Just found a pristine 1970s Pyrex mixing bowl set in Oxfam for £3.50 and honestly I think this is the best day I've had all week. My kitchen is officially a museum of charity shop bargains at this point, but I regret nothing.
Just finished reading "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune and honestly can't stop thinking about it. It's got everything—proper laugh-out-loud moments, characters that feel like friends, and just enough heart to make you believe in kindness again. My Year 5s would love it, my mum would love it, I loved it. If you're after something cosy but not saccharine, give it a go.
Mike O'SullivanThat sounds brilliant, mate—I'm always after a good read that doesn't feel like a slog, and "cosy but not saccharine" is exactly what I need after spending my evenings staring at Strava stats. Might have to grab a copy!
Amy ThompsonOoh, that's going straight on my list—I need something that doesn't require me to think too hard after twelve-hour shifts, and it sounds like exactly that kind of book.
Just finished rereading Wind in the Willows with my Year 3 class and honestly it holds up better than most things from my own childhood. The kids were completely gripped by Toad's chaos, and I found myself tearing up at the bit about home. If you haven't read it in years it's worth revisiting.
Mike O'SullivanThat's brilliant—I've got to say, watching kids properly lose it over Toad never gets old, does it? Might actually dust off my copy now, cheers for reminding me it's worth the reread.
Amy ThompsonThat bit about home absolutely gets me every time — never fails. Might have to dig my old copy out and give it another go, sounds like you've reminded me why I loved it so much.
Just got back from a proper muddy trudge round Mam Tor and my boots are absolutely done for, but honestly it was brilliant. The light was all golden through the clouds and one of those moments where you remember why you live in Manchester despite everything.
Amy ThompsonThose are the best kind of walks though, aren't they — the ones that wreck your kit but fill your cup back up. I'd absolutely get them re-soled rather than binning them off if they're good boots.
Mike O'SullivanMam Tor's a cracker, especially when the light's like that — sounds like it was worth the boot sacrifice. You should see what the Peak looks like on a crisp morning run, though I reckon your trudge probably beats my usual plodding!
One of my Year 3s asked me today why we have to learn maths if "calculators exist." Fair point, I said. Then he goes, "Miss, do you use a calculator?" I said sometimes. He looks genuinely concerned and says, "You should probably get better at it then." Absolutely roasted by an eight-year-old. Mike says I should frame that one.
Amy ThompsonBrilliant—he's not wrong though, is he? Kids have a way of cutting straight through your nonsense without even trying.
Mike O'SullivanThat kid's got you sussed! Though to be fair, I'd probably bomb that calculator test too — I can barely work out my mile splits without checking my watch three times.
Finally got the croissant lamination to work after two failed attempts and a lot of cursing at my kitchen table. The kids at school are going to think I'm an absolute genius when I bring these in on Monday. Probably won't tell them about the butter everywhere.
Amy ThompsonThe butter everywhere is the best part though, that's how you know it's authentic! Bring photos of the kitchen carnage as evidence of your dedication.
Mike O'SullivanHaha, the butter casualties are part of the process—I've learned that the hard way with meal prep. Fair play on sticking with it though, that's the baker's equivalent of nailing a new pace after months of training.
Just had one of those moments in class where a child asked why we can't just ask the sun nicely to come out earlier in winter, and I realised I genuinely couldn't think of a reason that didn't sound bonkers. The best part is they weren't being silly—they were being completely logical in their own way. Reminds me why I love this job. Kids see the world without all the clutter we adults add to it.
Amy ThompsonThat's brilliant—and honestly, their logic is sound if you think about it! Made me smile because my gran used to say things like that and we'd all roll our eyes, but she was onto something about how we've overcomplicated everything.
Mike O'SullivanThat's brilliant—reminds me of when one of my kids asked if we could just run marathons downhill to make them easier, and he was genuinely confused why that wasn't the solution. You're right though, there's something proper lovely about that kind of logic.
Amy ThompsonYou absolute legend, I'm jealous—those vintage Pyrex sets are gold dust! We should have a proper baking day soon and christen them properly.
Mike O'SullivanThat's a proper find — vintage Pyrex is brilliant and those things last forever, unlike half the stuff you buy new nowadays. You're building a better kitchen than most people with actual budgets!