ahoy!

4. Strictly Come Dancing (for my US readers, that's the UK version of DWTS :-)). I am quite sadlt addicted.

5. Parental visits.

6. And visits to parents.

7. Listening to Christmas music...and it finally seeming kind of appropriate.

8. Actual letters in the mail.

9. Starbuck's Venti White Americano with Hazelnut syrup. AKA Miss Thornley fuel!

10. Cosy penguin pyjamas.

What's making you smile, lovelies?

30 days of thankfulness continues...

2011-11-02T09:00:00.002Z

November....a time and a season for thankfulness...

This month I am going to focus in on thankfulness, and all my posts will be linked to it somehow. In a world where so many have troubles, I know how blessed I am, and I want to write about it this month.

I started with the quotes yesterday, and for the rest of the month I'll be focusing on the many things I have to be thankful for. The usual Thursday 'Things I Like' posts will occur, as well as lots of pieces on the many blessings I have to count.

Lucky girl.

This month, November = 30 days of thankfulness!

Quotes of the day

2011-11-01T09:00:00.002Z

"Gratitude [...] goes beyond the 'mine' and 'thine' and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy."

-Henri J. M. Nouwen

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."

- Oprah Winfrey

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

-William Arthur Ward

"Be grateful for the joy of life. Be glad for the privilege of work. Be thankful for the opportunity to give and serve. Good work is the great character-builder, the sweetener of life, the maker of destiny. Let the spirit of your work be right, and whether your task be great or small you will then have the satisfaction of knowing it is worth while."

- Grenville Kleiser

In honour of Hipster Kitty

2011-10-28T09:00:00.001+01:00

In honour of Hipster Kitty and the many wonderful hipsters of NW, Eileen and I are going to be hipsters for Halloween. Ironically, of course! Should be fun, and I'm looking forward to a costume party where I can wear jeans and Converse!

What's you Halloween costume this year, lovelies?

Wanderlust

2011-10-26T07:00:00.001+01:00

From: sweetandlovelythings.tumblr.com

Sigh.

As much as I enjoy the city, as much as I even love it in a way, there are times when I yearn for escape.

To trade the hustle and bustle and noise and grime for something else.

Roads that lead to far off places, the smell of petrol, the hum of tyres on tarmac.

I need to plan a roadtrip.

Soon.

A lovely long weekend and a happy half-term

2011-10-25T10:51:00.003+01:00

Oh my.

I feel human again!

The first half-term of the year is great fun and full of adventures, but always feels like a bit of a slog too! Long hours, new pupils, new schedules & responsibilities, nights drawing in...and it's seven weeks long. There was definitely at least one point last week where both my students and I had clearly had enough and I couldn't have told you who was going to be first to wobble.

Hurrah for half-term.

The weekend started well with a few beers with colleagues in our local. One thing I really love about our school is the social aspect - everyone is busy and has a life outside of school, but we also hang out a lot together. We had some pints, and then I headed home to watch lots of Big Love and eat fish and chips. Yes.

Saturday was a day of chilling, reading, and generally being a lazy bum. There may have been napping involved. I then headed across NW to a dinner party at my friend Emer's. Gorgeous food, lashings of wine, fun people. It was great to catch up in a lowkey way.

Sunday dawned sunny and fresh, so I went for a little bimble around our corner of NW before grabbing a latte. I *love* Sundays when there's no work on the Monday immediately afterwards! I then went to meet Rory and Eileen at Escapade to finalise our Halloween costumes. Eileen and I have decided to go as hipsters, which may be why I'm typing this wearing the hipster glasses that just arrived in the mail. We grabbed a Belgo and then I headed home to watch Downton Abbey and await the return of Matthew!

Yesterday was another gorgeous day so Matthew and I headed out. Originally we were going to visit the zoo, but after taking in the hour long queue full of children, we opted for a different plan. Matthew is infinitely patient (see the wearing of hipster glasses around the house for evidence), but crowds are not his favourite. Especially crowds of kids! So instead we went for a lovely walk across Primrose Hill and Regents' Park, popped into John Lewis to play with the iMacs (drrrooooooollll!) and look at the Christmas store, then had a few beers/coffees together. It's so nice to have time to hang out. After that I waved him off and headed down to Guiseppe's, near London Bridge to have a girly dinner with the divine Miss Ems. Italian food, soooo much great chat, and an Elvis impersonator added up to a delicious evening!

