Bulletpoints
* We both loved the film of Les Mis (I was in tears throughout), and also our Turkish dinner afterwards, including the comedy waiter.
* I enjoyed the monthly meeting of my Trans-Atlantic Film-Club; we watched "McCabe and Mrs Miller," a very unusual Western directed by Robert Altman.
* N headed off to California (her outward travel was subjected to huge delays, but she got there in the end and had a useful and enjoyable time).
* I had a lovely takeaway meal with friends; their elder son is to join Katy's D&D group when time permits for character generation.
* Dan had lots of rehearsals, followed by his first Dance Competition (Classical Sequence -- i.e. pre-1800 dances -- Ballroom, and Latin). He ended up with a trophy for placing (reaching the finals) in one of his four dances. The competition was quite an experience; I had no idea what to expect, and it went on for a lot longer than expected (six hours total), as it was split into so many separate events (by dance combination and age-group). Many of the events only had one entrant/pair, but they still went ahead (to give an opportunity for rehearsal in front of a crowd and judges?) Good to see some older lads there, in full evening-wear. (Katy was good as gold, and uncomplainingly read books throughout.) However, I simply cannot approve the horrible hybrid clothes (with the "DanceSport International" logo) that one of the teens was wearing -- lycra body and sleeves, with real, starched, collar and cuffs! (Wrong, I tell you, just wrong.)
* Work was manic, mainly pressing ahead with the syllabus and finalising details of my annual sixth-form trip to London. How did it get to be nearly half-term?
* I helped to interview my potential new boss (we're re-organising the way RS, PSHE and Philosophy get taught, and are bringing in someone to lead the new department). A decision wasn't reached, and two candidates will be re-interviewed next week. Some strong opinions were expressed!
* Neuromancer returned safely from her travels, and we celebrated over the course of a couple of long meals.
* I took Dan to see a really superb production of The Nutcracker by Scottish Ballet, which he adored. Thanks to my in-laws for providing this as a Christmas present for him!
* I went to collect my dad from his care-home for a family dinner, but he collapsed on trying to walk to the door. Cue ambulances, paramedics, hospital assessments etc. I waited with him until it was decided that he should stay in hospital overnight. He was discharged at around lunchtime today; N took him home and I visited him this evening. He has low blood-pressure, but there doesn't seem to be any immediate, worrying cause; something for longer investigation via his GP.
* Today was another Dance Competition, involving twice the number of kids (over a hundred) in a larger ballroom. Strangely, this was much less intimidating as there was more space for families to spread themselves out (tables!!) and D brought home another trophy for placing. He's very proud of that.
* And now my half-term grades are all entered on the school's computer. One more week, then half-term (and a skiing holiday). Bring it on!