Angel Jem's City Cottage

And then I take a deep breath and realise that I spend a fair portion of it sat at a computer sorting it out for someone or other.  At work, I have become the website administrator, responsible for sorting out and updating the school website. I'm chasing up statistics and policies, photos from the class face and the statutory items that need to be on a website. Fun. Oh, and I get to work with different children to get news stories (writing for a purpose) so that the site has an element of 'pupil voice'. I only have 50 minutes a week timetabled for this, so it's a tight squeeze and very often, I expect, will take some home time up as well. At home I have my other IT hat on, as website manager and techie for Mr AJ. Business goes well, but we are slowly getting it set up and ready for a full launch shortly. Then I get to be a blogger, and to interface with my bloggy mates on t'internet. You have probably noticed I'm absent at the mo. Sorry. I hope to get...

I'm settled on the settee,  playing hooky from life and relaxing.  The kids are watching cartoons,  I'm listening to the Human Game,  an audio book about the search for the men who killed the POWs in the Great Escape.  The blanket has been claimed by the Princess for her new bed. I'm hoping to finish this one and begin another for me to complete before Christmas.  As if.

And it won't get any easier as time goes on!! I spent three days this week in a computer room having training for a legal software system. Of course; because I'm a qualified teacher, so it makes sense. (not) Actually it sort of does make sense. Mr AngelJem setting up as a solo practitioner is only possible because there are case management systems out there that do away with the need for a secretary or even a load of letters posted every day. And D Day is approaching fast; like he has 3 days of employed work before we go solo. Taking a chance like this needs everyone in the family to be supportive. This week was made possible and smooth because my parents collected and cooked for us three days in a row. It's our future, so it needs me to back him up with all the support I can. Going on the training gave me an insight into his career, which it is so easy to go through life without, and an input into the firm. I'm the IT consultant, the girl who can do. And I wil...

Look what my postie brought!!! He has a cheery knock, he rat a tats with rhythm and smiles when he sees me. He knows it is my Amazon love affair that KEEPS HIM IN A JOB!!!! And the parcel came from.... I only ordered it off Ebay at the weekend, so I'm happy it came so soon. Do you want to see what's inside? What you want a better look? It's an Attic 24 pack of Stylecraft wool. I can't find the exact pack at the moment but there is an alternative colour way here  and another pack with brilliant colours here . I've never used Stylecraft before, but read a lot about it. And I have a big plan for it. It's packed and ready to start, only a free night lies between me and the first few rows of a lovely granny stripe blanket. Hopefully by the time the bad weather really starts in earnest, it will be big enough to snuggle my feet under while I play hooky. And since crochet becomes a matter of rhythm and repetition I can ...

Wow! There goes summer and here comes Autumn almost full blast and with a drop in the temperature that has been shivering; partly with the cold but mostly with the worry that, having had the heating STILL on in June (seriously folks, June!) it may not be October before it goes on again but SEPTEMBER!!! (yes, I am shouting a bit. Shock! Horror! OMG! I pay the bill!) And I was dreaming of a golden Indian summer, sharp dry mornings kicking through leaves leading to warm days kissed by the orange rays of a falling sun and crisp evenings watching as the candle-lighting time creeps earlier every night. Forget the evening. I feel like lighting the candles NOW and it's only just 10 in the morning! So on a day when I have an office to clear, the washing up to do and detritus of the family life to tidy, what shall I do? (after I finish my blog entry, of course) I may read this book, Homemade Winter by Yvette Van Boven. I bought this as my holiday present this year and it is a lovely ...

I breathe a sigh of relief. This is the first time in three years that I haven't started with a full time cover position and, although I know I will miss the money, especially since day to day supply is as rare as rocking horse droppings in September, this year I feel the need for the break, the time at home to set up a workable system and to get my life in order. You see, Mr Angel Jem has decided to jump off the corporate ladder and go freelance. OMG. And I get to be his IT lady. Apparently 6 years blogging gives me experience enough to set him up and deal with his day to day problems. For anything bigger, there's still the Big Guns. Who knew? And from October 9th our guaranteed income drops to...er, yes, that's right, em, zero. Don't ask. So making it work, that's like, really crucial to me, ok? I will work whatever whenever to make sure Mr AJ gets his dream of autonomy. So if you need a good personal injury lawyer in the North West or North Wales, get ...

First tooth First steps First day at playschool A few more years of firsts that you sort of let slide because life goes by so fast First day at senior school. Wait? What did you say? What? The Princess at senior school? But she's my baby. You know, my little girl. Good grief, no. Look at that young lady. When did that happen? And she had a brilliant time. Guess I'd better learn the words. It won't be long til I need this one.