STRESSFUL

Other than feeling like we're in limbo and not knowing when we might move back to the US, I really don't have any stress on a regular basis. I do what I want and enjoy what I do, so it's not really what I'd call stress. But, yesterday I was THE governor-on-call to sit in front of the OFSTED inspectors and explain the strengths and weaknesses of our school and how effective I felt the governors were. This is a very important review for the school, which includes watching every teacher lead a lesson, going through the budget, evaluating how well the school takes care of the children and tracks their progress through the years. My part was miniscule, but I was so nervous about it. Mostly, I was concerned that I didn't harm the school's reputation, and hopefully could do some good.

It's amazing that I've come to this. I used to give presentations to all levels of management and potential clients in a global company without breaking a sweat, and here I was stressing over a 15 minute interview. I prepared as well as I could, reading the last OFSTED report and getting input from the headteacher and chairman of the governors (who happened to be out of town on the day) and crammed like crazy before I went up to the school. I even worried about how I was dressed! I wanted to come across professional, respectible, credible for these people. I don't have much besides jeans in my closet anymore.

As it turned out, I waited for an hour, because they had fallen behind schedule, and I spent a quick ten minutes max with one inspector. And while I did refer to my notes a few times to be sure I hadn't missed any key points, the questions asked were subjective, and I mostly spoke from the heart.

Evidently, it worked, because the school did well overall, although I can't tell you exactly until the full report becomes public, and I didn't harm anything. Phew! Back to my jeans and flip flops.

Peace At Last

As much as I enjoy the holidays, I also like getting back into the routine afterward. Brendan started back to school on Thursday but he stayed home on Friday. He gave us a little scare.

Friday morning, as he was dressing, Brendan got a nose bleed. While he and Bill were in the bathroom stopping the bleeding, Brendan said, "I think I'm going to go to sleep," and fainted in Bill's arms. Thankfully, we were both there to reassure him when he woke up a few seconds later.

At ten years old, I wouldn't think I'd have to monitor what he ate and drank so much, but Brendan has complained of an upset stomach off and on for over a year now. He doesn't like to eat much for breakfast, and obviously didn't drink enough on the flight home. I'm not sure if it was the sight of blood or low blood sugar that caused him to pass out, but I'm watching him much closer now. He told me that he lost weight while we were in San Antonio, which seems impossible to me, since we ate so much wonderful food.

Now, he doesn't want to go to bed, because he doesn't want to wake up and faint. He doesn't want to eat because his tummy hurts, but he could pass out if he runs out of fuel. How did I raise such a worrier? More concerning, is there really something to this? I've put him on multi-vitamins, push fluids whenever he's at home, and stocked up on his favorite healthy snacks. If it happens again, we'll go see the GP.

So at least for today, I'm enjoying the solidute and a chance to have some time in front of the computer. Ask me tomorrow; I may be bored stiff.

Happy New Year

Since we were staying at our parents's houses and there were many people vying for computer time, I didn't get to blog while we were away for Christmas and New Years. So, I'll have to catch you up in chunks, as I remember them, with the aid of some photos.

We had an amazing time laughing, playing and eating with our families. Every year we are overwhelmed with hospitality and food! And we try to see and do and eat as much as we can in the amount of time we have.

Most importantly, everyone is healthy and happy. However, Dad is having another tumor removed from his bladder, plus some repair work, on Thursday. The doctor doesn't seem concerned, or a least Dad's playing it down. Please pray for him.

Bill and I came home with colds. I'm sure mine started with my moutain cedar allergy, and can't decide between settling in my sinuses or chest. Bill is running a fever with his, and stayed home from work to try to recover quickly.

We're beginning to feel almost normal again after the jet lag. I went to Tescos yesterday after showering and changing clothes, but I felt like a zombie. I ran into a friend who wanted to chat. I was so non-responsive. My body was there, but my mind was asleep. Sorry.

It's always a little disappointing to come home and have to take the tree down by myself. Brendan will be back to school tomorrow. At least the three suitcases of laundry is washed, folded and ironed, and we have food in the fridge. I'll put on some Christmas music and make it as festive a take-down as it was a put-up.

BTW - go out and find the January issue of Crafts 'n Things before it leaves the shelves! My Rustic Angel Ornament design is on page 25. So the first article wasn't a fluke. I just have to get moving faster to get published more. After receiving a handful of rejection letters, I got a bite from Philomel Books. They want to read my Dillon and Blue manuscript. Keep your fingers crossed.

(I'm not sure about copyright laws, so you have to buy the mag to see the instructions.)