Weekword

This week, Scribbles whispered, in a soothing tone, "Therapeutic."

There has been a dearth of this type of action at Bunny Towers this week, thanks to the additional pressue of the GCSE marking (see below). But next week I will be all about the therapeutic. Here are some things I like to do.

1. Baking
Easily the most relaxing thing I can find to do. We catered our own wedding buffet, and I made all the cakes and desserts. People were amazed, but it was literally the best way to keep myself calm in the days leading up to The Big Day.

2. Baths
I get my best ideas floating in the tub. In fact, I shouldn't limit this to just baths, because I find water in general to be extremely relaxing. I remember swimming across the lake and back in Wisconsin, when I did Camp America, and it was twilight; a huge turtle suddenly surfaced in the water by me and swam with me some of the way. One of my favourite water memories, and one which never fails to calm me.

3. Knitting
The regularity of it; the repetitiveness: it's very predictable, and if you follow the rules you know what you'll end up with. It's nice to have something utterly within my control. I also find that my knitted items hold good memories from when I was knitting them, but mysteriously not the bad ones.

4. Reading old books from my childhood
Things that are easy and take minimal brain power and effort, but that don't leave me feeling a bit soiled and lazy, like cheap trashy novels do; I'm currently re-reading What Katie Did Next on my Kindle (it was free!) I love the 19th century American take on Europe.

5. Mr Z
The husband is a very calming chap. He has taught me not to sweat the small stuff, although I still do sometimes. He's also very good at providing blankets, slippers, hot water bottles, fans, cold drinks, hot drinks, hugs, supportive words, soothing words, sleep-inducing petting, amusing distractions and healthy hot meals, and he runs a mean bath. I think I would be a basket case without him.

6. Paul, at work
I don't talk about specific work people much, but Paul has been very therapeutic for me this week. He has tremendous and unshakable faith, as well as being extremely passionate about, and good at, his work, and this is a huge inspiration for me on both levels. I find talking to him always makes me feel better; I am very lucky to have such good colleagues. I don't share my blog with work friends so he's unlikely to ever read this, but hopefully he realises how much I value him. We might get to work together on a project soon...

...I went for "a chat" with the deputy head about this project yesterday, which turned out to be an actual interview, which was a surprise. I wish I had known in advance. Paul had his today so I prepped him thoroughly beforehand. We're hoping they will tell us we can share it. We find out on Monday.

In between now and then, there is a LOT of marking. I can look forward to something therapeutic at the end of it. Maybe not something from my list, though. Maybe gin and a nap, my favourite pick-me-up.

Next week's weekword is over at Junebug's, and it's a doozy! Leave a comment over there on Monday to take part.