Monday, December 17, 2007

Gut feelings...

I have this intermittent problem with my digestion. Everything functions OK most of the time but from time to time I get this discomfort in my upper digestive tract. I woke up early this morning and was unable to get back to sleep. After eating, I get the old indigestion - bloating, acid reflux, heartburn. But I also get like a throbbing discomfort in the centre of my back. It is difficult to describe but it feels a bit like the pain you get from a raw open sore. That doesn't really describe it but it is the closest I get. My appetite is not affected - in fact sometimes eating gives me some relief. The discomfort comes and goes - I might be troubled for about a week or more and then it just goes for a few months. I am carrying an excess of weight at the moment and this seems to make it worse, leading me to think it might be a hiatus hernia or something. I suppose I ought to go to the doctor but I have difficulty motivating myself. You have to phone up at 8.00am on the dot to get an appointment that day, if you don't get through, tough. You can't make an appointment for a later date under this new system. They'd probably only send me to hospital to get tubes stuck down my throat and I don't fancy that. And if I am going to be looking for a job soon, the last thing I want is an active medical record. All things considered, I'll try to lose a bit of weight and put up with the discomfort.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

9 shopping days to go...

It's almost that time of year again. The season really starts with the purchase of the Christmas tree. We spent the evening 'trimming the tree'. This year 'L' took charge of the bauble arrangements and overall artistic design. Of course, a glass of sherry is de rigeur during this annual ritual, followed by at least one mince pie, whether you feel like it or not. This year the mince pies were Mr Kipling - a hurried and ill-advised purchase. The mincemeat lacked a certain moist fruitiness and took up residence in the roof of my mouth, being about as difficult to shift as Swampy the tree dweller. I shall be following up my festive feast with a couple of Tums and a milky drink. Still, worth it in the end...





Friday, December 07, 2007

PGCE Day 70 - Parting is such sweet sorrow Part 3...But WOO-HOO I'm finished for Christmas!!



Well, tis done. My first placement is over now. I felt quite sad at the end. The kids had made this lovely card for me. There were flowers and choccies as well. Yesterday was my last numeracy lesson with them and we had been looking at 3D figures. I wanted it to be a bit of an easy ride for them (and for me!) so I had printed out some nets of 3D shapes. This kept them entertained in every spare moment yesterday and today. But the thing is they were all wanting to give them to me as presents. I have more little cardboard boxes than I know what to do with, now! It's a shame I won't be seeing the children again. It is a super school and not only were the children a delight, the staff were superb, really helpful, supportive and friendly. Another one I would work at, given a chance. This has been a far cry from my Secondary PGCE first placement. This school has clearly been my nice school - what will they have in store for me next? I shudder to think! Well there is Seville to think about first.
Just a quick posting - I am off out this evening. My uni curriculum group are meeting for a Christmas meal/end of placement celebration. Should be good to compare notes.