All work and no play may make Jack a dull boy but it certainly doesn't make me a dull girl! I've often shared my thoughts about my work and how much I enjoy working with children even though they are occasionally trying my patience! It's that time of year again when work is more important than leisure as school exams are round the corner. The IGCSE Reading and Writing exam was last Thursday, the Listening test is next Friday followed by final exams at my school, FCE on June 4 and Pitman for Young Learners in mid June- enough to keep me busy at work for the next four weeks or so.
However, in my busy weekly schedule I have made room for some time online - mostly at the weekend - and some time spent outdoors on Sundays. I sometimes wish I lived in a small village where I could enjoy nature and the great outdoors every single day of the week. What relaxes me most after a long day at work is spending some time listening to Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No2. I could listen to that hours on end.without getting bored.
Apart from Rachmaninoff, I also relax listening to Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel:
When you are weary feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I'm on your side. When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Have you ever heard this song? It's been one of my favourites since I was 16! Working long hours doesn't always allow me to indulge in leisure activities, yet it is not work that kills but worry. Working hard won't kill you but worrying too much is bad for the health! Well, at least, I only worry a little.
How do you relax after a long day at work?
I love the song Bridge Over Troubled Water too.
You can change places with me since I don't like living in suburbia. Here in my place, I live about 1/4 of a mile where a woodsy park is located, hilly, and lots of nature in it...I like it but I don't really wanna live here all the time. You can enjoy the scenic hill view with lots of fresh air and hiking trails. You can enjoy it literally every single day. But I don't want it every day of my life. I miss the city life. Probably because I had lived in the city for the most part of my life. HOwever, I want to retire in an island fronting a beach. And that is why we bought that lot in the island of Davao, Philippines overlooking the ocean, mountains and the cityscape.
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 15, 2011 at 12:53 AM
Back home I'd hang out with friends in a pub on Friday night. Here in California I enjoy the beach most and the sunny weather.
Posted by: Jim | May 15, 2011 at 01:19 AM
After a long day at work, I enjoy reading, playing chess with my son or having dinner out with good friends. On weekends I love fishing - a very relaxing activity.
Posted by: Constantinos | May 15, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I never heard of that song before. It's really great and I like the words. My favorite music that I find very relaxing is soft rock from the 80s and 90s but I also relax doing sport like tennis and skiing.
Posted by: Karolina | May 15, 2011 at 10:53 AM
I also work very long hours, especially in the high season which has already started, in addition to business trips once or twice a month. So after a long day at work, all I want to do is have a hot bath and go to sleep! On my days off, I hang out with friends, go to the movies, watch dvds and do some reading.
Posted by: Alexia M | May 15, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Beautiful song by Simon and Garfunkel. I love it just like many more of their songs. I also enjoy the outdoors,playing board games, knitting and going shopping when I can afford it.
Posted by: Marilou Kyriacou | May 15, 2011 at 12:36 PM
At 2:00 am, when I decide to call it a day, all I want is a hot cup of tea and a good night's sleep!
Posted by: Andy | May 16, 2011 at 12:38 AM
Reading or watching tv if there's a good film on but at the weekend I really relax doing some gardening or going swimming
Posted by: Stefania | May 16, 2011 at 08:16 PM
I don't think I could ever live in the country. I suppose I am an addicted city-dweller! On the other side, I live in a relatively small town and the country is nearby. After work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being online for a while or reading favourite books or magazines.
Posted by: Laura | May 16, 2011 at 09:19 PM
Sounds like you are very busy at work. Hope all your students pass their exams with flying colors. After a long day at work, I kick off my shoes and spend some time online. or I may have dinner out with friends.
Posted by: Christina | May 16, 2011 at 09:33 PM
Once, years ago, I watched a Simon and Garfunkel live concert in London - an amzing performance! I often relax listening to music but I prefer greek music - Haris Alexiou in particular. I think she has a soul and a unique voice. But 1 hour at the gym right after work can be extremely relaxing. And when I have some more free time, I play golf.
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | May 18, 2011 at 07:34 PM
It's so nice that you enjoy your work! I love love the simon and garfunkel song-one of my all time favorites.
Posted by: Tipper | May 19, 2011 at 12:58 AM
HELLLOW GREAT LADY !!! I WANT TO THANK YOU FROM ALL MY HEART FOR MAKING THE LISTENING IGCSE TRACKS AVAILABE FOR ALL ON YOUR WEBSITE =) AND I'M HAVING MY EXAM TOMORROW AND I WISH TO MAKE MORE PRACTICE SO PLEASE IF YOU CAN ADD SOME MORE LISTENING TRACKS SPECIALLY FOR THE YEAR 2010 EXAMINATION THAT WILL BE SO NICE AND HELPFUL, THANK YOU A LOT FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND FOR READING THIS.
BEST WISHES AND PLEASE REPLY TO ME ON MY EMAIL (amasy95@hotmail.com) WITH WETHER YOU CAN OR NOT ADD SOME LISTENING TRACKS IN THE FEW COMING HOURS AND THANK YOU AGAIN SWEET LADY <3
Posted by: Amasy95 | May 19, 2011 at 08:03 PM
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you find my English blog helpful. May you pass your igcse with flying colours.
Posted by: Anastasia | May 22, 2011 at 10:11 PM