Summer Work

I qualified as a teacher a year ago and was very lucky to find work for a year in a school. The position was not permanent and I am looking again for September. This means although I have long summer holidays I don't get paid and as I hope to work in education again come September I don't want work with any permanence.

So, to finance myself and keep myself entertained I work at summer camps. There are loads out there, from local camps to residential camps in the most wonderful of places. As a teacher I work in educational summer camps or schemes, but it doesn't matter if your background isn't in education there are plenty of different in positions available.

I get my food and accommodation covered and get to spend my free time in one of the most beautiful places around. It is something I love doing, I get to meet new people and get to do some nice touristy things in my free time. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a frugal holiday this summer. You can work locally, nationally or internationally. Now, most camps will have filled up on staff (but you never know, it can't hurt to ask and even just get on the radar for next year) but if those long leisurely summer afternoons are actually a lot more boring than you intended this is definitely something to think about for next year

Zombie Apocalypse Part 2

My brother really took to the Zombie Apocalypse idea. His exams were coming up and I wanted to do a little something to help keep stress to a minimum. So I created an exam or zombie apocalypse survival kit (depending on which occurred first)

I made this kit knowing what he likes and with an eye to helping out a student who would be spending a lot of time cramming! I put in a lot of tinned things (easy prep, high nutritional value, ease of storage - great for a healthy study break or surviving an apocalypse) The box mostly contained non-perishables, some nuts, some lucozade, some chewing gum and some berocca.
I added a note to each item explaining why they were useful for a studying student and for a survivor. Examples: Peanuts Exams- Great source of protein; slow release of energy and a little salty kick to get you through your exam
Zombies: Great source of protein and long lasting, portable - great for someone on the run from zombies.
Chewing Gum: Exams: Proven to help with cognitive ability to help get those juices flowing in the exam
Zombies: When you can't find the time to brush your teeth chewing gum can help protect you in that post apocalyptic world when dentists aren't easy to come-by. Also should the worst happen you would still want to be the best zombie you can be, you will need to look after those teeth!
My brother loved it and it was a easy way for me to help someone out who would not otherwise have excepted groceries from me. It is also just a fun way to pack up food for a student or a young person starting out. You can add things up weekly (non-perishables) with your own groceries and make up the kit quite easily. You can add other things, such as batteries and toiletries. I just hand-wrote the notes on scraps of paper. I added a letter and a picture.

2013

I have never been one for New Year's resolutions - but taking the lead from a few of my favourite blogs I thought I might write down a few goals for 2013.
I hope to complete my NQT induction program (It involves a few workshops and hours of work carried out at school)
I hope to get a little more involved in extra-curricular activities. (I will be taking over the science club, so will need to make sure I can come up with fun ideas)
I hope to find a job for next year (my current job runs until the end of the school year)
I also hope to get something lined up for the summer months, although I would like a holiday I do not want to eat into my savings over the summer.
I hope to build up on my savings, due to Christmas and a few unexpected expenses I have had to eat into my reserves - new year -new me. I need to do a bit more cutting back and a little more extra work to build up my emergency fund.
I hope to be able to run 5k by the summer.
I would like to loose a stone, and feel a little healthier
I would like to de clutter quite a bit. (I am currently between several houses and have way too much stuff) 
I would like to take on a course of some kind, or learn a new skill
I would like to be a better swimmer
I would like to get better at selling things on ebay (I might wait until the summer months for this)

That is actually quite a list!