Look closely,

you see a bigger picture. That all is not as it seems and that even when you see something really obvious, in the background, something else far more significant might be there, but you have to look for it.

Today I managed to outsmart two teenage boys and foiled their plan. In the process of the double cross I also managed to get them into my classroom to engage in an extra 40 minutes worth of work for my subject, when their intention had been to hide in the library and have a chat - they had conspired with each other, made a story up about needing to do ICT coursework, told their two separate teachers and thought they would sneak off to have a quiet lesson. Instead, I tackled them, offered support for their coursework (knowing full well what their plan was) and they had no choice but to accept, because to decline would have meant accepting that they had pulled a fast one.

Getting one over on two teenagers - you can't put a price on that.

Been to Doctors for results. The good news is that I am not anaemic, nor do I have a thyroid problem, or any sort of infection. What it appears that is happening is early onset of the menopause. I'm only just 38 years old. It seems a tad unfair. However, it is not the end of the world, and now that I am reassured that all of the terribly dark thoughts I had been having were un-necessary, I can get on with the task of managing my symptoms - potential for the next 12 to 15 years. Ho ho.

So, diet changes, more exercise, more sleep and sadly, less caffeine. This is especially distressing as a Starbucks has recently opened near school and I love it so! Chai tea lattes for me then, rather than the coffee and vanilla latte concoction that is my beverage of choice. :-( I digress. Evening primrose oil, multivitamin, increase calcium intake and absolutely not to take red clover or black cohosh supplements as they are potentially linked to liver problems.

I declined the offer of HRT, having explained that I could manage the symptoms with the advice given, for the time being, and that just the fact of knowing was a big help. I am a little fearful of starting hormone replacement so early and want to delay it. My doctor agreed but urged that if I felt I couldn't cope, I must return to see her. Sods law of course that upon arriving home twenty minutes later, I had the most horrendous hot flush! Second one today, the first one involving me turning the aircon in my classroom to sub zero (I exagerrate) and causing my children to freeze whilst I fanned myself with a coursework folder and looked like I had run a marathon!

At least with a diagnosis, my sense of humour seems to have returned.

Big decision consolidated tonight. A major job completed. A let down from someone has been turned around and made right with a phone call, an explanation and a rearrangement. All is right with the world.

11 years ago I was in labour, 21 hours in, with another 12 hours and 15 minutes to go. Happy birthday to my amazing, talented, funny and utterly adorable son for tomorrow. I love you!
xx