Saturday 20 September 2014

Two Weeks In




So we have made it through the first two weeks of a new school year with barely a scrape. Samuel is currently writing, editing and having vetted his personal statement for his Uni application. He is attending several open days over the next couple of months. I think he quite fancies Liverpool, although the Oxbridge route is also a real possibility. It's a very exciting/daunting time for him, I think. And I'm excited for him too. And slightly alarmed by his intelligence, and where it may take him. Wherever he ends up, he's going to have a ball.

Alfie has had a good start too. I think not being the newbie has had some positive effects. Apparently the new children that have joined this year are 'so immature." Hmmm. To be honest his first year at secondary school was pretty grim in terms of his behaviour and attitude. Not so much at school, but definitely at home. So hoorah for school hierarchy! Especially if it gives this Mum some respite.

And Olly? Well, his first two weeks of school have been interesting. His school operates a gentle settling in period, so he has only attended for three hours for the past two weeks. Next week he will stay and have lunch, and then come home. And the week after that he starts full time. Given how tired he has been just attending for three hours, I do worry about how he will cope when he has to go full time. I'm hoping that it's just that everything is new and different, and therefore a little stressful for him. He has objected on a number of occasions at having to go every day.





As for me, can I admit to looking forward to when he does go full time? Not that I won't miss him, because I will. But school was always going to happen, wasn't it. I did toy with home schooling, but actually I don't think I'd be very good at it. I read Jennifer's post with great interest and admiration. I like the idea of a 50/50 approach, but that wouldn't be an option here. And I think that Olly wouldn't benefit long-term to being taught at home full time. And to be honest, it wouldn't be good for me either. Can I admit to a craving for my own company? I have a number of plans for those hours, and I feel rather excited about it. Nothing very glamorous or high achieving, to be sure. But then I never was one for reaching for the stars. But to have some time. Yes that sounds very appealing.




So for the past couple of weeks, my days have been a little dis-jointed. I drop Pops off, go for a swim or walk Honey, fly around the house with the vacuum and then pick him up again. He has needed quiet time, and so we have spent hours on the sofa, or quietly playing Lego. I don't mind. I have cherished it actually. Here I am with one just starting school, and one about to fly the nest. There's a lot going on!



We have been out and about. The weather has been glorious in West Cornwall. It always is in September. Our last hurrah, before the Autumn kicks in. We have spent time on the beach, and time up the country lanes. On Wednesday we went looking for hips, and found ourselves at St John's In The Field. The grounds of the church are a nature reserve, and there are always things to do and see. I found the hips (yay), and we also found conkers, feathers, leaves and seed pods. Back home I made rosehip syrup. Ostensibly for health. But actually for cocktails and an accompaniment to Prosecco. Honestly that and the sloe gin steeping in the broom cupboard, anyone would think I'm a foraging lush.




I got very over-excited about the butterflies gorging themselves in the sunshine. I haven't seen a Comma all summer, but there were several and they seemed quite docile and happy for me to get up close and personal. It never fails to bring such pleasure, this pursuit of the butterfly. I have a little app on my phone that I can use to help me identify them. I can also log the ones that I spotted. What more does a nature nerd need!

Two weeks in, and things are good. Thank goodness for that.

Have a great weekend!

Leanne xxx

22 comments:

  1. I remember those mixed feelings when L started school. You'll know already because of the other two, but it has always surprised me how quickly you get used to these changes. Having some time to yourself is important and well-deserved so you go for it girl :o) Lovely flutter pictures too xx

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  2. We all need time to ourselves, you have done your bit by preparing him for school. Now's the time to 'find you' again. Lovely photos, I still get excited when I find conkers :)

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  3. I'm having some time to myself now as LittleR is napping and BigR is with Grandma and Grandad (as they're up for a visit). It's an exciting time applying for Uni. Our new students start in a weeks time. I'm always really excited for them remembering my own time!! I'm glad Olly is (for the most part) enjoying school. BigR went for full days for the first time on Weds and she was tired too. Your system seems sensible as the children attend for a few hours and then extend that into full days. Here BigR went for 2 hours in the afternoon, an extra 30 minutes on Tuesday to have lunch and then full days. It seemed geared more to helping the staff cope than transitioning the children. That's fine but don't pretend it was for the children! Your photos of an Autumnal Cornwall are beautiful. Here's to carving out a bit more time for you! xx

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  4. Lovely, lovely photos and a fine resume of the first two weeks of the autumn term. Ah, I remember it well. I'd not realized, though, that you had three sons, and a wide age range, one little fellow just starting school and another preparing for uni. Good luck to them all, and to you.
    I loved the time to myself when our two attended school - don't be ashamed of wanting time to yourself, this is as natural as breathing!
    Here in Devon the weather has been great, too. As you say, September (often) is in this part of the country.
    Margaret P

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  5. Enjoy your 'me-time' Leanne, you've earned it. I can't believe this weather. I was quite miffed when it rained today, even though the garden needs it desperately.

