Back on dry land!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I suppose this should be in the social hour but I'm tired, sore, constipated but overall have had a good week! I'm too tired to write it up right now but will get round to it - and maybe a couple of photos as well - though not of me, cos I was behind the camera. Workwise I think it was probably a successful week. Time will tell. I wish half term was now - cos I'd like a week to recover!!  No breaks till Xmas now.

Take care - Scottie 

[eyeamdry]

Well, Scottie, you do sound tired.  You also sound happy.  I hope you get a good night's sleep after all this.  Lucy

[Patze]

Ah Scottie, I'm glad that you're back safe and sound!  Take care of yourself and happy to see that it went well! 

Take care of yourself -

Patze

[Scottietottie]

Hi  

Feeling better after a good night's sleep, so moved this to where it's meant to be. I really appreciated my bed last night, having spent 4 nights on a hard, narrow 'mattress' on the canal boat. getting to sleep was hard and I tended to wake up early, in pain, which is not like me. (Not the waking early!)

All the kids snored, one had to be sent home because she couldn't cope with being away from home and kept us awake for ages and one talked in his sleep and also walked one night.

It was the oddest 'residential' I've ever been on in as far as all the young people (apart from the one sent home) wanted to be in their beds and asleep by 9 o'clock. Weird!!!! They were not all early risers though.

Everybody on board did an accredited 'Crew course'. Everyone had to have a shot at steering, mooring and working the locks and swing bridges. There was some paperwork involved too but nothing extensive.

The first two days it rained pretty steadily. Thankfully there were waterproofs on board. I'd taken several pairs of gloves because I knew, that although they'd been asked for on a 'kit list', some would not have brought any. I'd also taken extra hats and scarves. All were used.

The group definitely 'bonded' over the course of the week. There was real team work going on at both the locks and bridges. Some of them confided that before they'd come they didn't know how they would get through a week without drinking and taking drugs. They thought they wouldn't be able to sleep. They found that they'd both slept - and enjoyed themselves. A couple also found that they actually missed their family more than they thought they would.

It'll be interesting to see if they are any easier to work with when we are all back in the Centre next week.

I don't know how many of this kind of trip I'll be able to do. I was definitely pushing myslef this time - more so that the last time when we did more or less the same thing. (Different waterway) It did feel worth while though.

Take care - and welcome all newbies!  Scottie  

[lynnmarie219]

Welcome home Scottie!

It sounds like an busy and eventful trip but rewarding as well. I'm sure you are worn out...so try to get as much rest as you can before going back to work!

I hope the trip made some of the kids realize there is more to life than they probably thought before going!

[JannaLee]

Scottie,

I wish I'd been there with you!  It sounds like a worthwhile activity for the kids.

So glad you made it home in one piece~ Now all you have to do is rest up all you can, my dear.  It wouldn't do for you to get sick from the fatigue!

Love to you!
Janna

[Katybarstool]

Scottie

Welcome back. With all the talk of cutbacks for your work recently, this must have confirmed how much you and your colleagues are needed. It's not everyone who could help such difficult young people.

Well done you. Hope you're not feeling as tired today.

Kathyx

[Bucky]

Welcome back home Scottie. 

Sounds like it was a good learning experience for the kids.  Maybe, it will make a lasting impression of them.  Good for you that you brought along "extra" supplies.  Were you ever a Girl Scout?   

I bet it was nice to be back in your own home, own bed, own conveniences of H-O-M-E.   

I hope today was a restful day for you.

Bucky

[voiceteacher]

Hi Scottie -

It sounds like a great trip - I hope you're somewhat rested now.  As for no breaks until Christmas, that stinks!!!!  I get a week off for Thanksgiving - actually a bit more because my music education kids will all leave the wednesday before that for a convention - I'll be here with no students!!!  Being a teacher makes this fatigue more bearable - - I figured out that in September I have Labor day off, October we get fall break (a four day weekend), November a week at Thanksgiving, December Christmas, January we get a long weekend at the end due to end of j-term, February we work all month!!, March spring break, April Easter break and May graduation.  While the fatigue is not good, I feel less guilty laying around and resting during breaks.  So far I haven't had to take time off of work.

Take it easy until your next break - don't push anymore!!!!

Voiceteacher

[Poochie]

Scottie, I'm so glad you survived the trip.  Just hope you don't flare and get some well needed rest. 

Hugs, Pooh