Categories: work
Date: 24 July 2010 11:57:54
Only of good work clothes, I hasten to add. I have two kinds of work clothes - the uniform t-shirt and good jeans or smart trousers, depending on the day's plan. I don't need the good set of clothes until September now, so they have been duly washed, checked that they are still good work clothes, and ironed and put away!
Then, there are the clothes that don't really matter, so if I get oil, or paint, or cooking splashes and stains on them, (despite PPE) I won't be concerned. As long as I'm wearing my staff badge, and I am identifiable as a Responsible Adult, all will be well. (OK - Responsible, and Adult in the same sentence as Japes may be a stretch of the imagination..)
Despite the fact I've still got a few days still to go into work, Thursday had a certain de-mob happy feel about it. Might have been the excessive quantity of cakes we ate, or the fact we had the whole of one of the volunteer teams of young people I work with in the same place for once, (rarely happens) including those who have already moved on, or are about to move on, as well as the adults who work with them. In addition we also had a good number of interested Other Adults, who'd been invited to help us celebrate a Significant Occasion.
It was interesting watching the dynamics, and how much growing up has been done this past year. Watching the most mature of our youngsters shyly taking her place as an adult in an adult gathering, beginning to realise that she's perfectly capable of holding her own in discussions, and seeing her face light up as people responded to her as an equal. She's heard it from us time and again, but only really began to believe it when it's happening with people she doesn't know! Persuading some of our more socially inept youngsters to go and talk to people other than their peers, and seeing them manage it - again to their surprise.
I'll miss those who are moving on, they've been a big part of the last two years, but it's more than right that they do. The fruits of all our labour are beginning to show. They're as ready as can be for whatever the world has for them..
And, I'm clean, ready and sorted for next years challenges!! It's been quite a week.