August Update

​So, what’s new?
 
Life may not be full of exciting adventures currently but a variety of ‘things’ continue to occupy time and demand energy.  Paul and I have trundled between Gloucestershire and Hampshire quite a lot over the past month or so helping his Mum.  It is usually a two-hour journey, through lovely countryside, but that driving and petrol costs add up surprisingly easily.  

​Fortunately, as of this past week, I have ‘mopped up’ the majority of all my job roles for the next month – until it all kicks off again in the new academic year.  Although, having said that, I have handed in my notice at Bredon School and will officially leave at the end of August – despite being on a term-time only contract.  It is a shame because I enjoy working there and the team is fabulous, but the part-time hours coupled with driving time, distance (17 miles each way) and related costs really made it frustrating and ultimately financially tenuous.  

So, I decided a month or so ago that my ‘portfolio career’ should be more locally focused.  Coincidentally this was supported by the suggestion that I apply for a very part-time school office administration job at one of ‘my’ primary schools [where I am already Clerk to the Governors].  I was offered the job role and that will start at the beginning of September.  I will need another set of hours and am keeping my eye open for other suitable vacancies - but not stressing about it too much. As it is, I have an interview towards the end of the month.  It is for the role of administrator / coordinator within a Church Parish Office (St Philips and St James at Leckhampton, Cheltenham). They call it Pip and Jim's - which I think is pretty cool).  It is a flexible part-time role.  Apparently, they are interviewing four people, and there will be an exercise sent to candidates a few days before the interview date.  It does look quite interesting - and would fit in with everything else. 

I received a very positive acknowledgement to my handing-in-notice from Bredon School, so I know that I can rely on them for a good reference.  However, if I don’t get a new job-role it just means I’m not the right person for that environment – I can’t be bothered to be too upset about it.  Let’s face facts, an employer is an employer is an employer and loyalty is usually a one-way street. 

What else? I am house-sitting for my sister, Alison, and this will be a version of a ‘staycation’ as I will be in north Worcestershire for a week.  I plan on doing some applications and personal official [boring] tasks as well as looking after the cats, chickens and ducks…the dogs will be on their holidays elsewhere!  This in the intent as I shan't be distracted by checking on my tomato plants or weeding, which is my usual modus operandi.  Well, that's my thinking!!  Whilst I am in ‘foreign climes’ I might take the opportunity to visit places like Ludlow, Leominster and Shrewsbury.  Depending on the weather, naturally!
 
So, that’s about it.  As I said, trundling on regardless.