Trapped by my own tradition

I never intended it to become a habit, it seemed like a good idea the first time I blogged about the year. I’ve done it 4 times now, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and each year I’ve had some life changing event to comment on. Unfortunately for this blog (although not for me) I’m starting 2012 working and living in the same place as I started 2011. All this stability seem a little odd after a few years of churn and leaves me with a bit of a challenge of what to write about for 2011.

For decades it seemed like each year was quicker than the last, life was accelerating away from me in a dull blur. The last few years though appear to have slammed the brakes on, I struggle to remember the beginning of 2011. Admittedly it could just be that my memory is going as I get older.

After the excitement of Ghana and the challenges of my PGCE and NQT years a pedestrian, gathering myself year was probably what I needed. Not that it has always been easy. I’m still struggling to work out how to teach (even if, and here I brag, Ofsted did describe my lesson as good). I still have too many lessons I despair of.

I’ve had good points, I used my holidays walking halfway across Wales and visited friends (and did I mention Ofsted liked my lesson?). OK, I didn’t mention the few days in Dublin but that would be dull. I’ve also explored my responses to my first ever involvement in industrial action. I’ve alluded to my on-going studies.

I’ve just got back from spending Christmas with my brother and his family in China. That’s one of the reasons I’ve not posted here for a while. It was really great to see the family.

While in China several of my brother’s colleagues asked me when I was going to switch to teaching in an international school (he’s the principal of an international school there). It is a tempting option, but one I may defer for a year or two if only to finish my Masters degree.

So I don’t think 2012 will see many major changes (except hopefully I’ll buy myself a house locally). I expect to still be trying to figure out this teaching lark, probably still in the same school, and if past experience is any indicator I’ll still be single.

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