(no subject)
Well, that was a fairly good day. Thanks to my computer I was able to find a few intersting-sounding shops to look into in Edinburgh on my hunt for a gift for Mum. One of the places I had on my list was a small gardening specialty store, and had a number of things I thought Mum would like--I've bookmarked it on my browser so I can go back for other gifts.
This time I bought her a small, rather cute-looking stone gargoyle that she can tuck somewhere in amongst her plants. One of those little touches which isn't immediately visible to the eye. Though the gargoyle has wings and little horns, the face was actually rather similar to a house-elf's. Though in this case the gargoyle has his hands behind his ears and his tongue sticking out--a face I can't imagine a house-elf ever making.
Anyway, popped off to Mum & Dad's for dinner, and it was lovely being with them. Though I suppose I don't see them any less often than most grown children see their parents, I do wish we could get together more often, probably due to the current political climate. Mum and Dad aren't in any specific danger--I'm not anyone important--but anyone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It doesn't help that Mum mentioned that a woman down in the next street went missing. Mum doesn't know her, and people do go missing for perfectly non-magical reasons, but it does bring up those concerns that I usually manage to keep firmly tucked in the back of my mind. As I said, there's no reason for them to be targeted, but then for there even to be a one-in-a-thousand chance there always has to be that one.
But it's no use me worrying about them, as there's bugger all I can do about it. They could be in a car accident one day driving to the grocer's, and I don't spend time worrying about that. Anyway, we had a wonderful time, with lots of food and talk and good humour. I got back about an hour ago and have been preparing for tomorrow's clases since.
Now that I've had the chance to look through some of my colleagues' journals, I've been reminded of the Valentines' ball, and Dumbledore's edict that all teachers must go.
I have to admit, I'm with Snape on this one, at least in the "Can't I just show up for twenty minutes then leave?" sense. I'm not exactly all that fond of balls, and Valentines Day is just a chance for chocolatiers, florists and greeting-card companies to make a few quid.
Of course my view on both probably isn't helped by the fact that both are suited to someone that is one-half of a couple, of which I am not. And no, I'm not being self-pitying. I mean really, it is rather boring to sit in a chair by the wall all evening and watch others dance, when the music is too loud to have a proper conversation. Besides, the students are the ones with the best pick of partners. Certainly I'll probably get asked to dance by a couple members of the staff, but considering Snape is the only real male staff member in my age range (and we all know the likelihood of him dancing--zero to none), dancing with a fellow teacher will have all the feeling of dancing with my grandfather at my cousin's wedding. More out obligation or acquaintance than any real interest. Besides, I've never been a party person. I was never one to go clubbing with friends, I always just preferred getting together at a friend's flat and watching movies or going shopping or something and just talking.
Oh well, I must admit it will be nice to have an occasion to get dressed up. I hardly ever get to wear my dress robes and make myself look--well, I can't really say "glamourous" as I doubt anyone with my body shape ("I'm in shape. Round is a shape.") could really be called "glamourous". Besides, glamour isn't really my thing. Elegant would probably be a better word.
But oh, God the students will be wound up tighter than watch-springs by Saturday, what with the Quidditch match and the ball. I had to confiscate an issue of Young Witch this morning and dock a few house-points, as a couple of my students were studying hair-styling spells more than anything on the chalkboard.
Oh, but the lie-in on Sunday will be glorious.
Author note: Oh damn, I'm going on a week-long vacation on Saturday, and so will miss all the fun! Going to have to do back-dated entries, and put up with waiting a week to find out what happens. Have fun, everyone!
This time I bought her a small, rather cute-looking stone gargoyle that she can tuck somewhere in amongst her plants. One of those little touches which isn't immediately visible to the eye. Though the gargoyle has wings and little horns, the face was actually rather similar to a house-elf's. Though in this case the gargoyle has his hands behind his ears and his tongue sticking out--a face I can't imagine a house-elf ever making.
Anyway, popped off to Mum & Dad's for dinner, and it was lovely being with them. Though I suppose I don't see them any less often than most grown children see their parents, I do wish we could get together more often, probably due to the current political climate. Mum and Dad aren't in any specific danger--I'm not anyone important--but anyone can be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It doesn't help that Mum mentioned that a woman down in the next street went missing. Mum doesn't know her, and people do go missing for perfectly non-magical reasons, but it does bring up those concerns that I usually manage to keep firmly tucked in the back of my mind. As I said, there's no reason for them to be targeted, but then for there even to be a one-in-a-thousand chance there always has to be that one.
But it's no use me worrying about them, as there's bugger all I can do about it. They could be in a car accident one day driving to the grocer's, and I don't spend time worrying about that. Anyway, we had a wonderful time, with lots of food and talk and good humour. I got back about an hour ago and have been preparing for tomorrow's clases since.
Now that I've had the chance to look through some of my colleagues' journals, I've been reminded of the Valentines' ball, and Dumbledore's edict that all teachers must go.
I have to admit, I'm with Snape on this one, at least in the "Can't I just show up for twenty minutes then leave?" sense. I'm not exactly all that fond of balls, and Valentines Day is just a chance for chocolatiers, florists and greeting-card companies to make a few quid.
Of course my view on both probably isn't helped by the fact that both are suited to someone that is one-half of a couple, of which I am not. And no, I'm not being self-pitying. I mean really, it is rather boring to sit in a chair by the wall all evening and watch others dance, when the music is too loud to have a proper conversation. Besides, the students are the ones with the best pick of partners. Certainly I'll probably get asked to dance by a couple members of the staff, but considering Snape is the only real male staff member in my age range (and we all know the likelihood of him dancing--zero to none), dancing with a fellow teacher will have all the feeling of dancing with my grandfather at my cousin's wedding. More out obligation or acquaintance than any real interest. Besides, I've never been a party person. I was never one to go clubbing with friends, I always just preferred getting together at a friend's flat and watching movies or going shopping or something and just talking.
Oh well, I must admit it will be nice to have an occasion to get dressed up. I hardly ever get to wear my dress robes and make myself look--well, I can't really say "glamourous" as I doubt anyone with my body shape ("I'm in shape. Round is a shape.") could really be called "glamourous". Besides, glamour isn't really my thing. Elegant would probably be a better word.
But oh, God the students will be wound up tighter than watch-springs by Saturday, what with the Quidditch match and the ball. I had to confiscate an issue of Young Witch this morning and dock a few house-points, as a couple of my students were studying hair-styling spells more than anything on the chalkboard.
Oh, but the lie-in on Sunday will be glorious.
Author note: Oh damn, I'm going on a week-long vacation on Saturday, and so will miss all the fun! Going to have to do back-dated entries, and put up with waiting a week to find out what happens. Have fun, everyone!