The Plus Side Of Teaching

I was sitting in the staff-room today (after a rather eventful early morning), trying my best not to dehydrate in the oppressive heat, when I heard some pupils chanting, “We want Jon!”

The sound of demonstrating travelled across the playground and ended somewhere in or near the entrance to the school’s front doors, where it stopped when met by the headmaster, Naged.

I had told the children yesterday, during our last lesson of the year, that it was uncertain that, due to time constraints, I’d be their teacher next year.

I felt it was suitable to tell them, to finish our 4 years together in an appropriate manner, and I never expected to hear later on that day that they were planning to appeal.

I have had good relations with the pupils in 4a for a few years now, but this year in particular things have really come together, and I have a lot of time and respect for them as a class. It bought a smile to my lips and a warm feeling to hear a chorused demand for my continuation. A warmth that was not diminished by the searing sun.

Not Even On This Year’s Christmas List

As much as I’d love to own a couple of these Atari candle holders, it appears that they are not on general sale. It’s such a brilliant, simple idea that I hope someone else jumps on the bandwagon and mass-produces them, if Mixko, the original designers, don’t get their act together and do it first.

It’s just plain enough to be able to fit in the living-room as a functional object d’art, but nerdcore enough to inspire awe in anyone (interested in games) who takes a closer look.

What Was I Thinking Of

In writing this blog, I’ve become aware of the two types of entry I post. The first is of events and happenings, which are of no real interest to anyone but the family. Freya’s bowel movements or an evening’s getting drunk with friends are not, unless I am misjudging humanity, impressing anyone (even the avid Big Brother energumen); the second is thoughts, ideas and theories, some more serious than others. These, whilst maybe being of more interest to the populace, are written with the sole purpose of giving Freya an insight into the kind of people we are/were.

Recently, the blog has comprised almost exclusively the former, so I was pleased when, just as I was going to bed last night, I had an idea for an entry that fell firmly in the realms of the theory-category.

Sadly, when I woke up this morning I’d completely forgotten what it was that had occupied my thoughts the previous evening.

So, this entry oppugns my original intention, ending up as just another boring happening in my life.

Posted in Jon

Hattrick Press Release #3

Manager Expresses Hope

Despite today’s 5-1 defeat at the hands of current league leaders, Namslag, Wolves’ manager remains optimistic.

“Our centre-forward, Perek, scored an important goal, our first of the season. We are obviously doing something right. Nobody expected us to win today, and I believe the change in line-up is already beginning to reap rewards.”

Kazimierz Perek was celebrating his first goal of the season, but was less emphatic. “The ball hit my head and it went in the back of the net”.

The (Non) Milky Bars Are On Me!

We have been patiently waiting for several months for the arrival of a certain luxury to our local vegan oasis, Goodstore: white chocolate.

I can remember as a child having a fondness for Milkybar. I don’t believe it was a feeling stronger than invoking an occasional indulgence, though on hearing a vegan substitute was coming to Stockholm my tastebuds were reminded of its distinct, sweet aroma, and I began to want.

Today, after a few months of biding, we bought and tried Venture Food’s organic, Fair Trade premium white bar (it’s not actually called that, which is just as well).

I don’t understand why vegan white chocolate has never before found itself on the market. Whatever the reason, it has been worth the wait. We all think it very, very tasty, and is definitely no ersatz contender to the original Milky Bar.

Jo correctly pointed out that, unlike dark chocolate, this new variety is, despite its sweetness, extremely moreish, and I can imagine us ingurgitating a whole bar in no time. It’s just fortunate I’m not particularly sweet-toothed, or I could otherwise easily become no-toothed.

Posted in Jon