This week saw the return to school and the routine which accompanies it. I like the relaxed nature of holidays but also appreciate the routine of term time. We’re in the last year of school for our youngest although with the college course he wants to do we have a few more years of this structure. For me it’s also beginning to plan what retirement may look like. I can take my pension in four years (I am lucky enough to be in the original Teachers Pension scheme, so can retire at 55) It will be strange not to have a life scheduled to the school year as it will have been all I’ve known.

But back to now when the school routine has quickly bedded in and it’s been a good week for us all. I had an Inset day on Monday and got re certified for First Aid. We did have an excellent external trainer and it made the day go really quickly. Since my last training, I have had to use CPR (successfully) and I was very focused during this part of the day. My students returned on Tuesday and we had a gentle, fun week together. Our son was happy to be back with his mates and the gentle rhythm has returned to daily life.

On weeks like this there’s not a lot to report, the nights are very cold and dark so not much happens, although I have been trying to walk every night around the block. It’s only a half hour walk but it makes me more energised to come back and do something rather than spend the night in front of the tv. I have a real new year, new me approach this year. I lost myself over last year in what was such a difficult year and am trying to rediscover ‘me’, the healthy diet is in, I’m sorting everything, from my wardrobe to my kitchen cupboards and we are able to plan mini adventures. This week we have booked the Wembley tour for our London break in half term and I am looking into my itinerary for Monday when the boys do more football stadiums and I have a day to myself in London, joyful.

This week we have been lucky with the weather, it’s been very cold but we have not had the snow and icy conditions that other areas of the country have experienced. Parkrun was gorgeous on Saturday and the dawn as I arrived for my volunteering stint was breathtaking. Later for the run the weather was perfect for a winter run, blue skies, sunshine and a mild temperature, or it could be that my thermals kept me warm.

With my new evening routine I have been able to read and finish the book Poor by Catriona O’Sullivan. I think it may be the best book I will read this year, it is sooo good and such an amazing autobiography. There is so much in it which will stay with me for a very long time.