And now it's Tuesday as the week passes by apace. Today holds a hair appointment, a catch up with the lovely Vic, Christmas shopping and a JLL meeting. Tomorrow is work and gym, then a sleepover with Hannah. Thursday is more work (it comes to us all!) and cocktails with Bejay. Friday is a little more work, then the JLL Halloween party with Eileen and lots of the lovely Junior League ladies. Saturday is recovering from said party then lunch with Vixie and Kaz, then a very chilled evening, before a Sunday of work and prep and dinner with Rory, Matthew and Eileen to wrap up a wonderful break.

Love it.

I hope your weeks are proving just as fun, my lovelies!

Pictures that make me smile...17

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

Over two years ago (and almost two stone lighter, heh! Need to get back there soonest).

I'd just moved down to London, just moved in with Matthew and the boys.

Such an exciting time!

Pinterest: Badgers

2011-10-22T09:00:00.005+01:00

Because badgers are brilliant.

All badgers pinned from the wonder that is etsy.

I *so* need a badger onesie...

Things I Like Thursday

2011-10-20T09:49:00.003+01:00

1. That half-term break is one sleep away. :)

2. Teaching long multiplication. Tricky, but fun!

3. A treasure trove of gifts and cards, just waiting to be sent!

4. Buying cheap, cheesey, cheerful DVDs on amazon. I love curling up with a movie in the autumn - such a treat!

5. These amazing 'life planners'. As soon as the 2012 one comes out I am so snapping one up! Or I might just dive straight in.

6. Frost on the ground.

7. Matthew will be home soon. This makes me very happy.

8. Lip-synching to 80s pop on the walk into school...and not even caring when a parent clocks me doing so!

9. Chicken stir fry with a tonne of sweet chili sauce.

10. Christmas planning.

I hope your Thursday is full of your favourite things!

100 things meme

2011-10-19T06:00:00.002+01:00

Swiped from wigsf. Thanks!

It's been an age since I've done a meme, and this close to half-term break seems the perfect time!

1. How old will you be in five years? 35. Quite amusingly, I got confused the other week and was *convinced* I was 35, and didn't really mind. So that's good to know!

2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? Well, it's early, but on any weekday the answer has to be "the lovely boys of 4T"!

3. How tall are you? 65 inches.

4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Half term break, a visit from Matthew's parents and a visit to my parents. :)

5. What’s the last movie you saw? Ooooh, good question. Probably 'One Day'.

6. Who was the last person you called? Matthew.

7. Who was the last person to call you? Matthew.

8. What was the last text message you received? Something droll and silly.

9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? My hairdresser.

10. Do you prefer to call or text? Text.

11. What were you doing at 12am last night? Sleeping. Man, I love sleeping.

12. Are your parents married/divorced? Married.

13. When did you last see your mom? In August.

14. What color are your eyes? Blue-grey.

15. What time did you wake up today? 6:10am.

16. What are you wearing right now? Black trousers, blue/green/grey shell, black cardigan, blue heels.

17. What is your favourite Christmas song? It's a tie (right now) between O Holy Night, Christmas Wrapping, and Stille Nacht.

18. Where is your favourite place to be? In bed.

19. Where is your least favorite place to be? A hot tube train next to someone who doesn't shower.

20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Hawaii

21. Where do you think you’ll be in 10 years? I have no clue. But I hope I have fun getting there.

22. Do you tan or burn? A little of both and plenty of neither.

23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child? The dark.

24. What was the last thing that really made you laugh? A very silly part of an episode of Modern Family.

25. How many TVs do you have in your house? Just the one.

26. How big is your bed? Decent.

27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Laptop at home, desktop at school.

28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? Pyjamas FTW.

29. What color are your sheets? White and blue.

30. How many pillows do you sleep with? Two.

31. What is your favorite season? Right now, autumn. In a month or so it'll be winter.

32. What do you like about fall? Cooler weather, comfort food.

33. What do you like about winter? CHRISTMAS.

34. What do you like about the summer? Almost two months of holiday!

35. What do you like about spring? The feeling of the world slowly waking up after a long nap!

36. How many states/provinces/counties have you lived in? Lots.

37. What cities/towns have you lived in? Lots.

38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Socks or comfy shoes, please. Feet worry me a little.

39. Are you a social person? I can be.

40. What was the last thing you ate? Cheese and bread.

41. What is your favorite restaurant? Prezzo, or the Northern Fisheries.

42. What is your favorite ice cream? Phish Food.

43. What is your favorite dessert? Creme brulee or apple and blackberry crumble.

44. What is your favorite kind of soup? Heinz Tomato.

45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Strawberry.

