There always feels like this rush to tie up loose ends before Christmas, which I’m trying to accept isn’t going to happen. I think I’ve done most of the essentials (aside from some lesson planning and invoicing after writing this). I’d applied for ACE funding, which I didn’t get, but they now have appraisal notes whereby I can look back and try to improve it. I wanted to try to confirm more details ahead of me re-writing the application, but it looks like I can’t do that until next year. So, I’m going to try to take things at a more relaxed paced today.
Uni finished the previous week, and in that time, I helped my partner with his essay. I am hoping we can body double more as he does his revision whilst I do reading and prepare for my own essays! I had my last week of placement and I went to the Christmas meal, so that’s been nice, especially as I’m having to both navigate the negatives of the system – not currently having a device to work on at the new clinic as I’m a trainee – and also be the face of the system when speaking with parents. I felt quite proud of myself for managing to schedule all my new clients, so as soon as I go back, I’ll be in a new clinic starting with a 9:30am assessment with a parent and child!
I’ve got enough work across Monday, Friday and Saturday to earn around £400 a week through tutoring (usually term time only though!). If I can maintain and build on that, I might be able to save for my tuition fees for next year too. However, I’ve also applied for a really exciting role for 2.5 days a week as a poetry editor! This would enable me to have more stability. However, it may be less flexible as I currently have around 12 hours of contact time, and then obviously have travel time, planning and marking on top of that. Anyway, I’ve rolled the dice and will leave it to fate now.
I’ve been slowly winding down since Friday, and I’m looking forward to switching off for a few days between now and 29th December. I’ve been upset as I won’t be able to see half my family again as a cousin has caught Covid. To protect my gran, she’ll have to spend Christmas Day alone, and my parents and I will visit her on Boxing Day. It’s a lot of travelling, but with enough rest in between it should be okay. It’s confusing, as without isolating, both my cousin and gran will be in contact with others, but I do struggle with things that aren’t clear and with change. Plus, I just really miss spending that time all together.
Watching: The Patient, The Simpsons, Yoh! Christmas!
Reading: Endgame, Imagining Animals
Podcasts: Trevor Noah’s What Now?
Music: Now That’s What I Call Christmas, 8 Days of Christmas by Destiny’s Child, Janelle Monáe, Rihanna, Taking Back Sunday (new album!)
Again, if you’re able to share or donate to my crowdfund as I train to become an Art Psychotherapist, or buy some books, please do!
Poet on page and stage. Creator of She Grrrowls. Facilitator. Writer. 