The Saturday Update

Things are finally settling into a routine round here so the week felt 'normal' rather than long or short.

We had the strike on Tuesday but otherwise work was normal and I'm finding a good balance.

Trying to get back on track healthwise received a boost with the cycling. I plan to keep that up and start to focus more on nutrition next.

Isabella started and loved her new swim course. She's also settling into a better routine with daddy.

There's also been some progress with projects - knitting, the house, the garden... as spring draws closer things are moving again. Looking forward to this season so much!

Linky links

Interesting take on the bookcase.

So glad this lady is back.

Love Tilly's back to basics posts.

Ali's parenting posts make me excited about the future.

Love Elise's new project.

Uplifting.

Trying to remember.

Must try recipe.

An excellent cause.

New release - looking forward to reading this.

Back on the Bike

This week I've been enjoying cycling more. Since Nico needs the car to take Isabella to baby gym and baby swim, I decided to get the train to work twice a week.

It's the perfect time of year to be out of doors again and it feels great to be doing some kind of sport again. 

The train only takes about fifteen minutes longer than driving and I can read or knit on the way - benefits all round!!

Strike!

Yesterday I was on strike.  Here in Germany there are two types of teacher. Civil servants who have more rights, earn more money but are also tied to the state in many ways. Then there are the 'regular' employees who do the same work for less pay.

As a foreigner, I currently fall into the latter category. This is normally reserved for the "old, fat and sick" as one union leader summed it up yesterday.

For a while now, the unions have been in talks with the government to increase our pay in line with the civil servants or at least with inflation. After talks fell through again in February, we were called to strike.

It was an interesting and informative day with the union and there's a follow up strike next week which we are preparing for now.

As my class notice my absence, I explained where I had been and why and they were very grown up and supportive. Explaining polar day and night to them in German today was much more difficult!!

March Goals

Here are my goals this month:

• Tidy/sort/unpack the hobby room.
• Keep up with my fortnightly knitting course.
• One sewing project.
• Get back on the bike.
• Garden once per week.
• Have a family outing.

Make it Monday - Knitted Mug Warmer

I've recently started a knitting course and here is my first completed project. I loved the edging when I saw the picture and couldn't believe how easy it was to do.

It needs a little decoration and then I think it will make a lovely gift for someone special.

Weekly Wisdom

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