46. Do you like Chinese food? I like to make Chinese food at home, but I'm not the biggest fan of takeout Chinese.

47. Do you like coffee? Yep.

48. How many glasses of water, a day, do you drink on average? Glasses, not sure, tend to drink between two and four litres.

49. What do you drink in the morning? Coffee.

51. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? Yes, left hand side.

52. Do you know how to play poker? Not really.

53. Do you like to cuddle? Heck yes.

54. Have you ever been to Canada? Yes.

55. Do you have an addictive personality? Yes.

56. Do you eat out or at home more often? Home.

58. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? Yes, several people.

59. Do you want kids? I think so. Maybe.

60. Do you speak any other languages? Not with any particular skill!

61. Have you ever gotten stitches? Yep.

62. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yup.

63. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? To swim in, a pool. To look at/chill besides, an ocean.

64. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats? Anywhere but the middle!

65. Do you know how to drive stick? Yes.

66. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Presents, travel and socialising.

67. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Nope.

68. What is your favorite TV show? Depends on the day!

69. Can you roll your tongue? Yep.

70. Who is the funniest person you know? Christy can make me laugh and laugh, and Eileen has some awesome stories, plus Jenna and Naomi regularly crack me up!

71. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? They have their own little space at the foot of the bed!

72. What is the main ring tone on your phone? My phone is almost always on silent. It may be a duck quacking.

73. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Nope.

74. What red object is closest to you right now? Credit box.

75. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? Yes. I thank/blame Barney.

76. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed, otherwise the monsters might get you.

77. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? A bear. Bears can’t fly. (direct copy!)

78. Do you flirt a lot? Yep.

79. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? I don't like chicken nuggets.

80. What is your favorite food? Roast dinner, or soup with crusty bread.

81. Can you change the oil on a car? Yes.

82. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? Yes. 80 something on a motorway.

83. Have you ever run out of gas? Nope.

84. What is your usual bedtime? 11:20 pm.

85. What was the last book you read? Mockingjay.

86. Do you read the newspaper? Rarely.

87. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? I get Self, because it has good recipes and tips.

89. Do you watch soap operas? Nope. Unless you count Downton Abbey.

90. Do you dance in the car? All the time.

91. What radio station did you last listen to? Radio 2.

92. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? no frames nearby. Closest picture is of a friend's new baby girl.

93. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? A list.

94. What is your favorite candle scent? Vanilla. I like the smell after matches even more!

95. What is your favorite board game? Mono-abble.

96. Have you ever screamed at someone (not words – just a scream) in a public place, just for the sake of it? No.

97. When was the last time you attended church? Last month - wedding and start of year services.

98. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Mr Macfarquhar.

99. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Just shy of five days.

100. Who was the last person to do something extra special for you? Matthew.

Meme on, y'all!

Cosy

2011-10-17T13:07:00.003+01:00

Is definitely how I'd sum up the weekend.

A Gilmore Girls marathon, lots of healthy snacks (and not so healthy pizza!), walks around the city, coffee with friends and epic sleeps.

Just what I needed.

And now half-term break is just around the corner and the diary is filling up nicely with drinks, lunches, sleepovers. I'm not going anywhere as I'm trying to save, and we have visits to Scotland and Newcastle on the horizon, as well as (potential!) visits to see friends.

So I'm keeping it cosy.

And I love it.

Autumn is all about the cosy really - hot drinks, big jumpers, ready books in a thin autumn sunbeam.

Divine.

Yes

2011-10-16T09:00:00.004+01:00

From: imageshack.us

Amen.

Hope

2011-10-15T09:00:00.000+01:00

From: smileee.tumblr.com

I hope you can hear the whisper today and always, friends.

Have a great day!

Show Us Your Life....Show Us Your Country

2011-10-14T16:31:00.003+01:00

Once again I'm linking up with the beautiful Kelly. This week she is having us link up about our countries - she has readers from all over the world, so I am looking forward to reading some exotic posts!

I live in the green and pleasant land that is England, in the bustling metropolis that is London. It's a world of red buses, tea, rain, Oxford Street Christmas lights, Stephen Fry, history everywhere you turn (just last night I ate dinner sat at a table reputedly built from wood salvaged from the Spanish Armada!), culture, and a hundred other things.

I like England (and Scotland, of course, where my family hail from). Sure, we Brits can be a little reserved at times (well, at least until we have a G&T!), but there's a lot to be said for manners, standards, and a dry sense of humour.

My word, that made me sound like a septuagenarian!

