Hard Knock Life

For a number of reasons I wouldn't want to go through last week again. After you've worked somewhere for 20 years, the idea of interviewing for your replacement, is a little strange. When I was told I'd have to watch the 5 candidates in action and grade them, I felt like a judge on one of the TV shows I do my best to avoid. Ironically a good friend of mine, suggested that once the day was over, I'd feel better, because in his words it would bring closure. There would be "no turning back" once a replacement was appointed. In fact he was right and that burden was lifted from me. On Thursday night I also officially resigned as Mid Essex NUT secondary caseworker, although I've agreed to see the job through to the new school year in September. To say that this isn't an easy time for teachers and teachers' unions is an understatement. Cases seem to arrive nearly daily, and if things continue at this pace, using volunteers to handle some if not many of the cases will be impossible. The week ended with a family birthday and mother's day. A cause for celebration. I always enjoy the chance for us to all meet up, this time at a local Italian restaurant. However the festivities were rather abridged because of head injuries. On the day the main concern was to Elaine, who was hit on the head by the ball at football. Writing a couple of days later things are much better, and its possible to think that if you go to football regularly over a lifetime its likely that at some time you'll get hit by the ball. On the afternoon however she was dazed and very wobbly, fortunately I'm delighted to say that the St John's staff at AFC Wimbledon were superb, caring and professional.