Communication Breakdown - it's always the same.

Right, so I've not been dishing out quite as much of the fare you've, no doubt, become accustomed to. For this, I apologise.

The simple fact is that, for quite a few weeks now, I've been between jobs, as the euphemism goes. Therefore, I've had a modicum of free time to devote to, well, communicating things to y'all via this blog. However, last week (and, for that matter, the coming week), I've been doing a few days experience in a local primary school. This is a prerequisite of my course - an opportunity for them to get a reference from someone who's opinion is relevant and also, I suspect, they see it as an eye-opener to dispel any last myths those doe-eyed idealists who apply to become teachers may hold regarding their potential new career.

It's been tough, basically. The underlying fact I've begun to appreciate this time round is the relentlessness of the day - there's no downtime whatsoever and you're being asked mental, physical and emotional questions perpetually.

On the other hand, N has told me I've seemed more alive and accessible to the world at large this past few days than I have in months. I guess that could be regarded by many as a negative by-product of this experiment but she assures me it's a positive one to her.

Let's hope things continue to feel like this, only without all the hard work and stuff.

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Prior to the placement business, it was my birthday last Sunday. In Biblical terms, I've now officially reached middle-age. And, quite simply, I can't abide it.

It seems like I've spent most of my adult life trying to coming to terms with my own mortality (and the vanity issues that accompany that process); I've not come to any satisfactory conclusions as yet.

However, that was last weeks problem and so I'm in a much better place now, relatively speaking.

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There was one positive to the whole "waving at the onset of one's own downward spiral to dust" that was my birthday, however. I got given a Nintendo Wii.

It's very amusing indeed. Particularly for everyone else in the house, watching me flailing about and swearing at my sweaty, stumbling avatar on the screen. Not a single idea how I'm going to find any time in my life to enjoy it fully but I will endeavour, I will endeavour...

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A quick link for you...

Baggy trousers, dirty shirt

They're called Howies and they sell clothes. It's comfortable, reasonably cheap, hard-wearing casual skate/surf wear for people who don't necessarily skate/surf. I like it muchly and I think some of you might also. Into the bargain, they're pretty right-on as well - check out the website for full guff on that point...

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And here's my special girl, looking curly...