Not there's anything wrong with septuagenarians.

Rather that I have at least 5 years until I *am* one.

Heh.

So, that was the tell, now for the show. Here are some pictures from England and Scotland, the nations I call home (to follow - my email bounced them, haha!).

Things I Like Thursday

2011-10-13T09:00:00.003+01:00

1. Lazy autumn evenings (which are all too rare!) - good wholesome food, a bottle of wine, time to chat.

2. Showing my class 'Schoolhouse Rock' and 'Pinky and the Brain' videos. Old school fun.

3. Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake shower gel. Mmmmmmmmmm!

4. Packages containing Christmas goodies for loved ones starting to drop in at school. Woo!

5. Demonstrating the power of language by delivering the intro to my Year 5 lesson in what I can only qualifying as 'rapper-speak'. Fo' shizzle!

6. Playing on pinterest and day dreaming.

7. Plans to head home in November and January AND plans to see the Newcastle lovelies in December. Brilliant!

8. Phone calls with Christy. Creasing up. Bucket. *hee*

9. Mince pies and port. Autumnal/winter snack of champions!

10. Half-term break now being a hop, skip, and jump away (well, seven days!).

On work

2011-10-12T11:50:00.003+01:00

Such an inspiring man, and a truly sad loss.

I love this quote from Steve Jobs. It may well be my favourite. It ties in quite neatly with all that I believe in, work-wise. I very much believe that work is one part of your life, rather than your whole life, but like Jobs I firmly believe that you should choose something that inspires and moves you.

Here's my little work mantra:

Choose well.

Choose wisely.

Be open.

Give it all you have.

Don't be afraid of the hard work, the extra mile, the never-thought-of-before idea.

Learn.

Reflect.

Dream.

Be tenacious.

Listen.

Be willing to change.

Be generous.

Put yourself out there. Be brave.

Try something new.

Trust yourself.

Learn from others.

Praise.

Be responsible.

Laugh.

Invest.

Fear not the 7 a.m. start or the ten-thirty finish.

Appreciate.

Make mistakes.

Find solutions, not problems.

Stand up for yourself.

Advocate.

Communicate.

Love.

How about you?

Pictures that make me smile...16

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000+01:00

The very start of my love of being a bridesmaid....

I loved that dress!

Truth

2011-10-10T09:00:00.001+01:00

Does this feeling ever truly go away?

Have an awesome week, lovely folk!

Claire Gets Crafty: Jars

2011-10-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

Old coffee jars, candy, stamps and papers, some ribbons...

Added up to make a wee treat for some colleagues :-).

Surrounded as I am by so many talented folk...

...I sometimes forget how much I like to create.

Even if my own creations are lumpy and bumpy and silly sometimes!

What have you made lately?

I love blogging

2011-10-08T09:00:00.002+01:00

From: ordinarycourage.com, via: pinterest

It's such a little piece of my life, and such a big part too.

I love the solitariness of it, keys clicking away in a darkened room, ideas worked out, sentences played out. The scribbled story on a napkin, the words that jump out at you, that moment where you think, "I'm blogging this."

I love the community of it. The followers, the friends. The posts that make you laugh, or cry, or want to change. The posts that make you feel part of a whole. That moment where you 'click' with someone and you realise that something beautiful has grown out of the words and phrases and sentences and shared songs....a friendship.

I love the immediacy of it, the therapy, the place to talk and listen.

I love the longevity of it, the keeping of memories and remembrances. I have posts I click back to to remind myself of happy times...I have posts which remind me that the road has not always been smooth, but it has always been worth it.

I can barely remember why I started blogging.

But I'm so glad I do.

PS You guys rock :-)

Things I Like Thursday

2011-10-06T09:00:00.001+01:00

1. Skyping with far off friends and relations. Whether it's chatting with Sian and Chris while their dogs dive into shot or sharing the chalice of merlot across the Atlantic with Jenna and Chris, it's lovely to stay in touch!

2. Boden's autumn range. Must...not...spend...entire paypacket.

3. Proper autumn starting to come in....there's a definite chill in the air.

4. Feist's new album, Metals. Immense.

5. Kicking through piles of leaves.

6. Autumn produce. I'm going nutso for apples, corn and squash.

7. Creme brulee machiatto from Starbucks. Oh yum yum yum!

8. Starry skies.

9. Early nights, tucked up cosy, scrubbed and tubbed. Delish.

10. The satisfaction of a room well-dusted, a pile of books marked, or a letter sent.

What's making your spirits lift today? I'd love to hear in the comments!