So I've been learning how to play the ukulele...

I'm not saying I'm great, but I'm learning. For someone as awkward and clumsy as me, this is pretty fantastic. I'm getting there. Really Struggling with the E though. That, and I second guess myself pretty much all of the time. Lighting is pretty nonexistent...I couldn't be bothered to turn on the actual light!

Weekend Sunshine!

It was certainly a weekend for suncream. We went for a jolly jaunt along the River Great Ouse. Blue sky - green fields - glistening river. What more could you ask for?

A perfect start to a two week Easter holiday. Too bad I will be spending the first three or four days in work trying to catch up on all of the assessment marking!

xx

"It''s got to be better than nothing"

Long distance is awful.

Rich bought me flowers on Friday and they started to bloom today. Something to remind me of him he says.

"It's got to be better than nothing."

I'd take the real thing any day.

xx

Easter Holidays are right around the corner!

I've been feeling the end of term looming. Sheer exhaustion. I've lost the will to mark -- although I'm not sure that will was ever really there anyways. It was more a necessary evil. But what's worse - I've lost the will to bake!

In truth - you always become ill when it comes time to unwind. I'm battling something - whatever it is, it has left me tired, full of coughs and achy.

Through the aches and pains I decided to make soft pretzels. I then proceeded to eat them. Like- all of them. I thought it was well worth it.

I'm hoping once I survive the next four days (as I'm only in work for 9 days in the month of April) - I can turn my attention to baking. I need to invest in a proper mixer...I would love a KitchenAid - but I am aware of the hefty price tag. I need something - that's for sure!

xx

Mini Cheddars!

I decided to try my hand at making homemade Mini Cheddars. I was aiming for Goldfish crackers (love love love them -- probably one of my most missed snack foods from America) - but didn't have anything aside from a shot glass to cut my dough with! I adapted this recipe from Smitten Kitchen. Totally worth baking!

I opted for Red Leicester - usually I think it tastes a bit bland, but Sainsbury's own was actually lovely! I really should invest in some fun cookie cutters. The downside is that I burned the last batch a bit. My oven is crap -- the joys of a tiny flat on London Road!

At least I can justify eating the somewhat burnt ones!

xx

Cromer Crabs (not quite in season)

Rich came to Lynn for the weekend and we took a mini road trip to Holt and Cromer. Having been to Holt once, I was fairly confident I could navigate. Keeping me out of the boutiques was a slight nightmare. I did find a handbag in one of the shops -- I think I'm going to go back in two weekends time and make a purchase. As far as charming goes - Holt definitely takes the cake.

We carried on to Cromer - explored the sea side town. Had a pint on the pier and then a bowl of soup in one of the cute cafes.

If there's one thing Norfolk does, it's quaint English. Love Love Love it.

Bittersweet

...::'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life trying to make ends meet::...

I have been entertaining the idea of moving to Leicester to live with Rich. It makes perfect sense. I love him, he's wonderful, I'm ready for our life together to head towards the next chapter.

The only problem has been the actual leaving. I'm in love with my other half, but at the same time, I'm in love with my job. You can't choose your career over your other half. It just isn't right.

I've been torn between going and staying - weighing up all options. I have finally decided that I was going to make the move - and was genuinely excited for waking up with the man I love every morning. I had an interview, and after about 4 minutes, I decided I couldn't do it. It wasn't my school. It wasn't right. I made it clear during the interview that I couldn't take the job, and fortunately I wasn't offered the job.

It wasn't until I was driving home - crying my heart out - that I realised I couldn't leave. I wasn't ready to leave my school or my department or my friends. I've done this once, and it was hard - so much harder than I actually give myself credit for.

Today I walked into my classroom and I couldn't wipe that smile off of my face. Little things like the kids in my classes, their mannerisms, the way a student will hold the door open for you or say "Thanks, Miss." The brightness of the rooms, the smell, the smiling faces, the familiar faces. I can't do it.

I love my other half more than words can say - but I also love my job and my job makes me who I am. I am ready to lose myself.