Getting the Word Out

The sign-maker, whose apartment I pass on my walk to work and who was once fond of hanging elaborate signs in his/her window criticizing Boris Johnson and other Tory leaders, has now taken to sending messages to our Labour politicians. Perhaps this is a sign of how unhappy everyone is with Labour, even the center-leftists. I don't think Keir Starmer is so bad, honestly, but to hear the media talk he's a disaster. Early on he did make some strange choices and decisions that seemed to me very un-Labour-like, but I think he's been better recently. I'm not sure how the next round of elections will go for him, though.

Speaking of which, we got a flyer in the mail yesterday reminding us to vote in early May. Our first opportunity to vote in England since we became citizens! I don't even know where to go or what to do, though I assume that will become obvious as we get closer to the time. I don't think they're national elections -- just local councillors -- but still, I'm excited to participate for once.

I spoke with my boss yesterday about our need to tell kids about my imminent departure. As I told her, I don't want to just disappear and have everyone assume I'd been fired, or worse, hit by a bus. She agreed and we concocted a plan to put up a slideshow in the library wishing me a happy retirement, with photos taken over my 14-year career at the school. I helped her put it together and I think we'll start showing it soon, so the cat will be out of the bag.

I did tell my pal, the eighth-grader who often quizzes me about cameras and wanted me to shoot film for him to develop, and I was surprised by how strongly he reacted. He literally put his hands up to his face in a "Home Alone" gesture and said, "NO! WHY?!" His skin flushed red and I was afraid he would burst into tears, but fortunately he didn't. I told him I'd still see him since Dave still works at the school and I'll be attending events now and then. It made me feel terrible that I blurted it out so casually but I didn't expect that degree of reaction!

I'm actually beginning to feel a little dread about my departure. Excitement, but also a sense of what-the-heck-am-I-doing?! How will I keep myself occupied? I hope I don't regret this.

I met up yesterday after work with a blog reader, Joni, who happens to be traveling through Britain and France. She e-mailed me out of the blue several weeks ago and mentioned she'd be passing through and did I want to connect? So we had a pint together at a pub near the school in St. John's Wood. I think it may be the first time I've ever met up with anyone from blogland who didn't also write their own blog. She told me about her trip and we chatted about our shared affinity for dogs and some of our common experiences with people in the blogosphere. Today she's headed back home to Canada. Safe travels, Joni! (No, her last name is not Mitchell.)