That said, last year I worked through the summer unpaid as I needed to do something. I’m already being required freelance next week at the Red Cross, and i’m setting up a linux box right now to re-image the entire schools IT, and playing through simulations of exactly how I intend to do all 200 PCs in a few days.

My contract may change to a more “conventional” one when we go to “Academy” status though. As long as they pay more, I’m happy with that!

V xx

However, they are also quite amusing to work with as long as you have a relaxed and unshockable disposition. I never get called “sir”. I don’t allow it. Karl is my name.

OK, so several teachers think that I’m a) Gay, and b) Wear pink lacy thongs. However, I’m more amused than bothered,especially when staff ask. I also find they’re very protective. One year 9 insulted me (from memory, it was something like “hey, forrest gump”..) and the next thing I heard was a smack as someone in year 11 doled out some punishment..heh.

Education is great..I get lots of excersize, and lots of time to sit and rest. I can also choose to either go out and fix stuff in person, or sit at my desk and do it remotely. Short days, good long holidays to recover. It’s worth considering.

As to cleaning..gah. Have you tried a steam cleaner? I use ours to massacre the bathroom..mould, water marks, limescale…it may take a bit, but it’s quite effortless. Good for windows and carpets too. As to hand protection..I can heartily recommend looking at wholesalers and getting a box of 100 latex gloves for about £5.

I could bore you with Job Descriptions if you’re interested — don’t hesitate to ask.
V xx

I’d employ you in a heartbeat, btw. Ever thought of moving into Education? I’m 100% serious when I say I think you’d be incredible at a job like mine.
V xx

p.s. Hope your back’s settled down now.

I’m glad you are feeling better.

It’s ok, my back is easing off a bit now and I’ve calmed down a lot.
Fortunately, days like today are few and far between and for the mostpart, I can see the “bright side” to my situation (I tend to live with the mindset: “Chin up, cuz there’s always gonna be some poor bastard that’s 10 times worse off than you”. As a result, I often feel guilty for outbursts like the above (even just those I keep to myself) as I know there are many people (especially with CP) that would do anything to be as “able” as I am. I guess that’s one of the reasons I restricted this post, I don’t want to come across as ungrateful or as someone who wallows in negativity.

But, we’re all susceptible to “off” days, I suppose, no matter how sunny our outlook usually is.

Love and best wishes to both you and your cousin, your comment was well received and much appreciated, sometimes just feeling “heard” works wonders.

Though I cannot know what life is like for you (and without wishing to cause offence, I hope I never do), I do empathise. I have a cousin with cerebral palsy and have watched her grow up coping with the condition.

Now I’m not some god-botherer so I won’t tell you that god has a plan for everyone and that you’ll get some reward because those are just empty promises. I’ve had my fair share of illness, some chronic that still seriously affects my life ten years after diagnosis. I can promise you that if you surround yourself with great people, great things can happen.

It’s cool you have a place like this to vent, as there’s always someone who’ll listen (well, read at least). Hope the rest of the week brightens up for you.