Mid-way 2016 update: life's changes and celebrations
Life changes
2016 has been a year of change for me. Rewind just over half a year ago at the end of 2015. I was a part-time youth worker of 9 years for a council youth service. I was then made redundant at the end of 2015 and had to find another job asap.
I've worked with young people for most of my working life, so was very fortunate to continue doing this when I got a job supporting students in a secondary school. I also managed to get a job straight away and started at the beginning of January 2016.
This was a complete culture shock for me, as I went from an 18.5 hour / 2.5 day week to a 37+ hour / 5 day week. No longer was I getting up late in the morning then going to work and finishing late at night. And enjoying having time off work mid-way through the week, as well as having the weekend. I had to get up early in the morning, work throughout the week, only having weekends off, like everyone else. I had finally entered the real world of work.
Working in a school is demanding and I give anyone else doing the same my respect. You all do a really challenging and difficult job; you're amazing! I had a fair idea of what to expect, as I am married to a secondary school teacher. But until you're there, in it; you don't really know what a huge effort goes into doing the best for our young people.
So, for the first 6 months, I have been all-consumed in adjusting and settling into my new role as a school learning mentor. I feel I have gotten there now. It is wonderful and so rewarding when you see your students benefiting from the support you've given them. It makes it all worthwhile.
And I'm not going to lie, so do the school holidays! I am currently on a 6 and a half week school summer holiday and it's been very busy so far. First time off work for so long since I was at school myself!
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Life celebrations
We celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary the day after breaking up for school on Thursday 21st July 2016. We decided to go to Jesmond Dene House in Jesmond Dene, as have always enjoyed the food at weddings there but not actually been ourselves. We weren't disappointed as the food matched and exceeded our expectations. Good quality and great value too during early evening on a weekday. You can read more here.
4 year wedding anniversary meal at Jesmond Dene House Thursday 21st July 2016 |
It was the wedding of the year on Thursday 28th July 2016 at the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle. I had the honour of not only being bridesmaid for my best friend Tor, but also to make her wedding cake. This was my first ever wedding cake, so a lot of faith was placed in me. Tor had a great vision for the cake and I was so excited (and nervous) to take on the challenge. It was really hard work and made with a lot of love.
The bride & groom, family, friends and guests loved the cake. I did not expect the wedding cake to receive the reception it has. I got lots of lovely compliments and comments throughout the wedding and afterwards on social media. All the hard work, time and effort was worth it. I am bowled over and really proud of what I've achieved. Thank you everyone for all the cake love and appreciation. You can read more here.
Tor and Chris' wedding cake at The Vermont Hotel Thursday 28th July 2016 |
I know what redundancy feels like, I've just been through the same but I'm glad you found a job quickly and are all settled! 6 weeks off sounds great, I remember having 4 months off each year whilst at uni.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise you were bridesmaid too at the wedding, the cake looks fantastic! Im off to read all about it haha x
Thanks for reading and for your comment. Hope you are sorted now after your redundancy. I've had time off whilst at uni too but worked during the uni holidays, so this is first time in a long time, i'm actually off work for 6 weeks. Can't complain really. Though i'm not relaxing the whole time. Have a few more cakes to do which are keeping me nice and busy. Plus i'm gona get as much blogging done as poss before going back to school! Haha :-)
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