Monday 29th October, 2012       1545

It would seem I was correct about yesterday being a “good” day for this morning I was back to what has lately become the norm rather than the exception. I doubt the fact it is a dismal, rainy day is helping matters either.

Two classes, four lessons today, the first of which was to give a final exam to just over half of my class who graduate in a few weeks. The second were a bunch who start off being silent but gradually become more active as the lesson progresses. We couldn’t go outside so instead I introduced them to Countdown, wagering my usual 100y to any team which can beat me. Worryingly, one team actually tied with me (admittedly we only had time for three rounds) which has never been done. Considering they came up with an eight-letter word I am not sure someone wasn’t using an online computer on their phone to punch in the letters and cheat! I must be more vigilant in the future.

Tuesday 30th        1300

Just a few minutes typing before leaving for my afternoon classes. I saw Hurricane Sandy has claimed HMS Bounty and admit I was very interested to learn more. I also confess that although it does not diminish the fact that it is a tragedy because at least one is dead and an historic vessel (albeit a replica) is lost I also have to say I was relieved it was not “my” Bounty. This one was built for the ‘62 film, “mine” for the ‘78 one starring Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson. Why do I care? Because I watched her in various stages of completion in the seventies when she was being built in Whangerei just north of Auckland and then had the good fortune in the eighties to get up close and personal when she was docked during a world cruise in Longbeach, California.

1830

It has been a long day, made longer by the middle class who are three year students. Always the four year students are active and a joy to teach while the three year ones just have no interest and make it bloody hard work for anyone trying to actually teach them rather than simply delivering a monotonic lecture. If you are lucky you might get three out of thirty-odd students who want to learn but the rest just seem completely uncommitted. If I was a useless teacher I would think it was my fault but too many students in the good classes have confided in me that I am the best teacher they have ever had (before anyone comments, they never said it to get higher marks!) for me to doubt myself or my methods. Maybe I should see if I can wangle it so they are all given to Kevin……..

I went all day without taking anything for the knee except the seashells and to be honest I suffered. Tonight I have caved in and taken some diclofenac - sod limping everywhere all the time. When I was in the chemist’s on Saturday she was trying to flog me some medication but I refused seeing as I was spending a fortune on something else but when I go back I think I will see what it was and try that instead.

So tomorrow is our fortnightly treat - which I will enjoy this time by actually eating some of it - and it will be Bolognese with garlic bread. If I have time I will make a couple of lots of bread and also a calzone type thing with butter, garlic and cheese inside it. That should be very nice indeed. Pity I don’t have much Bisto left though. I have invited Happy but I don’t know who the others did. Ollivier mentioned last time that he wanted to bring a boy (no, not gay - married with a child and another due soon) and of course that suggestion was greeted with horror by both Kevin and me! Maybe he will this time though, seeing as he had to disappoint the lad last time. We don’t care really.

2300

Time to watch one episode of New Tricks before bed. Robin is being a bitch and refuses to come in so she will have a chilly old night, I in the meantime amp pain and limp free so in future I may just keep a little pill in my wallet for use if necessary. I think you should be issued with a booklet when you are born entitled “Don’t get old - if you do it’s no fun!”