My greatest TEFL creation
and challenge!
Not exactly a TEFL creation as I didn’t marry one of my students (none of them would have me), but obviously I would never have been living in Japan if I hadn’t been a TEFLer and so probably would’ve ended up knocking up some fellow South Londoner and screaming “Briiiiiiiiitneeeeey” at our kid every time we went shopping in Aldi or Iceland instead (Alex wakes up in cold sweat and realises it’s just that recurring nightmare again)
Not like me to get personal on my blog I know, but thought this might serve as an apology in advance if I get even more pseudophilosophical or incoherent in the near future, or if I find myself unable to talk about anything unrelated to poo, nappies or feeding times- or indeed if I suddenly find that whatever strange psychological need leads to blogging finds itself fulfilled elsewhere…
If you were expecting this post to be a selection of the best of my worksheets, that would indeed have been an excellent idea and might get round to it sometime. If only I could produce a useful blog post like that, or indeed more worksheets suitable for a best of, just like producing babies. That gives me an idea. Now, that would be my greatest TEFL creation! If anyone calls, I’ll be in the garden shed
August 31st, 2009 at 5:20 am
Congratulations Alex. Now you can join the rest of us who are winging it on very little sleep. Most people are and it is reassuring to realise that people are very forgiving of incoherence in new parents. Speaking personally, since having my daughter Maia, I no longer seem to have the ability to retain details about dates or times – everybody now knows this about me and so work colleagues and friends say “we did say *Wednesday* Sara, right!” whenever we make a date for something. Anyway, I am sure I won’t be the first to say this to you, but having a kid is about the richest experience life has to offer – it helps put the silliness of the world into perspective, and you get to observe language acquisition in progress! Speaking personally I would feel very reassured if some baby references crept into your blogs – no reason to keep em out. Enjoy this special time – new borns are amazing! Best best wishes to you and your partner and the baby.
August 31st, 2009 at 6:43 am
Oh my goodness, Alex, she’s gorgeous! Many, many congratulations and best wishes to your family. Thanks so much for sharing the picture with us and we forgive, in advance, any baby babble.
xxKarenne
August 31st, 2009 at 6:53 am
Bdst wishes to you and your partner and your marvellous baby :)
August 31st, 2009 at 7:44 am
Omedetou and Congratulations! (Covering both bases, you know!).
Having a baby changes everything, including how you look at TEFL and teaching, in a good way.
She’s gorgeous–thank you so much for sharing the pic. Looking forward to seeing more baby references sneaking into your posts!
August 31st, 2009 at 7:52 am
Many congratulations on your baby daughter. Thanks for sharing with us. I can imagine being a father (or a mother) is one of the toughest and most respectable jobs you can have. Best wishes and keep us updated!
August 31st, 2009 at 8:46 am
Nice work! Best wishes to all involved. You do realise that you are now relegated in the pecking order now for good, don’t you?
I’d offer you advice and words of wisdom, but I think I’ve ruined my first kid already and I’m in danger of knackering the second….
;D
August 31st, 2009 at 9:29 am
Thanks guys. First piece on “Nappy changing as a metaphor for English teaching” (surprisingly similar!) coming up soon I’m sure…
August 31st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Congratulations Alex. Being a dad is the greatest thing in the world.
August 31st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Congrats to you and your other half, Alex – well done! Of course, the first kid is just a sort of ‘bridging project’ until the twins come along later..
I’d recommend a good solid name like Sandy – or even Alexander!
September 1st, 2009 at 9:04 am
Congratulations and welcome to the fatherhood club – it’s an adventure every minute of every day.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:43 am
Welcome to the club! Your productivity is about to explode, my friend, and your blog is going to slow down at the same time. You’ve got about a year left, and then it’s a whole new game!
Gorgeous bairn – all the best to you and your other half.
~ Jason
September 1st, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Congratulations to you both and best wishes for this new chapter in life.
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Congratulations! and thank you for sharing this wonderful event with us. Very best wishes to you and your family.