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  6. I'm so glad yo read this post, Leanne. It sounds like everyone there is doing well, including you. This is a time of change and transition. I'm sure there will be bumps, but I think you're all doing great. I appreciate what you said about me (us); it's a good alternative given the major problems we have in education here (our state is last in the nation for education, it's terrifying). It's not the way I pictured doing things but then I never imagined I'd be living here either. I'm glad to have options, in any case. I hope you have a great weekend.

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  7. Lovely post, Leanne. In the same phase over here, with school starting up and all; the topic of my next post too. Enjoy the time that is being freed up - perhaps a bit more space for creativity and reflection. xxx

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  8. Your pics are quite similar to mine! Same butterflies feasting on ivy at different ends of the country.

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  9. Good luck to Samuel with his applications, there are adventures ahead. I'm glad you're looking forward to having some time to yourself. Precious stuff indeed. Your butterfly photos are beautiful, I don't know how you get so close, I'm very impressed. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. CJ xx

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  10. Glad to hear that the new term has started well. My son is just starting A levels, so time to start thinking of Uni too. He went to an Oxbridge talk last week and has decided it's not for him, but is very keen on gong for an engineering degree at Bath. It seems just as tough to get a place there.
    Wishing you a happy weekend, and I hope you enjoy your time. x

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    1. My husband studied mechanical engineering at Bath. It's where we met!
      Leanne xx

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  11. Hi Leanne, just catching up now that I am back, I have been reading, just not commenting. It was lovely to read about your treasured books in your last post. I loved the Secret Garden too as a child and also spent some time studying Greek plays, they were very interesting. I am glad that the changes that the new year at school has bought to you all are settling down now and I hope that it is a good year for you all. xx

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  12. Hi Leanne. Good luck to Samuel with his application process. I just submitted mine, personal statement and all, and wonder if they do fresher's week for middle aged women. If he wants to visit Universities in Scotland, he is more than welcome to use our spare bedroom as a basis.
    It amazes how beginning school tires the little ones out, even the most energetic ones. All but one of mine were all at full time nursery, well used to a busy and long day and still, they were utterly exhausted after 3 hours of school. I am glad Olly is settling in well. Lets hope for a better year for Alfie! It is a difficult year, that first year of High School. Enjoy your beautiful autumn weather! Cx

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    1. Christina that's a lovely offer. Thank you. I'd love a middle aged freshers week, although after last night's anniversary excesses, I'd probably not make the distance!!
      Leanne xx

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    2. I might take the offer up for myself!!! I'd love a weekend in a quiet spare room xx

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  13. I love butterflies too, they are lovely photos, Leanne. It sounds like you're getting into your stride with the new term. It is hard for little ones at first, such a lot to take in. x

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  14. You've perfectly captured the change of seasons in these pics. Glad to read that all is well with you.

    My daughter recently completed her masters degree at Liverpool Uni, and her boyfriend his first degree ... both were really happy with the university and their student life there. Good luck to Sam wherever he chooses :)

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  15. I can't imagine choosing Universities, my eldest is just beginning to think about A levels, and I can't believe how hard it is x

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  16. I'm glad things are settling down for you. Good luck to Sam with the UCAS malarkey, but the boy has brains so he'll be ok I suspect. Glad to hear things are easier with Alfie, and Olly will get used to the long days, eventually. I'm still not entirely sure that Angus is accustomed to the school day, he still gets so tired. As do I! But that time, that time to yourself - you've earned that. x

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  17. I'm glad the boys have settled in to their new term. Olly looks so cute in his school uniform. Sarah x

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  18. Glad things are all going ok with the start of the new term! Archie started full days this week after doing 3hr days for a while. I wish he was tired though, I still struggle to get him to bed every night - I really thought school would tire him out. Enjoy some time to yourself and good luck to Sam with his applications. xx

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