There is no such thing as a quick visit to our attic at home. The numerous boxes with piles of dust on the outside and forgotten treasures on the inside are the perfect recipe for hours of time wasting. Despite the fact that on every trip up the ladder more unwanted junk is thrown out the organised chaos refuses to diminish. I held little hope on the latest search as I was looking for an outfit I last wore more than twenty years ago; the only evidence that this was not a figment of my imagination was a faded photo in an equally dusty album.
My search was triggered by a party invite with a Western theme. I am always reluctant to purchase an off the peg, out of the packet, fancy dress outfit as to me that is plain cheating as well as being thoroughly boring. Unbelievably I found it still intact, even the moths had not discovered it. The outfit did more than just inspire me and after a little improvisation I had my costume. Admittedly the dress was now a cropped tunic and the headdress needed extending but the outfit felt more authentic than any money could have bought.
I had a few more trips down memory lane throughout the week. This time of year is not only packed full of exciting international sporting events but also the all important school sports day. I was given the honour of attending a variety of these events as a guest and there was even the threat that I was to be disguised as teacher for the staff race. Sadly I had to make do with cheering from the trackside. It is wonderful to see that this tradition lives on and schools are no longer afraid to have a competitive event in the calendar; after all it is not just sport that provides competition in life.
