Yesterday a student told me, after a discussion of other teachers in a Personal Tutorial session, that I was “a good teacher”. Aww… That is always nice. The obvious reaction is- “Oh yes, do tell me more…” But you have to hold that reaction in – can’t appear too eager. Instead you give a restrained smile, say thank you, and usher them out the door before you start grinning. I had it from other students the previous week. They rather undercut their message of appreciation though by afterward saying- “You’re the only teacher who lets us go early.” Ha! I’ll …
Brexit voters are real…
In the last few days I’ve been having a few Brexit discussions on Facebook, after a childhood friend posted a pro-Brexit stance. I approached it in the softest, most respectful way I could, and got pretty respectful responses back. It’s made me think. Not to change my Remain position, but to actually respect the pro-Brexiters. 2 and a half years ago, the Leave vote came as a shock. I, amongst many, couldn’t believe it. ‘You want to do what to us? But why?’ WHY? No good answers ever came, as far as I could see. Why do this? I don’t …
Boris Johnson sighting!
This morning coming in to work I saw Boris Johnson at Euston Square station! That wild yellow hair is so distinctive. My first instinct was to cat-call him somehow, but I restrained it, which I’m glad of. He looked so vulnerable there – surrounded by largely-liberal Londoners, a few of whom were goggling and wondering if it was him. Maybe if I’d thought more, I would have asked for a selfie! But if had cat-called him, what would I say? Probably something about whether his fantasy dream of Brexit is coming true. Close your eyes and wish upon a star, …
My new healthy lunch
Last week I decided to shake up my daily lunch – I eat the same thing every day, after a bulk prep on Monday – kept in the fridge then packed in tupperware. Used to be I had tuna sandwiches with salad, but I got worried about all the mercury. For a while it was mackerel, but I got tired of the taste. For a long time it was just chicken and mayo, with the bread getting phased out, until I was eating just chicken and salad every day. Not tasty. Probably not that great in terms of nutrition either. …
Su’s birthday dinner at mom’s
Today Su had her birthday! I gave her a fitbit watch and some other bits, and we went to my mom’s house for lunch. As often happens, my Dad and Ailz picked us up on their way up and we all went together. My sister Alice couldn’t make it as her kids were sickly, so this visit was the first time we’ve done for ages with only adults! It meant a lot of adult conversation over the delicious meal of lamb shank: Nationalism, Trump, Brexit and whether facts/reality are going to sally forth some time soon and vanquish these overheated …
Staff dinner @ Sarah’s place
Last night was a potluck dinner @ Sarah my boss’ flat – it’ll be the last one we have there because she is moving out of London soon for a new job. Su and I brought a tub of Wing Wing chicken wings – these are Korean style beer-battered wings flavored with garlic and soy sauce, and are just delicious. The korean name of the chain is Chimek – the Chi is chicken and the mek is mekchu, which means beer. We also sneakily had our own Chimek dinner before heading to Sarah’s – didn’t want to have to fight …
Writing Update 2018 week 47
Yesterday I took my heart in my mouth and sent a message to one of my favorite thriller authors – someone I’ve corresponded briefly with before. I just finished one of his books and loved it. There was much in common with the thriller I’ve just written – human trafficking, white supremacists, a hero damaged in childhood now pursuing a Dexter-like vigilante revenge. So in my message I asked if he’d be willing to take a look at my book and maybe offer a blurb. Unfortunately, he replied within minutes with a considerate but firm no. He was busy, which …
Carpal tunnel news
I went to the doctor last night (an appointment at 8:30pm, which seems crazy – it looked I was the last one in there) to finally get my results in about the carpal tunnel nerve damage tests I had done on my right wrist a few weeks back. The results show no permanent damage! Well, that is good. It doesn’t take away the real fact that sometimes, after holding heav weights or clicking a mouse too much, I get a wrist pain/discomfort that can last for days, but it does bode well for that condition not getting any worse. And, …
Where did my students go?
In afternoon class yesterday I gave a break halfway through – it’s a 3-hour class so a 15-minute break (plus the promise of letting them go early if they work hard) is fair – but after 15 minutes the students didn’t come back. What? Well, 3 did. I sat and waited a little, but still nothing. It’s not unusual for a handful of students to be late back from break, but most of the class – 9 more students? Where did they go? 5 minutes go by. I happen to check my school email – and see an email from …
Dinner with mom @ Pierre Victoire
Since coming back to the UK 4 years back we’ve had one go-to French restaurant – Savoire Faire, on the edge of Soho near the British Museum. This past Friday I figured we should try a new place, and found Pierre Victoire, which is ranked 522 of London restaurants but #2 in Northern London for French restaurants. Which is #1? Of course, it is Savoire Faire! We were getting together to celebrate Karen’s birthday, so mom, Karen, me and Su. We gave Karen some cosmetics stuff from Neal’s Yard. We had a good chat about mom’s adventures in the day …