IATEFL tea

I'm just getting myself packed to head up to Glasgow this afternoon for the annual IATEFL conference. It's at least my 10th time at the conference and over the years, I've developed a few strategies to make what can be a bit of a hectic week run more smoothly. As a bit of a tea addict, my top tip is to take a small flask so you can have a decent cup of tea to slurp on through the morning rather than relying on dodgy conference centre coffee!

Once again this year, I've booked an apartment for the week rather than a hotel. It's meant to have a 'kitchenette' which I'm hoping at least means a kettle for morning tea-making. And although it's a bright sunny morning here in Bristol, I'm packing plenty of warm layers, scarf, hat and gloves ... it is Glasgow after all!

I'm really looking forward to catching up with lots of people through the week, hopefully going to some interesting talks and of course, speaking myself on Thursday morning - Breaking down the AWL: selecting and grading academic vocabulary - 10.25am, room Alsh 2. See you there?

Keeping up - update

One solution to fitting in a bit of professional reading:

I rarely get round to reading the IATEFL magazine I get sent every couple of months, but this afternoon, I happily spent half an hour flicking through it in the sunshine on the terrace with a couple of tea and a bit of cake from the local deli. If this weather continues, I could become distinctly better informed!

The joys of freelancing ... #2 Tea on the terrace

Those of you who know me or have followed the blog for a while, will know that I moved house back in October. One of the draws of the new house was its little roof terrace (actually just the top of the garage, accessed through double doors from the living room on the first floor). Sadly, soon after we'd moved in, I realised that it was actually in shade for most of the day and as the winter sun's got lower in the sky, it's been completely in shade even on the odd sunny day. Today though, I noticed for the first time, that the sun is creeping back into a sliver in the corner. It's no more than a foot or two at the moment, but it's given me hope of greater things to come as the sun gradually climbs higher in the sky over the coming months and hopefully clears the surrounding buildings.

It also provided the perfect excuse for a joy that I hope is to come; tea on the terrace! Because of my RSI, I try to get away from my desk at every excuse and there's surely no better way to take a break than with a cup of tea in the sunshine! The tea, by the way, for any tea connoisseurs, is teapigs Morning Glory - my favourite post-lunch brew.

And while I was out there, a glance into my neighbour's garden revealed some beautiful crocuses showing their faces to the sun - spring must be on its way!