Day 8 - Bubbles

I did my first day of "supply" teaching at my old school, Aston, today. It was a pretty odd feeling, going back into work only 1 day after the start of term, (2 weeks after I'd been given leaving gifts and cards!) greeting everyone, asking how their holiday was etc.. but not having a classroom to go to, a pigeon hole to check, emails to follow up, lessons to plan, marking to do. It was the most freeing feeling I've had in a long time and it felt GREAT! I think doing supply in a school which I know and where a lot of the students haven't worked out that I've officially left made all the difference. The grumbles of "oh no, we've got Miss Thomson, she was really strict last time she came into our lesson" was music to my ears as I prepared their cover lesson! I was covering one of my colleagues who's on paternity leave so I'm still teaching RE in the same Faculty but without the responsibilities!
The best feeling for me was at 3pm when I could gather up my things, throw on my coat, sign out and return my visitors badge and head out to the car without any marking or work to take home! I was in the car and heading out by 3:15 so I thought I'd get down to the gym and go for a swim whilst I have the time and before I go out tonight. It was great to get back in the pool although it was a little crowded with kids and their swimming lessons and everyone else attempting to keep up their new year's resolutions! It was so lovely to get to the pool and do a decent swim without feeling shattered and then be able to get home and have some time to sort things out before going out. I think I'm going to really love my new lifestyle and do not regret for one minute my decision to leave teaching!