Continuing on from my beloved Ford Ka, another thing that sparks eternally happy memories is Bowland Tower at Lancaster University.

If you attended Lancaster University, or have ever driven up the M6 between junctions 33 and 34 you’ll have seen this *ahem* majestic piece of architecture. Seriously though, it’s classic 1960s architecture at its best/worst but I love this building for a number of reasons:

1: It’s where I lived as a fresher between 2004-2005.

2: I met some of the loveliest people ever here, most of whom are still firm friends. I genuinely couldn’t imagine my life without these wonderful people now!

3. The memories of floor parties/centurion challenge (oh god)/fancy dress for no particular reason/general putting the world to rights.

4. I learnt that whilst I hate doing so, I can deal with spiders when there isn’t another more responsible adult to deal with the situation! (Aka I lived in my friend’s room for 3 months when a huge spider moved in under my bed. Another friend eventually went in armed with the hoover and removed the monster for me.)

5. Jonny and I had our first kiss in the lift here. (Classy.) Eight years prior to becoming a proper grown up couple.

I’d say these are the big points! Even now, driving up the M6, passing this building makes me smile. It’s where I started to grow up and become the person I am now and for that, Bowland Tower, I’ll be forever grateful.

Source

This time last year I was job hunting, debating whether or not teaching was still the career for me.

One year on and I think that it definitely is (for now.) I do love teaching I’m just not in love with it as much as I was as a fresh faced NQT 6 years ago. Don’t get me wrong I am enjoying the challenge of tackling a Year 5/6 class with all the fun and games that go hand in hand with a nationwide overhaul of assessment and SATs. Thanks government.

I’m also enjoying that school value me and the contribution I’m making. Currently I’m Able, Gifted & Talented Coordinator (a bit of a focus for school from our last Ofsted), Art subject leader, about to start being an NQT (newly qualified teacher) mentor and I’m starting a middle management course in January.

Things are looking good. I work hard and (without wanting to sound like I have a huge ego) it’s a job that I know I can do well. The only downside being that sometimes this hard work, and the workload at home that goes hand in hand with it, feel a bit like they’re taking over.

This coupled with  busy weekends; weddings, hen dos, birthdays, days out with friends mean that I haven’t felt like more than 5 minutes to myself since September. It’s probably not a surprise that I’m currently nursing a sickness bug. My immune system is always the first thing to struggle, that and the little lovelies I work with are always harbouring some sort of lurgy!

So, I’m currently seeking a better balance between work and life. Any tips are very gratefully received!

I’ve been trying to force myself to be more creative although since I returned to work after the Summer break this has fallen by the wayside.

My current work-in-progress is this little heap of green marl. It’s going to (eventually) be a 3/4 sleeve cardigan. I really do love the wool so I’m kicking myself into gear and setting a target to have this finished by Christmas. I’m aware that’s a while away but I felt it was better to set myself a realistic target.

The knitting bag has been cleared so this little number is the only item in there,mainly so I don’t get distracted tinkering with something else! My plan is to spend at least 15 minutes knitting it each evening, in the hope that it helps me to  de-stress after work.

Fingers crossed I manage to get it finished!

There are few things that can put a smile on my face more than returning home from work to find post on our doormat that isn’t a bill/junk mail.

I love the thrill of receiving post. My best friend Roz is brilliant at sending good post. Recent arrivals have been the ridiculously cute cat card above, which arrived with perfect timing after a bit of a nightmare day at work, and a Jurassic World sticker book. I’m a child. The sticker book made my day. The girl knows me well.

My Mum is also a great post-sender. Whilst at university I used to get lovely ‘I saw this and thought of you’ clippings from magazines and the newspaper and generally super cute little note-cards just checking in that I was OK and letting me know someone was thinking of me. I saved these and they still make me happy when reading through them now.

I also have a few magazine subscriptions, Oh Comely and Glamour (sometimes you just need to read trash) magazines and the Lucky Dip Club box. These give me something to look forward to, knowing I’ll be getting post at least 3 times a month that isn’t dull and/or disappointing.

Being completely honest here, even getting my cervical smear all clear letter in the post made me smile. I’m aware I’m sounding like I need to get out more.

As a teenagerI had a pen-pal and regularly exchanged letters with life updates (mainly about boys and how rubbish school was) and I miss that now as a grown up. I’m currently planning on making more of an effort with friends who live far away that I don’t get to see as often as I like to send little cards/mementos to let them know I’m thinking of them. The thought of spreading a little joy via post is a lovely one.

Long live snail mail.