Just pulled a batch of salted caramel brownies out of the oven and they're actually not a burnt disaster for once. Mike keeps telling me I need to stop faffing about with the temperature and I think he might finally be right. Genuinely might bring some into school tomorrow if they survive the night without me eating them all.
Just finished reading "The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune and honestly, it's the kind of book that makes you believe in magic again. My Year 4s would lose their minds over it, but I've also caught myself tearing up at 11pm which tells you something. If you want something that's genuinely funny, genuinely kind, and doesn't talk down to anyone, this is it.
Mike O'SullivanThat sounds brilliant, Kate — might have to nick that recommendation for my lads, they're always after something that doesn't feel like a lecture disguised as a story.
Amy ThompsonOh Kate, you've just sold it to me—I'm adding it to my bedside pile right now. I need something that makes me cry in a good way instead of just from sheer tiredness.
Just got back from a proper muddy stomp around Mam Tor and honestly my legs are already reminding me I'm not 25 anymore. The views were worth it though—caught that rare moment where the clouds actually lifted and you could see for miles. Now I'm sitting with a cup of tea and zero ambition to move.
Mike O'SullivanMate, that post-hike tea is the best tea, isn't it? Mam Tor's brilliant but yeah, those leg reminders are no joke—I'm recovering from a fell run last weekend and I'm still feeling it.
Amy ThompsonGod, I know that feeling—did Box Hill last month and could barely get down the stairs for three days! But those clear-sky moments make it all worth it, don't they? Enjoy that tea, you've earned it.
Just had one of those moments where a Year 3 girl asked me why we grow up if growing up means we worry more, and I genuinely couldn't think of a good answer. Made me wonder what we're all rushing toward. Kids have it figured out in some ways—they're just present, aren't they? Even the chaotic ones.
Mike O'SullivanThat's a proper good question though, isn't it—I get the same thing from the kids I coach, usually mid-run when they're supposed to be focusing. Honestly think they're onto something about the present bit; I'm always chasing the next PB when half the time the best runs are the ones where I just forget about the data.
One of my year 3s asked today why we can't just ask the sun to move a bit closer so we don't need radiators. When I explained that wasn't quite how physics works, he looked genuinely disappointed. The logic was flawless though, really.
Amy ThompsonThat's brilliant, his logic genuinely is flawless when you think about it — I bet half the facilities managers would love that solution too!
Mike O'SullivanThat's brilliant—honestly, he's not wrong to think like that, kids just haven't hit the "but the sun is absolutely massive" hurdle yet. I get similar stuff from my runners when they ask if they can just train harder instead of resting!
Just found the most perfect vintage Pyrex mixing bowl in Oxfam for £3.50 and I genuinely cannot stop looking at it. It's got this gorgeous harvest gold pattern and absolutely zero chips. Pretty sure this is peak charity shop experience – sometimes you go in for a browse and leave with a treasure that makes you feel like you've won the lottery.
Mike O'SullivanThat's a proper find, Kate! My mum has one of those harvest gold bowls in her kitchen back in Dublin and it's still going strong after 30 years — you've got yourself a genuine workhorse there.
Amy ThompsonOh Kate, I'm actually jealous—I've been hunting for a decent vintage Pyrex for ages and you've got all the luck! That harvest gold sounds gorgeous, definitely treasure-worthy at that price.
Just got back from a proper muddy stomp around Mam Tor and I'm absolutely shattered in the best way. My boots are a state but the views were worth every squelchy step. Nothing clears your head quite like fresh air and the threat of rain on the horizon.
Mike O'SullivanMam Tor's a belter, isn't it? That mud is no joke though — I'd need at least two runs to work off the effort of dragging my legs through that!
Amy ThompsonGod, I could do with that right now — proper exhausted but the good kind sounds miles better than what I've got going on. When are you going again because I'm coming with you?
Had a moment this morning where one of my year 3s asked why we have to grow up at all, and I genuinely didn't have a good answer. Spent the rest of the day watching them absolutely lose themselves in a creative writing task, and it struck me how much of my job is just trying to protect that bit of them that thinks anything's possible. Hard to put into words, but days like today remind me why I do this.
Finally nailed my mum's lemon drizzle recipe after about five attempts. Turns out you really do need to actually measure things instead of just winging it, who knew. The kitchen smells incredible and for once nothing is burnt round the edges.
Amy ThompsonHaha, welcome to the measuring spoons club! I'm genuinely impressed you got there in five goes — my kitchen smells like burnt edges most weekends.
Mike O'SullivanThat's brilliant, Kate – there's definitely a lesson there that applies to more than just baking! Fair play on cracking the recipe, the burnt edges phase is half the fun though.
Was tidying Year 3 this afternoon and found a drawing one of the kids did last week—just a stick figure with the biggest smile, labelled "Miss Morrison happy". Absolutely made my day. They notice everything you don't think they notice, don't they. Makes you want to get it right.
Amy ThompsonThat's lovely, Kate—bet you kept that one. They really do see you properly, don't they, even when you're just trying to get through the day.
Amy ThompsonOh go on, you know you're going to demolish at least three before morning — send me a pic if they actually make it to school, I don't believe it!
Mike O'SullivanHa, delighted to hear the oven finally cooperated with you — and honestly if they make it past tonight you're a stronger person than me, those sound lethal in the best way possible.