Blank pages are always inviting to me. They hold so much information and nothing at the same time. It is up to me to fill them with my thoughts, words, drawings and ideas. Now, if I were being clever this would be the point where I would link this to teaching – my metaphor or simile on students and their potential. But, that’s not the main point of this first post. This is an introductory post – the one where I give you tidbits about me to make me appear interesting, fascinating and other such things but I always struggle to think of adjectives to describe me.

So, this morning, when I decided that I needed to dive into blogging again, I asked my friends on Facebook to write down a word that they’d use to describe me. Quirky was one of the words along with passionate, caring, nerdy. These are words that I’ve used when I’ve done a descriptive activity in my classes but others were mentioned: empathetic, thoughtful, private, eccentric, funny. Actually, every word (yes, even lickable) brought much amusement to me throughout today. But it almost made me stop and think about the labels that we give ourselves. I leave this as a prompt for further thought and actually dive into the purpose of this blog.

I was inspired by my friend (read her thoughtful and inspiring blog here: Miss Hamilton’s Flipping Classroom) to get back behind the keyboard.

The generalised aim of this blog is threefold:

One: To talk about teaching. I’m a high school English teacher and I’d like to share my thoughts and ideas on what I do on a daily basis.

Two: To talk about my favourite things which include most things geeky or nerdy. (And how I bring this into my classroom.)

Three: To talk about writing. (That old English teacher stereotype – teaching while dreaming of being an author.)

This is a way to help me with my work/life balance and to get me back into writing more frequently. Although, I am doing a little bit of writing every day as another friend challenged me to write a drabble a day which are theme based each month. Plus, it is a way to reflect on my teaching, which is important, and to document my thoughts.

To round this off or round it up here are five things about me:

1. I was born and raised in New Zealand but have lived in London.
2. I have had over eighteen operations for various things.
3. I collect dinosaur toys and quirky mugs.
4. My favourite musical is a three way tie between Spring Awakening, Wicked and Les Miserables.
5. I have a TARDIS in my living room courtesy of my father, who built it for me two Christmases ago.

Finally, I offer you, dear readers, a challenge:

What are three words you’d use to describe yourself? Share them below and any questions you might have.

Peace and pancakes.