Time for a Break…

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It’s been a mixed week. I’ve found work a little tough, to the point where I had to stop myself from bawling on one of my colleagues the other day. Normally, the working day generally goes without a major issue as I am based at a few good schools, but for some reason there seemed to be something in the air, and it seemed to be that within every class I worked with were a small group of students who were determined to have a confrontation, regardless of how calm and pleasant I tried to remain. Nothing I did was right, and even after all these years I still find it difficult not to take it personally, particularly when the agitated student is someone I normally have a great working relationship with. I think that everyone was at the stage where we were all tired and needed a break from each other, but I still can’t help but be taken aback when a student feels that it is acceptable to challenge something I have said or asked them to do – five minutes with my mother and they would adopt basic manners and never be rude to an adult again. Of course, the response I’m expecting from many is ‘they’re only children,’ but while I’m not a parent myself, I expect that 14, 15 and 16 year olds should know how to say please and thank you as an automatic part of their vocabulary.

However, it hasn’t been all bad. I’ve got the next two weeks stretching ahead of me for the Easter holidays, and as you can probably tell by my lack of posts followed by several reviews, I’ve been out and about testing chocolate and tapas and celebrating friend’s birthdays.

Postmodern Jukebox

I’ve also been to a gig – something I haven’t done in a while. I received a text from my friend and former colleague asking if we wanted to go and see Postmodern Jukebox with them for his birthday. I knew very little about them, but The Bloke and I went along, only to discover that they were a truly incredible group of musicians and performers (who were all the best at what they do in their own right), who covered modern songs in a 1920’s – 1940’s style. It as fantastic – and I loved their covers of Justin Bieber’s songs in particular (which is saying something as those of you who follow the blog regularly will know my feelings about Bieber…).

And last night, just to round everything off nicely, I went along to the beauty event at Harvey Nichols, where I treated my friend to a Dior makeover and then spent some time marveling at the sheer amount of samples we got in our goody bags! I’m so pleased that I haven’t focused on a particular niche – it means I can throw myself into anything and everything, and it’s proving to be a truly wonderful experience! I must admit, I’m really getting into this beauty thing now – a year ago I couldn’t even put eyeliner on, now I know about contouring, highlighting and strobing and my make-up collection is beginning to take over my bedroom! I think I’m going to have to change my ‘About’ page!

My chin looks funny…
My friend’s makeover
Post makeover – gorgeous!
My haul…
My friend channeling her inner Johnny Depp…
It was reeeeeally busy

I have plans for the next few weeks, but I’ll bore on about them over the next day or two. This evening is mine – The Bloke has gone to meet some old friends up north, so the cats and I will be spending the rest of the evening eating strawberries, watching American Beauty and curling up under a duvet – well, they’ll do the sleeping, I’ll do the eating. I haven’t watched the film in years, and made the decision not to watch a soul-destroying chick flick like I normally do as I end up sobbing and feeling down for days afterwards. I’m going to go and put on my jammies and relax…

Can’t get much better than that!

I’m looking forward to catching up with you all over the next few days!

You can also find me on Twitter and Tumblr @suzie81blog, and don’t forget to check out my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/suzie81speaks, my Pinterest page http://www.pinterest.com/suzie81speaks and my Instagram page http://www.instagram.com/suzie81speaks.

 

35 thoughts on “Time for a Break…”

  1. Sounds as though you need a break, definitely. It’s that time of year, isn’t it, where we’re all bored with winter and tired and need to just sit and not do much at all for a week or so (easier said than done). Hope you have a relaxing evening – I’m planning on catching up with the last season of Game of Thrones, jammies and crisps at the ready (and a cushion to cover my eyes for the really gory parts) 😀

  4. sounds like a delightful evening, enjoy yourself and relax. I agree, 14 and 15 year olds should say please, thank you, and yes ma’m …. Respect is a lost art. Hope you have a wonderful break.

    • Thanks my lovely! I still am gobsmacked when an older teenager is rude – I wouldn’t have dared! Makes me wonder what they are allowed to get away with at home!

  5. I think you should definitely take a breather. Sometimes it is necessary to just back away a little bit and do something for you. I work in a school and find that kids are confrontational in October, as that is the longest stretch we go without a break (from the end of August to October Break), and again around Easter time. I think this is because winter drags on and on, and they want sunshine, want to be out and about, and the school year seems to rush by as soon as we are back from Winter Break. ” I expect that 14, 15 and 16 year olds should know how to say please and thank you as an automatic part of their vocabulary.” I WISH THAT STATEMENT COULD BE TRUE :-), It certainly was for me growing up as my mother wouldn’t have accepted being rude to adults. I am not that old – 33, but I learned please, thank you, I’m sorry very early on. Enjoy your plans you made for the upcoming weeks. 🙂

  6. It sounds as though a night in with a movie you love and some good-for-you snacks is just the right thing. I hope your Easter hols are relaxing and restorative to the soul and body.

    I think expectations for children generally are getting ridiculously high in some areas and slackening in others. It’s an odd sort of conundrum. I’ve even noticed it in the difference of manner in which my mum treats Niece and Neff; she holds such different expectations for them than she did for my sister and I. Adunno. Just glad you get a break from it all, and hoorah for spending good times with your friends 🙂

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