Posted by Hello hello. I’m not going to lie. I’m a little tipsy. I’ve just come back from the 1st birthday party of the OddFella’s son. On leaving the party Arsenal were 2-1 up with 10 men. I remember saying I would take a draw at that point. It finished 2-2. I’m not going to go into the ins and outs of the draw – but to concede in the final seconds of the game is a kick in the groin. A kick in the groin with a ball made out of brick. But I’m proud of the Arsenal boys regardless. Maybe I need to go back to doing Arsenal match reviews – reach out to me if you want this in your life.
But that’s not what I’m here for today.
You see, for the past couple of weeks I’ve promised myself I would do a post on the OddDaughter’s first day of school. But I couldn’t quite determine what the first day was. Her first day was an hour session with a parent. Her second and third days were half days at school. And it’s been a good while by the time she’s completed a full week of school.
Maybe the job market needs to take some learnings to this approach. An hour settling in session with my parents on my first day of work would certainly have been fun.
From a parent perspective, it’s been a bit difficult to adapt to getting the OddDaughter out the house on time in order to meet the school bell. At nursery it didn’t matter. They got their 60 quid or so regardless of the time we got her there. But the game has changed now. No more getting late. No more taking time off to get holiday tickets at off-peak prices. We are slaves to the school-system now.
Which is no blame on teachers by the way. I know a good few teachers in my network – they are overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated. Yet, they are responsible for the future generations of this country. Underpay them, go ahead and fall for the belief they have 10 weeks off in a year and finish work at 3pm every day. But those of us with at least half a brain know that’s not true.
Oh crap. I was supposed to make this about the OddDaughter’s first week. It’s reception, so it’s kind of a continuation of nursery, but with uniform. And my gosh does the OddDaughter look cute in her school uniform. So far, she loves school!
A lot of parents bemoan the fact they can’t believe their kids are already starting school – but with the OddDaughter I’m not surprised in the slightest. She was ready for school a long time ago. She talks and behaves as a girl who is more than just 5 years old. To the point I take it for granted sometimes. I can lose my patience but then realise the person I’m talking to is still just 4 years old!
She’s ahead of her time. She must get that from me…
But honestly – cherish each moment at home with your kids. Because before you know it they’re off to school and you’re left at home wondering where the time went.
Oh, and to keep this PG… Fuck Manchester City.