The Decembrists

A whole year gone! Shocking.

For those who just come here to look at the photos, here's a shot from our balcony. Moving into the flat has been a particular highlight of 2006. Hello Bristol.



As for resolutions:

1. Instincts.
The main instinct this month has been Eat! Drink! Sleep! All of which I've obeyed slavishly. Sadly they've been accompanied by Be Lazy! So I'm paying the price now with unacknowledged amounts of work ahead of me before starting at school again in three days time...

Overall this year, I'd say I've been pretty good at listening to my inner voice and following through on gut instincts. Hence the teaching, hence the move-in with Lucy, hence the over-indulgence now. Well done, 1-0

2. Write.
Only some note-taking really. I have a desire to finish something creative by the February half-term, but we're not holding our breaths.

I'd count this one as a draw really. I did do a little bit of literary tinkling, but ultimately this blog's been the mainstay of my output, and that's been sporadic at best this last quarter (or term, as I'm now inevitably calling it - it doesn't even feel like a proper new year anymore until you get to September). 1-1

3. Career.
In the mid-school lull at the moment. The hard sh!t's on it's way next month. By April I should know whether this has been the right move. Hopefully I might even have a job lined up. There's a proto-resolution for you right there.

I think this is definitely an outstanding goal from within my own half here. 2-1 to me

4. The Back.
I groan when I get in and out of chairs. I take deep breaths and spread my legs well apart before attempting to pick something up of the floor. I use hands-on-knees as a valid strategy for rising to a standing position. I've done very little in the way of back care this month, despite some conscientious swimming in the first few weeks. It's been down to the deep end ever since.

A very poor 2-2

5. Eat!
Christmas is a time for gluttony. That's the real meaning for me. It would've made more sense if the Wise Men had brought Goose, Frankfurters and Mississippi mud-pie. Healthy? Well, my new philosophy is that if it's home-made than it's a darn sight healthier than packaged food. So largely, yes.

In all honesty, this is more of a draw 3-3

So an unconvincing draw this year, and on my home turf too. Nevermind. It's an improvement on '05 and at least I can hold my head up higher than the cricket team. See you all in '07. Watch this space for some riveting new resolutions.

Prodigal SON

SON as in, Sept., Oct., Nov.
Well, it's been a whirlwind for me. I'm now officially a student teacher. I'm filling the minds of the next generation with as much nonsense as I can think up on the spot.

1. Trust your instincts
Teaching is pretty much following your instincts (and a well-honed plan, of course) all-day everyday. 'Er! Excuse me, boy. What do you think you're doing?'

2. Write something else
Lots of essay writing, lesson planning and note-taking on the Reformation, Thomas Beckett and Civil Rights, but nothing original... it's in my head though. I've also done quite a bit for the upcoming Macbeth.

3. Find a career - DONE

4. Look after my back
Hmmm. No matter what I do it seems to get worse. I'm swimming a bit more regularly now, but somehow the aches and pains just wont go away. Still, marching around a classroom is much better than slouching in an office chair. 'Sit on your chair properly, thank you.'

5. Eat healthily
I've certainly been eating lots of great food. But maybe a little too much of the fattening stuff - curries, cakes and coffee (does that fatten you?). Perhaps I should amend this one for next year to Enjoy eating. Now THAT's an achievable goal.

I'm into my 30th year now guys, it's a year of mega parties and a fabulous holiday for me and Lucy - 5 weeks paid leave... (for her anyway, if she doesn't quit before then!) So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.